The Undercurrents Ran Deep

"Boring," Du Mei said. She knew her friend's temperament and didn't mind her "icy" treatment in the slightest. Smiling, she shook her head and complained:

"I'm not like you. You still have things to do at the academy and can teach a few disciples to pass the time."

"Honestly." She sighed.

"I'm just a poor tool, learning to make implements from my master and grandmaster every single day. I'm bored to death. I have no idea what's so great about making implements that those two, master and disciple, are so obsessed with it."

"You don't know how lucky you are."

After waiting quietly for Du Mei to finish, Ouyang Xiuyah took a sip of tea and said slowly:

"Your grandmaster, Wuyuanjia, is a Talisman Realm martial artist and one of Yehuai City's top implement masters. So many people would give anything for his guidance, yet you get to listen to his lessons every day. What gives you the right to complain?"

Her brows knitted slightly, and she drew a quiet breath.

"Honestly, I'm a little jealous that you have such a wonderful teacher."

"I know, I know..." Du Mei scratched her head in frustration, her face full of bitterness.

"I know a lot of people envy me. It's just that, with my temperament, I really can't stand such a monotonous life."

Her eyes shifted as she studied her friend for a few moments. Then she clapped her hands together and suddenly laughed.

"Xiuyah, I think you'd be perfect as my master's disciple. You're always as quiet as a gourd. I'm sure he'd like you, too. What do you think? Want me to swallow my pride and ask him?"

"..." Ouyang Xiuyah hadn't expected her friend's thoughts to leap about so quickly and couldn't keep up. After a few moments of