劍問蒼天 - 第228章 血兆 - 翰墨軒

Abbess Shuijing thought this quietly to herself as she walked up toward the Moon-Viewing Terrace. Sure enough, no sooner had she stepped onto the terrace than she saw that familiar figure in white standing quietly upon the great rock that jutted out alone over the cliff's edge. From the bottomless abyss below, the mountain wind howled without cease, and Lu Xueling's white robes fluttered and snapped in the wind.

Tianxuan was still in her hand, quietly radiating a pale blue glow of auspicious light.

Abbess Shuijing gazed at her back in silence for a long while. Something complex seemed to stir in her eyes, and her gaze flickered unceasingly. After a good while, she gave a soft cough.

Lu Xueling immediately sensed the presence behind her and was somewhat surprised. It was broad daylight now; the sisters of Xiaozhu Peak never came to this remote spot, so why should someone have come today—and moreover, the newcomer had come close behind her without her noticing at all.

She whirled around, and the figure that met her eyes was that of her benefactress, Abbess Shuijing. Lu Xueling was taken aback for a moment, then hastily drifted down from the great rock and came before Abbess Shuijing, bowing her head in salute. "Master, why have you come?"

There was a measure of tender concern in Abbess Shuijing's eyes. She reached out and drew Lu Xueling's collar straight, saying softly, "The fierce wind that blows here carries a bitter chill. Deep as your cultivation may be, it is not well to be exposed to it overlong; it can do you no good."

Lu Xueling lowered her head. "This disciple understands. Thank you for your concern, Master."

Abbess Shuijing looked at her and sighed. "Is there some resentment in your heart toward your master?"

Lu Xueling started. "Master, why would you say such a thing?"

Abbess Shuijing said mildly, "I told you that secret and had you go down the mountain. But fate makes sport of us; after many twists and turns, you were left with no choice but to strike down Uncle-Master Tian of Dazhu Peak, who had been subdued by the Immortal-Slaying Ancient Sword—and to strike before that man's very eyes."

A shadow passed over Lu Xueling's face, but she slowly shook her head. "Master, say no more. This disciple has long since thought it all through. This was the will of Heaven; even you could not have foreseen it. Moreover, in that final moment that day, though Uncle-Master Tian could not speak, I clearly felt his intention in my heart. That sword stroke—Uncle-Master Tian wanted me to strike it."

Her voice paused, and a sudden desolation appeared in her expression—half self-mockery, half a bitter smile—as she said quietly, "As for that man... this disciple never held any hope there to begin with. The rules of the sect, the weight of duty—I understand them well enough myself. Uncle-Master Tian of Dazhu Peak was the benefactor who raised him from childhood; he always regarded him as a father. And now he has died by my hand. Were I in his place, I too would find it hard to accept."

Having said this, she raised her head in silence and looked toward Abbess Shuijing, smiling bleakly. "Master, do not worry about this disciple. I—I have truly come to terms with it all!"

A pang struck Abbess Shuijing's heart. With her experience and discernment, how could she fail to see what was in Lu Xueling's heart at this moment? Yet this matter was truly too unexpected, and there was no room for turning it around. In days past she had firmly opposed this stubborn disciple's feelings, but at this moment, after all, she could not bear to be hard-hearted.

Yet no matter how she could not bear it, in the end it was of no avail. Abbess Shuijing gave a soft sigh, shook her head, and said gently, "Xueqi, do not grieve overmuch. Do not harm your health."

Lu Xueling forced a smile. "Master, you came to this remote place to find me—is there some important matter?"