Chapter 96

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Chapter 96: Snowfall and Moonlight

Qin Chu Yi finished speaking and turned to face forward, her heart pounding like a drum, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. She both hoped Ming He would understand her feelings and feared the reaction that might follow if she did.

A proposal?

Ming He paused, lifting her gaze to read Qin Chu Yi’s expression, wondering if she was joking. But Qin Chu Yi had turned away too quickly. All Ming He could see was the woman’s straight back and the white hem of her robes fluttering in the wind, making it impossible to discern her thoughts.

Branch Break Flower.

Ming He murmured the name, her gaze lowering as her emotions churned. She said nothing more, instead lifting her eyes to the distant mountains, her expression clouded with a distant, dreamy confusion.

The flying sword cut through the clouds, piercing the mist as the sun and moon shifted in the sky. The imposing aura of Floating Cloud Sect reflected in Ming He’s eyes, while the towering peaks stood serene and tranquil, like a pure land untouched by the world.

"This isn’t Luoheng Peak," Ming He said, standing on the flying sword and gazing down at the palaces below. They were nearly identical to the ones she had seen before, with similar layouts, but this was not the Luoheng Peak she had joined.

"I know. This is Snowfall Peak," Qin Chu Yi replied, a smile playing on her lips where Ming He couldn’t see it. The flying sword glided over the palaces and came to a stop before an exquisite courtyard.

The courtyard gate, made of black tiles and red bricks with black ebony, stood slightly ajar, adorned with intricate beast patterns. Trees lined the sides, their shade cool and inviting, while the gentle sound of a spring flowing over stones filled the air. The view was adorned with crystal-clear jade walls, small bridges arching over streams, and beautifully crafted pavilions, all exuding an elegant, ancient charm.

At the top of the courtyard, words hung high, bathed in moonlight that flowed with the same grace as Qu Lingyun’s calligraphy, perfectly complementing the scenery before her.

As Ming He’s thoughts shifted, she realized this was Qin Chu Yi’s courtyard within Floating Cloud Sect. She couldn’t help but wonder what Qin Chu Yi’s courtyard in the Qin Clan looked like.

A flicker of curiosity crossed her mind, and Ming He turned to Qin Chu Yi. "Why did you bring me to Snowfall Peak?" she asked, her voice tinged with suspicion as she pondered Qin Chu Yi’s intentions.

"To arrange your accommodation, of course," Qin Chu Yi replied with a charming smile, taking Ming He’s hand as they stepped off the flying sword. Her eyes lowered, and she reluctantly let go. "Sect Master Xie isn’t at Luoheng Peak right now. If you have any questions about your cultivation, you can ask me or your Senior Aunt."

She noticed Ming He’s brows furrow slightly in resistance but maintained her smile. "Besides, didn’t you give me a flower?"

Qin Chu Yi paused, watching as Ming He’s breath hitched, her smile deepening. "I’m talking about the Ice Petals. You said I should use the true essence of Ice to suppress the cold poison, but the cultivation process requires the help of the Star Lock.

The Star Lock recognizes you as its master; only you can wield it. If you don’t stay with me, how can you ensure my safety?"

Qin Chu Yi blinked, her eyes sparkling with joy, though her brows furrowed slightly, as if troubled.

Ming He watched her, her own brow creasing as her heart tightened with an unspoken understanding. Deep down, she felt Qin Chu Yi’s intentions weren’t entirely as she claimed, but upon reflection, her reasoning made sense. Cultivating with the Ice Petals to comprehend the true essence of Ice meant drawing cold energy into her body once more. Ming He needed to stay close to Qin Chu Yi to ensure her safety.

"Let’s go inside first," Ming He said, pressing her lips together as she pushed open the courtyard gate. The courtyard was as elegant as she remembered, with soft light filtering through the leaves, casting dappled shadows that created a serene and beautiful scene. Compared to her own plain and simply arranged courtyard, it was like night and day.

"This courtyard was personally arranged by the Young Master," Qin Chu Yi said, catching the awe in Ming He’s expression. Her brows lifted with pride, and she tilted her chin up, exuding the charm of a young princess from a prosperous kingdom.

"You’re truly remarkable, Senior Sister," Ming He said, her voice tinged with amusement and tenderness as she looked at Qin Chu Yi’s youthful vigor. A soft smile played on her lips, making Qin Chu Yi’s heart flutter.

"So, where will I stay?" Ming He asked, her voice low and playful as she walked around the courtyard, finding herself surprisingly drawn to it.

"Well…" Qin Chu Yi’s voice trailed off, as if deep in thought. "Since you’ll need to assist the Young Master with his cultivation at all times, it’s best if you stay as close as possible. How about setting up a bed right next to mine?"

"Senior Sister," Ming He shot her a glance, her tone tinged with helplessness.

"I’m just teasing," Qin Chu Yi said, her smile bright as she hid her true feelings beneath it. "You can stay in the room next to mine. This courtyard doesn’t have many rooms anyway."

When she first arrived at Floating Cloud Sect, she had never imagined she would one day fall for someone, let alone bring that person into her courtyard, her world. As a result, the Moonlight Courtyard had few living spaces.

But now, it worked in her favor, sparing Ming He the need to decline.

"Alright," Ming He replied softly, her voice warm, this time not resisting Qin Chu Yi’s suggestion.

…

The sky was a clear, brilliant blue, and the rising sun cast its golden light over Snowfall Peak, named for its perpetual snowfall. Yet, at that moment, the snowflakes drifting down felt devoid of coldness. Bathed in sunlight, they didn’t melt, instead clinging to the green trees and swaying gently, creating a breathtaking landscape before Ming He’s eyes.

"Swish!"

Ming He, clad in her blue attire, gracefully wielded the Blue Sea Sword, her movements a dance of elegance and precision. Her feet lightly brushed the snow-laden ground of the Moonlight Courtyard, leaving delicate imprints. As her sword arced through the air, it stirred the snow around her, creating a flurry that settled on her sword tip, enhancing the poetic beauty of her martial display.

"Senior Sister, when do you intend to use the Ice Petals to grasp the true essence of Ice?" Ming He inquired, sheathing her sword and turning her attention to Qin Chu Yi. The latter was seated on a snow-dusted vine trellis, her chin resting thoughtfully on her hand, her feet gently swaying. Beside her, tea cups and a wine jug lay, painting a scene of serene comfort.

Having heeded Qin Chu Yi’s advice to reside in the Moonlight Courtyard, Ming He found her routine unchanged from her days at Luoheng Peak—cultivation, meditation, and sword practice continued unabated. Yet, now there was an added presence: Qin Chu Yi’s intense gaze, always watching her practice with a brightness akin to starlight, which left Ming He feeling somewhat unsettled.

"Anytime will do," Qin Chu Yi responded with a radiant smile, stepping closer to Ming He. She gently wiped the fine beads of sweat from Ming He’s forehead with her sleeve, her playful demeanor masking the subtle tension. "Since Junior Sister Ming He seems eager, let us commence now."

With a graceful sweep of her sleeve, Qin Chu Yi closed the courtyard gate and retreated into the room, her back to Ming He. Noticing Ming He’s hesitation, she couldn’t suppress a smile. "Come inside! The snowfall outside isn’t conducive to understanding the true essence of Ice."

"Ah," Ming He murmured, her thoughts lingering on Qin Chu Yi’s words—was she truly eager? It felt peculiar.

Lately, Qin Chu Yi’s behavior had been somewhat enigmatic. Were she a man, Ming He might have suspected romantic intentions.

Quietly musing, Ming He entered the room—Qin Chu Yi’s private quarters, a space she had never before ventured into.

Her eyes swept the room, landing on Qin Chu Yi, who had shed her outer garments and now sat on the bed, her gaze inviting, her dark hair lightly dusted with snow.

The room’s interplay of light and shadow lent Qin Chu Yi an almost ethereal allure, making Ming He’s heart race.

"Senior Sister?" Ming He’s voice faltered, her gaze flickering uncertainly. "Why are you…" she stammered, puzzled by the necessity of disrobing to comprehend the true essence of Ice.

Though they had shared intimate moments during healing, and being of the same gender lessened the awkwardness, Ming He now felt a profound unease. Her breath hitched, her pupils dilated, and she stood frozen, like a statue.

"Ice Petals, native to the Southern Region’s icy expanse, embody the essence of ice. Their dissolution releases a chill that permeates the entire body. Excessive clothing would only hinder this process," Qin Chu Yi explained softly, her hair cascading down as she sat clad only in her inner garment. Her silhouette, partially visible from Ming He’s vantage point, exuded a remarkable grace.

"Join me," Qin Chu Yi urged, her lips curving as she observed Ming He’s statue-like stillness. She seemed to relish teasing Ming He, her voice softening with an undercurrent of affection.

Compelled by Qin Chu Yi’s gentle gaze, Ming He approached, lifting her robe to sit beside her. Yet, her eyes remained downcast, her mind adrift, almost hearing Qin Chu Yi’s soft laughter.

"Ming He," Qin Chu Yi’s tone turned serious, her playful demeanor fading. "When the Ice Petals integrate into my body, they will activate the latent cold poison within me, creating a perilous situation. You must use your Star Power to safeguard my heart meridian."

As she spoke, she retrieved the Ice Petal, a hint of nostalgia in her chuckle. "This is the first flower you gifted me; parting with it is bittersweet."

Qin Chu Yi held the Ice Petal in her left hand, her right hand tracing a path from Ming He’s shoulder to her lips, her expression momentarily distant. "I entrust my life to you."

With that, she consumed the Ice Petal, and a frigid wave surged through her, threatening her very essence.

Qin Chu Yi stifled a groan, her lips stained crimson, a stark contrast to her pallor, stirring Ming He’s heart.

Ming He’s concern deepened as frost formed in Qin Chu Yi’s gaze, her thin garment freezing against her skin.

In moments, Qin Chu Yi resembled a snow figure, yet unlike a snowman, she was not born of ice.

Ming He’s heart ached with empathy. No wonder Qin Chu Yi had spoken of clothing as a constraint.

Summoning her spiritual energy, Ming He enveloped Qin Chu Yi in her embrace, her Star Power shielding her heart. With a swift motion, she cut through the icy garment, her ears flushing as she draped her blue cloak over Qin Chu Yi, one hand cradling her heart, the other channeling spiritual energy into her back.

Qin Chu Yi teetered on the edge of life and death, her brow furrowed, her lips a vivid red. Ming He’s Star Power protected her heart, leaving one hand free.

Seeing Qin Chu Yi’s distress, Ming He reached out to soothe her brow, her touch gentle until the tension eased, a satisfied smile gracing her lips as she met Qin Chu Yi’s gaze.

"How are you, Senior Sister? Did it work?" Ming He’s eyes shone with hope, her anticipation palpable.

Realizing Ming He’s deep concern, Qin Chu Yi’s emotions surged, her affection undeniable.

"What’s wrong?" Ming He asked, her voice tinged with worry as Qin Chu Yi remained silent. "Did it fail? Are you in pain?"

Her tone softened. "If it didn’t work, it’s alright. There are other ice-type spiritual items; I can find another for you. We still have time…"

Before Ming He could finish, Qin Chu Yi embraced her tightly, her head resting on Ming He’s shoulder, her blue cloak slipping to reveal pale skin in an intimate gesture.

Ming He, momentarily startled, instinctively returned the embrace, her mind wandering to the journey to the Southern Region’s ice fields with her nascent Sword Flight skills, when Qin Chu Yi’s hopeful voice broke through, "It succeeded."

Qin Chu Yi gently pulled back, her pride evident, yet her excitement shone through. "The icy aura didn’t harm my cultivation, and the cold poison couldn’t claim my vitality. I’ve refined the Ice Petal and touched the threshold of the true essence of Ice. In time, I may turn resistance into strength and advance further, as you said."

"Really?" Ming He’s joy mirrored Qin Chu Yi’s, her eyes sparkling with shared triumph.

"Indeed," Qin Chu Yi smiled, leaning against Ming He, savoring the rhythm of her heartbeat, a deep contentment filling her.

She looked up to see Ming He’s gaze lowered, her expression a mix of shyness and affection, her earlobes tinged with a rosy hue.

Ming He’s feelings for her were undeniable.

Qin Chu Yi exhaled deeply, gently pushing Ming He away, her heart pounding like never before. "Ming He, there’s something I must tell you."

Her voice trembled, her resolve firm despite the constriction in her throat. "Actually…"

Just then, a paper crane burst through the courtyard gate, circling Qin Chu Yi before landing within reach.

Qin Chu Yi’s expression shifted; the timing was both fortunate and unfortunate. As the Young Master of the Qin Clan, her responsibilities were paramount.

Ming He, noticing the paper crane, understood its significance. Despite her disappointment, she spoke, "Senior Sister, if you have duties, please attend to them."

"Alright," Qin Chu Yi donned Ming He’s blue cloak. "This is important; wait for my return."

With that, she folded the paper crane and departed the Moonlight Courtyard like a fleeting breeze.