Chapter 9: Whispers of a secret master

as the bell's final chime echoed through the academy grounds, disciples moved in orderly lines toward the exit. the training hall emptied gradually, but before Xing Yue could follow, a firm grip caught her wrist.

she turned finding herself face-to-face with Meng Yi. the usual practiced smile was absent from her rival's face, replaced with a tight- lipped glare.

"you_" Meng Yi's voice was sharp, controlled, yet dripping with frustration. "how do you move like that? I know that you never take any of these classes before, but how can you move like that? no hesitation, no struggle..."

Xing Yue pulled her hand free, meeting Meng Yi's piercing gaze with calm composure. she said, "poise and movement aren't just about technique, i's about the flow, understanding the rhythm of stars."

she continued, "who says? that I never practiced these..

Meng Yi scoffed, folding her arms. she said, "don't act like you're some celestial prodigy. because, I know you better than anyone else. I know, your master is always looking for something. never teach anything to you. only your master gave books to you to learn from them. but, you never like to do.. I know you're just lucky enough this time."

Xing Yue sighed, "if that's what you believe, then why are stopping me? why do you care so much?"

for a moment, silence stretched between them. the tension thickened. Meng Yi's nails dug into her palm before she turned away abruptly.

"don't get ahead of yourself," Meng Yi muttered. "this is just the beginning."

without another word, she strode out, disappearing into the evening mist beyond the academy gates.

Xing Yue exhaled, unclenching her hands.

it seems like, no matter what Meng Yi thought, she does not waver this time...

that night, as Xing Yue sat in her room, the soft glow of lanterns casting shifting shadows against the walls, Lan Mei entered.

a quite breeze rustled through the open window, making the candle flames flicker. the shadows danced on the wall, mirroring the uncertainty Xing Yue felt inside.

"you look deep in thought," Lan Mei voice break through the Xing Yue's thoughts, as Lan Mei setting down a small tray of warm tea. and asked, "was today's training that intense?"

Xing Yue took a moment before responding, tracing the rim of her cup. " more than that... I remembered something today. something from my childhood."

Lan Mei tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "what do you mean?"

Xing Yue hesitated, then said, "like when I was younger, before I even understood what cultivation truly was... like, there was a master. a mysterious figure who guided me, taught me how to move like the wind, to step lightly as if walking among the stars."

Lan Mei's brows furrowed. "a secret master? but who? did I know him?

Xing Yue shook her head. " I even don't know, how could you know. I don't even remember his face. only his voice and the feeling of his presence. but today, when I was practicing celestial footwork... it felt familiar, as if my body already knew the movements before my mind caught up."

Lan Mei sipped her tea thoughtfully. and asked, "do you really think it's really not our master? maybe you just forget it.."

Xing Yue said firmly, "obviously, I can tell that its not our master. because, master always gave to books and tells to follow the book what the book says. master never teach me specifically."

Lan Mei reached across the table, squeezing Xing Yue's hand gently. "if this master exists, then where he is now. why don't he never come to see you."

Xing Yue nodded, a quiet determination settling within her. and says, "whoever this master is, and wherever he is now. I'll find him one day to show my gratitude.

Lan Mei whispered, "maybe, why don't we tell about this to the master. there will be a chance to know about him."

the moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the quiet courtyard. 

as the night settled, Xing Yue and Lan Mei remained seated at the wooden table, their tea cups are still warm in their hands. the soft glow of lanterns cast gentle shadows across the room, adding to the quiet intimacy of their conversation.

Lan Mei leaned in slightly, lowering her voice like a whisper. "so... how do you feel about today's training?"

Xing Yue traced the rim of her tea cup thoughtfully. "it felt... wonderful," she whispered. "the celestial footwork, the balance, even the breathing techniques. it was as if my body already knew what to do before my mind caught up."

Lan Mei's brows lifted. and she said, "that's impressive! then, I have to say. all thanks to your secret master."

Xing Yue nodded slowly. and whispered, "maybe. but even so, there's still a lot I need to refine. elder Hua said my movements carry the wisdom of the stars. and said, but that's not the ending-there's still more to learn."

Lan Mei smiled, nudging Xing Yue's hand playfully. and said, "that's because there's always more to learn. but you are already at this level. Xing Xing, I think, you are progressing faster than anyone."

Xing Yue let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. and said, "secret master... it sounds so mysterious when you say it like that."

Lan Mei smirked, taking a slow sip of her tea. and said, "well, isn't it? a master who appeared in your childhood, taught you techniques beyond your age, and then disappeared without a trace. if that's not mysterious, I don't know what it is."

Xing Yue fell silent, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her teacup. the faint memories again drifted in her mind like shadows in the mist, always just out of reach. she could remember the feeling. the quiet confidence of the one who trained her, the way his presence made her feel safe, yet she couldn't recall his face.."

"I will definitely find out about him." Xing Yue murmured, almost to herself.

Lan Mei gaze softened. and whispered, "okay! don't stress yourself. first we can ask master about him. if there is no trace about him through master, we can see then."

the two of them sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the sound of the night breeze rustling through the trees outside. the soft clink of their teacups was the only sound in the dimly lit room.

then, Lan Mei said, her voice is barely above a whisper. "so... tomorrow's training. what it is? do you have any idea."

Xing Yue exhaled slowly, and said, "I don't know. but, I'll do my best."

Lan Mei grinned and said, "Good, because I have a feeling things are only going to get more interesting."

Xing Yue chuckles slowly. and said, " lets see what will be happen tomorrow."

the candle light flickered, casting long shadows along the walls. outside, the moon continued its silent watch, a quiet witness to the secrets yet to be uncovered.

as the time passes...

Lan Mei stretched her arms with a soft yawn, rolling her shoulders as she rose to her feet. and said, "well, Xing Xing I should get going. I'll meet master tomorrow and ask him about all of this." she glanced at Xing Yue, a playful glint in her eyes.

and she continued, "as for you, make sure to give your best in training. who knows? maybe there will be another news will be awaited for me to listen."

Xing Yue let out a quiet chuckle, shaking her head, "I will sister," she promised, a determined light flickering in her gaze.

Lan Mei smirked before turning on her heel, her robes were swaying as she stepped away. "good night Xing Xing," she called over her shoulder. "rest well."

Xing Yue watched her senior sister disappear into the shadows of the courtyard, the soft echo of her footsteps fading into the night. now, she is alone, let out a slow breath, her gaze drifting upwards. the moon hung high, casting its silver glow over the silent world. the cool night breeze carried the scent of blooming peaches, rustling the trees as if whispering secrets in the dark.

with a quiet sigh, she stretched out on the wooden veranda, her body sinking into the cool surface. she traced the rim of her empty teacup absentmindedly, her mind wandering back to the training session.

she closed her eyes, listening to the gentle hum of the night. somewhere in the distance, a night spirit bird sang its lonely song, accompanied by the rhythmic rustling of leaves. the world felt still, yet alive, as if something unseen was watching over her.

just as sleep began to pull her under, a faint vision flickered in her mind. soft laughter, a warmth that wrapped around her like like an embrace, the scent of peach blossoms drifting in the air. a voice, deep and soothing, called her name. "Xing er."

her breath hitched, and her eyes snapped open. but the vision was gone, vanishing like mist under the moon light.

Xing Yue exhaled, pressing a hand to her chest, feeling the steady rhythm of her heartbeat. who was that master? why did I feel so familiar, yet so distant?

the moon continued its silent watch above, as if keeping her secrets safe. she reached out her hand toward the sky, her fingers brushing against the air as if trying to grasp something unseen. "who is that master in my childhood? do you know him? her lips pressed together, a flicker of longing in her eyes.

the night breeze responded with a gentle caress, rustling the the blossomed flowers, carrying whispers only the stars could understand.

she let her arm fall back down, her fingers brushing the wooden surface beneath her. the steady glow of the moon remained, unwavering, watching over her in silence.

and that, with one last glance at the sky, she closed her eyes again. under the moon's quiet gaze, she finally drifted into sleep...