Chapter Seventy-Seven: Hurry Up and Eat Your Noodles

The young lady in violet listened to Li Sibai's words, her expression turning peculiar. “You mean to say there was someone else who came here with you?”

Li Sibai hurriedly nodded. “Yes, I arrived with a little girl, about six or seven years old, wearing a colorful dress. When you found me, did you by any chance see her as well?”

The young lady shook her head. “It was a fisherman who discovered you by the riverbank and brought you here. I haven't heard of anyone else being found.”

Disappointment clouded Li Sibai’s face. All he could think of now was getting out of bed to search for Caiyao. She held a special place in his heart, and with her fate uncertain, how could he rest easy here?

Noticing his anxious demeanor, the young lady surmised that this little girl must be someone dear to him. She said, “Why don’t you rest here a while longer? Let me go speak to my master about your situation. Perhaps we can organize a search to help you find her.”

Hearing this, some of the disappointment ebbed from Li Sibai’s face. He knew he was unfamiliar with this place; if someone acquainted with the area could help him look for Caiyao, there could be nothing better. He quickly cupped his hands and said, “I’m very grateful for your help.”

Even as he spoke, his stomach let out a loud rumble. Li Sibai’s face alternated between red and white, utterly embarrassed.

The young lady in violet smiled gently. “No need to be hasty. Even if you’re to search for her, you should eat something first. I’ll go find someone to prepare a meal for you.” With that, she turned and lifted the curtain, leaving the room.

Li Sibai felt a wave of confusion. Was this truly inside the Tourmaline Bottle? How could it resemble the outside world so closely? Aside from the peculiar plants he’d seen by the stream, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

If this really was inside that special elixir vessel, how could people be living here, and so vividly at that? If not, then perhaps the vessel was some kind of passageway, and he and Caiyao had traveled through it to another place. But where could this be?

Perplexed, he realized that, in his haste to ask after Caiyao, he hadn’t inquired carefully about this place. When he had the chance, he would have to ask in detail and consider how he and Caiyao might return.

This train of thought reminded him to check on his Xuantian Sword. Searching the room, he soon realized it was nowhere to be found. The chamber was small, with no hidden corners. Li Sibai’s face darkened. That sword was his only means of protection; if it wasn’t here, the young lady or her people must have taken it. What should he do now?

They had saved and bandaged him, surely they meant no harm. But why would they take his sword?

Worried, Li Sibai got out of bed. Though his wounds no longer hurt, he still felt faint from fever and lack of food. Nevertheless, he ignored his weakness, put on his shoes, and walked toward the door.

As he reached it, the young lady in violet lifted the curtain and entered, carrying a steaming bowl of noodles, freshly prepared.

“Why are you up?” she asked, displeasure flickering across her face as she set the noodles on the tea table.

Li Sibai felt awkward. After all, she had rescued him and now brought him food. Sensing her irritation, he hastened to explain, “I’ve been lying down for so long, I just wanted to, well, relieve myself.” His face turned red, either from embarrassment or from fibbing to a young lady.

She, too, blushed at his words. “I see. Then follow me.” She turned and exited.

Li Sibai hurried after her, swallowing at the sight of the beef noodles left behind. He was ravenous, but having told a lie, he felt compelled to see it through and followed her out rather than eat.

The next room was slightly larger but just as simply furnished. The visible furniture was all made of bamboo. Li Sibai wanted to ask some questions, but the young lady walked quickly, soon exiting through another door.

He quickened his pace to catch up. Stepping outside, he found himself in a small courtyard dotted with unfamiliar plants. In the center stood a well, and several bamboo houses ringed the yard. Only now did he realize all the buildings here were made of bamboo.

The young lady was still walking briskly. Li Sibai, desperate to slow her down so he could ask his questions, deliberately tripped and fell.

Hearing the commotion, she turned to see him sprawled on the ground. She couldn’t help but be both exasperated and amused, and hurried back to help him up. “What happened? Are you alright?”

She felt a little guilty, realizing she’d been walking too quickly because she was embarrassed by their earlier conversation, unwittingly causing him to fall.

In truth, Li Sibai had only wanted to ask her questions, but with her walking so fast, he’d found no opportunity and resorted to this ploy.

“I’m fine,” he said, “just a little dizzy from not eating yet.”

“Then go eat your noodles at once. There, that house just ahead. You go on; I’ll wait here for you.” She gestured toward a nearby building.

Li Sibai nodded and walked over. The privy was small but very clean. After quickly taking care of his needs, he emerged to find the young lady still waiting. He stepped forward and cupped his hands. “I am Li Sibai. May I ask your name?”

She had just regained her composure and now smiled. “You may call me Zilin.”

“Alright, Miss Zilin, you can just call me Bai.”

“Bai? Well, alright! But I once had a cat named Bai—are you sure you want to be called that?” She laughed, her smile sweet and unguarded, the awkwardness between them gone.

They chatted as they walked back to the previous room. Li Sibai seized the chance to ask, “Miss Zilin, what is this place? Why are all the buildings made of bamboo?”

This time, Zilin didn’t avoid his question. “This is Creek Bamboo Village. There’s a vast bamboo forest nearby, so all the houses are built with bamboo from there. Oh, and I spoke to my master about the little girl you’re looking for. You should eat your noodles now—after you finish, I’ll take you to see him.”

Li Sibai was elated, eager to devour the bowl of noodles as quickly as possible.