Someone's Just Clearing the Air: They Didn't Spread Any Rumors (Part One)
An elegant inn in the western part of Hengzhou City's inner district was unusually lively that day. Disciples from the Huashan and Hengshan Sects had gathered there, renting out the entire inn.
The Huashan Sect had always been on good terms with the Hengshan Sect, so there was nothing amiss about the two groups staying under the same roof, with one occupying the east wing and the other the west. They could look out for each other and visit in their spare time. It couldn't have worked out better.
With a few days still to go before Liu Zhengfeng of the Hengshan Sect held his Golden Basin Hand-Washing Ceremony, both groups settled in at the inn for the time being.
And so—
On the second morning after the Huashan Sect's arrival, the inn's dining hall—which was closed to the public—was filled with the warm glow of dawn filtering through carved lattice windows and gilding the elmwood tables and chairs. Yue Buqun and Ning Zhongze sat opposite Master Dingyi, each in the appropriate place of honor. After the waiter respectfully served them a pot of fragrant tea, the three exchanged friendly pleasantries.
Yue Buqun wore a blue-green robe with subtle cloud patterns embroidered on the cuffs. Seated in the place of honor, he looked gentle and refined, every gesture befitting his reputation as the "Gentleman Sword."
Ning Zhongze wore a simple, light-colored dress, her hair pinned up high. Alongside the maternal warmth in her eyes, she had a touch of heroic spirit, yet remained gentle and graceful.
"Abbess..."
"Please have some tea."
Ning Zhongze picked up the teapot, poured three cups, and brought one to Master Dingyi first.
"Thank you!"
After expressing her thanks, Master Dingyi—seated beside them in