"Mr. You’s arrival should be considered an honor, not a disturbance. Now that the mission is completed without worry, Mr. You should relax and fully enjoy the beauty of the Jade Ring Pool. The Jade Ring Pool has been secluded for a long time, and hasn’t had guests in a while. Mr. You, it’s up to you to remind the world of the Jade Ring Pool."

"Then I bear a heavy responsibility." You Su took a sip and pondered, "I’m just a bit curious, why..."

"Mr. You," Yudie raised her glass, interrupting You Su, "It’s only your first day at the Jade Ring Pool, don’t rush. There will be plenty of time later; whatever you want to know or obtain, the Jade Ring Pool will surely satisfy you."

You Su paused for a moment, then quickly regained his composure and smiled:

"The saintess is right, I toast to the saintess, just a taste for the saintess."

Yudie’s smile was enchanting, her eyes sparkling as she watched You Su drink with the carefree demeanor of an immortal. For the third time, she emptied her glass and said:

"Mr. You, shall we make a trade?"

"Feel free to say it, saintess."

"You have questions, but I can’t give you all the answers for nothing. If you do me a favor, I’ll answer one of your questions, how about that?"

"What help could the esteemed saintess require from You Su?"

Yudie stood up, the night breeze was cool, seemingly blowing away her drunkenness as she gazed out the small palace window, almost lost in thought.

"Many things. They all fear me, protect me, but Mr. You is different... You are the special one, so only you can help me."

You Su was taken aback, following the girl’s gaze out the window. The tranquil Jade Ring Pool mirrored the stars; in her eyes was an irrepressible longing, a longing to escape this lake that imprisoned her.

But he knew very well that someone as clever as Yudie wouldn’t truly hope for him to take her away, otherwise, she wouldn’t have told him the story of ’Jade Immortal Rushing Pool’ with such a clear metaphor, nor let him experience it all himself.

This was precisely a painful sign of her clarity; she was hinting to You Su that the experiences of those before were tragic, she wouldn’t end up like that, and she hoped You Su wouldn’t harbor unrealistic fantasies either.

Her life had long fused with this lake, she couldn’t leave even if she wanted; she merely hoped for a stone like You Su to ripple the stagnant surface of the ancient well.

"Saintess Yudie... what do you wish for me to help you with?"

Yudie turned again, her dress fluttering, and seated herself gracefully, looking at You Su with sparkling eyes:

"Mr. You, please recount your legendary tales from the Profound Sky Sect to me."

"Why is the saintess interested in my experiences?"

"The reports’ depictions of Mr. You are sparse, though vivid, they lack the awe of being present. Now that the subject of those stories is right before me, of course I wish to hear it in full detail."

"I’m afraid the saintess will be disappointed."

"Rest assured, no story will be uninteresting to Yudie." The maiden, like a drinker of great courage, thumped the table and said, "Yo Meng! Bring more wine!"

You Su furrowed his brow slightly, intending to demur, but as he began to speak, it transformed into a languid tale...

Yudie felt as if every word from his lips was addictive, mesmerizing her. Every time he reached an exciting part, she couldn’t help but widen her eyes and clap in response. You Su, too, became more and more engrossed as he was influenced by her enthusiasm.

Before they knew it, cups were clinking, candle flames flickered, hours passed as stars shifted and the moon turned.

You Su, cradling the Mo Song Sword, lay on the floor, dead drunk, mumbling incoherently.

Yudie lifted her cup and drank deeply, the wine trickling down her swan-like neck, across her delicate collarbones, disappearing into the hollow beneath. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

She gazed at You Su’s face, her eyes openly admiring:

"Mr. You is drunk... Yo Meng, Yo Long, help Mr. You back to rest."

Yo Meng glanced at Yudie with sly innocence and cautiously suggested:

"Miss, perhaps we should take this opportunity..."

"Yo Meng, it’s only the first day. He mustn’t rush, and neither should we..."