Xianxia: The Sect Master Is My Girlfriend

“The zithers play, and all is quiet and well.”

As the palace musicians played, the serene melody of the zithers filled the grand hall. Leng Wuyan looked at Li Ran, feeling slightly puzzled.

“I’ve never heard Ran’er sing before, and what a peculiar song title… The Whale That Became an Island?”

Everyone fell silent, their eyes fixed on the tall figure on the stage. Amidst the myriad gazes, Li Ran only focused on one person. He opened his mouth and began to sing, his deep, magnetic voice echoing through the hall:

“I am a blue whale transformed into an island,”

“Bearing the largest shadow.”

“Fish and shrimp swim by my side,”

“And birds alight upon my back.”

…

“I have not entered the land of bustling noise,”

“Nor heard the sounds of clamor.”

“I have not seen the world of myriad creatures,”

“Nor felt the fervor of emotions.”

“Thus, I hardly sense the silence at the ocean’s heart.”

Leng Wuyan’s heart skipped a beat.

This gentle tune was unlike anything she’d ever heard before.

Ordinary songs usually lament lost love or unfulfilled desire, often with a trace of needless sorrow.

But this song was utterly different.

The lyrics were simple, yet full of imagination; the melody unpretentious, as if whispering into one’s ear.

In an instant, it drew people into a world of pure feeling, as if they could see a vast whale drifting on the sea like an island.

Leng Wuyan thought of her past self, standing alone on the snowy mountaintop, much like an isolated island, cut off from the world.

…

“Until that day.”

Li Ran looked at Leng Wuyan, a warm smile in his eyes. Leng Wuyan’s heart began to race, her fingers clutching her robe, her breath nearly held in suspense.

Suddenly, the zither’s music quickened, filling the world with vibrant color.

Li Ran’s voice softly recounted:

“Your gentle fingertips,”

“Soothed every scar left by the waves’ fierce battering.”

“Your eyes held both spring and autumn…”

“More breathtaking than any mountain or river I’ve seen or loved.”

…

“I want to give you a shore where you can run free,”

“So you may walk as a queen.”

When the song ended, its melody lingered in the hall, and after a moment’s silence, the audience erupted in thunderous applause.

Everyone’s eyes sparkled as they looked at Li Ran—astonished, completely captivated.

This song, unlike anything they’d heard before, wasn’t filled with sorrow or whining.

The lyrics were simple yet profound, and the catchy melody seemed to resonate deeply, moving everyone who heard it. It was music of a kind none of them had ever experienced.

“Holy Son! Holy Son!” The crowd cheered, raising their hands in excitement.

Only Leng Wuyan remained still, gazing at the man on the stage, captivated.

Their eyes met, and in that instant, the noise around them faded, as if only the two of them remained in the vast hall.

“Your eyes hold the beauty of spring and autumn, surpassing all the mountains and rivers I’ve ever seen?”

Leng Wuyan felt warmth flooding her heart, filling her with an indescribable tenderness and joy. She thought, ‘How fortunate I am to have met him. From that moment, the world has seemed warmer.’

…

Li Ran leapt gracefully off the stage and walked over to Leng Wuyan, who stood amidst the crowd.

“Master, I had a sudden insight into my cultivation and would like to discuss it with you. Could we find a quieter place?” He winked at her playfully.

Leng Wuyan blushed, cleared her throat, and replied, “Very well, let’s go somewhere more secluded.”

They walked side by side out of the hall, he was tall and robust, she was graceful and elegant—a striking pair.

Elder Sun watched them leave, a slight frown on his face.

“Why does something about this seem… odd?” he muttered.

…

The Cold Wind City was bustling with the annual Frostfall Festival, a night when curfews were lifted, and entertainers and vendors filled the streets, celebrating until dawn.

Children laughed and played with windmill-shaped candies, and vendors sold snacks by the glow of lanterns as drums boomed in the distance, adding to the vibrant energy.

Walking hand-in-hand with Li Ran, Leng Wuyan watched the lively scene, taking it all in.

She couldn’t help but ask, “Ran’er, that song you sang earlier was truly unique. Did you compose it yourself?”

Li Ran shook his head. “No, someone else wrote it.”

Singing had been a spontaneous decision.

After receiving her gift, he wanted to express his gratitude, so he’d recreated the song from memory and recruited the city’s best musicians for a quick rehearsal.

Using zithers and lutes had given it a unique charm he hadn’t expected.

Leng Wuyan hesitated, then said softly, “I thought perhaps you didn’t like my gift and wouldn’t seek me out.”

Li Ran’s expression grew serious. “It’s the best gift I’ve ever received. I loved it so much, I even thought of sleeping with it by my side every night—”

“Enough, stop!” Leng Wuyan’s cheeks flushed red, and she glared at him. “I didn’t give it to you for… strange purposes!”

Li Ran nodded solemnly. “Don’t worry, Master. I’ll treasure it with my life.”

“It’s just a garment. Why make such a fuss?” she replied, embarrassed.

“It’s a symbol of our bond. And besides…” Leaning in close to her ear, he whispered, “I’d love to see you wear it someday.”

“Stop talking nonsense!” she scolded, her face as red as a rose. She shot him a look, half-angry, half-amused. “You unruly disciple! You’re getting bolder by the day.”

“Life’s no fun without dreams, Master. And anyway, what’s life without a little excitement?”

“Those are some very strange dreams,” she retorted, shaking her head.

…

They wandered through the lively streets, bantering back and forth.

The city was alive with crowds and lights, a continuous flow of people reveling in the festivities.

Leng Wuyan observed the vibrant atmosphere and couldn’t help but shake her head.

“All these years on Mystic Spirit Mountain, I never realized the city could be so alive.”

“That’s because you hadn’t met the right person yet,” Li Ran replied, grinning.

She rolled her eyes at him. “You scoundrel! Ever since the day you confessed to me, I’ve lost my peace and clear mind.”

Li Ran shrugged. “What’s so great about peace and detachment? Do what you love, with whom you love. Only then is life worthwhile.” He lightly brushed his fingertip over her palm. “Do you disagree?”

Her face turned a deeper shade of pink, and she sighed. “You really are my fated star! Lucky for me, I don’t cultivate the path of detachment, or I’d have fallen from my position long ago.”

“Path of Detachment?” Li Ran asked, intrigued. “I’ve never heard of such a thing in the demon paths.”

“Oh really? A demon path, you say?” Leng Wuyan chuckled, imagining Yi Qinglan’s reaction if she’d overheard his comment.