Mo Yuan and Shao Wan (三生三世十里桃花) - Vol. 1 [COMPLETED]

Chapter 20

written by Chimera & Miniorchid
edited by kakashi & JoAnne

As night fell, Zi Lan and Die Feng took to the comfort of sharing a late night tea in their tent. Both disciples were exhausted but content from partaking in the festivities and from helping to make arrangements for the diplomatic meeting. Zi Lan felt fortunate to share a tent with his senior, who seemed very happy to share this space with 16th even though he was the second prince of the Western Sea.

For the past few weeks, they had worried a lot about Shifu. Their master had not been quite himself ever since his return to Kunlun Mountain and was even less so after the demon goddess' awakening. Shifu spent almost his entire time meditating in the cave and became even more reserved and taciturn. It was surprising that such a thing was possible, since he had never talked much to begin with.

Luckily, things had taken a different turn this week. Mo Yuan had become more energized and affable and tackled the peace talks with an iron fist. His disciples were very proud of how much the immortals at the festival were in awe of their Shifu. He did not leave Kunlun Mountain often and it was clear that many guests had come to the festival just to see him in person. However, they were far less proud of the other gossip that was spreading like wildfire: about how the God of War would rarely take his eyes off the Demon High Goddess when she was present, would seek her out when she was not present and that they had been seen together at the beach, walking with linked arms in the moonlight (among other things). The disciples were outraged at such accusations - even though they had to admit their Shifu was very aware of that woman.

Die Feng explained that Shifu must be exceptionally wary of her, seeing how they were old enemies, and how her return made a war between the Heavens and the Demons highly likely. Only ... Zi Lan had seen something different when he caught Shifu looking at the Goddess today. It wasn't wariness. It was something he was quite familiar with: longing - and the suppressed pain of a man who knew his duty barred him from obtaining sweet happiness that was within reach. Of course, Zi Lan didn't correct Die Feng's assumption, because he knew his senior wouldn't understand. Keeping his master's secret was the only thing he felt he could do.

As they finished their tea and were about to prepare for bed, a figure barged into their tent.

"17th!" they said in unison.

"What?" Bai Qian exclaimed, looking confused.

Both Zi Lan and Die Feng shook their heads. Of course she just showed up unannounced and completely forgot her status here. This was their 17th after all, even if she now wore women's clothes.

"Are you lost again?" Die Feng sighed.

"Of course not! I found this place by myself! I ... I followed your aura!" Bai Qian denied immediately.

The two students glanced at each other, both knowing she was lying.

"Really? So why are you here at this hour?" Zi Lan asked teasingly, "were you looking for Shifu? He is drinking wine with Dijun and Zhe Yan somewhere else."

"No! I...I...I needed to talk to 16th," Bai Qian stammered, still quite obviously lying.

"This late?" Die Feng asked amused.

"Yes, it's an important matter I need to discuss, it cannot wait," she said, gaining more confidence.

"What do you want to talk about?" Zi Lan prompted.

"Let's go outside, we don't want to disturb our senior," Bai Qian said, flashing that smile at them that never failed to get her what she wanted.