Chapter 27 — Self-Esteem
劍問蒼天 · Page 6 of 8
According to Zeng Shuyan—a friend Zhang Qingyue had known only three days yet already gotten along with famously well—the old fellows of the Canglan Sect had made a fine mess of the platform arrangements. Then again, who could blame them? The match between Lu Xueqi and Tian Lingsu had drawn every eye in the sect. Lu Xueqi, bearer of "Tianxuan," needed no introduction: these past days, whenever she took the platform, the young disciples of Canglan Sect had ringed it three layers deep, packed so tight not a drop could have seeped through. And Tian Lingsu of Dazhu Peak already bore a reputation within the sect for precocious brilliance; these two days she had shone all the more, cutting down strong foes in succession and drawing every gaze, her beauty unmatched besides—for a time she and Lu Xueqi were the talk of the sect, Ying and Yu of the age, and busybodies whispered comparisons in private.
Today these two—the finest young female disciples the Canglan Sect had produced in nearly a century—met far too early. Among the elders there might have been some regret, but the young disciples were all delight and jubilation, and they had long since packed the Qian platform tight as an iron barrel.
Song Dayi and Zhang Qingyue both stood before Tian Buhui to take their leave. Tian Buhui looked at Song Dayi and said: "Your opponent today is Chang Jian of the Long Peak faction. The man is patient and enduring, long practiced in the Dao, and his defensive arts are exceedingly strong—the very opposite of your immortal sword 'Ten Tigers.' Be careful."
Song Dayi said respectfully: "Yes, Master."
Something stirred in Zhang Qingyue's heart; the name seemed faintly familiar. He thought a while before recalling that five years ago, when he first climbed the mountain, it was Chang Jian who had led him and Lin Jinghong to the Yuheng Hall. At the thought, his heart turned again with longing for Lin Jinghong. He had heard that yesterday his childhood friend had also won his second bout, his strength outstanding, hailed by all as a prodigy—only Zhang Qingyue had no time to go and congratulate him.
Tian Buhui turned his eyes to Zhang Qingyue, standing beside Song Dayi—this unexpected youngest disciple, head bowed, silent. Tian Buhui frowned and said: "Old Seven, you be careful too. If you cannot manage, it is no shame to concede. Mind you do not get hurt."
Zhang Qingyue's body gave a start, though none could read what he felt within. He said only, softly: "Yes, Master."
Song Dayi glanced into the distance and said to Tian Buhui: "Master, it is getting late. Your youngest disciple and I will be going."
Tian Buhui nodded. Su Wan, standing to one side, smiled and said: "Take care, both of you."
Song Dayi answered and walked out of the crowd with Zhang Qingyue. Along the way he sensed that his youngest junior seemed not himself today, silent and sullen unlike his usual manner, and so he said to Zhang Qingyue: "Little Junior Brother, you have not said a word all day—are you nervous?"
Zhang Qingyue glanced at his eldest senior brother, forced a smile, and did not answer.
Song Dayi laughed openly and said: "Do not think too much of it, and do not weigh victory and defeat so heavily. Our master and mistress may care a great deal for face, but they will never blame you. Do you understand?"
"Yes," Zhang Qingyue answered, while inwardly he thought: They expect nothing of me at all, so of course they will not blame me.
Song Dayi nodded. By now the two had emerged from the crowd—pushing in had been no easy matter, but getting out was quite effortless. Song Dayi chuckled and said: "Little Junior Brother, here we must part ways. Good luck to you; I hope you win another bout shortly." And without waiting for any response from Zhang Qingyue, he burst out laughing himself.
Zhang Qingyue sighed softly and walked on toward the platform where he was to compete.