Chapter 751: The Tian Shan Pavilion

“You seem to have admired quite a few seniors.” Li Tishui said.

“Because all the seniors are simply too formidable.”

“Oh.”

“Mm.”

Li Tishui glanced at him: “Did you bring poetry for Li He? What did you prepare for me?”

“...I didn’t dare to prepare anything without knowing your preferences.”

Li Tishui turned around: “I enjoy watching operas.”

“I can’t sing.” Pei Ye followed behind.

Li Tishui seemed to smile, but her face was obscured by the gauze curtain: “We are both fate’s hounds; no need to go out of your way to please me. Small favors, helping each other is only natural.”

Pei Ye was startled: “Can you say that name out here?”

“Within the sphere of my surroundings, it’s fine,” Li Tishui said. “Generally speaking, as long as it doesn’t reach six ears, it’s also fine in the Divine Capital. The greater heavens are monitored by Li Jian.”

Pei Ye nodded thoughtfully: “Still, better to be cautious.”

“Yes.”

“I’ve really been training at the Jian Academy these past few days,” Pei Ye explained, slightly embarrassed. “Today I was about to attend the Tian Shan Sword Banquet, but Feiguang’s master happened to be free, so I came early to pay my respects.”

Li Tishui glanced at him: “You even bought new clothes.”

“...” Pei Ye sighed, slumping his head. “I just don’t know how to interact with these great literati—you know, if someone who truly loves swordplay came to ask me for advice, I’d naturally like him more; but I truly admire poetry, and when I went to consult Senior Li He, he sat there like he was surrounded by porcupines.”

The boy’s understanding was built from past experience—he had somehow realized he was liked, and began refining this strength. But his first confident foray nearly ended in disaster.

The black cat whispered beside his ear: “I only hope you don’t bring me along next time you play this role.”

Pei Ye grew even more despondent.

“Courage is commendable,” Li Tishui said, no longer teasing the young member. “What is the Tian Shan Sword Banquet?”

“You don’t know?”

“A new sword society in the Divine Capital?”

“Yes. It’s said Tian Shan has invited nearly all sword practitioners in the capital—many top sects have gone. My entire Jian Academy was invited,” Pei Ye said.

“It’s already past the hour of Mao. Aren’t you going?”

“Now that I’ve met you, I naturally must seek your guidance first.”

Li Tishui said: “That would delay your schedule. Let’s go together—we can talk on the way. Oh, does this banquet require an invitation?”

“That’s easily arranged. But for you to adjust your plans for me... I’m truly honored,” Pei Ye smiled.

“You overstate it. Today I’m free, and I haven’t seen any true talents in a long while—let’s go together and take a look.”

Pei Ye was surprised this senior was far more approachable than he’d imagined; naturally, he had no reason to refuse, and thanked her again.

At that moment, a maid from the small pavilion called out to Pei Ye as he was about to leave.

“Young Master Pei, please wait,” the maid bowed gracefully. “My mistress says, please change your clothes before you go.”

Pei Ye froze, looking up at the pale green pavilion, where a faint yellow figure stood leaning on the railing at the top.

Pei Ye frowned, glancing down at his attire: “Isn’t this outfit fine?”

He actually liked his new scholarly air.

“Young Master Pei is outstanding—any attire suits you,” the maid said. “Perhaps my mistress feels your current dress doesn’t suit the sword banquet.”

Pei Ye nodded: “That makes sense, but I don’t have any other clothes on me.”

“My mistress has already prepared some for you.”

Li Tishui seemed to smile, gesturing for him to go ahead, while leaning against the doorframe, her sword concealed within her wide sleeves.

Pei Ye bowed his farewell, climbed the stairs, and found Qi Zhaohua waiting at the door.

“Young Master Pei, you kept coming to ask before—now that my mistress has returned, I sent you word immediately. Yet you never came,” the woman smiled, leaning against the door.

Indeed, Qi Zhaohua had sent two notes to the Jian Academy these past days, but the matter was long past; he no longer rushed to seek her out, and merely smiled: “I got lazy. Didn’t feel like coming.”

Qi Zhaohua laughed: “It seems your palace duties are going well—you’re no longer nervous meeting my mistress.”

“Not exactly well, but they’re done. For the rest of this month, if you have any thorny matters, feel free to call on me.”

“I don’t deal in fighting or killing—I don’t need your sword,” Qi Zhaohua said. “Besides, my mistress just told me yesterday not to assign you casually. If she does assign you, she’ll inform you directly.”

The woman studied him: “Young Master Pei is truly favored by my mistress.”

Pei Ye said: “I have some influence now. If you have any wishes, say them to me.”

Qi Zhaohua thought for a moment: “My office is too small. Could you get me a more spacious one?”

Qi Zhao Hua pondered: “This room for handling affairs is too small—can you give me something more spacious?”

Qi Zhaohua smiled, dropped the teasing, and said seriously: “I know your heart hasn’t changed, but don’t act entitled because of favor. Even if my mistress and we don’t see it as anything, her surroundings are full of eyes—others will interpret it differently. You must still uphold propriety.”

Qi Zhao Hua smiled, ceased teasing him, and said seriously: “I know your sincerity hasn’t changed, but don’t grow presumptuous from favor. Even if our benefactor and we see nothing amiss, his surroundings are full of eyes—what others see will be entirely different. Young master, you must uphold proper decorum.”

Qi Zhaohua nodded, then added: “I noticed my mistress sent a personal attendant to call you—is there something urgent?”

“No, just a small matter.”

“Then go up quickly.”

Pei Ye bid farewell to Qi Zhaohua, climbed to the third floor, and reached the pavilion’s summit.

Xu Chuo’s pale yellow floral dress was indeed standing by the railing—earlier she had been gazing downward, now she leaned back, looking into the room.

“Greetings, Pavilion Master.”

Xu Chuo regarded him from afar: “Your current attire is fine. But don’t wear it to the sword banquet.”

“It’s fine?”

“Yes, fine. Next time you enter the palace, you may wear it to see me.”

Pei Ye found this odd, but didn’t dwell on it, and smiled: “Actually, I think it looks good too—I plan to wear it to the Guozijian.”

Two maids brought out a set of sword robes. Pei Ye pulled the curtain, removed his clothes, and changed into the new attire—truthfully, though his previous outfit had made him feel good, this one’s fit felt familiar and comfortable.

“Is everything going well on your end? Do you need help?” Pei Ye adjusted his sleeves.

Two ladies brought forth a set of sword attire; Pei Ye drew the curtain, undressed, and changed into the outfit—truth be told, though his previous attire had made him feel good, this one’s fit felt familiar and comfortable.

“Has Yongbei arrived in the capital yet?”

“Not yet,” Xu Chuo stroked the black cat that had leapt onto the railing, lowering her voice. “How did he speak with Li He?”

Pei Ye answered quickly: “They got along very well.”

The black cat said coolly: “Unbearable to recall.”

“When you go this time, observe Tian Shan’s people closely,” Xu Chuo caressed the kitten. “See what they mean.”

Pei Ye paused: “I’ve dealt with Tian Shan before in Bowang. What do you mean?”

“I know—you met An Xiang, the stone hairpin, and ‘Si Feng’ An Cang then. But this time, the entire Tian Shan is here in the capital; they’re hosting the sword banquet together,” Xu Chuo leaned on the railing. “Tian Shan lies far in the western extreme, long detached from the Jianghu; our knowledge of them is limited. But over the past half year, they’ve pushed forward actively in both contact and cooperation.”

Pei Ye thought: “Because of Xitingxin’s matter?”

“Likely nothing else,” Xu Chuo said. “Since the opportunity arises, learn more. Let Shengyu accompany you—I’m not entirely comfortable with you getting too close to Tian Shan’s people.”

“According to Zhao Taizhu’s words, Xitingxin will eventually have to go west,” Pei Ye said.

“Yes, I believe what Tian Shan cares about is the same thing,” Xu Chuo said. “I’m just letting you know in advance—I’ll also be gradually contacting them these days.”

“Alright, then I’m off,” Pei Ye adjusted his sword robe and smiled. “If I see anything unusual at the banquet, I’ll bring you back a souvenir—oh, Qi Zhaohua’s office is too small. Remember to get her a more spacious one.”

With that, the boy descended the stairs, tapping lightly. As he passed Qi Zhaohua, he smiled at her. The lady had no idea what he’d discussed upstairs, but moments later, a maid appeared, saying she wished to inspect the size of her office.

“Alright, then I’m off.” Pei Ye adjusted his sword attire and smiled. “If anything unusual happens at the gathering, I’ll bring you back a souvenir—oh, by the way, Qi Zhao Hua’s office is far too small; remember to give her a more spacious one.”

With that, the boy descended the stairs, his footsteps tapping; as he passed Qi Zhao Hua, he flashed her a smile. The Lady Qi had no idea what he’d discussed upstairs with that person, but moments later, a lady appeared, saying she wished to inspect the size of her office.

The Tian Shan Pavilion stands in the eastern quarter of the Divine Capital, southeast of the East Pond. Southward it borders Leyou Plain, northward it overlooks the East Market—a place of mountains and water, serene yet near the bustle.

In truth, this elegant garden was only completed two years ago; before it bore the sign of Tian Shan Pavilion, no one knew whose estate it was. Now, among the sect residences in the Divine Capital, it ranks among the most imposing.

Pei Ye and the woman in spring robes and gauzy hat turned into the street between two wards, and from afar saw the lush pavilions and towers.

“When a major sect establishes itself, all nearby businesses revolve around it,” Li Tishui glanced sideways. “I remember this area used to have more small vendors; now it’s all martial schools and weapon forges.”

“Weapon forges I understand. But why martial schools here?” Pei Ye asked curiously. “Do Tian Shan disciples actually train in them?”

Li Tishui smiled: “If you open a martial school right next to the Tian Shan Sword Gate, don’t you think others in the trade will show you respect? Just a touch of their prestige is enough to attract students.”

“A weapons shop I can understand. But why open a martial arts school here?” Pei Ye wondered. “Do disciples of Mount Tian even come here to train?”

This sword master was far more approachable than her sword suggested, yet as Li He had said, a famous sword is the master’s lifeline—Pei Ye still believed beneath this exterior lay something as sharp as [Xiang Huang].

Yet throughout the journey, Pei Ye spoke more to her than he had to Li He, yet remained utterly ignorant of her.

She had no objection to letting the boy gaze upon [Xiang Huang]. The sword, at first glance, showed no obvious marvels—its blade clear and cold as autumn water, only revealing the wind’s parting when slightly moved.

But beyond that, for every question he asked—how she obtained the sword, her life story—she offered only a smile and four words: “Not for discussion.”

In fact, she asked him more questions than he asked her. Pei Ye suddenly realized her guidance and desire to see today’s talents were merely excuses—her true aim was to chat about topics she found interesting.

The woman gazed at the willows along the street; most of her inquiries concerned Yue Muzhou, though not in detail—only idle chatter, as if the name were merely a thread tugging at her thoughts.

A smaller portion concerned the mirage and Wei Qingju, asking the boy for his impression of Wei Qingju. Pei Ye was surprised to discover she knew far more about Wei Qingju than he’d expected.

Now Li Tishui watched the shops for a moment, then suddenly asked: “Do you know Jiang Yiner?”

Pei Ye froze: “We’re both in the Jian Academy—we naturally know each other.”

“You must be close?” Li Tishui turned her head to look at him.

“...” Pei Ye thought, then said seriously: “I think of her as my younger sister.”

Li Tishui let out a laugh: “I hear this girl came to the capital last year—I haven’t met her yet, but I’ve heard she’s very beautiful?”

Pei Ye was stunned: “Yiner is very beautiful.”

Li Tishui let out a laugh: “This girl supposedly came to the capital last year—I’ve never met her, but I hear she’s very beautiful?”

Pei Ye paused: “Yiner is very beautiful.”

What sword does she practice?

“Yiner is a direct disciple of Shenxiao; naturally, she practices Shenxiao’s sword.” Pei Ye paused slightly.

“Have you mastered the Jade Terrace Thousand Calamities? If your talent is good enough, you should be studying the Jade Divine Exposition— or are you still learning the Phoenix Flight?”

“...Yiner can use the Jade Terrace Thousand Calamities. She can use the Phoenix Flight too.”

Li Tishui nodded and sighed softly: “That’s how Ying Suyu teaches his disciples.”

Pei Ye didn’t understand, so he said nothing more.

The two walked in silence for a while, then Li Tishui looked up and said: “Mount Tian’s influence has grown tremendous—we’ll likely have to cross swords with them soon.”

Pei Ye blinked in surprise: “Mount Tian has treated me well.”

“Only some of them.”

Li Tishui fell silent. They had arrived before the Tian Shan annex.

The crowd wasn’t large, but there were many onlookers nearby and afar, mostly wealthy youths. Clearly, the Tian Shan Sword Banquet’s fame had spread beyond the Jianghu and reached the common streets.

By this hour, the Jian Academy’s delegation had already entered. After waiting briefly in line, Pei Ye took out his invitation and handed it to the Tian Shan host at the gate.

The host glanced at the invitation, then looked at the woman beside Pei Ye.

“This lady...”

Li Tishui gazed quietly upward at the ancient tree overhanging the wall. Pei Ye bowed: “This is my friend. She wishes to observe today. If there’s any inconvenience, please inform Miss Shi of your sect.”

The host quickly returned the bow: “Miss Yu already instructed that Master Pei may move freely within the annex—just may I record your name?”

Pei Ye clasped his hands: “Apologies, it’s not convenient.”

“...Oh.” The host hesitated. “Then please, Master Pei, enter with your companion.”

After noting the name, the host handed the invitation to a waiting attendant, who bowed and led the two forward.

“Thank you, thank you.”

Li Tishui stepped inside: “It seems Mount Tian truly treats you well.”

“We’ve been close since Shaolong,” Pei Ye smiled.

Spring was nearing its end; the garden was dotted with greenery, and orioles sang sweetly. Tian Shan’s style remained simple and austere, with little softness—pine and cypress trees, along with strange rocks, were abundant, while flowers and plants were refined but sparse.

The garden was vast. After walking deep inside, amid shaded railings, they finally saw a broad, still pool, its surface like a mirror. Around the pool, stones, plants, pavilions, and seating arrangements had all been prepared in the four directions.

Laughter and chatter now reached their ears—the scale and number of people truly surprised Pei Ye.

Yet after a quick scan, he still spotted that plain-colored sword robe.