Chapter Text
Off to the west, the sun that had once bore its blinding crown up in the sky slowly came to rest below the icy sheen of the sea. Hua Chongyun gazed at the scene mindlessly, picking at varnished wood that framed the window of the carriage he was currently in.
The frozen waters were no different from Hua Chongyun's cold expression. He had tried to hide his displeasure, but the more the skies darkened his expression followed suit.
The woman beside the boy took notice of his expression and could only frown. "Chongyun." she sternly called, her voice even more frigid than the skyfrost nail. Chongyun hastily composed himself, adorning a mask, he smiled faintly at the woman beside him. "Yes, auntie?"
The woman stared at him coldly before talking, her eyes piercing right through his crudely made mask. "What is it that's bothering you?"
Hua Chongyun struggled to keep that false smile on his face, his expression faltered—eyebrows threatening to furrow. The woman had noted how her nephew's eyebrow twitched which made her frown deepen. When did this nephew of hers become so disapproving? So much as to not answer his esteemed aunt's questions that he would be so quick to answer before.
"Hua Chongyun." The woman's voice bellowed, growing irate. When Hua Chongyun saw the fire in his aloof aunt's stare, he knew she'd seen through his cracks. Normally when his name is said like this by his elders, Hua Chongyun's spine would break in half and he would bow down earnestly.
But the present was different, if his aunt had seen through his cracks then he would spare not a care and break them wider. If Hua Chongyun's aunt felt anger, then he surely matched that temper.
"What need is there to ask that question? The two of us know exactly why I am bothered... or is auntie growing old that she's forgotten?" The boy's emotions had been out in the sun drying the whole day, now they were comparable to a haystack—one spark could set it ablaze. The woman's eyes widened then squinted the next, voice as cold and sharp as a dagger. "Hua Chongyun, learn to bite that tongue of yours or I will cut it out myself."
Chongyun was used to his aunt's threats. Hua Shenhe was an adept exorcist and was not far from a true martial artist's abilities. One of the main differences was that an exorcist of her kind specialized in the art of dispersing evil spirits instead of one's own ascension. Being a child born and raised in an exorcist clan, she had always been a strict character.
None escaped her glare that could freeze a lake and words that could cut through the thickest of skins. However, despite her standoffish demeanor, she accepted disciples and had offered her tutelage. The stern teacher not only was strict with her disciples but also her only nephew. Acting like how Hua Chongyun had acted at the moment would have warranted immediate punishment if they were not in a carriage far from their residence.
Hua Chongyun did not make a sound after that and only curled his shoulders in. The chilling sea breeze kissed his cheeks but he wasn't the least bit bothered. The fire in his chest was still not doused but it had started to flicker off. The way he had run his mouth was surely going to come and haunt him soon enough, but right now he could only think of how his aunt is basically throwing him off to another sect because she deemed that he was "beyond her abilities of teaching."
Such a thing would anger anyone, even someone as forcibly calm and collected as Hua Chongyun. He felt absolutely betrayed and his heart squeezed everytime he remembered just how much effort he'd exerted into training to be an esteemed exorcist like Hua Shenhe, only to be told that he it was not "fated in his palms."
Hua Shenhe had told this to him a few weeks ago with no remorse or care whatsoever in her voice cold as the winter night. The woman was never one for feelings but she was still human with a heart somewhere in her chest. How could she not bring herself to console her nephew whose eyes were red and brimming with tears?
Hua Chongyun's dreams of being anything like the elders of his clan were shattered along his aunt's choice of apathetic words. Back then he thought that she had a heart made of stone, she knew that he has put in blood, sweat and tears into the arts of exorcism even as a small child... she knew that however strict she was with him, he could only be stricter with himself. Hua Chongyun's life had revolved around the arts of exorcism, how could he just suddenly give it all up?
If he thought she had a stone heart previously, now he believed she was actually heartless. If not, then how could she possibly be able to ask Hua Chongyun to have no arguments against being sent off to the far mountains of Tianheng to study with the Guhua sect? For atleast five years? Five years!
Hua Chongyun face darkened at how absurd it was. The Guhua sect was not a bad one by any means, in fact— it's one with much veneration and decorum. A great reputation amongst martial art sects, known for its disciples of high abilities and martial prowess. But that was exactly the problem! Hua Chongyun was already 16...and like exorcists, martial artists train diligently from a very small age. One can not miraculously catch up to years of martial training in the blink of an eye.
The only thing Hua Chongyun could hold onto right now was his natural talent in martial arts, but he was sure that that would not save him from the embarrassment of having to relearn the basics at his age. His inability—or rather, the triviality of continuing to practice the arts of exorcism had already made him ashamed, now he had to practice martial arts in a well-renowned sect? His aunt was really trying to kill him with shame!
Hua Chongyun's head was getting dizzy with all the thoughts that whirled around his mind, but there was nothing he could do about his circumstances. When he heard news that Hua Shenhe had spoken to leader of the Guhua Sect and was making arrangements for her nephew to be taken under their wing, he knew that he had no choice but to abide. She was still his respectable aunt after all. After all, what kind of child are you if you do not listen to your elders?
After several days of travelling, the carriage finally arrived at the foot of Mount Tianheng. There started a winding path up the mountain, it was lined with bamboo with smooth rocks acting as pedestals. It took thousands of steps before the pair of aunt and nephew had reached the peak of the mountain. The entrance to the peak was an arched gate, a wooden placard hung at the top the characters of 'Feiyun Recesses' carved into it in beautiful calligraphy.
Disciples of the Guhua Sect quickly acknowledged their arrival and welcomed them. Soon enough they were in Qixin Hall exchanging pleasantries with the Guhua Sect Leader.
"Sect Leader Chu, one is grateful for your hospitality. I know I have not made any mistake in trusting my nephew in your capable hands." Hua Shenhe thanked, the Guhua Sect leader laughed. "There is no need for such formality, Lady Hua. We are not strangers after all. I am happy to accept the young master as a disciple of Guhua."
Hua Chongyun could only bow in appreciation. "I'll have to trouble you, Elder Chu." The Guhua Sect leader felt a little embarrassed at the formality of both the aunt and nephew, he humbly waved his hand "This Elder has been kindly helped by Lady Hua in the past, this is my way of repaying the favor."
After that, Hua Shenhe and the sect leader had a conversation over tea. Hua Chongyun sat beside his aunt in a daze, he thought that the woman was quite comfortable in speaking with Elder Chu. There was a sense of warmth as they spoke. It seems that they have met more than a few times before in the past to have birthed a companionship. It made Hua Chongyun question what favor his aunt had done for the leader of the Guhua Sect... but he eventually brushed it off. It was probably some clan related business that Hua Shenhe never bothered to bring up to him.
After a short while, Hua Shenhe finally started bidding her farewell to the Guhua sect leader and her nephew, telling him to be good and to not create unnecessary trouble for the sect leader. Hua Chongyun only gave a short and courteous reply. By now his temper had cooled down and he was back to his calm demeanor.
After seeing his aunt off, the sect leader had called in a disciple of Guhua into the hall called Ling'er. It was a girl of bubbly disposition, she had a bright smile while she pranced into the room as if she had absolutely had no worries. The girl was clad in a light blue robe which nicely complimented complexion that resembled the color of wheat. She was kindly tasked to lead Hua Chongyun to the Ziteng Courtyard where the Guhua disciples resided.
The girl introduced herself as Mao Xiangling, she happily told Hua Chongyun to call her whatever he wanted. Hua Chongyun settled on the simple Miss Mao.
When they arrived at the courtyard, Hua Chongyun immediately understood why it was called Ziteng Courtyard. There were wisteria trees that stood low yet wide, it surrounded the area and sheltered it from the harsh sunlight during the day and the cold winds during the night. The smell of the wisteria was evident but not overbearing. It was a pleasant smell faint enough that the longer you wallow in it, the less you realize its existence— but as soon as you stop smelling it, you can't help but seek it.
Inside the courtyard were several rooms made of wood. Despite their humble appearances, they were quite spacious inside, more than enough for one person to dwell in. The Guhua sect had but a few disciples, so each one of them had their own residence in the courtyard. As Hua Chongyun was led to his own room, he couldn't help but feel a homely warmth. He saw a girl pass by carrying a basin full of wet clothes that she had just washed, she greeted him and Mao Xiangling amiably. It was just like a little village where everyone got along with each other, a far cry from what Hua Chongyun was used to.
Mao Xiangling brought him to a room at the east side of the courtyard, the room was the second farthest to the east. As she explained about the various ins and outs of the place, Hua Chongyun couldn't help but notice the strong smell of wisteria coming from the room to the left of his own. It was distracting to say the least—Mao Xiangling noticed Hua Chongyun sneaking glances to the other room which compelled her to explain. "That's A'qiu's room! He really likes preserving the smell of flowers. Recently A-qiu has been working to preserve the scent of wisteria. Now it's june and the wisteria aren't in full bloom anymore... it doesn't smell as nice." The girl frowned at the thought, but after a small sniff she instantly beamed. "But A-qiu managed to preserve the smell! It's amazing!"
Hua Chongyun now knew that this Miss Mao was a chatterbox, her voice was comparable to that of a bird's chirps in the morning waking you up from a sweet dream. Hua Chongyun didn't mind listening on but he wanted to ask "A'qiu?"
Mao Xiangling went quiet and then laughed at her mistake of forgetting to introduce 'A'qiu'. "The one living in that fragrant room is Elder Chu's youngest son, Chu Xingqiu. Most people here call him young master Chu."
Mao Xiangling explained that Elder Chu had two sons. She was a disciple of the eldest son, Chu Xinyuan. Mao Xiangling's knowledge on the martial arts of Guhua had stemmed from Chu Xinyuan's teaching. The younger son, Chu Xingqiu, was Mao Xiangling's cherished friend. Because of this, she had a deep affection for the Chu family and saw them as her own.
After the conversation, the bubbly girl had left Hua Chongyun to settle in his room. She wanted to introduce Hua Chongyun to Chu Xingqiu, but the latter had descended the mountain few days prior and would often be gone for several weeks before returning.
Hua Chongyun found that it wasn't difficult to settle into his life in Feiyun Recesses, he figured out the layout of it in two days and had memorized it in five. He wasn't a great conversationalist but he had already exchanged courtesies with the other Guhua disciples that lived in Ziteng Courtyard and was well-acquainted with them with the help of the extroverted Mao Xiangling. Often times, Hua Chongyun would find himself getting dragged along by Miss Mao to various group activities within the courtyard. Be it washing clothes together by the river or hunting rabbits and birds to roast. Hua Chongyun would find himself overwhelmed more often than not and when the feeling distorted his usually calm and collected face, Mao Xiangling would not push it and would give him some time alone.
The matter of Hua Chongyun's martial arts quickly came into light, Elder Chu personally recommended Hua Chongyun to his eldest son. Chu Xinyuan promptly accepted and soon enough, a small tea ceremony was held to formally accept Hua Chongyun as Chu Xinyuan's disciple. Mao Xiangling was delighted to be finally be proper sect siblings with Hua Chongyun but he could only try to mask his nervousness with a slight smile.
There are two reasons as to why the Guhua sect was well known despite it being secluded. The first reason is that the sect leader was not only a martial artist but also a businessman. The Feiyun Recesses was a private extension of the Feiyun Commerce Guild that had a lot of influence on the southeastern part of Liyue. The logistics headquarters was located in Liyue Harbor and had easy access to the wharf, it was managed by the sect leader's elder sister.
The second reason was Chu Xinyuan. The sect leader's eldest son has made a name for himself in the world of martial arts. There was an incident where an organized group of notorious bandits tried to boycott a ship that contained goods of high importance as it was a personal order from the Tianquan herself. The Feiyun Commerce Guild would lose face if they failed to provide these goods so Chu Xinyuan was secretly tasked with escorting them. The group of bandits had nowhere to run and were skillfully apprehended by the lone Chu Xinyuan. One against twenty or so people was not an easy feat. Not only that, the youngest son also was not idle. Chu Xingqiu had found out about the illegal warehouse where these bandits stored stolen goods. In the end, the pair of brothers sent the group of bandits kneeling in front of the Millelith, their tails inbetween their legs and whimpering like dogs. Ever since that incident, no one dared to fool around the Feiyun Commerce Guild and purposefully enter the wolf's den.
When Mao Xiangling excitedly told this story to Hua Chongyun, her eyes shone with the sun. Her idolatry towards the brothers was obvious in her expression. Hua Chongyun couldn't help but feel truly undeserving of being a disciple of Chu Xinyuan. In the back of his mind, he had also been increasingly curious of his master's younger brother, Chu Xingqiu. He had never seen the young master so he'd been unconsciously imagining what the young master would look like based on Miss Mao's descriptions.
As Hua Chongyun trained with his sect siblings under Chu Xinyuan, he realized that his skills were truly inferior to those of Mao Xiangling and the other disciples. Because of this, he put endless effort into diligently training and learning the Guhua arts. In the day, he would attend classes and listen attentively. In the night, he would go down the side of the mountain and trained by a stream which had clear and cool water. The first set Guhua arts revolved around swordsmanship, so naturally Hua Chongyun had been given his own sword that he always brought with him whenever he practiced in the night. After sword traning, he would wash his face with the cold water before heading back to his room in the courtyard.
For two months, Hua Chongyun's days kept repeating like this. It was simple but tiring nonetheless, he knew he had to exert much effort to catch up with the other disciples. He still had the heart of an overachiever and being left behind did not sit well in his chest. All of his training was not without pay either, Chu Xinyuan would often praise him. His improvement was akin to that of a fleeting arrow, quick and easy to miss until it finally hits a target. Hua Chongyun simply had innate talent.
The moon was like a jade plate high in the night sky. The pale moonlight lit the path that Hua Chongyun dutifully travelled down to the side of the mountain towards the familiar stream that bubbled ever so often. It was the same as any other night, Hua Chongyun assumed a steady stance and was about to brandish his sword when a familiar scent came to his senses. His eyebrows furrowed and he frowned as he thought carefully.
Hua Chongyun was familiar with the scent and he was even more confused when he realized what it was. It was the smell of Locust trees, the same trees he had known since he was a child. Locust trees were considered as Ghost trees because they contained strong yin energy and would often attract ghosts and spirits. Before Hua Chongyun was taken to the Guhua sect, he often entered a grove of Locust trees. The exorcists of his family used the grove as a training ground for the exorcism arts. However, when Hua Chongyun stepped into the grove...it seemed that the ghosts were scared to come out. The leaves on the Locust trees even started to wilt. The young exorcist came back to the grove again and again, but he never was able to exorcise an evil spirit. Later on, his aunt concluded that he was unfit to be an exorcist and sent him here.
Hua Chongyun grimaced at the memory, he remembered that Hua Shenhe had said more things to him at the time but he didn't bother to try and remember. He focused on the Locust tree scent that seemed to come from the other side of the stream. Why would there be Locust trees here?
Hua Chongyun carefully strode over the stream. After a step he suddenly froze, he squinted his eyes... is that a person?
Hua Chongyun was alarmed. The scent of Locust seemed to come from the person that sat under a tree. The person's back leaned onto the trunk of the tree with their head drooping to the side, it looked like they were sleeping. Hua Chongyun dared not approach so brazenly, he carefully observed. The smell of Locust... was this person actually a ghost? Hua Chongyun pondered but then thought that it couldn't be a ghost. He was Hua Chongyun after all, if it was a ghost then it would have already ran away or atleast woke up in his presence.
As Hua Chongyun continued to think, a sudden surge of water came from the stream. When he saw the figure of a person under the tree, he just stopped midway the stream in an unbalanced position. The surge of water caught him off guard, he lost his footing and could only fall forward. His arms reflexively caught himself before he could hit the ground but he could do nothing to muffle the noise he'd just made.
Hua Chongyun was sure he'd woken up whatever was sleeping in front of him. He stayed in his half kneeling position with his head hung low for a few seconds before slowly looking up. A pair of dazed golden eyes met his. Their gazes locked as the other person blinked slowly, half-awake.
Hua Chongyun did not move an inch until the other person giggled, voice hoarse from sleep. "What are you kneeling for?" Hua Chongyun immediately came to his senses and quickly stood up, stepping out of the stream and towards the person. The latter slowly stood up, brushing the dirt off their clothes and stepped forward as well. Hua Chongyun finally saw the person's face lit up by the moonlight. He was surprised but tried to keep a calm, straight face.
This person actually had a face painted with rouge, their cheeks were tinted pink and their lips had bright red smeared onto them. It would have been a beautiful, enchanting look if the rouge wasn't smudged all over this person's face. Hua Chongyun was very confused. Why would a young girl be here in the middle of the night, smelling like Locust? Hua Chongyun could only assume that she got lost in the woods and wanted to help.
"I'm Hua Chongyun, may I have your name?" The girl did not answer but instead smiled and asked. "Are you from the Guhua sect?" Hua Chongyun realized that this girl actually knew where she was, so he nodded. "Yes, this one is a disciple of master Chu Xinyuan." The girl's ears perked up at the name, she blinked once and then smiled sweetly. "Then, Can I trouble A-yun to lead me to the entrance of the recessess?" Hua Chongyun was taken aback by the intimate nickname. His expression showed a trace of shock but he quickly tried to compose himself. "Yes... yes, it's no trouble."
Hua Chongyun turned around and started to lead the way when the girl behind him let out a small groan. Hua Chongyun looked back with concern "What's wrong?" The girl only timidly shook her head, "It's nothing..." However, the girl's eyes glanced down at her own feet—her long eyelashes trembling. Hua Chongyun followed her line of sight.
How was this nothing?!
The girl's feet were battered as if they'd gone to war. She wasn't wearing any shoes and only had bandages wantonly wrapped around them. Dark purple bruises and wounds stood out from the girl's pale feet. It was a mess... Hua Chongyun's heart wallowed in pity. He thought for a moment and then asked, "If the lady doesn't mind, this disciple can carry you inside." The girl's eyes widened momentarily but it was quickly followed by another smile. "I don't mind. Thank you for your kindness, A'yun. Your master is lucky to have such a good disciple."
The tips of Hua Chongyun's ears turned red at the praise, luckily it was dark and wasn't noticeable. Hua Chongyun leaned down so that the girl can climb his back. The girl carefully did so, her legs on both sides of Hua Chongyun's waist. When she settled, Hua Chongyun started walking towards the Ziteng Courtyard. Hua Chongyun didn't dare ask questions but he did not find the need to do so when the girl started talking. "This girl is very stupid and lost her shoes while dancing. The dance looks better when one is barefoot so I removed my shoes, but I'd forgotten where I put them!" The girl could only sigh in disdain. "This girl thinks a fairy was jealous of my shoes embroidered with flowers and stole it away, otherwise... how could they be gone?"
Hua Chongyun could only listen to the girl's story and did not say anything. A fairy? Was this girl six years old? Hua Chongyun shook his head in his heart and continued walking. Suddenly the girl nuzzled his nape, burying her head in the crook of his neck. Hua Chongyun's eyes widened in shock.
How could someone be so shameless?!
Hua Chongyun's skin was immediately covered by goosebumps, his cheeks burned a deep red that reached his earlobes. Just as he thought it couldn't get worse, the girl whispered into his ear: "It's cold." Her hot breath scalding his skin. Now that the girl spoke right into his ear, he realized that her voice was quite deep. Hua Chongyun felt dizzy. He quickened his steps, afraid that his knees might suddenly buckle and send both him and the girl rolling down the side of the mountain.
Hua Chongyun finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel once he reached the Ziteng Courtyard, he wanted nothing more than to drop this girl and run away as far as possible. Hua Chongyun took the girl into his room and sat her on his bed, he then excused himself and abruptly left. His heart beat so fast he felt like it would jump out of his chest.
Hua Chongyun saw that there was still light inside Mao Xiangling's room, he heaved a sigh of relief. He really did not know how to deal with this situation. After a few knocks, Mao Xiangling opened the door, she had a surprised expression. Mao Xiangling noticed his flushed face and couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"
Hua Chongyun took a deep breath, calming himself down. He then relayed the story of the girl with battered feet, obstructing the part where she nuzzled into the crook of his neck. "Aiya! Poor lady, let me go help care of her!" Mao Xiangling went into her room and took out a box of medicinal ointments before heading out with Hua Chongyun. Once they arrived, Mao Xiangling quickly opened the door only to stop and stare at the girl.
Mao Xiangling, Hua Chongyun and the girl stood in silence for a few seconds. Mao Xiangling blinked and then happily called, "A'qiu! You're back!" she then darted towards the girl and hugged her tightly. "A'qiu, Ling'er has missed you!"
Hua Chongyun could only watch the two, stupefied. He felt like he'd become a statue, he couldn't talk nor move.
A'qiu...?
The girl looked in Hua Chongyun's direction as Mao Xiangling held her in a tight embrace. A sly grin forming on her lips smudged with rouge.
This girl...is Chu Xingqiu?!