Chapter 59: The Sea of Snowflakes, Happy Sorrow
Things in this world are just such—there are many things beyond our control. Once they pass, they vanish like a spring dream, leaving no trace. (Gu Long)
…
The sunlight shone on the earth as usual, nurturing all living things. The gentle breeze always accompanied the white clouds, drifting across the azure sky—so carefree, so free.
“Scholar, do you think we’ll be together like this forever?” Gillier asked softly, leaning on Liu Yi’s shoulder.
Liu Yi held Gillier tightly and said, “How can everything in the world go as one wishes? I can’t hope for tomorrow, but I have today.”
“Scholar, look at these flowers—they’re so beautiful…” Gillier murmured gently.
From above, it was an endless sea of white flowers. Where they sat was in the southeast of Lotus Town, the Sea of Snowflakes. The flowers grew on small trees about half a person’s height. Each flower had thirty-nine petals, with a pale purple center—extremely beautiful. When the wind blew, countless white petals rose into the air, filling the sky like winter snow…
The two sat close together in the Sea of Snowflakes, enjoying the sunlight, happiness, and their world alone…
“Scholar, if one day Gillier dies, please don’t be sad… Look at this warm sunlight, the vast sky, the snowflakes among the flowers, and the scent of the wind. The world remains wonderful. Gillier’s departure won’t take away your world. Please bury Gillier deep in your memories, okay?” Gillier said sadly, burying her head in Liu Yi’s arms.
Liu Yi gently stroked Gillier’s black hair and said softly, “Why say that? Can’t you really see the future?”
Gillier shook her head. “I don’t know. I’m so afraid… I’ve been holding onto this happiness with a trembling heart, fearing it might vanish at any moment. I’m so afraid of losing it…”
Liu Yi looked at Gillier, picked a red six-petaled wild flower from the ground, and placed it on her head. “Silly girl, you speak so carefree. But if one day you leave me, can I really ensure I won’t be sad? You speak so lightly, but when you leave, my world will darken, without sunlight. It won’t be vast anymore, and this sea of flowers will wither. You’ve taken away all of my world. How can I bury the love etched in my heart deep in memory? You’re so cruel… Do you know how much it will hurt me? My heart—will break!” After saying this, Liu Yi’s heart ached terribly, and tears streamed down from his eyes.
Gillier stretched out her right hand and gently wrapped her arms around Liu Yi. “Scholar, I truly feel blessed being by your side. Let’s not talk about this, okay? I’ll listen to you. Let’s not hope for tomorrow—let’s enjoy today together.”
Liu Yi nodded gently…
Petals drifted in the wind like winter snow, carrying the scent of flowers. Liu Yi and Gillier embraced in the sea of flowers.
Quietly, quietly—no one knew how much time had passed. Suddenly, a voice from behind said, “Sir, you really came here. It’s in a complete mess now. People from all three realms have gathered in Lotus Town, and they’re set to enter the mountains to search for treasures within these two days.”
Liu Yi and Jili’er gently stood up and turned to look at Lü Zhu. Liu Yi smiled and said, “Today is the thirtieth day, right? I think it’s time for us to leave as well.”
Lü Zhu smiled and said, “Sir, you really remember well. I wanted to stay another day! Do you also want to go into the mountains to search for treasures?”
Liu Yi shook his head and said, “I originally came just to see the scenery of life. Now that I’ve seen it, I plan to stay in the martial world for a few more days. If nothing goes wrong, I’ll return to Jiangnan.”
Lü Zhu nodded and said, “My mother-in-law asks you to come over. She has something to talk to you about.”
Liu Yi nodded and smiled, “Thank you, Miss Lü Zhu, for coming all this way to pick us up.”
Lü Zhu shook her head and replied, “I still haven’t thanked you for your guidance over these days. It’s truly given me a new perspective.”
Liu Yi quickly shook his head politely and said, “You’re too kind, Miss Lü Zhu.”
With a motion of her hands, the zither in her arms suddenly grew huge, almost as big as a small boat on the river. Lü Zhu said, “Sir, miss, please get on the boat.”
Liu Yi took Jili’er’s hand and stepped onto it, laughing, “This is a spaceship, haha!”
After the two boarded, Lü Zhu lightly leaped onto it, used her magic to control the vessel, and soared straight into the sky toward the Qingyin Elegant Pavilion.
In just a moment, the three of them arrived at the Qingyin Elegant Pavilion. Voices came from the entrance, “Sir is back! Sir is back…”
People rushed over like a tide. Lü Zhu quickly stepped in front and said, “Don’t cause a disturbance. My mother-in-law needs to talk to you.”
Over the past month, thanks to his twenty years of expertise in music, Liu Yi had established an indelible legacy at the Qingyin Elegant Pavilion, leaving these girls ecstatic upon seeing him.
Fortunately, after some mediation by Lü Zhu, they calmed down somewhat. Lü Zhu led Liu Yi and Jili’er inside.
Upon entering, Da Dao Wang, Shi Jie Yi, and A Jiu were chatting with Granny Qin. Over the past month, Da Dao Wang had also received guidance from Granny Qin in swordsmanship, and he had clearly transformed greatly. Shi Jie Yi was even more grateful for Granny Qin’s efforts to bring him and A Jiu together, as now A Jiu clung to Shi Jie Yi every day.
As they were chatting and laughing, they saw Liu Yi and Jili’er follow Lü Zhu in. Suddenly, they all stopped…
Granny Qin said to Liu Yi, “Sir, come with this old woman inside. I have something to show you.”
Liu Yi nodded and followed Granny Qin behind the screen… Over the past month, Liu Yi had never crossed this screen and didn’t know what was behind it. Now it seemed to be just an ordinary room with stairs leading to the second floor.
Granny Qin continued, “Sir, come with me upstairs.”
He followed Granny Qin all the way. He didn’t know what was so mysterious about it, but thankfully, everything has an end—and now it was time. Granny Qin stopped in front of a dressing table in a room on the second floor and sat down gently.
Granny Qin opened an iron box, from which a dark red jade piece appeared. She took it out and said, “This is something passed down from generation to generation by that old woman. There’s only this small piece, and I don’t even know what it is. The other day, I saw a similar red jade on your chest, so today I wanted to give this jade to you.”
Liu Yi quickly shook his head and said, “Absolutely not! Since it’s been passed down through generations, it must be extremely precious. How could I possibly accept it?”
Granny Qin continued, “It seems to me that this jade is part of what’s on your chest. That old woman is wondering if this jade belongs to you.”
Liu Yi replied hastily, “This jade was also given to me by someone else; it’s not mine.”
Granny Qin shook her head and said, “If it’s given to you, then it becomes your property. I’ll trouble you for a month—please accept this red jade. Otherwise, that old woman will feel guilty.”
Liu Yi looked at Granny Qin’s face and said quickly, “Okay. If this half piece of jade is part of me, then Liu Yi will accept it. If not, I won’t take it. Is that alright?”
Granny Qin nodded and said, “Good. Then please take it out and have a look.”
Liu Yi took the red jade from Granny Qin. There was actually a human leg carved on it. He took out the red jade he wore around his neck and gently placed the two pieces together… Something strange happened. As soon as the two pieces came into contact, a faint red light emitted, and they merged together. In just a short time, they became a complete piece.
It was amazing—this thing could merge on its own, and just a small piece was left to make it whole. But… what would happen if all three pieces were gathered? Let’s just keep it as a souvenir, a reminder of these experiences.
Granny Qin smiled at Liu Yi and said, “It seems you’re truly destined for this red jade, haha. Come, let’s go downstairs. I still have a story to tell you. After listening to that old woman’s rambling, you can leave.”
Liu Yi put away the red jade, feeling nervous. With the third red jade in hand, he could now see that dream… With his emotions fluctuating, Liu Yi followed Granny Qin back to the hall downstairs.