Chapter 27: The World of Rivers and Lakes (8)

The Green House was decimated overnight, a revelation that sent shockwaves throughout the martial arts world. Even more astonishing was the fact that the one who annihilated the Green House was the Divine Physician. From that day on, a new legend was born in the world of martial arts.

Yun Yao, however, remained indifferent to such fame, continuing her travels across the land to provide aid to the impoverished. As winter approached, she received a letter from Plum Blossom Manor. It contained only a single sentence: The plum blossoms have bloomed.

Yun Yao set off with a light heart. By the time she arrived, the flowers were indeed in full bloom, and the entire manor was enveloped in a cold, lingering fragrance. Ximen Chuixue stood with his sword in his arms, having waited for some time.

Yun Yao smiled and said, "It seems your mastery of the sword has improved once again?"

"A bout will tell," Ximen Chuixue replied. With that, he drew his sword.

Yun Yao struck at the same moment, and the clash of their sword intent sent a shower of petals dancing through the air. They were evenly matched, neither able to gain the upper hand. After exchanging over a hundred moves, both were exhausted and ceased their sparring, sitting down together to admire the flowers.

The trees here were all red plum blossoms, their vibrant hues dotting the snow with a sense of solemn, chilling beauty.

"Let me guess," Yun Yao said. "Why did you choose to plant only red plum blossoms?"

Ximen Chuixue looked at her.

"I suspect," she continued, "that you find these little red blossoms resemble splashes of fresh blood."

Ximen Chuixue offered a faint smile. "You are the first to have guessed correctly."

In the eyes of the world, flowers are symbols of beauty; he alone associated them with blood. This was because, in his heart, the moment of a life fading away was also a form of beauty. This was his path.

Yun Yao stayed at the manor for several days before departing. When the flowers bloomed again the following year, she returned, and it became a tradition that continued year after year. With every encounter, they sparred and validated their understanding of the sword, walking ever further along their respective paths. Though they met only once a year, they were soulmates, friends who understood each other implicitly.

Five years later, Ye Gucheng sent a letter challenging Ximen Chuixue to a duel. The news ignited the martial arts world, and countless people flocked to the capital to witness the event. Yun Yao heard the news as well, but she did not go, choosing instead to remain in Yangzhou, drifting on a boat across the lake. The so-called duel was nothing more than a conspiracy; knowing the outcome, there was no need to attend. She only felt that Ximen Chuixue would likely be disappointed, for the opponent he had anticipated was not worthy of his respect.

As expected, once she had finished her leisure, news arrived of the White Cloud City Lord’s failed rebellion. Ximen Chuixue had granted him his final dignity, allowing him to die by his own sword.

When the plum blossoms bloomed once more, Yun Yao arrived at Plum Blossom Manor again.

"How was the 'Flying Immortal from Beyond the Heavens'?" she asked.

"He sought only death," Ximen Chuixue replied. "He did not fight with his full strength."

Yun Yao shook her head.

"In this world today," Ximen Chuixue said, "only you remain as my true opponent."

"And you as mine," Yun Yao responded.

"Let us hold our duel here," Ximen Chuixue said. "Next year."

"Very well," she agreed.

One year later.

Snow fell in thick, swirling flakes as the forest of red plum blossoms bloomed, appearing like drops of fresh blood. Ximen Chuixue sat in the woods, waiting in silence.

After a while, he spoke: "You have arrived."

A snow-white figure appeared in the forest, as ethereal as a cold, distant lotus.