Chapter 2, The True Method of Black Water (II)

Jiao Fei pondered for a moment, and when he turned his head, he saw the young woman in white with a drastically changed expression, seemingly gritting her teeth, filled with anger, yet also displaying a hint of charming innocence, making her truly captivating. He was unaware of what the young woman had seen; he merely glanced towards Zhuque Street and noticed a surge of demonic energy rising into the sky. However, above the demonic energy, there was a circle of spiritual light enveloping it, creating an exceptionally powerful aura, unprecedented in this water and land conference. Jiao Fei found it strange and was contemplating whether to leave after watching the spectacle when he overheard someone ahead discussing animatedly: "Indeed, this is the royal atmosphere; this is the prosperity of the age, attracting extraordinary individuals from all directions. Just the street parade is so splendid; I wonder what the scene will be like during the Lu Xi duel."

With this sense of composure in my heart, Jiao Fei not only felt unrestrained but also opened his mind. He thought to himself: "As long as I do not harbor any ill thoughts, it matters not if I roll through a field of flowers. The monk Yuan Zhen of this dynasty once said: 'I am too lazy to look back at the flowers.' Why can’t I learn from that gentleman?"

My master can see a circle of black light even in the middle of the night, enveloping the entire temple. These people combined are not as strong as that figure from the library, and I wonder if this Emperor Li, by holding this Water and Land Assembly, can truly extend his life.

In a moment of distraction, Jiao Fei completely forgot about his frail body and his lack of climbing skills. He should not have been able to scale such a high courtyard wall, yet somehow, with something weighing on his mind, he managed to flip himself up to the top of the wall. As Jiao Fei sat on the wall, facing Su Huan, he suddenly realized: "How could I have possibly climbed up here?"

Jiao Fei looked back, but saw no one behind the girl in white. He felt a slight sense of curiosity, yet his irritation gradually subsided. He returned the courtesy, saying: "It is but a trivial matter, Miss, there is no need for you to take it to heart. However, as there are many people here, I hope you will be extra cautious to avoid any injuries."

Jiao Fei was just about to leave when he heard a soft voice filled with regret say: "Esteemed sir, I have occupied your seat for quite some time, and I fear you have been anxiously waiting. I am truly sorry for that."

It turns out there will be a bamboo mat duel later, but I am not sure what kind of program that is. However, where can I find a clear vantage point? Otherwise, in this crowded situation, I cannot see anything with my small stature and the books around me.

Although Jiao Fei's health is poor, making him somewhat frail and his complexion slightly sallow, he possesses sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, and his appearance is quite dignified. Having studied under Master Jing for several years, he carries a hint of scholarly demeanor, making him undoubtedly a handsome young man.

Jiao Fei was also a perceptive young man. Upon hearing the words, he smiled and made way for the girl to ascend. He observed for a long time but could not discern what was so extraordinary about this Water and Land Festival. Although it was indeed lively, not to mention the local monks and Taoists with their various styles, there were also those peculiar individuals from overseas, performing feats such as breathing fire and swallowing swords, showcasing many tricks that were sights unseen in Baishi Town. However, true masters were few and far between.

Jiao Fei heard the voice of the young woman Su Huan, did not turn his head, shook it and said: "Such trivial matters, there is nothing worth seeing at this Water and Land Assembly. I have already seen it, so let it be."

Su Huan smiled charmingly, truly radiant and unparalleled. With a delicate finger, she pointed to the tall tower that Jiao Feigang had just seen, and softly said: "Later, there will be a bamboo mat duel. That tower was built by the current Minister Yan Gang to pray for his mother, and it is just right for viewing. Why don't we sneak up and watch the excitement together?"

Although Jiao Fei was surprised that such a beautiful girl was out alone, he did not wish to stir up trouble and assumed that the girl would manage on her own. Unexpectedly, the girl named Su Huan tugged at his sleeve and earnestly pleaded, "It was not easy for Su Huan to sneak out; I just wanted to catch a glimpse of the Water and Land Festival. However, I arrived late, and being short, I can't see anything. I wonder if you could lend me a few bricks so that I can have a look?"

Su Huan seemed to be quite familiar with the city of Chang'an. She traversed the main streets and crossed the alleys, eventually arriving at the back of the residence of Yan Gang, a minister of the current dynasty. She patted Jiao Fei on the shoulder, and Jiao Fei, understanding her intent, half-squatted down. Su Huan's plain white bow shoes lightly stepped on his knees and shoulders as she grasped the green bricks of the wall, easily climbing up. Perched on the wall, she smiled and waved at Jiao Fei.

Su Huan noticed some dirt on Jiao Fei's face. With a smile, she extended her sleeve to help him wipe it clean, and then said: "This time at the Water and Land Conference, Minister Yan will surely accompany the Emperor of the Li family. The people in their household likely do not wish to show their faces, so there will probably be no one at that tower. Let us hurry there!"

If Jiao Fei had not yet become a disciple, he would certainly be filled with excitement. However, when he compared these individuals to his master, he immediately found that the monks and Daoists at the water and land assembly hosted by the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty were inferior.

Jiao Fei felt the lingering sensation of Su Huan's presence on him, that incredibly fragrant aura, causing his heart to stir slightly. Suddenly, when he looked up at Su Huan on the wall, his heart skipped a beat, and he thought to himself: "I have long heard that practitioners must preserve their youthful purity and maintain pure Yang energy. I have finally encountered this rare opportunity to cultivate under my master, yet upon seeing this girl, why do I feel such springtime emotions stirring within me, making it hard to resist?"

Without waiting for Jiao Fei to respond, the girl boldly took Jiao Fei's hand. Both were around twelve or thirteen years old, resembling a pair of golden boys and jade maidens, walking hand in hand. If it weren't for the crowd watching the lively water and land festival, no one would have noticed them. The sight of Jiao Fei and the girl named Su Huan holding hands was already a striking scene.

If it were not for the fact that he already possessed the demeanor of a refined gentleman, Mrs. Jiao would not have come to propose marriage, and the Lin family, consisting of a widow and her daughter, would not have readily agreed. Besides finding Jiao Fei to be quite suitable for their daughter, the widow Lin also believed that Jiao Fei was intelligent and capable, with a promising future ahead. If he were to succeed in the imperial examinations and become a scholar, it would not only bring honor to their family name but also ensure a comfortable life for both her and her daughter, allowing them to enjoy a life of distinction.

Jiao Fei looked around and suddenly noticed a tall tower directly east of Zhuque Street. He had always been fond of clever contraptions and thought to himself: "This tall tower is situated right next to Zhuque Street and is not far from the imperial palace. It must be that during the bamboo mat duel, the Emperor of the Li family would want to watch from the palace tower, so it makes sense for it to be closer to that location"

Jiao Fei felt a warmth in his heart as Su Huan pulled his hand. Although he had a mischievous nature, he was inherently kind-hearted and had been nurtured under the teachings of Master Jing, which instilled in him an understanding of etiquette and the ways of social conduct. He was well aware that it was inappropriate for men and women to engage in such close contact, especially with a stranger. However, there was something about Su Huan that made him feel an overwhelming desire to be close to her, so he silently allowed her to lead him by the hand.

It was due to the crowd behind that I accidentally pushed the young master. Su Huan did not mean any harm and hopes the young master will not take offense