Upon Entering the Spirit Void 51. A Cup of Wine to Settle Feelings

Abbot Tianhong, hearing him speak with such confidence, could only sit down, half convinced but still anxious, and asked, “Master Bi, why are you so certain the two masked figures will not harm their captives?” The destitute scholar offered a slight smile. “Did I not say already? Miss Jie’s beauty is like a blooming flower, and she is quick-witted and sharp-tongued. With such qualities, she will be safe. As for Jie Zhenzi, since the masked ones did not kill him outright, it is clear they do not intend to take his life. You need not worry, Reverend.”

Only after hearing such reassurance did Abbot Tianhong fully believe him. He nodded. “Still, the masked ones arrived in such a strange manner. We ought to see for ourselves.” The scholar drained his wine, picked up his jug, and said, “If the abbot wishes to go, I will accompany you.”

By then, the frail masked figure and Jie Zhenzi had already entered a private room in the rear. As Abbot Tianhong descended the stairs, the inn’s attendant hurried to meet them, bowing and saying, “Reverend, the young master and lady who came with you are both in the rear, each speaking with a masked guest. They instructed me not to disturb them. Would you like to enter, Reverend?”

Abbot Tianhong softly intoned a Buddhist blessing, palms together. “Which room is the young donor in?” The attendant, awed by the monk’s dignity, replied respectfully, “The third room in the rear courtyard. Please, allow me to lead the way.” With that, he turned toward the courtyard.

But as he took his first step, the scholar darted forward and caught the attendant’s arm, whispering, “No need to lead us. From this moment, no one in your establishment is to enter the rear courtyard, no matter who they are.” The attendant glanced at the scholar in surprise, then nodded. “As you command, sir.” He trudged away toward the entrance.

Abbot Tianhong and the scholar crept quietly to an adjacent room, pressing their eyes to a crack in the wall to peer inside. They saw the two seated face to face. Suddenly, Jie Zhenzi spoke: “Sister Fu, why do you torment yourself so?”

The masked figure’s eyes widened with anger. “Sit properly. No raising your voice. I will question you; you will answer. If you utter a single false word, your life ends here.” Though her voice was soft, it carried the force of inner strength and rang clear and crisp.

Jie Zhenzi shuddered in fear, his face drawn. “Ask what you wish. I will answer truthfully as far as I am able.” The masked figure sneered coldly. “That enchantress with you—who is she to you?” As she spoke, her slender frame trembled with emotion.

Knowing she was jealous, Jie Zhenzi, honest by nature, replied, “She is my junior apprentice.” The masked figure pressed on, “Where did you train together? How many years have you been at the same school?”

Jie Zhenzi responded, “We trained at the Celestial Blade Pavilion. Nearly ten years under the same master.” At these words, the masked figure lowered her head, murmuring, “Ten years—three thousand six hundred and fifty days. What a long passage of time.”

Witnessing her odd reaction, Jie Zhenzi felt both startled and delighted, and could not help but ask, “Sister Fu! May I ask you one thing?” The masked figure abruptly raised her head, left hand’s jade baton pointed at his chest. “You may not!”

Jie Zhenzi, seeing her so unreasonable, could no longer contain his anger. He let out a cold snort. “Isn’t your behavior toward me excessive?” The masked figure sneered. “You’re dissatisfied? Then why not test your skills against mine?”

Both were agitated, but wary of drawing attention, their voices remained subdued. Yet no matter how disciplined a person, there comes a breaking point. Jie Zhenzi suddenly lunged, right palm striking out.

So close together, Jie Zhenzi’s sudden blow was nearly impossible to avoid. Even if the masked figure’s skills were superior, injury seemed inevitable. Abbot Tianhong and the scholar, spying from the next room, tensed at the sight.

But though Jie Zhenzi moved swiftly, the masked figure was swifter still. With a blur of her arm, she seized his right wrist mid-strike, sneering, “Move again, and I’ll cripple this arm.” Jie Zhenzi gritted his teeth and swung his left palm downward, aiming to sever her right hip—prepared for mutual destruction.

But the masked figure’s right hand, gripping his wrist, pulled sharply, drawing Jie Zhenzi’s whole body from his seat and spinning him about. His downward strike, momentum unchecked, crashed against the table’s edge, splintering a corner with a loud crack. Now his back faced her, and she pressed the jade baton’s handle to his acupoint before releasing his wrist.

The masked figure sneered, “Answer my questions obediently. Attempt another move, and I will not hesitate to kill you.” Jie Zhenzi also sneered coldly. “You rely on your skill to bully me. Have you forgotten our past?”

She laughed harshly, but there was a catch in her voice, betraying emotion stirred by his words. Yet she retorted angrily, “What about the past?”

Jie Zhenzi, incensed, replied, “We were childhood companions. Sister Fu, you were very fond of me.” The masked figure snorted. “You haven’t put Huang Fu from your mind.” The drawn-out syllables brought a flood of memories to Jie Zhenzi, who answered painfully, “Though it’s been ten years since we parted, not a moment has passed without thoughts of you.

“The pond beyond our courtyard bears our footprints from catching minnows. The grassy lawn behind the house holds the marks of our games, where we tumbled together. After my mother punished me, you would secretly soothe my wounds with your small hands. When my family slaughtered a chicken, knowing you loved drumsticks, I would always sneak one to you.

“Your mother once said we were a perfect pair. But happiness is fleeting. Who could have predicted you would be abducted by bandits? Since then, I became a lonely child, wandering the places we once played, seeking some trace of you for comfort. Even now, I wish to search the ends of the earth for you. I never expected to meet you again, and in such a way, at Famen Temple.”

At these words, the masked figure could not suppress her sobs. The pressure of the baton on Jie Zhenzi’s back gradually eased. He turned to see tears streaming from her eyes—though her face was hidden, her emotion was unmistakable.

Suddenly, Jie Zhenzi turned and, unable to help himself, rushed forward, embracing Huang Fu’s shoulders, gently comforting her. “Sister Fu, don’t be sad. Uncle and Aunt are still alive. Go home quickly and ease their grief.”

Huang Fu jerked away, shaking off his hands, her voice sharp: “Show some respect!”

Jie Zhenzi’s face flushed. He hurried on, “When I first saw you at Famen Temple last night, I recognized you at once. My joy was immense, but you left so abruptly, and I felt as if I’d lost you again amid the vast world. I never expected you would seek me out today. Clearly, you have not forgotten our childhood bond.”

Huang Fu gazed at his blushing face, her words cold but gentler than before. “I don’t believe you truly haven’t forgotten me.” Though her tone was cool, her eyes shone with unshed tears. Jie Zhenzi met her gaze and swore, “If I ever forget you, may I be cut to pieces by blades.”

Huang Fu shook her head. “An oath is but self-deception. How can you prove your words are sincere?”

Jie Zhenzi pressed, “Must I cut out my heart for you to believe me?”

Huang Fu replied coolly, “No need for such extremes.” Jie Zhenzi asked, “Then what will convince you?”

Her clear eyes fixed on him, Huang Fu answered slowly, “It’s simple. Just kill your junior apprentice.”

Jie Zhenzi could never have dreamed she would make such a demand. His heart trembled; he stepped back in shock. “Sister Fu, what do you mean by this?”

Huang Fu replied without hesitation, “Though we were childhood friends, we were young and naïve then, not truly understanding our feelings. But you and your junior apprentice have trained together for ten years—far longer than you and I. Naturally, your bond must be deeper.”

Jie Zhenzi had not realized her jealousy could run so deep, nor her heart grow so ruthless. He sighed, answering solemnly, “Though I have spent many years with my junior apprentice and we are close, I have always cherished your image in my heart. Even if the seas dry up and rocks crumble, my feelings will never change.”

Huang Fu snorted. “A man and woman train together and wander the martial world side by side, yet claim there is no feeling? Who could believe that? You may deceive yourself, but not me.”

Jie Zhenzi gazed helplessly at the ceiling. “Believe or not as you wish, but my love for you is true as the heavens. If you demand I kill my junior apprentice, I must refuse.”

Huang Fu let out a desolate laugh. “I knew all along that you were lying. With such a beautiful companion by your side, how could you keep me in your heart? Moreover, I—” She faltered, her words dissolving into sobs.

Jie Zhenzi, moved, said, “If you will not believe me, I have no more to say. True gold fears no fire; time will reveal a person’s heart.”

Wiping her tears, Huang Fu’s eyes flashed coldly as she stared into Jie Zhenzi’s soul. Her voice was sharp. “Enough with the empty words. Will you kill her or not? Give me a definite answer.”

Seeing her nearly mad with jealousy, Jie Zhenzi answered firmly, “I will not.”

This struck Huang Fu like a blow. She trembled, then, seething, declared, “If not for the bond between our families, I would spill your blood here and now. In the future, whether friend or foe, I will never spare your junior apprentice’s life!”

Jie Zhenzi retorted, “If you so much as harm a hair on her head, even if my skills are no match for yours, as long as I live, I will never forgive you.”

Huang Fu laughed coldly, her voice laced with sadness, fury, and murderous intent, chilling to the bone. “Your devotion moves me. Since all is clear, words are useless. Today, I offer you a cup of ‘Parting Wine.’ From this day, our past is severed.”