Chapter 11: Saw Everything That Shouldn’t Be Seen, Legs Went Weak…
What met her eyes was a man’s chest—strong, solid, broad. He had just risen from the water, his wheat-colored skin glistening wet. They were so close that she could clearly see the droplets of water tracing paths down his well-defined muscles, pausing for a moment at some rise before leaving a winding trail.
The winter was harsh and cold, but his body radiated a scorching heat, like a tidal wave crashing toward her, hitting her squarely in the face.
Fu Tangli’s legs went weak, and she nearly knelt on the spot.
Xuanyan frowned, grabbed her arm, and gave it a tug. “Stand steady.”
“Uh…” As if burned by fire, Fu Tangli jumped up, spun around, clasped her hands, and bowed repeatedly to the empty air, piously muttering, “Jade Purity Primal Celestial Worthy, Supreme Purity Numinous Treasure Celestial Worthy, Grand Purity Dao and Virtue Celestial Worthy, all gods above, I saw nothing, I saw absolutely nothing!”
Xuanyan let out a heavy “Hmph.”
The white Haidongqing tilted its head, hopped forward a step, and flapped its wings, looking eager to pounce.
“Yaoguang!” Xuanyan’s sharp cry was laced with clear anger. “Stupid bird, go get someone! Not this person! Go back, to Yunlu Temple, get someone! Do you understand?”
Whether it was frightened by its master or it truly understood, Yaoguang let out a low “Coo,” ruffled its feathers, and immediately flew away.
“May the Celestial Worthy grant immeasurable blessings,” Fu Tangli said weakly, still in shock, clutching her chest. “I feel like all the frights I’ve ever had in my life have been concentrated into today.”
What frights was she referring to? Did that include him?
Xuanyan let out another heavy “Hmph.”
Fu Tangli didn’t dare to turn back, but she said sincerely, “Is the Daoist Master’s nose congested? Did you catch a cold? I told you, you wouldn’t be able to handle this.”
What couldn’t he handle? Her words carried a hint of contempt. Xuanyan stared at Fu Tangli sternly.
Unfortunately, the back of her head couldn’t see, so she remained fearless. Seeing that he didn’t respond, she added hesitantly, “I think, perhaps I should lend you my outer robe. You could at least put it on to block the wind. I just changed into this outer robe before coming out; it’s still quite clean.”
A flicker of movement in Xuanyan’s eyes, his expression gradually softened again. He was silent for a moment, then gave a rare smile. “Thank you, but there is no need.”
The man’s laugh was low and resonant, as if vibrating from his chest, carrying an indescribable magnetism.
For no reason, Fu Tangli’s face began to burn again. She secretly shifted a step to the side, trying to get a little further away from him.
“You’re afraid of me, you don’t dare to look at me?” His voice was still low, as if it were a casual remark, but coming from him, it inevitably carried a hint of arrogance.
Fu Tangli’s damnable competitive spirit flared up again. She took several deep breaths, forcing herself to calm down, and said in a prim and proper tone, “I am indeed quite afraid. If I were to look a few more times and tarnish the Daoist Master’s purity, and you couldn’t get over it and decided to latch onto me for the rest of your life, wouldn’t that be a disaster?”
Xuanyan was so angry he laughed. He had long arms. He bent his knuckles and gave the back of Fu Tangli’s head a light rap. “What nonsense are you spouting.”
“Hiss.” The knock was a little painful. Fu Tangli rubbed her head and bit her lip. “The Daoist Master is being awfully petty. It was just a joke. Why are you getting so worked up with me?”
“The last person who dared to joke with me like this, the grass on their grave is already two feet high,” Xuanyan said unhurriedly.
A tremor went through Fu Tangli’s heart. She immediately clamped her mouth shut and discreetly shuffled a few more steps to the side.
And so, there was silence between them, a state of pure tranquility.
After about the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn, the white Haidongqing flew back. Xuan’an and Xundu followed behind, running at full speed.
“Senior Brother, Senior Brother!” They ran up and, seeing the scene, were both aghast. Their knees buckled, and they were about to kneel. “It is our failure to protect you that allowed these scoundrels to disturb you, Senior Brother. Please, Senior Brother…”
“We’ll talk later.” Xuanyan stood ramrod straight, as noble and proud as ever, and cut them off impatiently. “Bring my clothes.”
“Yes, yes!” Xuan’an and Xundu scurried back. In less than a moment, they returned with a silk towel and a robe. The two of them respectfully helped Xuanyan dry his body and put on his clothes.
In that short time, it had started to snow again, not heavily, just a few flakes drifting down, like fine salt from the celestial streets, like a light rain of apricot blossoms, threatening to dampen one’s clothes.
Fu Tangli heard the rustling of clothes from behind her stop. Figuring he was probably dressed, she glanced back.
Just as she did, Xuanyan looked up, and their eyes met.
His eyes were a very light shade of amber, as deep as the starry night sky, impossible to see to the bottom. Fu Tangli thought she caught a faint trace of a smile lingering in them, but perhaps it was just her imagination. It vanished in an instant. When she focused again, his eyes were as cold and emotionless as usual.
Xuan’an opened an umbrella to shield Xuanyan from the snow.
Xuanyan’s hair was still wet, hanging loose, as black as a raven’s wing. He was now neatly dressed in his Daoist robes, with wide sleeves and a large robe, the color as deep as azure. He looked as elegant as an immortal. But Fu Tangli remembered the powerful martial strength and formidable physique he had just displayed, and her heart still trembled. She quickly looked away.
Xundu went over and rummaged through the pile of corpses on the ground. He returned and reported to Xuanyan, “They are remnants of the Nanzhao rebellion. I don’t know how they managed to get up the mountain. Perhaps they have accomplices in Chang’an. Should we…”
Xuanyan raised a hand slightly, stopping Xundu. “A trivial matter, no need to say more. You handle it yourselves. Remember to clean this place up.”
Xundu said with practiced ease, “Yes. I will call more people over. We will be sure to clean up all the filth, rinse it several times, and then burn Celestial Treasure Incense for three days and three nights to clear the foul air. Senior Brother, please rest assured.”
Xuanyan then pointed to the white Haidongqing perched in a tree and said to Xundu, “Yaoguang has been rather foolish lately and cannot understand my commands in time. Take it back and discipline it properly.”
Xundu quickly agreed again.
The Haidongqing, not understanding, heard its master call its name and proudly spread its wings, letting out a loud “Gaa.”
Xuanyan nodded, took the umbrella from Xuan’an, and made a gesture. Xuan’an and Xundu immediately bowed and retreated.
He held the umbrella and walked gracefully past Fu Tangli. Without pausing, he uttered a single word: “Go.”
Fu Tangli immediately lifted her skirt and followed.
The two of them walked back along the quiet stone path.
The snow slowly grew heavier. A light breeze rose in the mountains, like flying willow catkins. The distant mountains were a hazy green, the nearby trees indistinct.
Fu Tangli, observing proper etiquette, walked behind Xuanyan, maintaining a distance of three feet.
The snow fell, brushing against her cheeks, and a chill began to set in.
Xuanyan’s pace slowed. When Fu Tangli drew a little closer, he moved the umbrella over her head. He had a long reach, and he held his arm out straight to shield her from the snow, leaving more than half of his own body exposed.
Fu Tangli was taken aback, but she did not politely refuse. She didn’t even speak. She just tilted her face up slightly, a soft smile on her lips, and clasped her hands in a bow to express her thanks.
Xuanyan did not look at her, his gaze fixed forward. His expression and voice were both cool. “You, a maiden from the women’s quarters, living alone in these mountains, wandering about all day, repeatedly disturbing my cultivation. It is most improper. You should hurry down the mountain and go home tomorrow.”
Fu Tangli shook her head and said gently and calmly, “I was originally from Weizhou, raised by my maternal grandmother. After my grandmother passed away, I only returned to Chang’an these past two years. My family and I are not very close, and we are all ill at ease with each other. I’d rather be free and happy in these mountains.”
Xuanyan’s brows furrowed. “You truly have no sense of propriety. This place is harsh and cold, and now there are villains about. It is even more unsuitable to live here. What is your father’s name? Where is your home? I will have someone find him and tell him to come and get you.”
“Father is only concerned with doting on my stepmother and younger sister. He has no time for me,” Fu Tangli said lightly. “If I stay far away, he still remembers me fondly. If I get too close, he will likely grow tired of me. There is no need, no need.”
She turned her face to look at Xuanyan and said softly, “Does the Daoist Master think I’m quite pitiful?”
Xuanyan was silent for a moment, then brushed his sleeve and changed the subject. “So many excuses, this and that. It’s just that you’re fond of playing. In that case, do as you please.”
“That’s not true at all,” Fu Tangli said with a slight smile. “I am living here for two reasons. One, I enjoy the natural scenery. Two, I wish to pray for my ancestors at the temple. In seven days, on the thirteenth of the twelfth month, it will be the anniversary of my late mother’s death, and also my birthday. I ask the Daoist Master to hold a sacrificial ceremony for me, with the Supreme Scripture for Salvation from Suffering as an offering, to pray for the well-being of the living and the salvation of the dead. May I ask if this is possible?”
Xuanyan glanced at her, his expression seemingly proud and reserved. He did not speak, but just made a sound from his nose that resembled “Mm.”
He probably agreed, but the Daoist Master has always been so difficult. He just can’t speak properly.
The corners of Fu Tangli’s mouth curled up, revealing two lovely dimples.
Xuanyan averted his gaze.
After that, they walked in silence. Only the soft rustle of snow falling on the umbrella and the faint crunch of their footsteps on the snow could be heard. The green mountains shouldered the snow, the world was vast and desolate, and only here was there peace.
After walking for a while, they could see the villa in the distance.
Fu Tangli stopped and bowed again, her tone gentle and polite. “My home is here. If the servants see us, it may cause a misunderstanding. I ask the Daoist Master to go no further.”
Xuanyan handed the umbrella to Fu Tangli and said simply, “Go.”
Fu Tangli took the umbrella and went home. As she reached the door, she glanced back.
Xuanyan was still standing in the same spot. Amidst the vast white snow, he stood in his Daoist robes, cool and otherworldly, as ethereal as an immortal. His long hair hung loose, with snow falling on it, giving him a casual, untamed air, as if an immortal had fallen into the mortal world.
Fu Tangli lowered her head, closed the umbrella, and went inside, not daring to look any longer.
*
Back at home, Fu Tangli only said that she had been listening to the zither by the spring and had lost track of time, not mentioning what had happened.
The servants didn’t dare to ask. Only Dailuo, because it was snowing outside, complained that Yanzhi hadn’t gone out earlier to fetch their mistress back. The two maids bickered for a while.
…
That evening, a military officer came knocking at the door, followed by a squad of soldiers.
Uncle Yan Wu, as instructed, went out to inquire.