Section Three: Accepting the Invitation (Part Two)

Bai Yue could not help but frown in anger. “Do you think our sect intends to use you, Young Master Zuo? Our sect does not fear taking responsibility. If you imagine such, then I shall handle this matter myself.” Bu Jingxian had never seen Bai Yue angry before and hurriedly replied, “You misunderstand, Sect Leader. I am only worried this might be a trap. My request is merely out of caution. If all goes well, there’s nothing more to say. But should things go awry, as a wanderer, I can always escape without implicating the Evening Glow Sect. With your protection, if things go poorly, I can flee Chen Kingdom or find refuge within your sect, without fear for my life.”

Bai Yue’s expression grew solemn. “Is that truly what you think?”

“I, Zuo An, am no paragon of virtue. If it weren’t for my trust in you and Miss Bai Xing, why would I so readily accept such a task? I trust you, Sect Leader—should you not also trust me?”

“In that case, everything will be left in your hands.”

“Then I shall make my preparations,” Bu Jingxian said, taking his leave.

Bai Xing tugged at Bai Yue, her voice anxious. “Sister, how can you really let him go alone? What if something happens—”

“Silly girl. Young Master Zuo is bold and headstrong, and once he’s made up his mind, there’s no stopping him, even if I object. Did you really think I’d let him go into danger without a plan? I will personally lead some men to watch over him in secret—”

“Then I want to go too!”

“No.”

“I must go, whether you allow it or not!” Bai Xing burst out, surprising Bai Yue. Never before had her little sister spoken to her in such a manner. This was the first time. “Sister! How could I stay here with you both gone? Please, just this once—won’t you let me?”

“Very well! But I see that what you’re really worried about isn’t me, but Young Master Zuo.”

“Sister—!”

Having finished her plea, Bai Xing chatted a while longer with her elder sister, but her mind remained with Bu Jingxian. Saying she would check on his preparations, she dashed off, ignoring Bai Yue’s laughter.

Bu Jingxian had little to pack; the sect was preparing his travel attire, and he carried only the precious sword gifted by Chu Gaoge. Back in his room, he sat alone in contemplation, pondering the night’s events. The Evening Glow Sect had shown him great kindness these days, inviting him to every banquet, and Bai Yue always called him their benefactor in public. Only after he protested was he spared this title in private, addressed simply as Young Master Zuo. Knowing his lack of skill, Bai Yue herself had begun to teach him the sect’s secret techniques.

One ought to repay kindness received. Now that the sect needed aid, how could he stand by and do nothing? Still, he felt uneasy, but having only just arrived in Chen Kingdom, he knew too little to persuade Bai Yue to change her plans on mere suspicion. In her place, he too would not shrink from action based solely on unfounded conjecture.

It was then that Bai Xing arrived, barging through the door without ceremony and sitting down before him.

“You must be careful on this journey. That military governor is a formidable fighter. It’s not that my sister fears danger, but she isn’t confident she could defeat him. After all, she’s still young, and the governor gained fame in Chu years ago. He’ll have guards with him. If the attempt fails, it will backfire. That’s why she must ask for your help.”

“I understand.”

Bai Xing produced a piece of black soft armor, thrusting it into his hands. “The sect’s famed sword, the Celestial Glow, is lost. This is our other secret treasure—the Black Silk Armor. Though unremarkable in appearance, it’s forged from rare black gold, blended with just the right amount of meteoric iron and celestial silkworm thread. Most blades, even many precious swords, cannot scratch it. Wear it beneath your clothes. If you’re in danger, it may save you.”

“Such a priceless item—”

Bai Xing immediately pouted and frowned. “You, risking your life for our sect, and you think borrowing a treasure robe is too much?”

“In that case, I’ll accept it.”

“That’s better!” Bai Xing smiled brightly, helping him remove his outer robe and instructing him in how to wear the armor. It fastened at the back and sides, and as she tightened the clasps for him, she suddenly felt as though she were a wife dressing her husband for battle. Her cheeks flushed pink.

“You’re sturdier than I thought—the armor’s a bit snug, and the edges don’t quite meet. Be especially careful not to let a blade strike where it doesn’t cover.”

Bu Jingxian moved about, finding the fit comfortable enough not to hinder his movements. He thanked her, reaching for his outer robe, but Bai Xing had already snatched it up and cradled it in her arms.

“All right, you should rest and conserve your energy.”

“I’m not tired yet—”

“Tired or not, you have to sleep!” Bai Xing insisted, gently pushing him toward the bedroom. He could do nothing with her and went in to lie down. As she hung up his robe and turned to leave, he called her back.

“Could you fetch Brother Gui for me?”

After a moment’s thought, Bai Xing nodded. “But don’t talk too long. Remember, you need your strength.”

“I will.”

Bai Xing departed. Soon, Gui Jianchou arrived, swaggering in with two golden blades.

“These really are fine blades—one swing snapped my old butcher’s knife in two!” After showing off, Gui Jianchou asked, “Why did you want to see me?”

“In an hour, take your valuables and essentials and leave the city with Bi Lian. Wait for me in the forest north of Jin Guang Fields, where we passed on our way here. If, by dawn, you haven’t seen me or anyone from the Evening Glow Sect, take Bi Lian and make your own way.”

“What’s happened?” Gui Jianchou sheathed his blades, sitting heavily by Bu Jingxian’s bed, his expression grave.

“There may be trouble, or there may not. Just do as I say; I’ll explain in detail another time.”

“How am I supposed to rest easy without knowing why?”

“Just do it. Start packing now and try not to alert anyone from the sect. If anyone asks, say you’re taking Bi Lian out to see the sights.”

Gui Jianchou grumbled about Bu Jingxian’s secrecy but left to make preparations. Bu Jingxian had purposely withheld details, fearing Gui Jianchou’s stubbornness would keep him from leaving. As an ordinary man, he would only be a hindrance if trouble arose. Worse, if a trap had been laid, those at the sect compound might be targeted as well; should Bi Lian fall into enemy hands, the consequences would be dire.

He hadn’t felt tired before, but soon after lying down, he fell asleep. When he woke, it was already dark outside. He got up, washed, and dressed. Seeing no maids about, he guessed it must be midnight.

Stepping outside, he spotted someone seated alone in the moonlit garden pavilion—a table set for one, Bai Yue drinking by herself.

“Sect Leader, why drink without touching your meal?”

Bai Yue smiled, gesturing for him to join her. “I wanted to see you off, but hearing you were resting, I decided to wait here. The food’s been reheated several times, so you wouldn’t go hungry when you woke. Come—let me offer you a cup.”

“Thank you, Sect Leader,” Bu Jingxian replied, accepting the wine.

Bai Yue set her cup down and filled it again. “You needn’t call me Sect Leader anymore. I once invited you to join the sect, but you refused. So let’s treat each other as equals—call me Bai Yue.”

“In that case—very well, Bai Yue, Sect Leader.”

“Young Master Zuo,” Bai Yue toasted him again. They each drained their cups. As he reached for the wine, she stopped him, insisting on pouring herself.

“Bai Xing says you dislike empty words, so I’ll be direct. This mission is fraught with danger, but please, do not doubt us. The Evening Glow Sect will not abandon you. If nothing else, my sister Bai Xing would never stand by and let harm come to you.” With that, she toasted him again.

“I have never doubted this,” Bu Jingxian replied, though in truth his thoughts differed. Over these days, he had come to understand Bai Yue somewhat. She was, indeed, more suited to lead the sect than Bai Xing. A leader must put the sect first. If this were a trap, if the military governor’s pursuit grew too fierce and endangered the sect, it would be only natural for Bai Yue to sacrifice him for the greater good.

But he was not troubled by this. In her position, he too would make such a choice. Of course, if possible, Bai Yue would still try to help him. From her perspective, she would have fulfilled every obligation of loyalty and friendship.

After the third cup, Bai Yue set down her wine, making no move to refill it. She gazed intently at Bu Jingxian for a moment before speaking. “I don’t think you’re entirely convinced. You trust Bai Xing wouldn’t let you come to harm, but you don’t realize that I, too, would never wish you ill.” With that, she rose, cupped her fists in farewell, and said, “I cannot hold my liquor—please enjoy your meal at your leisure. I will take my leave.”

And with that, she walked away into the night.