Sword Arrives

The man who called himself Qi Jingchun whispered, "Zhao Yao, you must be cautious with your words from now on. Remember, disaster often comes from the tongue, and that's why most virtuous Confucian scholars keep their mouths sealed. Those who are beyond the virtuous, the 'gentlemen', practice careful solitude, maintaining their integrity as if they were handling a precious jade, always wary of flaws. As for the sages—such as the masters of the seventy-two academies—these people, like the grand immortals of Taoism or the golden-body arhats of Buddhism, can speak prophecies with a single word, and their words come to pass. These people, who are high above, are often like the gods in Taoist temples or Buddhist monasteries—unreachable, towering, while others, like dragons, appear fleetingly, elusive and hard to find for ordinary people."

Zhao Yao felt confused, as if enveloped in a cloud of mist.

Zhao Yao couldn't help but ask, "Teacher, why are you telling me this today?"

The scholar's expression was open and untroubled as he smiled. "You have a teacher, and naturally, so do I. As for my teacher... well, there's no need to mention it. I once thought I could linger for a few more decades, barely scraping by, but now I've come to realize that some people behind the scenes are unwilling to wait even that long. That's why I can't take you away from this town—you'll have to leave on your own. Some truths that are of no great consequence should be revealed to you now. Treat them as nothing more than stories. I only hope you understand one thing: there is always a higher sky, always someone greater than yourself. No matter how 'extraordinarily blessed' or 'favored by fortune' you may be, you must never become complacent or slacken your resolve."

The water in the well receding, the locust leaves falling from the branches—all were signs.

The scholar, Qi Jingchun, reminded him, "Zhao Yao, do you still remember the locust leaf I asked you to keep?"

The young scholar nodded vigorously. "I've kept it safe, along with the seal you gave me."

"Tell me, when have you ever seen a leaf detach from its branch yet remain so lush and verdant, fresh and tender? Among the thousands of people in this small town, those who receive such 'blessings' are few and far between. That locust leaf—you may handle it often. Perhaps one day, it will lead you to a chance."

Qi Jingchun's gaze grew profound. "Beyond that, over the years, I've always asked you to perform good deeds and form kind connections, to treat everyone with courtesy and sincerity. One day, you will come to understand the deeper meaning behind this. Those seemingly trivial matters, like drops of water, can wear down even the hardest stone. In the end, the benefits you reap may well surpass the knowledge found in a Local Gazetteer."

Zhao Yao noticed a goldfinch perched on the stone beam, occasionally hopping about and chirping. 

The scholar clasped his hands behind his back and gazed at the goldfinch with a solemn expression.

The young man saw nothing unusual.

Suddenly, Qi Jingchun turned his gaze toward Mud Bottle Alley, his brow furrowing even deeper.

With a soft sigh, he murmured, "The dormant insects have begun to stir at the first whispers of spring, breaking through the earth. But to be a guest in another's home, sneaking about right under the host's nose, playing petty tricks in secret—is that not far too audacious? Does he truly believe that with just a half-bowl of water of their own making, he can act however he please here? 

Zhao Yao grew anxious. "Teacher?"

The scholar waved his hand, signaling that the matter had nothing to do with the young man. He then led him to the last plaque.

Suddenly, Zhao Yao, like a dormant insect hearing the first thunder of spring, stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes blank and unseeing. 

Not far ahead, a black-clad young girl stood beneath the plaque that read "Vitality Soaring Like a Bull". Her head was covered by a veil, concealing her face. Her figure was neither too slim nor too full, but perfectly proportioned. Hanging at her waist were two swords—a long one in a snow-white scabbard and a dagger in a green sheath. She stood with her arms crossed, her head tilted back, gazing up at the plaque. 

The scholar chuckled softly and coughed lightly.

The young man remained motionless, his gaze fixed on the girl, completely oblivious to his teacher's hint that he should avert his eyes from improper sights. 

The scholar smiled knowingly but did not reprimand him. He chose not to ruin the moment with another cough, allowing his student to remain entranced by the young girl.

The young woman, it seemed, was unaware of the boy's gaze.

She appeared to be particularly drawn to the five characters "Vitality Soaring Like a Bull". In contrast to the formal, dignified calligraphy on the other three plaques, these characters were written in running script, their fluidity almost wild and free.

She liked it!

Suddenly, Zhao Yao snapped out of his trance. It was then that his teacher had tapped him on the shoulder and, smiling, said, "Zhao Yao, it's time to return to the school and pack your things."

The young man's face flushed red as he lowered his head, following his teacher back to the school.

It was only then that the young woman slowly relaxed her grip on the hilt of her sword.

From a distance, the scholar teased, "Zhao Yao, Zhao Yao, I've saved your life."

Zhao Yao was stunned. "Teacher?"

The scholar hesitated for a moment, his expression serious. "From now on, if you see her, you must avoid her."

The refined, graceful young man, dressed in green, was somewhat surprised and also a bit disappointed. "Teacher, why?"

Qi Jingchun thought for a moment before delivering a final, resolute verdict, "She is unmatched in sharpness, destined to be a sword without a sheath."

Zhao Yao was about to say something but hesitated.