When Gu Qingqing woke up, she found herself lying in a bed—soft bedding, blankets covering her, with a faint fragrance she had never experienced in her life.
She blinked, glanced at the patterns on the ceiling, then turned her head. The room she was in was extremely luxurious, filled with items she had never seen before but knew were precious, making her feel like she was dreaming.
She sat up, got off the bed, and found the floor covered with carpet made of unknown material, which felt soft underfoot, akin to stepping on clouds.
Pushing open the door, she stepped into a corridor, devoid of people. Hesitating at the doorway, she walked down the corridor to the left.
Having traversed the long corridor, she arrived at a garden—large, with many colorful flowers blooming, even the air was filled with a light floral scent. She then heard the sound of something slicing through the air. Pausing for a moment, she followed the sound.
...
Under a peach tree, a figure was moving swiftly.
This person wore loose white clothes, the sleeves gracefully slicing through the air with his movements. Despite the simplicity, there was an unmistakable deadly aura radiating from him.
The silver sword in his hand switched directions; the force of the sword wind stirred the petals of the peach flowers, causing them to fall like a rain of blossoms. His white clothing and black hair made him seem like an immortal descended from heaven, mesmerizing yet untouchable.
He sheathed his sword, stood beneath the peach tree, his wide sleeves drifting with the wind, the whole man poised to ride the breeze away.
This was Gu Qingqing's first sight of Si Lin. Though she had doubted whether she was dreaming, seeing this immortal-like figure removed all doubt—surely she must be dreaming.
Si Lin had noticed Gu Qingqing approaching but knew she was brought back by Rong Ye, and just a child, so he did not react. Otherwise, anyone appearing while he was practicing swordplay would typically be challenged.
Turning his head, Si Lin looked at Gu Qingqing, noticing the dreamy expression on her face, a hint of surprise in his eyes.
The two, one tall, one small, simply stared at each other as the wind blew, scattering petals over them, creating a picture of beauty and harmony.
Suddenly, frantic footsteps disrupted their gaze, drawing a trace of unhappiness in their eyes, followed by a shared glance toward the source of the noise.
"Little Qingqing, why didn't you call for me when you woke up? I thought you were missing!" Rong Ye called out, unable to keep from muttering, seeing Gu Qingqing at the other entrance of the garden.
Gu Qingqing looked at Rong Ye, then to Si Lin nearby, finally realizing she wasn't dreaming after all.
She recalled earlier using all her accumulated spiritual power to save Rong Ye, which caused her to pass out. She examined Rong Ye, noting his improved complexion, feeling relieved.
As Rong Ye reached Gu Qingqing's side, he noticed Si Lin, his expression quickly changing.
"Senior Brother, you're here too?" Among the five brothers, Si Lin had the highest cultivation, which made him intimidating to Rong Ye, especially seeing Si Lin holding a sword, recalling he must have been practicing, slightly worried, "Little Qingqing just woke up. If she offended you, I apologize on her behalf."
"It's nothing." Si Lin shook his head, glanced at Gu Qingqing peeking from behind Rong Ye, and in the blink of an eye, disappeared.
Seeing Si Lin leave, Rong Ye breathed a sigh of relief, relaxing, noticing Gu Qingqing curiously watching him. He quickly took her hand, saying, "Little Qingqing, that was my senior brother Si Lin, a sword cultivator. He doesn't like interruptions during practice. Remember not to approach next time."
Recalling his own youthful mistake of bothering Si Lin during practice and getting reprimanded, his expression twisted briefly and then returned to normal.
Gu Qingqing wanted to say that Si Lin wasn't as frightening as Rong Ye described but could only nod.
Seeing her obedient nature, Rong Ye smiled and patted her head.
"Little Qingqing is so good. We're at my senior brother's peak now. I'll take you to meet the master. Once he agrees, I'll bring you to my fifth peak, which will be your home from now on." Speaking of his plan, Rong Ye eagerly explained to Gu Qingqing.
Upon hearing the word "home," Gu Qingqing widened her eyes at Rong Ye.
Since the passing of the granny who cared for her, no one had uttered the word "home" to her.
Earlier, Rong Ye had said he would take her away. She feared he was deceitful as others had before. Thus, she was unwilling to follow. Yet upon seeing everything in this room, she knew Rong Ye was indeed wealthy and powerful, and she held nothing worth deceiving for.
Now, Rong Ye spoke of treating his residence as her home, thrilling Gu Qingqing.
While Gu Qingqing was unconscious, Rong Ye had mainly recovered from his injuries. Carrying Gu Qingqing, he swiftly arrived at Spirit Hidden Mountain's main peak, where their master resided.
Compared to Si Lin's peak, the main peak was equally opulent but more solemn and grand, instilling caution in one's speech and actions, wary of any missteps.
Even Rong Ye, typically arrogant, restrained himself at the main peak. Before entering the great hall, he released Gu Qingqing's hand, tidied his attire, making sure everything was in order before bringing Gu Qingqing into the hall.
Besides Spirit Hidden Mountain's master Wen Guiyun, Rong Ye's other four senior brothers were present in the great hall.
Wen Guiyun sat at the main position, with Si Lin and Yue Zhao seated at his left and right, Nan Hua below Si Lin, and Mu Chen below Yue Zhao. When Rong Ye appeared with Gu Qingqing, all five of them fixed their gaze on them.
The five brothers possessed high cultivation and noble backgrounds, and when focused on an individual, it exerted pressure. Rong Ye managed, but surprised by the collective gaze, Gu Qingqing instinctively hid behind Rong Ye.
Feeling the movement behind him, Rong Ye looked at Wen Guiyun and the others, stopped, turned to Gu Qingqing.
"Little Qingqing, don't be afraid; they are my master and senior brothers, they won't hurt you." Rong Ye patted her head gently, easing her hand from his sleeve, looked her straight in the eyes, speaking sincerely.
Gu Qingqing glanced at Rong Ye, then at Wen Guiyun and the others, contemplated, and nodded.
Her obedience softened Rong Ye's heart, smiling before leading Gu Qingqing three steps away from Wen Guiyun where he halted.
"Disciple Rong Ye greets Master." Releasing Gu Qingqing's hand, he knelt on one knee, hands clasped respectfully.
Startled, Gu Qingqing followed Rong Ye and knelt.
"Rise." Wen Guiyun waved, instructing Rong Ye to rise.
"Thank you, Master." Rong Ye helped Gu Qingqing to her feet.
"Is this the little girl you brought back?" Wen Guiyun asked gently, his expression soft as he looked at Gu Qingqing.
Though past a hundred years, Cultivators retain their youthful appearance. Given his advanced cultivation, Wen Guiyun appeared merely thirty-plus, clad in a blue brocade robe, resembling a handsome middle-aged man, adopting a gentle demeanor toward Gu Qingqing.
"Yes, Master." Rong Ye observed Gu Qingqing, "Little Qingqing saved me twice. I wish for her to remain at my fifth peak, allowing me to care for her. I hope Master permits this."
Rather than answering instantly, Wen Guiyun rose, approached Gu Qingqing, squatted to meet her gaze, studied her for a while. When Gu Qingqing nervously tried to retreat behind Rong Ye, he suddenly smiled, "Young lady, we are destined; would you accept me as your master?"