After skirting the forest for days and passing through many villages along the way, Jiu Xian finally reached his destination—Clear Water Village.
A rough beard now shadowed his face. His robes were worn and travel-stained, yet his eyes held a new sharpness—a quiet resolve that hadn't been there before.
He stopped.
Before him lay a sight beyond anything he had imagined.
The village rested cradled within the heart of a vast lake.
Every house was built of polished timber, their walls and roofs glowing in warm hues of aged cedar, all resting atop sturdy wooden platforms that rose just above the still, clear water. Thick oak beams anchored these platforms deep into the lakebed, as though nature and craftsmanship had woven themselves together in quiet harmony.
From where he stood, the village seemed to float— homes and walkways drifting across the glassy surface, connected by narrow bridges and winding wooden paths. In the cool morning mist, their reflections shimmered like faint ink paintings brushed upon clear silk.
Lotus flowers bloomed in endless seas of pink and white. Their broad leaves stirred gentle ripples as dragonflies danced above them. In the light of dawn, petals unfurled like tiny lanterns against the blue sheen of water, and even the breeze carried a trace of their sweet fragrance.
Embroidered canopies shaded the walkways and dwellings, fluttering like silent banners in the soft wind. Beneath them, the villagers fished quietly while sleek wooden boats drifted between the platforms. On the distant shore, children chased the dragonflies, their bright laughter echoing across the water.
Jiu Xian knew little of immortality or cultivation, but he was certain of one thing — this must be what the dwellings of immortals looked like.
The sweet fragrance of lotuses grew stronger as Jiu Xian approached the shore. With every step, his awe deepened. Promising himself he would remember this sight forever, he soon reached the water's edge.
There, he saw a young woman plucking the petals from a white lotus one by one, murmuring softly to herself.
Her brown hair fell to her neck, and her green eyes looked distant, almost lost. She wore a simple white robe.
"Excuse me," Jiu Xian said politely. "Could you guide me to the village chief?"
"He remembers me... he remembers me not..." The woman muttered, seemingly unaware of his presence.
"Hello?"
No response.
"Hey!"
"Eek!" She jumped, dropping the lotus. "You startled me! Why are you yelling? Couldn't you call out like a normal person?"
Jiu Xian's expression darkened. "I did call out. Several times. You were just lost in your own world. Anyway, can you tell me where the village chief lives?"
The woman flushed in embarrassment.
"Oh... I see. Sorry. I was distracted." She looked him up and down. "But why would a beggar like you want to see the village chief? Are you a thief?"
She pointed at his worn robes and travel-stained face. Her eyes narrowing with suspicion.
Now it was Jiu Xian's turn to blush, heat rushing to his face.
"I'm no beggar— and certainly no thief. I'm Jiu Xian from Crouching Fish village. I've been travelling from village to village in search of spirit herbs."
He gave an awkward smile. "As for how I look... I had to fight off some bandits who tried to rob and kill me."
"Really? That's terrible luck." She titled her head. "Follow me, I will take you to meet the chief."
Jiu Xian followed closely behind as she led the way.
"You know, Jiu Xian... when was the last time you had a bath?" She asked, pinching her nose dramatically. "Maybe you should wash up and change into something decent before meeting her." She laughed lightly, her voice bright as a bell.
Jiu Xian lifted his arm and cautiously sniffed. He nearly gagged.
They walked along the narrow bridges the crisscrossed the lake like a spider's web until they reached the woman's home. She led him to a guest room and soon returned with a bucket of water and fresh washing supplies.
After taking a long-overdue bath, Jiu Xian changed into the only spare robe he had left.
"So... when are you taking me to meet the village chief, um... miss?"
"Yao Qing," she said, arching a brow. "You followed me all the way to my house and didn't even bother to ask my name? Didn't anyone teach you not to follow strangers?" She laughed, her voice rich and musical.
"..."
"Come on," she said, grabbing his hand. "I informed the chief. She agreed to meet you."
She led him across the web of narrow bridges toward the center of the lake.
There, a grand house rose from the water, shaped like blooming lotus. Its wooden frame was coated in smooth pink and white clay, resting atop an enormous lotus-shaped platform. Banners embroidered with lotus motifs fluttered gently in the breeze.
An elderly woman with thin white hair and a long staff stood at the entrance, welcoming them as stepped inside.
"Hm. You look different from how Qing'er described you. Quite handsome, in fact. How about I set you up with my granddaughter?" The old woman said with a sly smile.
" I appreciate the offer," Jiu Xian replied, his voice wavering slightly, "but I must decline. I made a promise to someone, and until that promise is fulfilled, I'm not ready to give my heart to anyone else."
"Oh ho! I do love me a complicated love story," she laughed. "I'd ask for the details, but I suspect you wouldn't share them."
She tapped her staff lightly. "So then, young man how may I help you?"
Jiu Xian explained his search for spirit herbs and cultivation resources.
"Oh? I don't know about other resources" the old woman said, pointing her staff toward Yao Qing, "but it seems you've already found your spirit herb"
"What?" Jiu Xian turned quickly.
"Baibai!" Yao Qing protested, cheeks puffed. "Just because my name like a herb that doesn't mean you can tease me every chance you get."
"..."
The old woman chuckled. "Can't an old lady joke anymore?"
Then she turned serious. "As for your request... I can't help you much."
Jiu Xian's expression fell.
"But," she continued, "I do know someone who might."
"Really?!" he exclaimed.
"Yes. There's a cabin on a hill not far from here. My mother spoke of a woman who lives there—one who's been alive so long that people call her ImmortalWitch."
"Wait— that story's real?" Yao Qing asked. "I thought it was just something told to scare children."
"Oh she's as real as doll you still hug in your sleep." The old woman teased.
Jiu Xian blinked at Yao Qing, who immediately blushed and covered her face while the old woman laughed heartily.
Afterward, she carefully described the path— landmarks, danger, and the safest route to take.
"Have you ever heard of Spring of Immortality?" Jiu Xian asked.
"Oho? Sorry, young man. I don't recall hearing that term in my lifetime."
By the time they left the village chief's house, the sky had already darkened.
"You're leaving now?" Yao Qing asked.
"Yes. I don't want to waste time— and I don't want to impose on you any more than I already have."
"You are not imposing at all." Her green eyes lit up. "You should sleep at my house tonight. Rest well before your adventure tomorrow."
"Uh... thank you. Then I'll accept you offer."
Yao Qing led Jiu Xian around the village, showing him the walkways, the fishing platforms, and the lantern-lit bridges stretching across the lake.
As they wandered beneath the evening lights, the two found themselves talking easily. Though they had only met recently, a quiet sense of friendship began to take root.
...
Evening deepened into night. Jiu Xian took a sip from the wine gourd he had refilled at the Clear Water village's brewery earlier and gazed at the moon, his eyes distant.
"Why do you look so sad?" Yao Qing's voice came from behind him, startling him.
"Just remembering the past... and worrying about the future."
She sat beside him, leaving a respectful distance between them.
"The past, huh?" she gave a small smile, "Care to share that drink with me?"
"Sure"
They passed the gourd back and forth, talking quietly beneath the moonlight, learning more about one and another.
"You know," Yao Qing said softly, "I had a friend who left two years ago to explore the world and seek immortality. He always said this place was too small— for him, for us. I wanted to go with him."
She lowered her gaze.
"I always dreamed of adventures, but I had to stay and care for my sick parents. I was content with that... But now that they are gone, I don't know what to do."
Her story stirred Jiu Xian's own pain. Without a word, he gently put an arm around her shoulders and patted her back—careful, restrained, offering comfort, nothing more.
He wasn't sure if it was the wine or his wounded heart seeking solace, but he began to speak of his own past.
That night, beneath the bright full moon, two wounded souls shared their burdens— and, in doing so, formed a strong bond.