114 Enough Crying

“What exactly is going on?” I tapped the table with one hand, a freshly brewed cup of tea from A’fu resting not far away, yet I had lost all desire to savor it.

“They say it’s the men from Tanghui Palace. Years ago, they clashed with our Yun Tian Pavilion’s disciples, but it was always a case of waters not mixing with waters. This time, for some unknown reason, they’ve snatched our business,” Dongfang Qingyu stood silently behind me.

“Qingyu, we are both teacher and friend, but don’t forget that in Fantian Pavilion, everyone must address me as Chief Pavilion Master. You’re the Yun Pavilion Master; how could such a matter be concealed from me?”

“That was my oversight,” Dongfang Qingyu bowed his head slightly. It had not been easy for him all these years, always serving under me when his talents and ambitions could have taken him far beyond.

“Have you found out who leads Tanghui Palace?”

“Not yet. Rumor has it that their palace lord always wears a mask, no one has ever seen his true face. He commands ten generals and one envoy—only these eleven appear publicly.”

“Oh? Seems like quite a formidable figure.”

As Dongfang Qingyu and I spoke, Zijun came in carrying something.

“Sister, look at this invitation to the Maple Leaf Auction. It was received by someone from Zitian Pavilion.”

The Maple Leaf Auction—six years ago, that event was almost like a journey shared with Li Yexuan. I never expected it to be held again. The invitation gleamed in my hand, but I didn’t open it. That year, I never saw any invitation; I suppose Li Yexuan had them.

“Sister, Zitian Pavilion still has matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.”

“Ah, take care and don’t overwork yourself.”

Zijun nodded and left as hastily as he had arrived.

“Ziyun, I believe the lord of Tanghui Palace will attend as well. Perhaps this is our chance to meet him.”

“Perhaps,” I replied. Six years ago, I saw no sign of Tanghui Palace’s lord.

“In recent years, a jade-masked healer has appeared in the martial world, which happened after you went to the island. If you’re fortunate enough to meet him, your illness…”

I raised the invitation, signaling him to stop.

“I said, everything is fate. No need to force it.”

“Alright. Are you planning to attend the Maple Leaf Auction?”

“Why not? It’s a perfect opportunity for Fantian Pavilion to restore its reputation in the martial world. It’s also time to reunite with old friends.”

“Mm.”

But I never imagined I would encounter so many old acquaintances—more than I could have possibly imagined.

Half a month later, we set off for Maple Leaf City in the Moonlight Kingdom. After much coaxing and gentle persuasion, Baobao finally agreed to stay at Fantian Pavilion. A’fu and A’ling were by his side, while the Twelve Assassins and countless disciples remained to protect him. I promised Baobao that once I returned, I would take him down the mountain to play to his heart’s content.

Guteng did not accompany us. Instead, he donned his ancient tribe’s attire and, clutching Fantian Pavilion’s treasures, resumed the role he held when I first met him six years ago.

Dongfang Qingyu, Zijun, and I arrived in Maple Leaf City shortly thereafter. Stepping into that city again, my mood had changed completely—not like six years ago when everything piqued my curiosity. I found an inn and sat down quietly. Soon, Fantian Pavilion’s people already rooted in Maple Leaf City came to greet us with a grand ceremony, escorting us to a place called Maple Leaf Wine City to rest. The innkeeper, surnamed Xu, closed the entire establishment for us three. I protested that such honor was unnecessary, but he knelt and said it was his greatest honor to serve three pavilion masters. To refuse would bring him shame, so I relented.

Dongfang Qingyu and Zijun were no strangers to the public eye, so their appearances were no surprise. Only I remained partially veiled—my left face hidden beneath a curtain of hair, the right covered by a single-eyed mask, with the rest of my hair tied up high and neat. I had worried about Zijun’s appearance, but he scorned the mask as too effeminate and refused to wear it. I suppose at the time of the palace upheaval he was only ten, now sixteen, and his style had changed drastically—handsome and refined.

Zijun and I had inherited the striking beauty of our father and mother, becoming the heartthrobs—or perhaps the sources of mischief—for many. I had seen female disciples of Fantian Pavilion express their affection for Zijun more than once, only for him to flee in embarrassment, which amused me greatly. Not just us—little Mu Feng Baobao’s charm and youthful voice endeared him to everyone in Fantian Pavilion. Gifts piled up for the child, and I envied him somewhat. Whether this was a blessing or a curse for countless men and women, young and old, I couldn’t say.

Innkeeper Xu had a daughter named Xu Xun, sent to serve me. Though dressed plainly and wearing casual clothes, I made no effort to hide the silver bracelet on my wrist, transformed years ago by Guteng’s handiwork. It remained on my left hand, never removed, along with my voice, unmistakable. Xu was perceptive—he must have been surprised to learn that the pavilion master was a woman, sending his daughter to serve me.

“Chief Pavilion Master, two pavilion masters, is there anything Xu’er can assist you with?” The girl was around fourteen or fifteen, yet showed no trace of timidity. Unlike a delicate noblewoman, she carried a spirited air of martial world youth. Her broad eyebrows, large eyes, unadorned skin pale as snow, and lips crimson like blood made her exceedingly likable. I glanced at Zijun, whose face flickered with an uncharacteristic joy.

Their eyes subtly examined the jade pendants at our waists, instantly recognizing our identities. It was clear she had joined Fantian Pavilion—sharp as a tack.

“The lord of Zitian Pavilion is quite curious about Maple Leaf Forest. Why don’t you take him on a tour?” I cast a meaningful glance at Zijun.

“Ahem, this pavilion master wishes to stroll about. Miss Xu, would you be our guide?”

“Certainly.”

The two stepped out, one following the other, and I smiled softly behind them.

“You’re quite the smooth talker. Was that intentional?”

“My little brother is sixteen now. If it weren’t for that upheaval, he might already have children by now. It’s a delay for him.”

“I’m still older than you. You might have a son; I only have a brazenly adopted godson. Sigh, perhaps I’m just old—seeing Miss Xu doesn’t stir any passionate feelings anymore.”

*Pfft.*

“You’re definitely old.”

I laughed and headed outside. If Zijun and Miss Xu were fated to meet, that would be a good thing, though I feared his heart remained devoted to restoring their kingdom, leaving little room for romance.

“Where are you going? Wait for me…”

I stood silently before a great stone. Time had carved its marks deep upon it, giving it a weathered, majestic presence, still holding the same power it had when the stone was first hewn.

Perhaps life is like this—some things remain unchanged, others transform endlessly, but the human heart is the most mutable of all. Standing once more on this land, I no longer bounced about with youthful curiosity. Instead, I stood calmly, my expression hidden beneath hair and mask, the sadness veiled completely. Only behind the mask could I dare to let my emotions flow.

“Why are you still staring? ‘Maple Leaf Forest’ is just three characters—none as good as mine,” Dongfang Qingyu teased, propping his chin on his hand.

“Try renaming it in Beian, then we’ll see.”

Suppressing the strange feelings stirring within me, I stepped into Maple Leaf Forest. I noticed Dongfang Qingyu’s furrowed brow; he must have sensed my mood.

It was here, years ago, that I saved Jinyu and witnessed the story of the siblings Baili Yue and Baili Changfeng. Jinyu’s child should be six by now; as for Baili Yue, I wondered how she fared.

“What are you thinking about?”

“There’s a mountain spring ahead. The water’s very sweet.”

“Then let’s go drink.”

Dongfang Qingyu took my hand and led me forward.

“You know, you live too hard. Now that you’re out, let go of your pride and worries. Take a proper rest and enjoy yourself.”

Li Yexuan was like this too, bringing me here regardless of my wishes, though he understood my desire for freedom.

He pulled me down to sit by the mountain spring.

“This water really is sweet,” Dongfang Qingyu said, scooping some up and bringing it to my lips.

“Drink quickly, or it’ll spill.”

“I won’t. Pour it out.”

“Drink!”

“Dongfang Qingyu, that’s enough.” I abruptly stood and turned to leave.

Several nearby people glanced over at us.

I had barely taken two steps before my hand was grabbed.

“Come with me.”

His voice was cold. Grabbing my hand with no room for refusal, he dragged me to a deserted spot.

“What are you doing?”

“Do you even know what you need to do now? Do you still think you’re the Mu Fan who came to Maple Leaf City with Li Yexuan?”

“You’ve been investigating me?” How could Dongfang Qingyu know my former name?

“If I hadn’t, would I be by your side now?”

I turned my head away, unwilling to meet his gaze. What he said made sense, and I had no words to refute it. My shoulders were pressed down.

“You are not Mu Fan, not Yun Heng, not Li Yexuan’s Mu Fan. You are Ziyun—Huangfu Ziyun, sister of Zijun, mother of Mu Feng, princess of Lingyun Kingdom, chief pavilion master of Fantian Pavilion, and a god in their eyes.”

“But I am human, not a god.”

“You must become strong. You have me, Guteng, and Zijun. I know you’re grieving. This place holds beautiful memories of your past. Have you noticed your sorrow almost freezes the very air around you?”

“I thought I disguised it well,” I said with a bitter smile.

“You can’t fool me, Ziyun. I’ll allow you to vent once and for all. There’s no turning back now. You must set aside your grief—not by suppressing it, but by not dwelling on it. When you left the island, where did your composure go? Your defiant pride? Of course, you can be weak in front of me—my shoulder is here.”

“Qingyu…”

I buried my face in his embrace, no longer restraining my sobs. Tears soaked his clothes as his hand gently patted my back.

“Cry as much as you need. When you’re done, you must be strong.”