Low-Flying Swallow (2)

Five days earlier, Spirit Medicine Peak

In the afternoon, Spirit Medicine Peak was like an infant gently cradled by the warm sun, steeped in tranquility and peace. The atmosphere resembled a jar of rich wine mellowed by the years, slowly flowing, spreading, and seeping into every inch of air, making one intoxicated without realizing it.

Within the hexagonal pavilion halfway up the mountain, dark green vines crawled over the vermilion-painted pillars. Bronze wind chimes hanging from the eaves swayed gently in the passing breeze, their tinkling answering the murmuring stream not far away.

Seventh Elder Yulan and Sixth Elder Yu Xuan sat across from each other, playing chess. Black and white stones crisscrossed the board like thousands upon thousands of soldiers slaughtering one another in silence. Every move was made only after deep consideration.

Suddenly, a vivid red figure pierced this picturesque scene.

Chu Xuan's figure was graceful and alluring. Her crimson dress danced in the wind like blazing fire, like roses blooming in the mountains, exceptionally eye-catching amid the green hills and clear waters.

She strode toward the pavilion, her skirts brushing the grass and leaving behind a faint fragrance. The pearls and jade at her waist chimed softly with her steps, startling white-feathered mountain sparrows resting beneath the eaves. They fluttered past her shoulder, leaving a fleeting streak of snowy white behind them.

Entering the pavilion, Chu Xuan bent slightly in a formal salute. "Greetings, Elders."

Yu Xuan True Person paused with a chess piece in hand, then lifted his gaze with a smile. "So it's little Xuan. What business do you have with us two old men?"

Chu Xuan turned to face Yu Xuan True Person. As she gathered her skirts, the silver ornaments in her hair chimed like shattered jade falling to the ground. "Reporting to