Drinking Under Moonlight

Chapter 2: Shifu

The Tranquil Stream sect is located on the Hexie mountain range.

You Wu Peak is one of the mountain peaks of the Tranquil Stream Sect. This mountain is veiled in mist, secluded from the outside world, and embodies a sense of peaceful isolation and harmony.

A dwelling stood nestled within the peaceful embrace of the secluded mountain as a testament to harmonious living. It was neither opulent nor austere, but rather a reflection of balanced simplicity and understated elegance.

A winding path lined with wildflowers and fragrant herbs, led to the house's entrance accompanied by a water lily garden, where delicate petals unfurled in shades of ivory, pink, and lavender, floated serenely on the calm surface.

At the hour of Mao, the bamboo leaves in the forest swayed. Before the morning dew from the leaves touched the ground, they turned into a mist of cloud and condensed to form a thick veil of fog.

Continous clash of blades resounded, and the collision of internal energy sent the leaves flying. Nian Zhi jumped onto a bamboo tree and maintained his balance like a bird parched on a tree. Alerted by a breeze on his shoulder, he dodged the incoming attack. Shortly, the other man changed his aim to his face, Nian Zhi's sharp blade struck at the incoming assault head-on.

The two white shadows exchanged several moves before Nian Zhi met a dead end. The middle-aged man stepped back and sheathed his sword. Nian Zhi bowed, " Shifu thank you for your pointers."

Shifu nodded and told him to rise. They talked as they walked together to the courtyard. "Zhi-er, I heard that you spent a lot in the cultivation market." Elder Xuan's tone is monotonous with no hint of emotions.

Nian Zhi stopped in his steps and bowed, "To reply to Shifu, indeed I happened to spend more than needed for the batch of herbs. A cultivator of the Qing Cui sect aimed to buy the same."

Elder Xuan understood the situation and turned to look at him, "Zhi-er money is not the problem. If this is the case, I am more worried about you." He did not wait for his disciple to speak and continued "A short temper lasts a moment, but regret lasts a lifetime."

A gentle breeze blew past by the pair of Master and Disciple. Master stood like an enormous steady mountain in unwavered by the difficulties of the world. He revealed a light smile, the same he did when they met.

The simple yet intricate light blue colored embroidery of waves on his hems and collar complemented his dignified and polished air generating an imposing presence.

Nian Zhi hurriedly knelt and bowed. He had realised his mistake and intended to apologize even if Shizun didn't bring it up. "I am ashamed to let my teacher down, it was my first time down the mountain and I earned a bad reputation." He is the disciple of Elder Xuan, he is his representation. "I shall always keep your teachings in my mind"

Xuan Ming was taken aback on seeing his disciple kneel like this he hurriedly asked him to get up, Even though his words were stern and firm, it had a sense of care, "Quick, get up! Zhi-er I am not blaming you for anything, I am only worried about you. It's obvious for young people to act impulsively and be reckless. Knowledge comes only with experience."

He also added, "Reputation is like fleeting clouds, virtue endures forever."

Nian Zhi felt grateful as he listened. He promised himself to fulfil his dream to bring glory to the person who saved him and be good enough to be worthy of being called the only disciple of Elder Xuan Ming.  

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[Author's note]

1. Héxié : The word "和谐" means harmonious and balanced

2. You Wu Feng : The phrase "You Wu Peak" can be translated into Chinese as "幽雾峰" (Yōu Wù Fēng). Here's the breakdown of each character:

1. 幽 (Yōu) - Secluded or Serene
2. 雾 (Wù) - Mist
3. 峰 (Fēng) - Peak or Summit

3. 卯时 (Mǎo Shí) - Rabbit Hour (5:00 am to 7:00 am):
   - Signifies the early morning hours when people start their daily activities, associated with freshness and new beginnings.