Chapter Fifty-Two: A Chance Encounter

Li Sibai hurriedly rose to his feet and silently followed the two, not daring to get too close, keeping his distance as he watched them. The flash of the Xuantian Sword Sect jade token had left him somewhat dazed, doubting whether he had truly seen it or merely imagined it.

Lost in his thoughts, he watched as the two figures staggered toward the western side wing. Only after seeing them enter their room did Li Sibai turn toward his own quarters in the eastern wing.

Stepping into the courtyard, Li Sibai was immediately greeted by a faint fragrance. He paused, surprised. In the courtyard stood a pentagonal pavilion, where a young woman was seated. She wore a flowing, pale green dress, her bright eyes gazing at the full moon overhead, their depths tinged with melancholy.

It was the very same woman he had encountered earlier that morning at the Drunken Immortal Inn!

She noticed Li Sibai’s arrival, hesitated for a moment, then offered him a gentle, enchanting smile.

“Is it difficult for you to sleep as well, sir?”

Li Sibai frowned. His purpose here was to assist He Tianshu and the others in completing their task atop Jade Pearl Peak; he had no wish to invite unnecessary complications. He had hoped to quietly pass by, but the young woman had addressed him first. It would be rude not to respond.

He hastened a few steps forward, stopping beneath the pavilion but not stepping inside. Up close, the delicate fragrance was even stronger, surely emanating from the girl in green.

“Miss, I am merely hungry and came out in search of something to eat,” he replied, then paused before adding, “Are you here to admire the moon?” The question startled him—he was not prone to such openness, especially with strangers. Was it her beauty that had stirred something within him?

The girl in green seemed to brighten, her earlier sadness fading away.

“Yes, I am indeed here to admire the moon. Tonight, it is so perfectly round.”

Li Sibai lifted his gaze to the brilliant orb. It had been some time since he had allowed himself such relaxation. Back when he was an outer disciple of the Xuantian Sword Sect, plagued by frequent nightmares, he would often wake in the night and gaze up at the moon, finding solace in its silent companionship.

The sight of the full moon stirred memories of his family. Where were his parents now?

Li Sibai softly recited:

…
I resent that you are not like the moon over the river tower—
North, south, east, west, north, south, east, west—
Only together, never apart.

I resent that you are like the moon over the river tower—
Sometimes full, sometimes waning, sometimes full, sometimes waning—
How long must I wait for reunion?

The girl in green listened to his verses, and they seemed to awaken memories within her. Her eyes welled with tears, threatening to fall at any moment, but she restrained herself, turning away to compose her emotions. When she faced him again, her expression was serene, betraying no sign of her earlier turmoil.

“You are a man with stories, sir. May I ask your name, so that I may greet you properly should we meet again?”

Li Sibai hesitated, reluctant to reveal his identity. As he pondered how to refuse, the girl seemed to sense his discomfort.

“If you do not wish to tell me, that is fine. There will be other chances—when you are ready, you may share it with me.”

With that, she brushed her sleeve and turned toward the rooms above.

As she departed, the fragrance lingered in the air, enveloping Li Sibai and leaving him momentarily dazed.

…

After some time, Li Sibai regained his composure. The vast courtyard was now empty, save for himself and the steadfast moon overhead. Loneliness washed over him, though it was a feeling he had long become accustomed to. Yet in that moment, he thought of Caiyao—he wondered if the little bird was sleeping soundly on its branch.

The night passed quietly.

Li Sibai woke early the next morning, having slept very little. With so much on his mind, he could not rest, and so he spent the hours cultivating in his room until dawn. When he heard someone knocking outside, he hurried to open the door.

Standing outside was He Tianshu, a hint of apology on his face.

“Brother Li, forgive me for the disturbance. Yesterday I saw you cultivating and did not wish to interrupt. Today we must set out early, so I have come to wake you. I hope I have not troubled your rest.”

Li Sibai clasped his hands in greeting. “Not at all, Brother He. I have long been awake and am ready to depart at any time.”

He Tianshu smiled, pleased. “Very well. Gather your things—we leave shortly.”

He turned to go, but Li Sibai called after him.

“Wait, Brother He…”

He Tianshu turned. “Is there something else, Brother Li?”

Li Sibai hesitated, then decided he should share the events of the previous night with He Tianshu. After all, they were on the same journey; greater trust between them would be beneficial.

Having resolved, he invited He Tianshu into his room, closed the door behind them, and quietly recounted the encounter with the two mysterious individuals at the Drunken Immortal Inn’s front desk.

He Tianshu listened with growing surprise, occasionally interjecting with a questioning “Oh?”

When the story was finished, he fell silent for a moment before asking, “Xiaobai, are you certain those two possessed our Xuantian Sword Sect jade tokens?”

Li Sibai had only caught a glimpse, clear at the time, but after the fact he was no longer sure—his memory seemed hazy.

He shook his head. “I cannot be certain, but I remember their room numbers. Perhaps we should ask the innkeeper?”

He Tianshu nodded. “That is a good idea.” Together, they made their way to the Drunken Immortal Inn’s main desk and inquired with the attendant, who informed them that the two had checked out early that morning. The night clerk had handled their departure.

This only deepened their suspicions. He Tianshu questioned Li Sibai and the attendant about the pair’s appearance, but both described them as utterly ordinary, with no distinguishing features. He Tianshu could make nothing of it.

Walking back toward the rear courtyard, He Tianshu said, “Xiaobai, this is truly strange. We must hurry on our way and avoid further delays. For now, do not mention this to the other three—you would only worry them. Let’s keep watch as we travel.”

Li Sibai nodded. “That sounds wise. I will follow your lead, Brother.”

With their conversation finished, they joined Yao Xueqing and the others in the rear courtyard. Yao Xueqing was about to suggest breakfast at the inn, but He Tianshu insisted they depart immediately.

As He Tianshu was the organizer and leader of this temporary team, the others chose to respect his wishes. They ate a simple meal of dry rations, and the five of them hurried out of the city together, making their way toward Jade Pearl Peak.