Meanwhile, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed against the cobblestone path, accompanied by the cheerful chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of wind through the trees. The view slowly ascended the winding white cobblestone staircase, lined with neatly trimmed bushes and vibrant flower beds.
Finally reaching the top, a towering paifang gateway stood as an elegant entrance, its two massive white pillars supporting an intricate horizontal beam. The apex was adorned with an ornately tiled bamboo roof, its upturned eaves gracefully curving upwards.
"Greetings, Senior Sister," a respectful voice called out to the approaching figure, but she paid no heed, directly entering the sect grounds with a look of determination etched on her face.
The morning sunlight shone upon her anxious expression, which conveyed a mix of unease and complicated emotions simmering beneath the surface. It was none other than Li Rong.
Hastily, her white martial robe emblazoned with dark red stripes flowed behind her as she strode past the first level of the sect.
Her footsteps quickened as she ascended the winding staircase carved into the towering cliff face, leading towards the courtyard where her Master's quarters resided.
Li Rong's heartbeat quickened with each step, and her eyes darted left and right nervously as she circled in place, fidgeting with her fingers. The subtle scent of incense wafted through the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the surrounding foliage.
"Um, Senior Sister? Are you alright?" Voices of curious disciples drifted by, barely registering in her mind as she was wholly focused on composing the words she would convey to her revered Master.
A few tense moments later, with beads of sweat forming on her temple, Li Rong took a deep, steadying breath to calm her racing mind. Her gaze lifted resolutely towards the staircase before her, and she took the first step on the final ascent.
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The harmonious sounds of a nearby stream and rustling leaves filled her ears as the journey up the cliff finally ended, presenting Li Rong with a vast, tranquil ground. Elegant courtyards and buildings with intricately tiled bamboo rooftops were seamlessly embedded into the high cliff face.
A large koi pond separated two areas, with a wooden bridge arching gracefully over its shimmering waters. Geese floated serenely, their occasional quacking like a subtle warning of an intruding visitor.
Neatly manicured gardens overflowed with vibrant herbs, colorful flowers, and winding cobblestone paths - an area clearly intended to receive visitors in peaceful contemplation.
Delicate pink plum blossom petals danced on the breeze, scattering around Li Rong's body as if to mark her presence. Yet, her eyes remained locked on the building in the center compound, a traditional wooden structure with an ornately carved sliding door.
She walked slowly, ignoring the breathtaking view surrounding her, and within a minute, she arrived before the imposing entrance.
Raising her hands, Li Rong finally found the courage to knock after swallowing hard, the sound reverberating through the wooden door.
"Greetings, Master. Your disciple Rong has arrived!" she spoke politely, hands already cupped in a sign of respect, back straightened as she faced the sliding door that slowly opened with a gentle creak.
Immediately upon the door's opening, the sweet scent of honeyed beeswax and faint white smoke wafted into her face. Dim candlelight flickered within, illuminating a room with two distinct levels.
A breathtaking painting of a woman in traditional hanfu garb, carrying a jian and flute, adorned the far wall - her stance braced defiantly against a volley of a thousand arrows.
On the lower level, two disciples in pristine white martial robes sat cross-legged, plucking the strings of a melodious zither with graceful, practiced fingers.
Their eyes were closed in meditative concentration as they provided the calming, harmonious sounds that had greeted Li Rong upon her arrival. Like her, they were Inner Disciples.
Yet, her gaze was instantly drawn upwards to the higher level, where a vast, plush mat held a beautiful, alluring figure.
Elder Qiao wore tailored flowing white robes interwoven with dark yellow striped patterns, leaning back against an elegantly curved Pingji - a wooden chair with a Y-shaped base.
Her long, dark tresses spilled over the backrest as she slowly brought a long-stemmed ivory pipe to her plump lips, exhaling a wispy stream of pale smoke.
As Li Rong entered, Elder Qiao's eyes crinkled in a warm smile, lips curling upwards in recognition of her disciple's presence. "Rong'er, that was quite a fast journey, it seems," the Elder greeted, her dulcet tones filling the tranquil space.
Placing the pipe aside, she smoothly transitioned from her relaxed side-lean to sit cross-legged, her back resting with perfect posture against the chair's curved backrest.
"Now tell me..." Elder Qiao's gaze met Li Rong's steadily as the melodious zither tones faded away, the sliding wooden door slowly closing behind the disciple. "What story do you have?"