Junior Brother
The sunlight at Shengyang Cliff was incredibly warm. Several unnamed spiritual trees along the cliff edge were blooming with pale golden flowers, their petals falling into the crystal-clear spiritual spring, swirling and slowly sinking. The spring water seeped from the cracks in the cliff face, forming a shallow pool.
Xie Linyang had been sitting on the stone platform by the spring for a whole day.
She wore a plain white dress, her long hair loosely draped over her shoulders. Compared to three years ago, her cheeks were thinner, her complexion rosy, but her eyes were more serene and clear than before.
At this moment, she looked down at her palm, where a warm golden light flowed between her fingers. This was the appearance of spiritual power manifesting after the Sheng Yang Technique had been cultivated to its highest level.
After a year of slumber and a year of awakening, yet unable to leave the cliff, it is now the third spring.
She was already able to walk and circulate her internal energy without hindrance, but a chilling coldness lingered in her heart, the last mark left by Wen Ruohan's dying curse.
Master said that it needs to be nurtured by the pure yang earth veins and spiritual springs of this place for three years before it can be completely eradicated.
Footsteps, deliberately heavy yet still light, came from behind.
Xie Linyang didn't even turn his head, and withdrew his spiritual power from his palm. "Master, you didn't sleep in today?"
"You have no manners." Baoshan Sanren sat down on the stone stool next to her, his faded gray-blue Taoist robe casually worn, a few strands of silver hair slipping out from his simple wooden hairpin, which she casually brushed back. "I am living in harmony with heaven and earth, what do you know?"
Xie Linyang turned his head and looked at his master's face, which looked to be around fifty years old but whose actual age was a mystery.
In the past six years, it seems... nothing has changed. If one had to say, the playfulness in her eyes is now more deeply hidden, but Xie Linyang knows her too well; this person has no intention of seriously pretending to be a hermit in front of her disciple.
"With the spiritual energy fully integrated, the cold and yin energy will be completely eliminated in another two months." Baoshan Sanren stretched, his movements as natural as an old lady sitting in the sun at the village entrance. "When that time comes, you can roll down the mountain whenever you want, so you won't have to stare at the air all day and hurt my eyes."
Xie Linyang didn't respond to that question, but simply looked at his master quietly.
Baoshan Sanren glanced at her sideways: "What's wrong? After three years of training down the mountain, you've learned to act profound?"
“Master,” Xie Linyang began, “I have come to understand some things over the past six years.”
"Oh?" Baoshan Sanren raised an eyebrow, took out an oil paper package from his sleeve, opened it to find several pieces of sesame candy that looked very sweet, picked up a piece for himself, and said indistinctly, "Tell me about it, and I'll give you a score. Make it clear first, if you don't do well, you won't get any candy."
Looking at the sesame candy, Xie Linyang suddenly remembered that when she was first taken in, her master was the same way, always conjuring up all sorts of snacks when she cried during her training. At that time, she thought that her master was the kind of person who didn't eat candy, but it turned out that this person not only loved sweets, but also often secretly went down the mountain to buy storybooks, although he always put on a stern face and said that he was "investigating the ways of the world".
“I’m thinking about what the ‘Tao’ is,” she said slowly.
Baoshan Sanren paused in his chewing of candy, and the nonchalant look in his eyes lessened: "Continue."
"Ten years ago, you took me in, saying I had a soul from another world, unbound by the laws of this world. Later, when the Shadow Grass appeared, you told me to descend the mountain, saying my path lay in the mundane world." Xie Linyang paused. "In the three years I've been down the mountain, I've witnessed the deepest evil and encountered the truest good. Wen Ruohan proved his path through destruction, and all living beings blossomed amidst suffering. My life was protected by many who risked their lives—Jiang Cheng's, Wei Wuxian's, Lan Wangji's, Wen Qing's… even," she softened her voice, "Meng Yao's."
Baoshan Sanren didn't speak, but listened quietly.
“So this disciple has understood.” Xie Linyang raised his head, his eyes clear. “The Dao is not in the high places, but in the low places. It is not in transcendence, but in engagement with the world. The Sheng Yang Jue cultivates the Yang energy of heaven and earth, but no matter how abundant the Yang energy of heaven and earth is, it cannot warm a cold heart. What this disciple wants to cultivate is the 'Yang' that can warm people’s hearts.”
She stretched out her hand, and golden light shone from her palm once more. This time, the light was as gentle as spring sunshine on snow, with tiny runes faintly flowing within its halo, endlessly alive: "This disciple seeks neither ascension nor immortality. I only wish to use this cultivation to protect those glimmers of light in the mortal realm that refuse to be extinguished. Whether it's a single lamp or a cluster, I will protect them for as long as I can. This mortal realm... is worthwhile."
The cliff edge fell silent.
Only the sound of the wind blowing through the sacred tree and the petals falling softly into the spring water could be heard.
Baoshan Sanren stuffed the last half of the sesame candy into his mouth, chewed it slowly, and patted the candy residue off his hands.
Then she suddenly reached out and vigorously ruffled Xie Linyang's hair, making his long, well-groomed hair a complete mess.
"Stupid," she said, but her voice carried a hint of amusement, "stupider than your junior brother."
Xie Linyang let her rub his eyes; his eyes felt a little hot.
“What’s so good about the mortal world? People’s hearts are complicated, full of scheming and backstabbing,” Baoshan Sanren withdrew his hand, then took out a piece of candy from his sleeve and handed it to Xie Linyang this time. “But you’re the kind of fool who’s willing to fall into it, insisting on clinging to these mundane things, trying to warm a cold heart, insisting that this world is worth living. Fine, since you’ve made up your mind, then go for it. My disciples never need to follow the rules of heaven and earth, just follow their own hearts.”
She coughed, straightened her expression, and tried to put on a serious face: "In short, you've chosen a good path. Better than your teacher. When I chose my path, I was only thinking about how to be lazy... no, how to transcend worldly affairs."
Xie Linyang bit into the candy, the sweetness melting on her tongue, and couldn't help but smile.
"What are you laughing at?" Baoshan Sanren glared at her, but there was no intimidation in his eyes. "Remember this, this road is not easy. People's hearts are unpredictable, and there are countless instances where good intentions are wasted. You will get tired, you will get hurt, you will be let down, and you will be misunderstood."
"This disciple understands."
"You knew it, yet you still chose it?"
"We need to choose."
Baoshan Sanren stared at her for a long time, so long that Xie Linyang thought his master was about to launch into another long-winded lecture. Suddenly, she sighed, relaxed, and reverted to her lazy old lady self.
"Alright, alright, the kids' grown up, I can't control them anymore." She waved her hand. "Anyway, if you're tired or hurt, just come back. Shengyangya may not have much else, but we'll give you plenty of sesame candy. Oh, by the way, remember to bring me some newly published storybooks next time you go down the mountain. I've already read through all the ones you sent me last time..."
"Master," Xie Linyang interrupted her softly.
"what?"
"thank you."
Baoshan Sanren paused, turned his face away, and muttered, "So cheesy. Hurry up and heal your injuries and get lost, so you don't keep hanging around in front of me and disturbing my sleep."
But Xie Linyang noticed that the tips of his master's ears were a little red.
That afternoon, Xiao Xingchen arrived.
The sixteen-year-old boy stood tall and straight like a bamboo shoot, dressed in spotless white robes, carrying the Frostflower Sword on his back, his eyes radiating a gentle, refined air. He carried a bamboo basket, the tea and snacks arranged neatly, even the orientation of the teacups was meticulous.
"Senior sister." He sat down opposite her, pouring tea with practiced ease.
"Thank you for your help again." Xie Linyang took the teacup and looked at his junior brother's increasingly handsome face. He suddenly remembered his master's private comments: "Xingchen is good in every way, but he's too serious. It's no fun to tease him."
Xiao Xingchen sat upright, his gaze fixed on Xie Linyang's face, and said earnestly, "Shijie's complexion is much better."
"Yes, it'll be ready soon."
The two drank tea in silence for a while. A mountain breeze blew by, causing the hem of Xiao Xingchen's white robes to flutter gently. Gazing at the surging sea of clouds beyond the cliff, he suddenly asked, "Senior Sister, what is the world below the mountain like...?"
He had asked this question more than once.
Xie Linyang put down his teacup and thought for a moment: "There are many delicious foods. Lotus seed soup from Lotus Pier, lotus root starch from Yunmeng, and Emperor's Smile from Suzhou, but Master doesn't allow me to drink them, saying that alcohol affects my cultivation."
“There are people too,” Xie Linyang continued, his tone becoming more serious. “There are good people, bad people, and people who are neither good nor bad. Some people will sell everything for profit, while others will risk their lives for strangers. The area down the mountain is very complex, a million times more complex than Shengyang Cliff.”
"So... does Senior Sister like the area down the mountain?"
"I like it." Xie Linyang answered without hesitation, "Even though I've been hurt and seen many bad things, I still like it."
"Why?"
“Because it’s real.” She smiled. “Cultivating on the cliff, everything is pure. But it’s different down below the mountain. There’s flesh and blood, laughter and tears, love and hate. Living there… feels more like living.”
Xiao Xingchen lowered his eyes and looked at his reflection in the cup.
After a long while, he said softly, "Senior sister, I want to go down the mountain."
Xie Linyang looked at him quietly. A pure and unwavering light of longing danced in the boy's eyes.
She remembered her master mentioning casually that Xiao Xingchen was destined for a tribulation, but he didn't say what kind of tribulation it was, only muttering, "Children always have to go through trials and tribulations when they grow up."
"If you want to go, then go," she finally said, patting her junior brother's shoulder. "Just remember, the foot of the mountain is not the same as the top of the cliff. Think things through before you draw your sword. Human hearts... are sometimes harder to deal with than evil spirits."
Xiao Xingchen nodded emphatically: "I've got it."
"Also," Xie Linyang smiled, "remember to buy yourself some good food, and don't always have such a serious face. Master said that people who are too serious age easily."
Xiao Xingchen was taken aback, but still replied earnestly, "Yes."
Time passed day by day.
The sound-communication jade talisman lights up precisely every ten days. Jiang Cheng's voice changes from initial excitement to later calmness, but his closing line, "Come back soon," never changes.
He told her that Lotus Pier had been rebuilt and the lotus pond had doubled in size, and it would be very beautiful when the flowers bloomed in the summer.
He said that Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji killed a hundred-year-old corpse king in Baling last month. Wei Wuxian almost misused the Yin Tiger Seal again and was taken back to Cloud Recesses and confined by Lan Wangji. Although it is said that the two of them "sparred in magic" in the Jingshi every day during the confinement period.
He said that Lan Xichen had become the Chief Cultivator, with Jin Zixuan assisting him, and the two of them were managing the affairs of the cultivation sect very well. He also said that his senior sister was already engaged to Jin Zixuan and was just waiting for her to return.
As for Meng Yao...
“Someone saw him once in the Southern Frontier.” Jiang Cheng’s voice came through the jade talisman, devoid of emotion. “He was alone, dressed in plain clothes. He avoided people from the immortal sects, neither speaking nor getting close. His cultivation seemed to have improved, but… that’s all.”
Xie Linyang held the slightly warm jade talisman, remaining silent for a long time.
The last two months went by quickly.
On the day of the Beginning of Summer, the sun was shining brightly at Shengyang Cliff.
Xie Linyang changed into the blue robe that his master had already washed and mended, and pushed open the door of the bamboo hut.
Baoshan Sanren stood at the door, holding a bundle in his hand.
"Here." She shoved the bundle over. "A few new clothes, the material is so-so, but they won't make you feel hot. And this—" She pulled a paper package from her bosom and stuffed it into Xie Linyang's hand. "Sesame candy, eat it on the road. Don't let your junior brother see it, that kid's been keeping a close eye on me lately about my candy, it's so annoying."
Xie Linyang, holding the bundle and candy, was both amused and exasperated.
"Master, your disciple..."
"Alright, alright, stop with the formalities." Baoshan Sanren interrupted her, reaching out to straighten her collar, his movements rough but careful. "Remember, come back when you're tired. Shengyangya will always have a bed for you, a pot of tea, and a packet of sugar."
She paused, then lowered her voice, "Also, your junior brother... when he comes down the mountain, please keep an eye on him for me. That boy is too honest and easily taken advantage of."
"Disciple understands."
Baoshan Sanren took a step back, looked her up and down, and suddenly smiled: "Go. Remember to bring me some storybooks."
"must."
Xiao Xingchen also came to see them off.
The boy was unusually energetic today, and the Frostflower Sword gleamed on his back.
"Senior sister, take care." He bowed solemnly. "When I descend the mountain, I will definitely visit Yunmeng."
"Okay, I'll be waiting for you, Senior Sister." Xie Linyang patted his shoulder with a smile. "Remember, don't be too serious, remember to smile."
Xiao Xingchen nodded vigorously, trying to curve his lips into a smile. Although the smile was a bit stiff, he managed to smile nonetheless.
Xie Linyang took one last look at Shengyang Cliff, then at his master waving from in front of the bamboo hut and his junior brother trying to smile, before turning around and walking down the stone steps into the sea of clouds.
The stone steps were long, and the mist was gradually thinning. Beside the official road at the foot of the mountain, the simple carriage still stood.
And beside the carriage, there was a figure in purple robes standing with his hands behind his back.
Three years had passed, and Jiang Cheng's features were more defined; his shoulders were broader, and the composure of a sect leader had settled between his brows.
But at this moment, that composure shattered—he stared intently at the stone steps, as if he had been nailed to the spot the moment she appeared.
Xie Linyang quickened his pace.
The final stage.
She stepped onto the land at the foot of the mountain and raised her head.
Jiang Cheng moved. He almost rushed over, but stopped abruptly two steps away from her, his breathing rapid, his eyes fixed on her as if to confirm that this was not a dream.
"Jiang Cheng," she spoke first.
That sound seemed to unlock something, and Jiang Cheng stepped forward, reaching out to pull her tightly into his arms. The force was so great that she staggered slightly, but he immediately caught her firmly.
His shoulders were shaking.
“Three years…” His voice was hoarse. “You said two years, but I waited an extra year.”
"Your injury is healing a little slowly," she said softly, hugging him back. "I'm sorry."
Jiang Cheng hugged her for a long time, so long that Xie Linyang thought he wouldn't say anything more, before he loosened his grip slightly, but still held her wrist. He looked her up and down, his brows furrowed tightly: "You've lost weight."
"Master has taken good care of me."
"Shengyangya doesn't even have meat, does it? Go back and have the kitchen make soup. My sister has prepared three months' worth of medicinal herbs..."
He chattered on and on, leading her toward the carriage, as if the past three years had been nothing more than her going out for a stroll.
Xie Linyang let him lead her, listening to his somewhat incoherent arrangements, and the empty space in her heart that had been there for three years was gradually filled with warmth.
She glanced back before the carriage started moving.
The clouds and mist over Shengyang Cliff closed up again, completely obscuring that secluded world.
But she knew it wasn't goodbye forever.
It's just the beginning of another chapter.
Inside the car, Jiang Cheng was still holding her hand tightly. He looked at her, his eyes churning with too many emotions, which ultimately culminated in a single sentence:
"Welcome back, A-Yang."
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