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On the night of departure, chosen for its dark and windy atmosphere, the day was marked by Xie Wuyuan's official announcement that we would set off for the capital in three days. The entire courtyard buzzed with activity as everyone packed their belongings and prepared the carriages.
As night fell, I changed into a convenient black outfit and slung my prepared bag over my shoulder, taking one last look at the small courtyard where I had lived for many years. I didn’t say goodbye to Uncle Lin and the others; farewells are always bittersweet, better left unspoken.
Like a shadow, I silently climbed over the back wall of the courtyard and made my way to the small forest on the back mountain. My black horse was tethered there, alongside a figure waiting.
It was Uncle Lin. He held a food box in one hand and a water pouch in the other.
"Chief Escort," he said hoarsely, "I knew you were leaving tonight, so I came to see you off."
"Uncle Lin..."
"Don't say anything." Uncle Lin handed me the food box and water pouch. "This is a flatbread made by Aunt Wang for you to eat on the road. The pouch contains fine wine; drink a bit of it when it’s cold to warm yourself up."
He paused and pulled out a small cloth bag from his pocket. "Inside is the last bit of money from Biao Ju's accounts, along with some contributions from the brothers. It’s not much, but take it."
My nose tinged with emotion, and tears nearly fell. "Uncle Lin, I can’t accept this..."
"Take it!" Uncle Lin insisted, stuffing the cloth bag into my arms. "A poor family makes for a rich journey! Be obedient!"
He patted my shoulder. "Chief Escort, once you get there, practice hard and take care of yourself. Biao Ju will be fine with us here!"
I nodded vigorously and mounted my horse.
"Uncle Lin, take care!"
"Go!"
I didn’t linger any longer; squeezing my legs against the horse's sides, it neighed once before charging into the night like an arrow released from its bow.
The wind howled in my ears as the small town faded further behind me. I didn’t look back.
The road to Piaomiao Peak was even more difficult than I had imagined. The mountains loomed vast and desolate, with few signs of human presence. I could only rely on that map as I continued to explore my way forward.
When thirsty, I drank from mountain springs; when hungry, I ate dry rations or hunted some game. At night, I would spend the night in a cave.
I encountered danger several times along the way. Once, I was besieged by a pack of hungry wolves. I fought desperately and managed to break through their encirclement, but not without sustaining several wounds. Another time, I met two self-proclaimed "Mountain Gods," who attempted to rob me of my wealth and virtue. I incapacitated them and left them to fend for themselves in the mountains.
I endured the hardships of traveling day and night, sleeping under the stars and braving the elements.
More than a month later, when I appeared at the mist-shrouded valley entrance of Piaomiao Peak, weary and in tattered clothes, I almost thought I was dreaming.
The disciples in white guarding the valley checked my Piao Miao Ling and respectfully led me inside.
Piaomiao Peak was isolated from the world, resembling a fairyland. The buildings were intricately constructed along the mountainside, elegant and refined. The disciples within were all women, each possessing an ethereal grace and exceptional skills.
I was received by a middle-aged woman known as Qingyue Elder. Upon learning that I was the daughter of Hong Ying, she expressed surprise followed by a look of regret.
"Your mother was an extraordinary woman. What a pity."
She did not inquire further about my purpose for coming; instead, she simply informed me that holding the Piao Miao Ling made me a distinguished guest of Piaomiao Peak. The peak master was currently in seclusion and could not meet with me at that moment. She arranged for me to stay until the peak master emerged.
Thus, I settled down at Piaomiao Peak.
Qingyue Elder did not restrict my freedom. I could roam freely within the peak and visit the library to read various texts.
The library at Piaomiao Peak held an astonishing collection far beyond my imagination. It contained not only martial arts manuals from various sects but also texts on medicine, divination, astrology, strategies for governance, and more.
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