Daoist Master Baimei was momentarily taken aback by her words, then burst out laughing."Could it be that my old eyes are failing me? I must have mistaken Young Master Zhao for a young lady in disguise!"
Zhao Rou, with bright eyes and pearl-white teeth, fair skin, and a charming smile, carried herself with graceful poise. At this remark, a faint blush blossomed upon her cheeks. Slightly shy, she replied,"Senior truly has sharp eyes. You are correct. I am, in fact, a woman, named Zhao Rou. If you do not mind, you may simply call me Rou'er. Since I travel by Young Master Wu's side, it would be inconvenient for a lady to roam the martial world as herself. Thus, I've donned men's attire as a simple disguise."
Daoist Master Baimei and Master Zhenkong exchanged a glance, then laughed in unison."So that's how it is! Truly, there is nothing in this world that cannot be seen!"
Just then, Master Zhenkong's gaze shifted slightly. Turning to Daoist Master Baimei, he hesitated for a moment before asking,"Dao-brother, the other day the Heavenly Venerate Sect sent someone to invite you to attend the consecration ceremony of the 'Hall of Soaring Clouds.' What do you think?"
Baimei Daoist first paused, then laughed heartily."Ha! How could one miss such an event? Not only will the heroes of the martial world gather, but there will also be fine wine and delicacies to enjoy—why not go?"
Zhenkong smiled and nodded."In that case, perfect! Young Master Wu, would you permit the two of us to join you in traveling to Mount Jiuhua for the 'Hall of Soaring Clouds' consecration?"The intent was clear—he wished to travel in their company.
Wu Tong, ever fond of befriending heroes of the jianghu, laughed heartily."Having two such esteemed masters as companions on this journey? That would be a most fortunate thing indeed!"
Baimei Daoist and Zhenkong exchanged a smile, then turned and bowed deeply to Daoist Master Taiyi."Elder Daoist, thank you for your hospitality. Today we will accompany Young Master Wu to Mount Jiuhua. When there is time in the future, we will return to sit with you, speak of the Dao, and exchange our cultivation insights."
Taiyi Zhenren nodded with a smile."Dao-friends, may your journey be safe. If fate allows, we shall meet again."
With that, the group packed their belongings, prepared their horses, and set out toward Mount Jiuhua.
The four traveled together, descending Mount Sanqing. Nearing noon, they stopped at a small roadside inn for a brief rest, ordering some simple fare to fill their stomachs. The inn was humble, with only a few scattered wooden tables. Passing merchants and wandering martial artists drank and chatted, their voices carrying the free air of the jianghu.
Midway through the meal, a murmur arose from within the inn. Someone whispered,"Master, I've heard the Heavenly Venerate Sect Leader's daughter, Miss Liu Yun, has met someone she favors."
At those words, several nearby patrons perked up their ears, clearly intrigued.
By the window, a burly youth froze in mid-sip of his wine. His eyes darkened, and he set the cup down with a thud. His voice was cold and hard:"What person?"
This youth was named Ge Tian, only eighteen years of age, yet broad-shouldered and towering, with a resolute face and a sharp, fierce look in his eyes. His demeanor carried an overbearing air. His father was none other than "Thunderbolt Hand" Ge Long, a figure of great renown in the martial world, infamous for his fierce temper and ruthless strikes. Ge Tian had inherited his father's nature—quick-tempered, domineering, and unwilling to let anyone challenge his authority.
One of his attendants quickly answered in a low voice,"Master, word is that the man hails from Lingnan, and Miss Liu Yun calls him 'Young Master Zhao.'"
Another servant chimed in,"They say ever since Miss Liu Yun met him, she's been unable to eat or sleep, her thoughts consumed. This is unlike her usual self! It must be that this Young Master Zhao is elegant and striking, to have captured her heart so deeply."
Ge Tian's face darkened even further, his eyes flaring with suppressed rage. He slammed his palm onto the table—BANG! The entire wooden table shook, bowls and plates rattling, broth spilling over the edges.
"What gall!" Ge Tian snarled, his voice low but filled with menace."Someone dares to vie with me for a woman? This Zhao fellow must be tired of living! If I meet him, I'll send him to the netherworld with a single strike!"
Throwing his sleeves back, Ge Tian rose, his entire being radiating hostility, eyes sharp as a hawk's. His attendants hurriedly tossed silver onto the table and quickly followed after him.
When Ge Tian's group stormed out, the inn quieted somewhat, though murmurs still passed between the patrons—none knew who this "Young Master Zhao" was, but it was clear a storm was brewing.
Once Ge Tian and his men had gone, the inn's mood slowly returned to normal. Wu Tong, however, found the matter amusing. With a faint smile and a meaningful glance at Zhao Rou, he teased,"Well now, Young Master Zhao, this is interesting—you seem to have acquired a rival in love. How will you handle this?"
Zhao Rou blinked in surprise, her pretty face flushing again. Flustered, she asked,"Brother Tong… should I change back into women's clothing?"She had long been used to presenting herself as a man, never imagining she'd unwittingly cause such trouble.
Wu Tong shook his head with a laugh."That won't do! If you change back, how will Miss Liu Yun meet the 'Young Master Zhao' she's been pining for? That would only complicate matters. Since this trouble began because of you, we'll simply watch and act when the time is right."
Baimei Daoist stroked his beard, chuckling."Fate truly works in strange ways. For Miss Liu Yun to be smitten at first sight, ignoring all other renowned young heroes, shows her heart is set on one person alone."
Zhenkong Master nodded and laughed aloud."With Rou'er dressed as a man, her heroic air and spirited bearing truly resemble those of a refined young gentleman. Not just Miss Liu Yun—many a young lady in the martial world would surely be charmed upon meeting her."
This made Zhao Rou blush even deeper, her delicate hands twisting the edge of her robe as she lowered her head shyly. Wu Tong, seeing this, laughed heartily."This is getting more and more entertaining. Let's see how it all plays out!"
On the morning of the fourteenth day of the sixth month, the four departed from their Mount Jiuhua inn. Led by Daoist Master Baimei along a secluded path, they passed through rolling peaks wreathed in a sea of clouds, waterfalls plunging like silver rivers from the cliffs, their thunderous roar echoing through the valleys—a masterpiece of nature.
By late afternoon, they reached the main headquarters of the Heavenly Venerate Sect. Before the great vermilion gates studded with bronze nails stood two bearded guards, sabers in hand, their tigerish eyes sharp and imposing.
Wu Tong straightened his robes, stepped forward, and addressed the guard on the left."Please inform Miss Liu Yun that Wu of Lingnan and Young Master Zhao have come to pay their respects."
The guard's voice was deep and wary."May I ask, Young Master, whose disciple you are?"
Wu Tong tapped his folding fan lightly against his palm."Simply tell her—an old acquaintance from Guangzhou."
Moments later, the faint scent of sandalwood wafted through the air as a woman in violet robes emerged. Liu Yun's hair was partly bound, her silken gown trailing like drifting clouds. Between her brows shone a small vermilion mark, and her gaze was limpid yet bright—like an immortal descending to the mortal realm. Behind her, the heavy black-gold sword of Elder Xuanhuang clanged with each step, making her slender figure appear even more delicate.
All four travelers caught their breath—for the girlishness from their last meeting in the southern borderlands had blossomed into breathtaking grace.
"Wu Gongzi, Zhao Gongzi, have you been well?" Liu Yun's autumn-water eyes smiled. "I did not expect you to arrive together with two of the martial world's greats."
Her gaze shifted, and in the next instant, she froze. Her eyes swept over Baimei Daoist's silver whisk and Zhenkong Master's gilded meditation staff—realization dawning.
"Could it be… Daoist Master Baimei, Master Zhenkong?"
She immediately stepped back half a pace, bowing deeply in junior's礼, her wide sleeves carrying a faint fragrance.
Baimei Daoist smiled."Sharp eyes, little one."
When Master Zhenkong returned the greeting, the bodhi beads at his wrist clicked softly. Liu Yun's jade-like fingers brushed the bell at her waist, and at once a servant hurried inside.
They passed thirty-six jade steps to find Sect Leader Liu Xuan seated upon a purple sandalwood lotus dais, golden crown upon his head, his voice resonant as a great bell:"Honored guests arriving as though riding the clouds—our sect is most fortunate."
Once seated upon dragon-carved grand chairs, Liu Yun stood gracefully at her father's side."This is Daoist Master Baimei, Master Zhenkong, and…" her gaze flickered toward Wu and Zhao, "…the two refined young gentlemen from Lingnan, skilled in the art of verse."
That subtle, pointed introduction made even the hall's candle flames seem to waver.