Chapter 2: The Mountain is Covered in Snow - "You'd better fall in love with me quickly"
The rain was pattering, and the cave was warm.
The firelight cast long, wide shadows on the stone wall, their flickering light dispelling the faint moisture and dampness that had seeped into the cave.
The two shadows were very close together.
A person with disheveled hair and a straight back is meditating in a spiritual posture, like a dark and still ink painting. Beside him is a girl sitting casually, with fluffy flowers in her hair floating in the light and shadow, light and sly.
She wasn't very serious, and after a short while she spoke up: "Senior Brother Wei, do you have to close your eyes when meditating? It's so boring, you can clearly move spirits with your eyes open."
After a moment of silence, a slightly clear voice rang out: "We should speak less when we are on a spiritual journey. If we are to leave this secluded valley, we must recover as soon as possible."
"Okay." Her voice sounded helpless, but the slight upturn at the end betrayed her true feelings.
Lin Feiran gazed at the shadow on the wall, then glanced to the side. Qiu Tong had already closed her eyes, but the corners of her lips were upturned, her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her eyes and brows exuded an undisguised dynamism and liveliness.
If it were before, she would never have understood why Wei Changzai would save Qiu Tong first, since saving her was the safest option both emotionally and logically.
She suddenly understood when she saw them embracing under the tree.
The mind is uncontrollable; when the mind is moved, the body follows, and there is no room for reason or emotion.
Lin Feiran looked at the top of the wall and sighed softly.
She lost her father at a young age and was later taken back to Daohe Palace by Taihui and Qingyu to be raised. However, because the two were busy with palace affairs and could not take care of her, they sent her to Ji Changying's residence to be taught by him. At that time, Wei Changzai was also there.
The young Wei Changzai was quiet and silent, with a mature appearance for her age. She was dressed neatly and stood tall, like a young pine tree still growing. She was also calm and taciturn, always practicing swordsmanship alone in a corner, like a young plum tree waiting to sprout in the wind and snow.
In Ji Changying's palace, there were often only her and Wei Changzai. When she was young, she was not as dull and taciturn as she is now. She was much more lively and bold in the past. Moreover, since she had only been on the mountain for a short time, she often dragged him down the mountain to play.
In spring, I'll take him to pick peaches; in the summer heat, I'll take him boating on the lake; in the autumn equinox, I'll meditate and fish in the wild; and in the winter solstice, I'll take him to search for plum blossoms all over the mountains.
Wei Changzai was intelligent and insightful. Although he was taciturn back then, he was far from being as aloof as he is now. When she teased him, he would purse his lips and blush the tips of his ears.
A handsome young man, as beautiful as jade and as pure as snow, it was only natural to fall in love with him.
A young girl's thoughts are always fickle and impulsive. After Lin Feiran realized her feelings, she chose an opportunity to express them to him.
That day they were fishing on the outskirts of Luoyang. Peach blossoms were in full bloom, and the grass was lush and green. The setting sun shone on his ears, giving them a soft pink hue.
His face was handsome, as white as snow, and the shimmering light reflected on his profile.
"good."
He agreed.
He agreed on his own behalf; Lin Feiran neither coerced nor bribed him, and she always believed that they had feelings for each other.
But at this moment, she couldn't help but think of the words in her dream, "We are just fellow disciples." Before meeting Qiu Tong, she probably wouldn't have believed these words.
Qiu Tong entered Daohe Palace two months ago.
Daohe Palace stands on Sanqing Mountain, where it is snowed in all year round and the weather is bitterly cold in all four seasons. Few people can endure it. Even though Daohe Palace is the top sect, the number of people who come to the mountain to seek the Dao each year is not many compared to other sects. In addition, the selection of disciples is extremely strict, and even fewer people stay.
Of Qiu Tong's batch of new disciples, only fifteen remained.
At that time, she was wearing a light green dress and a white velvet cloak. Her dark eyes looked around, and with her outstanding appearance, she stood out among the disciples. She attracted the attention of many disciples as soon as she entered the sect.
Daohe Palace disciples are not divided into inner and outer sects; they are only distinguished by the year they entered the sect. All of them study together at the Primary School Palace, except for the direct disciples.
All those who are personally taught, regardless of age, are considered senior disciples.
Wei Changzai is intelligent and talented, and is undoubtedly the junior senior brother. Many people want to ask him for answers, but they all hesitate because of his aloof and unapproachable temperament.
Except for Qiu Tong.
She was neither afraid nor bothered by Wei Changzai's aloofness. Whenever she asked him about cultivation, she would smile and speak softly, making it hard for him to refuse.
Qiu Tong was quick to learn and always gained something from every question. Before long, she became one of the best among the new disciples. She was also well-liked by her teachers and was very popular in Daohe Palace.
Two months ago, Wei Changzai invited her to go up the mountain to find plum blossoms, but she was concerned about Elder Xunfang's illness and was busy looking up information in the library, so she declined. Not long after, she received an urgent report and went to Beiyuan with Ji Changying to exorcise demons. They were gone for two months.
During this time, she also sent letters to Wei Changzai, but received no reply.
She knew he was angry, but she didn't know why, so she had to put it aside for the time being and wait until he came back to talk about it.
When he returned, he saw him reading with Qiu Tong under the tree.
Upon seeing her return, Wei Changzai merely looked up, his dark eyes calm and unwavering. He slightly closed the scroll in his hand and said indifferently, "It is good that you and your senior brother have returned safely."
She didn't ask about the letter, and he never brought it up either.
Several days later, Lin Feiran saw the letters on his desk, which were casually covered by several talisman books, with only a corner showing.
She pulled out the letter; the seal was intact, meaning he hadn't even opened it.
Seeing this, Wei Changzai said apologetically, "I'm sorry, I just put it here after receiving it and forgot to read it. What did you write?"
At that moment, Lin Feiran felt as if he had been struck on the head. He had a vague feeling in his heart, but it was not real. He just clutched the corner of the letter and remained silent for a moment before saying, "It's nothing, just some words to let you know I'm safe."
Everything seemed to turn a page just like that; they remained the same as always, except that there was now a girl named Qiu Tong.
Wei Changzai always had a strange and inexplicable patience for her.
Even when she asked what the Zhaohai Realm was, Wei Changzai answered her carefully, and even recounted his thoughts when he broke through to the realm, which was very much indicative of guidance.
Lin Feiran knew then that Qiu Tong might be different.
Only now has she come to this realization.
Qiu Tong was different, of course. Their destined match was like an instant connection. Even though they had only known each other for two months, it was enough to surpass her childhood friendship with Wei Changzai.
"woke up."
His voice echoed in the somewhat empty cave, but Lin Feiran did not answer.
Qiu Tong immediately opened her eyes: "Who? Is Senior Sister Lin awake?"
A series of footsteps sounded in her ear. Before Lin Feiran could get up, the two people were already standing beside her. As they got closer, the shadows on the ceiling gradually lengthened and expanded, eventually merging together and looming over her head.
"Senior sister, are you alright?" Qiu Tong leaned down and asked her.
"It's alright." Lin Feiran's voice was slightly hoarse as she propped herself up on her arms. Her movements weren't very smooth, but thankfully, she had taken the medicine and recovered quite a bit.
Wei Chang remained silent, only handing her the snow sword after she stood up.
This is the sword he gave her, named Lianyan.
The sword was pure white, with a straight silver scabbard and no extra decorations. It was two inches longer than an ordinary sword, and Lin Feiran found it easy to use.
But she did not take it immediately. She just looked at the sword. Wei Changzai remained silent and handed over the sword with a very steady hand, without moving an inch.
A silent silence spread, leaving only the sound of sparks exploding.
After an unknown amount of time, Lin Feiran lowered his eyes and took the item. Without looking at the two of them, he walked towards the cave entrance and said, "It's almost dawn. The ancient path in the secluded valley will close during the day, so we can't stay any longer. I'll go and clear the way."
Qiu Tong's gaze lingered on the two of them before she walked to Wei Changzai's side and whispered, "Senior brother, let's go quickly, it's almost dawn."
Wei Changzai stood there for a few breaths until Lin Feiran walked out of the cave before he followed.
*
Sanqing Mountain is covered in snow all year round, and the mountain is full of green pines. From a distance, it looks like a mix of green and white. There is also a stone staircase with 3,330 steps winding up the mountain, which stands out as a strong bluish-gray against the snow.
The steps were covered in snow, and spirit-locking chains were laid on the stairs, serving both as anti-slip and spirit-locking mechanisms. If anyone came, they would have to walk up the mountain. Therefore, disciples who made mistakes were often punished by sweeping the snow off the steps.
The crunching sound of footsteps on snow came from not far away, the footsteps were very heavy. The young disciple put down his broom and looked ahead. He saw a person climbing the steps, and he looked very familiar.
The young disciple recognized the person and immediately stepped forward, but upon seeing the scene, he was stunned: "...What happened?"
Qiu Tong gritted her teeth, supporting one person on each shoulder, her steps trembling. Even the icy heat of her breath couldn't cool her flushed face. Sweat dripped continuously from her already soaked cheeks. She opened her mouth, her voice heavy with exhaustion, and said, "Don't just stare! They've collapsed from exhaustion, call for help!"
The young disciple looked closely and saw that the two blood-soaked figures were none other than Wei Changzai and Lin Feiran. He couldn't help but shout and run back to the mountain gate: "Senior Brother Wei is injured!"
Upon hearing this, the nearby disciples gathered around, calling out "Senior Brother" in a flurry of voices. Amidst the chaos, they took the person away, and the group left in a grand procession, leaving one person behind in front of the mountain gate.
Ninghe Residence was the residence of Consort Wei. The courtyard contained a clear pool filled with bubbling hot spring water. The hot pool in the cold weather, with its misty atmosphere, resembled a fairyland.
At this moment, many people crowded in the corridor, most of them having come to see the excitement after hearing the news. Looking at the tightly closed door, they couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
"It seems he was injured while searching for medicine for Elder Xunfang."
"Without this medicine, will Elder Xunfang's cultivation level drop again?"
...
Outside, the disciples were whispering amongst themselves, but inside, it was very quiet.
After Xunfang carefully healed Wei Changzai's injuries, she covered him with a blanket and turned to look at Qiutong.
"This child has always been in good health. This time, he just used up too much spiritual energy and is temporarily exhausted. He'll be fine after a few days of rest. By the way, what kind of monster did you encounter while gathering herbs in the secluded valley?"
Upon hearing this, Qiu Tong lowered her eyes, feeling somewhat guilty: "A vine beast of unknown cultivation level. If I hadn't been careless, I wouldn't have disturbed it."
Elder Xunfang sighed, then took Qiutong's hand, her eyes softening.
“Good children, it’s enough that you have this intention, why risk your lives?”
Xunfang injured her spiritual veins while exorcising demons in her early years, causing her cultivation level to plummet. She not only needs this medicinal ingredient to stabilize her spiritual veins, but also to prolong her life.
After all, if her cultivation level drops, her lifespan will also be affected.
Qiu Tong was slightly taken aback, and said softly, "Elder, the medicine is with Senior Sister Lin."
Xunfang paused, then asked, "...Why haven't I seen her?"
Qiu Tong lowered her head: "When we left the valley, we were surrounded by many demonic beasts. Senior sister and senior brother were already injured, and they tried their best to break through the encirclement. They collapsed from exhaustion as soon as they reached the foot of the mountain. I had no choice but to carry them to the front of the mountain gate... It was chaotic at the time, and everyone was in a hurry. Perhaps one of the senior brothers or sisters took them to Fangcao Hall to treat their injuries."
Just then, the murmurs outside suddenly grew louder, buzzing like a swarm of bees dancing wildly.
Xunfang sighed, opened the door, and feigned anger, saying, "What's all this commotion about?"
She stopped speaking, her eyes narrowing slightly.
A biting wind swept by, dispersing the wisps of mist rising from the warm pool. In this hazy atmosphere, a blood-red girl stood in the snow, letting the wind blow, like a pine tree standing firmly yet not swaying.
She clutched a medicine pouch in her hand: "Elder Xunfang, I've found that medicine."
A faint smell of blood wafted in the cold wind, and the medicine pouch was stained red, but her eyes were very clear, like a warm spring flowing in the snow, pure and unblemished.
Xunfang's lips were stiff; though curved, no smile could be found in her eyes. She didn't know what to say, and there was no small talk; she never chatted much with Lin Feiran.
Just then, the door creaked open, and Qiu Tong came out rubbing her shoulder.
Lin Feiran pursed her lips and remained silent.
There were many people, but none of them were related to her. It was a female disciple who had just started her training who secretly woke her up when no one was around.
The familiar dizziness returned, and Lin Feiran opened her mouth to say something, but before she could speak, the world spun around her, and she fell into the snow. The blood on her body seeped into the surrounding ice and snow, turning into a pale pink.
Xun Fang hesitated for a moment, then strode toward Lin Feiran and shouted, "What are you standing there for? Quickly carry her to Fangcao Hall!"
People rushed over and hurriedly helped Lin Feiran up. Xun Fang's eyes flickered slightly. She took Lin Feiran's hand and reached down to the medicine pouch, but Lin Feiran held it tightly and couldn't tear it off.
She clicked her tongue slightly, stood up and stepped aside, instructing the young disciple who helped her up: "Hurry up, don't disturb your Senior Brother Wei."
The group left again, and those who remained couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
"So it was she who took the herbs."
"Is the herbal medicine the priority right now? Look closely, the person guarding your senior brother's room is Qiu Tong."
"If I remember correctly, Senior Brother Wei and Lin Feiran are engaged, aren't they?"
"So what? I don't think this marriage will necessarily happen."
*
With a creak, the door closed.
Qiu Tong lifted her skirt and took a few steps forward. Suddenly, she covered her mouth, a hint of worry in her eyes, and said in a slightly soft voice, "Senior Sister, why haven't you gone to get treatment yet? Weren't there many people in front of the mountain gate just now? Could it be..."
After saying that, she couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Of course she has to cover her lips, otherwise what if someone sees her laughing?
If it weren't for the fact that Lin Feiran had indeed saved her this time, she wouldn't have gone through all that trouble to bring him to the top of the mountain.
Anyway, she brought the person back, which can be considered as repaying this favor. But the fact that no one came to her aid at the mountain gate is not her fault. She can only blame Lin Feiran for his many evil deeds and for suffering the consequences.
She turned and sat on the edge of the bed, propping her chin up as she looked at Wei Changzai sleeping soundly, her gaze gentle and joyful.
“Wei Changzai, it must be the heavens’ mercy that has allowed me to be reborn and return to the present to see you. You probably don’t know how long I was heartbroken after you saved Lin Fei in the last life… But in this life, since you saved me first, I won’t hold it against you. Let’s be together and not quarrel anymore.”
"Lin Feiran schemed against us like that before, so it's not unreasonable for me to retaliate in kind, is it? You know how wicked she is, right?"
"Besides, this was just a minor punishment. Actually, I don't hate her that much anymore, considering what happened later... Perhaps letting her leave here would be better for both of us and for her."
...
"Wei Changzai, you'd better fall in love with me quickly this time, you understand?"
A note from the author:
It seems some readers have misunderstood. The male lead is the white peacock mentioned in the title; he hasn't appeared yet. Wei Changzai is the second male lead.
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