《The Moon's Enigma》


 [Chapter 1]: A Night in the Forest

    The sun had sunk below the trees long ago, and white dots spread across the boundless sky, glowing brightly in the night. Under the cloudy veil of the moon, hidden by the darkened leaves of Taoyuan Forest, was a clearing.


    Sheltered by the shadows of the trees, away from view, one would hardly believe that a person would be there. But there was.


    Her fingers played a flute in the calmness of nature. The melody held a serene yet somber tune. A gust of wind played with her silver hair, carrying the sweet scent of flowers with it.


    The music continued to flow without a hitch as the girl skillfully played the flute. For a moment, she closed her eyes.


    A subtle light spread across from the edge of the woods. As though cautious, it was cold at first, yet when it surrounded her, it felt like that of a flickering flame.


    A presence...? And a familiar one at that. Who could it be?


    The sound of footfalls and rustling leaves reached her ears, its initial sound like a distant rumble, growing more distinct with each second. It was running, and, she guessed, from the speed and the way the trees swayed, that this creature must be a powerful one.


    She tensed as she saw a flicker of distinct grey flash across the forest, heading towards her.


    By the gods! she cursed. If I could just summon the fires of the Netherworld... But again, even a divine artifact from Feng Long Sect could not be compared to it!


    If she had to fight that beast...


    She didn''t have time to think further as the brute, who had sensed her presence, darted with the speed of a lightning bolt, scattering the dust of the ground like a sandstorm.


    Indeed, in just a few moments, a wolf emerged from the trees. Its fur was stained with dust and mud and leaves stuck out from the top of its head. Despite its slightly disheveled appearance, its bearing was majestic.


    But all that didn''t matter to the creature when its gaze settled on the silver-haired girl. Eyes gleaming with joy, it still controlled its excitement as it lowered its head.


    "Master Zhenzhu," it said, its voice filled with reverence while holding a tinge of familiarity and affection.


    Zhenzhu, who had already composed herself after seeing the wolf, even blinking once or twice to make sure that she was not dreaming, thought of some things.


    Months of solitude sure had its effects, making her a bit slow to respond to its presence. She then flicked her fingers and the flute vanished in a flash of light.


    The first question that had entered her mind was what business was her friend here for, but when she saw the state it was in...


    When she finally found her voice, she calmly looked at the furry being before her and asked, "What happened? Why are you in that form, Fengyue?"


    Her worry was barely concealed, the look in her eyes betrayed her. It was not that she disliked seeing Fengyue in that form, but because it was not the form Fengyue usually used, she was naturally concerned.


    "Ah... It is nothing Master needs to be worried about. I merely lack some spiritual power, so I changed my form to this," Fengyue explained, attempting to dissolve his master''s worry with a half-truth. "Don''t worry," it continued, "a few days and I''ll return to normal."


    "But Fengyue..." Zhenzhu sighed. "Then as your master, let me do something for you," she softly said.


    Fengyue could not understand Zhenzhu''s concern. After all, it was just a matter of lacking spiritual power; what was there to be worried about? And as a divine beast, he didn''t really think much of it. But of course, his master would not easily dismiss it. In fact, he knew that even if he continued his argument for hours on end, his master would equally insist that it was something she should be concerned about. So he simply let her do as she wished.


    Zhenzhu approached Fengyue, her footsteps silent on the dewy grass. Stooping, she realized that the wolf seemed a bit... smaller than when she last saw it.


    What? Fengyue... She bit her lower lip. This stubborn wolf was definitely not just lacking spiritual power; he was hiding something from her!


    As much as she wanted to press about it and demand an answer from him, she had to focus on the matter at hand. Zhenzhu placed two fingers on the wolf''s forehead, her fingertips emitting a golden, silvery light.


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    Floating and dancing around Fengyue, the light surrounded him in a mist.


    Zhenzhu took a few steps back. It wouldn''t do her good if she was near Fengyue in his other form.


    Meanwhile, Fengyue closed his eyes, feeling the cold yet gentle flow of her spiritual power travel through his spiritual veins with ease. Smiling, he vaguely remembered the first time Zhenzhu had done this to help him. But now...


    Focus, focus, he told himself. He didn''t want to waste his master''s power, even if he knew that she would not care about it as long as he was fine.


    On the other side, Zhenzhu was incredibly anxious. The way she looked around, wary of anyone disrupting her friend''s transformation, clearly showed her restlessness.


    As the light faded and the mist began to clear, Zhenzhu closed her eyes, silently praying to the gods for her friend to be alright.


    When she opened her eyes a moment later, the mist dissolved. Standing before her was a seemingly young man of about his early twenties when equated to the life of a mortal, but again... he was a divine being. So Zhenzhu naturally knew that despite his appearance, his age spanned thousands of years. She knew this not only because she was his "master," but also because they had spent an incredible amount of time together.


    His blue eyes shone in the moonlight. With his black hair cascading behind his back and his sharp features, his ethereal grace and divinity stood out. Fengyue, glad to finally address her in a more proper manner, bowed his head. "Once again, I greet Master."


    A flicker of something indescribable, yet familiar, flashed across Zhenzhu''s eyes. Before he even had a chance to make out what it was, Zhenzhu took a jug from seemingly nowhere and gave it to him.


    Confused, he took it. "Master...?"


    "Drink," she said, looking away. "You look like you have not had water in a while."


    "Huh?" He licked his lips; indeed, his lips were chapped and dry, like that of a book from one of the Ancient Libraries in Guzhi Sect.


    No wonder his master had looked strangely at him, he thought. His manners were surely unimpressive. If his master found out the real reason why he had turned into a wolf, he would''ve been better off if he didn''t exist at all!


    Drinking the water and sighing inwardly, he reminded himself to be more careful in the future as he didn''t want to worry her.


    Heavens... How unlucky could he be? His first plan was to spend some time with his master before telling her his purpose for disturbing her, but things took a different turn. Tsk, he didn''t even prepare a backup plan!


    "Fengyue? Fengyue!" Zhenzhu''s voice broke into his thoughts. "Are you alright, Fengyue?"


    "Hm?" He blinked. Sensing his master''s concern, he quickly apologized, "I apologize, Master. I was... simply lost in thought. Forgive me."


    Hearing Fengyue''s answer, Zhenzhu heaved a sigh of relief. For now, she''d play along with his pretense of being fine. While he may not be telling her the whole truth, she was glad that he was unharmed.


    "Is that so? That''s good then." She then asked him the question that had been inside her mind since she saw him, "Fengyue, what are you doing here? Surely, you know that there is still some time left before I return?"


    Oh Heavens... Fengyue thought. Too late for regrets and excuses.


    Outwardly Fengyue nodded, His voice was calm and measured, not allowing his inner frustration to seep into his voice as he spoke, "Yes, Master. But your father asked me to bring you back to Jinbai Hall as he has something to discuss with you."


    "Discuss with me?" Zhenzhu repeated, perplexed at her father''s sudden summon. She still had two months before returning home, so why did her father send Fengyue to fetch her? Could it be something important? Thinking and wondering would never answer her questions, she would only know if she asked. "Did he tell you what it is?"


    Fengyue shook his head. "No. He only told me to be as quick as possible, Master, since it is important."


    Zhenzhu sighed when she heard Fengyue''s answer. She knew her father meant serious business: that father of hers often personally spoke with her when it came to important matters regarding her.


    Anxious, Zhenzhu subconsciously bit her lower lip. "Then let us be quick. It''s no use to keep father waiting."


    Fengyue nodded. "Whatever Master decides, this one will obey. But, Master, from Taoyuan Forest alone, one would take three to four days to travel to Saojian Mountain, let alone traveling on foot to Jinbai Hall which takes eight to ten days from there."


    "That''s exactly why," Zhenzhu said. "It''s better to go now. If we need something, we can pass by Wanghuo City." She paused. "Actually, I''ve already thought of going there to buy a present for Father."


    "I see." Fengyue smiled at her. "Master, it seems you have already planned things out."


    "Ah..." Zhenzhu blinked. Fengyue''s guess was spot on. "Yes, I have. I just didn''t think I''d have to go now."


    Fengyue, still smiling, nodded. He was amused; his master really was thoughtful. He was sure he would never regret choosing her as his master.


    "Like you said, it''d take days. And whatever father wants to talk about, I don''t want to make him wait."


    "Alright, alright."


    If there was anyone around to hear the conversation between these two, they would be bewildered by the casualness of the conversation.


    For a master-servant relationship, they sounded familiar with each other, with Zhenzhu treating Fengyue as a friend and Fengyue being bold enough to talk with her informally and speak his thoughts, save for the sole exception of calling her "master".


    Having decided to pass by Wanghuo City, the two began to leave. Zhenzhu walked before Fengyue since Fengyue was not familiar with the forest.


    Zhenzhu glanced around, silently appreciating and missing the time she spent with no one but herself.


    Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Fengyue walking behind her. "Come, walk beside me, Fengyue."


    It was not the first time Zhenzhu had asked him to be beside her, but every time she told him to, Fengyue still felt a sense of surprise. Nevertheless, he complied, not only because she ordered -- no, asked him to -- but also because he would never dare to do so without her permission even if he wanted to.

 [Chapter 2]: Wanghuo City

    The sweet scent of flowers and damp earth mingled in the air, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and peace. The buzzing of insects, the small sounds often unheard in the noisy places of the Immortals, echoed in the silence of the wood.


    Zhenzhu walked ahead of Fengyue, whose eyes were darting around. After all, Fengyue reasoned to himself, a forest was a forest, what if a beast attacked his master? He would never allow it; he couldn''t even bear the thought of it!


    But Zhenzhu was calm. Even if one knew the way around the forest, they would never be at ease when placed in unpredictable surroundings.


    Knowing that well enough, Fengyue couldn''t help but be curious. "Master, how can you stay calm? What if a beast suddenly appears?"


    "A beast already appeared, and that''s you," Zhenzhu said.


    Fengyue frowned, thinking that he must have upset his master. "Master... I..."


    Zhenzhu chuckled upon seeing Fengyue''s baffled expression. "Don''t worry, I was just joking." Then she answered Fengyue''s question. "You''re right, this is a forest. But don''t worry, Taoyuan Forest spreads across all directions, so few know where the heart of the forest is."


    Fengyue went silent at her answer. The heart of Taoyuan Forest? How come I''ve never heard of it? According to Master, the heart of the forest... is here?!


    Fengyue was stunned by his realization. He looked at his master and his eyes went to the path they walked before. Or maybe there? He was confused. Never mind, he thought, deciding to ask his master later. Maybe when his master doesn''t have much to do...


    "..."


    "..."


    A minute, an hour... How long have they been walking in this forest? He didn''t know. While walking, the forest seemed endless and time felt like an eternity.


    As if Zhenzhu sensed his thoughts, she chuckled. "Don''t worry too much, we''re near."


    True to her words, as they walked on, the trees began to look smaller and farther apart from each other. The path they were walking on was now marked with loose stones and pebbles.


    The gates of Wanghuo City loomed before them. With a glance, Zhenzhu discerned that there were not many guards guarding the area. With that, it took them no time to enter.


    There were booths on each side of the road, each with lanterns to illuminate the night. The air was filled with the smell of wine, sweet apples coated with sugar, raisin cakes, and many other delicious treats.


    The sound of laughter and the voices of people chatting and bargaining could be heard wherever they turned. Some children ran around, playing games and chasing each other, while some adults danced to the music that was being produced somewhere in the crowd.


    "Master, this place is very lively. I wonder what happened?" Fengyue said, his eyes fixed on a tanghulu in a child''s hand. Just from smelling the food, he already felt hungry; let alone the various dishes, making him feel starved. Curse it! He really wanted to snatch some food.


    "Well, whatever it is, it must be something worth celebrating," Zhenzhu replied. "For now, let''s just go and look around. Perhaps I can find a worthy gift for Father." Just then, she froze and began fidgeting with the sleeve of her robe.


    Fengyue agreed with her decision. But when his master began fidgeting, he became worried. "Master, is something wrong?" Fengyue asked, his tone worried. What in the world caused his master to be this nervous?


    It was only when he looked around that he found out why. People were looking at Zhenzhu and whispering, some even bowed to her. Heavens... No wonder his master was all nerves. These people...


    In a flash, a blue-robed man took Zhenzhu''s hand and disappeared with her.


    "Master!" Fengyue screamed, his eyes turning dark. Spreading his divine sense, he felt his master''s presence in a not-so-far, secluded place, and there was also someone with her. He immediately ran in that direction; after all, what if that person posed a threat to his master?


    Behind him, though the voices became fainter as he got farther away, he heard people whisper about. Some became alarmed about what they had seen, while others merely dismissed it as a lovers'' quarrel. It was utterly ridiculous!


    Meanwhile, Zhenzhu found herself in an alley. In front of her was the man who had abruptly taken her away--kidnapped her, more likely.


    She took few steps back and warily looked at him. "Who are you? What do you want from me?"


    The man''s eyes blinked. "Huh? You don''t know who I am?"


    The voice was awfully familiar, but she had to be cautious. So instead she cut in sharply, "I don''t, so will you tell me who you are?" It was answers she needed, not tricks.


    "..." Again, he blinked stupidly at her. "Well, I''m..."


    A ball of spiritual power gathered on the palm of her hand, and she threw it. That ball of spiritual power narrowly missed and collided against a wall, causing a loud noise and a large crack to form on the wall.


    Seeing the crack in the wall, Zhenzhu panicked and blurted out, "Oh... It was supposed to be just a dose of spiritual power!" She turned to the blue-robed man and bowed her head. "I-I''m sorry! Are you hurt?"


    He chuckled and softly said, "Young Master hasn''t changed at all."


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    Zhenzhu let out a gasp of surprise. That voice... She raised her head and met his eyes. "Lord Si?"


    The man removed the shawl from his face and smiled. "Young Master Zhenzhu."


    "Lord Si! It''s you!" Zhenzhu smiled. "How have you---"


    "Master!" Suddenly, Fengyue appeared between her and Si Kongmian. When Fengyue saw Si Kongmian, he glared at him. "What do you want with my master, Lord Si?" His tone was polite, but the glare he was giving did not match his voice.


    Fengyue''s glare was returned by a scowl from Si Kongmian. "It''s you, again. Why do you always follow the Young Master around? She can handle herself, so you can stop acting like a lost puppy. Oh, I forgot, you are one."


    "You!"


    Had not Zhenzhu intervened and placed herself between them, Fengyue would have thrown this insolent man to the ground and throttled him then and there. "Stop it, you two! Fengyue, behave yourself! And, Lord Si, please, it would not be wise to start a fight."


    "Hmph!" Fengyue huffed. Nevertheless, he took forced himself to take deep breaths and calm down. "Whatever Master says."


    There was annoyance in his voice, but it was definitely directed at Si Kongmian.


    "Young Master is right. I apologize for my behavior, Fengyue," Si Kongmian apologized.


    Zhenzhu sighed. By their voices, it was clear to her that they were still fighting, just keeping their tempers in front of her.


    Fengyue begrudgingly accepted Si Kongmian''s apology.


    A light rumble was heard, well, it was more likely someone''s stomach.


    "Is Fengyue hungry?" Si Kongmian asked, obviously trying to find a way to annoy Fengyue again.


    "No, no! It was me," Zhenzhu said, smiling awkwardly. "I''m sorry, I haven''t had dinner, so..."


    "I see." Si Kongmian suddenly beamed. "If Young Master wants, let this one treat her to a meal. I know a fine restaurant just around here."


    "No, thanks! We don''t need you to treat us, let alone come with us," Fengyue mumbled, but he shut his mouth when Zhenzhu prodded him on his side.


    "Sure," she said to Si Kongmian. "Thank you."


    "Alright. I''ll lead the way," Si Kongmian said, his eyes on Fengyue as though he wanted to keep him in check.


    "Let''s go already." Then, when someone''s stomach rumbled again -- "I''m hungry, let''s be quick!" -- she pushed Si Kongmian ahead. "Don''t worry about us, we''ll just follow."


    With Si Kongmian in front, Fengyue, who was walking beside Zhenzhu, asked her, "Master, why did you tell that man that you were hungry, when it''s really me..." His face went red. "I''m sorry, I brought you trouble again."


    Zhenzhu said, "It''s fine, I''m also hungry. Besides, I know you''d be embarrassed if your enemy finds out that you were hungry and treat you to a meal."


    She quietly added, "Although I don''t know why you see each other as enemies and fight all the time, I''m sure you''d be friends if you know each other better. That said, why do you fight all the time?"


    Fengyue listened to his master talk, but when she asked that question, he only shrugged and said, "It''s nothing Master needs to be concerned about, it''s between me and him."


    "Huh. Okay." Zhenzhu''s interest was entirely piqued, but she knew when to stop pushing for answers.


    Even if Fengyue was her spiritual beast, she knew that there were parts of his life that she didn''t know, not even his past...


    She shook her head. When it came to someone''s past, she would just wait for them to tell her. Especially if they could handle it themselves.


    There was no need for her to bother herself with someone, that was her point of view when it came to relationships, not unless that person approachedher...


    Turning a corner, Si Kongmian''s voice reached her ears. "We''re here."


    Si Kongmian extended his hand to her. However, she politely shook her head, thanked him, and entered.


    Seeing that, Fengyue smirked. And, before entering, he whispered in Si Kongmian''s ear, "Tough luck, buddy."


    Si Kongmian glared at Fengyue''s retreating back, but he knew that Fengyue what had said was the truth. Tough luck indeed.


    Zhenzhu''s eyes swept across the establishment. The interior was surely unique: paintings of forests and rivers hung from the walls, the windows were open, allowing the night air to enter without hindrance, and... people.


    "Hello, young miss!" a cheerful worker greeted her. "Welcome! Come, come, take a seat, miss."


    "Mn." Zhenzhu nodded.


    She took a seat near a window, where there were less people and less noise.


    Si Kongmian decided to sit beside her, much to Fengyue''s annoyance.


    Once they were seated, the waitress asked them for their orders. Si Kongmian ordered wonton, Fengyue went with meat, and Zhenzhu...


    "Master, are you not going to eat?" Fengyue asked.


    "Hm? No, I..."


    "Young Master, you said you were hungry, so I decided to treat you to a meal. Don''t tell me you only said that because a certain person..."


    Zhenzhu took a breath. Here they were, in a restaurant, about to eat, surrounded by people, and these two still found time to bicker?


    "I''ll take something light, please." If these two don''t shut up, she thought, she might as well leave without taking anything.


    "Soup, miss?" the worker suggested, totally ignoring the bickering duo and focusing her attention on the attention-graviating lady in front of her.


    "Yes. Thank you."


    The smile the young lady gave her definitely made it worth being glared at by the two men with her, the worker thought.


    The look on their faces practically said, ''Stay away from her! Back off!''


    If looks could kill, she would''ve fallen to the floor in an instant!


    Receiving a look from Zhenzhu, the two faked a cough and looked away.


    Man, the worker thought, if people would behave themselves with a glance from her, the lady must be someone prestigious!


    Not wanting to worsen the situation and bother the seemingly troubled lady, who was apologizing to her again and again, she excused herself, telling them that she would be back with their orders, and left.


    With the worker gone, Zhenzhu sighed for the umpteenth time since her day started. It really wasn''t the first time this happened. Somehow, everyone in her life was just straight-out... strange. Not that she minded, but it was quite annoying at times, especially when she didn''t know the reason why.


    "Well," Si Kongmian began, "Young Master, what are you doing here?"


    "Oh.. I''m returning home. Father summoned me. Although I don''t know why, so I''m going to find out once I get back."


    "I see. Then, after this, we will go our separate ways again." Si Kongmian seemed thoughtful. "If that''s so, then I won''t be able to see you for some years."


    "Hm? Why?" Zhenzhu asked. Why would they not see each other again? She didn''t want to lose a friend. Especially not when that person was one of her childhood friends.


    "Well," Si Kongmian slowly answered, "I''m going to train and go into seclusion. I''m anticipating another tribulation in two thousand years, and my sister fears that my current cultivation won''t be able to endure it."


    "You can''t blame Yuyu. After all, you''re the only family she has left," Zhenzhu softly said.


    "True enough. Still, she''s sometimes too worried and nagging."


    "Mn." Zhenzhu only nodded, but she thought, At least you have a sibling.


    Just then, Zhenzhu felt someone nudge her. It was Fengyue.


    "What is it?"


    "Master, listen. They''re talking about you," Fengyue said, pointedly looking at a group of people.


    "Huh." She really didn''t see why she should bother to listen to rumors about her, but listening won''t hurt, right?


    As though Fengyue could read her mind, he said, "Master, it won''t hurt to listen. If they say something about you, I''ll beat them." Seeing Zhenzhu frown, he quickly said, "Or we can just let them be and leave."


    "He''s right," Si Kongmian said, though he was annoyed with Fengyue for disturbing his conversation with Zhenzhu. "Besides, don''t you want to know how people view you?"


    "Mn." Zhenzhu only nodded. But when she heard the words "how people view you", she thought of her father''s reputation, and that, as his daughter, she must never taint it.


    So, in the end, they managed to persuade Zhenzhu to listen to what she supposed was a bunch of nonsense.