Spring Winds

Chapter 31: Sword

"...ran"

Eh? (`)

"... Ran"

Who's calling this auntie? Can't you see I'm busy? <(^)>

I'm trying to use all my brainpower right now!

"Jing Ran!"

"Ah! I'm awake!" Who is it? Is it Senior Sister? (.)

"Uh, Jing Ran," a meek little voice brought me back from the remaining grogginess of my slumber as I looked up at the bright pair of silver eyes.

"Aiyah, so it's just you, Bai Yin. Hah, had me scared for a second," combing the wispy bits of hair away from my oily face, I tried to wipe away the evidence of my nap. "What brings you here?"

Bai Yin pursed her lips at me as she took in my workplace in Yong Shi Library. Piles of scrolls slipping off the edges and an array of half-eaten snacks beside me. "I could ask you the same question, Jing Ran. You look as if you haven't left this spot in days."

"Heh," a tad bit embarrassed I tried to tidy the area up a bit. "Yeah, well, um. I'm trying to figure something out."

Wow, after spending time with Master, his habits are really starting to rub off on me.

(..)

"Uh, huh," with another small frown, she picked up the fallen texts from the ground and placed them into a neat pile on my desk, "So, what is it that you're trying to figure out?"

"Heh heh, well," reaching into my sleeve, I pull out the sword I won. "I'm trying to figure out what is so special about this sword."

Clearing a space on my desk, I put down the rusted blade to show her. "See, this may look like a regular old sword. However, when I first spotted it, it gave off energy similar to that of my senior sister."

"Strange," tapping the sword with her fingers, her brows furrowed. "I can see what you mean, Jing Ran. I can tell there was a faint trace of cold energy in this sword, but whatever it is, it's gone."

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"Aiyah" crossing my arms, I leaned back in my seat "I wanted to ask Master what this sword could be made of, unfortunately, he's away on sect business. Something about demons in the north"

"Mhm, I know about that. My big brother and junior brother went along with him, as well as a few other outset sect disciples to check it out."

"Eh, I see." Lately, the demonic sightings around the north and west were starting to spike up for some reason. Many like myself went out to investigate the strange source of energy, however, there hasn't been a conclusive lead.

Ah, well. At least I got a cool sword from traveling.

Although, it's not looking too interesting right now as it dully sits on the table.

Why can't it do something amazing or something! Show me how it was worth taking it home with me!

"Oh, what about your Senior Sister," Bai Yin piped up as she brought me back from my thoughts. "Since you claim the sword projects a similar aura to her, wouldn't it be best if she investigated it with you?"

"Yeah, in an ideal world, that would be the plan. However, the Senior Sister is still in closed-door cultivation."

Ah, and to think I would be able to surprise her with it once I got back.

However, the only ones at Yu Lan Peak to greet my return was emptiness and a note from Master. _(:)_

Why is everyone so busy, ah?

"Therefore, it's just me, myself, and I researching for anything with a similar phenomenon." And the search has been rather fruitless for some time. The only feasible explanation I found was sword qi, however, it didn't really match up with what I had experienced. "And so I searched for about, maybe three days now.

Just waiting and looking for an answer."

"Ah, why would you go through this much trouble?"

"Eh, curiosity." And I was hoping to give it to Senior Sister. ( )

As I recall, her birthday was coming up soon this coming winter. And since Senior Sister is gifted in the art of the sword, a sword that gives off the same aura as her would make sense.

Well, in my mind at least. _()_/

"Well, anyways. Enough about me, what are you doing here?"

"Oh, um, I came to pick up some pill recipes for practice. I just happened to notice you here."

"Haha, oh, I see." Does that mean she saw me snoring then? "Oh, right!"

I knew I was forgetting something! Fishing through my interspatial bag, I pulled out a small package. "Here, this is for you!" Holding the package up for her to grab, I wanted for Bai Yin to take it.

"H-hah! What? I can't," she stuttered as she tried to push the package away.

Huh? Why is she so against gift-giving? ()?

"But isn't your birthday tomorrow? Why wouldn't I get you a gift?"

"B-but why now? Can't you just give it to me tomorrow?"

"Uh, but you're here now, so, uh, just take it. It's for you!"

"U-uh, alright," a tad bit flustered, Bai Yin took the package with shaky hands. "Thank you, Jing Ran."

"No problem! Open it!" I hope she likes what I picked out for her. (*)

"Ah, okay," carefully setting the package down, Bai Yin slowly unwrapped it. Inside was a simple red lacquer box with a lily engraving on top. Carefully opening the box, it revealed a neat row of silver needles, all varying in size. "New embroidery needles."

"Yep! I saw this box on display while I was out and I had to get it! After all, you're so good at embroidery, so I figured that it might be helpful to have some new needles.

Do you like it?"

"Em," Bai Yin smiled softly as her face glowed pink. Ah, she must be so happy with my gift that she's blushing!

"Thank you, Jing Ran. You shouldn't have."

She likes it! (^^)

"Pa! Are you kidding? It's only natural that I get a gift for you, especially on your birthday! That's what friends do!"

I'm so glad she likes her gift! I can't believe I fought against a few young missies for it, but since she likes it so much It would've been worth it!

---

"Ah, I'm so tired!" Standing up, I stretched a bit before collapsing back into my chair.

Ah, what a long day.

After Bai Yin left to go back home, I stayed in Yong Shi Library a bit longer to try and see if I had missed anything.

But of course, there's nothing. _(:)_

"Aiyah, it's getting late," peering outside, I watched as the sky slowly turned into a warm orange color as the sun began to set.

I better head back before dark. I won't have Bai Yin or Senior Sister to help if I somehow get lost.

Ah! No worries!

At this point, I'm a pro at navigating!

"Boom!"

A clap of thunder boomed overhead followed by a heavy downpour.

Aiyah, why do I jinx myself like this.

I didn't even bring an umbrella! "Well, I guess I have no choice but to go through the rain."

( `)

---

"Ah, that's better," drying off my hair, I put on a fresh set of dry clothes. Ah, who knew that this storm would be so fierce?

Walking towards my window, I looked out into the glittering night sky. "I wonder when Senior Sister come back?"

Suddenly, I felt a familiar chill.

"Senior Sister?"

Quickly turning around, I tried to see if Senior Sister was nearby.

However, unexpectedly, it was the sword. The same rusty sword that refused to give me any reaction since the day I laid eyes on it.

"Aiyah, must you trick this girl, so?" Poking at the rusted blade, I couldn't help but frown at it. "Just what are you, sword?"

Ah, well. I'll figure it out in the morning.

"Yawn, I'm pooped."

I'll just deal with these things later, I guess.