Chapter 26: The Banquet Invitation Part 2

The sky turned a pale gray, heavy with condensed moisture—rain was coming. Wei Lingci quickened her pace, her skirt fluttering in the wind. A crystal raindrop hit her cheek; she wiped it away, but the downpour intensified.

After two steps, she spotted a light-colored figure hurrying over, holding an open umbrella in one hand and another closed one in the other—clearly coming to deliver it.

Under the dense curtain of rain, she paused. Xun Changqing approached quickly, splashing through puddles. Spotting the person in the rain, her first instinct was to hand over the unopened umbrella. But Wei Lingci leaned slightly and slipped under her umbrella, taking the handle as mist swirled around them.

She asked softly, “How did you know I was in Morning Cloud Pavilion?”

With her right hand free, Xun Changqing wiped a raindrop from her eye, instinctively shifting closer under the umbrella. Raising her eyes to Wei Lingci’s jade-like face, she was entranced. “Zhou Man said. She came to return a book and mentioned you were there. When the weather turned, I came out.”

Wei Lingci glanced down and saw her shoulder was wet, so she tilted the umbrella toward her. The autumn rain fell sparsely, carrying a faint chill. “I played a game with your martial granduncle. The weather’s bad—let’s head back quickly.”

She placed a hand on Xun Changqing’s shoulder to shield her from the rain. Taller than her, it was effortless for Wei Lingci. But Xun Changqing’s breathing quickened at the touch, a blazing heat spreading from her shoulder into her bones, captivating her soul.

Her reason told her to open her own umbrella and pull away, but her hands wouldn’t move, shattering years of maintained distance. She lowered her gaze, fixated on the umbrella in her grip. She tried with all her strength but couldn’t open it.

By the time they returned to Purple Ying Pavilion, Xun Changqing still hadn’t opened that umbrella. She stared at it dazedly, full of self-reproach. She despised her own weakness in refusing Wei Lingci’s gentleness.

After changing clothes, the rain eased slightly. At that moment, a guest returned.

Zhou Man stepped back in. Spotting Wei Lingci, she smiled cleverly, revealing two tiger teeth and faint dimples on her cheeks, paired with her laughing big eyes—she looked utterly adorable, drawing Xun Changqing’s sidelong glance.

“Martial Uncle Wei, my master asked me to invite you to Eldest Martial Uncle’s place. He said the three of you should gather, since it’s been years since you drank together. He even invited Sect Leader Grandmaster.”

Since it was Mu Chen’s invitation, Wei Lingci couldn’t refuse and nodded. But she worried about Xun Changqing. Though no one dared act openly on Lingyun Mountain, hidden threats lurked. Before leaving, she instructed, “If you’re scared at night, call Zi Jin over. I’ll be back in an hour or two.”

Treating her like a child—Xun Changqing pouted, displeased. “I’m not scared. Master, go ahead.”

Her pout and furrowed brows, with a rising tone, added a touch of silliness. Wei Lingci couldn’t resist pinching her cheek, her smile teasing. “Suit yourself. Just stay alert to your surroundings.”

Was her vigilance that poor? Xun Changqing watched her master’s figure vanish through the courtyard gate, another inexplicable knot forming in her heart, lingering and tangled…

…

Zhou Man had said it was Mu Chen’s small gathering for a few drinks, but upon arrival, they found Wang Pingjun had borrowed Sect Leader Xu Ke’s place. A small kitchen there had fresh ingredients sent from the mountain base, with sect chefs preparing dishes and several girls bustling about.

Passing by, Wei Lingci glanced sideways and saw Zi Jin picking vegetables inside. Pausing briefly, she thought of Xun Changqing’s usual cleverness and her knowledge of the girl’s skills—no mishaps likely.

Wang Pingjun was in high spirits today, his gaze toward Wei Lingci growing more flirtatious. He personally poured her wine, but she didn’t touch it, sipping tea instead. Mu Chen, however, downed most of Wang Pingjun’s prized vintage.

Sect Leader Xu Ke watched the harmonious scene, stroking his beard with a hidden smile. Mu Chen dominated the conversation, recounting his recent escapades.

“A young fellow was marrying but hadn’t seen his bride, only her mother—beautiful and elegant. He figured the daughter must be pretty too, so he decided to become their live-in son-in-law. On the wedding night, he found her hideously ugly, the ugliest in the world. He refused, kicking up a fuss to annul it.”

Thirsty after the tale, he drained his cup. During this,

Wei Lingci interjected, “Did he annul it?”

“A live-in son-in-law—how could he? Later, he couldn’t stand her looks and told the mother, ‘Why not marry you instead?'”

The absurd story was clearly made up, so the others ignored him, leaving Mu Chen to amuse himself.

During this, Zi Jin brought in fish soup, lingering a glance at Wei Lingci, who stared at her tea. Unable to stay, Zi Jin placed the soup on the table and left.

After a quiet moment, Wei Lingci looked up at Xu Ke in the seat of honor and smiled faintly. “Master, I’d like to go down the mountain and visit Mother at home.”

Xu Ke met her eyes, probing, about to refuse when Mu Chen cut in. “Shangrao? Jiangnan’s watery paradise—beautiful. Junior Sister, I’ll go with you, meet Aunt, and freeload a few days.”

“In your dreams, Second Junior Brother. You’ve been back just two or three days—going down again is too cushy. Tomorrow, teach the new disciples in the Martial Arts Hall. Zhou Man’s skills improve slowly; compared to Ah Ci’s disciple Changqing, she’s far behind. You take disciples but neglect them—what kind of master are you?” Wang Pingjun interrupted sharply.

Mu Chen drank another cup, not daring to retort—who was he to argue with his senior brother, especially when he was right?

Seeing Mu Chen silent, Wang Pingjun ladled a bowl of fish soup and handed it to Wei Lingci warmly. “If Ah Ci wants to go, then go. Take Changqing for some training—it’s fine. Master, don’t you think?”

As the eldest, and personally offering, Wei Lingci accepted it. She heard Xu Ke say, “That works. Training with a disciple is better than wandering off without return.”

The jab hit home; feeling guilty, Mu Chen ladled a bowl of fish soup for Xu Ke, fawning as he delivered it. “Master’s right. I’ll do better next time.”

Xu Ke ignored him, sipping his soup. Seeing this, Wei Lingci beside him also scooped a spoonful of fish soup into her mouth.