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墨書 Inktalez
Since that heart-to-heart conversation under the moonlight, Lan Xichen has occasionally visited me at night.
We would sit together on the porch as we did that evening, chatting aimlessly about various topics, although most of the time it was him doing the talking while I listened.
Lan Xichen often spoke about Jin Guangyao. From their first meeting as young men, their brotherhood, to discussing Jin Guangyao's time as the Immortal Overseer when he was at the height of his glory, Lan Xichen felt a sense of pride. However, when the conversation turned to Jin Guangyao's current situation—being scorned and reviled by many—his expression would inevitably turn somber.
Perhaps this sharing helped him alleviate some long-buried sorrow, as he seemed much more relaxed lately, with less worry etched in his brows.
Sometimes I would share some of my recent experiences to distract him, like complaining about the inhumane book-copying incident. He would listen and simply laugh with genuine amusement.
"Uncle and Wangji are quite strict!"
"You all at Cloud Recesses really enjoy punishing people by making them copy books. Don't you think it's a waste of paper?" Paper is precious in this era, after all. Even if your Gusu Lan family is well-off, you shouldn't be so extravagant!
Feeling it was too wasteful, when Lan Wangji returned my work due to its poor handwriting, I simply erased the unsatisfactory ink marks right in front of him and rewrote it on the same sheet.
At that moment, Lan Wangji looked somewhat surprised but ultimately said nothing more.
"If you're worried about wasting paper, you should strive to do it right the first time," Lan Xichen said with a smile.
"Don't make it so difficult for me..." I sighed in lament. If it were that easy, I wouldn't be so troubled.
"Well then, how is your handwriting practice going now?"
"Uh..." I suddenly raised my hand to scratch my face, awkwardly shifting my gaze to the side. "I suppose it's... passable...?"
Lan Xichen smiled warmly. "Next time there's an opportunity, let me be the one to assess it."
"Please don't..." I was on the verge of pleading.
At that moment, the sound of the Hai Time bell echoed from afar.
Lan Xichen listened silently to the chime, then let out a soft sigh, somewhat regretful as he addressed Xu Ran.
"Time passes so quickly..." He rose gracefully, reluctantly bidding me farewell. "Well then, I won't disturb Ms. Wei any longer."
"Mm, good night."
"May you have sweet dreams tonight." He smiled gently. "See you next time."
***
"Ms. Wei, may I have a word with you?"
As usual, I was forcibly dragged into the Dining Hall by Qi Wei early in the morning. After finishing my meal and preparing to leave, I unexpectedly encountered someone blocking my path—
I looked calmly at the serious-faced Ning Feiwan and asked in confusion, "What is it?"
"You need not attend classes today, and you shouldn't have to copy books either. If that's the case, could you spare some time for me to seek your guidance?" Though it was a question, her tone was quite assertive. "I've heard that Master Song Zichen's swordsmanship is exceptional. Since you were brought up by him, I hope to take this opportunity to witness it firsthand."
I couldn't help but be taken aback. "No, I'm sorry, you've misunderstood. I am not a disciple of Master Song. He and I belong to different schools."
"Different schools?" Ning Feiwan looked puzzled and asked, "But weren't you taken in and raised by Master Song?"
I cleared my throat theatrically. "Ahem, well... I only met Master Song after being expelled from my sect by my master, so I am not his disciple."
"Wait? You were expelled from your sect, Mian Fei? Is that related to that so-called Sacred Path? Why? What did you do?" Qi Wei asked, surprised.
"...Because of my poor aptitude," I replied casually, too lazy to explain further.
"Oh? Are you implying that the Gusu Lan has taken in a mediocre talent who was expelled for being untalented as a guest elder?" Lan Juan, passing by, mocked without hesitation. "I wonder if this is Ms. Wei's humble self-assessment or if the Gusu Lan truly lacks discernment."
"..." I was left speechless.
Well, it seemed like no matter how I responded, I would be in the wrong.
"The Sacred Path?" Ning Feiwan frowned at me. "I'm sorry, but I've never heard of such a sect. However, I believe that since Ms. Wei was accepted as a guest elder by the Gusu Lan, she must possess some exceptional qualities. I hope Ms. Wei won't make excuses to downplay her abilities." She cupped her hands in salute to me. "Then, I look forward to your guidance later!"
I silently watched her walk away, lost in thought.
So this was a complete refusal to give anyone a chance to decline? Seriously? I really can’t fight; this is way too forceful!
Seeing the commotion, whispers began to ripple through the crowd, and some onlookers clearly waited for the spectacle to unfold.
"Ha, finally an opportunity to see the truth revealed. I hope Ms. Wei won't disappoint us too much," Lan Juan sneered and proudly walked away.
"Uh... Mian Fei?" Qi Wei looked at me anxiously.
"...Xiao Chun, are there any rules I need to pay attention to for this match?" I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on.
"Well... according to the rules, as long as there is someone to witness, it won't be considered a private fight. However, when it comes to sparring, it should only be a light exchange, not too excessive," Qi Wei said.
Hmm, that's good. There are plenty of witnesses around, after all; many people are just waiting to see the spectacle! As for the light exchange... that seems to leave quite a bit of room for interpretation. Is it really up to personal discretion?
"Xiao Chun, based on your understanding of Lady Ning, would it work if I simply admitted defeat and surrendered?" I asked without much hope.
"Huh? Mian Fei, you're not planning to fight? But this..." Qi Wei lowered her head and nervously twisted her fingers. "I'm sorry, but Xiao Wan has a fiery temperament; she probably won't let it go easily..."
"Have you fought her before?" I suddenly felt curious.
"Yes, among us, Xiao Wan is one of the best in swordsmanship," Qi Wei replied. "To be honest, I've never lasted more than three moves against her..."
...I can't help but feel that it's because you're not very skilled.
No wonder Ning Feiwan always carries an air of defiance. She must have observed me for quite some time and felt uncomfortable about a useless person like me being ranked as a guest elder. Perhaps she wants to test my abilities personally.
So then, how should I respond next?
With a sigh of resignation, I looked up at the sky.
"...Damn it all!" I clearly don't remember having any grudges with anyone; why does everyone seem determined to target me?
Who have I offended?!
"Huh? Mian Fei, did you say something?" Qi Wei looked at me with a puzzled expression.
I cast a weary glance at her. "It's nothing."
Since the other party had openly thrown down the gauntlet, I had no reason to continue ignoring the provocation and act like a turtle hiding in its shell.
After all, whether I stick my neck out or pull it back in, it would still be a cut either way. So I might as well face the challenge head-on!
After a long time, I shouldered my weapon, Fenghua, and followed Qi Wei with a heavy heart, dragging my feet as we made our way to the training ground reserved for Female Cultivators.
As we arrived, I noticed a crowd had gathered at the edge of the field. The outer disciples occupied one side while the Lan Female Cultivators stood on the other. Even though they were all there to watch me make a fool of myself, they still looked down on each other and refused to mingle.
Ning Feiwan stood confidently in the center of the training ground with her sword, exuding an air of self-assurance that suggested she was quite confident in her skills.
"Mian Fei... Are you okay?" Qi Wei asked with concern.
"Even if I said I wasn't okay, do you think Lady Ning would let me off that easily?" I replied with a frown.
"Well..." Qi Wei lowered her head, unsure of what to say.
I sighed silently and gave her shoulder a light pat before stepping forward to meet my opponent.
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