Chapter Twenty-Three: Unforgettable Frost, Wandering Amidst Mist and Clouds

“I must thank all of you here today!”
“And I, Lan Bingxian, also bow in gratitude to everyone present!”
As the master and disciple finished speaking, they prepared to perform a formal bow, but fortunately, the others reacted quickly and helped them up before they could kneel.

“Master, junior brother, please don’t stand on such ceremony with us! I truly feel unworthy. Smoke Orchid Academy has endured so many tribulations over the years, and yet as a disciple, I have never once been at your side to weather the storms together. I am deeply ashamed,” Leng Huaiyi spoke, his eyes brimming with tears, clearly overcome with guilt.

“Yi’er, it is I who have failed you! Not only did I ruin your betrothal, but I also destroyed your future. But you must understand, Yi’er, that you and that Xun Mishuang are of different stations. For the sake of the Academy’s reputation, I had no choice but to break you apart.” The old man’s eyes were filled with sorrow and remorse.

Everyone around looked on, puzzled at the mutual guilt between master and disciple, not daring to interrupt. Only Yushang sighed quietly, “Alas… yet another soul ensnared by love. No wonder he never accepted Lan Wu’s feelings—his heart already belonged elsewhere. Heaven truly delights in toying with us: those who wish to be together are always kept apart, while those without affection see each other day and night.”

Indeed, why must Heaven be so cruel? Is it truly so amusing to see once-loving couples forced apart, or even turn their swords against each other, for some unknown cause? Is it not said that lovers are destined to be together? But why is it that, in the end, it is always the loveless who remain? After a lifetime of striving for fame and fortune, we lose that pure, innocent love we once held—was it really worth it?

“By the way, none of you have found a suitable place to stay, have you? If you don’t mind the humble setting, you may lodge here. There’s no need to worry about disturbances; I come here to seek peace, and the students of the Academy seldom venture to this place,” the old man explained gently, his words as warm and gentle as a spring breeze, filling everyone’s hearts with the comforting sense of home.

“We couldn’t wish for anything better—how could we possibly mind?” Yan Xuesu replied, her tone polite.

“Well then, I won’t disturb your rest. I shall visit again another day,” the old man said, and quietly left.

“It seems you all have much to discuss. I’d best not intrude. I’ll be in the next room—just call for me if you need anything,” Lan Bingxian added before taking his leave, leaving the others exchanging uncertain glances in the hall.

“Judging by your expressions, it seems you have many questions. Don’t bottle them up—it’s uncomfortable. I imagine my return to the Academy will stir up plenty of rumors, so instead of relying on hearsay, allow me to lay the truth before you,” Leng Huaiyi said lightly, as if discussing someone else’s life, not his own.

“You know my nature—what’s in my heart comes out of my mouth. I want to know: who exactly is this Xun Mishuang your master mentioned? And what is your relationship with her?” Yan Xuesu tugged at Lan Wu’s sleeve, signaling her not to press further, but it was too late.

“Everyone, please sit. Telling stories is exhausting, and if you all stand there like that, how much more tiring must it be?” Leng Huaiyi smiled and took a seat by a wooden chair. Seeing this, the others followed suit.

“I never knew where my home was, nor my true name, since childhood. I only remember the days of wandering, never knowing if I’d see the next sunrise. Luckily, in a bitterly cold winter, my master found me nearly frozen on the streets and brought me to this Academy. Truly, those days here are my fondest memories, for from the moment my master gave me a name, I knew my new life had begun. So I trained hard, followed every rule, all to prove to my master he had not saved the wrong person—I wanted to be his pride. In a few years, I earned a small reputation, winning the respect of many. But was I truly happy? Who could know the bitterness behind the bright facade?
Then one day, Master brought back a girl—a beautiful girl, noble and pure as a snow lotus. I admit, from that moment, she captured my heart.”

But she was shy and barely spoke to me, so whenever I had free time, I would seek her out to play. Slowly, I won her trust and opened her closed heart. Until one day, Master called me to his room. It was the first time he treated me so sternly. He told me to remember that the g