Chapter Twenty-Nine: Memories

Yang Xiao followed Ling Yunmei and soon returned to the Juling Sect’s quarters in the marketplace. The quarters were located behind a shop named Danxuan Pavilion, which happened to be owned by the Juling Sect. Behind the Pavilion stood several residences, serving as lodgings for the sect’s disciples.

“So this Danxuan Pavilion is actually owned by our Juling Sect?” Yang Xiao asked Ling Yunmei.

“Yes, Junior Brother Yang,” Ling Yunmei replied with a smile, “Danxuan Pavilion is indeed our sect’s business. However, according to the agreement among the three great sects, the Pavilion is currently managed by ordinary folk. Our Juling Sect holds stake in the business, but we do not get involved in daily operations.”

Yang Xiao nodded in understanding. He could more or less guess the reason—no doubt, the three sects had agreed not to interfere with the management of marketplace shops, so as to maintain order. Otherwise, if all three were to involve themselves directly, chaos would surely ensue.

No wonder, Yang Xiao thought, recalling that he had visited this shop before but had noticed no emblem of the Juling Sect on its exterior, and so had not realized it belonged to them.

Behind the shop, among several buildings, was a large hall where the disciples of the Juling Sect usually gathered.

Ling Yunmei entered the hall and took the main seat, then gestured to Yang Xiao. “Please, Junior Brother Yang, have a seat.”

Yang Xiao glanced at the other disciples, but did not immediately sit down. The reason was simple: all the others who had come with Ling Yunmei remained standing. If he alone were to sit, it would appear rather presumptuous.

Of course, it was not that he was afraid of what the others might think of him; but to sit while the rest stood would imply he was above his peers, and such an act would inevitably draw criticism—criticism that might not stop with him, but could also involve Ling Yunmei.

Sensing Yang Xiao’s hesitation, Ling Yunmei seemed to understand his reasoning. She turned to the other disciples and said, “You all may leave for now. I wish to discuss with Junior Brother Yang the matter that just occurred in the marketplace.”

None dared defy Ling Yunmei’s order, and one after another, they filed out of the hall.

Now the two of them were alone. Ling Yunmei invited him again, “Please, let’s sit and talk.”

Yang Xiao, no longer feeling constrained, took a seat beside her.

“Junior Brother Yang, you certainly caused quite a stir in the marketplace today,” Ling Yunmei remarked with a gentle smile. “A number of small shops were completely demolished.”

Yang Xiao assumed she was about to reprimand him. “It was indeed my fault,” he answered modestly. “I hope Senior Sister will forgive me.” Yet as he studied Ling Yunmei’s expression, he saw no sign of anger, which left him somewhat puzzled.

“I had already guessed that the Young Master of Xuanwu Sect was looking for trouble with you,” Ling Yunmei continued. “That must be how the fight started. But what surprises me is—could you really hold your own against him?” She looked at Yang Xiao, genuine curiosity in her eyes.

“It’s true, Xing Wutian blocked my way, wanting to buy something from me,” Yang Xiao explained simply. “When I refused to sell, he attacked. We exchanged only a couple of blows before Senior Sister arrived. Had you not intervened, I fear I would have been in real danger. I owe you my life.”

He kept his recounting brief, omitting unnecessary details.

“I see,” Ling Yunmei nodded. “Still, to have faced Xing Wutian and come away unscathed is no small feat. Since his arrival at the marketplace, that Young Master Xing has caused no end of trouble. Now he’s even dared to provoke our Juling Sect. It seems he’s overdue for a lesson.”

She showed no doubt in Yang Xiao’s account, and her disdain for Xing Wutian was clear.

“By the way, Senior Sister, you never told me—how did you know I’m a disciple of the Juling Sect?” Yang Xiao asked.

“Oh, that?” Ling Yunmei replied lightly. “Simple—I recognize you, of course. I know all the disciples of our sect, and I know you by name.”

“You recognize me?” Yang Xiao was confounded. “But Senior Sister, you don’t cultivate at Juling Mountain, but at Withered Glory Mountain nearby, do you? Have we met before?”

Ling Yunmei asked, “Do you often go to Chen Yuan Mountain, the small peak beside Juling Mountain, to cultivate?”

“That’s right. Sometimes I rise early and, not wanting to disturb the other disciples, I train alone on Chen Yuan Mountain. But how did you recognize me? I never saw you there.”

“I also rise early to cultivate,” Ling Yunmei replied. “I often saw you practicing so diligently—it piqued my curiosity. I asked around and learned your name. As for why you never saw me, well, it was simply because I didn’t want you to.”

Only then did Yang Xiao’s confusion clear. He realized that Senior Sister Ling had noticed him long before; all this time, he had thought it impossible for her to know him.

Yet, having learned this, Yang Xiao felt a subtle excitement in his heart.

Indeed, back when his skills were still weak, Ling Yunmei would have had no trouble observing him without being noticed. Now, knowing that she had recognized and even appreciated his efforts, Yang Xiao felt their relationship had suddenly grown much closer.

As Yang Xiao and Ling Yunmei conversed happily, another young disciple of the Juling Sect entered the hall. Seeing Yang Xiao and Ling Yunmei engaged in lively conversation, his expression turned sour.

“Senior Sister Ling, is this the disciple who fought Xing Wutian in the marketplace?” the newcomer asked coldly, eyes fixed on Yang Xiao.

“Ah, so you’ve returned, Junior Brother Hao Gang,” Ling Yunmei replied, rising to her feet. “Yes, this is Yang Xiao. He did indeed cross blows with Xing Wutian in the marketplace. Had I not arrived in time, he might have suffered at Xing’s hands.”

She then turned to Yang Xiao, “Let me introduce you. This is Hao Gang, the second in charge here. The sect assigned the two of us to manage this marketplace outpost. Don’t be misled by his youth—he’s already reached the eighth stage of Spiritual Awareness and is one of the most outstanding disciples in our sect.”