Zhu Xian: They've all been reborn

Jiang Xiaochuan ultimately couldn't bring himself to just slip away quietly.

While Zeng Shushu and his fellow students were joking around, and Tian Buyi and Su Ru were being pestered by He Dazhi and the others to try some snacks, they took advantage of the moment.

He quickly slipped back to his cabin.

He tore off a piece of paper and, with his scrawled, dog-like handwriting, scribbled a few sentences:

"Master, Mistress, fellow disciples: I am troubled and have gone down the mountain with Brother Zeng to clear my mind. We will return tomorrow, so please do not worry. Sincerely, Xiao Chuan."

He pressed the paper under his pillow in a conspicuous place, then took a deep breath, and like a thief, climbed out of the back window, crouched down, and crept along the edge of the bamboo forest toward the back mountain path that Zeng Shushu had mentioned.

My heart was pounding in my chest, partly from the thrill of temporarily escaping death, and partly from the lingering fear of facing Lu Xueqi and the others' wrath.

Forget it, I don't want to think about it anymore. I'll just run away first.

He and Zeng Shushu met at a secluded waterfall in the back mountains. They exchanged a knowing smile (one looking sly, the other feeling guilty), then mounted their swords and flew towards Heyang City, following the contours of the mountain as stealthily as possible.

Along the way, Zeng Shushu excitedly chattered about how wonderful the girls in Peach Blossom Garden were and how beautiful the songs were, while Jiang Xiaochuan just absentmindedly responded with "uh-huhs," his mind a jumble of thoughts.

When he finally saw the familiar outline of Heyang City's walls in the distance, he suddenly said to Zeng Shushu:

"Senior Brother Zeng, you go to Peach Blossom Garden first. I... I want to wander around the city by myself and have some peace and quiet."

Zeng Shushu was taken aback for a moment, then gave Jiang Xiaochuan an ambiguous look that said, "I understand, I understand everything," and patted him on the shoulder.

"Okay! I understand! Being surrounded by so many beauties, I need to take a break!"

Then I'll go scout ahead and see what's going on!

Come find me at Peach Blossom Garden anytime you feel better!

Say my name, it works!

Jiang Xiaochuan was too lazy to explain and gave a vague reply.

Watching Zeng Shushu transform into a streak of purple light, excitedly shooting towards the most prosperous southern part of Heyang City.

He sheathed his flying sword, landed in a quiet, secluded spot outside the city, straightened his somewhat disheveled robes, and slowly strolled into the city through a side gate.

Heyang City is still the same Heyang City.

The afternoon sun was shining brightly, and the streets were bustling with traffic and pedestrians.

The shouts of vendors, the laughter of children, and the aromas wafting from restaurants and teahouses mingled together, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere, full of the vibrant spirit of everyday life.

This familiar liveliness, strangely, soothed the anxiety and unease in his heart.

He had no destination; he simply followed the flow of people, wandering aimlessly.

I walked past the sugar figurine stall, past the steaming steamed bun shop, past the calligraphy and painting shop filled with the fragrance of ink, past the clanging blacksmith shop...

He didn't buy anything, didn't look at anything, he just walked.

Let the clamor, the vibrant colors, and the various smells drown you out.

Empty your mind, don't think about anything.

But how could I really not want to?

Lu Xueqi... Nine years. Those seemingly ordinary "sparring," "guidance," and "companionship" are now connected, and every detail reveals her quiet dedication.

He recalled the first time she tripped him at Dazhu Peak and clumsily "hug" him, the cool fragrance emanating from her body and her slightly rapid heartbeat (he thought it was a normal reaction after exercise).

He recalled how she expressionlessly handed him that bag of osmanthus sugar, so sweet it was almost cloying, yet he couldn't bear to finish it all at once.

I recall her focused profile as she forged the sword, and the tip of her nose, glistening with sweat, illuminated by the furnace fire.

He remembered her leading him down the mountain, standing outside the bustling crowd at the temple fair, her cool eyes quietly watching the fireworks bloom, a faint yet genuine smile on her lips…

I used to think these scenes were just Lu Xueqi's eccentric personality, but now I realize that every frame is filled with her cautious approach and clumsy attempts to befriend her.

He wasn't completely oblivious, but... he dared not think about it deeply, and never considered it in that direction.

Now that we know about our "past life," these details take on a completely new and weighty significance.

Xiaobai... for even longer.

From the age of eight to seventeen, that spanned almost half of his life.

The fluffy warmth, the languid companionship, the playful care, and that solemn confession that made his heart flutter.

She said that if it weren't for his feelings, she would have kidnapped him long ago.

Looking back now, with her abilities, if she really wanted to, he probably wouldn't even know where he is anymore.

She waited and stayed by his side, watching him grow up in an almost indulgent way.

How should he respond to this deep and peculiar feeling that transcends race and time?

Tian Ling'er... childhood sweethearts, inseparable since childhood.

Her affection was straightforward, passionate, and unreserved.

He enjoyed her closeness and got used to her presence, but he always treated her as an older sister and family member.

Knowing that she might also have memories of her "past life," he was almost overwhelmed by guilt.

He didn't want to hurt her, but it seemed... he already had.

Biyao...this one is the most complicated.

I'm afraid, I'm really afraid.

But besides fear, there seems to be something else.

The thought of her heartbreaking cries, accusing him of "letting go," and the desperate affection in her eyes when she sang "Fantasy Zhu Xian"... made his heart ache.

He knew Biyao's ending in the original story, and he knew the tragedy of unrequited love.

The current Biyao, who is obsessed and insane, is, in a way, a continuation and distortion of that tragedy.

Does he owe her something?

he does not know.

Seeing her like that, he did feel bad, even... a dull ache in his heart.

Four women, four relationships, like four invisible mountains, weighed heavily on his heart, making it hard for him to breathe.

He asked himself, "What have I done to deserve this?"

An ordinary Qingyun disciple, timid, averse to trouble, and emotionally oblivious, somehow managed to provoke these four...

Each woman is more capable and more persistent than the last.

As he pondered, he suddenly tugged at the corners of his mouth, revealing a self-deprecating, bitter, and somewhat absurd smile.

Jiang Xiaochuan, oh Jiang Xiaochuan, you really are...

You're getting a good deal and then complaining. So many people would kill for this blessing, and it's fallen into your lap, yet you're here looking gloomy and feeling wronged.

Haven't you always wanted to lie flat?

Now there are four "tall people" vying to stand on your head, and you're still not happy?

This thought strangely dissipated the melancholy in his heart, transforming it into a deeper, almost numb sense of helplessness.

Forget it, I don't want to.

The more I think about it, the more confused I get.

Unbeknownst to him, he had walked to the west side of the city.

This area is relatively quiet, close to the city wall, with a small river meandering through it. Weeping willows are planted on both banks, and in the afternoon, the willow branches gently brush the water's surface, creating ripples.

There is a path paved with bluestone along the river, where two or three pedestrians stroll leisurely and peacefully.

Jiang Xiaochuan walked to the riverbank, found a flat, large blue stone to sit on, and looked at the slowly flowing river and the blue sky, white clouds, willow branches, and city shadows reflected in the water.

My emotions seemed to calm down slowly, like the flowing water.

Just then, a very faint fragrance, unlike any other scent in the surroundings, wafted into his nostrils.

The fragrance was unique, like the scent of a deep mountain after the rain, mixed with the fresh aroma of some ancient plants, and carrying a faint, indescribable, almost sacred meaning.

He subconsciously looked up, following the scent.

Not far away, under a willow tree, stood two people.

The first one was a woman.

She wore a simple, antique-style, yet exquisitely crafted moon-white dress, with silver, rune-like or star-like patterns embroidered on the hem and cuffs.

Her face was covered by a thin, misty white veil, obscuring her features and revealing only her eyes.

Those eyes… Jiang Xiaochuan only glanced at them once, and his heart skipped a beat.

How should I describe it?

Clear and deep, it seems to contain an ancient galaxy, yet it also carries a sense of tranquility and compassion that understands the ways of the world.

Those eyes alone are enough to convince one that beneath the veil lies a face of unparalleled beauty.

Moreover, for some reason, looking into those eyes, Jiang Xiaochuan suddenly felt an extremely strange sensation.

It wasn't familiarity, but rather a kind of... inexplicable attraction, as if something had gently plucked the strings of my heart.

There's a kind of... love at first sight thrill?

He was startled by his own thought and quickly looked away.

A man stood beside the woman.

The man was unusually tall, almost two heads taller than the average person, probably over two meters tall, much taller than Jiang Xiaochuan.

He wore a simple black outfit that accentuated his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and powerful physique.

His appearance was strikingly handsome, with sword-like eyebrows, bright eyes, a high nose bridge, and thin lips. Together, they possessed a breathtaking beauty that transcended gender.

However, the handsome man's expression seemed somewhat...too innocent?

With a touch of childlike curiosity, she stared intently at Jiang Xiaochuan with her clear, glassy eyes.

The two of them, with their distinct personalities, were strangely harmonious together. Standing under the shade of the willows, they seemed to belong to a quiet little world of their own, not of this noisy world.

Jiang Xiaochuan was wondering if he should look away to avoid being too forward.

The veiled woman seemed to sense his gaze, and turned her head slightly. Her eyes, which seemed to hold the stars, fell precisely on his face through the veil.

Eyes facing each other.

Jiang Xiaochuan's heart skipped a beat again, and he subconsciously wanted to dodge, but those eyes seemed to have a magical power, making him forget to move for a moment.

Then he saw the masked woman gracefully walking towards him.

Her steps were light, and her moon-white skirt brushed against the bluestone path, untouched by dust.

Jiang Xiaochuan was stunned and stood up somewhat at a loss.

The woman walked a few steps in front of him and stopped.

As you get closer, the strange, subtle fragrance becomes clearer, but it's not strong; instead, it brings a sense of peace.

She didn't speak, but just looked at him quietly, her gaze lingering on his face for a moment, as if trying to confirm something.

Then, a barely perceptible, extremely complex emotion flashed in his eyes.

There was a sudden realization, a recollection, a touch of bitterness, and... a hidden tenderness.

"Young master," the woman began, her voice like a mountain stream dripping onto jade, clear, ethereal, and possessing a unique rhythm that was extremely pleasing to the ear.

"Is it because you're feeling troubled that you're sitting here alone?"

Jiang Xiaochuan didn't expect her to take the initiative to talk to him, and he was even more surprised that her voice was so pleasant.

He nodded somewhat hesitantly: "Yes, I had some worries, so I came out for a walk. And you are...?"

Before he could finish speaking, the tall, handsome man next to him suddenly stepped forward and approached Jiang Xiaochuan.

He bent down (even when bent down, he was still taller than Jiang Xiaochuan), his unbelievably handsome face almost touching Jiang Xiaochuan's, his glassy eyes filled with curiosity and... a strange, childlike intimacy?

Then, to Jiang Xiaochuan's astonishment, the tall man, in a tone that was completely at odds with his appearance and carried a touch of naivety, called out crisply:

"father!"

Jiang Xiaochuan: "...???"