Ah Jiu, despite her enchanting and charming appearance, was described by Tao Mian as simple-minded and indifferent to worldly affairs. Besides her and the Eight Great Craftsmen, Xuanji Tower had numerous managers and attendants to keep it running. As the owner of Xuanji Tower, Ah Jiu didn't need to handle many trivial matters and spent her days with weapons, never feeling lonely.

"Yet it is lonely," Ah Jiu sighed softly, her voice filled with melancholy. A beauty is always a beauty, even her frown was graceful.

At this moment, the three of them left the forging platform and arrived at a secluded corner. This was one of the three places in Xuanji Tower designated for receiving guests.

Xuanji Tower was never short of business, and once inside, everyone was treated equally, without special treatment for anyone. Even if the Emperor himself came, he would need a letter to negotiate.

The place was equipped with a heavy copper door, isolating the noise outside, allowing the three of them a quiet environment.

Hearing Ah Jiu's sorrowful sigh, Rong Zheng looked at Tao Mian with eyes that seemed to accuse him of being a scoundrel, to which Tao Mian responded with an innocent expression.

It really wasn't his fault...

Ah Jiu rested her chin on one hand, playing with an empty teacup with the other, her gaze lightly drifting over Rong Zheng's face, like a feather brushing past.

"Is this the Second Disciple of Peach Blossom Mountain? Oh my, you've grown so much. Come, Ah Jiu will give you a red envelope."

"Ninth Sister, I... I'm the Fifth Disciple, my name is Rong Zheng."

"Hmm?" Ah Jiu paused while rummaging through her money pouch, "Ah, look at my memory, got it wrong again. Tao Lang, where is Miss Yuan Di? Didn't you say she and I would surely get along, and wanted to introduce us?"

Ah Jiu spoke softly, thinking as she talked, showing she wasn't used to interacting with people often.

Moreover, her memory wasn't great, or rather, many things only lingered in her mind for a moment before flying away. She could only catch the shadow of a passing goose but couldn't truly keep up with its flight.

Tao Mian seemed accustomed to her way of speaking, showing no impatience and patiently repeated what he had said earlier.

"Ah Jiu, Yuan Di has already passed away, this is my new disciple, Rong Zheng."

"Passed away?" Ah Jiu slowly blinked, her eyelashes fluttering, "How could she have passed away... Sigh, I even kept a fine sword for her. It took three whole years to forge, waiting for its owner."

Stolen story; please report.

Ah Jiu claimed she couldn't do anything else but make these iron and copper lumps. Tao Mian was her close friend, and naturally, his disciples were her friends too. Her friends were few and precious, and she had prepared her finest gift for Lu Yuandi.

Upon hearing that Lu Yuandi had already passed away, even though they had never met, Ah Jiu was still saddened. When she forged swords, she became one with the sword, chanting the other's name in her heart, sketching their appearance. Every sword that flowed from her hands was infused with the swordsmith's immense effort.

So even without meeting, Ah Jiu felt she had known the other for a long time.

Seeing his close friend so sorrowful, Tao Mian felt sad too. How could he not be? Both were genuine in nature, Ah Jiu grieved for his disciple, and he truly cherished the many years spent with the other, naturally feeling nostalgic.

But Tao Mian couldn't let himself sink into despair. He poured Ah Jiu another cup of hot tea, telling her to warm her hands. Ah Jiu was someone who easily got caught up in emotions and found it hard to extricate herself, perhaps this was why she had unparalleled talent in sword forging and crafting.

"Yuan Di returned to Peach Blossom Mountain in the end, she was at peace. Ah Jiu, as long as we live, we can wait for a reunion. She will come to claim this sword sooner or later."

Ah Jiu, though prone to immersing in her world, was also receptive to advice. She trusted Tao Mian and never doubted his words.

So she gently brushed her cheek, letting the sorrowful emotions dissipate.

"Alright, I'll keep the sword for her. Tao Lang, what brings you to Xuanji Tower this time? What help do you need from Ah Jiu?"

Ah Jiu knew he wouldn't come without a reason. She, Tao Mian, and Shopkeeper Xue, far away, were old friends who understood each other's nature well.

Tao Mian didn't stand on ceremony with her.

"Little Hua has a sword that, by some twist of fate, was left in a corner gathering dust for a long time. This spiritual sword, once separated from its owner, loses much of its spiritual energy and becomes an ordinary mundane sword. Ah Jiu, I came to Xuanji Tower specifically to ask you to take a look."

Ah Jiu's clear eyes first met Tao Mian's, listening to him finish, then turned to the silent Rong Zheng.

"Tao Lang," Ah Jiu's tone became hesitant, as if unsure whether to speak the truth.

"Ah Jiu, speak freely."

"Miss Rong Zheng's body can no longer endure any more strain," Ah Jiu's gaze was sharp, whether towards people or objects, "Is there really a need to repair this sword? Now that it has become ordinary, it's actually a good thing. If it regains its strength, it will draw on its owner's spiritual energy. Miss Rong Zheng, is this really okay?"

She directed her last question to Rong Zheng herself.

Rong Zheng remained silent, not immediately giving a reply.

Tao Mian and Ah Jiu were not in a hurry, waiting for her to slowly decide.

After a long while, Rong Zheng spoke.

"Though it will depend on me to live after being repaired, still... please, Ninth Sister."

Tao Mian slightly furrowed his brow.

Rong Zheng knew what he was thinking and smiled.

"Don't worry, Little Tao. I promised you I wouldn't seek revenge. I keep my word.

I just want to reclaim the three things that rightfully belong to me. My earlier life had its gaps, and I want to fill them.

As for this sword... though sealing it away might be better, how is that different from letting it gather dust in Hibiscus Mansion? It has accompanied me through many days and nights, almost like an old friend. I can't bear to watch it lose its former glory, it would make me feel like I'm dying too.

Death is inevitable, but we shouldn't avoid it at the cost of giving up many brilliant days.

So, Ninth Sister, this is my request. Please restore it."

Ah Jiu glanced at Tao Mian, who closed his eyes and nodded slightly in resignation.

What else could he do? This was his disciple.

Ah Jiu agreed as well.

It would take some time to retrieve the sword, and Ah Jiu asked Tao Mian to wait for her news.

As they parted, Rong Zheng quietly asked Tao Mian if he had ever wronged the beautiful and charming Ninth Sister.

Ah Jiu had sharp ears and heard Rong Zheng's question, jokingly said, "Tao Lang, even your disciple thinks we make a good match."

Tao Mian feigned ignorance.

"My disciple is a reincarnation of the matchmaker, always wanting to pair up men and women."

Ah Jiu sighed softly behind him.

"You see, just teasing you. Sigh, Tao Lang, when will you finally settle down for someone..."

Tao Mian ultimately remained silent.

In this seldom-visited corner, a window opened. Outside, across the street, in a charming little courtyard, two young girls were playing. One of them spotted the young man outside the moon gate, stopped her actions, and quietly hid behind a flowering tree to watch him.

Fallen petals flew past the swing.