The Aloof Girl Opens the Door of Her Heart Only to Him

After passing through the Fire-Gold Sect’s various halls and courtyards, Fang Qing and Gu Yuan arrived at the sect’s central square.
On the square stood the sparring platform where the two had fought before; now two others were exchanging blows. One of them was a familiar face: Mu Lie, his hair flame-red and physique solid, wielding a glowing greatblade. He was dueling a young swordsman whose blade was wreathed in cool breeze, the fire qi of Mu Lie’s saber clashing against the wind qi of the sword with ringing resonance.
Fang Qing watched briefly, then remarked, “His skill is improving fast. He can’t be far from Foundation Establishment now.”
Gu Yuan nodded. “Indeed. His method aligns well with the sect’s teachings; once he reaches Foundation Establishment, his strength will leap forward.”
At that moment, Mu Lie roared and unleashed a crimson saber qi at the swordsman, who countered with a miniature whirlwind. In the end, the whirlwind dissipated as the youth’s qi waned, and he was defeated. The saber qi faded into fire qi rather than striking the fallen youth.
The swordsman saluted Mu Lie. “I yield. Brother Mu, you’re formidable.”
“Not at all, Brother Li,” Mu Lie replied courteously.
Fang Qing turned to leave. Gu Yuan followed—but just as he stepped off, Mu Lie called out, “Hey, Gu Yuan, want to spar with me?”
The swordsman, having left the platform, watched Gu Yuan expectantly. Mu Lie’s invitation prompted Gu Yuan to glance at Fang Qing, seeking her approval. She smiled and said, “If you want to, go ahead. I’m in no hurry.”
Gu Yuan shook his head. “No, I have other matters. Maybe next time.”
Mu Lie laughed. “All right. But you must spar with me next time!”

“I will,” Gu Yuan replied with a smile.
Turning back to Fang Qing, he said, “Shall we go to Hanli Pavilion?”
Fang Qing nodded and together they left the square, heading for the mountain gate.
Outside the gate they encountered another acquaintance: Luo Hong, whose gentle bearing and sect-issue dao robe marked him as an elder disciple. He was organizing younger disciples.
“Junior Brother Jiang, did you bring the talisman? Check again,” Luo Hong instructed.
“Senior Brother Luo, Sister Luo isn’t feeling well today. She likely can’t come,” a junior disciple reported.
“Then send someone else. The Lucky Rabbit is rare—since it’s been sighted, we must investigate.”
“I’ll contact Sister Li,” the disciple said.
Fang Qing asked, “Are you heading out?”
Luo Hong turned and smiled. “Yes. Someone saw the Lucky Rabbit near Fushi Mountain. I’m assembling a party to search.”
“They say receiving its blessing guarantees a year of smooth fortune and warded disasters,” he continued.
“I see,” Fang Qing said, intrigued. “Senior Brother, would you like me to join?”
Luo Hong hesitated. “No, I—”
But Fang Qing turned to Gu Yuan. “Do you want to go? I don’t °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° mind. And I think you could receive its blessing.”
Gu Yuan shook his head firmly. “I promised to accompany you. I won’t do anything else.”
Fang Qing looked momentarily disappointed. “It’s a pity.”
Gu Yuan patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll catch one for you later.”
Fang Qing smiled. “If you really can, I’ll grant you one favor.” Then she bid Luo Hong farewell. “We’re off. Good luck.”
Luo Hong replied, “And may your cultivation advance a thousand li a day, unstoppable as bamboo splitting rock.”
Fang Qing and Gu Yuan passed through the gate and began the climb to Hanli Pavilion.
With each step, the oppressive heat lessened until at last they reached the pavilion and felt a long-missed coolness. At twenty-odd degrees, it was a relief after the daily forty degrees below.
Originally a small, elegant pavilion, Hanli Pavilion had been expanded over time to hold nearly a hundred people. Now it buzzed with dozens of female disciples laughing and chatting.
Fang Qing scanned the crowd and spotted Yu Hui whispering with a few others on a long bench at the pavilion’s rear. She turned to Gu Yuan. “Are you sure you want to come? You can wait here if you like.”
Gu Yuan’s toes itched at the sight of so many women gathered together—he’d never seen so many in one place and felt awkward. Yet he grit his teeth and said, “No.”
“Very well.”
Fang Qing grasped his wrist to guide him forward—she feared he might get lost. The touch on his wrist told her how tense and unsettled he was; she didn’t want to lose him in the crowd.
They approached Yu Hui’s bench, and several of the disciples turned to look—Fang Qing’s notable appearance, her signature blade at her side, made her unmistakable. Gu Yuan, too, was well known among the women for his gentle nature and his growing bond with Fang Qing.
The New Year’s message floated from elsewhere in the pavilion as disciples exchanged small gifts and blessings.
“Happy New Year, everyone! May the Lucky Rabbit bless you all.”