Chapter 154: Outside the Qingyu Pavilion, Lavishly Decorated

“Indeed, no matter how anxious we are now, no matter how many strategies we devise, they are all futile. The only thing we can do is to calm our minds and face the upcoming challenge with composure, ensuring those with ill intentions have no chance to enter the mysterious realm and steal the scroll depicting the vital points of Yanlan Academy and Bilu Ancient City. Everything else can wait; after all, plans cannot keep pace with change. Who knows what lies ahead? We must take one step at a time.” Lan Bingxian tried to comfort the solemn crowd, masking his true feelings behind a facade of ease.

The source of everyone’s unease boiled down to three concerns: first, guarding the passage to the mysterious realm to prevent treacherous individuals from entering; second, the unfathomable words spoken by their master and senior uncle, hinting at a fierce upheaval soon to occur; and third, Fu Youming’s intention to utterly annihilate Lan Bingxian. The group was already burdened with enough worries, and Lan Bingxian did not wish to add his own troubles to their heavy hearts.

Thus, he wished for them to temporarily forget about his predicament, so they might catch their breath and not be crushed by the weight of these pressures. He knew that no matter how much he persuaded them to set aside his troubles and avoid getting involved, it would be a fruitless effort. These brothers would never allow one of their own to face danger alone; even if the path ahead was a sheer cliff, they would leap together rather than abandon anyone. So, he said little, merely trying to ease their minds and prevent them from wasting energy worrying about events yet to unfold.

“Brother Lan, what do you think we should do now? Honestly, my mind is in chaos—nothing seems clear. I’m desperately trying to calm my bad feelings, but the more I resist, the more they fight back. Yet if I ignore them, they become uncontrollable. Right now, I feel like a tangled mess, lost and uncertain of the path ahead.” Meng Youyuan looked at Lan Bingxian pitifully, confiding her current state in hopes of finding a way out.

“Is there a place in Bilu Ancient City where travelers must visit, or a gathering spot for scholars, cultivators, and sages?” Yu Shang suddenly asked an unrelated question out of nowhere, causing the troubled group to pause and regard him with puzzled eyes. They didn’t know what he intended, but they understood he was not one to shirk serious matters or indulge in frivolity. His actions must have a purpose, though they could not fathom it.

“There is indeed a tranquil and elegant place here, loved by many. Even people from other regions come here just to enjoy a moment of peace. However, recently, due to the mysterious realm incident, Bilu Ancient City has attracted many unsavory individuals. I suppose the ‘Qingyu Pavilion’ has become somewhat tainted and different from its usual serene state.” Xun Mi-shuang answered honestly. Her tone revealed she was well acquainted with the place; otherwise, she wouldn’t know the atmosphere there so intimately, not merely from hearsay.

“Brother Yu, why ask about this out of the blue? Do you wish to visit? The Qingyu Pavilion is famous far and wide, and it would be a pity not to see it. But it has an unspoken rule: without a recommendation from a regular, no one is allowed entry. Even if you were a leader or a celestial immortal, they wouldn’t show you any favor. You must know someone there who can vouch for you. I think your hope will be dashed; even I, born here, have never been able to experience it firsthand.” Yin Boxuan sounded a little disappointed. The Pavilion was a place of longing for him, but it was truly inaccessible to ordinary folk.

Yu Shang smiled lightly and told everyone, “Since we don’t know what else to do, why not go there and have a look? Consider it a way to relax and indulge in a bit of worldly pleasure. Besides, I’m confident we can find a way to enter and see what makes it so renowned.” Without waiting for their response, he strode forward decisively. His mind was made up—he was going to the Qingyu Pavilion. Yet no one knew why, for Yu Shang was always a mystery, his thoughts inscrutable.

“So, finally, we get to leave this academy and see what interesting things are outside. It’s boring being locked up here counting the hours day after day!” Lan Wu, having shaken off her earlier displeasure, spoke excitedly and rushed ahead, eager to reach their destination. Just thinking about it made her happy—after so many stifling days, she was ready to enjoy herself thoroughly. This trip would not be in vain!

“That silly girl thinks that brat is going there just to have fun. Who knows what mischief he’s planning to drag us into!” The only person who truly understood Yu Shang’s thoughts was Xiao Yin. With a single glance, he could tell what Yu Shang meant, and with one gesture, know what he intended. Given Yu Shang’s restless nature, he hardly understood leisure. So, his purpose at the Qingyu Pavilion was surely not innocent. But Xiao Yin loved watching the drama unfold; he was curious to see what trouble this brat would stir up.

“I told you we can’t get in there. You just won’t believe it until you hit a wall yourself and realize some things aren’t worth insisting on!” Yin Boxuan muttered while watching Yu Shang’s receding figure. Why was he so stubborn, refusing to listen? Yin had dreamed of entering that place for years, but no matter what he tried, he never succeeded. He couldn’t believe this newcomer, barely a few days in Bilu Ancient City, could manage what others had failed at for so long.

The rest reluctantly followed. Although they didn’t understand Yu Shang’s intentions, going out for a walk was better than being trapped inside the academy, lost in wild thoughts. Maybe a breath of fresh air would clear their minds. However, none noticed the strange expression on Leng Huaiyi’s face—a fleeting glimmer of melancholy and nostalgia that left an indelible mark. His gaze stirred something deep within, touching a long-sealed part of the heart.

The ancient path remained as lively as when they first arrived. This atmosphere did not breed annoyance but rather enveloped them, lifting their spirits from gloom to joy. The azure sky framed the quaint, antiquated lane like a picturesque painting, captivating the eye and reluctant to look away. They wished to immerse themselves in this, to savor a brief moment etched into memory forever. Perhaps only unfulfilled desires could leave such an unforgettable impression, a lingering yearning that forever imprints itself on the soul.

Before long, they stopped before a splendid pavilion, peering inside with eager eyes, yearning to see through its mysteries. Colorful glazed tiles adorned the roof, dazzling like a garden in full bloom—each blossom so exquisite one wished to pluck them all. The white pillars bore intricate carvings of dragons soaring through the nine heavens, each stroke capturing the essence of these mythical creatures. The lifelike depiction evoked the grandeur of a divine dragon’s descent, inspiring awe and a trace of trepidation.

Most captivating were the lanterns themed around spring, summer, autumn, and winter, decorated with plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. They were simply outlined in ink, without excessive color, yet their symbolism was profound, inspiring admiration. Too many hues would spoil the delicate ambiance; there was a unique allure in this simplicity. Curiously, the lanterns’ candlelight glowed faintly blue, cold and elegant.

This subtle, unassuming blue light harmonized with the unreachable blue sky above, creating a dreamlike scene. Two seemingly similar yet essentially different shades of blue merged into a breathtaking whole, dazzling everyone. They wondered if the addition of a deep night sky would create an indescribable beauty. In unspoken agreement, they hoped for nightfall so they could witness this rare spectacle.

Suddenly, Yu Shang’s gaze was drawn away from the blue glow by something in the pavilion’s corner: a folding screen depicting a woman in a sheer silk gown dancing gracefully on a lake’s surface. She was truly beautiful, like a pure white jade lotus floating on water—too delicate to be touched for fear she would lose her luster. Yet it was hard to merely watch from afar; even a gentle touch would be cherished for a lifetime.

What attracted Yu Shang was not solely her beauty but a sense of familiarity, as if he had seen her somewhere before. Yet he could not recall who she was. She seemed like a dream—something you think you’ve experienced, only to realize it was a comforting fantasy. But then again, you feel a subtle presence beside you that refuses to vanish, compelling you to wonder if it is illusion or reality, memory or experience. Alas, no matter the truth, he and she were destined to miss each other. Perhaps meeting inevitably meant parting.

“So this is the Qingyu Pavilion you spoke of? Truly enchanting—before even entering, one is captivated and reluctant to leave. The exterior is already so extraordinary. I wonder what surprises await inside. I eagerly wish to experience its wondrous atmosphere and behold the grace of its overseer. I imagine she must be a peerless beauty, pure and untainted!” Yan Xuesu admired the splendid decor. If Yanlan Academy was like the noble orchid, then Qingyu Pavilion was like a radiant garden blooming with myriad flowers.

“Look, even the pavilion’s main gate is uniquely crafted—not a typical carved wooden door, but woven from beaded curtains. It exudes a mysterious, ethereal beauty, like a pipa half-concealed behind a veil. The small gaps allow glimpses of the interior’s shifting scenes but never the full view, leaving space for imagination. It constantly radiates an aura of mystery, as if beckoning passersby to pause and not miss this earthly paradise in their haste—a great regret if one did!” Yu Xiaoran couldn’t help but praise the Pavilion, seemingly entranced by it himself.