"Xing Yue, what troubles you?" the master from the other side spoke.
"master," she spoke softly, "in the weekend I have a test, in that, all disciples have to compose music with a guqin.. but we don't have a guqin. what should I do? is there any way?"
a pause followed, then a little chuckle echoed through the pendent. he said, "you have finally encountered a challenge that you cannot solve on your own?"
Xing Yue frowned slightly. and said, "this isn't the time for riddles, master. if I fail, I might not be able to progress further."
"you have to meet someone, if you want to get a guqin." her master said through the pendant from other side.
Xing Yue eyebrows furrowed, and she said, "what do you mean master?"
"you go to my hidden sanctuary. the answer awaits you there." the master said through the pendant.
he continued, "the pendent will take you there.." suddenly, the pendant pulsed once more and a shimmering thread of light extended from it, pointing toward the distance. Xing Yue knew what this meant, that her master had a opened a path for her. without hesitation, she rose, draping a cloak over her shoulders before stepping out into the night.
the celestial winds whispered as she followed the guiding light, leading her towards the hidden sanctuary of her master.
"master, master.. I'm here. then, what should I do now?" Xing Yue asked.
look, there will be a wooden box near the potted plant in the main hall. there will be a map in that box. there is an old craftsman who once served in the celestial court. he resides near the eastern river. if fate allows, he may help you find what you seek." the master said from the other side through pendent.
her heart leaped with hope. the eastern river... that's outside the starry pavilion. but how can I go there?" she whispered herself.
then the master said through pendent, " you must figure that out yourself, Xing Yue. the map can only show the path." his voice is filled with quiet amusement. "challenges are meant to be overcome. trust your instincts."
with that, the pendant's glow faded, and silence settled around her.
in Xing Yue's eyes, determination burning in them. "if this was the path I had to take, then I would find a way to meet that craftsman. the night is sheltering in the middle, and I had no time to waste. even to wait for until the morning." she whispered herself.
Xing Yue tightened her grip on the map, her heart pounding against her chest. the night sky stretched above her, stars flickering like distant whispers of fate. she exhaled softly, casting a glance at the pendant that no longer glowed. her master had given her a direction, but the rest was up to Xing Yue.
"the eastern river..." she murmured again, her eyes scanning the markings on the map. it was beyond the starry pavilion's grounds, which meant sneaking out unnoticed.
with a silent nod to herself, she wrapped her cloak around her, and she is blending into the shadows. the pathway grounds were quiet, the occasional flicker of lantern light illuminating the empty pathways. avoiding the people around her, she moved swiftly, her steps are light against the stone paths.
the pavilion gates were guarded, but she had observed them long enough to know that the guards are rotated every half an hour. timing her breath, she pressed against the cold walls, waiting until one of them turned to speak with another. in that moment, she slipped past, and disappearing into the forest beyond.
as she ventured deeper, the air grew cooler, the rustling leaves carrying the scent of damp earth. the path was uneven, filled with twisted roots and jagged rocks, but she pressed on, guided only by the dim light of the stars.
after nearly an hour, she reached the riverbank. the water glistened beneath the the moonlight, its surface calm yet deep. Xing Yue unfolded the map once more, tracing the symbols with her fingers. "master had mentioned a craftsman, someone who could provide a guqin. but where?" she murmured herself.
a flicker of light appeared across the river, barely visible through the mist. a small hurt nestled against the trees, its lanterns swaying gently in the night breeze.
Xing Yue's eyes sharpened. she whispered herself, "that must be it."
the river was too wide to cross on foot, and there was no bridge in sight. she glanced around until she spotted an old wooden boat tethered to a post nearby. it looked abandoned, but she had no other choice. unfastening the rope, she carefully stepped in, the wood creaking under her weight.
taking the paddle, she maneuvered through the still waters, each stroke bringing her closer to the mysterious hut. the moon reflected in the river, casting a silvery glow around her. the journey felt like something out of a dream-silent, almost scared.
as she reached the other side, she pulled the boat ashore she got, the stronger the scent of wood and lacquer filled the air. she whispered herself slightly, "I think, this was definitely the home of the craftsman."
Xing Yue hesitated for a brief moment before knocking.
a few seconds passed before the door creaked open.
an old man with a long silver beard and deep, knowing eyes stood before her, his gaze settling on her face as if he had been expecting her.
the old man studied Xing Yue with an unreadable expression before stepping aside..
" so... it's really you." the craftsman said, his voice is rough yet steady.
the craftsman stepped aside, allowing Xing Yue to enter. the scent of lacquer and aged wood filled the dimly lit space, shelves lined with finely crafted instruments.
"you've finally come for it, haven't you?" he murmured, his voice carrying an ancient weight.
Xing Yue hesitated. and said, "the guqin?"
he nodded..
"you were expecting me?" she asked, her voice hesitant.
the craftsman let out a low chuckle. and said, "not expecting.. its waiting."
Xing Yue frowned slightly. and said, "for what? did my master told you that I'll come.."
"maybe yes, the guqin is waiting for you to come and take what is meant for you," he replied, his gaze steady yet unreadable.
Xing Yue's gaze landed on the guqin resting on a wooden stand at the centre of the room. its surface was smooth, the dark wood etched with faint patterns of swirling clouds.
there was something strangely familiar about it, as if it was calling to her. "this guqin... is it yours?" Xing Yue asked..
the old man shook his head. and said, "no, it has always been waiting for its rightful owner."
Xing Yue traced her fingers along the strings, a shiver running down her spine. "but why do I feel something familiar?" Xing Yue asked.
the craftsman smiled faintly but did not answer. instead, he turned and poured a cup of tea, placing it before her. he said, "some things are not meant to be remembered all at once."
Xing Yue looked down at the instrument, her heart inexplicably pounding. she couldn't understand why, but deep inside, she felt as though this guqin had once been a part of her.