Chapter Twenty Two

Lan Biyu's furrowed brows were taken as suspicion towards the whole situation by the older boy. Nonetheless, although Da Chuanli too found it odd as their master's inner disciples they could only follow their master's will. However, he did nothing to dissuade her from thinking more as it would only earn him a look of contempt in return. And not only that, this junior sister of his was eccentric but she wasn't stupid enough to cause a scene unless she was confident it wouldn't affect their master in the long run. So as the senior brother of his naive and silly juniors Da Chuanli kept up his gentle smiles and mild mannerisms to make sure they didn't suspect anything. Who else would set an example for the rest if they did as they wished just because of a few suspicions?

With the plotting behind their backs, it was not only a matter of pride but also the utmost secrecy. Who would let loose their lips in the sect and give information freely about the inner disciples? Was it that simple? No. Most likely, there was a rare case of diseased roots within their sect who had always sworn to abstain from the mortal realm. For them to take action while his elder brother was in seclusion, the answer was obvious and disturbing. A neutral sect being targeted in an age of "peace". Da Chuanli could only keep the calculations deep within his heart with nowhere to vent. The only individuals their master let his guard down around were their own people, so who else would qualify enough to play tricks in their room but an insider?

His master had ordered him to keep silent about the matter until they returned to the safety of their own mountain. It was already tough enough to keep a calm mind in the face of an unknown world. To also find out one of their own had plotted against them at this time would only cause unnecessary unrest and fear. Worse comes to worse, it was just dealing with anyone suspicious in the An Xing realm. Who could punish him? "Don't do anything shameful." Da Chuanli thought he was hearing things, staring blanking at the way in front of them surrounded by the seemingly endless line of bamboo.

Before realizing the words he had heard were real and turned to look at the indifferent Lan Biyu who didn't spare him the same effort. He smiles at her acting clueless and also doubting whether she is actually addressing himself even if they were the only ones in the secluded bamboo forest. "Junior sister is worried about me?" Although he sounded touched and teased her, she could feel those eyes of his were still vacant not holding her reflection within them. Neither taking her words seriously nor questioning her, he receives a condescending side eye as if she could see right through his thoughts. Da Chuanli played the fool. Patiently raising the corner of his lips further, his phoenix eyes became covered in a familiar haze of false warmth.

Hair that seemed to never disobey its owner lightly swayed across his brow as he turned towards her emphasizing his youthful and eye-catching looks. She only felt like she was looking at a stain on a clean sheet and her nose crinkled with disgust at the attractive teen. Hypocritical. But considering the debt she owed the annoying person she could only purse her lips and take it as if she said nothing so he chuckled and refrained from saying any more. Let him suffer a bit. Taking her warning so lightly, what did it matter to her if he suffered because of it or not? She wasn't his mother!

However, even if she said so in her head. Lan Biyu couldn't help wondering if this would be the last conversation the two would have before entering the An Xing realm and fell into a rare weighty silence that was different from the ones between the two before. Unexpectedly, she was reminded of her days back on their mountain and her cloudy eyes grew a bit blank not realizing she held more memories of their short time together than she had first thought. His chasing and teasing, her scowling and avoiding. The young preteen's smile stayed the same to this day, continuously following her shadow occasionally bailing her from trouble or disturbing her peace when their master was too busy. For her it was just a single droplet of water in a whole lake's worth of space she had yet to fill, but for humans. She supposes it was different.

There was a strange murkiness in her mind as she realized this fact and her steps faltered gathering the attention of Da Chuanli who subconsciously went to support her. "Lan Biyu?" His easygoing expression became tense at once as several possibilities clouded his judgment momentarily because of her sudden weakness. However, he caught nothing but air as Lan Biyu steadied herself under his furrowed brows and feigned ignorance towards her own mistake just now. Don't tell me, the backlash of her forced ascension was still affecting her? But she managed just fine during her battle earlier? Was she faking strength while hiding her damaged internal roots?

Remembering the vulnerable Lan Biyu the night before, Da Chuanli's gaze grew complicated. While Da Chuanli worried about her Lan Biyu didn't acknowledge what just happened. Even if he reported it to their master it would only end up with her being scolded a little before passing over quietly after she coaxed Minglan a bit. So, walking on and not caring for Da Chuanli who was debating whether to stick his nose into her business again after being so decisive before. Lan Biyu knew herself well. She wasn't feeling sentimental, for that wasn't something her kind could easily muster.

Most likely the feeling that hit her just then was something akin to the insight into the short life of human beings in comparison to things like herself. Taking a simple glance up at the bright moonlit sky Lan Biyu ponders the present and past. Perhaps, this really would be the last time they would be able to speak to each other alone. The thought had just made her contemplate the others under her master's care. Those old men would be glad to see her never come back, and Elder Sheng who knew what she was would be the happiest. She was a tad reluctant thinking of his smug ugly face when she failed to return from the An Xing realm.

Da Chuanli kept his silence and followed her from behind, seeming to have found his answer and choice. He firmly kept his mouth shut and refrained from disturbing the girl's thoughts. And Lan Biyu too, spared Da Chuanli no more thoughts. Their feelings weren't deep, it was a plastic and brief relationship forced by their Master from the start. After leaving the bamboo forest, the two good-looking disciples. One boy and one girl were given some ambiguous glances and questioning looks by others who were also debating entering the place the two just exited. With a gentle smile on his face and a bland one on Lan Biyu's, they could connect the dots at a glance.

These two must be the famous inner disciples under the Azure sect master's care. But why did they come out of the famous Lover's Grove together? Don't tell us that... Some girls who had their hearts set on seeing if their fates aligned with the handsome teen in the bamboo forest restrained their disappointed expressions. However, some of their own Azure sect members stared in shock before hurriedly rushing forward to cautiously greet him with somewhat excited and curious eyes. Not doubting the two at all, even if they left the bamboo forest together.

Since they had all grown up together who didn't know that the relationship between the two inner disciples was bad? Wang Lan Biyu and Ling Da Chuanli being a couple? It was such a ridiculous thought that it never even crossed their minds. The girls timidly pull at Lan Biyu's sleeve wearing keen information-seeking expressions. Ming Ailing, who was thoroughly enjoying her night despite the disappointment this morning she had faced after losing her match put more energy into making sure the trip down the mountain wasn't for nothing. It wasn't like she wasn't sad that she lost the opportunity to enter the An Xing realm.

She merely didn't put much hope into winning in the first place and was realistic with her lacking skills in comparison to others. She was more an alchemist than a fighter and felt no shame in losing her match as there was no pressure from the elders or their own master to win. So, with a positive outlook, she was easily coaxed by Chun Hua into searching for this mysterious Lover's Grove with the others. The bright-eyed girl with cute features sweetly tried to coax information from her. Most likely, they wanted to know if she managed to find the inner garden or not that was named in legends.

Lan Biyu correctly accessed the situation. "Junior sister Wang, ah, you disappeared from the banquets for so long you must have found something inside the grove? Hmm? A garden or maybe a beautiful lake like in the tales? Anything?" Chun Hua took her other hand not letting anyone else grasp the opportunity to touch the soft palms of the younger girl who was tolerating them so obediently despite appearing cold. After their time together during their travel to Golden Cloud City. They never forgot to give good things to Lan Biyu who stuck herself in her room the entire time. Most of the clothes and accessories they found were sent to Lan Biyu who loved to isolate herself from Chun Hua herself.

 Chun Hua after grabbing Lan Biyu's hand found the girl didn't disdain their closeness and found her even more lovely. "Junior sister Wang did you get the things we sent to your room before? You were so busy cultivating in your room that we didn't have time to check on you again after everything that happened. This morning, you were amazing!" She was generous with her praise and favoritism. Lan Biyu, looking into the other's large and accommodating pair of eyes, felt her heart soften with that murky feeling again.

Surprisingly, perhaps because not much was known about Chun Hua, her opponent underestimated the gentle sister and thought she would be as soft-hearted as her appearance. So Chun Hua much like herself would be entering the An Xing realm unimpeded. Peering into the eyes of the outwardly older girl by only a year or two who took care of them like a fierce tigress with the outer appearance of soft tofu. Lan Biyu didn't hide anything from them. "Un, the gifts were all beautiful. And a garden in the center of the forest does exist." The two's eyes brightened significantly.

Ming Ailing tried her best to question her calmly but her brightly shining eyes did little to hide her enthusiasm. "Did you see anyone in the pond? They say that only the people worthy of becoming immortals themselves get chosen to see their fated lovers and are allowed to enter the grove!" Chun Hua leaned in with bated breath to wait for Lan Biyu's response. Da Chuanli glanced down at Lan Biyu from the side, also curious about her answer despite himself. Fuqing's story suddenly resurfaces from the depths of his memory. He didn't believe in the tale, of course, and didn't believe it even more when he found the grove so easily in comparison to the rumor that it was hard to find.

It was only a matter of walking a few meters and the grove was within view. The rumors were exaggerating, but he was still curious about how his junior sister would satisfy the hopeful expressions of the girls in front of her. Not only were Ming Ailing and Chun Hua holding their breath, but every other disciple within earshot also strained their ears. Though much to everyone's disappointment and Da Chuanli's expectation Lan Biyu's expression was as flat as her answer. "No." Shaking his head as everyone deflated after having anticipation for her answer unlike himself he found it all a bit funny. Surrounded by her sad sisters Lan Biyu continued wearing an apathetic expression.

Meanwhile Da Chuanli went ahead having finished his task of fetching her from the bamboo forest. The distance between herself and him then grew even more. As people who each had their spotlight under the scrutiny of the world, their stages split into two separate shows once again. Like a pair of companions in a tall tale torn in two after having their chance meeting ruined by low compatibility due to a careless author. Lan Biyu fleetingly looks over the pouting Ming Ailing's shoulder towards Da Chuanli's back that was slowly carrying her guqin to put away for her, never thinking to look back at her. No regrets on his shoulders, no hesitation in his steps. Just a controlled, heartless turn of the shoulder and the view of the assertive back of an individual who never once put her within his eyes.

There was a fleeting enigmatic flame within the girl as she watched him stroll away without her, and her mouth opened before she could stop herself. Not knowing why she decided to reveal or admit this seemingly useless event which took place within that grove. "-But, for a moment I did manage to briefly catch the silhouette of a person in the ripples of the pond. Unfortunately, I didn't look in time and didn't capture the vision well enough to see their face." As easily as their eyes dimmed, their dazed faces beamed with fresh gossip and renewed excitement. "Are you serious?! Why didn't you say so earlier?!" She removed her gaze from his back then, not having the attention span to notice he had paused after she admitted this fact.

Since the Azure sect members crowded around her even more feverishly fishing for details with dreamy and envious eyes. "Junior sister you are deliberately playing with our hearts! You're teasing us on purpose!" Lan Biyu didn't deny this as without their prompting she most likely would have forgotten the event altogether. However internally she puzzled over her feelings and actions just now. As they weren't like her usual self. So from then on, she felt it safer to clamp her mouth shut refusing to speak again. Causing those girls to pout at her sadly, she merely sent them a blank tilt of the head.

Those rare misty eyes of hers appeared innocent and aloof, as if unable to detect anything but surface-level intentions. It wasn't that they thought she was a fool. How can a fool win the heart of their stingy master? However Lan Biyu was truly obedient and good to them, so they felt she was easily soft-hearted in the face of another distressed person. Hearts struck by her actions just like before, they quickly forgave her while warning her half-heartedly. "Sister Wang you can't make those kinds of expressions when we aren't watching over you. Beware of being abducted."

It was half teasing but also half worry, no one knew what would happen in the An Xing realm. Though Lan Biyu had shown them she was stronger than they thought, their master's words never left their hearts. There were always stronger people out there, some with bad intentions who couldn't be provoked. Knowing their concerns were also aligned with her masters, she nodded not finding them annoying at all. "Ok." Seeing she was taking them so seriously, the soft-hearted girls crowded around her treating her as their little sister. Lan Biyu glances around them and finally asks the question on her mind since awhile ago. "Rui Shi?"

Ming Ailing fell silent, her sparkling loli face became a bit more restrained at the mention of the other girl. Chun Hao took the initiative to answer her in the silence. "...Brother Chang said he was accompanying Rui Shi so there wasn't any need to be concerned." They felt bad for Rui Shi who must have been embarrassed to face the rest of them, out of their group everyone had expected Rui Shi to be one of the disciples who passed. Instead, Gao Chang had easily qualified for a position in the expedition group yet Rui Shi who was looked upon favorably by the rest had lost. And unexpectantly it was Chun Hua and Gao Ping who won their right to enter An Xing instead of Rui Shi and Fuqing.

Even more surprising, the annoying Qing Mianyang had qualified over Rui Shi to enter An Xing. Deliberately poking fun at the other girl's already deep wounds Qing Mianyang had visited their shared bed chambers as they were preparing for the banquet to mock them. Luckily the hot-headed but sensitive Rui Shi was absent so she didn't have to endure her mocking. Ming Ailing's expression soured and she bitterly muttered something the other girls nodded their heads to, also not finding what Qing Mianyang did amusing. "What's wrong with that girl? It's like she's possessed. Does she have to behave so snake-like to her fellow sect members? If it weren't for her being related to the sixth elder by a few branches would she even have the opportunity to be our sect master's disciple with those trash roots?"

"Shh." Chun Hua clicks her tongue and hurriedly covers the other girl's mouth glancing around them with furrowed brows. Lan Biyu didn't feel slighted by the words, and she even agreed with Ming Ailing's analysis. Indeed Qing Mianyang had terrible spiritual roots, if she worked hard then she would at least be tolerable to them. But the problem was she did not, instead, she spent most of her time in the sect acting coy and flirting with Fuqing not bothering to learn at all. The ones surrounding her weren't much better, flattering her for a few scraps the sixth elder threw her way to get her out of his hair. "Even if it is a fake harmony Azure sect disciples must stand together not against one another. Remember master's teachings."

Ming Ailing appears a bit aggravated by this scolding Chun Hua gave her. Lan Biyu could see what Ming Ailing wanted to say out loud with her wide and glaring eyes easily. 'I will hold my tongue when that other one learns how to hold hers first!' Chun Hua sighed when the girl pouted into her hands taking advantage of her covering the displeased action. "If senior brother heard you he would give you a hundred push-up punishments again." After being warned like this Ming Ailing then became obedient and was the first to move her head away with a grimace.

From the side, they heard a familiar voice call out and turned in sync. "Sister Wang, there you are!" Recognizing him as one of the boys in Fuqing's group. Lan Biyu felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise while Ming Ailing and Chun Hua's faces expressed curiosity towards his somewhat urgent but relieved countenance after spotting Lan Biyu. When she wanted to run before he could approach, Ming Ailing held her hand tightly to prevent her escape. Whispering to the frowning Lan Biyu with a teasing but slightly serious expression.

"Sister Wang you don't know this but after Fuqing lost his match he was super depressed and even snapped at Qing Mianyang when she tried to comfort him. Since this morning, he's been avoiding everybody and hiding where they couldn't find him which is quite unlike himself as he would usually be more tolerating. Probably, the blow of losing his match is much more serious than Rui Shi." Hearing this piece of gossip, Lan Biyu wished she could unhear it and walk away. Meeting the girls' eyes full of expectation, she could read some concern for the boy called Fuqing on their faces and felt stifled. Having been caught, the boy quickly explains to her stiff figure that was caught by Ming Ailing unable to pretend to be deaf.

"Sister Wang, can you go talk to Fuqing a little bit before you leave tomorrow? I know that you must be busy preparing to enter the An Xing realm but, brother Fuqing is in a really bad place right now with no one by his side." The boy hesitates, knowing what he was saying was inappropriate but since Fuqing and Lan Biyu were considered sweethearts by everybody already he thought just a few moments would be ok. "-He didn't let anyone enter his room and when a few of us went to check on him he had disappeared. Since you two are sort of close, perhaps you know where he would be?" His eyes practically begged her.

Lan Biyu's throat clogged up as the refusal on the tip of her tongue was cut off short by Chun Hua's worried interruption. "He's not in his room? Why didn't you check in with an elder or master?!" The boy showed a troubled expression before admitting quietly "...I did, master said that Fuqing should also reflect on why he lost. When he said this, Elder Shao Lin was sitting beside him and didn't say anything." The silence between the students was deafening after he said this. Although Fuqing wasn't as popular among the girls who were close to Rui Shi, he was still a notable gentleman whom they didn't hold any animosity towards. So, almost in sync, many pairs of imploring eyes land on the silent Lan Biyu. "...."