Chapter 47 A Clear Expression of Intent

In the past, the Ning brothers were equally talented in literature and martial arts. The eldest son, Ning Yang, was quite accomplished in swordsmanship innovation. He secluded himself to create the prototype of the Lone Goose Sword Technique, which made him famous. The second son, Ning Song, on the other hand, was obsessed with painting and had no interest in swordsmanship.

Later, the two brothers each started their own families. One traveled the world freely, while the other opened a painting studio and recruited many students.

The descendants of the Ning family who are still in Suizhou today are the descendants of Ning Song, that is, the lineage of the second uncle of the master's wife's maternal family.

Decades have passed, the painting studio has been passed down for three generations, and the students have numbered in the hundreds and thousands, including many renowned masters.

Ning Jue had only been to Huatang when he was young, and his memory of it was somewhat vague. So the two of them searched for directions while trying to recall the past, and asked the locals for directions as well.

"Qingyue Painting Hall" was quite famous in Suizhou City, and the two found it quickly.

Upon arriving at the door, Ning Jue explained his purpose for visiting relatives and presented a jade pendant to the gatekeeper. The gatekeeper took the pendant, examined it, and, not knowing its significance, asked the two to wait a moment while he went in to inquire with the master.

While waiting, Bai Hua asked curiously, "Who is the owner of the painting hall now? Do you know him, young master?"

Ning Jue replied, “It is Ning Changlin, the grandson of Ning Song. According to seniority, he is my master’s wife’s nephew and we are of the same generation. When I accompanied my master and mistress to Suizhou to visit relatives, I stayed at Qingyue Painting Hall for a short time. Ning Changlin was not born then, and we have not met since, so we do not know each other. However, with my master’s wife’s jade pendant as a token of our visit, they will not turn us away.”

Bai Hua nodded: "That won't happen."

Just as the two finished talking, the servant who had been guarding the door returned, trotting back to invite them inside.

He said, "My young master recognizes that the jade pendant as my aunt's old possession, and asked me to invite you two in."

Ning Jue nodded: "Please lead the way."

On the way to the painting hall, you have to pass through a corridor. The weather was nice today, with plenty of sunshine. There were many unframed paintings hanging on both sides of the corridor, probably to prevent moisture and dry in the shade.

Bai Hua looked around curiously, admiring the undulating mountains, babbling streams, and dew-kissed flower petals in the different paintings.

The servant glanced out of the corner of his eye and noticed that the young man in white behind him was looking straight ahead without any appreciation, but the girl accompanying him seemed to be interested.

He then took the initiative to introduce them, saying, "These are all paintings by your students. They are being aired out before being framed. Your master is currently teaching a class in the side hall. Please come into the studio for a cup of tea. He will be here shortly after class."

Bai Hua responded and then added, "Your young master must be quite young. Even his disciple paints so well, so your young master's painting skills must be even more superb."

Hearing his master being praised, the servant felt honored as well.

He smiled and replied warmly, his tone naturally carrying a hint of pride: "My son began his studies at the age of three. He is diligent and eager to learn, never slacking off for a single day. In his early childhood, while his peers were still studying the basic strokes of the brush, my son could already dip his brush in paint and wield it to outline the contours of mountains and rivers in one go. In Suizhou, almost everyone knows my son's nickname, 'Painting Immortal'."

As soon as he finished speaking, Ning Jue chuckled, but his expression didn't change much.

The servant noticed the disrespect in the laughter, frowned, and turned around. Seeing that the other person's expression was unchanged, he couldn't help but wonder if he had misheard.

Bai Hua thought to herself, with the "Sword Saint" in front and the "Painting Immortal" behind, the Ning family is truly full of talented people.

Since the other party was introducing the information to her, she had to reply and couldn't let the conversation fall flat.

Bai Hua thought for a moment, then politely said, "I wonder if there are any paintings by your young master displayed here? If we could see the masterpieces of the 'Painting Immortal' in person, our trip to Suizhou wouldn't have been in vain."

These words struck a chord with the other person, and the servant's smile became noticeably brighter.

He replied smugly, “There are none in the corridor, but there are two of your masterpieces hanging in the painting hall. Only the works of the previous owners of the painting hall can be framed and hung there, and they must be the most satisfying works of the individuals. You can take a look later, and you will know that I am not exaggerating or boasting.”

Bai Hua smiled and replied, "Alright, then I look forward to seeing it."

At this point in the conversation, the servant stopped making small talk and began to lead the way attentively.

Bai Hua felt that she was adept at interpersonal relationships, which complemented the young master perfectly; otherwise, he would often unintentionally offend people.

The two walked side by side behind, light and shadow filtering into the corridor through the gaps along the edge of the scroll. A breeze blew in, lifting a corner of the scroll, and a faint scent of ink could be smelled in the air.

Surrounded by corridors, with upturned eaves and corners, and surrounded by picturesque scenes, the Ning Mansion's painting hall and courtyard possess an exceptionally beautiful artistic conception.

Among them, a painting of a banquet at night was bathed in sunlight, which attracted Bai Hua's attention. Just as she was about to turn her head to take a closer look, someone suddenly blocked her waist, stopping her in her tracks.

Before she could react, the back of her neck was gripped by a tiger's mouth. She blinked and looked ahead, only to see a shadow looming over her.

The young master suddenly stopped and moved closer, staring at her with an unfriendly gaze.

Bai Hua was startled and bewildered.

Considering that others were still around, Ning Jue didn't continue to be an obstacle after Bai Hua pushed him away with a reproachful look in her eyes, and let her go.

Even that brief moment of closeness still made Bai Hua's heart race and her waist go weak with lingering fear.

She glared at Ning Jue, her eyes questioning why he was so frightening.

Ning Jue lowered his voice and said meaningfully, "What's so interesting about this? I didn't see you being this serious when I was practicing my sword dance."

Bai Hua replied in a low voice, "It's been so long since you last danced with your sword in front of me, young master. I almost forgot when it was last time, but you remember it so well, and you even know how serious I was back then."

Ning Jue: "Do you want to see it?"

Bai Hua: "I want to."

The two deliberately slowed their pace, with the servant walking ahead and gradually creating a few steps between them.

Ning Jue looked at Bai Hua and said casually, "You can watch any ordinary sword style you want, and I can cooperate whenever I want."

Bai Hua pouted and replied, "But I want to see the Lone Goose Sword Style."

Ning Jue smiled, glanced at her, and thought to himself that she was now much less reserved in front of him and didn't hide anything from him at all.

But she clearly lacks courage.

Ning Jue deliberately said, "It's not impossible, but I have a master's orders to follow, and you know what the prerequisite is."

The prerequisite is that I marry him.

The two must experience intimacy by sharing a bed and sleeping together. Only after she truly becomes his bedmate will she be qualified to see his secret, unseen Lone Goose Sword Techniques.

Bai Hua lowered her eyes and did not dare to respond.

Seeing that she was still hesitant, Ning Jue didn't let her off the hook and pressed on, "So, you don't really want to see it, do you?"

Bai Hua pursed her lips tightly. Faced with the young master's pressure, she was filled with anxiety and couldn't answer a single word for a moment.

She genuinely wanted to see it, and was eager to see it. This matter concerned her brother's safety, and she urgently needed to obtain the sword manual to give to her cousin in order to resolve their current predicament.

But if the only way to obtain the sword technique is by sacrificing herself, she can't get past her own conscience, and she's unwilling to use marriage as a means to deceive the young master again and make him heartbroken.

She remembered all the good things he did for her; how could she continue to repay kindness with ingratitude?

She is not a heartless person.

Seeing that they were about to reach the end of the corridor, Bai Hua composed herself and replied earnestly to Ning Jue, "I am dull-witted and have no talent for martial arts. Please leave your sword techniques to the destined person."

After politely declining, she had already decided that it was impossible for her to complete the mission.

She will leave on her own after accompanying the young master on his final journey.

Ning Jue remained expressionless, softly repeating her words: "A destined person..."

As if fleeing, Bai Hua immediately quickened her pace after saying those words, naturally not hearing Ning Jue say again, "Couldn't it be you?"

Can't you be my destined soulmate?

No one gave him an answer.

...

After leading the two to the Ning family's painting hall, the servant withdrew, and a short while later, a maidservant entered to serve them tea.

There are quite a few paintings on display in the painting hall. I heard from the servant on the way that only the paintings that the owners of the painting hall were satisfied with were framed and hung here to serve as the storefront signboard.

Bai Hua and Ning Jue each looked at their own things.

Because of the few words exchanged earlier, there was a slightly awkward atmosphere between the two.

Bai Hua, in particular, deliberately avoided him.

Seeing this, Ning Jue took the initiative to sit down and drink tea, deliberately keeping a distance from her so that she could be more comfortable alone.

Bai Hua turned her head slightly, naturally noticing, but said nothing, pretending not to notice and continuing to look at the painting.

She started looking at the paintings on the left-hand wall as she entered the room. The paintings varied in size and were of a wide variety.

There are light-colored landscape paintings with bold, freehand brushstrokes, where the blank spaces reveal the natural charm of ink; there are also meticulous flower-and-bird paintings, where the feathers and animals are vividly depicted, and the lines are delicate and smooth.

Walking to the corner, I unexpectedly saw two long religious paintings of Arhats. The Arhats were meditating, their eyes revealing compassion and peace.

Bai Hua couldn't help but agree with what the gatekeeper had just said. The skill level of the successive masters of "Qingyue Painting Hall" was indeed superb, and their reputation was well-deserved.

Just then, a noise came from behind.

Bai Hua turned around and saw Ning Jue slamming the teacup down, the saucer and lid colliding with a crisp sound.

His gaze settled on one spot, and he immediately stood up and walked toward the right wall on his own, finally stopping in front of a painting depicting the Shangsi Festival.

Why is this one painting so special to the young master, who clearly isn't interested in any other paintings?

Bai Hua was curious and concerned, so she went over and asked, "What are you looking at, young master?"

Ning Jue stared intently at the three young men and women in the painting, who were washing their feet in the stream. He pointed to one of them and said hesitantly, "These are my master and mistress."

Bai Hua looked over in surprise.

The figures in the painting are indeed clearly depicted. A young boy and girl are washing their feet and gazing at each other playfully. Behind them, another boy in a blue robe is sitting, craning his neck and tilting his head, as if trying to see what his friends are doing so happily.

However, although the image is clear, the facial features are insufficient, and it seems that the identity cannot be identified through such simple ink.

Bai Hua asked, "How did you recognize him, young master?"

Ning Jue reached out and pointed out a detail to Bai Hua.

The painting depicts a young boy and girl playing. Beside the boy is a sword with a faint moon pattern on the hilt, while behind the girl is a sword tip with a bird-shaped mark near the hilt.

"When the Sword Sect taught my master the Lone Goose Sword Style, they also passed down two precious swords, one called Lone Moon and the other called Wild Goose. Each sword has a unique engraving on its hilt, and I only confirmed it after noticing the details on the blade..."

If that's the case, then it makes sense.

Bai Hua then asked, "Haven't you seen this painting before, young master?"

Ning Jue shook his head: "I have no recollection of it."

Bai Hua looked at the third person in the painting and couldn't help but feel curious.

She pointed and asked, "Who is this senior? Does the young master recognize him?"

The third person in the picture also has distinctive features. He rolled up his sleeve to reveal his arm, which has three moles connected together, making it very special and eye-catching.

As for his identity...

Ning Jue thought about it carefully and guessed, "I once heard that my master had a senior brother who left the sect to make his own way because of differences in their views. There has been no news of him for many years. This person is probably my master's senior brother."

Just as the two were talking, Ning Changlin, the head of "Qingyue Painting Hall", finally arrived late.

He was dressed in a light green robe, with handsome features and an elegant demeanor. Upon entering, he greeted the two of them and treated them with great hospitality.

"When I saw my aunt's family heirloom jade pendant just now, I almost thought I was seeing things. May I ask who you are, young master and young lady, and how you come to have my aunt's old belongings?"

Ning Jue was clearly getting impatient after waiting for so long to see the person.

He skipped the unnecessary pleasantries and went straight to the point, stating his purpose: "I am Ning Jue, passing through Suizhou, and wish to offer incense to my master and mistress."

Upon hearing this, Ning Changlin's face lit up with surprise. He looked Ning Jue up and down and said excitedly, "So you're my aunt and uncle's disciple! I've heard of your reputation as the 'Little Sword Saint' and have always wanted to get to know you."

Bai Hua was taken aback, as it was the first time she had ever heard that the young master had such a reputation in the martial arts world.

However, no matter how imposing a name may be, adding a small character before it diminishes its deterrent power.

Ning Jue glanced at Bai Hua, then looked away, clearly disliking the title.

He said in a cold tone, "We are in a hurry and need to get back to the ferry later. Please lead the way and take us to the ancestral hall to offer incense."

Hearing Ning Jue say this, Ning Changlin had to swallow his words of hospitality.

In that case, it's not appropriate to force the guests to stay.

He looked regretful but was willing to cooperate by leading the way.

Before setting off, Ning Jue pointed to a painting and asked him, "Does the hall master recognize the third figure in this painting?"

Ning Changlin shifted his gaze over, examined it carefully, and replied, "This is a painting left by my grandfather. The one you're referring to should be your master's first disciple, who was also your master's senior brother. I heard that this person wanted to pursue an official career, which conflicted with your master's idea of ​​staying away from the imperial court, so the two had a conflict. After that, this person left the sect. I heard my grandfather mention it occasionally, but I don't know the details."

Ning Jue: "So, did he later become an official? Does Young Master Ning know his name?"

Seeing Ning Jue's curiosity, Ning Changlin gave him face and thought about it carefully for a moment before saying, "This person should be called Dou Wei. As for whether he became an official later, I don't know."

Ning Jue understood the general idea and did not ask any further questions.

Time was of the essence, so the three set off for the Ning Family Ancestral Hall.

After leading the two into the ancestral hall, Ning Changlin discreetly withdrew.

Ning Jue's gaze found the memorial tablets of his master and mistress. He gathered his robes, knelt on the prayer mat, and offered incense.

Bai Hua felt extremely embarrassed standing there, so after thinking for a moment, she took a prayer mat from the side, placed it next to the young master, and knelt down with a thud.

Ning Jue glanced at her unexpectedly.

Bai Hua blushed but didn't turn around to look back.

Ning Jue said, "You don't need to kneel."

Bai Hua sincerely said, "I would also like to pay my respects to the seniors, so that you may bless the young master's journey south and help him turn misfortune into good fortune."

Ning Jue raised an eyebrow and said, "Then thank you?"

Bai Hua quickly shook her head, raised the incense stick, and said, "No need to stand on ceremony."

Ning Jue's lips curled up, and he suddenly turned to face the memorial tablet, raising his voice, "Master and Mistress, if you hear this from heaven, then grant her wish. She treats me as she has never been a stranger, so take her request as my request."

Bai Hua reminded him from the side, "Young master, please speak properly."

Ning Jue: "That's what it means to speak properly."

Bai Hua pursed her lips and quieted down. Ning Jue offered incense and kowtowed three times.

It seemed that many things were left unsaid. With each kowtow, his eyes were filled with turbulent emotions. What Bai Hua could see clearly was longing, reluctance, frustration, and resentment, and... revenge?

In that final, sharp glint in her eyes, Bai Hua was certain she hadn't misread it.

That look clearly contained a murderous intent to seek revenge.

It was... the death of the Sword Saint.

Bai Hua watched as he bent his back, and was moved, feeling that the young master must be carrying a heavy burden.

She felt sorry for him and wanted to share some of his pain.

But the truth is, her origins destined her to be someone who could not share the burden with the young master; instead, she would be a heavy weight pressing down on him.

I can't help...

She can't help.

...

On the way back to the dock after leaving the painting hall, Ning Jue was clearly in low spirits.

Bai Hua, who was close by his side, naturally noticed that the young master was in a low mood and spoke much less than usual.

She didn't want the young master to struggle with those negative emotions alone.

So she lifted her skirt and took a step forward, blocking Ning Jue's path, and said earnestly, "Young master, would you like some candied hawthorn? I'll go over there and buy some for you."

Ning Jue stopped in his tracks, puzzled, and asked, "What?"

Bai Hua pointed to the diagonally behind her and said with a smile, "Young Master likes to eat, right? I'll go buy you a skewer."

Seeing the gentle tears welling up in her eyes, Ning Jue did not refuse.

He nodded slightly and said, "Okay."

Bai Hua smiled, reached out, and skillfully untied the money pouch from Ning Jue's waist, weighing it in her hand.

She does this action often, so it's natural for her, and she's no longer as reserved as before.

But Ning Jue could never get used to it as usual. No matter how many times, he couldn’t ignore the tingling and itchy sensation when her fingertips brushed against the sensitive spot on his waist. The tingling sensation went straight to his scalp. He turned his eyes away, gritted his teeth and endured it, pretending to be calm.

Bai Hua jogged away.

Ning Jue followed her gaze, making sure she remained within his field of vision.

Then, watching Bai Hua tiptoeing and carefully selecting candied hawthorns, the cold loneliness in his eyes slowly dissipated and was replaced by warmth.

The hatred that had been surging in his eyes was gone; at this moment, Bai Hua completely occupied his mind and heart.

Bai Hua quickly selected two skewers, asked the vendor about the price, then opened her purse to pay and received one skewer of candied hawthorn in each hand.

Ning Jue couldn't help but slightly curve the corners of his lips.

As she ran briskly toward him, her bright smile grew clearer and clearer.

In a moment of daze, Ning Jue recalled that when he had made up his mind to let her go, she returned, also with a candied hawthorn.

That was the time he decided he would never let go again.

Bai Hua stopped in front of him, panting, holding the candied hawthorn steadily in her hand, wanting to hand it to him.

Ning Jue reached out, but not to grasp the bamboo skewer of the candied hawthorn.

He gently placed his hand on her waist, then suddenly pulled her close.

Bai Hua lost her balance and stumbled unexpectedly. Ning Jue seized the opportunity to lean in and kiss her deeply.

If you want it, don't hide it.

He made his feelings clear to her.