Time Travel: The Noble Family
Chapter 597 - 239 Years in the Mountains (Part 2)

Chapter 597: 239 Years in the Mountains (Part 2)

Autumn rain is distinct from the precipitation of other seasons. It falls gently, softly, like a whisper of silk, satin, mist, and smoke, tender as the needle of a cow’s hair, touching the face with a cool, silky sensation.

The light rain pattered on the eaves, sparking droplets in succession, their "patter patter" forming a unique rhythm. Yueyao stepped outside and caught the rain with her hand, feeling its cool, icy touch upon her palm.

Xi Yu fetched a cloak and draped it over Yueyao, "Young lady, this rain is cold, don’t let it soak through." Dampness can easily lead to catching cold.

Yueyao smiled and opened a green oil-paper umbrella, making her way to the adjacent courtyard. Upon entering, she saw Master Xuan Tian, clad in gray monk robes, and Mr. Yu Shan, dressed in white garments, sitting under the porch brewing tea and chatting.

Yueyao had never dreamt that the esteemed Master Xuan Tian would sit just like an ordinary person at a tea table, conversing while sipping tea—such an unsettling sight made her lose her composure.

Mr. Yu Shan seemed unaware of Yueyao’s astonishment and waved her over with a smile, "Girl, come here."

Quickly realizing her lapse, Yueyao steadied herself and approached, bowing to them both, "Sir, I wish you well, as I do the Master."

Master Xuan Tian certainly recognized Yueyao and said with a smile, "Female benefactor need not be so ceremonious, just be as usual."

Yueyao naturally took a seat on an empty chair.

Seeing this, Mr. Yu Shan burst into hearty laughter, "I told you, this girl wouldn’t be afraid of you." Mr. Yu Shan was familiar with Yueyao’s character; she was not one to shy from challenges.

Master Xuan Tian remained silent but smiled.

Yueyao said with a laugh, "Sir, I have seen Master Xuan Tian before." It wasn’t fear, but respect for the Master. Such a venerable and esteemed figure could only be met without fear by someone like Mr. Yu Shan, who was unconstrained by worldly manners.

Mr. Yu Shan chuckled, "I know, it was during that time the old monk was preaching when you saw him." Mr. Yu Shan was unaware that Master Xuan Tian had also met with Yueyao privately.

Yueyao looked at Master Xuan Tian, noticing that he only wore a smile and showed no intention of speaking, so she said no more and simply sat obediently on the chair. She couldn’t tell if it was just her feeling, but it seemed like Master Xuan Tian was looking at her in a profound and indistinct manner.

Mr. Yu Shan spoke with Master Xuan Tian about Buddhist philosophy for a while, and Yueyao was utterly captivated by their discussion. Little did Yueyao know, Mr. Yu Shan also had deep knowledge of Buddhist scriptures.

After some time, Yueyao was startled back to her senses by a pain on her body, and turning around, she saw Xiang Wei pinching her. Yueyao asked blankly, "What’s wrong?"

Mr. Yu Shan laughed, "Go inside and capture this rainy scene in your painting. I shall inspect it later." Previously, Mr. Yu Shan had reviewed Yueyao’s paintings and offered his critiques, and now that they were up in the mountains, it was still Mr. Yu Shan who set the topics for Yueyao to follow in her paintings.

Yueyao did not want to go in; she preferred to listen to the discussions on Buddhist philosophy. However, with Mr. Yu Shan urging her to proceed to the studio, she had no choice but to comply.

Once Yueyao entered the studio, Mr. Yu Shan’s smile faded, and he turned to Master Xuan Tian with the question that troubled his heart, "Do you see anything amiss with this child?"

Master Xuan Tian inquired, "What are you suspecting?"

Mr. Yu Shan had indeed questioned the origin of Yueyao’s painting skills, as immense talent alone could not bring instant mastery. Profound skills in painting require years to cultivate, and for someone like Yueyao without decades of practice, such talents would be impossible. But since learning about Yueyao’s diligent and almost masochistic dedication, he had not harbored any reservations.

Mr. Yu Shan shook his head, "I don’t suspect anything. I just think this child is very introspective, as if she has endured great hardships. Such a disposition isn’t fitting for a ten-year-old child." He once saw Yueyao deep in thought, emanating such profound sadness that it shook him deeply, worrying that she had already experienced the vicissitudes of life, something entirely inappropriate for her young age.

As the old saying goes, extreme intelligence brings sorrow, and he feared that Yueyao might die young. Although he claimed he wouldn’t accept her as a disciple, that was due to his reservations. However, in his heart, Mr. Yu Shan already regarded Yueyao as his closed-door disciple.

Master Xuan Tian nodded and said, "On that day, I too felt that there was something unusual about the child and made a point of meeting her. That’s when I discovered her unique features, but I could not decipher her destiny." It was his first time experiencing such a conundrum.

Mr. Yu Shan, concerned, quickly asked, "Could her life be in danger?" Mr. Yu Shan had sought out Master Xuan Tian precisely to have him look into Yueyao’s fate.