Chapter Three: Senior and Junior Disciples

The sudden exclamation startled everyone, making their gazes involuntarily turn toward its source. At first glance, their hearts chilled. On the table, aside from the scattered wine cups and a jug, a single golden leaf stood out conspicuously. In this dimly lit setting, it captured everyone’s attention, shrouded in a veil of mystery.

Of course, whatever the outcome in this tavern, no one truly cared. It was nothing more than fodder for post-meal gossip. At the time, perhaps it had genuinely caused a fright, but as days passed, it became a valuable story—some even spoke of it with pride, boasting that they had once shared a roof and wine with the owner of the golden leaf, as if that alone elevated their status, even above Shen Wansan of Bright Moon Manor. Only old Du, when he went to settle accounts at the Shen estate, took the golden leaf with him, only to be refused at the door. After all, for the Shen family, it was hardly a matter of honor. Still, at least old Du got his money, and so he didn't trouble himself with what wasn't truly his concern.

No matter how much stir the affair caused, the Shen family's daughter was still to be wed. Her intended was no ordinary man, but a scion of the exalted Prince Qi’s household. Even if wealth mattered, it could not be shown on the surface. To marry into Bright Moon Manor and obtain the martial secret coveted by all in the martial world was reward enough. The city of Yingyang seemed unaffected; its people went about their business as usual. Yet, beyond the city walls, the scenery was truly splendid.

Situated in the strategic northwest, Yingyang was a bustling hub, its flow of goods and people far surpassing that of any ordinary town. Nestled between mountains and rivers, its beauty drew visitors in droves. Merchants and magnates, poets and scholars alike gathered there, lending the city an air of refined elegance.

“Brother, you’re far too daring. I’d wager there’s not a soul in all of Yingyang who hasn’t heard of this affair. Tell me, what does the priceless North Sea Night-luminescent Pearl look like?” The speaker was a girl of sixteen or seventeen, her features still tinged with youth. Her wide eyes shone with lively spirit, giving her an instantly pleasing presence. Dressed in a sheer green robe, she cut a playful figure as she turned to face the young man walking toward her, her tone half-reproachful, half-expectant.

The young man was hardly older himself, perhaps just over twenty. Clad in blue with a long sword strapped to his back, he was strikingly handsome under the sunlight. Standing side by side with the girl, he was every bit her equal—perhaps even more pleasing to the eye. His face, though, was slightly pale, as if he lacked a little color.

Yet even so, the vigor radiating from him could not be hidden. Coming to a stop beside the girl, he slipped a slender box from his robe and handed it to her, speaking in a soft, careful tone: “Be careful with this—it’s a treasure beyond price.”

“Hmph, so stingy! It’s just a look—how could I possibly break it? Master sent you to attend the ceremony, and instead of behaving yourself, you went and stole their things. Aren’t you afraid he’ll find out? With his temper, who knows how he’ll punish you!” She pouted, clearly displeased with his words.

Even so, she opened the box with utmost gentleness, as if truly afraid to damage the treasure within. In an instant, a flawless, perfectly round white pearl appeared before her eyes—pure, translucent, and entirely without blemish, so beautiful it was impossible not to love. Her hand reached out, then hesitated, drawing back.

The young man seemed not to notice her hesitation. Instead, a thoughtful look crossed his face; clearly, her words had struck a chord. He hurried to reassure her: “As long as you don’t tell, how would Master ever know? Besides, I went to great lengths, casting several golden leaves to confuse their senses, sending them chasing after a phantom that doesn’t exist. As for the Night Pearl, only heaven, earth, you, and I know it’s in my hands—how could anyone else discover it?”

A touch of pride crept into his expression, perhaps pleased with his own cleverness. Yet he quickly grew puzzled: “But it’s strange—the master of Bright Moon Manor should have made a fuss by now, yet two or three days have passed without a sound.”

“And what if I tell Master?” the girl retorted, her face now alight with mischief, as if she’d found a perfect bargaining chip. Too caught up in her excitement, she ignored the second half of his words, her gaze still fixed on the pearl. Such beauty would be hard for any woman to resist.

Her words were meant as a jest, no more. But at once, the young man’s face paled in earnest, as if faced with disaster. His look turned pleading in an instant: “My dear sister, please don’t! If Master finds out, he’ll break my arm for sure. You wouldn’t want to see your brother suffer like that, would you?”

“Oh, now you’re afraid? Why didn’t you think of that before? If you want me to keep your secret, you’ll have to offer something in return. I’m not greedy, but since this thing is so valuable, surely you could spare a few gifts if you sell it!” The young man’s reaction seemed to amuse her even more than the pearl itself. She snapped the box shut and handed it back, her eyes filled with anticipation.

And indeed, for all its worth, the Night Pearl was little more than a useless trinket to her; it couldn’t compare to the delight of unexpected little gifts.

“This can’t be sold—I’m saving it for Butterfly. Lately, she’s been troubled by something, and perhaps this pearl will bring her a smile!” He hastily tucked the box back into his pocket, treating it as his greatest treasure. At that moment, all his earlier worries seemed forgotten, a faint smile surfacing on his lips—especially when he mentioned Butterfly, his voice tinged with longing.

Whether it was his words or his expression that set her off, the girl suddenly grew indignant, stamping her feet and pointing at his face as she scolded, “So, all you think about is Sister Butterfly! Is this how you ask for a favor? You want me to keep your secret? Dream on! I don’t care about gifts anymore—I’m going straight to Master to see how he deals with you!”

“My good sister, my dear Wan’er, please don’t! I’ll get you whatever gifts you want, I promise!” Startled by her outburst, the young man—Han Tanyi—realized he’d gone too far. Embarrassed, he grabbed her hand, his expression full of supplication.

But the girl was not one to yield easily, struggling to break free, and the two ended up in a playful tussle, lending the mountain and river scene a touch of youthful innocence.

Who knows how much time passed. In the end, Han Tanyi’s gentle coaxing calmed the situation, though not without promise of gifts and concessions. Once she’d achieved her aim, the girl didn’t press further; her threat had never been genuine, and chances were, she would have talked herself into letting it go regardless of what she received.

When Wan’er finally relented, Han Tanyi breathed a sigh of relief and turned his gaze to the river. The water rushed by with a gentle murmur; their boat must be arriving soon.

“Brother, with so many people at the ceremony, how did you steal it from under their noses?” Waiting was dull business, and Wan’er’s curiosity soon got the better of her. Though she watched the water, she couldn’t help but ask.

At her question, Han Tanyi glanced at his pocket as if to confirm the pearl was still there, then smiled faintly. “Under their noses? Shen Wansan’s skills are so formidable that even our master, the Daoist of Heavenly Secrets, would yield him some respect. As for my own abilities, I know my limits.”

“Oh?” Wan’er was puzzled, her rare surname Qiu betraying her curiosity. But before she could press further, Han Tanyi interrupted, guessing her intent and deciding to explain outright: “The pearl was always kept in that box, but it wasn’t in plain sight in the hall. I didn’t steal it during the ceremony—I took it the night before. What everyone saw was just a play, nothing more. They didn’t know, so they assumed I’d managed to steal it out of thin air before their eyes. However…”