Fairy, Don’t Be Afraid, I’m Blind

Chapter 139: The Holy Maiden, Yu Die (Jade Butterfly)

The maiden’s hand was smooth and lustrous, like finely polished jade, while You Su’s hand was warm and coarse in stark contrast.

It seemed as though she had never touched a man’s hand before. Her face flushed crimson, and she appeared both shy and hesitant.

As their hands met, the accompanying music shifted rhythm. The metallic tones diminished, giving way to softer, more melodic strings. The tune became tender and poignant, evoking an atmosphere of passionate romance, as if depicting two lovers swept away by emotion in a sea of flowers. The remaining six dancers dispersed to either side, leaving the stage entirely to You Su and the maiden.

You Su had never danced in his life, let alone with the added challenge of blindness. However, the maiden guided him gently, her initial shyness vanishing as she transformed back into the confident dancer she had been at the start.

In truth, her confidence wasn’t unfounded. Among all the dancers, she was undeniably the queen.

Her raven-black hair flowed like ink, and her ribbons swayed gracefully. She raised her wrist and lowered her brows, then extended her arms with effortless elegance. Her beauty was delicate, like pink peach petals, and her movements carried the grace of an orchid.

Though she lacked cultivation of her own, she moved across the surface of Jade Ring Pool as if walking on water, her grace a gift of the lake’s sacred essence—a transcendent fairy descending from the heavens.

By comparison, You Su, despite being at the middle stage of Spiritual Awareness, appeared clumsy, like an ordinary mortal entranced by a celestial being.

Fortunately, his foundation in swordsmanship remained intact, and his body wasn’t entirely stiff. His reflexes were quick, allowing him to keep pace with the maiden’s steps. Guided by her, he gradually found his rhythm. With light footwork and flowing robes, he moved as though shooting arrows across the sky or riding dragons through the clouds.

Yu Meng and Yu Long watched the pair dance, their eyes filled with admiration. To them, this couple seemed destined for each other—two halves of a perfect whole, inseparable and deeply connected.

But suddenly, the music took a dramatic turn. A haunting flute melody pierced the air, shattering the romantic ambiance. The six hidden dancers emerged once more, their long sleeves swirling like a torrent of blossoms that engulfed the pair.

You Su froze, unsure of what to do, while the maiden was swept away by the tide of dancers. She clung tightly to his hand, as if vowing never to part from him, no matter what calamity might befall them.

At that moment, the music abruptly ceased, and their intertwined fingers separated like a snapped zither string.

Thus ended the dance.

The surrounding maids wore expressions of melancholy, as if they had witnessed a tragic love story where true affection could never find fulfillment.

You Su stood rooted in place, dazed and disoriented. Though it was only a performance, he felt as though he had truly lost someone important.

After a long silence, the dancers dispersed, and the maiden stepped forward. Her jet-black hair cascaded over one shoulder, and her flowing pink dress trailed behind her. Her unadorned yet elegant face bore a faint smile. Despite exposing much of her skin, she exuded no seductive allure.

“Master You Su possesses a natural talent for dancing,” she said softly, her voice akin to moonlight rippling across a tranquil pond.

You Su came back to his senses and bowed slightly. “It is thanks to your excellent guidance, Miss Fairy.”

“The first half may have been our combined effort, but in the latter half, the male protagonist’s sense of panic and helplessness was entirely your own doing, unrelated to me.”

The maiden covered her mouth and giggled, her bright eyes curving into crescent moons tinged with red.

You Su looked sheepish, realizing she must be teasing him for getting so absorbed in their farewell scene.

“Please don’t mock me, Miss Fairy. To be honest, this was my first time dancing.”

The maiden lifted her gaze, her fingers nervously intertwining. “Master You Su misunderstands. I meant no mockery. I genuinely believe you are gifted at dancing! At first, I thought you might truly be as clumsy as you claimed, but you far exceeded my expectations. I was so delighted that I couldn’t help laughing.”

You Su was momentarily stunned. “Miss Fairy flatters me too much. I am aware of my limitations.”

The maiden extended her slender arm. “Do not belittle yourself, Master You Su. Please take your seat. Allow me to explain the origins of this dance, and you will understand why I praised your performance.”

Following her guidance, You Su sat cross-legged in his designated spot, while the maiden positioned herself directly across from him. A soothing floral fragrance wafted toward him.

You Su sat upright, awaiting her words. The maiden smiled faintly and began, her cherry-red lips parting. “Master You Su may not know, but this dance is called ‘Jade Immortal Rushing to the Pool.’ Its story is not fictional but based on a real event in Jade Ring Pool’s history. In our Jade Ring Pool, there has always been a Holy Maiden. Though she is not the master of the household, her status is equally extraordinary, as she is considered the earthly projection of Jade Ring Pool.”

You Su nodded slightly. “I see. I’ve heard something about it.”

During his earlier conversation with Yu Meng and Yu Long, he had learned a little about Jade Ring Pool’s Holy Maidens. Historically, there was only ever one Holy Maiden at a time, chosen through a special method. Each possessed unparalleled talent and beauty but often met an early demise, like a rare flower blooming brilliantly yet briefly.

“There was once a Holy Maiden who, from the moment of her birth, surpassed all others in beauty and talent. She was highly regarded by Jade Ring Pool. Though Holy Maidens are peerless, they are bound by tradition never to leave Jade Ring Pool. Yet, despite this restriction, she fell deeply in love with someone she shouldn’t have—a fisherman who had wandered into Jade Ring Pool.”

“She knew their love could never end well, but her feelings couldn’t be extinguished. One day, she fled Jade Ring Pool to meet him. Disguised as an ordinary woman, she married the fisherman, believing they would grow old together. But eventually, Jade Ring Pool’s immortals discovered her. Unable to resist her fate, she flew across the silver-lit Jade Ring Lake, returning to fulfill her duty.”

“As for the fisherman, he was stripped of his right to sail. Every night, he stood by the shore of Jade Ring Lake, playing the flute piece he and the Holy Maiden had composed together, hoping for her return until he withered away. That night, the Holy Maiden did not hear the beloved flute melody again. Instead, she flew to the center of the lake, leaving behind this dance inspired by the flute song—a masterpiece encapsulating joy, sorrow, separation, and reunion. Then, she plunged into the lake, bidding farewell to the mortal world forever.”

The maiden recounted the tale without sadness, yet the surrounding maids listened with tears brimming in their eyes.

Though the story wasn’t particularly novel, its emotional resonance endured. You Su sighed, deeply moved. “Though separated by only a lake, it felt like an insurmountable chasm, keeping two lovers apart for eternity. Truly, it is a tale worthy of lamentation.”

If it were merely a lake, it would be easy to cross. But Jade Ring Lake symbolized the unbridgeable gap between immortals and mortals. In reality, few immortals dared to fall in love with mortals. For the elder partner, losing their beloved was both regrettable and liberating; for the younger, it left a lifetime of emptiness and torment.

“Master You Su speaks wisely. As a novice dancer, you perfectly captured the fisherman’s panic and helplessness during the farewell scene. A seasoned dancer might not have conveyed such authenticity. That’s why I said you danced exceptionally well.”

The maiden raised her wine cup, which contained fragrant fermented flower wine. “I’ve spoken at length without introducing myself. Please forgive me, Master You Su. My name is Yu Die, the current Lotus Holy Maiden of Jade Ring Pool. I shall drink this cup as penance for my oversight.”

With that, she tilted her head back and drained the cup in one go.

She drank too quickly and choked slightly, coughing softly. Her modest chest rose and fell with each breath, and her cheeks flushed prettily when she finished.

Though blind, You Su discreetly turned his head away. He also raised his cup and said, “I was unaware of your identity as the Holy Maiden, Miss Yu Die. Dancing with you so casually was indeed improper. Allow me to drink this cup as punishment.”

You Su downed the flower wine in one gulp. The liquid slid down his throat, filling his chest with a refreshing aroma. A warm sensation spread through his abdomen. Only then did he realize this was no ordinary wine—it was a brew capable of intoxicating immortals.

Could Yu Die, a mortal without cultivation, handle such divine alcohol?

“Master You Su is exactly as described in books—a gentleman as pure and serene as pine under the moonlight,” Yu Die remarked, glancing at him unnoticed. Her voice was soft with praise.

“You exaggerate, Miss Holy Maiden. Those accounts are unreliable fabrications.”

“Does Master You Su consider Divine Mountain Gazette unreliable? The gazette is compiled by the Intelligence Bureau of the Ancestral Pagoda and is the most authoritative publication in Divine Mountain. Published weekly, it documents everything that transpires within Divine Mountain over seven days. In the latest issue, Master You Su graced the cover, shining brightly.”

Yu Die smiled warmly and continued, “Since birth, I have lived by Jade Ring Pool, never encountering outsiders. The gazette is my primary window into the outside world, and I read every issue voraciously. Now, meeting you in person, I couldn’t help but invite you to dance. Please forgive me if I overstepped.”

No wonder the Holy Maiden had been so enthusiastic—it stemmed from her admiration for the stories she’d read.

You Su humbly replied, “Miss Holy Maiden worries too much. To me, you are a legendary figure. Meeting you today is a fortunate event.”

“Master You Su doesn’t even know how to lie. Jade Ring Pool has withdrawn from the world, and our renown has diminished. As for me, a Holy Maiden without cultivation, what legends could there possibly be about me outside?”

You Su was taken aback, his curiosity piqued further. Weren’t Holy Maidens supposed to be extraordinarily talented individuals, considered the pillars of Jade Ring Pool? Why was Yu Die an ordinary human?

“Enough of that,” Yu Die said, refilling her cup with a graceful smile. “Master You Su has traveled far, and our three masters wished to welcome you personally but were preoccupied with urgent matters. They entrusted me to entertain you properly. Hence, this banquet in Little Pond Palace. I hope you enjoy it. To show my sincerity, I offer you this toast.”

With that, she raised her jade wine cup.

You Su hesitated. Mortals drinking immortal wine risked falling into an eternal slumber, yet he wondered if her role as Holy Maiden granted her an unseen resilience.

Seeing his hesitation, Yu Die’s expression dimmed slightly. “The gazette says that although Master You Su was born blind, you never proclaim yourself as such and instead live as an ordinary person. Some people misunderstand your actions, but I empathize deeply. Among cultivators, I am also considered inherently flawed for being a mere mortal. Everyone treats me with excessive care, but I yearn for others to see me as just another person. I thought you, Master You Su, would share my plight and view me as equal. Yet, it seems you are no different from others…”

Her voice trembled slightly toward the end.

You Su’s heart tightened. He realized he, too, had unconsciously labeled others as weak.

He raised his cup and declared firmly, “Miss Holy Maiden speaks the truth. Finding a kindred spirit is rare. I should be the one toasting you.”

Hearing this, Yu Die’s face lit up like melting snow. Eagerly, she raised her cup again, clinking it against You Su’s, and downed the contents in one swift motion. Unaccustomed to the potent wine, she couldn’t suppress a soft cough afterward.

After swallowing the floral wine, You Su advised, “This divine wine is potent. Miss Holy Maiden should drink more slowly.”

Yu Die dabbed the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief, her cheeks flushed. “You’re right, Master You Su. It was presumptuous of me. Though the wine is exquisite, we shouldn’t neglect these delicacies. Yu Meng, Yu Long, come and serve Master You Su some fish.”

At her command, the twin sisters stepped forward, lifting the lid of a wooden box placed on the table.

A wisp of cold mist rose, revealing a piece of already-prepared fish meat inside. The flesh was translucent white, resembling a crystalline block of ice.

“This is the finest belly meat of Jade Ring Pool’s White Dragon Carp. If the carp is too small, the meat is tender but can become greasy. If it’s too large, the meat becomes tough and bland. Only a hundred-year-old White Dragon Carp offers the best flavor. This one is precisely a century old—an extremely rare specimen. Master You Su, please try it.”

Who would have thought a simple dish of fish could involve such meticulous considerations?

You Su marveled at the extravagance of immortal cuisine. Meanwhile, Yu Meng and Yu Long donned gloves made from fish bladders and carefully sliced the fresh fish for him.

Standing on either side, they each picked up a slice of fish, dipped it in a secret sauce, and hesitated briefly before offering it to You Su by hand, mindful of past boundaries. The warmth and fragrance were irresistible.

You Su sighed softly, intending to stop them, but Yu Die spoke first, her tone icy. “Yu Meng, Yu Long! Do not overstep!”

Startled, the twins quickly withdrew their hands. Exchanging glances, they murmured apologies. Both thought silently: feeding guests fish was a customary courtesy. Shouldn’t the young mistress know better than anyone? How could this be considered overstepping? Unless… unless the young mistress was jealous.

You Su silently thanked Yu Die for her understanding and picked up his chopsticks to try a slice himself. The fatty aroma filled his mouth, accompanied by a refreshing undertone. Indeed, it was top-tier belly meat. No wonder Elder Yu had treated it as a treasure that day.

“Master You Su, how does it taste?” Yu Die asked eagerly.

You Su nodded. “The aftertaste is endless. Eating this regularly might render cultivation unnecessary.”

“I’ve eaten plenty of White Dragon Carp, yet I still haven’t progressed an inch,” Yu Die said with a tinge of sadness. She quickly recovered and added, “There are many more delicacies to try. Master You Su must sample them all. Once you leave Jade Ring Pool, you won’t find them anywhere else.”

On the table lay an array of exquisite dishes: tender fish roe balls, drunken shrimp and crabs marinated in floral wine…

Most peculiar was a tall glass containing very pale vinegar, in which transparent little fish swam. They could only be distinguished by their eyes and a golden line running along their bodies.

“These are a unique type of small fish in Jade Ring Pool called Jade Threadfish. This size represents their fully matured form. Paired with this golden fruit vinegar, the taste is incredibly wondrous.”

Yu Die patiently introduced each dish to You Su.

You Su sampled a bite. The Jade Threadfish leapt and flipped in his mouth. Biting down, they crunched like ice, releasing juices that mingled with the sweet-tart vinegar, leaving a lingering fragrance. More astonishingly, the golden line seemed to have a special effect. After swallowing, he immediately felt his meridians invigorated.

“The culinary wonders of Jade Ring Pool are truly the most extraordinary I’ve ever tasted.”

Though You Su’s evaluation was sincere, his tone lacked the initial excitement and awe.

Perceptive as ever, Yu Die noticed his reluctance to dwell solely on the food and proactively steered the conversation elsewhere. “Beyond fine wines and delicacies, everything about Jade Ring Pool holds profound mysteries. Master You Su’s visit surely has its purpose. May I ask what brings you here?”

Conversing with Yu Die felt like basking in a gentle breeze. She always seemed to strike the perfect balance in their discussions.

“I am here on behalf of Third Elder of Mystic Firmament Sect, Emerald Glorious Venerable, to exchange treasures for a Lotus Root Heart.”

“Lotus Root Heart?” Yu Die’s eyes sparkled. “Is Emerald Glorious Venerable the renowned expert in spiritual plants? Legend has it that she attained enlightenment beneath an ancient tree, which not only rejuvenated but evolved into a divine tree known as ‘Shining Through the Ages.’”

“Yes, that’s her.”

“What does Emerald Glorious Venerable need the Lotus Root Heart for?” Yu Die asked curiously.

You Su shook his head. “I don’t know.”

“Emerald Glorious Venerable is unparalleled in the art of cultivating spiritual plants. Perhaps she seeks the Lotus Root Heart to cultivate another Lotus Birth Pool?” Yu Die speculated, her eyes gleaming with admiration. “She is truly a powerful and ambitious woman… Jade Ring Pool cannot refuse her. We agree to the exchange.”

You Su was surprised at how smoothly things were proceeding. “Shouldn’t Miss Holy Maiden inquire about what Third Elder offers in return?”

To his surprise, Yu Die laughed brightly. “Third Elder comes with intent to trade. Surely, she wouldn’t offer anything inferior to the Lotus Root Heart. If that’s the case, why bother asking?”

This eighteen-year-old girl exuded a wisdom and nonchalance beyond her years.

“Miss Holy Maiden is right. When can I arrange the exchange for the Lotus Root Heart?”

Yu Die’s expression turned apologetic. “To be honest, the Lotus Root Heart is one of Jade Ring Pool’s rarest treasures. It takes a hundred years to mature, and even then, only two or three usable specimens emerge per batch. Moreover, they are difficult to preserve. Thus, Jade Ring Pool currently has none in stock. Fortunately, the next batch will mature in ten days.”

“So fortunate?”

Yu Die smiled faintly. “Master You Su is a prodigy blessed by fate. You need only wait patiently.”

You Su calculated the timeline. Ten days, minus travel time, left little room for error. Returning to report and coming back later would indeed make staying here the optimal choice.

“Then I shall impose on Jade Ring Pool for ten more days.”

“Master You Su’s presence is an honor, not an imposition. With your mission secured, you can now relax and fully enjoy Jade Ring Pool’s beauty. Having secluded ourselves from the world for so long, we rarely receive guests. It falls upon you to remind the world of Jade Ring Pool.”

“You entrust me with quite a responsibility.” You Su took a sip of wine and pondered aloud, “But I have one question…”

“Master You Su,” Yu Die interrupted, raising her cup. “This is only your first day at Jade Ring Pool. Don’t rush. There’s plenty of time. Whatever you wish to know or obtain, Jade Ring Pool will surely provide.”

You Su paused, then quickly regained composure and smiled. “Miss Holy Maiden is wise. Allow me to toast you. Please sip lightly.”

Yu Die smiled charmingly, watching You Su drink with an immortal grace. She emptied her third cup and said, “Master You Su, how about we make a deal?”

“Miss Holy Maiden, speak freely.”

“If you have questions, I cannot answer them all without reason. Help me with a task, and I’ll answer one question. What do you say?”

“A lady of immense value like yourself—what task could possibly require my assistance?”

Yu Die rose to her feet. The cool night breeze seemed to sober her slightly as she gazed out the window of Little Pond Palace, lost in thought.

“There are many tasks. They fear me, protect me, but you, Master You Su, are different… You are special. Only you can help me.”

You Su followed her gaze to the tranquil Jade Ring Pool reflecting the stars. In her eyes, he saw an unmistakable longing—a desire to escape the lake that imprisoned her.

Yet he understood that someone as intelligent as Yu Die didn’t truly expect him to free her. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have recounted the story of “Jade Immortal Rushing to the Pool,” with its obvious allegory, nor allowed him to experience it firsthand.

This was her way of showing clarity tinged with heartbreak. She was hinting that the past tragedy should not repeat itself and hoped You Su wouldn’t harbor unrealistic fantasies.

Her life was inseparable from this lake. She couldn’t leave, but she yearned for someone like You Su—a pebble to create ripples on the otherwise still waters.

“What task does Miss Yu Die wish me to assist with?”

Yu Die turned, her skirt fluttering as she sat down gracefully. Her eyes sparkled with determination. “Master You Su, please recount all your legendary tales from Mystic Firmament Sect.”

“Why are you interested in that part of my journey?”

“The gazette’s depiction of you is brief, vivid though it may be. But hearing it directly from you, the living embodiment of those words, would be far more impactful.”

“I fear you’ll be disappointed.”

“Rest assured, Master You Su. Any story told by you will captivate me.” The maiden, emboldened by the wine, slammed the table and called out, “Yu Meng! Fetch more wine!”

You Su furrowed his brows, intending to decline. But the wine loosened his tongue, and urged by her eager gaze, he found himself narrating his adventures with growing enthusiasm.

Yu Die hung on every word, utterly enthralled. Whenever he reached a thrilling part, her eyes widened, and she clapped excitedly. Inspired by her reactions, You Su grew increasingly animated in his storytelling.

Unbeknownst to them, hours passed. Cups were exchanged, candles flickered, and the stars shifted in the night sky.

You Su, cradling his Black Pine Sword, lay sprawled on the ground, completely drunk, mumbling incoherently.

Yu Die tipped the wine goblet back, letting the liquid flow down her swan-like neck, tracing her delicate collarbone before disappearing into the curves below.

Gazing at You Su’s face, she made no effort to conceal her infatuation. “Master You Su is drunk… Yu Meng, Yu Long, escort him to rest.”

Yu Meng glanced at Yu Die mischievously. “Young Mistress, our revered guide, why not seize this opportunity…”

“Yu Meng, this is only the first day. He cannot rush, nor can we—let us savor the ripples he brings…”