Chapter 259: Flowing Water, Fallen Flowers, Each Drifting Alone

"Clap-clap-clap—"

Everyone clapped.

Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan also came to her senses, not ashamed or angry, but smiling at Cheng Cheng Xinzhan.

"Friend Yunlai, you truly are a hidden master—I willingly yield, and I'll Fa myself three cups."

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan waved his hands repeatedly, saying,

"Friend Daoist Tuo Yan's sword aura is like a red sun rising over the sea, dawn Xia stretching a thousand li in an instant, covering sky and sea—it's a style meant to crush enemies like a tide, making thousands of armies retreat. How could such a form be Shizhan on this small wine table? If used against a horde of demons, my results would surely fall short of yours."

"Hahahaha—"

Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan laughed loudly, then toasted Cheng Cheng Xinzhan again, saying,

"I know you're being modest, but I'm still delighted."

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan clinked cups with Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan and felt this female hermit's personality was truly likable—unlike any woman he'd ever met. He drained his cup and said,

"It's not modesty—it's the truth."

Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan smiled, then mused,

"In the end, we still can't fully control the release and containment of sword Xia —but I know one person whose sword Xia is truly formidable: it Ning like a golden sun, dazzling, and spreads like a vast blue sea."

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan, curious, asked,

"Then who might this divine figure be?"

Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan smiled,

Let me keep it a secret for now—she's immensely famous in Shu, and among the younger generation, no one in sword aura compares to her. When you meet her someday, you'll know.

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan heard this and stopped pressing, simply saying, "Alright."

At that moment, Daoist Daoist Mingding grew curious again and asked,

"Yunlai, forgive this old Daoist for being nosy—your sword control bears the flavor of our Shu sects, yet I recall you once said you've never entered Shu territory?"

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan had already prepared his words and replied,

"You've forgotten I'm from Qingzhou—there, you can see every school's techniques under one sky."

Daoist Daoist Mingding nodded,

"That's true. Qingzhou is a land of outstanding people and fertile soil—a place I've always longed for. The True Immortals Li Tieguai and Zhang Guolao both taught there, and Immortal Gong Qixia founded his sect on Qiyun Mountain."

"These Immortals frequently traveled between Qingzhou and Ba-Shu, making it the most closely linked region between eastern Shenzhou and our western Shu—over the years, sword arts have always flowed between them."

Hearing this, Cheng Cheng Xinzhan's heart stirred. As the saying goes: the speaker meant nothing, but the listener took it to heart. So the bond between western Shu and Qingzhou was this strong? That's why Lady Miaoyi True Person took Zhou Zhou Qingyun as a disciple? That's why Mount Emei was so close to Huangshan?

The same phrase applied to others too—after Daoist Daoist Mingding finished, Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan exclaimed in surprise,

"Yunlai is from Qingzhou?"

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan looked at Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan and nodded,

"Yes. Is there something strange about that?"

"No."

Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan shook her head, saying only,

"Lately, I've noticed more and more people from Qingzhou in Shu—as if every sect now has Qingzhou disciples."

Hearing this, Cheng Cheng Xinzhan was startled again. Could this be true?

What did it mean?

Qingzhou cultivators were steadily leaking westward into Shu.

This was digging up Qingzhou's roots—and the roots of eastern Daoist sects!

This wasn't something easily done, especially under current east-west tensions—it must be deliberate guidance by Qingzhou's local sects.

Huangshan? Besides Huangshan, who else? Did Qiyun Mountain participate? Were there others?

At that moment, sweat beaded on Cheng Cheng Xinzhan's palms.

His face remained calm, smiling,

"Qingzhou has many idle people and few great sects, while Shu boasts beautiful scenery, great fame, and is the sacred land of sword cultivation—so it's no surprise people come."

Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan nodded and said no more.

At that moment, Daoist Zhan Tao spoke again,

"Brother Yunlai, watching your duel with Daoist Tuo Yan, this humble Daoist's heart aches to try my hand—may I beg for a sparring match?"

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan chuckled, his eyes glazed from wine,

"Your wines are too fragrant, this humble Daoist drank too much and is already drunk. Let's defer our sparring to another time—there'll be plenty of chances ahead."

Though Daoist Zhan Tao's eyes betrayed slight disappointment, he was a gentleman and wouldn't press—so he still smiled and nodded,

"Then let's leave it for next time."

Soon after, the group turned to discussing Primordial Spirit travel. After three rounds of wine, everyone was pleasantly tipsy, and the banquet drew to a close. Cheng Cheng Xinzhan rose to take his leave.

"Friend Yunlai, return and rest well. Make yourself at home on Yanhuai Mountain—we'll gather often, drink wine, test swords, and revel in the mountains and rivers. Isn't that delightful?"

Cheng Cheng Xinzhan smiled in agreement and firmly refused Daoist Daoist Mingding's offer to escort him, instead riding the wind back alone.

The Six Wine Friends watched Cheng Cheng Xinzhan depart, silent for a long while.

"A fascinating man. A formidable man."

Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan spoke first, smiling.

Daoist Daoist Zhouyue listened, then smiled too, glancing at Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan and saying,

"Sister seems quite taken with this man. You've always said Shu's younger generation is dominated by women, that aside from Master Yan, there's not a single worthy man—even Young Master Qi and Little Little Zhuge disappointed you—but today you clearly hold Yunlai in high regard."

Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan had no maidenly modesty—she nodded openly,

"He truly is excellent: strong, cultured, wild when he should be, humble when he should be, and most importantly—he loves wine. As for Young Master Qi and Little Little Zhuge."

Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan sneered,

"Hmph. Children raised in their mother's palm, steeped in softness—how can they compare to Yunlai? Besides, I feel what he showed today is merely the tip of the iceberg."

At this, Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan turned to Daoist Zhan Tao,

"It's all Yan Renying's fault. I dueled him just to gauge his depth and origin—but you rushed in right after, demanding a match. We'd never met him before—your urgency makes your probing too obvious."

This Daoist Zhan Tao—Daoist Daoist Zhouyue called him Master Yan; Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan called him Yan Renying—his true identity was now clear.

This gentle, refined man, like a pine leaning against jade, was none other than Yan Yan Renying, the eldest of Mount Emei's Three Heroes and Two Clouds, and the chief disciple of Sect Master Lady Miaoyi True Person!

Hearing Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan's rebuke, Yan Yan Renying smiled wryly,

"I was impulsive. But Sister, you don't know—I feel I've seen his sword style before, yet I can't recall where. That's why I wanted to spar with him, to see if I could remember."

If an outsider had been present, they'd have found Yan Yan Renying's address strange: as Mount Emei's eldest disciple and Lady Miaoyi True Person's direct heir, his seniority was supreme—how could he call Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan "Sister"?

Hearing Yan Yan Renying's explanation, Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan grew curious,

"You've seen it before?"

Yan Yan Renying nodded.

Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan said,

"That's not strange. Our uncle just said his sword is swift, from Qingzhou—it naturally shares common ground with our Shu sect sword arts."

But Yan Yan Renying shook his head,

"No—it's vastly different. Swift swordplay is expected, but his techniques shift faster, more unpredictable."

Sister, you're one of the few in our younger generation who earned your own reputation—the 'Female Flying Bear' who scattered demons—who doesn't know you? Your sword aura even made Zhou Qingyun sigh in admiration—how could it be easily broken?

"His sword style is absolutely extraordinary. You're right—he's holding back. And I've definitely seen this style before. Even if I can't place the man, the impression of the sword technique itself is unforgettable."

Daoist Daoist Mingding nodded in agreement,

"Yan Renying's right. This sword style looks ordinary, but its spirit is profound. You, Shoumei, should feel it best—that's why I couldn't help asking Yunlai a question."

At this point, Daoist Daoist Tuo Yan's identity was clear: she was Wu Mei, the senior disciple of Bijingan, a branch of Mount Emei's Shu Daoist sect, nicknamed the "Female Flying Bear."

Shu Daoists didn't use Dao names—only their secular names. Those with single-character names were given Dao names by their masters for easier, more intimate address.

Mei means "beautiful jade," so her master gave her the Dao name "Shou."

Wu Mei nodded,

"Uncle is right—his sword technique truly is unpredictable, swift as chasing moon and stars."

Since Wu Mei called him "Uncle," Daoist Daoist Mingding was no mere hermit—he was a senior of Bijingan.

At that moment, Daoist Daoist Mingding added,

"Enough. We've discussed too much. Today you invited yourselves over, and Yunlai only arrived two days ago. I truly bonded with him as a friend, we talked heart to heart—he loves wine, so I impulsively invited him over. It was meant for drinking and friendship, to welcome him. He came gladly, yet we were probing his origins—truly disrespectful."

"I am at fault. Uncle, forgive me."

Yan Yan Renying immediately said.

He understood perfectly: his uncle invited this man out of genuine warmth; Wu Mei's duel was spontaneous; only his own challenge was to uncover secrets—so when his uncle said "we," he meant only himself.

Daoist Daoist Mingding waved his hand,

"No need. I know your nature—you mean no harm, just curiosity. Next time you meet, just be wine friends and Dao friends—drink, discuss Dao, don't probe origins, don't mention other things."

All agreed.

Then Wu Mei smiled warmly and said,

"Forget sword power and technique—his wine manners are excellent. Think of his comments on our brews—didn't he speak straight to their essence?"

The others reflected on Cheng Cheng Xinzhan's wine remarks and nodded in agreement.

"Exactly. Who cares where he's from? Myself, Master Shen, and Master Gu—we three outcasts of Bijingan—we've changed our faces and become hermits here too. Why probe him? From now on, he's just a wine friend."

Hearing this, Daoists Daoist Tanbai and Master Huqing both nodded.

"Alas, we three old fools lack virtue and ability—Bijingan's revival must rest on your young shoulders."

At these words, the three youths grew visibly alarmed.

These three elder uncles once stormed Mount Mount Emei to resist Zhan Biyun Nunnery becoming its branch, nearly being ground to dust by the Two- Yi Micro-Dust Array, and were barely rescued by our Master—since then, they retreated into the White Dragon Flag. Of all people in this world, these three elder uncles are surely among those most loyal to Zhan Biyun Nunnery; how could anyone call them incapable or immoral?

"Elder Uncle, rest assured—Zhan Biyun Nunnery will one day be restored!"

Yan Yan Renying spoke with absolute certainty.

Daoist Daoist Mingding smiled: either join the main sect of Mount Mount Emei, or remain at Zhan Biyun Nunnery—which is now its branch—or withdraw from the world entirely. These were the only three paths ever offered to Zhan Biyun Nunnery's disciples back then.

Coincidentally, of the six present today, Yan Renying was forcibly taken into Mount Emei, Wu Mei and Cui Qi stayed at Zhan Biyun Nunnery, and I myself withdrew from the world with Shen and Gu—thus gathering all three choices.

"I believe in you."

Daoist Daoist Mingding looked at Yan Yan Renying.

Indeed, from the present standpoint, only Yan Renying has the greatest hope.

If that person ascends, given Yan Renying's talent and current standing within Mount Emei, he stands a strong chance of becoming Mount Emei's Sect Master. Then, not only could Zhan Biyun Nunnery be restored, but even the moral renewal of the Daoist sects might not be impossible.

"What of our Sect Master? Has there been any news of him lately?"

Daoist Daoist Mingding asked.

Yan Yan Renying, Wu Mei, and Cui Qi all shook their heads.

"We haven't heard from our Master in a long time," Yan Yan Renying said.

"Sigh."

Daoist Daoist Mingding sighed.

"When Zhan Biyun Nunnery was absorbed as a branch of another sect, no one suffered more than our Sect Master. He is a man of deep feeling; after such a catastrophe, who knows how far he has driven himself into torment?"

The three young people's expressions darkened—they knew their own Master's nature all too well.

Now, on the streets of Chengdu, the drunken Daoist who once drank wine and composed poetry, playing amidst the mortal world, could no longer be seen.

Then, the group exchanged updates on their recent lives, made plans to meet again, and the banquet ended.

Wu Mei, Yan Yan Renying, and Cui Qi took their leave. After leaving White Dragon Flag Mountain, they traveled eastward. Once they entered Shu territory, Yan Yan Renying parted ways with the two women—Mount Mount Emei lay south of Chengdu, while Zhan Biyun Nunnery lay just west of the city.

"Enough, little sister, stop staring—he's out of sight now."

Wu Mei, seeing Cui Qi still gazing at the direction Yan Yan Renying had departed, spoke to remind her.

Cui Qi came back to herself, slightly embarrassed.

"I understand, Senior Sister."

Wu Mei couldn't help shaking her head.

"How can you not be persuaded? In Yan Renying's heart, cultivation and the sect come first. Even when it comes to romantic feelings, his heart belongs only to Qing Su Sword. Why burden yourself with such devotion?"

"How can you not persuade her? In Yan Renying's heart, cultivation and the sect come first; even when it comes to romantic feelings, his eyes see only the Qingsuo Sword. Why burden yourself with such devotion?"

"Zhou Zhou Qingyun is indeed an extraordinary woman; it's no surprise Yan Renying is drawn to her. But I know—Zhou Zhou Qingyun has no romantic feelings for him."

"Yan Renying is the falling flower to her flowing water, yet he is my flowing water. But so what? He does not pursue Zhou Zhou Qingyun, and I do not pursue him."

"We keep our feelings buried in our hearts, never disturbing others—we remain fellow disciples. As long as we can meet, it brings us joy. In the end, it's merely a personal matter; what harm is there?"

Wu Mei listened, utterly unable to comprehend, and said:

"I don't care what you feel inside, but you must not neglect your cultivation. If Zhan Biyun Nunnery is ever restored in your lifetime, and I become its Abbess, you'll be my Deputy Abbess. But if you let romantic feelings delay your cultivation and die before reaching your limit, I won't forgive you."

"I don't care what you think in your heart, but you must not delay your cultivation. If you restore Zhan Biyun Nunnery within your lifetime, I'll be its abbess—and you'll be my deputy abbess. If you let romantic feelings hinder your cultivation and die of old age, I won't forgive you."

"If that day ever comes, I'll have already transcended into a crane. How will you possibly refuse to forgive me? Put me in a cage?"

Wu Mei grew angry and reached to pinch Cui Qi's ear, saying:

"I will cage you! I will cage you!"

Cui Qi dodged, flying toward Zhan Biyun Nunnery, still laughing.

"Senior Sister, I saw you sending secret glances at Yunlai Daoist today—have you, too, stirred up mortal feelings? If you fail to win him over and end up like me, then neither of us can laugh at the other!"

"Sister, I saw you sending covert glances at Yunlai the Hermit today—have you, too, stirred up worldly desires? If you fail to win him over and end up like me, don't you dare laugh at anyone else!"

"I didn't send any glances! Today, I'm tearing off your ear!"

With that, the woman transformed into a streak of rosy light and shot forward in pursuit.

(End of Chapter)

(End of chapter)