"Gorgeous Scholar," he addressed me with a flirtatious gleam in his eye, "You seem lost in contemplation."
"Indeed," I responded, my mind racing. I had no explanation for my presence in this strange realm, so I fabricated a tale of wandering astray. "I am but a humble scholar, lost in world...of knowledgeable...in your study."
Lian Jian chuckled, his laughter like music to my ears. "Fear not, fair man. I shall guide you through these intricate halls." offering his hands.
I didn't dare move.
His laughter, a silver chime, filled the room. "Don't worry, my dear," he chuckled, leaning closer. "I'll guide you back."
"Thank you sir. I'll follow you." rejecting his offer.
"Okay. Please," gesturing me to the door.
How could I tell him that I didn't belong here, that this world was merely a reflection, that I was a stranger in a familiar land? So I kept my truth locked away, a secret buried deep within my heart.
Lian Jian's hand brushed against mine, his touch sending a jolt through my body. "You're safe with me," he whispered, his words laced with an emotion that resonated deep within my soul.
This world was unreal yet real. I didn't know where I am, or why I was brought here, so I decided to watch.
"Why are you here, Lian Jian?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly. "You're Lin Jian, right?"
He paused, his expression becoming serious. "Yes. I am Lin Jian, however I haven't seen this beautiful face around here, thankfully you have bad direction I got to meet you to day, my dearest. Fate has woven a peculiar tapestry, bringing together."
I pondered his words, struggling to comprehend the strange and wondrous world in which I found myself.
"You're welcome to come at my residence again, beautiful man. I look to meeting you again." he said as we parted ways.
I didn't know anything about this world, except from the fact it was realnot an illusion. I was a scholar from this dynasty, a woman disguised as a man to pursue education. It seemed like a plot from a book, how typical....
In the past few days I wandered the city, I have no information about my identity, and no money with me.
"You're looking weary, friend," someone said, his voice a low rumble. "Are you alright?"
Finally someone noticed me. I looked up; the figure in front of me was Lin Jian. It's him again.
I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. "I... I'm fine," I mumbled, avoiding his gaze. "Just a bit tired."
He raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp. "You look like you haven't slept in days. You wouldn't happen to be sleeping out on the streets, would you?"
My cheeks burned. "Well, I... I was," I mumbled. "But I found a... I found a place to stay."
His face softened slightly. "Let me guess, some dingy inn with a leaky roof and a bed that feels like sleeping on a stone?"
I nodded shamefully. "It's not the best, but it's... it's something."
He sighed. "Come, stay with me. My house is quite comfortable, and I wouldn't mind the company."
"I... I can't," I stammered, suddenly feeling like a fraud. "I'm... I'm a scholar. I have to keep up appearances. Besides, I'm a man."
He chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound. "Forgive me, my friend, but I think you might be mistaken. I believe I saw you in the market wearing an... interesting pair of shoes. You wouldn't happen to be a woman, would you?"
My heart pounded. He knew! He could tell!
"I... I..." I stammered, unable to give a response.
He smiled, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. I can see you're a woman with a secret or two."
I took a deep breath. "You're right. I am. I've been pretending to be a man to pursue my studies."
He nodded, his smile softening. "I understand. And what about your power? I've seen what you can do."
My eyes widened. "How... how did you know?"
"Let's just say I know a few things about magic." He paused, his gaze intense. "You're a powerful being, a being of immense potential. You are not just any ordinary woman. You are something... extraordinary."
I felt a wave of fear and exhilaration wash over me. He was right, the body I was in was strong with decades of cultivation. Perhaps if I know it'll give me information on who's life I'm living. "What am I ? What is this power within me?"
He shook his head. "I don't know. But I think it's time you found out. There are ancient texts hidden away in forgotten libraries that might hold the answers you seek."
I felt a surge of hope. "You think so?"
He smiled. "I know so. Come, let us find them together." he extended his arms.
My heart was pounding with both fear and anticipation as I followed him.
We spent countless of nights sleepless, getting to the bottom of my origin. To avoid raising his suspicions I fabricated lies to his questions I have no answers to.
Once he asked what happened to me, why was I wondering on the street? I responded "I was orphaned, lived in the village, ran away and pursue my dreams. I have a part time job but I was kicked out."
He also asked why I wanted to pursue education that much, what was my dream saying he could help me. "I want to be a doctor, I want to help children and families who are less fortunate in my village." I responded. That was a good enough lie I made up.
"Not only do you have a good face, you also have a good heart fair lady!" he'd praise me all the time.
Finally we found it, I was a winter fox spirit. My powers abundant in yin striving in cold weather. I was an immortal...
Suddenly it all clicked, I might be living in the immortal's life the immortal that Duke Lin told me, the immortal who crafted the ancient artifact hidden in Jade falls, the same immortal who perished for love.
It made sense. This mirror I found was located in Jade Falls, it let me looked into her life to what really happened. It could help find out what the origin of Jade Falls is, what lies beneath it, and the knowledge on how we can stop it.
Questions raised in my head. Did the story started? Will it start soon? Am I altering the story by having consciousness in her body? What does it mean?
I don't know..but, I'll know soon. It's like hitting a jackpot and a curse at the same time.