Chapter 1: Leaving the Mountain

The Northern Kingdom, atop the snowy mountains.

Ten years ago, just as it was now, the only constant was that silvery white. Her existence was so abrupt, yet so harmonious. An infant's body lay quietly; Mo Lian opened her eyes and gazed at these snowy mountains. Fragmented, chaotic memories flashed continuously through her mind. In this mountain peak where temperatures were sub-zero and the biting chill was oppressive, there was not a trace of fear in those deep blue eyes.

Mo Lian clearly remembered the tenderness Xue Yin (Mo Lian's master) showed when he brought her back to Lin Courtyard that day. However, she did not understand; even though she was clearly a child, it felt as if she had experienced several centuries. Mo Lian had once asked Xue Yin, but he only said

"Everything has its destiny. Lian'er, do not overthink it."

And so, Mo Lian never questioned her origins again, even though she did not believe in fate!

Mo Lian grew up in the snowy mountains, spending her days practicing martial arts, studying medicine, and refining poisons. Children's games were very, very far from her. Time passed like a white colt galloping through a crevice; through the long years, Mo Lian had already reached ten years of age. Now, her skin was so delicate it seemed it could break at a touch, enticing the heart; beneath her spirited phoenix eyes sat a slightly prominent nose, and her pink lips shimmered. Her undeveloped figure brought no discomfort; instead, it added a unique kind of beauty. What kind of bewitching face was this? Even the beauty that could topple empires would be nothing compared to it!

Under the moonlight, her proud bones were inviolable, matched by her transcendent martial arts and her miraculous medical skills. She was sufficient to stand at the pinnacle.

"Lian'er, you have stayed in these mountains for ten years. Have you grown weary of it?"

One day, Xue Yin called for Mo Lian, his words carrying a faint trace of reluctance, so subtle it was hard to detect.

"Never," Mo Lian replied in a stiff tone, yet warmth could be heard within it. Xue Yin could only respond with helplessness.

"Very well, very well," Xue Yin sighed. "Lian'er, it has been ten years. It is time for you to descend the mountain. After all, these snowy mountains cannot hold you forever." Was it reluctance? But what else could be done?

"Master!" Mo Lian could not understand why her Master always acted with his own considerations, it was just...

"Lian'er, I know the confusion in your heart. However, it is time to leave." How could Xue Yin not know Mo Lian's temperament? It was just that, after ten years, the time had come.

"Yes, your disciple understands."

Xue Yin merely nodded. In the end, he could not bear to part with his disciple, Mo Lian. Watching her indifferent figure, Xue Yin blinked almost imperceptibly; a moment later, his eyes were clear once more. *Lian'er, all I can give you is this. You should soar through the nine heavens! Is your temperament good or bad? It's just... that boy Qishuang will surely follow you, won't he?* Xue Yin shook his head, sighing incessantly.

The snow continued to fall. Clad in white, she simply wanted to look at this ground covered in snow one last time.

At that moment, a dark shadow flew toward them. Mo Lian did not feel suspicious, for these snowy mountains were not places ordinary people could visit. Black and white, they stood there upon the mountain peak.

"When will Lian'er leave?" A man in black stood beside Mo Lian, his hands behind his back, with flecks of silver visible in his black hair.

"Tomorrow." She was still as laconic as ever, but her words were no longer cold.

"Lian'er, Qishuang will descend the mountain with you!" Qishuang—the man in black from just now—spoke without hesitation, as if it were only natural.

Qishuang was the man Xue Yin had brought back when Mo Lian was three years old; he was one year older than her.

"Lian'er believes she has enough strength to protect herself." Regarding Qishuang's decision, Mo Lian had already guessed it and did not find it strange, simply because Qishuang had always treated her very well.

"Qishuang has never doubted Lian'er's ability." Qishuang had never doubted her strength. "It's just... you have never descended the mountain before. I will go with you so we can look out for one another."

Mo Lian did not speak, falling into thought. After a long while, her thin lips parted slightly.

"Fine." No more hesitation. Mo Lian was naturally happy that Qishuang could go with her, but her Master...

Qishuang understood what Mo Lian was thinking, but he... could not let her go alone. The two fell into a natural silence. After all, Xue Yin was a seasoned veteran of the world.

"Master, he..." In the end, Qishuang spoke, but he was interrupted before he could finish.

"It is rare for my two disciples to think of me! Haha!" Laughter drifted through the mountains; the voice arrived before the person. In the blink of an eye, Xue Yin had arrived beside them.

"Master." Both were very respectful.

"Mm." After a short pause, Xue Yin scanned the two of them. "My two disciples need not worry about me. I am preparing to travel the world. Now that Shuang'er is accompanying Lian'er, I am truly much more at ease. This is very good, very good."

"Master, as you travel, remember to stay safe." Even though she knew ordinary people could not harm him, Mo Lian still said it. Qishuang merely looked at Xue Yin, his eyes conveying a clear meaning—safety above all else.

"Good, very good!" After saying "good" twice, Xue Yin laughed loudly and departed. To have disciples like this, what more could a master ask for?

"Let's go back," Mo Lian said softly.

"Alright." The two performed their lightness skills and vanished into the silvery white within moments.

That night, Mo Lian stood by the window, her mind filled with the words her Master had told her near dusk.

"Lian'er, descend the mountain and head to the Northern Imperial Palace. Hand this handwritten letter of mine to the current Emperor; he will decide everything. Additionally, that Soul Flute is what your mother left for you. Remember, do not lose it."

Though the content was short, every word was vital. Mo Lian had not expected that the Soul Flute in her hand actually belonged to her mother. After all, the concept of "parents" did not exist in her mind. If that were the case, she would guard it well; that was her Master's instruction.

She understood deeply that even if everyone in the world were to hurt or betray her, her Master would not, because he had always pampered and loved her—she believed this firmly. Even if she was naturally indifferent and possessed high martial arts, she admitted she was not someone who could be trampled upon by just anyone.

During the night, the snow continued to fall, and all was silent. The snowy mountains were about to be left behind!

Dawn.

With the Soul Flute fastened to her, Mo Lian stood before a red steed. To her left was Qishuang, dressed in black martial attire, looking cold and charmingly wicked. Qishuang carried a bundle and the Sunset Sword; he was still the peerless beauty in white and the killer in black. The two looked toward Lin Courtyard in silent understanding, but they no longer saw that strict yet caring Master, for because he disliked goodbyes, he had chosen to leave silently.

"Let's go!"

The two mounted their horses, both of which were peerless steeds. With a sharp cry, the horses galloped away, kicking up a flurry of snow. In an instant, their figures had receded, leaving only the fluttering of their robes behind.

Watching their departing backs, Xue Yin smiled with a mixture of loss and gratification, his expression devoid of any lingering attachment. *In the end, you have left. Disciples like you make me much more at ease. Shuang'er, Lian'er, this world is the story that belongs to you; how could I possibly keep you by my side for a lifetime? There is a destiny in the unseen; the rise and fall of this nation now rests upon you.* Thinking of everything Mo Lian would have to face, Xue Yin sighed. *No matter how great my divine powers are, I cannot stop what is meant to come. Everything is fate!*

***

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