But the affection and protection her master's wife showed her were real.
After hesitating for a moment, she could not help asking softly.
"Master's wife... what kind of person was Master... before?"
Miss Tantai's hand paused slightly. Her gaze drifted beyond the window, as though piercing through time and space to rest upon some distant figure.
After a moment of silence, she finally spoke slowly, her voice carrying a faraway quality.
"Him... he was a very stubborn man. Once he chose a path, he would not turn back even after hitting a wall. His talent... was decent enough, but his temperament was too solitary. He liked carrying everything himself, never afraid of crushing himself beneath the weight..."
Her tone was calm, as if recounting an old matter unrelated to herself, yet Gu Yuanyuan keenly caught the complex emotions hidden beneath those indifferent words.
There was admiration, helplessness, and perhaps... concern too subtle to detect?
"He came from humble origins, yet his ambitions soared higher than the heavens. His path had been covered in thorns, powerful enemies surrounding him on all sides. Every step was like dancing on a blade. Yet he had never retreated, nor had he ever truly relied on anyone."
Miss Tantai withdrew her gaze and looked at Gu Yuanyuan.
"For him to take you as his disciple is both your fortune and your trial. His path is not easy to walk. If you follow him, you must be prepared to face raging storms at any moment."
Gu Yuanyuan understood only part of it, but the tall, mysterious image of her master in her heart seemed to grow clearer.
She nodded vigorously.
"Mm! I'm not afraid! I'll cultivate diligently and won't bring shame upon Master!"
Miss Tantai looked at her earnest little face, warmth in her eyes, and