The crowd around was somewhat noisy, and Su Bei gently crouched down to look at her.
That timid appearance was heart-wrenching. He raised his hand to touch her somewhat downcast little face, faintly discerning the faint sheen of tears in her eyes.
It was unclear whether it was from the bump or from what was on her mind.
"What's troubling you? Tell me," he asked gently.
"..."
He couldn't help but smile wryly. How come every disciple he took on had some inner turmoil?
The Sword Maiden shook her head, looking at Su Bei with a serious expression as she waved her hands.
She had always been grateful to Su Bei, even willing to give everything for him, even if it meant merely being a wager of his. But when that day truly came, she didn't want to let him down or see the disappointment in his eyes. She wanted to see his smile, to accept his tenderness with a more tranquil heart... But how could she tell him all this? Even if she did... he would surely comfort her, telling her not to be afraid, that her winning or losing wasn't that important.
Yes, to Master, it might not be important; he might laugh it off. But this was her only value as his disciple! She didn't want to disappoint him; she didn't want to be merely a disciple he pitied!
...
Su Bei sighed. "Is it inconvenient to talk about?"
He stood up, took her hand, and they walked forward, stepping on the bluestone pavers that formed the path, taking in the lively, worldly atmosphere.
Jiangnan, a place he had long yearned for. Gazing at its white walls and black tiles, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Perhaps after the Ascension Platform, he would have to visit the South Wind Empire. For one thing, there was the Evil Qi within Dan Wulan. Although it was currently suppressed and would gradually dissipate over time, it would still be best to eliminate it sooner rather than later! And secondly, he also wanted to meet the Confucian Sage, Li Qiu, and that mysterious, intelligent, and graceful young mistress of the Confucian School, Li Zijun.
Seeing a beautiful dangling hairpin, Su Bei bought it and gently pinned it to the Sword Maiden's hair, smiling as he said, "You can tell me anything. Think of this as your home."
"..."
Looking at her heart-wrenching little face, Su Bei tilted his head. The Sword Maiden's current state reminded him of his previous life—of the distraction and extreme anxiety he'd felt as college entrance exams approached. Had he put too much pressure on her back then on the high platform? He himself had just gotten carried away in the heat of the moment; he never really expected her to be able to defeat the disciples of Wuhua Palace.
There was some commotion in the crowd ahead; it turned out to be an opera troupe performing.
"A winding path flanked by crimson towers, a noble scion first steers his grand carriage. All along Qingxi are magnolia trees, yet they pale before Dongfeng's peach and plum blossoms."
The intricate beat of gongs and drums sounded. Anyone fond of opera would recognize this as 'Peach Blossom Fan,' a famous piece from Kunqu opera.
Soon, a figure in a *dan* role emerged from behind the curtain, swaying with captivating grace. She held a folding fan that half-concealed her face, which was as exquisitely painted as a masterpiece of fine-line art; her every frown and smile was breathtakingly beautiful. Her singing was melodious, its notes seeming to linger around the beams for days. She had phoenix eyes and rouged lips.
"Xiang Jun has come out!"
"Xiang Jun!"
A large crowd surrounded the opera troupe, erupting in cheers. Su Bei watched the performance with great interest. He noticed out of the corner of his eye that the Sword Maiden beside him was also standing on tiptoe, desperately trying to see the actors on stage through the dense crowd.
Alas, her frame was too delicate; she could hardly make her way through the layers of people.
Seeing the Sword Maiden finally show a spark of interest in something, Su Bei smiled tenderly. Before she could react, he bent down and lifted her into his arms.
The Sword Maiden's body instinctively trembled. Her dark eyes widened, and her small face flushed crimson, yet she did not struggle.
Su Bei held her. She felt incredibly light, as delicate as if she had no weight at all. Her gaze was fixed intently on the star actor on stage, whose face was half-hidden by a Peach Blossom Fan.
Because she was so petite, holding her in his arms felt somewhat like holding a child. Su Bei could feel the smoothness of her delicate skin and its warmth beneath the thin silk of her dress.
However, unlike with those two prodigal disciples of his, he felt no primal urge. The Sword Maiden, on the other hand, seemed a bit nervous, her delicate hands clutching Su Bei's arm tightly, afraid she might fall.
Su Bei gently patted her small hand. Her fingers were slender, her palm slightly warm. A sense of tranquility settled over him as he watched the opera with her.
An unknown amount of time passed before Su Bei suddenly felt a warm wetness on his hand. Looking down, he saw tears streaming from the Sword Maiden's eyes. They dripped onto his large hand and dampened his sleeve.
"What's wrong?"
The Sword Maiden looked at him with tear-filled eyes and made a few light gestures. Su Bei understood what she was trying to convey. He held her closer, reaching out to gently wipe away her tears, his eyes full of compassion.
Her mother's favorite had been this very opera, 'Peach Blossom Fan.'
「High above, in an elegant private room within the Carved Railing Jade Pavilion」
A refined middle-aged man hummed a tune, watching the performance on stage. An actor on stage was singing: "Autumn waters stretch to the sky, few travelers pass by; a desolate, clear sunset glow, leaving but a single willow tree, its branches bent low!" Just then, a lean man appeared behind him.
After bowing, the lean man said softly, "South Emperor."
The refined man waved his hand, his gaze still fixed on the opera troupe on stage, and said faintly,