On the night of the full moon, the city of Guangzhou lay in serene beauty. Almost every household was adorned with glowing, multicolored lanterns, bathing the night in a warm, inviting light.
Along the main roads, well-dressed people strolled leisurely, their garments reflecting the moonlight. The fatigue of the day seemed forgotten as they wandered beneath the silver glow, relishing the peace the evening offered.
Though every house was decorated with vibrant lanterns, down a narrow side alley, only a single faintly glowing lantern hung above an old courtyard gate. Its paper was yellowed with age, and upon it, barely visible in faded brown ink, was a single calligraphic character: "Xiao" (蕭).
Just a glance at the lonely lantern told a story—the household had once known wealth and splendor but had long since faded into decline.
In the days of prosperity, such lanterns were crafted from fine, oil-soaked white paper, and adorned with elegantly brushed calligraphy—symbols of status and grace. But now, in its fallen state, the manor could no longer afford new lanterns, reusing this aged one instead.
Time had not been kind. The once-white paper had turned dull and yellow, and the calligraphy was faded, smudged with age. The character "Xiao" was now but a shadow of its former elegance.
No other lanterns glowed in the courtyard. Only that dim one swayed gently in the breeze, its soft light the sole source of illumination beneath the gate's awning, where even the moonlight did not reach.
The gate itself stood slightly ajar. Once painted in rich cinnabar, much of the color had peeled away, revealing blotchy, bare wood. Where there had once been grandeur, now only weathered decay remained.
Above the entrance, carved into an old wooden beam, were the words: Xiao Manor.
"Creak... creak…"
The wind stirred, and the gate groaned softly, as though it, too, mourned its loss of oil to keep its hinges smooth.
Within the compound lay a neglected garden, its withered trees, flowerpots, and shrubs bearing the signs of long abandonment. Untrimmed and forgotten, nature had reclaimed what once was manicured beauty.
Beyond the garden, under the full moon's gaze, stood a large, two-story wooden house. It sat silent and still, lost in time. At its doorstep, another dim lantern swayed gently in the breeze—a flickering contrast to the festive brightness outside, as if it didn't belong to the same night.
No light came from inside the house. The building stood shrouded in darkness and deep silence.
Yet suddenly, from the shadows behind the half-open gate, a tiny spark flared to life—brief, bright, and gone.
A man was lighting a smoking pipe.
"Pffft…"
"Ahem…"
The man took a long draw, exhaled, and cleared his throat. Stepping forward, he leaned out from the gate and glanced down the main road.
He appeared to be in his sixties—an older man, calm and composed. His eyes scanned the road as if waiting for someone.
Still holding his pipe, he remained by the gate, quietly standing watch.
Time passed. The tobacco burned to ash, and the pipe went cold. Yet he made no move to relight it. Instead, he glanced sharply toward the road once again, eyes suddenly shining. Then he opened the gate wider.
"Clip-clop… clip-clop…"
The faint sound of hooves echoed in the night. A horse-drawn carriage, pulled by four black stallions, rolled toward Xiao Manor.
The driver wore a white robe and a long-brimmed bamboo hat, its wide edges hiding his face.
His robe was dusty and damp with sweat, and the horses too were soaked—evidence of a long, exhausting journey.
The carriage slowed and entered the courtyard.
"Clip-clop… clip-clop…"
As it passed through the gate, the waiting old man swiftly closed the door behind it and darted lightly after the carriage.
It came to a stop in front of the house. The driver removed his hat, revealing a calm, gentle smile. He looked toward the old man and spoke softly.
"I've returned, Uncle Fan."
The middle age man was not particularly handsome, yet there was something dignified in his bearing. His eyes were clear and resolute. Though he looked barely past thirty, his posture, gaze, expression, and voice all conveyed a composure and refinement that belied his years.
"It's good to see you back, young master," said Uncle Fan, with a calm and pleased tone. "Was the journey smooth?"
"Everything went smoothly. Our guest has arrived. Please light the lamps inside the house first. Then feed and water these creatures—they must be quite exhausted."
Uncle Pan, with the liveliness of a man, briskly entered the house and lit the lamps. He then unhitched the four horses and led them to the stable.
The four black horses drank and ate ravenously, clearly parched and famished.
As the young master descended, he spoke to Uncle Pan. Then he opened the carriage door and respectfully bowed.
"The Grandmaster has arrived, sir. Please come inside."
Inside the carriage lay a frail, elderly man around seventy years old, his hair and beard a wispy white. He was lying down, resting.
When the young master opened the carriage door, the old man sat up and gently dusted the layers of ash and powder off his faded, tattered robe. Then, grasping a long, gleaming black bamboo cane, he stepped down from the carriage.
"So you've arrived, Xiao Baichuan. That was quick."
"I pushed hard on the way back, that's why I arrived quickly. Please, come inside."
Xiao Baichuan then turned and spoke to Uncle Pan, who was returning from the stable.
"Uncle Pan, please escort the Grandmaster to the dining hall. I'll be back shortly after I speak with Shan Mei."
"Certainly, sir. Grandmaster, this way please."
Uncle Pan respectfully gestured for the old man to follow him, leading the way toward the dining hall.
The old man, clearly hungry after a long journey, followed Uncle Pan closely.
Meanwhile, Xiao Baihuan walked into the house with purpose. When he reached a certain bedroom, he softened his steps and quietly opened the door without making a sound.
Inside, a dim lamp cast a faint glow, just enough to faintly illuminate the room. Near the window was a bed, and on that bed lay a woman sleeping on her side, facing the door.
Moonlight filtered in through the window, washing over the woman's body. Her sleeping face was serene and beautiful, peaceful in appearance.
Yet, a faint shadow of weariness lingered on her face, lending her an air of gentle fragility—like a flower wilting under the sun.
This woman was none other than Shan Mei, Xiao Baichuan's wife.
He quietly approached the bedside, gazing tenderly at Shan Mei's weary face, his eyes filled with affection, compassion, and deep love.
At that moment, Shan Mei slowly opened her eyes. Seeing Xiao Baichuan, a flicker of surprise crossed her face, followed by a gentle smile. In her gaze and smile shimmered love and trust.
"You've come back, Brother. I was waiting by the door, hoping to see you. I must have dozed off for a moment—I was a bit tired. I didn't even get to greet you when you arrived."
Her voice was soft and weak, yet as gentle and sweet as a calm breeze.
"Oh, dear sister, there's no need to wait like that. Just rest as much as you need. I've brought Dao Master Sun with me. He's in the dining hall now. I'll check on you shortly. Don't worry about anything, alright?"
Xiao Baichuan sat lightly on the edge of the bed and gently helped Shan Mei adjust herself for comfort. Then he held her soft, cool hand tenderly and asked with concern:
"How have you been feeling? Any better? Has anything changed?"
"It's a full moon night today, so I feel a bit better. Nothing out of the ordinary though. Just the same as before. It's been six months, and still no changes..."
As she spoke, her voice trembled and grew fainter.
Xiao Baichuan, smiling warmly and reassuringly, gripped her hand a little tighter.
"Don't dwell on sorrow or sadness, my love. Dao Master Sun can definitely heal you. Don't lose hope."
He then gently leaned forward and placed a tender kiss on her forehead.
"I'll just go to the dining room for a moment. I'll bring Dao Master Sun back with me."
"You've just arrived from a long journey, dear brother. Wash up and change your clothes, then have something to eat. And dear brother, don't forget—Dao Master Sun doesn't like being called that. He prefers to be called 'Grandaster.' Don't forget that."
"Don't worry, dear sister. I won't forget. I'll head out now. Get some rest for a while."
Shan Mei gently nodded her head.
Xiao Baichuan let go of Shan Mai's hand and covered her with the blanket. Then, he tenderly cupped her face, gazing at her with deep affection and smiling warmly.
"Wait just a little, okay?"
"Yes, I'll be waiting for you, dear brother."
Xiao Baichuan left Shan Mei's side and stepped out of the room.
Shan Mei remained, her eyes lingering lovingly and trustfully on his broad back. In her gaze, a faint glimmer of hope shimmered quietly.
"I must recover. My dear brother has suffered so much for me."
Xiao Baichuan thoroughly cleaned up and changed clothes after his journey. Then, with determined strides, he headed to the dining room.
Though he had just returned from a long trip, his steps were firm and full of energy. Inside his chest, waves of hope quietly surged.
"Grandmaster Sun... hmm..."
He murmured silently and sighed deeply. But then, he clenched his fist, steeling himself. Since Shan Mei fell ill with her strange condition, they had sought out many doctors and tried countless medicines to no avail.
They had summoned healers said to be the most renowned and used herbs believed to be the most powerful, regardless of cost—but Shan Mei's mysterious affliction never eased. Not even a little.
Now, he had invited Dao Master Sun, a man famed not only for his medical expertise but also his alchemical and worldly knowledge. Though he was once a senior adept of the Kunlun Sect, he had left it behind to follow his personal passions and study in his own unorthodox ways.
Dao Master Sun, at times, would completely break traditional disciplines in pursuit of his interests. At other times, he lived like a hermit sage. Because of his eccentric ways and unpredictable path, he disliked being called "Dao Master Sun" and was better known as "Grandmaster Sun".
It had taken Xiao Baichuan more than two to three months to locate and invite him. Dao Master Sun was known to travel unpredictably and could go missing for years without a trace, making it extremely difficult to find him.
But this time, as soon as he heard Xiao Baichuan's name and residence, he had surprisingly agreed to come without resistance.
Dao Master Sun was someone who wouldn't even come for gold or silver if he didn't want to. Even after countless kneelings and pleas, if he didn't feel like coming, he wouldn't budge. And no one would dare use force to summon someone of his standing—a renowned senior master of the Kunlun Sect.
Thus, it was both difficult to find him and even harder to invite him. Yet, he had agreed to Xiao Baichuan's invitation with unexpected ease.
Deep in thought, Xiao Baichuan reached the dining room.
Inside, Dao Master Sun was already seated at the table, casually gnawing on a chicken leg while gulping down wine with the other hand.
"Munch, munch... gulp, gulp..."
Xiao Baichuan respectfully bowed and took a seat at the table.
Uncle Pan had prepared a full dinner—not only rice and dishes, but also wine and savory snacks.
Dao Master Sun, however, neither acknowledged Xiao Baingchuan nor looked in his direction. He just kept eating and drinking, absorbed in his meal.
Because of that, though Xiao Baichuan wanted to say something, it was difficult to start a conversation. So instead, he quietly began to eat as well—after all, he too was starving after the long journey.
And so, the two famished men, without exchanging a single word, focused entirely on satisfying their hunger. Before long, the food on the table had all but vanished.
"Ahhh... now this feels good. I haven't eaten or drunk anything this satisfying in such a long time, I can't even remember. Xiao Baichuan, this is great. You brought me all the way here, but I assume it's not just to serve me this lavish meal, is it? As they say—'One meal repaid is a favor owed.' So, Xiao Baichuan, what do you want me to do? But I'll warn you, I'll only do it if I feel like it! Hahaha..."
Dao Master Sun, now full and satisfied, spoke cheerfully and laughed heartily.
When Dao Master Sun asked directly, Xiao Baichuan took the opportunity to answer openly.
"Yes, Grandmaster. I invited you here because I truly need your wisdom and assistance. To be honest, I still don't exactly know what kind of help I need. I can only ask that you examine the situation yourself and give us your guidance."
"Oh-ho... So that's how it is. Sounds quite serious. Then what are we waiting for? Let's go."
Without further words, Dao Master stood up and prepared to leave the dining room. Xiao Baichuan quickly followed and led Dao Mastwr toward Shan Mei's room.
When they arrived in front of her room, Xiao Baichuan gently knocked on the door.
Knock knock knock…!
"Sister… the Grandmaster is here."
"Alright, please come in, dear brother."
They heard Shan Mei's voice from within.
Xiao Baichuan opened the door and entered first, moving a chair close to Shan Mei's bed so the master could sit comfortably.
"Please sit here, Grandmaster."
Dao Master took the seat, closed his eyes, and sat in peaceful silence for a moment.
"Hmm..."
He then nodded slightly, opened his eyes, and looked at Shan Mei. He gently placed the tip of his bamboo rod on her wrist and closed his eyes again to examine her.
Xiao Baichuan stood by, watching the examination with growing hope and anticipation.
Dao Master's face gradually darkened with concern. His brows furrowed.
After a thorough examination, Dao Master looked at Shan Mei's face.
"Strange… very strange," he muttered, then touched between her eyebrows with the bamboo rod to test again.
His expression shifted several times as he alternately nodded and shook his head while continuing his diagnosis.
"This is really strange. I've never seen anything like it."
Amazed, Dao Master placed his bamboo rod on Shan Mei's abdomen and continued testing.
Xiao Baichuan, deeply intrigued by the Dao Master's words and actions, hoped that Master might be able to uncover a condition that no other doctor had been able to diagnose.
After conducting several tests over some time, Dao Master finally stopped, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.
Xiao Baichuan and Shan Mei watched him in complete silence, not daring to move a muscle as he sat deep in thought.
Eventually, Dao Master opened his eyes and exhaled a warm breath.
"Phew..., Xiao Baichuan, I think your reputation might suffer now that you've met me. Your wife has been lying in bed like this for six months already."
"Yes, Grandmaster. It's been six months. Her strength slowly faded, and her body became cold. We saw many doctors, but none of them found anything unusual."
"Hmm… your wife is pregnant."
"What...!"
"Master…!"
Both Xiao Baichuan and Shan Mei were stunned.
They had been married for over five years and had never conceived a child. Despite their deep desire for one, they had been unsuccessful.
During their efforts to conceive, Shan Mei suddenly fell ill with an unusual condition and became bedridden.
Throughout that time, Xiao Baichuan focused solely on her health, putting aside all thoughts of having children. He simply wished for her recovery.
Shan Mei, too, had longed to bear children, but her strange illness and weakened body had made her give up that hope with sorrow.
Now, however, Dao Master Sun had just revealed that Shan Mei was with child.
"Yes. She's six months along. But there's no belly growth. No visible signs of pregnancy. The child inside is completely still, undetectable through normal means. Fortunately, none of the previous doctors realized she was pregnant. If they had, they might've assumed the baby was lifeless and tried to remove it. They'd have prescribed medicine to terminate the pregnancy. Luckily, they didn't find out. Otherwise, both mother and child might have suffered terribly."
Upon hearing these words, the couple trembled, their hearts filled with overwhelming emotion.
Even though many doctors had been called to treat her, and none could diagnose the illness, the couple now found themselves strangely grateful. Their hearts pounded with excitement, their emotions so intense that even their internal organs seemed to tremble.
Shan Mei looked at Xiao Baichuan and slowly extended her trembling hand toward him.
"Dear brother…"
Xiao Baichuan gently took her shaking hand in his and smiled warmly and tenderly.
"Dear sister…"
Both of them were overcome with emotion. Their voices trembled, and they found themselves unable to speak, their hearts overflowing with feeling.
Tears began to well up in Shan Mei's eyes and silently streamed down onto her pillow. It was impossible to tell whether they were tears of joy or sorrow.
Xiao Baichuan carefully wiped away her tears and held her hand tightly.
"Please, Grandmaster… tell us more about Shan Mei's condition."
Dao Master didn't respond immediately. He looked at the anxious couple in front of him and slowly stroked his white beard in thought.
End of Chapter (1)