Chapter 95: Epilogue (III)

“If we’re going to the Divine Capital, it’ll probably be after September,” Yue Muzhou said.

“Yes, next month there’s—” Pei Ye stumbled; he was now sensitive to words involving the future, “a Jin Qiu martial competition in the provincial capital. I want to give it a try first.”

But Yue Muzhou didn’t think it mattered. He spoke gently, “Don’t aim too high. You’ve just begun cultivation; failing to place is perfectly normal.”

“Mm.”

“When you reach the Divine Capital, do you know what matters most?”

“Skill.”

“Patronage.”

“...That’s not something you can just get,” Pei Ye said.

Yue Muzhou sighed. “When we get back, go to our courtyard, find the small box under my bed.”

“The one with the two small jade pieces?”

“Yes,” Yue Muzhou said. “I’ll tell you what it’s for today—the pale green one shaped like a bird. Take it to the Scholar’s Hall in the Divine Capital, pay respects to the headmaster. That’s your patronage there.”

“What about the white one?”

“The white one...” Yue Muzhou fell silent for a moment. “The white one is for saving your life. Whether or not you go to the Divine Capital, you can use it. If you’re in dire peril, present it to the Dao Master of Shenxiao Sect.”

“Shenxiao... the Shenxiao of the Seven Dao Houses?”

“Yes. But unless it’s absolutely necessary, pretend this jade doesn’t exist.”

Pei Ye froze—Yan Feiqing was the last disciple of Qingwei’s Dao Master, and Qingwei Sect was the other of the Seven Dao Houses.

This was undoubtedly a major figure, but then again, given the old man’s former status, knowing someone like that wasn’t surprising.

But after all these years, could this bond still endure, like this jade?

Pei Ye agreed.

The two fell silent. Pei Ye placed both hands on the old man’s shoulders.

“To live freely and satisfy your heart is to accomplish nothing and invite a bad end. To achieve greatness, you must endure humiliation and bear burdens. Once someone said I was arrogant and self-righteous—there was some truth to it.” The old man spoke softly. “You’re a little like me, but thank heaven, only a little. Remember this when you reach the Divine Capital: when a snake isn’t a dragon, it must cling to others.”

“You said just two days ago that a tiger sees no ravines before it.”

“Hah.” The old man chuckled low. “Back then, I thought I’d still be on your head in a month or two. Naturally, you could be an untamed cub.”

“...”

“Now do you understand why ‘patronage’ matters most?” the old man chuckled.

Pei Ye’s nose stung. He said nothing.

Behind them, footsteps crunched fallen leaves—unhidden, they paused politely once heard.

Pei Ye turned. Ming Qitian stood there, elegant and poised.

“Sorry to interrupt,” the woman said. “I came... to see the elder.”

“Ah, Ming girl, come closer,” Yue Muzhou rasped. “You said this morning you’d continue your sword quest in the northwest?”

Ming Qitian nodded. “Mm.”

Yue Muzhou took Pei Ye’s hand. “After she bid you farewell that day, she headed straight to the northwest to continue her sword journey—she took your sword token and turned back immediately.”

Pei Ye turned to Ming Qitian, bowed deeply, voice low. “Thank you for saving my life, Miss Ming.”

Ming Qitian gave a slight nod.

“Where are you headed next?” Yue Muzhou asked.

“Qingsang Valley, Yi Jian’s Southern Sect, Mount Tian.”

“Good order. Let me recommend another place.” Yue Muzhou said. “After descending the southern slope of Mount Tian, travel a hundred li—you’ll find a small town. I’ve forgotten its name, but south of it lies a frozen lake, where a small sect of a hundred or so still lingers—if they still exist, their sword art is worth seeing.”

Ming Qitian nodded.

The old man sighed. “Your talent in swordcraft is unparalleled. We were just speaking of you—after finishing your northwest quest, will you go northeast or south?”

“South.”

“Mm. There are more southern sword sects. Then east, then north—that’s how you’ll complete your quest across the realm, yes?”

“Mm.”

“By the time you circle back, you’ll just make it for next year’s Yulin Trial—will you enter?” the old man asked.

“I will,” Ming Qitian said. “My master says this Yulin Trial will test the results of my quest across the realm.”

“Hmm. What counts as passing?”

“First place.”

“Hahahaha.” Yue Muzhou closed his eyes and laughed, as if recalling some time long past. “Good. Of course, first place. But... you’re far too young.”

The old man shook his head gently. “Truly, one of a kind.”

Ming Qitian said, “I came to thank you for returning that sword to Yunlang Mountain. That sword may mean much to Yunlang Mountain.”

Yue Muzhou smiled. “It was yours to begin with. Besides, you helped me, didn’t you?”

The old man gestured to Pei Ye.

“You also saved my life,” Ming Qitian shook her head, offering a jade vial. “I have one pill that might help you endure a little longer. If you survive this crisis, would you come to Yunlang Mountain to recover?”

“Keep it for yourself,” Yue Muzhou smiled lightly. “If you want to thank me, how about this—teach little Ye for a while?”

Ming Qitian paused, looking at the boy.

“You’ll be returning from the northwest soon, and when you head south, you’ll pass nearby—by then, it’ll be after September, and he’ll have finished the Jin Qiu competition. Take him along, drop him off in the Divine Capital.” Yue Muzhou said. “This boy has talent enough. I intended to train him myself in time, but now that’s impossible. I ask you to guide him along the way.”

Ming Qitian considered. “He could go straight to Yunlang Mountain.”

Yue Muzhou shook his head with a smile. “He must go to the Divine Capital.”

Ming Qitian slowly nodded. “Very well. I’m not good at teaching, but I’ll do my best.”

Yue Muzhou nodded. “Thank you then. Farewell, girl. Our sword talk this morning was most enjoyable. Now, I’d like to be alone with little Ye.”

“Your insights have greatly benefited this humble disciple,” Ming Qitian bowed deeply, then turned and descended the mountain.

Only the two remained on the mountain.

“Why don’t you want to live?” Pei Ye whispered.

“Don’t say I don’t want to live,” the old man chuckled faintly. “I just don’t want to drag out my last breaths.”

“Didn’t you live like that for all those years?” Pei Ye’s voice was thick.

“No. That wasn’t dragging—it was waiting.” Yue Muzhou’s voice remained hoarse, but he softened his tone. “Now it’s not waiting. What’s the point of clinging to a dying life? Charcoal reduced to ash—why cling to it?”

“What’s the point? We’ve all lived like this. Do you only value your cultivation? Without it, you won’t live?”

“No, little Ye.” Yue Muzhou raised his hand and placed it on the boy’s. “Cultivation isn’t that important. Of course I want to see you finish the Jin Qiu competition. But even after that, I won’t rest easy—I want to see you enter the Divine Capital’s martial exam, enter the Xuan Gate and break through Tianlou, marry, raise a family... Life’s details are countless, little Ye. Even if you live, how long can you last? A year? Two? No matter when I leave, I’ll never be without regret.”

"Besides, I'm not seeking death—I'm simply at a point where life is no longer possible." The old man strained to lift his head, "Why bother so much? Immortal Platform, Yunlang Mountain—clinging to it like this only makes you look pitiful. Isn't that right, little Ye?"

“...”

“If you truly can’t let go,” Yue Muzhou felt the slight tremble on his shoulders, “we could try going back...”

“...No, no need. I’ll... listen to you.”

“Then we won’t go back.” The old man relaxed, his withered hand reaching up toward his shoulder. “I don’t much want to see Immortal Platform. Let’s just feel the evening breeze.”

Pei Ye took his hand, let his arms slide down from the old man’s shoulders, then bent forward, wrapping his arms gently around the old man’s neck, his head resting before the old man’s shoulder.

He sobbed, warm tears soaking the old man’s clothes.

(End of Chapter)