At the end of the Yuan Dynasty, they called me a demonic monk.

On a clear spring day, the bells of Cihua Temple echoed melodiously through the valley. Two carriages were parked nearby. Ruan Shanruo helped her mother walk slowly along the cobblestone path, followed closely by her younger brother Ruan Yichen, who carried incense and candles. The maid Qiaoyun and two other maids carried food boxes and offerings. The group was heading towards Cihua Temple.

"Mother, please walk slowly," Ruan Shanruo gently reminded her, her gaze falling on her mother's slightly tired face. Ever since her father's stomach ailment was cured, her mother had insisted on coming to fulfill her vow, a devotion that moved her and pained her at the same time.

"It's alright," Ruan's mother patted her daughter's hand, her eyes shining with relief. "Heaven has blessed your father with a full recovery and allowed you to return safely. We cannot forget to repay this kindness."

Upon hearing this, Ruan Shanruo involuntarily recalled the image of the boy who had saved her from danger in the mountains. Fang Yingyu—this name echoed softly in her heart. She had specifically suggested coming to Cihua Temple to fulfill her vow, harboring a secret hope deep within her heart: perhaps she could meet her savior again, whose home she didn't know.

A mountain breeze carried the fragrance of flowers. Ruan Yichen strode forward, pointing to the mountain gate not far away, and said, "Mother, sister, have we arrived?" Ruan Shanruo nodded happily, "Yes, this is it. Qiaoyun and I spent the night here that day."

The Cihua Temple was bustling with worshippers, the incense smoke swirling around the solemn and compassionate Buddha statues. Ruan's mother led her children in devout prayers, murmuring prayers. Ruan Shanruo clasped her hands together, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over every passing worshipper outside the hall, yet she still couldn't spot that familiar figure.

"Ruo'er, what are you thinking about?" After offering incense, Ruan's mother asked with concern.

"It's nothing," Ruan Shanruo said, pulling herself out of her thoughts and smiling. "I've heard that the Cihua Pool Waterfall east of the temple has a beautiful view. Why don't we go take a look?"

Mother Ruan readily agreed, and the group headed east along the winding path. The spring forest was vibrant with life, birds chirping and streams babbling. Rounding a bend, a breathtaking view suddenly appeared—a silver ribbon of waterfall cascaded down a cliff dozens of meters high, plunging into a deep, emerald pool below, splashing up countless sparkling droplets. Strange rocks dotted the pool's edge, and several ancient pine trees leaned against the water's edge, forming a natural pavilion.

"How beautiful!" Ruan Shanruo exclaimed, lifting her skirt and walking quickly towards the edge of the pool. The water was crystal clear, with several red carp swimming leisurely. Sunlight shone through the water, casting shimmering shadows on the stones at the bottom.

Mother Ruan smiled as she watched her daughter's excited expression, and slowly followed, saying, "Be careful, the edge of the pool is slippery..."

Before she could finish speaking, an unexpected event occurred. Ruan's mother slipped, stepping on a moss-covered rock, and slid forward. "Ah—!" she cried out in alarm as she fell into the deep pool.

"Mother!" Ruan Shanruo and Ruan Yichen exclaimed simultaneously. Ruan's mother struggled desperately in the water, but her heavy clothes, soaked with water, dragged her down like lead. The pool was extremely deep, and in the blink of an eye, she was several feet from the shore, with only her hands helplessly flailing on the surface.

Ruan Yichen rushed to the shore, picked up a long branch, and reached out to grab it, but he couldn't reach it no matter what he did. "Help! Someone has fallen into the water!" he shouted hoarsely, his voice echoing through the valley.

Ruan Shanruo's face turned deathly pale, and she trembled all over. Neither she nor her younger brother could swim, and the maids were all frantically gathered on the shore, but they were helpless. As her mother's movements grew weaker and weaker, with only a few strands of hair remaining on the surface of the water, she felt dizzy and almost fainted.

At this critical moment, a lithe figure shot out from the forest like an arrow and, without hesitation, leaped into the pool.

"It's Young Master Fang!" Qiaoyun suddenly recognized the person and exclaimed in surprise.

Upon hearing this, Ruan Shanruo's heart skipped a beat, and she stared wide-eyed at the water. She saw the man swimming nimbly in the water, quickly reaching the spot where Ruan's mother had sunk. He dove down and soon lifted Ruan's mother to the surface, then pulled her from behind and swam towards the shore.

The people on the shore hurriedly pulled the unconscious Ruan's mother ashore. Only then did Ruan Shanruo see the face of her savior clearly—sword-like eyebrows, bright eyes, and a high nose bridge; it was none other than Fang Yingyu, the young man who had saved her in the mountains! However, he was now soaking wet, his black hair plastered to his forehead, adding to his heroic air.

"Mother! Mother!" Ruan Yichen knelt beside his mother, his voice trembling. Ruan's mother was pale and her lips were purple; she was no longer breathing.

Fang Yingyu quickly knelt beside Ruan's mother, placed her hands on her chest, and pressed rhythmically. "Quick, turn her head to the side!" he commanded in a deep voice.

Ruan Shanruo quickly did as she was told, tears streaming down her face like broken beads. Fang Yingyu continued pressing, fine beads of sweat forming on her forehead, mingling with the undried water droplets. Time seemed to freeze, each second feeling incredibly long.

Finally, after a suffocating wait, Ruan's mother suddenly coughed violently, spitting out several mouthfuls of water, and slowly opened her eyes.

"Mother!" Ruan Shanru rushed over and hugged her mother, crying tears of joy.

Fang Yingyu let out a long sigh and slumped to the ground, finally having a chance to take a look at the group of people in front of him. When his gaze fell on Ruan Shanruo's face, he was clearly taken aback—why did this young lady, who was crying her eyes out, look somewhat familiar?

Ruan Shanruo noticed his gaze, wiped away her tears, and bowed deeply to him: "Young Master Fang, I am deeply grateful for your help. I will never forget your kindness."

"Does Miss recognize me?" Fang Yingyu frowned in confusion.

Qiaoyun stepped forward and explained, "Young Master Fang, don't you remember us? This is my young lady, Ruan Shanruo. She and I were the ones you rescued in the mountains last time. You also gave me that Paris polyphylla plant, which cured my master's stomachache."

Fang Yingyu suddenly realized, and couldn't help but glance at Ruan Shanruo a few more times. The day they met in the mountains, she was dressed as a man, with delicate features; today, dressed as a woman, she was so radiant and beautiful. A light purple dress accentuated her snow-white skin, and her almond-shaped eyes brimming with tears added to her delicate charm. He unconsciously blushed and quickly looked away.

Ruan Yichen unfastened a white jade pendant from his waist and presented it with both hands: "Young Master Fang has saved my life twice, and I have no way to repay you. This jade pendant is not worth much, but I hope you will accept it."

Fang Yingyu waved her hands repeatedly: "Absolutely not! When someone is in trouble, it is only right to step forward and help. How can I accept any reward?"

"If you don't accept it, young master, we won't feel at ease," Ruan Shanruo said softly, her eyes revealing an undeniable sincerity.

Fang Yingyu declined repeatedly, but finally, under the insistence of the Ruan siblings, she had no choice but to accept the jade pendant. The moment their fingertips touched, both of them trembled slightly once again without realizing it.

Mother Ruan had regained some of her health and, supported by her maid, thanked Fang Yingyu. Seeing that the sun was setting, the family had to take their leave. Ruan Shanruo took a few steps, then couldn't help but look back. She saw Fang Yingyu still standing there, the setting sun gilding him like a mountain spirit. She wanted to ask him which village he lived in, but was too shy to ask. She could only hope to meet him again on her next visit to Cihua Temple.