Qī Mài Huì Wǔ is a grand event that occurs once every 18 years in the Qingyun Gate. On the Tongtian Peak, hundreds of people gather at once, making accommodation extremely tense. The people of the Dàzhú Fēng want to relive those carefree days when each person had their own room on the Dàzhú Fēng, but thats just a fantasy. Except for Tián Líng ér who lives with the girls on the Xiǎozhú Fēng, from Sòng Dà Rén onwards, there are seven male disciples in total, all squeezed into one room.

  On the top of Tongtian Peak, the residence of Qingyun disciples had always been four people per room. At this moment, three beds were laid out on the floor, and they managed to squeeze in, but it was inevitable that it would be crowded. At this moment, someone could only hear a loud complaint: "Its really... all day long saying how good Longmen is, now we have to squeeze seven people into one room, how stingy!"

  "Lao Liu, dont complain anymore, if the fellow disciples of Changmen hear about it, it wont be good."

  "Second brother, youre sleeping comfortably on the bed. Why dont you take a look at me, your younger brother, lying on the cold ground? Lets switch beds."

  "Hoo hoo hoo hoo"

  "Not really, you fell asleep all of a sudden and started snoring?"

  "Hoo hoo hoo hoo"

  "Hum, ah, Fourth Brother, youve always been handsome and elegant, with a natural talent thats overflowing with exceptional abilities"

  "Hoo hoo hoo hoo"

  "Whats going on? Is it popular to fall asleep instantly now? Hmm, Master Brother, youve always been kind-hearted, why are you staring at me, your junior brother?"

  "Hoo hoo hoo hoo"

  "You... Ah, Third Brother"

  "Hooo hooo hooo"

  Everyone was frightened. At this time, the wall suddenly made a loud noise. Someone from next door shouted loudly: "Hey, you people from Dazhu Peak, do you always make such a loud racket when you sleep at night?"

  The room suddenly fell silent. After a long while, someone couldnt help but stifle a few snickers. A little later, the voice from before suddenly seemed to remember something: "Ah, Fifth Brother..."

  "You, you, whats wrong with you? Im just sleeping next to you on the ground. Do you want to switch positions or something? I dont care!"

  "Cough, cough, its nothing. Sigh, this bed is not only cold but also a bit short, cant even sleep comfortably. Speaking of which, my junior brother is better off, his figure is just right."

  "Sixth Brother, why are you talking with your eyes closed? Cant you see that I have a big dog and a monkey here fighting with me for the blanket? Its most crowded here, what are you saying?"

  "But I still"

  "Shut up, old six!" several people in the house shouted at the same time.

  After dark, many other young disciples of the Six Veins who had come to Tongtian Peak for the first time also came out for a stroll, marveling at the scenery of Tongtian Peak in wonder. However, as the night deepened, everyone returned to their respective rooms to sleep.

  When darkness falls on this towering mountain peak, a cold moon in the sky pours its clear light onto the summit.

  Zhang Xiaofan was sleeping soundly, when he suddenly felt a movement beside him. He opened his sleepy eyes to find that the two monkeys, Xiao Hui and Da Huang, were nowhere to be seen. He sat up and looked around, only to see Da Huangs yellow figure flash by the door, with a dark shadow on its back, which was probably Xiao Hui.

  Zhang Xiaofan felt strange, it was so late at night, where were the monkey and dog going? He quietly got up, hastily put on some clothes, walked to the door, and saw in the clear moonlight that Da Huang was carrying Xiao Hui and running towards the sea of clouds.

  Zhang Xiaofan watched them run off in that direction, and after a moments thought, he remembered that it was the Tongtian Peak kitchen that Song Daren had told him about earlier. He couldnt help but feel both amused and annoyed - this big yellow dog had been raised by Tian for who knows how many hundred years, and was considered a wise old dog, yet it turned out to be so gluttonous. At first he thought of just ignoring them and going back to sleep, but then he reconsidered, thinking that if someone were to see the yellow dog and gray gibbon from Dazhang Peak stealing food, it would be too embarrassing, so hed better chase after them and bring them back.

  He made up his mind and looked up to see that Dahuang was also carrying Xiaohui, now only a vague figure in the distance. He hurriedly chased after them.

  He ran all the way, being careful not to disturb his fellow disciples in other rooms. By the time he reached the square at Cloud Sea, he could no longer see the shadows of Da Huang and Xiao Hui. Under the cold moonlight, the clouds floated gently like silk and smoke, a breathtaking sight.

  However, he took a couple more glances and then lost interest in looking anymore. He turned his head to take a glance around him, and was about to head towards the kitchen when suddenly, his heart skipped a heavy beat.

  In the depths of the cloud sea, on the other side of the direction of the kitchen, a slender figure was faintly visible in the drifting clouds, walking forward. Looking at the direction that person was walking, it seemed to be towards Hongqiao.

  Zhang Xiaofan stared blankly at the figure, although it was far away, but this figure was deeply engraved in his heart, and he recognized at a glance that it was his senior sister Tian Linger.

  The night is so deep!

  Why did she go out alone and where was she going by herself?

  Zhang Xiaofan was stunned on the spot, for a moment he didnt know what to do, only feeling that thousands of thoughts were rushing to his mind, his heart was in a mess, as if he had vaguely guessed something, but he refused to admit it.

  He turned his head, his eyes fixed on the direction of the kitchen where Da Huang and Xiao Hui had run to. He steeled himself and walked in that direction, saying to himself: "Zhang Xiaofan, mind your own business! Mind your own business!"

  He walked seven steps like this, and the moonlight shone on a young mans body, exceptionally lonely. Then he stopped, looked up at the sky, and saw a cold moon hanging in the distance. His mouth seemed to move slightly, and after a moment, he turned around abruptly, gritted his teeth, and ran towards the direction where the figure had disappeared.

  The moonlight shone on his running figure, with a desolate gentleness.

  In just a moment, Tian Lingers figure had already disappeared into the sea of clouds. Zhang Xiaofan didnt look anywhere else and ran towards the direction of Hongqiao Bridge. Very soon, he got on the bridge. The mountain wind blew, and the water flow on both sides of the bridge rippled slightly, reflecting the moon in the sky, clear and beautiful. But Zhang Xiaofan didnt care at all, using his strength to run.

  Run, run, run!

  He ran past the Rainbow Bridge, still without seeing anyones shadow. Until he ran to the end of the Rainbow Bridge, his heart suddenly felt a sense of confusion, the clear and cold moonlight illuminated the bay of emerald water at the end of the bridge, making it shine like daylight, only to see a beautiful figure standing by the pool, gazing at the rippling water surface, lost in thought.

  Zhang Xiaofan suddenly became afraid, a kind of fear that he couldnt even put into words. He only knew that he couldnt let his masters sister see him. He glanced around and saw a small grove of trees near the right side of the pond, close to the Rainbow Bridge. He quietly ran over there and hid, peeking out from the shadows at Tian Linger.

  This gaze is as if it were eternity!

  Under the moonlight, by the emerald waters edge, a young woman with a hint of sorrow and anticipation, her eyebrows lowered, her eyes seeming to hold a faint glow, as if she were yearning for something, looked so beautiful. The mountain breeze caressed her gently, passing over the waters surface, brushing against her body, also holding its breath, stopping its sound, lightly rustling her clothes, setting off her skin as white as snow.

  In Zhang Xiaofans heart, a surge of indescribable tenderness suddenly arose, as if that woman was the one he wanted to protect for his entire life. Even if it meant going through countless hardships and tribulations for her sake, he would not hesitate, nor would he ever regret it.

  At this moment, I wish it could be eternal!

  "Linger, Shifus sister." Suddenly, a call came from the Rainbow Bridge, and Tian Linger turned around instantly, her eyes filled with joy in an instant, and a genuine smile flowed out of the corner of her mouth.

  "Brother Qi, youve arrived."

  Zhang Xiaofans heart seemed to have broken open at that moment, but he couldnt feel any pain. His entire heart was empty and hollow, only echoing with the words "Qi Shixiong, Qi Shixiong, Qi Shixiong".

  He turned his head with difficulty, and saw a person walking quickly down the Rainbow Bridge, with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, handsome and extraordinary, but it was not Qi Huan, who else could it be.

  Only to see Qi Hua quickly walk to Tian Lingers side, and say in a warm voice: "Sorry about that, my fellow disciples are young and love to make trouble, so it took them very late to fall asleep, thats why I came late, making you wait for a long time."

  Tian Linger had a hint of anger in her heart, but for some reason, as soon as she saw Qi Huas figure, it disappeared without a trace. She shook her head and smiled: "It doesnt matter, I havent been here for long either." After a pause, she glanced at the pond beside her and said, "But why did you ask to meet here? White Day Spirit suddenly got angry, and Im still a bit scared now?"

  "Never mind, Ive heard Master say before that the Spirit is just as usual, its just playing a trick on us young disciples. And since it made such a fuss during the day, tonight will be even more peaceful here, right?"

  Tian Lingers face turned red, and she lowered her head, saying: "We secretly meet like this, I dont know if its good or not?"

  Qí Hào gazed at her gentle and beautiful face, softly saying: "Linger shī mèi, since we first met two years ago on Dà Zhú Fēng, Ive been unable to forget you, my thoughts of you ceaseless, often sleepless nights, with only your shadow in my mind."

  Tian Linger unconsciously bit her lip, her face reddening again, but without a hint of anger, instead with a thread of sweetness in her heart.

  Zi Hao said again: "Ling Er Shifu, I"

  Tian Linger suddenly raised her head and said, "Brother Qi, you can just call me Linger." As she spoke, she suddenly lowered her head again and whispered, "My... my father and mother used to call me that too."

  Zhi Hao was overjoyed, as if he still couldnt believe his ears, and hesitated for a moment before asking: "Really? Ling, Linger."

  Tian Linger looked at him for a moment, then slowly pulled out a small brocade box from her bosom, her eyes cast downward as if she had mustered up the courage to say in a low voice: "This Clear and Cool Pearl, Ive been carrying it with me for these past two years."

  She said that, and didnt dare to look at Qi Huan again. However, after a long time, Qi Huan still hadnt made a sound. Tian Linger found it strange and secretly looked up at him, only to see that Qi Huans eyes were filled with joy, his face full of smiles, and an indescribable happy expression.

  The two of them gazed at each other for a long time, then suddenly opened their arms and hugged each other tightly.

  The moonlight was cold and poured down on them, pouring into that grove of trees, but couldnt shine into the dark corners.

  It wasnt until Qi Huan glanced at the sky and saw that the moon had already passed its zenith that he said, "Linger, its getting late. We should head back. If were discovered, it wont be good."

  Tian Linger thought for a moment, then nodded. The two of them exchanged a glance, and suddenly they both smiled. Everything was understood without needing to be said. Qi Huan took Tian Lingers hand, and they strolled towards the Rainbow Bridge. Under the moonlight, they were like a pair of intimate mandarin ducks, leaning in close together. After a while, they disappeared over the bridge.

  The night grew even more desolate and bleak.

  In the woods, in the shadows, Zhang Xiaofan slowly walked out, dazedly walking to the edge of the Bi Shui Tan, looking at the rippling water surface, looking at the reflection of the cold moon in the water, gently swaying with the ripples.

  He suddenly felt like crying.

  But he didnt cry out in the end, that inexplicable pain was like a raging beast rampaging through his heart, leaving scars all over.

  But he gritted his teeth and said nothing.

  Its as if he had returned to his state five years ago, when he lost everything except Lin Jingyu by his side, and the world had completely changed.

  But now tonight, at this moment, he is alone facing it by himself.

  "A low, muffled sound, like the snorting of some beast, suddenly rose up behind him, and Zhang Xiaofan was shocked out of his dazed emotions. He turned his head to look back, and instantly broke out in a cold sweat."

  Only the Qingyun Gates mountain spirit beast, a massive water qilin revered by all as "Spirit Lord", suddenly appeared silently behind him, its head lowered and its enormous eyes seemingly stuck to Zhang Xiaofans body. It was unclear how it managed to get so close with its massive physique, perhaps due to Zhang Xiaofan being too grief-stricken to notice or feel anything.

  But at this moment, Zhang Xiaofans heart almost jumped out of his chest. He saw the huge body of the water qilin in front of him, its long and sharp teeth gleaming in the moonlight, and was so frightened that he retreated several steps, tripped over a large stone, and fell to the ground.

  When he came out, his clothes were originally disheveled, and he just casually threw on a piece of clothing. At this moment, his body swayed, and all that could be heard was a "clang" sound, as an object fell to the ground.

  The sound spread quickly in this quiet place and echoed over the water.

  Zhang Xiaofan and Shui Qilin looked down at the same time, and saw that on the ground by the waters edge, between Zhang Xiaofan and Shui Qilin, a black "fire stick" was quietly lying there.

  In the giant eyes of the Water Qilin, a pale face and an ugly fire poker on the ground were reflected. Zhang Xiaofan only felt his throat dry, cold sweat pouring down, and in his heart he was desperately shouting "Run, run, run!!"

  Just before Shui Qilin, no matter how he fantasized in his heart, a pair of feet seemed to be frozen in place. Shui Qilin found it strange at this moment, looked at Zhang Xiaofan twice, and his attention was drawn to the fire poker. The giant beast stared at the black fire poker, looking up and down, turning its big head back and forth, but couldnt figure out what it was. After a while, as if hesitating, it stretched out its front paws and carefully moved the fire poker.

  Zhang Xiaofan watched in stunned silence, still very frightened in her heart, but curiosity arose at the same time. She thought to herself that this "Spirit" must have lived for thousands of years and become senile, or else it was like the big yellow dog on top of the Great Bamboo Peak, not showing respect for its age, with a childlike heart, actually being so interested in a burning incense stick?

  Only to see the giant claws of the water unicorn lightly touch the fire stick, and then immediately withdraw, looking at its appearance, it seems to be very wary of this stick. However, the fire stick moved a little, rolled a few times, and still lay quietly there, not moving at all.

  The Water Qilins eyes were filled with confusion, yet it refused to give up. Its massive head shook once, and suddenly turned towards Zhang Xiaofan. A low, powerful roar echoed from its bloody mouth. Zhang Xiaofans heart skipped a beat, his entire body tensed up in an instant, even his breathing stopped.

  It turned out that the Water Qilin just glanced at him, and then looked at the firewood again. This time, it actually lowered its head, put its nose on the stick, and sniffed carefully. Zhang Xiaofans heart was pounding, but looking at the giant beast in front of him, he subconsciously thought that this was very similar to Dahuan, and if he wasnt so tense at the moment, he would have almost laughed out loud.

  The water qilin sniffed for a while, but it was clear that it had gained nothing. It raised its head and looked around with its big brain, seemingly also confused. However, the thousand-year-old spiritual beast was indeed a thousand-year-old spiritual beast, and after thinking for a moment, it decided to give up. The water qilin let out a loud snort, glared at Zhang Xiaofan with its huge eyes, scaring him half to death again. Then, shaking its head and tail, it turned around and walked down into the pool. In an instant, the water splashed everywhere, and the massive body disappeared into the depths of the pool.

  Zhang Xiaofan finally calmed down, slowly got up, and only then did he feel that the back of his shirt was completely wet, not to mention the cold sweat on his forehead like a rainstorm. He walked over to the fire poker, picked it up, and examined it from top to bottom, but no matter how hard he looked, he couldnt see anything unusual about it. He couldnt help but loudly complain: "This is really spooky!"

  Before the words had fallen, a sudden sound of water was heard from the side of the emerald pool. A burst of water splashed up, and in the white waves, the huge tail of the Water Qilin faintly appeared above the surface.

  Zhang Xiaofan was shocked, and immediately stuffed the fire poker into his bosom and took off running. All he could hear behind him was the sound of water splashing in the pool, but he didnt dare look back, only desperately trying to get away from there as fast as possible. In no time at all, he had run up onto the Rainbow Bridge, straight up towards the top, until he couldnt hear any more sounds coming from behind him, and finally stopped when he reached the very top of the bridge, panting heavily.

  "Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!"

  Zhang Xiaofans breathing slowly calmed down, but he suddenly felt very tired, a kind of fatigue that rose from the depths of his heart. He lowered his head and saw in the moonlight a lone shadow following him.

  He suddenly raised his head and gazed up at the sky, where he saw a vast expanse of cold darkness, with a single cold moon hanging high in the air. He stared blankly, momentarily stunned into silence.

  ※※※

  In the early morning, everyone woke up.

  Du Bi: "Seriously, I slept for a whole night and my waist is almost broken, how can we still have a competition today?"

  Lao Wu Lü Dashi furrowed his brow and said: "Lao Liu, dont shout so loudly, I also slept for a night and didnt feel any problem with my waist."

  Song Daren also said on the side, "Exactly, Old Six you complained all night yesterday, is it not enough? Dont you see that Old Five and Little Shidi are silent?"

  Du Bi: "Fifth Brother, thats thick-skinned and numb, no feeling. Dont believe me? Ask Little Fourth Brother, look at him, Little Fourth Brother, why are your eyes full of bloodshot, didnt you sleep well last night?"

  Zhang Xiaofan sat on a chair, staring blankly out the window, unresponsive. Da Huang lay at his feet, while Little Gray the monkey rummaged through Da Huangs fur, seemingly searching for fleas.

  Du Bishu walked over and gave his shoulder a heavy pat. Zhang Xiaofan was startled, jumped up, and also scared Da Huang and Xiao Hui. He turned around and looked around, saying: "Wh-whats going on?"

  Du Bi: "Xiao Fan, why are you so restless? Didnt you sleep well last night?"

  Zhang Xiaofan was taken aback and shook his head: "No, nothing."

  "Then why are your eyes full of blood vessels and red?"

  Zhang Xiaofan was about to speak when He Dazhi, who had walked over, interrupted him and said: "Old Six, dont interfere with other peoples business. Even if Little Brothers spirit is not good, it doesnt matter. After all, he has a bye today. But if you dont hurry up and wash your face, youll be late for the match later, and then you cant blame anyone else."

  Du Bishu suddenly woke up, not caring whether Zhang Xiaofan had slept well or not. He rushed over, disregarding Lv Daxin and Zheng Dalie who were washing their faces, snatched the basin away, and splashed water on his face with a loud "splash". He muttered to himself: "Hmph, my junior brother is just lucky, look at him with that sleepy face, its really... Fifth Brother, hurry up and return the basin to me, Im in a rush!"

  "Ptooey, I havent even washed myself yet!"

  Zhang Xiaofan watched as several of his senior fellow disciples on the other side of the room continued to argue over a washbasin, feeling slightly annoyed in his heart. He stood up and walked out, just reaching the door when Song Daren suddenly called out from behind him: "Younger brother, have you washed yet?"

  Zhang Xiaofan turned his head and said, "Ive washed up, Big Brother Master."

  Song Daren nodded and said: "Thats good, you can go out for a walk first, but after a while, we need to go to the dining hall for breakfast, got it?"

  Zhang Xiaofan responded with a "yes" and said, "Got it." He walked out, and the monkey Xiao Hui called out twice and ran over to climb onto his shoulder. Da Huang saw Xiao Hui leave and lazily got up, shook its tail, and followed them out. In the corridor, Zhang Xiaofan only saw the busy figures of his fellow Qingyunmen disciples who had just gotten out of bed on both sides. He walked casually, unknowingly arriving at the Yunhai Plaza.

  At this time, the sky was still early, and only a few Qingyun disciples were walking on the sea of clouds. The cool mountain wind blew over Zhang Xiaofans face, with a hint of coldness.

  As if it were last night!

  Zhang Xiaofan felt a pang in his heart. He was already a 16-year-old youth, and his emotions were beginning to stir. Having lived on the Great Bamboo Peak for five years, he had been with Tian Linger day and night, and from a young age, he had secretly harbored deep feelings for this beautiful and lively senior sister. But unexpectedly, last night he personally witnessed Tian Linger having a secret meeting with Qi Huan, and in an instant, it was as if the sky had darkened, his heart in great turmoil.

  At this moment, his mind was a mess, flashing back and forth with the scenes from last night that made him heartbroken, and he wandered aimlessly like a lost soul.

  "Huh?" Suddenly, an exclamation of surprise sounded beside him, startling Zhang Xiaofan out of his reverie. He turned to look at the person who had spoken and saw a young disciple of Qingyun, with delicate features, wearing a long robe, around twenty years old, holding a golden fan in his hand, which seemed to have some landscape paintings on it. The young man had approached him quietly, but his bright eyes were not looking at Zhang Xiaofan at all, instead, they were staring intently at the little monkey Xiao Hui on Zhang Xiaofans shoulder.