The Smiling, Proud Wanderer: From the Moment He Picked Up Qu Feiyan

Desolate, sorrowful, melancholy, despairing, grief-stricken.

The music was like autumn leaves and cold rain, as if it had crushed all the bitterness in the world and was telling it out little by little.

Mr. Mo suddenly stopped.

He was a recluse throughout his life and had very few close friends.

Outsiders only know that his swordsmanship is superb, but they do not know the bitterness in his heart, which is even more intense than the coldness on the sword.

He poured all his emotions and loneliness into that old, worn-out erhu.

His music was poignant and chilling, as solitary and aloof as the man himself.

He boasted that true friends were hard to find.

Even his fellow apprentice, who also devoted himself to music, could not understand the deep sorrow that permeated his very being. He could only say that the sound of his erhu was so heart-wrenching that it was almost vulgar.

But at this moment, the zither music coming from the depths of the Hundred Refinements Workshop sounded familiar, as if it came from his own heart.

Although the melody was completely different from his usual "Night Rain in Xiaoxiang", he could understand that the music was saying the same thing.

Unable to obtain what one desires.

My junior always says that his music is too fake and bitter. But how could he, who comes from a wealthy family and has a smooth life, know that when he was a child, he couldn't even get a full meal or a warm coat?

Once he entered Hengshan, his food and clothing were guaranteed, but by then, he had already lost his parents and relatives.

Becoming the sect leader, this identity was like a heavy shackle, binding him tightly. He had to be responsible for the safety of the sect and his disciples, and the carefree life of a hermit became a luxury. He couldn't even openly express his true likes and dislikes.

As the sect leader, his greatest responsibility is to protect the sect's legacy and the lives of his disciples. However, with Zuo Lengchan's ambitions growing and the martial world in turmoil, he increasingly feels powerless to do so.

Lu Lianrong was ambitious but lacked talent, and Liu Zhengfeng seemed adept at social maneuvering, but in reality, he was stubborn and childish like a child. How could he entrust Hengshan to them with peace of mind?

These are the hardships of my life. So, what is the reason for the owner of this music to be so heartbroken?

High mountains and flowing water, a true friend is hard to find.

At this moment, an unprecedented surge of excitement welled up in Mr. Mo's heart. He even regretted not bringing his erhu today, otherwise he would have certainly harmonized with the music and played a heart-wrenching melody together.

Then, he felt an absurd yet intense urge—he wanted to meet the person who played the piano.

Once the thought arose, it could no longer be suppressed. All thoughts of investigating the Songshan Sect's conspiracy, all thoughts of grudges and feuds in the martial world, were cast to the winds at that moment.

Without further hesitation, he followed the sound of the zither, his figure weaving through the neighborhood like a wisp of smoke. Soon, he arrived at the backyard and saw the person playing the zither.

The moonlight, like water, quietly spilled into the courtyard.

A slender young girl sat upright on the stone bench.

Her eyes were tightly closed, and glistening tears clung to her long eyelashes. Two lines of clear tears silently slid down her pale cheeks, casting two poignant silver streaks in the cold moonlight.

Her ten fingers danced and plucked across the strings. Her person, her heart, her soul, seemed to have become one with the sorrowful music.

Such intense sorrow, such pure piano music.

Mr. Mo understood clearly that there was only grief here, and even she herself had disappeared.

The girl's technique may still be somewhat immature, but the emotions contained in her music are enough to move anyone in the world to tears.

The song ended.

Wang Xiaocao slowly opened her eyes, exhaling a long breath, as if releasing all the pent-up emotions in her heart. She wiped away the tears on her face with her sleeve, carefully put the zither away, and placed it back on the zither stand in the room.

Then, Mr. Mo witnessed a scene that puzzled him.

The girl picked up a rag and began to carefully wipe the stone table in the courtyard. She then picked up a small watering can and watered the potted plants under the eaves. Her movements were skillful and her expression focused, just like a maid.

How could a girl who could play such breathtaking music be just a maid who did odd jobs?

Mr. Mo was filled with doubts, but his appreciation for that talent outweighed everything else. He slowly emerged from the shadows, his sharp aura completely concealed, making him appear like a thin old man who had stumbled upon this place.

"girl."

His hoarse voice echoed in the quiet courtyard.

Wang Xiaocao was startled by the sudden sound, and the kettle in her hand fell to the ground with a clatter. She turned around in alarm and saw a withered old man standing behind her, staring straight at her.

"Who...who are you?" She took two steps back in fright, her voice trembling, but her hands instinctively reached behind her and grabbed a broom standing in the corner.

Although terrified, he didn't completely lose his composure in his panic; a sliver of courage to fight back remained within him. A promising talent!

Master Mo silently praised her, but did not answer. He simply asked, "Was that the young lady playing the zither just now?"

Sneaking into the workshop, only to be met with the sound of a zither? What a strange person. Wang Xiaocao's fear lessened slightly, but her vigilance increased. She nodded timidly, gripping the broom even tighter.

"The sorrow in the music is heartbreaking," Master Mo said slowly. "Young lady, at such a young age, you possess such talent; you are truly a prodigy. I have been obsessed with music all my life, and I have never seen anyone who can match even a fraction of your skill. Young lady, would you be willing... to become my disciple?"

Becoming an apprentice? Wang Xiaocao was stunned. She looked at the unfamiliar old man in front of her and subconsciously shook her head: "No... I won't become an apprentice."

Mr. Mo was taken aback. He thought that his disheveled appearance had aroused the girl's suspicion, so he sighed.

"I am Mo Da, the head of the Hengshan Sect. If you don't believe me, young lady, you can tell the manager of this neighborhood tomorrow to go to the Hengshan Sect to inquire. They certainly won't stop you."

The Hengshan Sect…is it really that powerful?!

Wang Xiaocao's eyes widened suddenly. Although she had lived in the countryside for a long time, how could she not have heard of Master Mo Da, the leader of the Hengshan Sect, during her time at Bailianfang! This seemingly down-on-his-luck old man was actually the leader of one of the Five Mountains Sword Sects?

Becoming a disciple of Mo Da? This... this was something she had never even dared to dream of in her previous life. After the immense shock, another thought flashed through her mind.

If I were to become the disciple of the Hengshan Sect leader, wouldn't my status and position be comparable to that of the young master, who is a disciple of the Songshan Sect leader?

But this sweetness only lingered in her heart for a moment before vanishing completely.

Yes, what's the use of matching?

Young master, you will eventually be with Miss Qu.

Moreover, if I were to become an apprentice, I would first have to ask the young master.

She shook her head again, her voice lower than before, but more determined: "Thank you... thank you for your kindness, sir. But... I can't, I... I can't become your disciple yet."

This time, it was Mr. Mo's turn to be completely stunned.

He looked deeply at Wang Xiaocao, and in her clear yet stubborn eyes, he saw a sadness and determination that did not belong to someone her age.

He understood; this young girl must also harbor a longing she could not have.

He knew that saying more would be pointless.

"Very well." Mo Da sighed again, his voice hoarse. "Everyone has their own ambitions, and I will not force you. It would be a real pity if your talent were to be buried like this. Today's agreement stands forever. When you have changed your mind, you may come to Hengshan and mention my name."

As soon as he finished speaking, he swayed and disappeared back into the night, as if he had never been there.

Wang Xiaocao stood alone in the courtyard for a long, long time.

The moonlight stretched her shadow long, very long.

Her heart was in complete turmoil.

She didn't want to leave the young master a thousand times over, a million times over, the one who gave her a new life and made her feel the warmth of humanity in her despair. Even just watching him silently from afar, doing his laundry and cooking for him, was an irreplaceable happiness for her.

However, she couldn't bear to stay here any longer, watching him and Qu Feiyan be so intimate day after day, enduring the excruciating torment.

Perhaps, the young master is simply too kind-hearted to abandon an orphan like herself. Her presence here would only be a burden to him, wouldn't it? If she could join the Hengshan Sect and acquire the skills to make a living, then the young master… could he finally rest easy?

But... the thought of leaving this courtyard, leaving the person who would gently call her "Little Grass," made her heart feel like it was being tightly gripped by an invisible hand, causing her unbearable pain.

She crouched down, buried her face in her knees, and tears streamed down her face silently once more.

To go or to stay? She couldn't bring herself to make that decision.