Chapter 3

Chapter 3

On the third day of Rong Jiming’s secluded meditation, the Moon Soul Tree on Forgetful River Cliff survived on its own, despite no one watering it with spiritual essence.

I stood by the edge of the cliff and watched it for a long while, arriving at a very simple conclusion.

It turns out that many temperamental things actually thrive better when they aren’t being smothered with sentimental care.

Meanwhile, things on Yin Qichi’s end were progressing faster than I had anticipated.

Originally, she would spend two hours every morning and evening waiting at Wenjian Cliff, just for the chance that Master might pass by and offer a word of guidance. Now, however, she had been lured away to the Artifact Room by Ji Qingyao, under a perfectly reasonable pretext.

“Your sword is too thin; it wavers when you exert force.” Ji Qingyao held her Chixiao Sword, looking as serious as if he were researching the laws of the Heavenly Dao. “I’ll reforge the spine of the blade for you. In exchange, you can teach me how to keep the chains from slipping when the wrist of this mechanical arm rotates.”

Yin Qichi huffed. “Every time you ask me to test a sword, you make it sound like I’m the one getting the better end of the deal.”

“You are getting the better deal,” Ji Qingyao laughed. “When other people ask me to repair their swords, I charge Spirit Stones.”

“Then charge me.”

“I can’t afford to.” He looked up at her, his eyes crinkling into a smile. “If you’re willing to come by once a day, I’d even pay you.”

I stood outside the door for a moment and decided not to go in and disturb them.

But the plot always loves to strike back just when you’ve finally caught your breath.

That evening, Rong Jiming emerged from his meditation. The first thing he did was summon Yin Qichi to Wenjian Cliff. By the time I rushed over, I heard him saying, “Your sword intent is too rushed; it’s exactly like Fu Duyue’s back then.”

Yin Qichi’s face went pale instantly.

The notification sound rang out right on time.

“Critical node triggered. The female lead has confirmed for the first time that she is a substitute for the ‘White Moonlight.’ Angst Points +20.”

I snatched up a wooden sign from nearby and hurled it at him.

The wooden sign landed with a thud at Rong Jiming’s feet. On it were four large characters I had written myself:

NO SUBSTITUTES.

Rong Jiming looked up at me, his expression incredibly complex.

I walked over and stepped in front of Yin Qichi. “Master, it doesn’t matter who Qichi resembles. What matters is that she is Yin Qichi, not Fu Duyue.”

He remained silent for a long time before finally saying in a low voice, “I misspoke.”

This apology didn’t come quickly, but it came nonetheless.

I wanted to say more, but a clear, resonant sword hum suddenly echoed from beneath Wenjian Cliff. A figure in green robes arrived on a flying sword, her sleeves fluttering as she landed. With bright, striking features, she bore a thirty-percent resemblance to that old portrait by the cliff.

The newcomer raised a hand to remove her bamboo hat and flashed a smirk at Rong Jiming.

“I heard you’re still keeping me around as a mental demon?”

I looked at that face and nearly crushed the ledger in my hand.

Fu Duyue.

She wasn’t dead.