"It's the most prestigious academy for awakeners in the entire Yue Kingdom. They accept students who are at age between 26 and 30 years old. Oh right—about your grandfather and parents."
"Hm?"
"I mean, there's a secret department called the Shadow Pavilion in the academy. It stores information from all over the continent. Even the royal family gets information from there."
"Why not try asking about your grandfather there? They might know something—or at least have some clues."
"Are they reliable?"
"About 99%, from what I've heard. But you have to go there personally. If you approach them directly, they'll charge 1000 gold coins."
"Gold coins?"
"Yes, that's our currency."
Seeing Li Yanshu's confused expression, Bai Qingran explained:
"We use a currency system based on coins.
1 gold coin = 100 silver coins
1 silver coin = 1000 copper coins."
"But I don't have any coins with me."
"If you don't have 1000 gold coins, then there's another way—become a student of the Imperial Academy and rank within the top 100. Then they will give you the information for free."
" So what do you think?"
"It seems like that's my only option."
"Then we'll both go to the Imperial Academy together after one month."
Ok.
Then the two girls goes to sleep.
In the morning, as the sun rose, both girls woke up. After getting ready, they headed toward the main hall.
Midway, Li Yanshu heard voices coming from inside. When they entered, she saw that the hall was decorated with white silk cloth and various kinds of white flowers.
"What is this? Is there a ritual today?" she asked Bai Qingran.
"No, there's no ritual," Bai Qingran replied. "But today is a festival—the Spring Festival. It's a festival of family reunion. Everyone decorates their homes in red and enjoys a meal with their families."
"Then why is the temple hall decorated in white instead of red?"
"Because no other colors are allowed in this temple except white. Colors represent attachment to human emotions. And the most important rule of the temple is that those who serve here must be free from emotional attachment. That's why we use white—a color that represents calmness."
"Is it the same with food? I noticed you don't eat cooked food—only fruits."
"Yes. Cooked food and its taste can stir emotions in people. So instead, we eat fruits that are naturally available."
"I didn't expect you to be so devoted. Yesterday, I heard you were a rule-breaker. Then why follow these rules?"
"I may be a rule-breaker," Bai Qingran said with a faint smile, "but I know when to cross the line and when not to. And when I follow these rules, it really calms my mind. I don't think much about my family… though whether I should even call them family is still a big question."
"Don't worry. Everything will get better from here onward."
"Yeah… I hope so."
"So, what do we do now?"
"We'll pray to the Spring God for the prosperity of Yuelin Town. Then we'll eat with everyone. And if we get permission from the High Priest, we might go down to the town to enjoy the festival."
After the prayers, just as Bai Qingran had said, they ate with everyone. Li Yanshu introduced herself to the others, as most of the priests didn't know about her.
When she shared her story, they looked worried and sympathetic. They assured her that if she ever needed help, they would do their best.
Everyone was kind to her.
The seniors scolded Bai Qingran for returning late to the temple, but they also praised her for saving Li Yanshu's life.
In the evening, along with some seniors, they received permission from the High Priest to go down to the town.
At the temple gate, Li Yanshu noticed that everyone was wearing white veils over their faces. Everything except their eyes was covered.
"Why is everyone wearing a veil?" she asked.
Bai Qingran took out two veils and handed one to her.
"We also have to cover our faces. It's a rule—we cannot show our bare faces outside. So whenever a priest leaves the temple, she must wear a veil."
"But we're not priests."
"We are, if we live in the temple. Everyone here is considered a priest, without exception. So hurry and put it on."
"Okay, okay… I'll wear it."
They descended the mountain and headed toward the town.
After arriving, one of the senior priests warned them—especially Bai Qingran—not to wander off too far and to return to the gate after exploring.
They parted ways.
Li Yanshu and Bai Qingran headed toward the festival area near the lake.
The town was alive with celebration.
People filled the streets with their families, enjoying the Spring Festival. Lanterns floated into the sky as people made wishes. Nearby restaurants were crowded. The lake was filled with boats where people enjoyed the night view. Firecrackers lit up the sky, making it even more beautiful.
They enjoyed everything.
Near a large tree, a puppet show was taking place. Small children watched it eagerly, their eyes shining with excitement.
Suddenly, Bai Qingran grabbed Li Yanshu's hand and led her toward a quieter area. There were fewer people as they entered a small corner shop.
"What are we doing here?" Li Yanshu asked, glancing at the quiet little shop stood away in the corner of the street.
Compared to the bustling crowd outside, this place felt… oddly calm.
Bai Qingran turned to her, her eyes carrying a hint of excitement.
"I want to buy you a gift."
Li Yanshu blinked, caught off guard.
"A gift?"
"yeah. You're my first friend," Bai Qingran said simply.
"There's no need. I don't want anything."
"There is," Bai Qingran insisted softly, yet firmly. "Just trust me. This shop sells rare items… the kind you won't find anywhere else."
Before Li Yanshu could respond, a smooth voice drifted toward them—
"Welcome, young ladies."
An elderly man stepped forward from behind the counter.
"Is there anything in particular you wish to buy?" he asked with a polite smile. "Perhaps I may assist you."
"Uncle, we're looking for a storage ring. Do you have one?" Bai Qingran asked.
"I do," he replied after a pause. "But it is quite expensive. Are you certain you wish to purchase it?"
"Of course," Bai Qingran said without hesitation. "Please show it to us."
"Very well. Wait here."
As the shopkeeper disappeared into the back, Li Yanshu leaned closer.
"What's a storage ring?"
Bai Qingran lowered her voice, as if sharing a secret.
"It's a special artifact. You can store non-living things inside it—clothes, weapons, supplies… anything. It's incredibly useful while traveling. And once it's bound to its owner, no one else can open it."
A space-type artifact…
Before she could ask more, the shopkeeper returned.
In his hands was a black wooden box, polished yet worn with age.
He placed it carefully on the counter and opened it.
Inside lay a delicate white jade ring.
At first glance, it looked simple—almost too simple.
"So," the shopkeeper said, watching their reactions closely, "what do you think? Does it suit your taste?"
"Uncle, how much?" Bai Qingran asked, crossing her arms slightly. "Don't try to fool me—I've bought things from you before."
The old man chuckled nervously.
"I wouldn't dare. It's an old piece… quite valuable. But since it's you—five gold coins."
Li Yanshu's eyes widened slightly.
Five gold coins… for something that looks this simple?
But Bai Qingran didn't hesitate.
She took out five gold coins and placed them on the counter.
"Done."
When they stepped out of the shop, the lively sounds of the festival rushed back in.
Li Yanshu glanced down at the small box in her hands, then at Bai Qingran.
"Five gold coins… that's expensive," she said softly.
Bai Qingran smiled, her expression light but reassuring.
"Don't worry," she said. "Even as a fallen noble… I still have my savings."
Without hesitation, she placed the box firmly into Li Yanshu's hands.
"Try it on," she said. "See if it fits."
Li Yanshu's fingers tightened slightly around the box.
"But—"
"No 'buts,'" Bai Qingran interrupted softly, yet firmly. "Just wear it."
Slowly, she opened the box.Inside lay the white jade ring.
Li Yanshu reached out and picked it up.
she slipped the ring onto her left index finger.
The moment it settled—
The ring tightened slightly, adjusting perfectly to her size.
"It fits perfectly…" she murmured.
She looked up at Bai Qingran.
A genuine smile appeared on her face.
"Thank you… Ranran."
The nickname came naturally, without hesitation.
"Can I call you Ranran?"
Then her eyes softened, and a small, warm smile formed.
"Of course," she said. "Then I'll call you Yanyan."
Then, the two girls returned to the temple with the others, their figures slowly disappearing into the quiet night.
Unaware of what lay ahead…
toward a fate that would change both of their lives forever.