Heaven’s Shadow

A green leaf tumbled a few times off the old eaves before being lifted by the wind, drifting through the alley and gently falling into the distance. In the quiet little shop, a pot of hot tea and two cups sat on the table. Steam rose from the clear tea, dispersing a unique fragrance into the air.

“How does it taste? This is a rare top-grade tea,” Lu Chen asked Lao Ma.

Lao Ma smacked his lips a few times, then said seriously, “I can’t tell. It feels about the same as the coarse tea I usually drink.”

“You uncultured brute!” Lu Chen glanced at him disdainfully, shook his head, and took another sip from his cup. “Smell this aroma and savor the lingering sweetness in your mouth. It’s at least ten times better than your lousy tea!”

Lao Ma grinned and said, “I still prefer my black tea. It’s strong and satisfying. This tea is too bland; it barely has any flavor.”

Lu Chen waved his hand at him, looking as if he had given up on the fat man’s taste.

Lao Ma chuckled, kicked a bundle over, and placed it on the table. “Here are the things you asked for. Why do you need all this miscellaneous stuff? The bones might be considered spirit materials, but what do you need a cinnabar talisman pen for? Are you going to draw talismans?”

He stared at Lu Chen. “I remember you haven’t learned that skill.”

Lu Chen scoffed, grabbed the bundle, and placed it beside him. Without hesitation, he retorted, “Even if I don’t know talisman techniques, with my talent, I can learn anything. What do you know? Stop bragging.”

※※※

Outside, the alley was deep and quiet. Inside, the fragrance of tea lingered as the two sat facing each other.

“You asked me to investigate those two women last time. I’ve got some news,” Lao Ma said in a lowered voice.

Lu Chen’s hand paused slightly as he poured tea, then he said, “Go on.”

“Su Qingjun is normal, but the girl from the Bai family seems a bit strange.”

Lu Chen’s brow furrowed slightly, but he remained silent.

“These two women were really hard to investigate. They’re treasured by their families, guarded tightly. But because they’re famous, some rumors and stories have still surfaced,” Lao Ma said, not immediately revealing the strange part.

“Rumors?” Lu Chen looked at him. “Are they reliable?”

Lao Ma shrugged. “No choice. These two girls are being watched closely by their families and the Kunlun Sect. Any big move would alert them, so it has to be done slowly. Do you want to hear the rumors, or should we wait until I dig up more concrete information?”

Lu Chen took a sip of tea and said, “We’ve got time. Tell me the rumors.”

“Su Qingjun has been the beloved daughter of the main family since childhood. Recognized early for her talent, she’s always been cherished by the Su family, treated like a precious jewel. She received the best education, practiced the best and most suitable cultivation methods, is intelligent, well-mannered, and has a stunningly beautiful face. I’ve never seen such a perfect woman.”

Lao Ma sighed and said, “I wonder which man will be lucky enough to be her Dao companion.”

Lu Chen commented, “Who knows about others, but you have no chance.”

Lao Ma snapped, “You talk too much, as if you have a chance.”

Lu Chen laughed heartily and drained his cup.

Ignoring him, Lao Ma continued, “Compared to Su Qingjun, Bai Lian is a bit odd. It’s said she’s not from the main branches of the Bai family but a distant relative. Two years ago, no one had heard of her. It’s like she suddenly appeared out of nowhere as a genius.”

Lu Chen slowly put down his cup, looking at Lao Ma. They exchanged glances for a moment, then Lu Chen nodded. “It does sound suspicious.”

Lao Ma said, “I’ve discreetly asked around, but all the information is from the past two years. Before that, her earlier years are completely blank. No one mentioned her, as if no one knew she existed.”

Lu Chen’s fingers lightly tapped the table. After a moment of pondering, he said, “But if Bai Lian’s background is questionable, the Kunlun Sect wouldn’t allow Bai Chen Zhenjun to take her as a disciple.”

Lao Ma nodded. “Of course. Bai Chen Zhenjun has a high status. His disciples are thoroughly vetted by the Kunlun Sect.”

Lu Chen thought for a while. “During my time on Kunlun Mountain, I’ve heard several rumors about Bai Chen Zhenjun and the Bai family. Do they have any real connection?”

Lao Ma immediately shook his head. “I know this for sure. They have no connection. Bai Chen’s title was given by Patriarch Tianhong. The ‘Bai’ is just a coincidence.”

Lu Chen said, “I see. Then continue investigating. Hold off on Su Qingjun for now. Focus on Bai Lian, especially her life before joining the Bai family. Dig it all up if you can.”

Lao Ma glanced at him and said, “Have you noticed something? Why are you staring so intently at this ten-year-old girl? If something is wrong, you need to tell me.”

Lu Chen smiled faintly and said, “I just feel that she is a bit peculiar.”

Lao Ma shrugged and said, “Alright, I’ll investigate slowly. Be careful on the mountain.”

※※※

The next day, the clear sky poured sunlight over the Liuxiang Garden. Inside a large hall outside the medicinal garden, Yi Xin was with Yan Luo, as usual, making tea for her and chatting to pass the time.

The fragrant tea wafted in the air as Yan Luo took the cup Yi Xin handed her, took a sip, and then squinted her eyes, praising, “Good tea.”

Yi Xin chuckled beside her, deftly pouring herself a cup as well.

Yan Luo lightly patted the tea table and sighed with a bit of a smile, “Cultivating and drinking tea, keeping the heart as calm as water—this state of mind is something I heard from my master when I was young, but only now do I vaguely understand it.”

Yi Xin laughed and said, “That’s impossible, Shishu. Your cultivation is so high; you must have surpassed what Shizun talked about long ago.”

Yan Luo glared at her and scolded with a smile, “You little girl, stop flattering! My master’s cultivation was extraordinary, a top-notch Yuan Ying true person. How could I compare to her?”

Yi Xin stuck out her tongue.

Yan Luo drank her tea and put the cup on the tray. Yi Xin immediately refilled it for her and said, “Shishu, it’s been a while now, why is there still no news from my master?”

Yan Luo was silent for a moment, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes, “Indeed, it shouldn’t take this long. Could it be that he encountered some huge problem while breaking through the life-and-death barrier?”

Yi Xin was shocked and asked, “What, is my master in danger?”

Yan Luo replied, “Life-and-death barrier means exactly that—if you pass, you live; if you retreat, there is great peril. There’s always risk involved.”

“Ah…” Yi Xin was a bit lost for a moment before sighing softly.

Yan Luo looked at her and couldn’t help but touch her face gently, saying softly, “Don’t worry. Although that old rascal usually isn’t very proper, he has a tough life. He won’t die that easily.”

Yi Xin forced a smile and said, “Got it. I hope Shifu has a blessed fate.”

Just as Yan Luo was about to say more, they suddenly heard footsteps outside. A moment later, a clear and pleasant voice called, “Is Shishu Yan Luo here? Disciple Su Qingjun comes to pay her respects.”

Yan Luo and Yi Xin were both startled, then sat properly. Yan Luo said, “Yes, come in.”

A faint red silhouette flashed, and Su Qingjun, draped in a beautiful red feather cloak, entered. She first bowed to Yan Luo and smiled, “Greetings, Shishu Yan Luo.”

Yan Luo smiled, “You are now a Jindan cultivator. No need to be so formal. Come and sit with us.”

Su Qingjun, with a gentle smile, said, “Thank you, Shishu.” She walked over.

Yi Xin stood up and smiled at Su Qingjun, “Sister Su, you’re here.”

Su Qingjun nodded and smiled at her, “Yes, it’s been a few days, and you seem even more beautiful.”

Yi Xin giggled, poured a cup of tea for Su Qingjun, and said, “Sister, have some tea.”

Su Qingjun thanked her, took a sip, and then said to Yan Luo, “Shishu, I came this time to specifically thank you.”

Yan Luo waved her hand, “It’s a small matter, not worth mentioning.”

Su Qingjun, however, earnestly said, “The ‘Red Amber Pill’ is not easy to refine. Besides the rare materials, you put in a lot of effort to make it for me, helping me break through to the Jindan stage. I am deeply grateful. Even my father specifically instructed me to express our sincere thanks to you.”

As she spoke, she took out a jade box, held it with both hands, and handed it to Yan Luo, “A small token, not enough to repay your kindness, but please accept it.”

Yan Luo smiled, looked at Su Qingjun for a moment, then took the jade box and sighed, “Your father is lucky to have such an outstanding daughter. Truly, you’re lovely and admirable.”

Su Qingjun lowered her head slightly, a blush appearing on her face, making her look even more beautiful, like a lily swaying in the wind, “Shishu, you flatter me.”

Yan Luo observed her and smiled, “Your aura is steady now. Have you almost stabilized your realm?”

Su Qingjun replied, “Almost, but I’ve been feeling a bit uneasy and short of breath during cultivation recently. My master advised me to take some ‘Eagle Fruits,’ which should help in about a month.”

Yan Luo nodded, “Yes, Eagle Fruits are indeed very beneficial for your ‘Dark Moon Art.’ Your master is right.”

Su Qingjun smiled and stood up, “So, I came to ask for your help again this time.” (To be continued.)