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The scene Fu Xuan recalled took place just before the Lantern Festival ended.
Fu Xuan and her master had watched performances, solved lantern riddles, and strolled through the bustling streets, even encountering several fellow diviners out for leisure.
She recalled that by then, her master's enthusiasm waned, and he was already considering returning.
However, Su Qing noticed Fu Xuan remained spirited, as if she hadn't had enough fun yet. He suggested, "If you want to continue exploring, feel free to join them."
"Um..." Fu Xuan hesitated; indeed, she had been enjoying herself immensely.
Standing at the street corner, it felt like a boundary between liveliness and tranquility.
Fu Xuan first looked left, where vibrant lights illuminated the night, fireworks blossomed overhead, and voices buzzed with excitement.
The festivities would likely last until dawn, giving ample opportunity for further enjoyment.
Yet, gazing upon this lively scene, Fu Xuan found she couldn't recapture the joyous mood from earlier.
Why is that...?
Then, she turned right, towards the quiet side of the street, dimly lit, where her master awaited her response.
His expression remained composed, unaffected by the previous merriment.
Similarly, for most people, the quiet scene here lacked the allure of the bustling Lantern Festival.
Yet after gazing briefly, Fu Xuan instinctively took a step in this direction. Even before fully understanding her thoughts, she had already made her choice.
Behind her, familiar diviners asked if she wanted to continue exploring together, mentioning numerous captivating events yet to unfold.
Fu Xuan shook her head, indicating that she preferred to return with her master.
***
Generally, after experiencing lively festivities, one might feel a sense of melancholy as the excitement fades away. However, Fu Xuan did not experience such feelings.
On their way back, walking beside her master, she recounted the riddles they had solved and shared amusing anecdotes from the evening. This brought her equal satisfaction, no less than the joy during the festival itself.
Upon returning to the Divination Commission, amidst the fireworks and accompanied by Su Qing, Fu Xuan even spent some time reading further.
Late into the night...
As Fu Xuan entered her room, she pondered. Reading brought her happiness, just as wandering through the Lantern Festival had earlier.
How peculiar.
What did she truly enjoy more—reading or festive celebrations...?
[Stelle: I know the answer, I know!]
[Silver Wolf: ? Don't spoil it.]
At that moment, young Fu Xuan didn't dwell on these thoughts too deeply.
For although today had been spent enjoying outings, it wasn't much different from usual.
During her years at the Divination Commission, each day felt just like this one.
Though devoid of grandeur or dramatic twists, every moment of learning under her master's guidance brought Fu Xuan immense joy and fulfillment.
***
***
Present time:
"Grand Diviner? Grand Diviner?" Qingque's voice snapped Fu Xuan back to reality.
"What's wrong?" Qingque asked, concerned. "You've been silent for a while now—were you lost in thought?"
"...Nothing, I just realized something," Fu Xuan replied.
As she reflected on her past, she finally understood:
Whether lively or tranquil, neither was inherently significant.
She had attended numerous bustling festivals before but never found them particularly appealing. Likewise, solitude was part of her daily routine; it wouldn't naturally bring her great delight either.
What mattered most wasn't the scenery, but who shared it with her. With someone desired by her side, even the most ordinary view would become extraordinarily vibrant.
To her back then, that person was simply her master.
It was as straightforward as that.
One hundred and thirty years later...
Fu Xuan finally understood it all.
[Firefly: She got it? She actually figured it out?!]
[Bailu: I thought she'd never realize!]
[Natasha: Not easy, indeed.]
[Stelle: A one-hundred-and-thirty-year reaction time—classic Fu Xuan!]
[Seele: How to put this... Her reaction time is longer than my lifespan!]
[Bronya: Don't say such things; it's bad luck.?]
[March 7th: But by the time she realizes, everything has already ended...]
[Stelle: It's not just over—it's been one hundred and thirty years! If there were any playoffs, revival matches, or even a second season, they would've long finished by now!]
Having reached these realizations,
Fu Xuan hadn't yet had the chance to fully feel her sorrow.
Instead, she felt a hollow emptiness within her heart,
as if something vital was missing, leaving her disheartened.
Observing Qingque's puzzled expression nearby,
Fu Xuan composed herself slightly before speaking up, "Qingque, you're right."
"Before, I always said my relationship with my master was average. But upon reflection, I realized our bond might have been truly strong.
"When discussing Lantern Festival memories, I invariably mentioned my master. Perhaps it's because having her by my side made celebrating meaningful to me."
[Seele: Wow, she's being quite honest!]
[March 7th: Being able to express these feelings shows she genuinely understands now.]
"Ah..." Qingque nodded.
She refrained from saying anything like, "I told you so!" as she sensed Fu Xuan's mood seemed somewhat downcast after sharing her thoughts.
Following this revelation, Fu Xuan fell into another brief daze. Soon, however, she appeared to regain her composure.
As if explaining or perhaps comforting herself, Fu Xuan continued, "Nevertheless, my time with my master lasted only five years."
"Five years is incredibly short. Reflecting on it now, though bittersweet, it's all in the past."
[Silver Wolf: Earlier, Fu Xuan thought: 'My relationship with my master wasn't good.' ?]
[Silver Wolf: Now, Fu Xuan thinks: 'Alright, we had a good relationship. But honestly, it didn't affect me much.' ?]
[Stelle: Paying tribute to the Densest of Xianzhou Legends—Fu Xuan!]
[Fu Xuan: Don't give me such odd nicknames...]
[Fu Xuan: Additionally, although I now admit my relationship with Master is truly strong, five years were indeed too brief.]
[Fu Xuan: This venerable one has already lived for several centuries. Five years amount to merely a fraction of that time. At this point, even if there's sentimentality, it won't have a significant impact.]
[Jingliu: ...]
[As fellow eternal life beings, Jingliu considered saying something but ultimately decided against it.]
[This process should be left for Fu Xuan to experience on her own...]
Hearing Fu Xuan say she was no longer affected,
"Ah..." Qingque nodded again.
Qingque recalled how, aboard the ship to Yu Que, the Grand Diviner had also worn this composed expression while mentioning a distant relationship with her master.
Now, though claiming to be unaffected once more, would there come a time when Fu Xuan realizes the deep impact still lingers?
[Sparkle: ?? Qingque understands.]
[Stelle: After all, she's somewhat observing from the sidelines!]
Despite Qingque's suspicion, she felt that even if Fu Xuan did discover lingering effects later, at most, it might evoke slight melancholy.
Observing Fu Xuan quickly regain her composure, combined with Qingque's past admiration for the imposing Grand Diviner,
Considering these factors together, Qingque genuinely couldn't envision what Fu Xuan's distress would look like.
"Then let's continue with the Qixi Festival story."
Realizing now that her relationship with her master was far better than she had imagined, Fu Xuan, armed with this newfound understanding, resumed recounting her past experiences:
"The Qixi Festival is indeed a beautiful occasion. However, I originally thought it held little significance for me or my master..."
***
It was Fu Xuan's fourth year at the Yuque Imperial Divination Bureau. She had fully adapted to life there, her studies steadily progressing, and she had become familiar with her colleagues around her.
On this particular day, Fu Xuan sensed a palpable excitement within the bureau. People were abuzz with chatter, seemingly discussing something unrelated to divination.
After inquiring, she learned that it was Qixi Day, and earlier that morning, two diviners had announced their partnership.
"That is indeed uncommon," Su Qing remarked as he took a sip from the cup of tea Fu Xuan had poured for him in the Grand Divination Pavilion. "Throughout the years, few individuals within the Divination Commission have formed such bonds."
Fu Xuan, seated nearby, gently swung her white silk-clad feet, which barely reached the floor. "Yes, no wonder everyone seemed so animated," she agreed.
Just as Fu Xuan was about to pick up her own teacup for a sip, Su Qing retrieved two sugar cubes from beside him.
Knowing his disciple's preference for sweet drinks to boost her energy, Su Qing had thoughtfully added sugar.
Fu Xuan gratefully thanked her master with a cheerful tone, stirred in the cube of sugar, and took two sips. Holding the teacup with both hands, she asked, "Master, have you ever been fond of someone or been in love?"
Fu Xuan assumed that given her master's dedication to divination, he would undoubtedly say no. Then, when the time came, she planned to echo the sentiment, claiming she hadn't either. This way, they could share yet another commonality!
[Bronya: Fu Xuan seemed so innocent back then. ?]
[Bronya: If it were anyone else, they'd probably be scheming how to take advantage of such an opening. But all she thought was: Yay! Just like my Master!]
[March 7th: After all, Fu Xuan at that time was just a clingy little disciple.]
[March 7th: Her only wish was that by being more like her master, they could grow even closer! ?]
However, Fu Xuan did not anticipate what happened next.
In response to her question, her usually composed master displayed a subtle shift in expression. After a moment, Su Qing replied with a hint of nostalgia, "Yes, I've been in love twice."
He didn't shy away from discussing this topic, answering candidly.
Fu Xuan forgot all about drinking her tea. She couldn't believe it—her master actually had lovers before! And not just one, but two!
This revelation was truly shocking to Fu Xuan.
Suddenly, Fu Xuan realized that her master knew even her preferred tea, while she seemed to understand very little about him.
Moreover, her master's reaction...
Fu Xuan placed his hands on his thighs, holding the teacup as he attentively studied Su Qing's expression.
When mentioning past lovers, Su Qing appeared somewhat conflicted, almost pained.
Fu Xuan swung his leg, inadvertently puffing out his adorable cheeks.
A lover who could cause such distress to his kind-hearted master must have been difficult to handle. They surely couldn't be easygoing... or perhaps, both might even be troublemakers!
[Sparkle: Your master isn't troubled by having a problematic girlfriend; rather, it's because both were too good!]
[Silver Wolf: Yet, the world lines still converged! A naturally evil ex-girlfriend... and the current one!]
[Guinaifen: Even in the eyes of a disciple, these girlfriends seem like troublemakers.]
[March 7th: Ha ha ha, indeed!]
[March 7th: To Fu Xuan, being exceptionally close with his master means anyone causing him distress and vying for his attention is undoubtedly a troublemaker!]
[March 7th: Though I didn't expect Jingliu to also join the ranks of 'troublemakers' this time.]
[Jingliu: ...Now I know how Himeko felt before me.]
[Himeko: Sigh, always being targeted, so annoying.]
[Jingliu: It's no concern.]
[Qingque: Classic "no concern" response!]
[Jingliu: Their shared perception of Su Qing's girlfriend as a troublemaker likely stems from envy.]
[Jingliu: They can't achieve the same level of intimacy with Su Qing as I do, so they resort to this method—by belittling others—to feel better about themselves.]
[Fu Xuan: ?]
[Silver Wolf: ???]
[Seele: 6!]
[Herta: Total mic drop.]
[Stelle: Now that's seeing through appearances to grasp the essence!]
[Sparkle: ?? Absolutely hilarious! As fellow girlfriends, at least Himeko is more tactful, but Jingliu... each word feels like a scorching blade... no wait, a chilling ice shard!]
[Black Swan: Just a gentle reminder, @Jingliu, your comment includes Bai Heng too.]
[Jingliu: ...Bai Heng doesn't count.]
[Silver Wolf: Double standards!]
[Himeko: Jingliu has a point.]
[Himeko: Take Silver Wolf for example, she was overjoyed after secretly kissing Su Qing once. But what Silver Wolf fails to understand is that for a girlfriend, such moments are commonplace. Whenever I wish, I can be intimate with Su Qing freely.]
[Silver Wolf: Hey! You two, that's enough already!!]
[Silver Wolf: Being a girlfriend isn't everything, you know?!]
[Himeko (smiling): Apologies, little Silver Wolf, being a girlfriend means having free rein.]
[Jingliu (nodding): Unfortunately, Silver Wolf likely won't comprehend it.]
[Whine———!!]
[Everyone thought it was just water boiling, but turns out it's Silver Wolf seething with rage!]
[Silver Wolf: ??]
[Silver Wolf: These two are so annoying!! Seriously, so annoying!! @Kafka, @Firefly, don't you agree?!]
[Kafka: Agree.?]
[Firefly: Absolutely agree.?]
[Silver Wolf: Curse them! Those innately evil girlfriends!!!]
[Stelle: Girlfriends]
[Sparkle: Well used, that "s" indeed.]
[Stelle: As the plot unfolds, things seem to get increasingly surreal. ??]
Fu Xuan held her teacup with both hands, naturally sharing the sentiment that the yet-unnamed Himeko and Jingliu were wicked women. However, she didn't press further with questions but smoothly changed the topic instead.
She felt that continuing this conversation might dampen her master's mood.
[March 7th: How considerate!]
"Master, as you well know," Fu Xuan began, "Qixi is also called Qiqiao Festival, the festival of skillful craftsmanship. On this day, people engage in needle-threading contests." She looked at Su Qing. "Master, why don't we have our own little competition?"
Fu Xuan aimed to divert her master's attention through a small activity.
Su Qing smiled warmly. "Of course, let's do it."
Gathering needles and thread, Fu Xuan tried threading them with her nimble fingers, quickly realizing it was quite challenging. After several attempts, she managed to pass through only one or two.
Looking up, she found that Su Qing had already finished all of them, patiently waiting for her.
Fu Xuan felt no resentment; her admiration for Su Qing knew no bounds. It was entirely expected for her master to win.
Curious, Fu Xuan asked, "How do you manage it so effortlessly? Is there any particular trick?"
Su Qing casually shared a few tips.
As Fu Xuan nodded, she also observed, "Master, your hands are really large."
She lifted her own hand, intending to compare their sizes side by side.
Without hesitation, Su Qing raised her hand as well.
Initially thinking they would just measure the distance between them, Fu Xuan unexpectedly extended her right hand and placed it directly against Su Qing's.
Their palms touched, side by side.
Fu Xuan gazed at them, her expression filled with innocent curiosity. Clearly not overthinking, she simply noted how remarkably different her hand was from her master's.
Fu Xuan's palm was delicate and fair, its skin soft and smooth, akin to fine white jade.
In contrast, her master's hand was much larger and warmer, seemingly capable of enveloping Fu Xuan's hand completely with just a gentle grip.
Yet despite these differences, her master still outperformed her in threading the needles.
It truly was astonishing.
As Fu Xuan's hand faced her master's, perhaps exerting slightly too much force, their palms slipped, causing the initially aligned fingers to separate.
This inadvertently led to their fingertips gently intertwining.
[Firefly: ?]
[Silver Wolf: ????, What just happened? I blinked for a moment, and suddenly they're almost holding hands?!]
[Firefly: @Fu Xuan, was that intentional or accidental??]
[Stelle: Quick answer: Accidentally intentional!!]
[Sparkle: Enjoying this.]
[Black Swan: (laughs) Let me provide an objective assessment.]
[Black Swan: If it were Kafka, no matter how roundabout, I'd definitely believe she did it on purpose.]
[Kafka: I'll take that as a compliment, for now.]
[Black Swan: But with Fu Xuan, everyone can see—it's most likely just a coincidence.]
[Fu Xuan: ...I'll also consider that as a compliment, for now.]
However, the Fu Xuan seen in the live stream seemed somewhat unable to handle such praise.
Gazing at her palm facing her master's, she appeared momentarily stunned. Her lovely face gradually flushed red.
[Kafka: @Fu Xuan, why are you blushing???]
[Fu Xuan: I...this venerable one is simply radiant.]
[Fu Xuan: And as I've already said, it's just an accident!]
[Kafka: If it was accidental, let go quickly—what's with your dazed expression? And why is your face so red?!]
[Sparkle: My relationship with my master is average → My relationship with my master is excellent →...I'm going to chase away all those bad women and stay by Master's side!]
[Silver Wolf: Switching from loyal disciple to rebellious apprentice real quick, huh?!]
[Silver Wolf: On this point, Fu Xuan and Kafka truly seem quite similar!!]
[Fu Xuan: As I've said before, please stop comparing me to Kafka.]
[Fu Xuan: It's clearly not...]
[She wanted to explain, but her on-screen behavior was rather unconvincing, leaving her somewhat at a loss for defense.]
In the footage, Fu Xuan didn't immediately pull her hand back.
"Master..." she murmured softly.
Her gaze fixed on their slightly interlocked palms as she sweetly addressed Su Qing. Fu Xuan's cheeks were flushed, and compared to usual, there was a hint of shyness in her voice.
As an innocent and adorable female disciple, she had yet to fully comprehend other emotions. For Fu Xuan, simply holding hands with her master made her heart race wildly, filling her with immense joy. Unable to resist, she wished to prolong the moment.