The Willow Peak Elder’s residence was located on top of a small mountain peak at the edge of Qingshan sect territory.

It was well maintained and constructed with high-quality materials. Originally built as a residence for the previous sect master’s sister Xiao Qiulin who was known to dislike living near others.

Who knew that she would run away to elope with a rogue cultivator¹Rogue cultivators (散修 sǎnxiū): literally translates as “Loose Cultivators”. They are cultivators not attached to any sect, clan, or organization. This can be because they were thrown out, abandoned it, was never in one or it was destroyed. not long after the residence was completed? With no immediate use for it, the residence sat collecting dust for decades before being renamed Willow Peak and gifted to Xiao Songfen upon his appointment as a peak elder.

The residence had a spacious courtyard with a willow tree and pond to one side and a white jade table on the other. There was a master bedroom connected to a study as well as a qi pill refining room and a spare room for attendants.

Extensive fields for cultivating herbs lay just outside the bedroom window. A short distance away, a small cultivation stone platform had been built next to a waterfall that circulated spring water rich with spiritual energy.

The air here was dense with spiritual energy making it ideal for cultivation.

It was the perfect location for the original Xiao Songfen’s seclusive lifestyle.

Perhaps the most luxurious feature of this residence was a personal library pavilion where the original spent all his idle time outside of cultivation. The pavilion was constructed tastefully with a practical design. Packed from ceiling to floor with various ancient-looking scrolls and hand-bound high-quality books.

The pavilion easily stored hundreds if not thousands. Quite fitting for someone with the title of Xiajing Scholar²Xiajing Scholar (霞径儒生 xiájìng rúshēng): Lit. translates to misty path scholar. Xiajing means 'a misty path' or 'the path of Daoist immortals'.. There was some sort of spell array cast on it, making the pavilion look small and quaint from the outside, but actually containing a vast expanse of space on the inside.

Xiao Songfen sat on a sofa³Ancient Chinese sofas are commonly made from hardwoods and tend to be more square/rectangular in design. inside feeling a bit restless.

A small jade teacup was held in one hand while the other hand was propped up on an armrest. 

It had been a few hours since he had given Bai Yiyan permission to enter his residence.

Hadn't he been loitering around just outside? Why hasn't he come in?

Just as he was about to get up and investigate, Xiao Songfen felt a gentle fluctuation like a ripple as something crossed the boundary line. A signal that Bai Yiyan had entered the front courtyard.

The thought of meeting a character he had only read about in the flesh gave him a flash of anticipation. Xiao Songfen scanned the room interior once last time to make sure his setup was ready.

Sofa at the center of the pavilion. Books and scrolls stacked on the table. A freshly brewed pot of tea.

Elegant robes. Silky hair. Beautiful face.

(Cool and capable. Cool and capable. Cool and capable...)

Xiao Songfen smoothed out the wrinkles in his robes before quickly donning the weimao, preventing his facial expression from being seen.

It was cumbersome to wear, but it wouldn’t be good to suddenly stop wearing it and raise suspicion.

Despite having the advantage of spiritual vision, he still could not get used to being deprived of his normal vision. So he compromised a few days ago and switched out the veil to one where he could see out from the inside. The veil change made it so a vague silhouette of his face could now be seen by others from the outside, but he wasn’t bothered by it.

He wasn’t the one with severe social anxiety after all.

Light sounds of steady footsteps in the distance getting closer could now be heard.

Bai Yiyan was described in the novel as someone who possessed a princely refined appearance with a subtle air of wildness. A lean muscled and tall stature. He wore standard Tian Lianhua sect snow-white robes and a white jade hair crown. The very embodiment of cold mysterious waters. A body that carried a proud unreadable and unpredictable spirit.

As his shizun, Xiao Songfen should also be cool and mysterious no?

The time for Actor Xiao to make his appearance has arrived!

(Cool and capable!)

Calculating the timeline in the novel with the current time, it should be about five or six years before the novel storyline kicks off.

Xiao Songfen’s original fate had been to die from qi deviation and yet it seems that he had survived that event. Now that Xiao Songfen was still alive, Bai Yiyan would naturally not be sent back prematurely to his sect like the original plot.

There weren’t very many details in the novel about Bai Yiyan’s time spent in the Qingshan Sect other than some objective details that were relevant to the main plot. For his involvement in a dispute between the daughters of two sect masters, his father had him sent away to satisfy all parties.

As the Tian Lianhua sect master’s son, kicking him out or letting him leave voluntarily to become a rogue cultivator would sully the sect’s reputation. Therefore there was no other option than to send him away to another reputable sect indefinitely to “study”.

Bai Yiyan was also an illegitimate child. In the grand race to achieve immortality, no major sect would risk possible betrayal and divulge any of their secret cultivation methods to an outsider. Let alone one with questionable roots.

This move essentially crippled his potential for cultivation advancement. He had only just finished his core classroom education and basic Tian Lianhua cultivation methods.

Instead of moving on to learn the Tian Lianhua sect’s secret methods like his two older legitimate siblings before him, he was forced to waste away his prime years. Until he reached adulthood⁴Coming-of-age in ancient China was often 20 for males and ~15/16 for females so I will use this standard in the novel. Though I believe historically, courtesy names are usually given at the age of adulthood (or when they get married for females), I had Bai Yiyan receive a courtesy name early due to his lineage as the son of a sect master., when he could cast away his affiliation without affecting complex politics between sects.

Fortunately, Xiao Xusong was truly a righteous sect master, welcoming all regardless of bloodline or former affiliations as long as they had committed no crimes. Sympathetic to Bai Yiyan’s circumstances, he readily took Bai Yiyan in.

And as the youngest peak elder with the most free time, Xiao Songfen had been automatically assigned this new disciple.

Ah. All this pondering only caused him to think in circles.

Xiao Songfen shook his head.

(No no. Let’s not worry too much about a plot that’s already gone off course.)

*click*

The sounds of doors gently opening and boots crossing the threshold.

Bai Yiyan swiftly approached, stopping at a polite distance before bowing respectfully before him with a hand-fist greeting⁵bàoquán 抱拳 .

“This disciple greets Shizun.”

Beginning his 'cool and capable' act, Xiao Songfen didn’t greet him immediately. He stared at the swirling tea in his cup leisurely rotating the cup in his hand back and forth. He slowly shifted his gaze and quietly assessed Bai Yiyan’s appearance.

(Oh…hmm?)

This Bai Yiyan is a bit different than he imagined?

Indeed he had a princely refined appearance, but…where was the subtle air of wildness? Where was the smooth confidence with an underlying volatile temperament? The proud unreadable and unpredictable spirit?

The current Bai Yiyan’s back was stooped over and head lowered, obscuring his face and avoiding eye contact.

He looked…

Xiao Songfen let out a sigh behind the veil.

(So pitiful.)

He set his teacup down and leaned forward imperiously, opening his mouth to speak.

“You…-“

*THUMP*

The sound of knees roughly hitting the floor startled him.

(Aiya father! Startled me to death!)

“This disciple feels ashamed and offers his deepest apologies!” Bai Yiyan nearly shouted without lifting his head. His voice sounded distressed.

(???)

“This disciple failed to realize Shizun’s poor health condition and was not at Shizun’s side during his recovery period. It was an act of severe negligence on my part. This disciple humbly requests to be punished for his transgression!”

Xiao Songfen’s body froze as he processed what he just heard.

Hearing no immediate reply, Bai Yiyan didn’t dare look up. He bowed his kneeling body even lower until it looked like he was going to fold in half if he went down any further.

Bai Yiyan had mistakenly interpreted his sigh of sympathy as an expression of displeasure. Xiao Songfen suddenly felt very wronged.

Why was everyone misunderstanding him today…he was actually a good guy ah….

Xiao Songfen didn’t dare sigh out loud again lest Bai Yiyan decided to completely prostrate himself on the floor.

(No wonder this body’s original owner and Bai Yiyan didn’t have a harmonious relationship. How close could a master with severe social anxiety and a disciple who is this scared of his own master get?)

Rubbing his temples, Xiao Songfen waved a hand dismissively.

“Never mind about it, it’s fine. Just get up.” He blurted out in a clipped manner.

Bai Yiyan stiffened in response, but didn’t dare move an inch from his half prostrating position on the floor.

(The sentences came out a lot more cold than I wanted them to.)

Xiao Songfen initially wanted to present himself as a cool and strict master, but quickly changed his mind. He was going to scare his disciple to death at this rate.

(Look at this child. So easily bullied. His back is stiff as a board ah.)

Xiao Songfen felt a small niggling of paternal instinct and sympathy while looking at him.

“You have done nothing to warrant a punishment. The matter is passed and I am nearly recovered. The ground is cold so stand up.” He said in a softened manner. Then he hesitated momentarily before swiftly reaching out to give his disciple’s head a few awkward pats and withdrawing it back into his sleeve.

Bai Yiyan jerked his head up wide-eyed in surprise, but he was unable to make eye contact with his master at this moment due to the barrier of the veil. He had not expected such an affectionate gesture.

On the other hand, Xiao Songfen had a clear view and received an unexpected full-frontal attack by his high specs face.

A princely refined appearance. Sharp jawline. A tall straight nose with thin lips slightly open in shock. A beautifully masculine face with phoenix eyes that reminded you of clouds before a thunderstorm. Swordlike eyebrows.⁶Author: HNNNNG

(Indeed devastatingly handsome. 10/10 with room for bonus points.)

Xiao Songfen returned to his senses before Bai Yiyan and tilted his head questioningly.

“Still not going to stand up?”

“S-standing!” Bai Yiyan quickly scrambled off his knees and straightened out his posture. He lifted his arms to form a hand-fist greeting again, but decided against it and quickly dropped them. The quick drop of his arms seemed impolite so he suddenly froze with his arms only halfway down in contemplation before deciding to lower them more slowly. His eyebrows were slightly furrowed as if mentally scolding himself for this mistake inside.

This earnest behavior was too funny.

Xiao Songfen was unable to maintain a dignified image and let out a repressed snort followed by a short melodious laugh.

“Pft!”

Hearing the sound of clear laughter, Bai Yiyan’s vigilant posture seemed to relax a bit. The serious expression on his face changed into one that looked slightly lost.

“What is your birth name?” Xiao Songfen spoke with a smile.

“Bai Xun. Xun from 'meritorious service'⁷xūn 勋 (merit; achievement) from gōngxūn 功勋 (meritorious service.” Bai Yiyan quickly replied.

"And your courtesy name?"

"Bai Yiyan. 'To die heroically's Yi. 'Great scholar's Yan. ⁸Yìyàn 义彦. Yì 义 from yīngyǒngjiùyì 英勇就义 (to give up one's life heroically/to die a martyr's death). Yì 义 means 'justice, righteousness'. Yàn 彦 from shuòyàn 硕彦 (great scholar). Yàn 彦 means 'man of virtue and ability'.)

“Bai Yiyan, come here.”

“Yes!” He approached the seated Xiao Songfen and stopped an arm’s reach away.

“Sit.”

Bai Yiyan sat on the floor directly in front of him. At this level, he was a few heads shorter than Xiao Songfen who was currently sitting on the sofa.

(...he's kneeling again.)

“…not on the ground. On the sofa.”

Xiao Songfen gestured towards the other unoccupied end of the sofa.

Bai Yiyan shook his head.

“This disciple does not dare to put himself at the same level as Shizun. Please allow this disciple to remain where he is.”

Xiao Songfen looked at him in exasperation, but stopped pushing and let it go.

(If he behaves like this later in public, people are going to think I’m bullying him.)

He cleared his throat and started his pre-rehearsed speech.

“Bai Yiyan. I have not been a good shizun to you these past few months and I am feeling very regretful about it.”

Bai Yiyan frantically leaned forward to refute it.

“No! This disciple thinks Shizun is very kind and-“

Xiao Songfen tsked and leaned forward to lightly knock a closed fist against his forehead. Bai Yiyan touched the place where his forehead was knocked in a dazed manner.

“Let this teacher finish first ah.” Xiao Songfen spoke in a helpless tone.

Bai Yiyan quickly recollected himself. He sat attentively listening with a wide and sparkly stare. Feeling a bit awkward under such an intense eager gaze, Xiao Songfen quietly cleared his throat again before restarting.

“There is no need to excuse your teacher’s past actions. I know my wrongdoings.”

He paused for a sip of tea and studied the jade carvings of the teacup.

(Creating a deeper ambiance with meaningful pauses, hoho.)

“My time in seclusion has enlightened me on many issues. One of which is the neglectful manner in which I am treating my only disciple.”

Xiao Songfen set the teacup down lightly on the table and looked at Bai Yiyan. He tactfully tilted his face down just enough so for the weimao veil to part just a sliver. Enough to reveal some of the pale luminous skin on his cheek and the corner of full lips.

This, of course, did not escape Bai Yiyan’s notice. His gaze shook ever so slightly in surprise before settling back into an eager stare.

(They say beauty brings calamity, but who says a man can’t also use his beauty to solve problems?)

“This teacher has realized his mistake and wants to change his neglectful ways...”

He tilted his head a little more. This time the veil parted to reveal the gentle, but defined slope of his jawline and his lips. Full lips were pulled up at the corners to form a small sheepish smile.

“...will you forgive Shizun and allow him to make amends?”

Bai Yiyan did not respond and continued to stare eagerly, still not realizing that he had been asked a question.

“Hmm?” Xiao Songfen pressed gently.

Bai Yiyan jerked and nodded his head vigorously.

(Little bobblehead. Cute.)

Xiao Songfen noted.

It was slightly disappointing that the current Bai Yiyan was very different from his expectations, but this was also fine. 

His smile widened at Bai Yiyan’s response, revealing deep dimples and white teeth.

“Thank you.”

Xiao Songfen straightened his posture and leaned back. The weimao veil fell back into place, obscuring his features once more.

He dusted off his sleeves as if to cleanse himself of the matter. He had just finished digesting the last of his recovery qi pills and the weather had warmed up enough at this hour that he wouldn’t be scolded by his older brother if he left the residence.

“I will be going out.”

At the remark, Bai Yiyan shot out of his seated position to dutifully bring over a dark cloak that lay folded on a shelf by the doorway.

Xiao Songfen accepted the cloak cheerfully. As he gracefully stood up, he tried not to stretch his arms and rub his numb behind in an undignified manner.

(So uncomfortable, this jade sofa! What use is expensive furniture if it’s all hard with no cushion? Makes it difficult to maintain my dignified image ah. My bottom would have lost all feeling if the kid kneeled any longer.)

He made a mental note to switch out some of the furniture later when he got the chance.

Xiao Songfen turned around to pick up his sword Yaoye⁹yáoyè 摇曳 means "flickering", "fluttering", "gentle swaying" resting against the side of the sofa before making his way past his disciple. The cloak fluttered as he walked.

Bai Yiyan made no immediate action to follow after him. Xiao Songfen paused just before crossing the threshold of the pavilion. He looked back expectantly.

“Not following?”

“Ah, yes!” Bai Yiyan happily scurried out after him.

They walked quickly through his residence. Once they reached the front courtyard, Xiao Songfen abruptly turned around. Bai Yiyan stopped obediently at least two steps away from him.

Xiao Songfen looked him up and down.

(I forgot. He's still wearing the Tian Lianhua Sect uniform.)

Snow white robes embroidered in purple thread with lotus patterns.

(Original Xiao Songfen, you really neglected Bai Yiyan ah. Letting your only core disciple walk around the Qingshan Sect wearing a different sect’s uniform for months. Sowing discord with all the outer circle disciples who have been vying for a core disciple position for years. Were you never concerned that he would be ostracized?)

Xiao Songfen began to make a mental list of things to do.

(We’ll need to order a new sect uniform for him. Then move his living quarters over to Liushu Peak tomorrow. Technique books, healing ointments, qi pill ingredients…)

As Xiao Songfen was listing off things in his head, he glanced over at Bai Yiyan’s appearance again. Though there was still some traces of childlike youth present on Bai Yiyan’s face, his overall appearance was that of a young adult. They were also similar in height, with Xiao Songfen being only a centimeter or two taller. If they were to stand next to each other in public, they could easily pass for close-age brothers or friends.

Bai Yiyan seemed to be naturally slender for his height, but his face looked a bit gaunt from all the loitering he'd been doing the past few days.

With Xiao Songfen's acute hearing, the small sound of an empty stomach rumbling could be heard from Bai Yiyan's body.

(…Never mind. Let’s get him something to eat first.)

Perhaps it was due to the muscle memory of this body, but Xiao Songfen felt an instant connection with his sword.

Yaoye lay quietly in his hands, exuding a very comforting presence. It had a standard simple green jade tassel hanging from it. The scabbard was mostly unadorned and a simple dark wooden color, but the blade inside was slender and luminous with a gentle nature.

“Yaoye.”

He spoke gently like a caress.

The sword slid out of its scabbard and floated up in front of him. He stepped lightly on it and scooted up towards the end of the blade before turning around to face Bai Yiyan.

“Get on.”

“?”

“We’re going to eat noodles.”

[IF YOU ARE NOT READING THIS BY XIAOMANGISBUSY ON SCRIBBLEHUB OR WATTPAD, IT HAS BEEN STOLEN. PLEASE REPORT AND ONLY READ OFF SCRIBBLEHUB OR WATTPAD]

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WHITE-EYED WOLF THEATER:

Xiao Songfen: What? So he’s just an innocent brat ah.

Author: You just wait…

Bai Yiyan: Yeah, you just wait…

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AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Xiao Songfen be like:

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ENDING SONG OF THE DAY:

Tale of the Koi | Jǐn lǐ chāo 《锦鲤抄》by 萧忆情Alex

This song is fucking beautiful. Its love story will make you cry (Human painter x demon koi CP FOREVER). You can read the English translated lyrics here: Tale of the Koi - Context and Translation