Concern for the Silhouette

Once the swordsmanship lesson ended, cultivators departed the training grounds in small groups, talking about the earlier match. Their voices gradually faded into the distance. I returned the practice sword to its rack and lightly pressed the wound on my right shoulder. The bleeding had ceased, leaving only a faint sting. Although Ye Ming's final strike wasn't serious, it felt more like a reminder than a mere injury.

The duel replayed in my mind. Every move Ye Ming executed revealed the cultivated bearing and pride typical of a prestigious clan. His final strike, which seemed brash, in fact concealed hidden subtleties. Had I not changed my move at the last moment, I would be the one lying in the infirmary now. Even more unsettling was the faint curiosity reflected in his gaze.

"Senior Sister Wei, your swordsmanship is truly remarkable!" Su Li walked beside me, her excitement clear. "Ye Ming is the sole son of the Master of the Five Peaks. He's trained since childhood, and rumor has it fewer than five young disciples can rival him. You've really put yourself on the map today!"

I shook my head. "It was just a friendly spar, nothing worth fussing over." Even so, I couldn't help but wonder why Ye Ming was so intent on Taigong's secrets. Was it mere curiosity, or did he have another motive?

"By the way, what should we do after today's training? There are still two hours until nightfall," Su Li asked, tilting her head. 

I paused to think. "I plan to visit Senior Sister Mo Qing. She taught me some alchemy techniques yesterday, and I haven't formally thanked her yet." 

In truth, ever since we parted ways last night, Mo Qing had not reappeared. She was missing from Qingxin Hall this morning and absent from the training grounds as well. The sect master had tasked her with supervising new disciples, and given her personality, she would never shirk such a responsibility. This anomaly aroused my suspicions, making me worry she might be in trouble.

"Senior Sister Mo Qing again?" Su Li blinked mischievously, her eyes brimming with laughter. "You two have gotten close rather quickly." 

"It's just to thank her, nothing more." Ignoring her teasing, I recalled what Mo Qing had told me. "Taihe Peak, the Jingxin Pavilion. She said I could find her there if I needed anything." 

"Taihe Peak?" Su Li's expression changed, and she lowered her voice. "Elder Sister Wei, Taihe Peak isn't a place ordinary disciples can just stroll into. It's the center of power in the Tianyan Sect. Without a recommendation from an elder, you'll be stopped long before you get near." 

I frowned in thought. "Senior Sister Mo Qing specifically said I could find her at the Jingxin Pavilion. She must have a way for me to get there." 

"Maybe Senior Sister Mo Qing can bring someone along, but going by yourself..." Su Li hesitated. "Why don't I go with you? If we're stopped, at least we'll have each other's help." 

I gladly agreed. After a quick dinner, we headed toward Taihe Peak together. 

Taihe Peak stands as the highest of the Tianyan Sect's Nine Peaks, soaring into the clouds like a keen blade piercing the sky. The twisting mountain trail was lined with rare herbs and ancient trees, while spiritual aura permeated the air. The higher we climbed, the crisper the atmosphere felt, and even breathing became lighter.

As we ascended, we occasionally saw cultivators flying by and a few colorful spirit birds circling overhead. In the distance, clouds swirled around the mountain like a veil, partly concealing its grandeur. I couldn't help looking up; the summit of Taihe Peak was obscured by mist, remote and mysterious, like a heavenly realm. Su Li whispered to me, "At the very top lies the Lingyun Pavilion, where the sect master resides year-round, overseeing everything. Rumor has it there's a bewildering formation up there, and without a guide, even a Nascent Soul cultivator would struggle to find the correct path." 

When we reached the midpoint of the mountain, we saw a checkpoint enclosed by jade railings. Two steward disciples from Taihe Peak stood guard, both exuding calm and impressive cultivation. 

"Beyond this point is restricted territory of Taihe Peak. Only core disciples and elders may enter," one of the stewards said emotionlessly, blocking our way. 

"I am Wei Lingwei, a newly admitted core disciple. I've come to visit Senior Sister Mo Qing," I said politely, cupping my hands in greeting. 

The steward looked me up and down, frowning slightly. "Senior Sister Mo Qing has been keeping to herself and isn't receiving any visitors." 

"Keeping to herself?" My heart tightened. "Has something happened?" 

The steward did not answer. He simply waved us away, his voice indifferent. "Whatever it is, come back another day. Taihe Peak isn't a place for casual wandering." 

Sensing the impatience in his tone, I was about to ask further when Su Li tugged on my sleeve and whispered, "Elder Sister Wei, don't push it." A hint of wariness flickered in her eyes, and I followed her gaze. Down the mountain path, several cultivators in fine attire were approaching, led by a figure of refined beauty— Could that be— A familiar voice spoke from behind. 

"Junior Sister Wei, what are you doing here?" 

It was Lin Yushuang. Clad in a pale violet gown with a matching jade hairpin, she appeared delicate yet undeniably poised. Although a gentle smile graced her lips, a faintly appraising look flickered in her eyes.

"Senior Sister Lin." I bowed in greeting. "I've come to visit Senior Sister Mo Qing." 

"Senior Sister Mo Qing?" Lin Yushuang's smile faltered for a moment. "Are you close to her?" 

"She guided me in alchemy techniques yesterday, so I came to thank her," I replied, truthfully but omitting mention of Taihe Peak's restrictions. 

Lin Yushuang let out a light laugh, a sound as gentle as a spring breeze, yet it gave me a slight chill. Every movement, every shift in her eyes revealed the refined bearing and pride common among upper-level disciples. She brushed aside a strand of hair near her forehead. "Junior Sister Wei, you might not know this, but Senior Sister Mo Qing recently offended the sect master and is being punished with three days of solitary reflection. She will see no one during this time, not even me, her fellow sister. We've practiced together on Taihe Peak for years and share a close bond, yet even I can't see her. So how could you be an exception?" 

Lin Yushuang's words carried a possessive and exclusionary tone, as if declaring some special standing and closeness. I understood her implication but chose not to argue, responding calmly, "In that case, I won't disturb her further. Thank you for letting me know, Senior Sister Lin." 

I was about to turn and leave when Lin Yushuang spoke again in an unhurried manner. "Senior Sister Mo Qing is cold by nature and rarely interacts with others. You're new here; it would be best for you to focus on your cultivation instead of socializing with people who don't concern you." 

Though her words were spoken gently, there was a distant coldness, and she clearly meant to dismiss me, even warning me. The subtle hostility reminded me of the village women who would gossip about me back home—showing superficial concern while harboring ill intentions. 

"I will remember your advice, Senior Sister Lin," I responded with neither arrogance nor timidity, keeping my frustration in check. "But even if you and Senior Sister Mo Qing are fellow disciples, it's not your place to decide whom she befriends. Besides, on the path of cultivation, one should learn from many sources, not simply shut themselves away." 

A cold gleam flashed in Lin Yushuang's eyes, but she soon regained her composure, her lips curving into a faint, unreadable smile. "Junior Sister Wei, you're quite eloquent, and your argument is sensible. However..." She turned slightly, her purple gown swaying in the breeze. "Since you've only just arrived, I'm afraid you might not fully grasp how things work within the Tianyan Sect. Some matters aren't as simple as they appear." 

Her words felt both like a warning and a hint, leaving me uncertain of her true motive. Su Li discreetly tugged at my sleeve, signaling me not to argue further. 

"You have a point, Senior Sister Lin." I nodded slightly, not wanting to escalate the tension. "Since Senior Sister Mo Qing is in seclusion, I'll visit another day. Farewell." 

Lin Yushuang nodded, a flicker of something unreadable passing through her eyes, but she said nothing more. 

Leading Su Li back down the mountain, I couldn't stop wondering why Senior Sister Mo Qing had been punished. Could it be because she was delayed at the medicine gardens of Guizang Peak yesterday and failed to report the elder's injury promptly to the sect master? Such a severe punishment seemed excessive for that. She had been perfectly fine teaching me alchemy last night but then got placed under confinement today—something must have happened in between. 

Once we reached the midpoint of the mountain again and saw that Lin Yushuang was out of sight, I halted abruptly. 

"Elder Sister Wei, what's the matter?" Su Li asked, puzzled. 

"You head back first," I said quietly. "I still have something to take care of." 

Su Li hesitated, as if she guessed my intention. "You're not planning to..." 

"Don't worry, I won't cause any trouble." I cut her off, gently patting her shoulder. "I just want somewhere quiet to think." 

Su Li looked like she wanted to say something else but finally nodded and headed down alone. Once her figure vanished, I glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then leapt into an old tree, moving toward a different side of the mountain. Since the main gate of Taihe Peak was guarded, I would look for another path. 

Skirting along the midsection of Taihe Peak, I avoided the main road and outposts, moving deftly through the forest. About an hour later, I spotted a small, elegant pavilion halfway up the mountain. It stood amidst a sea of wisteria, appearing just like something out of a dream. Purple blossoms swayed in the breeze, their faint fragrance blending seamlessly with the surrounding spiritual energy. 

"The Jingxin Pavilion…" I murmured, my heart stirred. Built against the mountainside, the small pavilion had green tiles and white walls, with a few wind chimes hanging from the eaves. A cascade of wisteria flowers draped over it like a waterfall, turning a luminous shade of purple and gold in the sunset. On the breeze was a faint, crisp fragrance, reminiscent of the subtle scent Senior Sister Mo Qing carried. Could this be her residence? Quiet and distinctive, it seemed to suit her temperament perfectly. 

I crouched in a hidden patch of bushes, carefully observing my surroundings. There were no obvious guards near the Jingxin Pavilion, but the courtyard in front was lined with strangely shaped stone pillars. Each one was carved with mysterious runes, faintly pulsing with spiritual power. 

"A formation?" I studied the arrangement of the pillars and soon grasped its pattern—a warning array. The pillars were arranged in a nine-square grid, with the tallest one at the center, and the other eight slightly lower, creating a delicate flow of spiritual energy. I could sense the power circulating like an invisible net covering the entire pavilion. It seemed capable not only of detecting intruders but also trapping them. Charging in recklessly would alert everyone and might be dangerous. 

Not daring to rush in, I kept waiting in hiding. Another half-hour passed, and the sun dipped below the horizon, bathing the wisteria in a violet-gold glow. The Jingxin Pavilion remained silent, its windows firmly shut, as though no one was inside at all. 

"Is Senior Sister Mo Qing really in there?" I muttered under my breath, my mind crowded with questions. 

Some moments later, as dusk deepened, a distant evening bell chimed, resonant and lingering. Realizing it was useless to stay longer, I was about to depart when I noticed a faint glow from a second-floor window, as if someone had lit a lamp. 

"Senior Sister Mo Qing!" Overjoyed, I stood up without hesitation and shouted toward the lit window, "It's me!" 

My voice echoed through the valley, startling a few roosting birds. There was still no answer from within the pavilion, but the lit window appeared to quiver slightly, as if someone were looking out from inside. 

"If you can hear me, Senior Sister, please let me know if you're all right!" I called out again, my voice laced with concern. 

Still no reply. Only the mountain breeze rustled the wisteria with a soft sigh. Just as I was about to speak again, I sensed someone approaching from behind. I spun around, one hand moving warily toward the hilt of my sword. 

"Who's making a ruckus here?" a steady voice asked from the shadows. 

I breathed a slight sigh of relief. It was a steward disciple from Taihe Peak doing his rounds, likely in his thirties. His expression was severe, and he carried himself with authority. 

"I am Wei Lingwei, a new disciple of the Tianyan Sect," I said, cupping my hands while staying alert. "I've come to visit Senior Sister Mo Qing." 

"Senior Sister Mo Qing is confined to reflect on her actions and won't receive any visitors," the steward said coldly. "You've trespassed in Taihe Peak's restricted zone, violating sect rules. Leave immediately, or be severely punished."

Knowing there was no point in arguing, I took one last look at the Jingxin Pavilion and spoke firmly. "Please inform Senior Sister Mo Qing that Wei Lingwei will return in three days." 

With that, I left before he could respond, leaping away and vanishing into the forest. The wind whistled past as I raced among the trees, my mood as entangled as those wisteria vines. 

Why exactly was Senior Sister Mo Qing punished? Why was Lin Yushuang so bothered by my interactions with her? Did Senior Sister Mo Qing see me from behind that glowing window? These questions circled endlessly in my mind. 

Back at my quarters, I found Su Li waiting in the courtyard. She hurried over when she saw me. "Elder Sister Wei, are you all right? Did you manage to see Senior Sister Mo Qing?" 

I shook my head and briefly recounted what had happened at the Jingxin Pavilion. Su Li frowned in concern. "Senior Sister Lin Yushuang is influential on Taihe Peak. Her words were obviously a warning. Please be careful, Elder Sister Wei. The Tianyan Sect has stood for a thousand years, and it's more complex than it looks." 

"I understand." I took a seat on a stone stool in the courtyard, gazing up at the night sky. "But I still feel something is off about Senior Sister Mo Qing's punishment. Yesterday at Guizang Peak, I heard someone mention that a certain Elder Lan in the sect was attacked and injured. Could it be related to this?" 

Su Li thought for a moment before realization dawned on her. "I heard some of the senior brothers talking about Elder Lan traveling to Xuanshui Gorge to gather herbs but getting hurt at Ziyang Mountain, injuring her spiritual core. Could Senior Sister Mo Qing have violated some taboo while looking into it?" 

"Ziyang Mountain…" I repeated quietly, my guard rising. "They say Ziyang Mountain is close to the demonic Nine Nether Valley. If Elder Lan was injured by demonic cultivators, the sect would surely launch an investigation. So why punish Senior Sister Mo Qing for it?" 

Seeing my furrowed brow, Su Li said softly, "Elder Sister Wei, maybe Senior Sister Mo Qing's punishment is only temporary and not too serious. In a few days, once it's over, you'll see her again. Don't worry too much." 

I forced a smile. "I hope so." Yet a vague unease remained. Mo Qing was aloof but astute; she wouldn't provoke the sect master for no reason. Did she stumble upon a forbidden secret, or did her investigation threaten someone's interests? Those questions lingered in my mind like a gathering shadow. 

A cool night breeze drifted through the courtyard, carrying the faint fragrance of wisteria. It was the same subtle scent I had noticed outside the Jingxin Pavilion. My thoughts swirled, and a quiet intuition warned me that the truth ran deeper than appearances suggested.

"I'll return to the Jingxin Pavilion in three days," I resolved silently. "No matter the obstacles, I must see Senior Sister Mo Qing." 

"Oh, by the way, Elder Sister Wei," Su Li added, "one of the stewards came by to say that starting tomorrow, there won't be any scheduled classes. Everyone's free to train on their own, and the next lesson will be in a month. Isn't that strange? Why would the sect suddenly cancel everything?" 

I frowned. This was truly unusual. Normally, new disciples would continue with an intensive series of introductory classes. Why the sudden break? It likely wasn't a coincidence that this happened at the same time Elder Lan was injured and Senior Sister Mo Qing was put under confinement. 

"It might have something to do with Elder Lan's injuries," I guessed. "Maybe he was supposed to teach one of the classes." Yet another thought nagged at me—could the sect's leadership be deliberately covering something up? Were they cancelling classes to keep any hidden issue from leaking, or to prevent other elders from meeting the same danger? 

I didn't say anything more. Lifting the teacup from the table, I breathed in its gentle aroma, letting its warmth steady my thoughts.