By the cliff on Qingxu Palace's Back Mountain.
Snow lay halfway up the mountain; old pines and an ancient stone pavilion stood beside a cold stream murmuring through folds of ice.
Shenhua Mountain's snow was like a white painting. At its foot, tender green still flourished; clouds veiled the deep ravines and valleys, while mist coiled around peaks that seemed ready to fly beyond the heavens. Snow hung from dark pines, and Immortal Cranes spread their wings in flight.
Incense burned and tea brewed in the ancient stone pavilion. Yu Rong and Bai Yujun sat kneeling as they savored fragrant tea.
The tea had been made with melted snow from Mount Hua. Thank heaven for this unspoiled age—tea brewed with snow water had a flavor all its own, leaving fragrance on the lips and teeth after it slid down the throat.
It was very light. Master Yu Rong merely chatted with Bai Yujun about a few everyday matters and difficulties in cultivation.
Bai Yujun relaxed. They had not discussed much. They drank tea, watched the snow, and gazed over the sea of clouds. The beautiful surroundings eased her pressure and made her feel comfortable. There was no one else atop the mountain; it was very quiet, as though Qingxu Palace had always been this quiet.
Yu Rong seemed to recall something.
"Disciple, I hear your skill with the qin is exceptional. Why not play a piece here?"
"Alright."
She took out an ancient qin and set it on the stone table before her. After some thought, she played a piece inspired by the snowy scene. The qin's notes were ethereal, echoing among the valley and mountain peaks.
Playing the ancient qin before the snow, her slender, fair jade-like fingers danced nimbly while three thousand strands of dark hair brushed across