Empty-Handed

The sounds of students playing pulled Luochen from her reverie, leaving her feeling somewhat dazed.

That was the first time I truly glimpsed the world’s true face. Until then, I had lived far too comfortably, sheltered within the sect and under my master’s protection.

It wasn’t until that moment that the world first unveiled its malice to me.

She murmured to herself.

Though it exacerbated her illness, Luochen never regretted wielding the power of the Sword of Severed Sorrow.

Even disregarding the opponent’s utterly unacceptable actions, she knew she had to strike to weaken the demonic faction’s power in advance and alleviate the pressure of the final decisive battle.

‘After all, I’m the woman destined to save the world… How could I flee at such a crucial moment?’

As this thought crossed her mind, Luochen suddenly felt a sharp pang in her chest. She hastily snatched a handkerchief to cover her mouth.

When her cherry lips parted from the silk, a stark crimson stain bloomed on the pristine white fabric.

‘Of course, it would be even better if this illness weren’t quite so severe.’

During dinner, Luochen informed Venerable Zhu Qing about the New Year’s Eve gala.

“Every peak must contribute at least one performance?” Venerable Zhu Qing’s face darkened. “That sounds a bit targeted at us, doesn’t it?”

“How about I perform a thorough beating of Sect Master Yuxi?” She set down her rice bowl, seemingly pondering the genuine possibility of such an act.

Luochen felt her head throb, quickly interjecting, “Why don’t my junior sister and I perform a skit instead? We could adapt the story of the wandering hero and the princess I told you about before.”

As a transmigrator, Luochen often recounted tales of Earth’s entertainment works to them.

“That could work. Rebellious disciple, what do you think?” Venerable Zhu Qing glanced at Su Yue, who was diligently devouring her meal nearby.

“If it’s with Senior Sister, I have no objections.” Su Yue agreed casually, though no one noticed the slight curve of her lips.

****

“I will always love you.” Su Yue gazed deeply at Luochen, her eyes brimming with affection.

“And I, you.” Luochen, her waist encircled by one of Su Yue’s hands, responded shyly.

Su Yue leaned in, her gaze fixed on Luochen’s eyes, which fluttered nervously, as she extended her lips.

The distance between them diminished, until Su Yue could even feel Luochen’s breath ghosting across her face.

Su Yue’s other hand gently caressed Luochen’s cheek, and with a clever angle, she lightly pecked her on the side of her face.

“Stop.”

Venerable Zhu Qing’s voice pulled them back to reality. She grinned, looking at Su Yue. “I thought you’d be too reserved, but it seems you’re quite immersed in your role.”

“Professionalism,” Su Yue replied indifferently, yet the blush on her cheeks betrayed her.

Luochen felt somewhat bewildered. She had assumed her usually aloof junior sister would be more reserved, yet here she was, so adept at playful teasing.

Luochen still hadn’t quite recovered her composure.

‘And why am I playing the princess? I’m clearly the one with experience with men, aren’t I?’

‘You get winded after running just two steps, and you want to play a wandering hero? Be a good girl and play the princess, alright?’

Thinking of Venerable Zhu Qing’s disdainful expression when she’d said those words, Luochen wished she could withhold food from her for two days. (Though it wouldn’t do any good.)

The winter sun warmed her comfortably as Luochen, having finished the day’s rehearsal, lay contentedly on a lounge chair.

Sect Master Yuxi was the first to spot her. “Esteemed niece,” he greeted.

He offered a smile and a greeting.

“Sect Master.” Luochen had intended to rise and return the courtesy, but Sect Master Yuxi waved a hand, indicating it wasn’t necessary.

Thus, Luochen settled back into her languid recline.

“Has the Sect Master come to fish again?”

Sect Master Yuxi’s greatest passion was fishing. After learning this, Luochen had purchased numerous fish fry and stocked them in the two small lakes on Zhu Qing Peak, though she had never once seen him actually catch anything.

“I didn’t catch anything at Mapleleaf Lake again, so I plan to try my luck at the nearby White Dew Lake.”

Sect Master Yuxi shook his head with a wry smile.

“Oh, right, I just ran into Esteemed Niece Su.”

“Did she say anything?”

Luochen suddenly felt a flicker of ominous foreboding.

“She said… ’empty-handed’ again (TL Note: A Chinese slang term, ‘kōngjūn,’ meaning to catch nothing, especially in fishing, or to strike out.)?”

Sect Master Yuxi appeared somewhat perplexed.

“What does that mean? I don’t quite understand the way you young people speak.”

‘Wasn’t that the meme I just told you about yesterday, Junior Sister? Your speed in applying it to real-life situations is a bit too fast!’

Luochen let out a dry chuckle. “I don’t quite understand it myself. It might just be Junior Sister’s unique way of expressing things.”

‘Oh, Junior Sister, Junior Sister, you’re going to be the death of me eventually.’

Luochen was on the verge of tears, yet had none to shed.

“By the way, Sect Master, have you truly considered changing your fishing methods?”

After much contemplation, Luochen decided to ask Sect Master Yuxi directly.

“These fish have absorbed spiritual energy and developed some intelligence. They certainly won’t fall for ordinary hooks and bait.”

“Perhaps you could try bait with alluring effects?”

Luochen knew she was no fishing master, yet she found it effortless to catch a few fish from the lake for cooking.

Sect Master Yuxi, that fellow, would rush over whenever he had free time, but Luochen dared to say he had never once taken a single fish from Zhu Qing Peak.

Upon hearing this, Sect Master Yuxi looked as if he had been struck by lightning.

“Little Friend Luo, these are all unorthodox methods.”

He immediately retorted.

“When it comes to fishing, I have always regarded them as my most respectable friends and adversaries.”

“What I seek to engage in with them is a righteous duel; it’s impossible to resort to such underhanded tactics.”

‘So that’s why you’re empty-handed every single day!’

‘Moreover, you use exotic fruits and rare treasures as bait every day; I truly fear they’ll evolve into human form from eating them!’

“Then consider it the Sect Master helping me feed the fish.”

Luochen abandoned the idea of ‘saving’ Sect Master Yuxi and began to focus on sunbathing.

Seemingly sensing the mockery, Sect Master Yuxi’s mouth twitched.

“Just you wait, I will definitely catch that King Brocade Carp and show it to you!”

The King Brocade Carp was the largest fish Luochen had purchased, and after several years of rapid growth, it might now be two meters long.

It was originally intended to be the final boss of the Sect Master’s fishing career, yet he hadn’t even defeated the first minion to date.

With a declaration of chuunibyou (TL Note: A Japanese slang term referring to a ‘middle schooler syndrome’ where one indulges in grandiose delusions) passion and an unyielding resolve, Sect Master Yuxi rushed towards his next battle.

****

“The damage to your meridians has almost fully healed, and your hidden injuries are also close to recovery. You should be able to resume cultivation very soon.”

Luochen raised her hand, her voice betraying an irrepressible joy.

“Thank you, Sister Luo.” Chen Ruan forced a faint smile.

“What’s wrong?” Luochen noticed she was burdened by something.

“Since my injuries are almost healed, it’s time for me to return to my sect.”

Chen Ruan spoke in a low voice, avoiding Luochen’s gaze.

Although her days here had been pleasant, cultivating would expose her identity as a demonic cultivator.

She still had unfulfilled goals and couldn’t continue to waste time here.

Though Luochen remained silent, Chen Ruan felt the surrounding air suddenly solidify.

She dared not look up, afraid to see Luochen’s saddened expression.

“I see…”

After a moment of silence, Luochen spoke, her voice tinged with bitterness.

“While I’ve grown accustomed to having Miss Chen around, I cannot bind you to my side.”

“If Miss Chen wishes to return, then return.”

“However…”

Luochen’s voice carried a hint of anticipation.

“Stay and celebrate the New Year with us before you go, alright?”

The New Year… ? Chen Ruan felt a momentary haze.

Ever since her hometown was destroyed, she had lost all concept of ‘celebrating the New Year.’

The New Year… yes. As if by some inexplicable impulse, Chen Ruan agreed.