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As Fu Xuan began her narrative, everyone watched the memories she described as having an "average" master-disciple bond.
***
After spending some initial time at the Divination Commission, Fu Xuan gradually settled in. Each day, she studied the art of divination, seeking guidance from her master and engaging in discussions with her colleagues.
Over time, she even started fulfilling her duties as a diviner, contributing to the safe navigation of Xianzhou.
One day, Su Qing approached Fu Xuan and said, "Your mother sent your pillow and quilt from home; I've already placed them in your room."
"Yes, thank you, Master," Fu Xuan replied, her face slightly flushed as she bowed gratefully.
Her mother's concern, evident through sending her familiar bedding from home, did indeed help Fu Xuan rest better. However, troubling her master with such minor personal matters felt somewhat embarrassing to Fu Xuan.
Moreover, it might make her seem overly delicate...?
Noticing her apprehension, Su Qing offered encouraging words, emphasizing that adequate rest significantly aids one's studies. Besides, since the room at the Divination Commission was assigned to her, she had full discretion over its use.
Seeing Su Qing's positive attitude, Fu Xuan finally relaxed. After a moment of thought, she hesitantly looked up and asked, "Then Master, I still have some unread books and a few frequently used items from home. Could they...could they also be brought here?"
Su Qing smiled warmly. "Of course, as long as your room has space for them."
In the following days, Su Qing noticed a marked improvement in Fu Xuan's demeanor; she seemed more cheerful and smiled often. For a young girl newly separated from her family to study, creating a familiar environment within her room undoubtedly provided comfort.
[Silver Wolf: First off, I've never had a mentor, so I don't fully grasp the dynamics of a master-disciple relationship.]
[Silver Wolf: But seriously, is this what Fu Xuan means by a strained master-disciple bond?]
[Fu Xuan: ...I never said it was strained, just average.]
[Firefly: Extraordinarily average, right?!]
***
Now that Fu Xuan had been accepted as Su Qing's disciple, her learning experience within the Divination Commission, apart from attending exchange sessions, primarily involved individualized instruction from Su Qing herself.
[Stelle: Nice, like having a renowned tutor all to oneself.]
One frequently employed teaching method involved Fu Xuan reading aloud the latest divination journal to her master and then asking questions about any concepts she didn't understand, receiving explanations accordingly.
In Su Qing's workspace, or more specifically, within the Grand Divination Pavilion:
Su Qing sat behind an antique desk, handling not only his primary duties of divination but also various administrative tasks as the Grand Diviner. These bureaucratic matters required little thought yet were unavoidable responsibilities.
Focusing solely on such tasks would be a waste of time, so during these moments, Fu Xuan would sit beside him and skim through the journal first.
Given Fu Xuan's innate intelligence, just one read-through was enough for her to grasp the basic ideas presented in many articles. Su Qing, adept at multitasking, faced no issue with this arrangement.
Afterward, if there were points Fu Xuan did not comprehend or topics Su Qing found noteworthy, they could further discuss them, with Su Qing providing clarifications as needed.
On this particular day, Fu Xuan knocked before entering. "Master, I've retrieved the newest journal."
By now, Fu Xuan's demeanor had become less reserved. As she approached Su Qing, her steps were slightly lighter, revealing a touch of youthful vivacity.
"Ah, go ahead and read it through," Su Qing responded.
Fu Xuan nodded in agreement.
First, she placed the journal on the table, then with her right hand resting on it and left hand holding up her skirt, Fu Xuan gently tiptoed back before lightly hopping into her chair.
The camera zoomed in for a close-up.
Fu Xuan wore small brown shoes adorned with purple tassels and knotwork, featuring cutouts that revealed glimpses of her white silk-covered feet, making them appear quite charming.
Once seated, despite naturally lowering her feet, they still fell just short of touching the ground.
[Sparkle: ? Ha ha ha, how tall is Fu Xuan? Why can't her feet reach the ground when sitting on a chair?]
[Fu Xuan: I suggest you worry about yourself instead!]
[Silver Wolf: ? Aren't you both pretty similar?]
[March 7th: ...Should I roast all three of you above?]
[Stelle: Enjoying this, aren't we? The trio of petite ladies, indeed. Pot calling the kettle black.]
With the journal in hand, Fu Xuan began reading attentively. Whenever encountering minor issues, she would promptly raise them. For more complex topics, she made note to discuss later.
Fu Xuan was highly eager to learn, and studying under such a knowledgeable master brought her immense joy. This cheerful mood manifested in her actions.
As she read from the journal, her rounded calves, wrapped in white silk, gently swayed back and forth. Her delicate feet, adorned with amethyst knots, softly oscillated.
After finishing each article, Fu Xuan would glance at her master. Upon receiving Su Qing's subtle nod, she would proceed to the next one.
Once several articles were completed or enough questions had accumulated, Fu Xuan would pause her reading, and Su Qing would momentarily halt his official duties, taking the journal from her hands.
At this point, Fu Xuan would raise each of her queries in turn, then lean slightly forward with hands resting on her legs, attentively listening to her master's explanations.
This cycle repeated multiple times until the entire journal was read through. By then, Su Qing's administrative tasks were also largely complete.
Naturally, after returning home, Fu Xuan would further digest what she had learned. Only once fully understood, without any remaining doubts, could she consider completing her study of that divination journal issue.
To be fair, Fu Xuan's learning environment was indeed exceptionally privileged.
Not only did she benefit from Su Qing's personal tutelage, but many articles within these journals were written by members of the Grand Diviner's Commission themselves.
If there were specific areas she wished to understand better, Fu Xuan often had the opportunity to consult directly with the authors for their insights...
[Sushang: Wow! What an incredible learning environment!]
[Bronya: Well, with Fu Xuan's combination of genius and diligence, she certainly deserves such an environment.]
After their study session, Fu Xuan stood up to pour her master a cup of tea. Only after Su Qing picked it up and took a sip did she serve herself.
As the master imparted knowledge, the disciple naturally reciprocated gratitude. Despite being told not to be overly formal, observing basic etiquette was still important.
Following this, there would typically be a brief break.
They would discuss impressions from the articles read, share interesting anecdotes from within the Divination Commission, or engage in lighter conversations.
Fu Xuan sat upright, hands resting on her skirt, her legs subtly swinging despite herself—a clear sign that she cherished these moments greatly.
On the other hand,
For Su Qing, having Fu Xuan by his side transformed the once tedious bureaucratic hours into enjoyable times. Fu Xuan indeed proved to be a charming and diligent disciple, both thoughtful and gifted. Who wouldn't appreciate a disciple like that?
[Silver Wolf: I have to ask again, is THIS what you call! A NORMAL RELATIONSHIP!?]
[Firefly: Seems like little Silver Wolf might be feeling envious, no?]
[Firefly: If only you had apprenticed under Su Qing back at Punklorde, could you have enjoyed similar treatment too?]
[Silver Wolf: No way, stop making things up, I'm definitely not.?]
[Silver Wolf: Speaking of envy, shouldn't this one be the most jealous? @Kafka]
[Kafka: Chortle.]
[Kafka: Hardly noteworthy; it won't shake my position at all.]
Fu Xuan remained silent.
From an outsider's perspective, her relationship with her master seemed indeed better than she remembered... How peculiar. At the time, she hadn't even noticed.
***
After some days had passed, once again within the Grand Divination Pavilion:
Su Qing observed Fu Xuan nearby, who was holding reference materials and preparing for her upcoming presentation at the exchange meet.
It was evident from her frequent glances at the notes that Fu Xuan felt somewhat nervous.
Her previous mistake could potentially affect her performance this time as well. If anxiety led to more errors now, it risked creating a vicious cycle.
Before leaving for the exchange meet, Su Qing gestured for Fu Xuan to come closer.
Fu Xuan approached, standing beside him and tilting her small face upward. "Master?"
Su Qing extended his hand.
Fu Xuan slightly tensed and drew back her shoulders, recalling the last time her hair got tousled.
However, this time, her master's touch was remarkably gentle, offering a distinctly different experience.
Initially apprehensive, Fu Xuan soon relaxed as she felt the comforting sensation atop her head.
[Stelle: Head-pat mode, activated!]
[March 7th: This move is incredibly effective, especially on young girls—it's simply unmatched!]
[Silver Wolf: So, from whom did you learn this technique?]
[Kafka: ... ]
[Silver Wolf: Ah, suddenly speechless now, aren't we?]
[Kafka: Silver Wolf, shut it.]
[Silver Wolf: Hahahahahaha!!]
As Su Qing continued stroking Fu Xuan's hair, soothing her nerves, he reassured her, "Don't worry, trust me—you'll do great. That's my masterly judgment. Compared to last time, you've grown significantly."
"Mm-hmm, thank you, Master..." Fu Xuan closed her eyes contentedly.
A girl's thoughts can be intricate, and Fu Xuan was no exception.
Fu Xuan pondered silently. Last time, her master had playfully tousled her hair, encouraging her to overcome her shyness. But this time, his touch was so gentle.
Could these contrasting experiences signify that her master truly began acknowledging her now?
With the dual boost of verbal encouragement and the comforting head pat, Fu Xuan's presentation turned out exceptionally successful.
In truth, her abilities were already sufficient; she just lacked confidence when speaking publicly before numerous diviners. Having bolstered her self-assurance and achieving one perfect success, she would naturally improve further like a snowball gathering momentum, becoming better with each attempt.
After the exchange meet concluded, Fu Xuan didn't say anything but occasionally glanced at Su Qing with a gleam in her eyes, as if expecting something.
Whenever Su Qing met her gaze, she quickly looked away, acting as if nothing had happened.
[March 7th: Ha ha ha, is she seeking praise? So cute!]
Recalling what Fu Xuan mentioned earlier:
Once they were alone,
Su Qing reached out and gently ruffled Fu Xuan's hair again, saying, "Well done."
As their interaction continued, he observed that Fu Xuan craved recognition yet found it awkward to express directly. Being a first-time master, Su Qing was also navigating many aspects through trial and error. However, one thing became clear—positive feedback was incredibly important.
For his diligent disciple, whether successful or not—even upon failure—Su Qing would always offer heartfelt praise.
Sure enough, when Fu Xuan felt the familiar head pat, a smile involuntarily spread across her face. Her subsequent "Thank you, Master—" sounded distinctly sweeter, indicating her immense happiness.
[Black Swan: By choosing a moment without others around, Su Qing allows Fu Xuan to fully relax and enjoy the encouragement.]
[March 7th: Yes, details matter! Su Qing consistently excels in these subtle gestures!]
From then on, it seemed to become a habit.
Whenever Fu Xuan made progress in her studies or excelled in other areas, Su Qing would gently pat her head as encouragement.
If too much time passed without such a gesture, Fu Xuan would feel somewhat anxious, wondering if she had been complacent and not striving hard enough.
Conversely, after receiving a head pat, her subsequent performance improved significantly, her mood uplifted as she diligently focused on her academics.
At times, a young girl's thoughts can be intricate, yet at others, they are remarkably simple.
In the blink of an eye, over a year had gone by.
Under Su Qing's guidance and instruction, both academically and in daily life, Fu Xuan had fully adapted to her studies within the Divination Commission.
As her knowledge grew, so did her admiration for Su Qing.
Unlike others in the Divination Commission, Su Qing was not just a diviner; he also possessed centuries of experience as a cloud rider, along with expertise from numerous other professions.
The more Fu Xuan learned about him, the greater her respect became.
Before, when asked whom she admired most, she might have hesitated, considering figures from Xianzhou's history.
Now, the answer flowed effortlessly from her lips—without any doubt, it was her master.
As for their personal relationship, there was even less need to elaborate.
Su Qing already had experience "raising a daughter," albeit one as challenging as Kafka. Applying this wisdom to mentoring his disciple, he demonstrated remarkable care and gentleness.
Perhaps even Fu Xuan herself didn't fully realize how close and reliant she had become on him during this process. It unfolded naturally, alongside their shared journey.
The audience witnessed the gradual change in Fu Xuan's tone when addressing Su Qing over the past year and a half.
The content remained constant, but her inflection had noticeably evolved.
Initially, it was with utmost respect, using the formal title "Master."
As time went on, she gradually relaxed, bridging some of the distance between them.
Eventually, her voice took on a close and intimate quality, reflecting trust and reliance—a young girl's affectionate tone.
And then came the scene they had just observed:
Fu Xuan pushed open the door of the Grand Divination Pavilion, approaching Su Qing. As she handed him a book, she sweetly said, "Master—here's the latest monthly journal edition for you."
Su Qing raised his hand to gently pat her head. "Mm, thank you."
Fu Xuan closed her eyes comfortably, resembling an adorable little pink kitten. If not for her reserved nature, she might have even nuzzled Su Qing's hand to express her happiness.
[Stelle: Aww, Fu Xuan is so cute.]
[Seele: Well, well, looks like we've got ourselves a clingy little disciple now, huh?]
[Kafka: ...]
[Kafka: ??]
[Kafka: @Fu Xuan, is this what you call a "not-so-close" relationship? Are you putting on an act for us?!]
[Sparkle: Joy, Kafka, raging with anger!]
[Silver Wolf: Hahaha, it's clear that Kafka is genuinely upset now.]
[Silver Wolf: Seems like those affectionate head pats were once her exclusive privilege, right?]
[Firefly: Yes, indeed! I remember when Kafka was younger, she acted just like a clingy little purple kitten whenever Su Qing touched her head!]
[Firefly: Now with a sudden addition of a pink kitten by Su Qing's side, no wonder she's truly getting anxious.?]
[Sparkle: Hmm, interestingly, Kafka can't really be called "little" anymore, but Fu Xuan certainly fits the description of a pink kitten, doesn't she?]
[Fu Xuan: ...]
[Kafka: @Fu Xuan, speak up! Is this what you meant by a "not-so-close" relationship???]
[Fu Xuan: ...This venerable one doesn't recall such details.]
[Fu Xuan: Were my master and I truly that close? No way, I don't remember it being like that.]
[Fu Xuan: I still want to ask, @Black Swan, is it possible that this occurred in a parallel world—similar to this venerable one's but actually involving someone else's story?]
[Stelle: Ha ha ha, damage control incoming!]
[Sparkle: Oh, Fu Xuan's spin on this is quite inventive. To avoid admitting it was you, even invoking parallel worlds, huh?!]
[Black Swan (smiling): @Fu Xuan, let me assure you, this is definitely about you.]
[Black Swan: Sometimes, the image we hold of ourselves in our memories can differ from reality.]
[Seele: But isn't that difference way too big?!]
[March 7th: From what I've seen of Fu Xuan, it doesn't seem like she's putting on an act.]
[March 7th: Fu Xuan genuinely appears to believe her relationship with her master never reached such a close point.]
[March 7th: What could be the reason for that?]
[Silver Wolf: It looks staged to me! Just trying to show off!]
[Qingque: Cough, cough, here, I think I should defend the Grand Diviner somewhat.]
Qingque: It seems more like she just didn't realize it, no? For someone from Xianzhou, five years is truly a short span.
Qingque: With the Grand Diviner fully immersed in studying divination, perhaps she hadn't noticed how close her relationship with her master had become before their time together ended.
Silver Wolf: While that's a plausible explanation...
Silver Wolf: Still, isn't she being incredibly oblivious?!
Sparkle: Hold on, this is just the beginning.
Sparkle: Considering Fu Xuan spent thirty years without realizing her bond with her master, I'm genuinely curious to see what else she'll do next.
***
Present Time:
After hearing Fu Xuan recount this part of her story, Qingque couldn't help but feel intrigued.
"Grand Diviner," Qingque asked, puzzled, "weren't you always saying your relationship as master and disciple was average? But based on your account, it sounds like you were quite close."
"Did I?" Fu Xuan pondered for a moment before responding, "I doubt it. Perhaps you're reading too much into it, Qingque."
[Silver Wolf: Unbelievable!]
[Silver Wolf: Fu Xuan's calm expression doesn't seem faked at all!?]
[March 7th: But it's been thirty years already. How can Fu Xuan still not realize...?]
[Stelle: Interesting, I'm actually looking forward to Fu Xuan's reaction once they do.]