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"Even so, I always considered you my true disciple."
Memories surfaced within the Dreamscape, seemingly beckoning to her.
Yet amidst this hazy realm, Fu Xuan could no longer distinguish her genuine feelings from that time.
Early morning.
Fu Xuan sat up on her bed, rubbing her bleary eyes. Despite always valuing her time, she found herself momentarily lost in thought—a rare occurrence.
Perhaps it was due to their upcoming journey aboard the Jade Tower Immortal Ship; lately, scenes from the past frequently appeared in her dreams.
***
Xianzhou, Luofu
30 years after Su Qing's death
[Himeko: ?]
[Firefly: ???]
[Silver Wolf: Opening with a thunderous impact!]
[Seele: Starting straight at thirty years post-death?]
[March 7th: Wait, how is Su Qing gone right from the beginning?!?]
[Sparkle: Fun fact—Fu Xuan holds the record for quickest refresh time. 😁]
[Stelle: Is she speedrunning her day?!]
Fu Xuan divided her loose pink hair into two strands and secured them with golden hairbands. Then, using hairpins, she fastened the flying topknot style atop her head.
[March 7th: Just realized Fu Xuan rocks pigtails.]
[Silver Wolf: Reserved as tsundere material!]
[Fu Xuan: Nonsense.]
After a simple grooming session before the mirror, Fu Xuan shed the drowsiness and slight innocence of sleep to emerge anew as the petite yet commanding Grand Diviner.
Before starting work each day, Fu Xuan would perform several divinations related to routine matters, following their guidance accordingly.
In the morning, she immersed herself in tasks, preparing materials for various engagements at Yu Que.
At noon, she took a brief break, enjoyed lunch, bought a cup of Star Tarot Bubbles, and then resumed her afternoon duties.
[March 7th: Why is this showing Fu Xuan's daily routine?]
[Firefly: I get it now! Fu Xuan must have a similar role to me! Definitely not serious stuff!]
[Fu Xuan: What?!]
[Stelle: Lol, Firefly keeps searching for others with equally frivolous roles. 🤣]
An hour into her work, Fu Xuan performed another divination and discovered someone slacking off during office hours. Following the signs, she arrived at a resting corner within the Divination Commission.
Observing the green-haired maiden, who was roughly her height and clearly enjoying her leisure time, Fu Xuan crossed her arms with a stern expression.
[Qingque: Ah?! Wh-wh-wh-what's this?! This can't be right!]
[Qingque: Isn't this supposed to be Grand Diviner's simulation? How am I even in it, and why does it start with me slacking off?!]
[Stelle: Impressive, playing mahjong, reading idle books, and snacking away. You're quite busy during work hours, aren't you, Qingque?]
[Silver Wolf: @Qingque, should we pay you for three jobs then? ??]
[Qingque: Stop teasing me, guys!]
"Qingque!"
Fu Xuan's sharp rebuke nearly scared the wits out of Qingque, causing both her book and mahjong tiles to tumble down.
Quickly turning around, Qingque wiped the corner of her mouth. "Grand Diviner, misunderstanding, all misunderstandings! I was just taking a tiny-tiny break!"
What followed was a lengthy lecture.
With hands on her knees, Qingque nodded repeatedly, as obedient as a little bird, expressing deep remorse and a commitment to change.
However...
As Fu Xuan counted, this marked the fifth time she had caught Qingque slacking off this month.
And if Fu Xuan were to leave for Yu Que on official business, there would be even less oversight over her antics.
Qingque's art of slacking off had nearly become second nature. At times, Fu Xuan suspected she might even evade detection through divination.
[Qingque: Hehe, Grand Diviner, you flatter me.]
[Fu Xuan: I'm not flattering you!]
After a moment's thought, Fu Xuan said, "In a couple of days, there's an official trip to Yu Que. You should come along."
Qingque instantly froze, bewildered. A trip = overtime = extra work hours! She shook her head vigorously like a rattle drum. "No way..."
However, Fu Xuan replied, "This is a rare opportunity, and I only include you because I trust you. After all, aside from our duties, it essentially counts as a company-sponsored vacation—a chance to enjoy Yu Que fully."
"A company-sponsored vacation?!" Qingque exclaimed, clearly intrigued.
Seeing Qingque's interest piqued, a subtle smile tugged at the corner of Fu Xuan's lips. While she wouldn't outright lie, the vacation aspect was indeed part of the deal—of course, once their work was done.
[Qingque: Oh no! I fell for it!]
[Silver Wolf: Seriously, Qingque? As a seasoned slacker, how could you believe that?! Isn't this just classic empty promises from a boss?]
[Qingque: But the Grand Diviner wasn't like this before!]
[Qingque: @Fu Xuan, Grand Diviner, you've changed—your transformation makes me feel both fearful and distant!]
[Seele: Haha, not as easy to fool anymore, huh?]
[Fu Xuan: Humph, I call it self-improvement.]
[Fu Xuan: As leader of the Divination Commission with aspirations for the rank of general, naturally, I must learn how to manage subordinates.]
The Jade Tower Immortal Boat, tasked with exploring ancient routes, was currently some distance away from Luofu.
However, its recent docking near a jump point made reaching it quite convenient.
Inside the spaceship, Qingque glanced at Fu Xuan seated beside her.
By now, she had realized what this meant. Despite being billed as a work-sponsored trip, given the Grand Diviner's nature, there would be no leisure time whatsoever!
But having slacked off too often this month and personally selected by Fu Xuan herself, there was truly no escape. Resigned, she embarked on this business excursion.
Even aboard the ship, Fu Xuan seemed ready to dive straight into work.
"...Ah, the Jade Tower Immortal Boat!" Qingque hastily raised her voice, exclaiming dramatically, "I recall that place is not only the birthplace of the Divination Commission but also your hometown, isn't it?"
Fu Xuan looked at her. "Are you trying to avoid working by starting this conversation?"
[March 7th: Ha ha ha, Qingque's intentions were seen through so easily!]
Feeling slightly awkward, Qingque scratched her head. "W-well, I am genuinely curious."
If Fu Xuan started working, Qingque knew she would have to follow suit diligently. Engaging in some casual conversation was undoubtedly preferable.
"So, since we're on this rare business trip," Qingque continued, "does the Grand Diviner have any stories to share? Perhaps about your experiences aboard the Jade Tower Immortal Boat? Or how you came to Luofu?"
Fu Xuan set down the document in her hands. She lifted her gaze and looked out at the vast starlit sky beyond the window. As they approached their homeland, feelings of nostalgia mixed with apprehension stirred within her, creating a complex emotional state.
"...Sharing a story could be fine." Fu Xuan paused briefly before adding, "However, after hearing my tale, you must work even harder."
Consider it a method to motivate her subordinate.
"Of course, absolutely!" Qingque nodded vigorously, hoping to navigate through the immediate challenge first.
After all, every day without burdens is a day well-spent!
Fu Xuan began, "In the past, I served in Yu Que's Divination Commission and apprenticed under the former Grand Diviner there."
Qingque's curiosity piqued. "Your master? What kind of person was he?"
It was indeed a good question.
Fu Xuan rested her chin on one hand, pondering for a moment before saying, "Unrivaled in divination, fair and impartial."
Qingque was taken aback. "What high praise!"
"But," Fu Xuan continued, revealing a rare hint of melancholy and loneliness on her face. She murmured softly, "He was also cold-hearted, solely focused on divination results... Some of his beliefs, I completely disagree with."
After a brief emotional fluctuation,
Fu Xuan lowered her hand, her tone returning to calmness. "In the end, my master only taught me for five years. There wasn't much of a bond between us, and I don't truly know him well."
"Five years..." mused Qingque.
To beings with eternal life, that span indeed felt remarkably short—just the blink of an eye.
Based on Fu Xuan's description, Qingque began envisioning a character—a Grand Diviner of Yu Que who remained unswayed by external influences, detached yet steadfastly committed to protecting the Jade Tower Immortal Boat.
Oh wow!
If he was like that, perhaps there's something quite charming about him!
[Silver Wolf: Sure, it sounds somewhat cool, but cold-hearted and indifferent?]
[Silver Wolf: Is this describing Su Qing?]
[Himeko: Doesn't seem likely.]
[Firefly: Absolutely not!]
[Fu Xuan: ?, Are your filters for Su Qing too strong?]
[Fu Xuan: I can perceive my thoughts within the simulation. My genuine feelings align with this portrayal.]
Following the conversation's flow, Fu Xuan naturally began by recounting her experience before joining the Divination Commission—her apprenticeship journey.
Fu Xuan reminisced, "I remember the first time I met my master, it was winter. We encountered each other in the backyard of our home..."
***
One hundred years ago, aboard the Jade Tower Immortal Boat:
Fu Xuan hailed from a lineage of astrologers, known for her sharp intellect and diligent pursuit of knowledge from a young age.
In the midst of a snowy winter, dressed in white attire.
Within the covered walkway of the Fu family's backyard,
Fu Xuan held an ancient tome, engrossed in reading as she walked.
At that time, not yet bestowed with divine sight, her forehead remained unmarked.
Compared to over a hundred years later, she exuded less composure and authority but more youthful innocence.
Her long pink hair was styled into twin ponytails, and while her pretty face wore a serious expression, it couldn't hide the adorable twinkle in her eyes. She appeared entirely as a charming, delicate little maiden, evoking tender affection.
[March 7th: Wow!!! How cute is young Fu Xuan?! Her little face seems so serious, making her even more adorable—I just want to pinch those cheeks!!!?]
[Stelle: It's here! The quirky March 7th mode has emerged!!??]
[Stelle: But... Me too, gotta pinch!]
[Fu Xuan: ...Enough, you two.]
[Guinaifen: Fun, @Sushang, there are two weird sisters here—could you please take them away?!]
[Sushang: ? Sure thing! @March 7th, @Stelle, arrest them!]
[Stelle: ??? March 7th, run fast!]
[March 7th: Don't catch me! I'm not strange at all!]
[Sushang: Uh, what I meant was, your reactions really align with typical suspicious characters...]
[Qingque's eyes widened.]
["Wow, Grand Diviner as a kid?! This is priceless!"]
[However...]
[Sparkle voiced what Qingque had been thinking.]
[Sparkle: @Fu Xuan, how come your height hasn't changed at all?]
[Silver Wolf: Indeed, funnily enough, despite the change in demeanor, Fu Xuan, after over a hundred years, why haven't your height and figure altered even slightly?]
[Fu Xuan: This venerable one suggests you first check yourselves in the mirror and measure your own heights before making such remarks.]
[Stelle: You don't understand! This is called being legally cute!]
[Herta: Get real, seriously.]
The morning had just seen fresh snowfall, leaving the air quite chilly.
Fu Xuan, clad in winter attire with a pristine white fur collar accentuating her slightly flushed cheeks, walked along the corridor. She occasionally glanced at the ancient text in her hand, softly reciting from memory while enjoying the refreshing air.
As she reached the central courtyard where the corridor broke, a winding pebble path continued through the garden.
Noticing someone nearby, Fu Xuan slowed her pace and looked over.
Snow-covered branches concealed the scent of blooming plum blossoms, their red and white hues complementing each other in a picturesque scene.
However, it was the figure beside them that captivated Fu Xuan's attention even more.
The person wore a long robe, seemingly unaffected by the cold. A jade pendant hung at their waist, and their long black hair was neatly tied behind them.
Typically, such a scenic view of snow-laden plum blossoms would not accommodate another presence without disrupting its harmony. Yet, the individual standing in the courtyard, appreciating the plum flowers, blended seamlessly into the setting. Their graceful silhouette appeared as if they too belonged within the painting itself.
[Silver Wolf: Wow!]
[Silver Wolf: Isn't this Su Qing in the simulation just way too cool?]
[Sparkle: HooH, our appearance-obsessed little Silver Wolf strikes again!]
[Silver Wolf: And it's the long-haired version, completely different style!! @Black Swan, what's going on here?]
[Black Swan: (laughs) I'm not sure; I simply reconstructed Fu Xuan's memories.]
[Himeko: The courtyard, plum blossoms, falling snow - everything fits so perfectly.]
[Himeko: @Fu Xuan, your memory must have quite a rosy filter, right?]
[Firefly: Exactly! @Fu Xuan, you always criticized us for our filters, but turns out yours is the heaviest!]
[Fu Xuan: ...Is there a possibility, just a possibility... that this venerable one didn't have any filter at all, and this scene truly was as depicted?]
Fu Xuan's steps slowed, then halted entirely. She curiously gazed around the courtyard, realizing she did not recognize anyone present.
Su Qing also noticed her and approached. First, he glanced at the cover of the book in Fu Xuan's hands before asking, "Are you reading 'The Profound Mysteries of Change'? How far have you progressed? Do you understand it well?"
Though the topic seemed abrupt, it fit seamlessly with the atmosphere. As Su Qing spoke, Fu Xuan instantly recalled her teachers from the academy.
Unconsciously straightening up, Fu Xuan responded, "I've already finished reading it, but I wouldn't claim to have fully grasped its contents. Currently, I'm memorizing sections to gain deeper understanding."
Su Qing proceeded to ask several questions, ranging from easy to difficult, which Fu Xuan answered fluently.
With one particularly intricate and challenging question, Fu Xuan thought for a moment before providing a well-reasoned response.
[Qingque: Wow, this is what a top student's "not fully understanding" looks like! ]
As Su Qing observed Fu Xuan, his ability Avoiding Calamity and Seeking Fortune activated, giving him a sense that something significant was at play.
He then asked, "Do you believe in fate and destiny?"
Fu Xuan assumed this was another test, similar to the previous ones. With utmost seriousness, she provided the standard answer: "Of course not. A Diviner's duty is to foresee auspicious or inauspicious outcomes, thereby choosing favorable results and avoiding unfavorable ones. Therefore, with accurate divination, there truly is no such thing as unchangeable destiny."
"What if," Su Qing continued, "you encounter a predetermined outcome that, despite exhausting all efforts, cannot be altered? What would you do then?"
Upon hearing this, Fu Xuan opened her mouth, momentarily speechless. This scenario wasn't covered in her textbooks, and at that point, she had yet to gain practical experience.
In response to this, Fu Xuan stubbornly asserted, "Regardless of one's fate, there must always be ways to change it."
Upon hearing her answer, Su Qing smiled, nodded, and said no more.
***
The next time Fu Xuan encountered Su Qing, he had become a distinguished guest at the Fu household.
Su Qing sat prominently at the head of the table, commanding even her typically stern father's utmost respect.
Learning that Su Qing was indeed the legendary Grand Diviner of Yu Que, Fu Xuan suddenly felt somewhat nervous.
Despite not being an eternal life being, Su Qing held the position of Grand Diviner within one of the six administrations—a role inherently steeped in legend.
Many tales about him circulated among the people. The most famous among them recounted how, in his early years, Su Qing successfully passed the cloud rider selection and became part of the Cloud Knight corps, already garnering promotions.
However, believing martial prowess alone could not save Xianzhou, he abandoned warfare for scholarship and chose to become a diviner instead.
Subsequently, through countless achievements based on divination, he ultimately broke past traditional barriers and ascended to the rank of Grand Diviner.
[Sparkle: She enjoys herself.]
[Sparkle: But truthfully, she was overly cherished by Yaoshi, forcing her to distance herself from the battlefield.]
As members of the esteemed Fu family, renowned for their expertise in astronomy, they naturally held immense admiration for such a legendary figure in the world of divination.
Fu Xuan had indeed heard numerous stories about Su Qing from her early days.
Her father asked, "Grand Diviner, what is your assessment of my daughter?"
Although Su Qing had already formed a preliminary opinion, he summoned a star chart to confirm it through divination results.
Fu Xuan gazed intently at the star chart, as if captivated by its infinite mysteries.
"Exceptional," Su Qing affirmed, his divination aligning with his earlier predictions. Generous with praise, he continued, "She possesses innate brilliance and unwavering diligence. With impeccable character and ambitious aspirations, she is destined for greatness."
"The future crisis of Xianzhou, years hence, along with a long-standing issue that has troubled me, both rest upon her shoulders."
Su Qing then asked Fu Xuan, "Are you willing to take me as your mentor and accompany me to the Divination Commission for training?"
At that moment, Fu Xuan didn't fully grasp the meaning behind the latter part of Su Qing's praise. However, sensing her father's urging gaze, she promptly bowed her head and replied, "This disciple is willing."
Being apprenticed under the Grand Diviner of Yu Que was undoubtedly, even in Fu Xuan's own view, the best possible choice.
***
A few days later, the apprenticeship ceremony concluded.
Feeling somewhat reserved, Fu Xuan followed closely beside Su Qing as they left her home.
It was lightly snowing that day. As they walked down the long street, Fu Xuan couldn't help but glance back.
Her father stood at the forefront of the gathering, nodding sternly as she glanced back. Her mother, however, smiled and waved, calling out her name softly.
Hearing that gentle voice, Fu Xuan felt a pang in her heart—it was her first time leaving home. A slight lump formed in her throat.
She turned once more to look at the Grand Diviner... whom she should now call Master.
Su Qing walked steadily ahead, unfazed by the commotion behind him without even turning back.
Fu Xuan couldn't help but feel that her master seemed rather distant. Yet, gazing at his composed figure, some of her homesickness gradually dissipated.
Quickening her pace, her pink twin tails gently swayed as she fell into step beside Su Qing.
A single snowflake landed on her nose, its touch slightly chilly. Fu Xuan instinctively drew her neck inward.
Throughout their journey towards the Divination Commission, one peculiar question lingered in her mind:
With so little clothing, won't Master get cold...?
[March 7th: Haha, what an odd concern!]
[Qingque: Ha ha ha, after Potential Unleashing doubled his lifespan, naturally he's immune to extreme temperatures!]
***
Present Day
On the spaceship heading to Yu Que
Recalling this moment, Fu Xuan shared, "My initial impression of my master was that he truly embodied the demeanor of a Grand Diviner."
"Whether it was his mannerisms or deciding to accept me as a disciple based on the divination result, everything felt distinctly characteristic of a Diviner."
"But..."
"But...never mind." Fu Xuan paused, choosing not to dwell further on her emotions. "It's all just old memories now, long gone."
Qingque, listening intently nearby, remarked, "Yet you seem to remember every detail from that story very clearly?"
[Stelle: Excellent roast!]
Unfazed, Fu Xuan responded, "This venerable one has always had an exceptional memory. Even today, I can recite and revise The Profound Mysteries of Change, adapting it into the Luofu version."
She then asked, "I believe I recommended this book to you before, Qingque. Have you taken the time to read it carefully?"
"Haha, ah ha ha, yes, I've read some parts..."
Truthfully, she'd only glanced at the cover.
Qingque chuckled awkwardly and quickly changed the subject. "And after that? What happened once you became his disciple?"
"If you wish to know more," Fu Xuan interrupted, handing her a stack of documents, "finish your work first."
Qingque wailed immediately, "How could you do this?!?"
Using work to keep her in suspense—how cruel!
"Alright, you've heard the story now," Fu Xuan said firmly. "If you continue slacking off, Qingque, this venerable one will indeed become angry."
Fu Xuan lowered her head, reorganizing the materials for their upcoming meeting with Yu Que. Her expression remained composed and her efficiency high, seemingly unaffected by recounting the past.
The Grand Diviner is so calm, thought Qingque. Perhaps, just as she claims, there truly wasn't much emotional attachment between them as master and disciple?
However, despite her words, Fu Xuan had provided such vivid details earlier...
Initially, Qingque's mind wandered aimlessly, but upon seeing the volume of work Fu Xuan assigned, all other thoughts were instantly pushed aside.
It was precisely the amount of work she could complete just before their voyage ended—no more, no less!
Qingque felt like crying but couldn't muster any tears.
Normally, she could still slack off a bit...
But with Fu Xuan sitting right beside her now, there was absolutely no room to shirk her duties! How would she manage?!
[Seele: hhhh, Fu Xuan has Qingque completely under control.]
[Stelle: Amused.]
[Stelle: @Black Swan, seems like the format for viewing this simulation is different from previous ones?]
[Black Swan: Yes, combining past and present scenes allows for a better presentation of the story.]
[Sparkle: Then! Since we've seen the beginning, why not bet on how it will unfold next?]
[Sushang: How should we place our bets?]
[Sparkle: Let's go big if we're betting. I wager that Fu Xuan will, like Silver Wolf, secretly hide away at the end and sob uncontrollably.]
[Silver Wolf: First, I didn't sob uncontrollably; at most, I shed a few tears.]
[Fu Xuan: Secondly, this conjecture is utterly absurd. Even without divination, it's clear that the likelihood is virtually zero.]
[Seele: Ha, you two are quite in sync.]
[Firefly: Fu Xuan seems like someone with remarkably stable emotions, after all, she's Luofu's Grand Diviner.]
[Firefly: Despite having similar heights, I can't imagine her hiding away to wipe tears like little Silver Wolf would!]
[Fu Xuan: As I've already stated, although I deeply respect Su Qing, I am aware of my own feelings.]
[Fu Xuan: Our time as master and disciple was only five years, which for an eternal life being is but a fleeting moment. The bond wasn't particularly strong.]
[Fu Xuan: Therefore, the scenario Sparkle envisions will not occur.]
[Black Swan: (laughs)]
[Fu Xuan: ...(guarded) What are you laughing at?!]
[Black Swan: (waves hand) Nothing, nothing. Don't worry, I don't know how things will unfold either.]
[Black Swan: It's just that this situation feels familiar.]
[Black Swan: Every time, everyone seems so confident about themselves, huh?]