A City Swept by Wind and Snow GL - Chapter 35
â—ŽYears of beauty, years of entanglement, years of zither music, years of sighs, in a flash, all scatteredâ—Ž
“Profound Silkworm Threads sever old dreams, Lang Peak’s guest disturbs the jade sand.”
Fifth Mei gently stroked the ink-black strings beneath her fingers, murmuring the lines spoken by Xue Qianxun. Vivid memories of the past instantly flashed before her eyes, yet vanished in a blink—the encounter when life was precarious, the sworn sisterhood under the jade branches and leaves… the first time they embraced and wept, the first time they resolutely turned their backs on each other, and, the first heavy blow that person struck at her heart… until later, she ignored the letter and the small golden orchid jacket abandoned to the wind, turning to leave…
Years of beauty, years of entanglement, years of zither music, years of sighs, in a flash, all became unattainable. The zither’s red strings were broken, regret came too late.
A storm of emotions crossed Fifth Mei’s eyes. Finally, she gazed at Xue Qianxun and slowly said, “How laughable, I actually never realized… yet, it’s so similar.”
Xue Qianxun knew there was a profound meaning in her words, but she still didn’t understand. She tentatively asked, “Now you finally discovered those similarities?”
Fifth Mei looked at her with warmth and said gently, “Of course. And it’s not just the nose and mouth that are similar, but more so the strange and bad temper, the reckless look in the eyes, the beast-like brute strength, and, the unparalleled talent in art.”
Xue Qianxun felt a little speechless: I look like that in other people’s eyes? Coincidentally, there is even a person named Ah Zhi who is just like me.
“So, was Ah Zhi a zither player?”
Fifth Mei’s eyes flashed: “Why do you still call her Ah Zhi?”
Xue Qianxun quickly thought of a response and said, “Perhaps I shouldn’t call her that, but it’s my habit…”
“Undisciplined, unrestrained, and fearless of taboo. In this regard, she is also similar.” Fifth Mei smiled faintly, her brows relaxed. “Truly worthy of being her daughter.”
Ah Zhi’s daughter?! Xue Qianxun’s heart was shaken. Although she didn’t know her mother’s maiden name, that relative, with whom she had only met a few times, was distinctly unlike Fifth Mei’s description. Especially, her mother was a physician, her zither skills were mediocre at best, and her painting skills were even less commendable.
Xue Qianxun maintained a calm exterior, but secretly thought rapidly. In a flash, she understood: Ah Zhi was none other than her father’s twin sister—Susha Xingzhi. Fifth Mei must have mistaken her for her aunt’s daughter.
Fifth Mei suddenly said again, “Your surname is fake.”
Fearing a slip of the tongue, Xue Qianxun smiled and did not reply, as if acquiescing yet not caring. She felt apologetic for misleading Fifth Mei, but she was forced to hide her true identity.
Fifth Mei continued on her own: “But your given name must be ‘Qianxun.’ Ha, the affection between the siblings is indeed deep, they even gave their daughters the same name. Do you know, you should have had a twin sister born on the same day. She was also called Qianxun, but sadly died at the age of fourteen.”
The person who had died once as the most eye-catching eldest daughter of the Susha family at the age of fourteen, Xue Qianxun knew who Fifth Mei was referring to. She couldn’t help but sigh, “Under the Demon Slaughter Order, how could there be any survivors?”
Fifth Mei showed a joyful and excited expression: “It’s a miracle that you survived. It is said…” she lowered her voice extremely, continuing: “The Emperor ordered the annihilation of the Susha family, and secretly, even the married daughters and grandchildren of the Susha clan were not spared. All people with Susha bl00d, even in the fetal stage, were secretly monitored by the imperial family. So, I thought Ah Zhi’s child had also died, but how did you manage to escape death?”
Xue Qianxun didn’t know how to answer immediately and only said, “It’s a long story. Moreover, I was young then, and after the shock, many things I can’t clearly recall.”
Fifth Mei chuckled softly: “Poor child. Actually, I know even if you don’t say it. It must be because your father is formidable. That person surnamed Yu, he is worthy of Ah Zhi.”
So my aunt’s husband is surnamed Yu, Xue Qianxun thought to herself.
“Yu Qianxun… Yu Qianxun?” Fifth Mei tried calling Xue Qianxun’s “real name.”
Xue Qianxun recovered and quickly answered, “Yes, Aunt Mei.” She smiled apologetically, “It’s been many years since anyone called me that name. I’m not used to it.” But in her heart, she thought: I will be Yu Qianxun for now.
Fifth Mei smiled kindly and presented her zither to Xue Qianxun, saying, “Although it is many years late, today it finally returns to its rightful owner.”
Xue Qianxun was startled and dared not accept it: “Aunt Mei, this zither is not mine.”
Fifth Mei’s cheeks flushed slightly and she said, “I am a person with a guilty conscience. I was once greedy to grasp more things—martial power, wealth, glory, and sincerity. As a result, I lost more precious things in return. The greater the mistake, the less courage one has to admit it, and the more sins one has to atone for. I have been running away for too many years. If I do not repent even at death, I am completely unworthy of having a good friend like Ah Zhi.” After speaking, she forcefully placed the zither into Xue Qianxun’s arms.
Xue Qianxun’s fingertips inadvertently brushed the twenty-one strings, instantly producing a clear, resounding sound. She couldn’t help but say, “An ordinary yáoqĂn (ancient zither) only has seven strings, but this zither, plus the three I snatched from you earlier, has a total of twenty-four strings. It seems some string tones are repetitive. Is this zither designed for a duet?”
Fifth Mei’s expression was shaken, and her eyes moistened. She said, “You are indeed extremely intelligent. Unfortunately, I was utterly obtuse. It was too late when I discovered this. This zither was made entirely by Ah Zhi. She named it Zhi Mei Zither before it was even completed. I once sulked and asked her: ‘Why not call it Yu Sha Zither?’ She just smiled and repeatedly chanted: ‘Zhi Mei Zither, Zhi Mei Zither…'”
Xue Qianxun said, “Zhi Mei (芷é…) is homophonous with JiÄ› Mèi (姊妹 – sisters) in some dialects.”
Fifth Mei was already weeping.
Xue Qianxun dared not speak, silently stroking the Zhi Mei Zither. She found that although the zither was long, its weight was very light. The body of the zither was crystal clear like jadeite, warm like fine jade, and faint circles of dark green fine lines were subtly visible on the bottom of the zither. Xue Qianxun was surprised and couldn’t help but exclaim in a low voice, “Tree rings? This looks like Holy Lang Wood!”
Fifth Mei wiped her tears and asked, “How… do you recognize the Holy Lang Tree?”
Xue Qianxun had to admit it. Fifth Mei was not surprised, but continued to ask, “Then do you recognize these zither strings?”
Xue Qianxun looked at the twenty-four ink-black strings and shook her head.
Fifth Mei said, “They are twisted from Profound Silkworm Thread and Lantian Jade.”
Xue Qianxun was shocked: “Profound Silkworm Thread? One of the five divine silkworms raised by the Northern Nether Weaver Maiden!”
Fifth Mei was slightly surprised: “You know the Northern Nether Weaver Maiden?”
Xue Qianxun said, “The Northern Nether Weaver Maiden and the Alchemist Mo Xijin of Thunder Shock Island are two legendary weapon masters of the world. The Weaver Maiden raised five types of divine silkworms: the Snow Silkworm that spins white thread, the Gold Silkworm that spins yellow thread, the Sea Silkworm that spins blue thread, the Red Silkworm that spins red thread, and the Profound Silkworm that spins black thread. Among them, the Profound Silkworm is the most valuable. And the Ice Soul Silk, woven from the Snow Silkworm thread, which is the least of the five, and Ice Soul, is enough to rank among the top five on the weapon rankings.”
Fifth Mei said with some pride, “The Zhi Mei Zither, made by Susha Xingzhi, who is not a weapon master, is ranked third.” She paused, and added, “You know quite a lot.”
Xue Qianxun said, “I heard it all from Jin Se.”
Fifth Mei’s expression changed slightly and she said, “Oh, right, how much do you know about Jin Se?”
Xue Qianxun said, “Although we have been together day and night for over two years, but…”
“But you don’t understand her at all!” Fifth Mei interjected.
Xue Qianxun immediately said, “Everyone has secrets they cannot share with others. This does not prevent her from being our most important friend.”
Fifth Mei smiled bitterly and said, “Unknown origin, mysterious background; a genius Beast Tamer whose name was recorded in the Jianghu Bi at the age of fifteen; smiling eyes that seem to see through everything; in every battle, she appears to give her all, but in reality, she resolutely refuses to reveal an ounce of unnecessary ability… Qianxun, even if it makes you unhappy, I must warn you: you must be wary of Jin Se. Xi Feng’s strength is obvious, but Jin Se’s strength is unfathomable. If the two of them were to compete, the outcome is truly unpredictable.”
Xue Qianxun questioned her passionately in return: “Why would the two of them compete? Xi Feng and Jin Se will always fight side by side. How could there be a time when they would duel?”
Fifth Mei pondered for a moment, and finally said, “Because… the look in Jin Se’s eyes when she looks at Xi Feng is like the look one gives to the strongest fated opponent.”
Xue Qianxun suppressed her extreme displeasure and said coldly, “Aunt Mei, you have only met us a few times. How do you know that the look in Jin Se’s eyes when she looks at Xi Feng is not more like the look given to a fated companion?”
Fifth Mei sighed, saying, “I knew you wouldn’t believe me. However, this opinion about Jin Se does not come from me. I am merely relaying it.”
“Who told you to say these things?” Xue Qianxun quickly asked. After the words left her mouth, she immediately realized by intuition: “I understand. It’s that annoying, invisible person, that self-righteous fellow.”
“I’m sorry…” Fifth Mei shook her head apologetically, indicating she couldn’t disclose, but asked, “But I have no idea who you encountered either?”
Xue Qianxun looked at Fifth Mei and suddenly said, “Aunt Mei, do you know what that guy said about you?” At this moment, Xue Qianxun only wanted to know who the invisible person was, and couldn’t help but try to trick Fifth Mei into a slip of the tongue.
Fifth Mei quickly asked, “He knows me? And does he have a grudge against me?”
Xue Qianxun was about to say: “He said, ‘This elder sister is somewhat foolish’!”
—Perhaps, upon hearing this, Fifth Mei would recall someone who had once said this and, in a fit of anger, blurt out that person’s name.
However, just as the words were about to leave her mouth, Xue Qianxun finally calmed down. The only reason Fifth Mei mistook her for Susha Xingzhi’s daughter and turned from foe to friend was because of the few phrases the invisible person had taught her. If she slipped up now, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Thinking of this, Xue Qianxun changed her tone and said, “It must be some unsuccessful old man in your Water Moon Palace, lurking somewhere, pretending to know everything, telling me, ‘Fifth Mei can’t defeat the sick child Little Wolf. Little girl, you have a lot of strength, go defeat her!'”
“Unsuccessful old man?” Fifth Mei looked puzzled, then smiled in relief: “There are many people in Water Moon Palace. I can’t think of who that person is right now. However, what he said is true. I am indeed not Little Wolf’s match.”
Xue Qianxun was surprised: “But puppetry is considered more advanced than beast taming, and you are older than Little Wolf, and Little Wolf is also sickly…”
Fifth Mei said, “You must not call him sickly or a sick child in front of him. A serious Little Wolf is very terrifying. Furthermore, although different martial arts systems have some distinction in strength, the key lies in who is using that martial art. Even when I go all out, it is difficult to defeat Little Wolf when he is at his leisure.”
Xue Qianxun felt a chill in her heart and couldn’t help but murmur, “But Aunt Mei once easily tied Jin Se up with her zither strings…”
Fifth Mei knew she was worried about Jin Se and comforted her: “At that time, it was a joint effort between me, Bell Ghost, and the sisters Caiziyan, attacking her by surprise and having the advantage of the terrain. Jin Se, as a Beast Tamer, not only didn’t have an attack-type tamed beast with her, but also had to protect you. Even the strongest person, once they have someone they must protect, will become full of flaws.”
“Yes, she and Xi Feng are always protecting me,” Xue Qianxun said as if to herself, a determined smile emerging in her eyes, “So, no matter how many secrets and how much strength Jin Se hides, I firmly believe in her friendship with us—it is completely unadulterated.”
Fifth Mei was slightly startled. She had been entrusted to remind Xue Qianxun to be vigilant against Jin Se, but unexpectedly ended up making her trust Jin Se even more. Thinking this, she didn’t try to persuade Xue Qianxun further, but instead said, “If you decide to treat someone as a good friend, always trust her. I deeply regret thinking too much and too complexly, constantly dwelling on the affection I gave to my friend, fearing that the other party would betray me. In the end, I was the one who became the betrayer. In truth, we cannot control the sincerity of others, not even with puppetry. Therefore, it is better to simply guard your own sincerity and insist on treating others honestly. This way, even if you are ultimately betrayed by the other party, at least you have a clear conscience.”
Xue Qianxun was delighted and comforted by these words. She said solemnly, “Initially, I did doubt, guard against, and even keep her at a distance. However, since I have long recognized Jin Se as my friend, I will uphold this friendship for a lifetime. Unless she abandons me, I will never be the one to betray first!”
Fifth Mei looked at Xue Qianxun with affection, saying, “Qianxun, it’s wonderful to have met you! You are so much like her.”
Xue Qianxun found it amusing in her heart: That’s my closest bl00d relative, my aunt. How could I not be like her? Then, she hesitated for a moment and said in a low voice, “Aunt Mei, please forgive me for being presumptuous…”
Fifth Mei suddenly realized and quickly said, “You want the name plaque, don’t you? Of course, I’ll give it to you!” As she spoke, she handed her own and Xue Qianxun’s name plaques to her.
Xue Qianxun blushed, mumbling, “I have no ability, yet my luck is surprisingly good. This is truly embarrassing. However, I want to reach Heavenly Origin Peak with them, so I will brazenly accept the name plaques you gifted me, but I do not want the Zhi Mei Zither!”
At first, the two of them were fighting over the zither strings, neither giving way. Now, they were mutually pushing the Zhi Mei Zither away, both showing sincerity.
Finally, Fifth Mei grew anxious. She placed the Zhi Mei Zither on the ground, turned, and fled, leaving behind the words: “If you don’t want it, let it rot in the wilderness!”
Xue Qianxun picked up the Zhi Mei Zither and was about to give chase. Just then, someone suddenly patted her head and laughed, “Big-headed shrimp, still wasting time here? The fifth duel is over!”
“Who are you calling a big-headed shrimp?” Xue Qianxun turned around angrily, but she couldn’t see the person who spoke. She was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized: “Did Tang Fei win or lose? What about Jin Se and Xi Feng?” She no longer had time to pay attention to the invisible person and quickly flew back the way she came.