“Zhao! Zhao!”
A jumble of calls roused Zhao Zhao. She opened her misty eyes and rubbed them vigorously.
A woman, dressed in fine silks and a headscarf, burst through the door, pulling Zhao Zhao from the bed and hurriedly warming her hands.
“You naughty child! Why are you so disobedient? Why didn’t you stay in the room with the charcoal brazier and instead sneak off to the side room? You must be frozen!” Madam Li was both angry and worried, quickly instructing the servants to light the underfloor heating in this room as well.
“I’m fine, Mother,” Zhao Zhao yawned, her voice soft and childish for a thirteen or fourteen-year-old girl.
Seeing her like this, Madam Li’s anger subsided, replaced by a wave of tenderness. She gently draped a garment over her daughter, tears welling in her eyes.
Both she and her husband were from minor branches of immortal cultivation families, lacking immortal veins. They had started from nothing, building their wealth through a tavern business. They were quite old and unable to conceive, so this daughter was a gift from the gods fourteen years ago.
That day, she and her husband knelt before the ancestral shrine, weeping and praying to heaven. Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through, and a tall woman in a green robe appeared before them, a woman in red standing behind her.
The green-robed woman’s face was obscured by the shadows, yet her ethereal beauty was still evident. Her voice was gentle as she asked if they would still want the child even if she were missing parts of her soul.
Madam Li, desperate for a child, readily nodded. The woman then produced a small packet, and a beam of light flowed into Madam Li’s body.
Once this was done, the woman took the hand of the woman in red and floated away, leaving behind only one sentence:
“Her name is Zhao Zhao.”
Only then did Madam Li and her husband realize that the woman was a legendary celestial being. They immediately prostrated themselves, overcome with gratitude.
Zhao Zhao was indeed different from other children. She was missing one soul and one spirit. While not intellectually impaired, she was somewhat slow and her actions were unusual.
Miraculously, she possessed an immortal vein, yet she couldn’t even perform the most basic Qi cultivation, unable to learn any immortal arts.
But she was undeniably adorable, with bright eyes, fair skin, a delicate upturned nose, and lips like plump berries. Her smile revealed charming dimples. Madam Li doted on her excessively, fulfilling her every wish, but rarely allowed her to go outside.
“Are you still sleepy? Should I have someone carry you back to your room?” Madam Li asked gently.
Zhao Zhao shook her head, her round eyes crinkling into slits as she said sweetly, “I’m hungry, Mother.”
“Breakfast is ready; let’s go eat in your room,” Madam Li said, taking Zhao Zhao’s hand and leading her into the hallway.
“Your master, whom your mother and father have arranged for you, has arrived today. She’s a disciple of the Wu Hui Sect, quite young but with exceptionally high cultivation. You must study diligently,” Madam Li said patiently.
Zhao Zhao never disobeyed her parents, so she smiled and agreed.
Madam Li nodded with satisfaction. Zhao Zhao’s obedience was endearing. She knew, however, that Zhao Zhao’s aptitude was simply not suited for cultivation. But she and her husband were old, and would eventually pass away, leaving their daughter alone and vulnerable. Life would be difficult for her.
Therefore, she had developed the idea of having Zhao Zhao join the Wu Hui Sect, but the Sect was notoriously difficult to enter, and Zhao Zhao’s cultivation level offered no hope of acceptance.
She had pleaded with many cultivators to take Zhao Zhao as a disciple, but years had passed without success.
Now, finally, someone had stepped forward to take on this task, and she felt relieved.
“Madam, Master requests your presence at the tavern. A guest is causing a disturbance,” a servant girl rushed in from the hallway, speaking urgently.
Upon hearing this, Madam Li muttered a curse under her breath, instructing the servant to take Zhao Zhao back to her room before hurrying off herself.
Zhao Zhao watched Madam Li leave, and followed the servant girl in a daze. She didn’t particularly enjoy the food prepared by the cooks in the manor; she preferred food from outside. Whenever the street vendor selling sesame cakes passed by, the aroma was incredibly tempting.
Nevertheless, she obediently returned to her room to eat. However, as she was passing a step, her back leg didn’t lift in time, and she stumbled, her body lunging forward.
She thought glumly, this was the eighth time she’d fallen in the past few days.
This time, however, there was a difference. She didn’t hit the ground but landed instead in someone’s arms. The person’s arms were slender but strong, and with a gentle lift of her wrist, she was pulled upright.
“Thank you, thank you,” Zhao Zhao breathed a sigh of relief, trying to pull her wrist free, but the hands remained firm, unmoving.
Zhao Zhao blinked, raising her eyes in confusion, nearly gasping in shock.
The woman’s beauty was simply breathtaking.
Her black hair cascaded down, though partially bound, it still flowed like a waterfall, as dark as polished ink. Unusually, a strand of silver hair fell from her temples, softly resting against her chest.
Her skin was as white as ice and snow, her eyes long and narrow, giving her a cool and aloof appearance. Yet, when she spoke, her thin lips curved slightly upward, her voice gentle and ethereal, as if from another world.
“Zhao Zhao?” she said, her tone strange, as if suppressing something, her voice slightly trembling.
Zhao Zhao felt a surge of fear. She hugged her wrists tightly to her chest and whispered, “You are…?”
The woman paused, then nodded. “I’m from the Wu Hui Sect. Your mother sent for me.”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhao immediately took two steps back to bow, formally addressing her as Master.
The woman frowned, shaking her head gently. “I’m not your master. I’m simply here to teach you cultivation. Call me Bei Sang.”
Zhao Zhao seemed a little bewildered but still nodded obediently.
Bei Sang seemed to have a thousand words to say, her light-colored eyes trembling slightly before finally settling. She responded softly, bending down to whisper, “Eat your breakfast. I’ll come again tomorrow.”
Before Zhao Zhao could reply, Bei Sang’s snow-white robes disappeared behind the doorframe. Zhao Zhao turned sharply, but she was already gone.
“Why can’t I call you Master…?” she murmured, but her grumbling stomach quickly distracted her, and she skipped towards the table.
The woman was beautiful but strange. Her aura felt warm yet somehow distant and unapproachable.
Zhao Zhao didn’t dwell on it, dismissing the thought quickly.
True to her word, Bei Sang stood before Zhao Zhao’s door the next morning. She didn’t speak or rush, dismissing the servants and standing quietly in the biting winter wind.
The strand of silver hair didn’t make her look odd; instead, it added an air of worldly wisdom and detachment.
The door opened, and Zhao Zhao, still sleepy, stepped out in her neatly fitting undergarments. Upon seeing Bei Sang’s face clearly, she was startled, her remaining sleepiness vanishing instantly.
“Mas-Master…” she stammered.
“Don’t call me Master,” Bei Sang said helplessly, feigning displeasure.
Zhao Zhao responded timidly, nervously twisting her clothes, her demeanor stiff and distant.
Seeing Zhao Zhao like this, Bei Sang felt a pang of sympathy. She casually removed her snow-white fur cloak and draped it over Zhao Zhao’s shoulders, saying gently, “It’s cold outside. Let’s talk inside. Why is it so cold in here on such a frigid winter day?”
Zhao Zhao, suddenly enveloped in the soft fur, walked into the room in a daze, gently stroking the plush material. She whispered, “I like cold places, so I had the underfloor heating turned off.”
*Likes cold places,* Bei Sang thought, lowering her gaze to conceal a flicker of joy.
Zhao Zhao was shy, and she knew she was naturally clumsy and incapable of learning. She assumed her teacher would be disappointed, making her even more apprehensive. She didn’t dare look at Bei Sang, let alone speak.
Bei Sang watched her for a moment, then pulled a small paper packet from her sleeve. As she opened it, a rich, fragrant aroma filled the room.
Zhao Zhao’s eyes widened as she saw the sesame cake in Bei Sang’s hand, involuntarily taking a few steps closer.
At this, a smile bloomed across Bei Sang’s face. She gently blew on the cake before placing it in Zhao Zhao’s palm, saying softly, “Here. I saw a vendor selling them when I arrived, so I bought one. Eat it while your mother’s away.”
Zhao Zhao immediately smiled, her bright eyes crinkling into slits with delight. She took the cake and took a large bite.
“Thank you, Bei Sang,” she mumbled, her smile pure and unrestrained.
Seeing her smile, Bei Sang’s own face softened, her eyes filled with a gentle light, her gaze lingering on Zhao Zhao, unwilling to look away.
How wonderful. It had been so many years, so long that she barely dared to revisit those precious memories.
Indeed, even after all this time, Zhao Zhao was still easily bribed with a simple treat.
With the sesame cake, Zhao Zhao’s stiffness noticeably lessened. Because of her incomplete soul, cultivation was difficult for her, but Bei Sang didn’t mind at all. She longed to teach her for many years, and if she didn’t learn, she would simply continue teaching.
That evening, Zhao Zhao excitedly described to Madam Li how wonderful her master was-how patient, kind, and gentle, and how much she smiled. She was the best woman besides her mother.
Madam Li was overjoyed but also surprised. When she had invited this immortal cultivator, she had been quite worried. The cultivator seemed untouched by the mortal world, gentle yet aloof and distant, not someone who seemed capable of tolerating Zhao Zhao.
Madam Li was finally able to relax, hearing Zhao Zhao speak so highly of Bei Sang.
Bei Sang came every day, seemingly without any need for cultivation herself. Zhao Zhao, naturally, didn’t understand her cultivation level, only that she was incredibly skilled. She diligently studied formations and cultivated her immortal vein, and before she knew it, over a month had passed.
Zhao Zhao, naturally cheerful, quickly lost her fear and became increasingly lively around Bei Sang.
As the year drew to a close, Wu Zhong City was perpetually blanketed in snow. Large snowflakes fell incessantly. Bei Sang didn’t arrive at the appointed time, and Zhao Zhao, unable to wait any longer, ran out of the house to wait at the gate.
Snow piled on her shoulders. Bei Sang still hadn’t come, and Zhao Zhao grew increasingly anxious. She asked a nearby servant girl, “Sister, what time is it?”
“Miss, it’s already the hour of the snake (巳时, around 9-11 am). It’s cold outside; perhaps we should go back inside?” the servant girl said cautiously.
Zhao Zhao’s bright eyes seemed to dim slightly. She shook her head and continued to stand at the gate.
“Then… I’ll get you a hand warmer or a cloak, Miss. Please don’t wander off here,” the servant girl, worried about her, said before turning and hurrying away through the snow.
Zhao Zhao looked around. Perhaps because of the heavy snow, the courtyard was completely deserted. Her eyes flickered, and she boldly opened the gate.
The snow on the street had been cleared, but the stone path was still quite slippery. She walked, swaying slightly, further and further down the street.
A figure approached from the other end of the street, her white dress trailing on the ground. Upon seeing Zhao Zhao, she visibly startled, then leaped into the air, like a butterfly dancing in the snow, her sleeves fluttering behind her.
Zhao Zhao, delighted, ran towards Bei Sang. Bei Sang landed before her, firmly grasping her arm. Her usually emotionless eyes were filled with worry.
“Why did you run out by yourself? Where’s your mother?” Bei Sang’s voice was low, tinged with anger.
“Bei Sang!” Zhao Zhao, overjoyed at seeing her, threw herself into Bei Sang’s arms, wrapping her soft arms around her tightly.
The girl’s warm breath melted the snow on Bei Sang’s cloak, making it slightly damp. Bei Sang paused, sighed, and removed the cloak, draping it over the girl’s back. The damp cloak was instantly dry as new upon contact with the girl.
“I waited for you for a long time today, but you didn’t come, so I came looking for you,” Zhao Zhao said with a sweet smile, tilting her head back.
“I’m sorry. Something came up at the Sect today. I informed Madam Li beforehand,” Bei Sang said softly. Her hand rose, hesitated, and then reluctantly lowered, stopping short of touching Zhao Zhao’s face.
“I know how upsetting it is to wait a long time, so I don’t want you to wait for me,” Bei Sang sighed, pulling Zhao Zhao’s cloak tighter.
Zhao Zhao didn’t quite understand.
“But since you’re already out, would you like to go to a tavern for some pastries?” Bei Sang asked gently, her light-colored eyes even clearer against the backdrop of the snow.
Zhao Zhao, naturally delighted, practically leaped for joy. She took Bei Sang’s hand and, chattering excitedly, pulled her along the deserted street.
After informing Madam Li, Bei Sang took Zhao Zhao to the largest tavern in the area and ordered a table full of the pastries Zhao Zhao loved in her past life.
Zhao Zhao ate heartily, her cheeks smeared with oil. Bei Sang couldn’t help but reach out and wipe it away.
After a moment’s hesitation, she gently spoke, “Zhao Zhao, would you like to come with me to the Wu Hui Sect to cultivate?”
Zhao Zhao stopped chewing, her cheeks puffed out in surprise as she looked at her.
Then she nodded repeatedly, exclaiming joyfully, “Can I really join the Wu Hui Sect? But I still can’t do anything.”
Her eyes dimmed. “The Wu Hui Sect… why would they want me?”
“With me, they won’t dare refuse you.”
A smile touched Bei Sang’s lips. She had already discussed this with Madam Li, who had readily agreed. She and her husband were both quite old, and the thought of Zhao Zhao having the protection of the Wu Hui Sect was a tremendous blessing.
After Zhao Zhao finished eating, Bei Sang took her back to the manor. After spending three more days with her parents, Bei Sang took her away on her sword.
It was Zhao Zhao’s first time flying, and she was both thrilled and terrified, clinging tightly to Bei Sang, afraid to look down. The sight of the mountains and rivers below filled her with awe.
“Bei Sang, I like you so much,” Zhao Zhao suddenly said, clinging to Bei Sang like a twisting vine, never letting go, her voice sweet.
Upon hearing this, Bei Sang gently placed her long fingers over her heart, unable to conceal her joy.
The girl’s unrestrained confession was all the more heart-stirring.
They flew past the White Jade Gate and White Jade Terrace, landing on a small path halfway up a mountain. A tall, slender woman in green stood poised, effortlessly snipping a branch of winter plum blossoms from the top of a tree.
Hearing the sound of their approach, the woman turned, pushing back her dark hair. Her striking black and white eyes scanned them both, a cryptic smile playing on her lips.
“Jiao Xiao,” Bei Sang said, her cheeks flushed, her tone slightly reproachful.
“Alright, alright,” Luo Jiao Xiao, holding the plum blossom branch, shook her head with a faint smile, reaching into the grove to pull someone out.
The two women clasped hands. The woman in red was even more beautiful than the plum blossoms, her red lips more vibrant than the petals. She nodded to Bei Sang, her gaze lingering on Zhao Zhao.
Zhao Zhao’s heart skipped a beat. She felt an inexplicable fear of the woman, so she circled around and hid behind Bei Sang.
Luo Jiao Xiao chuckled. She leaned forward, handing the plum blossom to Qu Wei Yin, whispering with a grin, “Little Junior Aunt, you scared her.”
“Be quiet,” Qu Wei Yin said, pushing Luo Jiao Xiao away, forcing a smile and gently extending her hand towards Zhao Zhao.
Zhao Zhao was on the verge of tears. She softly called out to Bei Sang and burrowed into her robes.
Bei Sang was both amused and exasperated. She shook her head helplessly, gently stroking Zhao Zhao’s back. “Don’t be afraid. These two are your saviors.”
“She’s timid. I’ll take her back,” Bei Sang said, bidding farewell to Luo Jiao Xiao and Qu Wei Yin, and leading Zhao Zhao away by the hand.
Once Qu Wei Yin was out of sight, Zhao Zhao felt relieved. She held Bei Sang’s hand and walked slowly along the path of the Wu Hui Sect, their figures, one tall and one short, gradually disappearing into the distance.
Qu Wei Yin glanced at Luo Jiao Xiao, who was stifling her laughter, and lightly snorted before turning to leave, her red clothes a vibrant contrast against the red plum blossoms.
Luo Jiao Xiao quickly followed, clearing her throat. “Even after all this time away from the world, your power is still as formidable as ever.”
“If you say another word, you’ll be sleeping with Qiongqi tonight,” Qu Wei Yin said, raising an eyebrow.
Upon hearing this, Luo Jiao Xiao quickly wrapped her arms around Qu Wei Yin’s arm, hanging on her, looking utterly aggrieved. “No! We haven’t slept in the same bed for days!”
Bei Sang still lived in the small wooden house, though the surrounding flower grove was now bare and leafless. Yet, she didn’t feel lonely.
Zhao Zhao was curious about everything, touching several antique ornaments before sitting on Bei Sang’s bed and removing her cloak.
“Bei Sang, will I sleep here with you from now on?” she asked with a smile.
Bei Sang took the cloak, quickly replying, “Of course not.”
Zhao Zhao didn’t get upset. With her bright eyes, she looked at Bei Sang for a long time before getting up and pressing her face against Bei Sang’s chest again.
For some reason, whenever she saw Bei Sang, she just wanted to touch her, to feel the warmth radiating from her hands.
“Bei Sang, you teach me cultivation, but why won’t you let me call you Master?” she asked softly, a question that had been bothering her for a while.
Bei Sang answered without hesitation, “If you were my disciple, it would be difficult for you to be anything else.”
“But the sister earlier called another woman ‘Junior Aunt’…” Zhao Zhao said, confused.
“That’s different,” Bei Sang said, a mixture of amusement and exasperation. She gently rubbed Zhao Zhao’s face and whispered, “I want to avoid anything that might cause Zhao Zhao any further distress.”
“If you want to sleep here, sleep here,” Bei Sang said softly, pulling Zhao Zhao onto the bed.
Zhao Zhao nodded happily, turning over to lie down. She suddenly slipped her hand into Bei Sang’s, a little shyly but openly declaring, “Bei Sang, I really like you.”
She was always straightforward, saying whatever came to mind.
Bei Sang looked at her for a moment, her eyes filled with affection, her eyes slightly moist. She touched Zhao Zhao’s stomach and hummed in response.
Although Zhao Zhao’s words might not have been exactly what she expected, she had a long time ahead of her, undisturbed, to devote herself wholeheartedly to repaying the love she owed.
Morning and night, she would protect this one person.
**Author’s Note:** The End.
I’m glad I finished the last chapter before my morale completely collapsed. I wonder if I’m really not that good, haha.
My next book might take a while; I need to think about it carefully.
Lots of love, I hope you’re all happy.
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