The world of film and television starts from the flow of money

The two followed the secluded path, half-hidden by fallen leaves, deeper into the autumn-filled forest. The further they went, the fewer people they encountered, with only birdsong adding to the serene tranquility of the empty mountains.

After walking for a short while, a corner of a flying eaves appeared faintly in the bamboo forest ahead.

Shi Feixuan stopped and said softly, "Sir, Miss Qingxuan's 'Secluded Forest Cottage' is just ahead."

Just as the words fell, a flute melody rose from the depths of the mountain valley, drifting over in a leisurely and melodious manner.

At first, the sound was extremely distant and gentle, like a clear spring seeping quietly from a crack in the rocks, carrying the coolness and purity of the mountains, flowing slowly. Then, the sound of the flute gradually rose, winding and melodious, sometimes like the autumn wind blowing through a bamboo forest, the leaves singing, ethereal and slightly sad; sometimes like the moon reflected in a cold pool, clear and lonely, reflecting the deepest loneliness in the heart; sometimes it seemed to have endless melancholy and reminiscence, flowing between the notes, as if telling a distant and sad story, not intense, not flamboyant, but touching, reaching straight to the heart, making the listener feel calm involuntarily, and faintly feeling a trace of inexplicable sadness.

"It's Miss Qingxuan's flute playing."

Shi Feixuan listened intently, a hint of intoxication appearing in her cool eyes. After a moment, she sighed, "Every time I hear this, I feel as if my soul has been cleansed by a clear spring."

Yi Huawei stopped, stood with his hands behind his back, and listened quietly, a faint trace of appreciation flashing in his deep eyes. This flute music had indeed reached a state of perfection; not only was the technique superb, but more importantly, it contained a transcendent yet deeply worldly spirituality and emotion. Compared to Ren Yingying's flute music, which carried a touch of the carefree spirit and deep affection of a wandering heroine, Shi Qingxuan's flute music sounded more ethereal and solitary, untouched by worldly dust, as if it came from another pure world far removed from chaos.

"As expected, it lives up to its reputation." Yi Huawei nodded slightly, his tone filled with sincere praise.

Following the sound of the flute, the two walked through a lush bamboo grove. The bamboo leaves rustled in the autumn wind, intertwining with the clear, melodious flute music, adding to the refined atmosphere. At the end of the bamboo grove, the terrain rose slightly, and several simple yet elegant houses built entirely of bamboo and wood came into view—this was "Secluded Forest Retreat." A low bamboo fence surrounded the houses, and several autumn chrysanthemums bloomed proudly in the courtyard, their white blossoms like snow, their yellow like gold, and their pale purple and light red hues adding vibrant color to this tranquil place.

The sound of the flute was coming from the courtyard.

In the center of the courtyard, beneath an ancient tree whose leaves had turned golden, there was a stone table and two stone benches. A woman, with her back to Yi Huawei and his companion, sat on one of the stone benches, her head slightly tilted to the side, holding a vibrant green bamboo flute, her red lips slightly parted.

The woman wore a light blue long dress, the hem of which spread out like clouds around the stone bench. The material seemed ordinary, yet it was elegant and refined. Her long, glossy black hair cascaded down to her waist like a waterfall, with only a small section loosely tied back with a matching light blue ribbon, adding to her casual and natural charm.

Although it was just a back view, her slender and graceful figure, her elegant and long neck like a swan, and her silhouette that seemed to embody all the beauty and charm of heaven and earth were enough to make people yearn for her and imagine what unparalleled beauty she must have when she looked from the front.

Shi Feixuan did not make a sound to disturb them, but stood quietly with Yi Huawei outside the bamboo fence, waiting for the song to end.

The sound of the flute faded away slowly in a long, gradually fading tone, but the lingering resonance seemed to still linger among the bamboo forest and in the valley for a long time.

The woman in green slowly put down her bamboo flute and placed it on the stone table. She seemed to let out a soft sigh of relief before gracefully rising and turning around.

Just as she turned around and her gaze met Yi Huawei's—

Time seemed to freeze in an extremely subtle way.

As Shi Feixuan described, this was a face of beauty too exquisite to be accurately described in words. Her skin was as white as snow, smooth and delicate, as if meticulously carved from the finest mutton-fat jade. Every feature was perfectly proportioned, combining to create an ultimate harmony and a pure, ethereal beauty. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains shrouded in mist, her eyes like autumn waters rippling across the surface, clear to the bottom, yet seemingly veiled by a faint, lingering mist, carrying a hint of melancholy and aloofness. Her nose was delicate and straight, and her lips were a natural pale cherry color, naturally rosy without any makeup.

Her ethereal and pure aura seemed to belong to a world apart from the chaos of the world. Any worldly desires and distractions would vanish without a trace under her pure and untainted gaze. Yet, within this ultimate purity and sanctity, there was also a subtle, deep-seated loneliness and fragility stemming from her complex background and experiences, like an exquisite yet fragile glass vessel. One couldn't help but feel a sense of pity for her, fearing that even the slightest storm of worldly life would shatter her.

Shi Qingxuan's gaze first fell on Shi Feixuan, her lips moved slightly, and her voice was cold: "You've come."

Immediately, her gaze naturally turned to Yi Huawei, who was standing next to Shi Feixuan.

The moment her eyes met Yi Huawei's calm, deep gaze, which seemed capable of holding a vast ocean of stars, a barely perceptible ripple appeared in Shi Qingxuan's normally calm and clear eyes.

She had met countless people: martial arts heroes, refined scholars, and reclusive masters. Their gazes were either captivated by her beauty, awestruck by her status, fascinated by her flute skills, or filled with various motives and desires.

But the gaze of the man in the blue robe before him was completely different.

His gaze was peaceful and serene, filled with appreciation, but not possession; insightful, but not offensive. His eyes were so profound, as if they could see into the deepest recesses of her soul, see through all her past and hidden loneliness, yet strangely devoid of any judgment, only a kind of almost natural "understanding" and... an indescribable tranquility that seemed to transcend time.

This feeling was something she had never experienced before. It was as if, in his presence, all pretense and barriers had lost their meaning. Her heart, which had remained silent and aloof for many years due to her troubled past and her understanding of the world, involuntarily trembled slightly, and an inexplicable emotion, one that she herself could not explain, quietly arose.

Recalling what Shi Feixuan had said, Shi Qingxuan's jade-like fingers holding the flute tightened almost imperceptibly. She had many questions in her mind, but she couldn't bring herself to speak.

All these changes happened in the blink of an eye, so subtle that almost no one could detect them.

Shi Qingxuan was, after all, Shi Qingxuan, with extraordinary temperament and cultivation. She quickly suppressed that momentary strangeness and returned to her calm and composed demeanor. However, the look in her eyes towards Yi Huawei was less distant and more inquisitive.

Shi Feixuan took in Shi Qingxuan's extremely subtle reaction and was slightly surprised. This 'Shishu' was usually aloof and kept her distance from strangers. Yet today, upon first meeting Yi Huawei, she showed such a subtle loss of composure? Although it was only fleeting, it was enough to demonstrate the unique aura of Yi Huawei, which even someone like Qingxuan could not completely resist.

At the same time, Shi Feixuan also keenly noticed that when Yi Huawei saw Shi Qingxuan's true face, his eyes remained calm and profound, without the usual look of amazement or disorientation, only pure appreciation and a touch of composure. This composure and transcendence further elevated Shi Feixuan's opinion of him.

"Miss Qingxuan,"

Shi Feixuan stepped forward and introduced the two: "This is the one Feixuan mentioned to you before, the leader of the Heavenly Dao Alliance—Wuming."

Then he said to Yi Huawei, "Sir, this is Shi Qingxuan, Master Shi." Yi Huawei smiled slightly and said in a gentle tone, "I am sorry to have come here and disturb Master Shi's cultivation. I just heard the sound of the flute, which was so clear and beautiful that it cleansed my heart and made me yearn for it."

Shi Qingxuan returned the greeting with a graceful and natural movement, her voice still soft and gentle: "Alliance Leader, you flatter me. This is just a rustic song, used to amuse myself. Your presence is an honor to my humble abode. Please come in and have some tea."

Shi Qingxuan turned to the side and made an elegant gesture, inviting the guests inside. Yi Huawei and Shi Feixuan then stepped into this "Secluded Forest Cottage".

The interior furnishings, like the exterior, are extremely simple, yet exude elegance and craftsmanship. The walls are made of natural bamboo and wood, unadorned, their natural grain clearly visible, emitting a faint bamboo fragrance. The floor is paved with clean bluestone slabs, smooth and warm from the passage of time. Near the window is a low bamboo tea table, next to several cushions. On the other side is a desk, neatly arranged with the Four Treasures of the Study (writing brush, ink stick, inkstone, and paper) and several books. A traditional Chinese ink landscape painting hangs on the wall, its ethereal brushstrokes and profound imagery suggesting the hand of the lady of the house. Although the space is small, the open windows bring in abundant autumn light and bamboo shadows, making it feel bright, spacious, tranquil, and serene.

"Please take a seat, both of you."

Shi Qingxuan spoke softly, gesturing for the two to sit on the cushions next to the tea table.

She then skillfully walked behind the tea table, knelt on a thicker futon, and began preparing to brew tea.

At this time, the tea ceremony still followed the old system of the Sui and Tang dynasties, which was very different from the brewing methods of later generations.

Shi Qingxuan first took a pressed tea cake from an exquisite celadon jar, then gently pried off some tea dust with a small silver knife, placing it in a ceramic tea grinder. With her delicate hands, she held the grinding wheel and began to grind the tea slowly and steadily. Her movements were elegant and fluid, possessing a unique rhythm, much like when she played the flute—a truly delightful sight.

Yi Huawei and Shi Feixuan sat down calmly and watched quietly. Shi Feixuan was used to this, her gaze serene. Yi Huawei's eyes, however, held a hint of appreciation, as if he were observing a distant elegance.

Once the tea powder was ground, Shi Qingxuan poured it into a small red clay stove that was bubbling gently. Soon, the aroma of tea mixed with steam rose in wisps, a mellow fragrance with a hint of herbal notes, quite different from the crisp aroma of tea in later generations.

Just as Shi Qingxuan was about to ladle the brewed tea into the teacup, Yi Huawei smiled slightly and said, "Please wait, Master Shi."

Shi Qingxuan paused, raised her clear eyes, and looked at him with a hint of doubt.

Shi Feixuan also cast a curious glance at her.

Yi Huawei took out a small purple clay jar, no bigger than a fist, from the sleeve of his blue robe. The jar had a warm, lustrous color, unlike any ordinary tea. Gently opening the lid, an exceptionally clear and refreshing aroma of tea instantly filled the room, completely overpowering the aroma of the tea cakes already wafting from it. The aroma was rich and layered, possessing the subtle fragrance of orchids and the sweetness of honeyed fruit, quite different from the currently popular aromas of tea cakes.

"These are the tender leaves of a rare tea tree that I came across during my travels overseas. They are processed using a special method, without being pressed into cakes or ground. They can be brewed directly and have a unique flavor."

Yi Huawei smiled slightly: "Today I am fortunate to meet such a refined gentleman as Master Shi. I would like to share this tea with you. I wonder if Master Shi would be willing to give it a try?"

His explanation was, of course, a pretext. This tea was a habit he brought from the world of "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer." It was a pan-fried green tea with improved processing techniques. Its aroma, shape, and brewing method were undoubtedly unheard of and unseen by Shi Qingxuan and Shi Feixuan, who were still in the early stages of Tang Dynasty tea-drinking customs.

Shi Qingxuan gazed at the emerald green, curled, and plump tea leaves in the purple clay pot, her nostrils twitching slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in her cool eyes. She was skilled in refined arts and had her own understanding of tea ceremony, but she had never seen tea leaves with such a form and such a delicate aroma. The fragrance seemed to cleanse her soul, invigorating her spirit.

"This tea... has a unique shape and an exquisite aroma. I, Qingxuan, am truly ignorant of its beauty."

Shi Qingxuan said frankly, her eyes filled with even more curiosity, "Since you have such a kind intention, I will certainly accept it and wish to witness its wonders."

Shi Feixuan's beautiful eyes also sparkled. She knew that Yi Huawei's background was mysterious and his methods were unpredictable. The fact that he had taken out this unprecedented tea made him even more mysterious.

Yi Huawei nodded with a smile and, without any hesitation, naturally took the initiative to brew the tea. He carefully moved the tea soup in Shi Qingxuan's teapot to the side, rinsed the teapot again, and poured in clear mountain spring water. Then, he used bamboo tongs to take out an appropriate amount of tea leaves from the purple clay pot, but instead of putting them into boiling water, he waited until the water was just about to boil, with the first bubbles forming on the surface, and then slowly poured the hot water into a white porcelain gaiwan that he had taken out at some point, just enough to cover the tea leaves.

"This tea is delicate and cannot withstand prolonged boiling. It requires appropriate water temperature to bring out its aroma and flavor."

As Yi Huawei operated the equipment, he explained in a slow, deliberate voice. His technique was skillful, flowing smoothly and rhythmically.

As hot water was poured in, the curled tea leaves slowly unfurled, like revived spirits. The leaves were tender and vibrant green, and the tea liquor was clear and bright, resembling the water of a spring stream. A richer aroma, carrying the fragrance of beans and flowers, rose up, even more intoxicating than when the tea was dry.

Shi Qingxuan and Shi Feixuan watched intently, both captivated by the novel and aesthetically pleasing brewing method. Shi Qingxuan was particularly focused; she could sense a philosophy of precise understanding of the "nature" of things from this simple process, which subtly resonated with her pursuit of the ultimate in musicality and harmony with the will of Heaven.

Yi Huawei quickly filtered out the first infusion of tea, calling it "washing the tea," then poured in hot water again. After a short while, he poured the clear, bright tea into three elegant white porcelain teacups. Every movement was unhurried, carrying an indescribable Taoist charm.

"You two, please."

Yi Huawei gently pushed the teacup towards Shi Qingxuan and Shi Feixuan.

Shi Qingxuan stretched out her slender, jade-like fingers and gently picked up the cup of tea, which was at the perfect temperature. First, she observed its color, which was clear and bright; then she smelled its aroma, which was delicate and lingering, refreshing her and dispelling much of the slight melancholy that had arisen from the autumn.

Her red lips parted slightly as she took a small sip.

The tea soup was fresh, sweet, and mellow, with a full-bodied flavor, quite different from the rich and strong brewed tea she usually drank. Without the seasoning of salt, ginger, dates, or other ingredients, only the most authentic taste of tea blossomed on her tongue, first slightly bitter, then turning into a long-lasting sweet aftertaste, leaving a fragrant aftertaste and a refreshing feeling.

A genuine look of amazement welled up on Shi Qingxuan's pure and ethereal face. She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the moment, before opening them again. Her gaze towards Yi Huawei was different now; it held not only inquiry but also heartfelt admiration. (End of Chapter)