Chapter Ten: The Mysterious Headband

Upon returning to the clinic, the two of us went to our respective lodgings to rest. Lunch was brought by one of the attendants, who cast an unusual look at me, leaving me puzzled. I wondered if my disguise as a man had been discovered. Someone as skilled as Bai Hao hadn't noticed; could an attendant possibly see through it?

After my midday nap, I received three invitation letters. The ranking and the jade pendant had indeed produced immediate results.

Gu Yu Mountain, Xian Yin Mountain, and the Immortal Realm of Penglai... Which should I choose? Holding the three letters, I wanted to consult Bai Hao, who was wise and well-informed.

It was only when I stepped out of my courtyard that I realized I'd forgotten to ask where Bai Hao was staying—what courtyard, what room!

After searching for a while, I spotted an attendant carrying a tea tray and politely asked, "Do you know where Bai Hao resides?"

"You immortals really are lacking in manners!" The attendant gave me a disdainful look and walked off with his tea tray.

I was bewildered by his reaction, wondering if it was because I hadn't bowed in greeting.

I looked around for someone else to ask, and soon the same attendant, having delivered his tea, hurried back, bowing with the utmost respect. "Little Immortal! I was in a rush to deliver tea earlier—please forgive my rudeness. Follow me, if you please!"

I bowed in return. The attendant led me, winding through several paths, to a secluded courtyard, then gestured me inside with a deep bow.

It was a tranquil place: streams murmured, pear blossoms fell like snow, petals fluttered gently... I stood there, lost in thought.

"Come in," Bai Hao's steady voice called from within.

I pushed open the door and saw Bai Hao serenely sipping tea at his desk.

"Did you need something?" he asked.

He was so at ease, leisurely drinking tea; it seemed he'd truly moved on, which secretly pleased me.

Bai Hao noticed the three letters in my hand. "Ah, letters have arrived. Let me see."

He carefully examined the invitations. "Penglai... It seems fate has brought you there. The abode of the Sacred Mother Danxia is indeed a worthy destination. The mountain holds the medicine of immortality, and the little bird spirit Jingwei could be your companion. Gu Yu Mountain, the immortal realm of Lady Magu, is also excellent. Xian Yin Mountain, devoid of flowers, grass, and water—a place for arduous cultivation, not suited for you; best to disregard it. Both Penglai and Gu Yu Mountain are in the Eastern Sea. Choose one and depart soon. The former may be more fitting."

Since he said Penglai was best, and I thought so too, my heart was settled. I grinned, "I'll listen to you and go to Penglai. But tomorrow, I'd like to visit Kunlun first, then head there."

"You need not go to testify. The Jade Pure Realm will remain fair and impartial," Bai Hao replied.

"But since I've come, I'd like to see the mountain. Otherwise, it feels like I suffered the illness for nothing," I said, unwilling to concede.

"Kunlun is shrouded in illusions; the Jade Pure Realm is not easy to find. You've climbed the mountain once, endured its hardships; there's no need to suffer again," Bai Hao insisted.

"No wonder I got lost—there are illusions! The map I bought was fake; I’ve been duped again," I laughed.

Bai Hao scolded lightly, "So reckless. The Jade Pure Realm is a vital military ground in the heavens; how could you buy a map casually? Let me see it."

I handed him the fake map.

He studied it calmly. "Fortunately, you didn’t follow this route, but stumbled onto the Cliff of Chasing Immortals instead. Had you followed this map deep into Kunlun, you might have lost your life."

Alarmed, I exclaimed, "Ah! I have three friends—what should I do about them?"

"Do not worry; people from the Jade Pure Realm will rescue them," Bai Hao said, taking a sip of tea.

He knew so much about Kunlun and the Jade Pure Realm; he must be fully prepared. "When will you climb the mountain?" I asked.

"Tomorrow."

"Could I... join you?" I summoned my courage.

Bai Hao continued sipping his tea, saying nothing.

Seeing his hesitation, I regretted my boldness. My cultivation is so low; I'd climb slowly, surely holding him back. If I delayed his apprenticeship, what then?

So I hurriedly said, "Perhaps I shouldn't go with you."

"Why not?" Bai Hao looked at me.

I smiled, "I've changed my mind. Penglai is more alluring."

"Very well," Bai Hao replied, setting down his cup.

I took my leave and returned to my own room. Yesterday, Bai Hao stood atop the Cliff of Chasing Immortals, forlorn amidst swirling snow; today, he dwelled serenely in a courtyard adorned with falling blossoms. As if he lived two lives...

Tomorrow morning, I'll find other immortals to ascend the mountain with, avoiding him so as not to hinder his progress. My mind was made up.

That evening, an attendant brought several pears, telling me to eat them to dispel internal heat and poison, then politely closed the door and left.

Outside, I heard him sigh, "Finally finished, I'm exhausted."

Another voice said, "We only deliver food; that's nothing compared to the divine lords who work tirelessly, day and night. We just treated an immortal—when he arrived at the clinic, he was barely alive... Let's go to the front hall and see how he's doing."

"Was it like the one a few days ago, rescued from hanging by Lord Guibin?"

"I don't know; let's check..."

The two attendants left the courtyard.

Curious about their conversation, I remembered that the one who hanged himself days ago was Bai Hao. Who was Lord Guibin? I set down the pears and went to the front hall.

Several immortals seeking treatment were gathered, chatting.

"Never thought we'd be lucky enough to meet Lord Yunxiao today."

"Indeed, such wisdom and might! That one was barely breathing, but a few presses brought him back to life."

"We should seize the chance to seek out the Lord for recommendation—a perfect opportunity!"

"Where would we find him?"

I stepped forward and bowed, asking, "Fellow immortals, did Lord Yunxiao come to the clinic?"

"Yes," they replied.

"Where is he?"

"He just left," they answered.

"Where did he go?"

"After saving the patient, he went to rest," one immortal said.

"Where is he resting?" I pressed.

"Divine lords are elusive as dragons; before we could see clearly, he was gone. Only after he left did we realize it was Lord Yunxiao. We'd like to find him too," another said.

I thanked them and hurried toward Bai Hao's residence. This was a chance—since the divine lord was in the clinic, I could ask the attendants where he stayed and recommend myself.

From afar, I saw Bai Hao about to enter the courtyard. "Wait—wait a moment!" I called, breathless.

Bai Hao stopped and turned.

I rushed to him. "Lord Yunxiao..."

"Yes?" Bai Hao responded.

"Lord Yunxiao has arrived! Hurry, find out where he's staying, go meet him, and recommend yourself!" I urged.

Bai Hao smiled gently, "You ran all this way just to tell me that?"

"Yes. Lord Yunxiao is at the clinic," I said.

"I know," Bai Hao replied, calm and unhurried.

"You know? Have you seen him?"

"Yes."

"Did he accept you? Can you enter the Jade Pure Realm?" Seeing his confidence, I asked.

"Any time," Bai Hao answered.

Overjoyed, I nearly soared with happiness. "That's wonderful! I always said you're the most outstanding immortal I've met; once Lord Yunxiao saw you, he'd make an exception."

"Come with me into the courtyard."

"Ah?" Caught up in my excitement, I missed what he said.

"Come," Bai Hao said warmly.

"Oh," I followed him into his garden.

"The road to Penglai is long. I'll teach you some sword techniques for self-defense."

His tone was that of a master instructing a disciple, so steady and mature it felt at odds with his youth.

"No... that's not necessary," I stammered, feeling guilty for having deceived him about my plans.

"There are those who harbor ill intent toward immortals on the ranking; just now, one was brought in. There have been three cases recently," Bai Hao said.

So the one earlier wasn't a suicide, after all. I'd suspected as much—if Bai Hao had despaired, would others follow? Clearly, there was another reason.

"Is it due to some grudge?" I asked.

"Unclear. All three are talented immortals, listed on the ranking."

"I have no such talent," I said dismissively.

"But you are listed," Bai Hao seemed a bit concerned.

I laughed, "Blessings and misfortunes come hand in hand. Who would've thought receiving invitations meant risking one's life."

"It was my oversight," Bai Hao said.

"You care for me; I owe you thanks. Surely some villain envies others. There are so many ranked immortals—who would target a nobody like me?" I comforted him.

"Better to be cautious. First, remember the sword technique mantra, then learn the sword forms," Bai Hao said.

"Oh, does this mean you're my master now?" I joked.

"No," he replied bluntly.

Though his manner was calm and assured, his youth made the idea of calling him 'master' feel strange—I couldn't bring myself to say it.

"Draw in breath and concentrate, let energy flow,
True intent melds water and fire as one,
Great cycles bring freedom unbound,
Heart and sword united in the void,
From the deepest abyss, light is born!"

Bai Hao finished, formed a hand seal, and a crimson sword appeared in his hand.

I was spellbound...

"If you practice, you can summon the sword with a thought and wield it as you wish. Try it," Bai Hao set the sword upright in the air.

I tried as Bai Hao taught—no effect. Again—no effect. One more time... the sword clattered to the ground! Startled, I looked at him in embarrassment.

"This one doesn't suit you; let's try another," Bai Hao said, retrieving the sword and conjuring a gleaming golden blade.

I summoned it several times; it moved, but flew straight at me! I fled in panic, and he quickly dispelled the golden sword chasing me, then summoned a pitch-black blade, which I still couldn't control.

Blushing, head bowed, I muttered, "It's not the sword... I just can't learn it..."

Seeing my frustration, Bai Hao consoled me, "No matter. I'll teach you the sword retrieval mantra; you can practice slowly. Other weapons are similar. Remember this."

He taught me how to store the sword in the void, and I memorized it all.

"Can you continue?" Bai Hao asked.

"Yes," I nodded, determined to practice diligently despite my clumsiness.

Bai Hao broke two branches from the pear tree, handing one to me. "I'll teach you the 'Freedom's Journey' sword method. Practice with this branch for now."

"Thank you!" I accepted the branch.

"This sword method follows the heart; let the sword move as your mind wishes, roaming freely between heaven and earth. It's not about form but intent," Bai Hao said, then began to demonstrate, wielding the branch.

Moonlight shimmered like water, a gentle breeze stirred the air, and he danced freely among the falling blossoms... I watched, entranced, as if in a dream...

When he finished, he asked, "How much have you learned?"

"Ah?" I was dazed, stupefied.

"No matter; if you haven't, I can show you again," he said.

"I'll try..." I closed my eyes, recalling his movements... The sword is not in the form, but in the heart... the heart...

I raised the branch and began to mimic the technique... but in my mind was the image of Bai Hao, his robes fluttering among the flowers, and his desolate figure amidst the snowy cliffs...

The vast world stretches on and on,
Snow drifts high in the sky,
In dreams among blossoms, old memories return,
Heart knows only loneliness and pain.

Sword follows the heart, heart moves with the sword... When I finished the set, I realized the tip of my branch was pressing against Bai Hao's chest. Terrified, I dropped it instantly.

Bai Hao stood with hands behind his back, watching me silently.

"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to..." I apologized, ashamed.

"Good thing you haven't learned to wield the sword yet," Bai Hao smiled gently.

"I... didn't see clearly..." My face burned with embarrassment.

"Practice more at home," Bai Hao said.

"So, have I mastered this sword technique?" I asked in delight.

"Yes," Bai Hao nodded.

"I finally learned it—my very first sword technique!" I cheered, bouncing with joy.

"Rest early and be cautious on your journey tomorrow. Keep company with the virtuous, avoid the wicked, cultivate your mind, and ignore distractions," Bai Hao advised.

"Yes..." Seeing his sincerity, I felt I owed him honesty.

"Is there something else?" Bai Hao noticed my hesitation.

"I deceived you earlier," I confessed.

"Oh." Bai Hao's expression was unchanged.

"I'd planned to climb Kunlun tomorrow, but I lied about going to Penglai to avoid holding you back. Now that the divine lord has accepted you, I have nothing to worry about."

"Oh," Bai Hao replied.

"Since I'm here, I'd like to see Kunlun and apologize to Dongfang Mo in person. Otherwise, I'll regret it," I continued.

"Kunlun is fraught with danger now; fake maps and imposters abound, all by design. With your cultivation, you're not yet able to protect yourself," Bai Hao warned.

"Don't worry; if anyone envies someone like me, he must be blind," I laughed.

Bai Hao saw my resolve and no longer stopped me.

After bidding him farewell, I returned to my room. The memory of Bai Hao teaching me swordsmanship still felt dreamlike.

In the courtyard, I picked up a branch and placed it on the ground, focusing as he had taught. "Come!" The branch didn't budge, but a white light flew from my sleeve into my hand, sparkling like gemstones in the moonlight.

It was the white ribbon I'd found in the Jade Spring. Looking at it, I smiled wryly at myself—my meager abilities were fit only for a maiden to do her hair or disguise herself as a man.