Chapter 7

The following morning dawned with Li Tao's departure for urgent matters at Lingyun Peak, leaving Xue Xinyu to ponder the unsettling dream that had visited him during the night. As he grappled with the question of its reality, he found himself bereft of the chance to discuss it with Li Tao, who had already left before dawn broke over the mountains.

After their usual breakfast, Liang Zhiguan dutifully led Xue Xinyu around the peak. "Shizun, why am I being shown around?" he finally mustered the courage to ask, his confusion palpable.

Xue Xinyu, ever the master of deception, responded with a straight face, "Why doubt your shizun, Liang Zhiguan?" Liang Zhiguan immediately began to stammer out an apology, but Xue Xinyu waved it off. "No need for apologies. It's all part of your training. A true disciple must know their surroundings like the back of their hand."

The excuse sounded convincing enough to Liang Zhiguan, who nodded eagerly. "Of course, Shizun! I understand now."

With a newfound sense of purpose, Liang Zhiguan led Xue Xinyu around the peak, unaware of the hidden agenda behind their "training." Xue Xinyu, meanwhile, was on high alert, doing his best to avoid any awkward encounters from his past with Liang Chen.

"I realise I've been quite strict with you, Liang Zhiguan," Xue Xinyu began, his voice carrying a softness that contrasted with his usual commanding tone. The gentle lilt of concern was unmistakable. "But it was all for your own well-being. I wanted to shield you from the dangers of the world outside, to protect the innocence of your childhood."

Liang Zhiguan glanced at him, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. He had never heard his shizun speak with such tenderness before. Encouraged by the reaction, Xue Xinyu took a deep breath and continued, "However, I see now that I may have been overprotective. I want you to experience what's left of your childhood, to feel the freedom that comes with it."

A few weeks before the highly anticipated Wayfarer Trial was set to begin, Xue Xinyu had been summoned to Fenghuang Peak, a prestigious invitation extended to many peak masters. Originally, Zhou Xin, the peak lord, was to attend, but his pressing duties had kept him occupied. Hence, Xue Xinyu was chosen to represent in his stead.

As the letter of summons arrived, intricately sealed and bearing the mark of Fenghuang Peak, Xue Xinyu knew he would have to attend alone. But with no one to look after Liang Zhiguan, he made the decision to bring his disciple along. 

"It's fine, I'm old enough," Liang Zhiguan muttered, his cheeks tinged with a rosy blush of embarrassment. He meticulously folded Xue Xinyu's robes, placing them into a travel bag with care. 

"I know that," Xue Xinyu responded, his tone carrying a hint of teasing as he leaned casually against the doorframe. His arms were crossed in a posture that was both authoritative and relaxed, watching Liang Zhiguan with a kind of paternal affection. "But you're still coming with me."

It was early in the morning, the first light of dawn casting a soft, golden glow over the room. The two had been in discussion since the previous evening. Despite the light filtering through the windows, which brought a promise of a new day, Liang Zhiguan remained resolute in his desire for independence.

Sighing in resignation, Liang Zhiguan grabbed another bag, efficiently filling it with more clothes and essentials. "Fine," he conceded at last, his tone carrying a hint of resignation as he slung the bag over his shoulder, his sword clutched firmly in hand.

Xue Xinyu, known for his aversion to the confinements of carriage travel, preferred the liberating sensation of flying on their swords. The thought of soaring through the skies, unbounded and free, was far more appealing than the cumbersome trappings of land-bound transport. Consequently, they packed lightly, preparing to make the journey to Fenghuang Peak through the air.

Following Liang Zhiguan, they stepped out onto the terrace, the expansive view of the peak stretching out before them in a breathtaking panorama. The sky was a canvas of pastel hues, the sun rising with a gentle radiance that bathed the landscape in a serene light. The tranquillity of the morning belied the anticipation that hummed beneath their calm exteriors.

Before departing, they ensured that the house was securely locked. Liang Zhiguan hefted the bags onto his back, adjusting their weight with the practised ease of one accustomed to travel. As he prepared to mount his sword, Xue Xinyu stepped forward, his movements graceful and purposeful. He gently took one of the bags from Liang Zhiguan's shoulder, slinging it over his own with a quiet determination.

Liang Zhiguan raised an eyebrow, "I'll carry it myself, Shizun," he insisted. "I'm not that old yet," Xue Xinyu replied with a chuckle, pulling his sword out with a flick of his wrist, his qi making it glow softly. "I can manage just fine."

With a reluctant nod, Liang Zhiguan accepted Xue Xinyu's outstretched hand, using it to steady himself as he climbed onto his own sword.

Taking to the air, Xue Xinyu felt a familiar unease rise within him. Flying from Qi Yun Peak, so high up, always unsettled him. But with the sunrise painting the sky in beautiful hues of pink and gold, he found the journey tolerable.

As they began their descent, Xue Xinyu's sharp eyes picked out a figure waiting patiently at the gate below. Feng Mingzhu stood there, his form silhouetted against the lightning sky. His posture was one of impatience, his arms crossed over his chest, yet the relief in his stance was palpable. It was evident he had been waiting for some time.

"Finally, you're here," Feng Mingzhu called out, his voice carrying a blend of impatience and relief. His eyes, sharp and discerning, locked onto Xue Xinyu as he descended, his sword slicing smoothly through the air.

Xue Xinyu alighted gracefully, his movements fluid and controlled, like a dancer stepping onto the stage. "Thank you for welcoming me so warmly, Feng-shidi," he responded, a hint of playful irony in his tone. 

Feng Mingzhu's gaze shifted to Liang Zhiguan, standing slightly behind Xue Xinyu, his expression tinged with surprise. "How come you're not alone?" he asked, his brow furrowing in confusion. The question hung in the air, mingling with the morning mist that lingered around them.

Xue Xinyu scratched his head, a sheepish smile spreading across his face. "Ah, well..." He hesitated, searching for the right words to explain the unexpected company. "I didn't want to be so alone here," he finally admitted, meeting Feng Mingzhu's gaze with an apologetic look. 

Sighing softly, Feng Mingzhu turned to greet Liang Zhiguan with a welcoming expression. "It's been a while, young Liang," he said, his voice warm and inviting as a gentle smile graced his lips.

Liang Zhiguan, feeling a wave of shyness wash over him, nodded in response and quickly tucked himself behind Xue Xinyu, hoping to hide his embarrassment. Sensing his unease, Xue Xinyu placed a reassuring hand on Liang Zhiguan's head, patting it gently to offer comfort and support. With a comforting gesture from Xue Xinyu, they moved forward, stepping into the lively heart of Fenghuang Peak's city.

The city of Fenghuang Peak was a vibrant tapestry of life and energy. The streets were a whirlwind of activity, teeming with people from all walks of life. Bustling crowds filled the pathways, weaving their way through a myriad of colourful stands and stalls. Vendors called out to passersby, each offering an enticing array of foods, trinkets, and goods. The aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the scent of exotic spices, creating an intoxicating blend that permeated the air.

Laughter rang out, the joyous peals of children playing in the streets mixing with the melodic chatter of merchants negotiating their wares. This lively scene was a stark contrast to the serene and rule-bound Qi Yun Peak, which often lay in quiet stillness, its calm only occasionally broken by the rustle of leaves or the soft murmur of the wind. In comparison, Fenghuang Peak was a thriving hub of commerce and community, its streets alive with a vibrant, pulsating energy.

The city's beauty was nothing short of enchanting. Its architecture, a harmonious blend of soft beige tones and lush verdant greens, captured the essence of nature itself. Lush plants and vibrant flowers adorned the streets, spilling over window sills and climbing up walls, their bright colours a stark contrast against the muted hues of the buildings. Each house seemed a masterpiece, crafted to blend seamlessly with the environment, as if grown from the earth itself. The city's design celebrated nature, creating an organic charm that made Fenghuang Peak a breathtaking sight to behold.

As they walked through the bustling streets, many people turned to greet them with warm smiles and friendly words. "Welcome, Peak Master Xue," some called out, their voices filled with respect and admiration. Others offered a simple, yet heartfelt, "Good morning," acknowledging both Xue Xinyu and Liang Zhiguan with kind nods and cheerful waves.

"You haven't been to Fenghuang Peak in a while, right?" Feng Mingzhu asked, guiding them through the bustling market with an air of familiarity.

"Indeed, it has been quite some time," Xue Xinyu responded, his tone measured and thoughtful. The truth was, he had never set foot in this place before, but Huai Xiaozhun had. To maintain the pretence of familiarity, Xue Xinyu spoke as if he were an old acquaintance of the city, masking his inexperience with practised ease.

"The other peak masters are staying at a residence close to the meeting hall. Your room is there too," Feng Mingzhu announced, sounding a bit like a hotel concierge. He led them up a series of stone steps that zigzagged their way to a higher part of the mountain, making Xue Xinyu wonder if this city had a hidden deal with a fitness club. This elevated area housed the palace, which perched majestically on the mountainside, looking like the kind of place where dramatic proclamations about destiny were made on a regular basis.

As they walked toward their quarters, Xue Xinyu's gaze was snagged by a peculiar house that stood out like a sore thumb amidst its vibrant, well-maintained neighbours. While the other houses boasted cheerful flower boxes and bright, welcoming facades, this house seemed to have taken a permanent vacation from anything remotely cheerful. 

Its walls were drab and peeling, and the windows, dark and empty, gave it the look of a grumpy old man who hadn't seen sunlight in years.

"What's the deal with that house, Feng-shidi?" Xue Xinyu asked, his curiosity piqued by the house's gloomy aura.

Feng Mingzhu stopped and glanced at the house with a look of resigned acceptance. "It's been abandoned for quite some time now. They say it's haunted, which has scared off any potential buyers," he explained, his tone suggesting he'd told this tale so many times he could recite it in his sleep.

"Why hasn't it been demolished?" Xue Xinyu probed further, genuinely puzzled.

"Officials dare not, for reasons even I am not privy to," Feng Mingzhu said cryptically, as if the house was part of some elaborate, supernatural real estate conspiracy. Despite his best efforts to dismiss it, the eerie allure of the abandoned house lingered in Xue Xinyu's thoughts, like a spooky riddle waiting to be solved. 

Yet, he quickly shrugged off the notion, reminding himself that he had enough on his plate without adding haunted houses to the mix.

Arriving in front of the quarters that would house him and Liang Zhiguan for the next few days, Xue Xinyu paused to take in his surroundings. The place was beautifully decorated, with an aesthetic that leaned heavily into dark, earthy tones. 

As Xue Xinyu walked, he could practically hear his own heartbeat, pounding in his chest like an overenthusiastic drummer at a rock concert. It wasn't just a gentle thump; it was a full-on drum solo, complete with cymbal crashes and high-energy fills. With every step, he repeated positive affirmations in his head like a mantra. 

I can do this, I am competent, I am a peak master, he told himself, each word laden with an optimism that was rapidly dwindling. Yet, no matter how many times he mentally repeated his credentials, the doubts lingered like unwelcome guests at a party.

What if I trip? he wondered, picturing himself face-planting into a potted plant. What if I say something ridiculous? His imagination conjured up scenarios where he called someone's grandmother a cucumber by mistake (which never actually happened but-). 

What if I sneeze and accidentally set something on fire with my qi? His mind wandered into the realm of the absurd, envisioning a fiery sneeze turning the room into a scene from a disaster movie. (Okay, maybe that last one was a bit far-fetched, but his nerves weren't exactly known for their logic.)

Feng Mingzhu stopped in front of a grand doorway and turned to face Xue Xinyu. "This is your room. I'll come get you before the meeting, so make sure you're in your room," he instructed, handing Xue Xinyu the keys. 

Xue Xinyu took the keys with a nod, trying to muster a confident expression that probably looked more like a constipated grimace. "Thank you," he said, his voice a touch higher than usual from nerves. "I'll see you later." He watched as Feng Mingzhu walked away, the door closing behind him with a soft click.

To his surprise, the room was not just a single-bed arrangement as he had expected, but had two beds. Feng Mingzhu must have anticipated that Xue Xinyu would bring someone along, perhaps even predicting the precise number of his entourage, which in this case, was a grand total of one—Liang Zhiguan. 

The room itself was spacious, with large windows that let in natural light, casting a warm glow that played off the tasteful decorations. The walls were a calming blend of earthy tones, making the space feel like a tranquil retreat rather than just a temporary lodging.

The dark wooden furniture added a touch of old-world charm, each piece meticulously crafted and polished to a shine. The bed frames were sturdy, with ornate carvings that hinted at a history of grandeur, and the beds themselves looked invitingly soft, practically begging him to dive in and disappear under the covers. Potted plants were scattered strategically around the room, their greenery adding a splash of life and a sense of serenity that made the room feel almost like a peaceful forest clearing.

The walls were a rich, chocolate brown, and the abundance of green plants gave the room a serene, almost forest-like feel. It was the kind of decor that said, "Yes, I'm calm and composed, but I'm also one with nature and possibly have a green thumb."

As they settled in, Xue Xinyu couldn't help but feel a wave of trepidation wash over him. Along the way, he had spotted some other high-ranking individuals, their regal bearing and commanding presence making him feel like a kid at a fancy dinner party. 

Sure, he could handle affairs at home—juggling paperwork, scolding disciples, even dealing with the occasional demonic cat invasion that seemed to think his study was a five-star hotel. But engaging with so many dignitaries? That was a different beast entirely.

 It felt like being back in school and suddenly realising you had to give a speech in front of the entire class, except this time the audience had the power to change his life with a single, well-placed judgement.

The room appeared to be meticulously decorated with Xue Xinyu in mind, or at least someone from Qi Yun Peak. Delicate light blue flowers adorned the space, their soft petals complementing the serene ambiance that characterised Qi Yun Peak. 

Liang Zhiguan carefully removed Xue Xinyu's bag and began laying out the clothes for the upcoming meeting. "Would you like me to come along?" Liang Zhiguan inquired, his voice tinged with hope as he meticulously arranged the robes.

Xue Xinyu glanced over, settling onto the bed with a soft sigh, the mattress yielding comfortably beneath him. "Unfortunately, you're not allowed into the meeting hall," he replied, watching Liang Zhiguan with a thoughtful expression.

"Oh, I see," he murmured, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of a particularly ornate robe. 

"I'll arrange something for you to do, maybe send you to the other disciples for some training?" Xue Xinyu mused aloud, tapping his chin in contemplation. The idea seemed to float into the air, as though he were pondering over sending Liang Zhiguan on a grand adventure or merely to the corner shop for some groceries.

Liang Zhiguan flinched, turning to face Xue Xinyu with an expression akin to someone who had just been told their favourite dessert was out of stock. "More training?" he echoed, his voice carrying a hint of dismay. Visions of gruelling exercises and stern instructors flashed through his mind, replacing his earlier daydreams of leisurely exploring the city's bazaars or perhaps finding a cosy spot to enjoy some tea.

Xue Xinyu chuckled softly, the sound light and reassuring, like a gentle breeze rustling through autumn leaves. "Don't worry, you can do whatever you want," he said, offering a small, reassuring smile. "But make sure to be careful. After all, you don't know this city well." His tone was laced with a subtle hint of mischief, as though he half-expected Liang Zhiguan to get lost in a marketplace haggling over the price of exotic fruits.

"I will be careful, Shizun," Liang Zhiguan promised, his tone earnest and his back straightening as though he had just received a knighthood. He envisioned himself navigating the city with the precision of a seasoned explorer, avoiding pitfalls and perhaps even rescuing a stray chocolate snack or two.

As Xue Xinyu began dressing for the meeting, he couldn't help but appreciate the care with which Liang Zhiguan had prepared his attire. The robes were arranged perfectly, each layer neatly stacked, the colours blending together in a symphony of elegance that made him feel more like a regal peacock than a nervous peak master. He marvelled at the meticulousness, wondering if Liang Zhiguan had a secret passion for wardrobe design.

Once dressed, Xue Xinyu moved towards the door, his footsteps muffled by the thick, plush carpet that seemed to embrace every step. Just before leaving, he turned back and pulled out a small, ornate pouch of money, pressing it into Liang Zhiguan's hand with a conspiratorial wink. "Here's some allowance for you. Be sure to have fun," Xue Xinyu said warmly, his tone encouraging.

Without waiting for a thank you, Xue Xinyu departed, the door closing softly behind him with a gentle click that echoed in the stillness of the room. Liang Zhiguan stood there for a moment, staring at the money in his hand. Slowly, a small smile played on his lips, curling at the corners like the mischievous grin of a fox. He slipped the pouch into his pocket, already contemplating the endless possibilities that awaited him in the bustling city outside. Perhaps he would find a quaint tea house, or stumble upon a hidden market selling mysterious trinkets, or maybe, just maybe, he would finally get that much-needed nap under a shady tree.