Fairy, Don’t Be Afraid, I’m Blind

Chapter 145: The Diary of Holy Maiden Yu Die

“An issue? What kind of issue?”

You Su’s eyes widened in alarm. He had waited so long—how could there be an issue just as the ten-day mark approached? Was this truly fate playing tricks on him?

“Young Master You, please don’t worry. It’s not a major problem. Please trust that Jade Ring Lake will fulfill your request. We originally thought the Lotus Root Heart would mature tomorrow, but it seems we’ll need to wait until the day after next. I’m here only to inform you, so please remain calm.”

You Su subtly furrowed his brows. “Just two more days—it’s no trouble. Thank you for your efforts, Immortal Yu.”

“Thank you for understanding, Young Master You. Jade Ring Lake will not disappoint you.”

As he spoke, Yu Zhen flicked his hands lightly, and a luxurious brocade box appeared in his palm, about half the size of a hand.

He bowed and presented it to You Su. “This is Jade Ring Lake’s apology gift to you. It’s lotus root powder made from the spiritual lotus of Jade Ring Lake, processed through eighty-one meticulous steps. Taken internally, it strengthens meridians and stabilizes the spirit. Applied externally, it heals wounds without leaving scars. It can even be added to incense burners as an exquisite fragrance, offering a unique aroma that complements the scent of the ten thousand jade lotuses.”

You Su was inwardly astonished. Jade Ring Lake was indeed generous. Exchanging treasures wasn’t a necessity for them, yet they were willing to offer such a valuable apology for delaying You Su by just two days.

Perhaps… this lotus root powder might awaken the little white fish again. However, outwardly, You Su maintained his courteous demeanor.

“It’s only two extra days in Jade Ring Lake. Such a precious gift—I cannot accept it.”

Yu Zhen stepped forward slightly. “Young Master You, there’s no need for modesty. This is a gift from Venerable Shenxi. When the grand master personally sends a gift, you should accept it graciously. Not everyone receives such treatment.”

Venerable Shenxi? Finally, one of the three grand masters had taken notice of this visitor from Divine Mountain?

“In that case… I’ll humbly accept it. Please convey my gratitude to Venerable Shenxi.”

“I’ll take my leave now. Once there’s news, I’ll notify you immediately.”

You Su raised his hand in thanks, and Yu Zhen smiled before departing.

“Without my permission, none of you are to enter the hall. I’ll be cultivating.”

After instructing Yu Meng and Yu Long, You Su returned to his chambers and opened the brocade box filled with lotus root powder. He didn’t know where the little white fish was hiding, so this was his attempt to lure it out.

But the little white fish seemed to have vanished completely. There was no response, leaving You Su with no choice but to sit on the lotus pedestal, meditating while waiting quietly.

Counting the days, it had been thirteen since he left the sect. He wondered if his senior sister was anxious or if Master’s wife had discovered his absence. With success almost within reach, he hoped Third Elder could stall them a little longer.

You Su closed his eyes. The faint fragrance of the lotus root powder seemed to possess a magical allure, naturally drawing his focus into cultivation.

Time felt as though it had been fast-forwarded. When You Su opened his eyes again, evening had fallen. He stood up, his body filled with profound energy, but his stomach was empty.

“Come to think of it, it’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed a banquet at Little Pond Palace…”

You Su murmured wryly, amused at how accustomed he had become to Jade Ring Lake’s delicacies. Could he return to being satisfied with a simple plate of braised chicken with chestnuts like back in Chuyun City? The answer was obvious. It wasn’t about what he ate but who he ate with.

“Yu Meng, Yu Long, prepare dinner for me,” You Su called out.

“Yes.”

Not long after, two beautiful maidens brought meticulously prepared dishes to the table.

Even after nine days, the meals remained refreshingly distinct. Though the ingredients were largely similar—fish, shellfish—the cooking methods were always innovative.

The people of Jade Ring Lake took their food seriously, making You Su feel that these family cultivators weren’t so much immortal practitioners as they were chefs who had cultivated through culinary arts.

On second thought, perhaps that wasn’t entirely accurate. Jade Ring Lake’s meticulousness extended beyond food to robes, abodes, and everything else, pursuing perfection in beauty.

Beauty was their path to cultivation.

“Sit and eat with me.”

You Su knelt beside the table and gestured for the two women to join him. There was far too much food for him to finish alone.

Yu Meng and Yu Long were clearly delighted but feigned restraint. “That wouldn’t be proper, Young Master You. Please enjoy your meal.”

“This is an order.” You Su had already picked up a piece of snow-white fish meat.

The two exchanged glances and promptly sat on either side of You Su.

They ate sparingly, taking small bites of dishes they had grown tired of long ago.

Yu Long, with her innocent nature, began crying softly as she ate. Tears streamed down her cheeks, dripping onto the edge of the plate.

Yu Meng, alarmed, whispered urgently, “Yu Long! Be careful!”

Yu Long tried to wipe her tears but couldn’t stop, sobbing quietly instead.

Yu Meng cautiously observed You Su’s expression. Their relationship had finally improved, and now her sister’s emotional outburst left her feeling helpless.

“Young Master You… Yu Long didn’t mean to…”

You Su ignored her, set down his chopsticks, sighed lightly, and asked calmly, “Yu Long, what’s wrong?”

Hearing You Su’s question, Yu Long forced herself to stop crying. “Sniff… Young Master You… are you really leaving once you get the Lotus Root Heart?”

“Mm.” You Su nodded gently.

His affirmative answer caused Yu Long to cry harder, while Yu Meng also looked sorrowful.

“Then… can you take my sister and me with you?” Yu Long whimpered, voicing her greatest plea.

“Yu Long!” Yu Meng scolded, glaring at her sister for her impertinence.

You Su held his cup of fruit wine, silent for a moment before replying, “You both know very well—I can’t take you with me. Don’t harbor such fantasies.”

Not everyone was as clear-headed as Holy Maiden Yu Die. Helpless young girls always hoped for a hero to save them. But no one from Jade Ring Lake had left in fifty-four years, and that wouldn’t change because of You Su’s arrival.

Yu Long felt as though half her heart had died. Her tears froze mid-fall, no longer dripping. Jade Ring Lake’s gates would reopen someday, but not in her lifetime. She bit her lip, grasping at the last shred of hope: “Then… could Young Master You stay? Stay in Jade Ring Lake. Everything here is wonderful—there’s me, my sister, and the Holy Maiden… We’ll treat you better than Divine Mountain ever could!”

If You Su couldn’t take them out, then they would keep him here.

“Is this a task assigned by the grand master?” You Su straightened slightly.

Yu Meng pursed her lips and apologized, “After Jade Ring Lake secluded itself, there was a generational gap. The only promising junior is Young Master Yu Mingzhen. But Jade Ring Lake values its roots deeply and cannot recruit widely. They can only invite those who owe Jade Ring Lake favors to join, but few respond. Young Master You is extraordinarily talented and closely related to Lotus Sword Venerable, having received her Immortal Seed. You could be considered half a member of Jade Ring Lake. From the moment they learned of your arrival, Jade Ring Lake has hoped to keep you. I believe you’ve already seen their sincerity.”

“You Su is honored. Perhaps that’s why they sent a pool of holy maidens to approach me,” You Su’s voice was as cold as the lake breeze drifting through a window.

“The Holy Maiden… she didn’t…” Yu Meng lowered her eyes. “At first, we thought the Holy Maiden approached you with a purpose, and the three grand masters even ordered us to use special means…”

“If this were fifty-four years ago, the grand masters wouldn’t dare speak to the Holy Maiden like that. But Holy Maiden Yu Die is just a mortal without cultivation. Her status is now merely nominal. How could these cultivators revere a mere mortal? But my sister and I observed the Holy Maiden’s actions and realized she wasn’t trying to fulfill the grand masters’ goals. She was just lonely…”

Yu Meng paused, empathizing with the Holy Maiden she had grown up with. The Holy Maiden was far lonelier and more pitiful than they were. She wiped her eyes and continued, “So after you saved the Holy Maiden by jumping off the cliff, she stopped coming to see you. She was afraid she’d grow attached and wouldn’t want you to leave. That’s why she’s avoiding you. My sister and I now want to keep you here—not because of the grand masters’ orders but because of our own feelings!”

Her face flushed red, exhausted from pouring out her heartfelt words. She watched You Su nervously, barely daring to breathe.

The atmosphere fell silent. The two women’s gazes were both fervent and timid. You Su nodded slightly and said, “I understand. But I will still leave.”

He drained his cup of fruit wine, stood up, and turned away, as cold as the black sword in his hand. “Eat slowly. I’m full. I’m going out for a walk.”

The weather grew cooler, and the days shorter. The lamps outside hadn’t been lit yet, and You Su’s figure quickly disappeared into the night.

Yu Long cried even more bitterly. “Sister… are we really so unlikable?”

Yu Meng wiped her sister’s tears and forced a smile to comfort her. “No, it’s just that he’s blind. His eyes never saw us—how could he stay for us?”

You Su walked along the wooden path by the lake. The fragrant scent of lotuses carried by the evening breeze was refreshing. Along the way, he encountered almost no one.

He had once asked the Holy Maiden why Jade Ring Lake cultivators rarely went out. She explained that years of seclusion had made them weary of the beauty around them. They preferred to cultivate at home rather than venture out. Only during festivals or events did they gather to celebrate.

You Su understood and walked leisurely. This vast lake was familiar to Jade Ring Lake cultivators but still novel to him.

His purpose wasn’t to stroll but to visit Little Pond Palace, which he hadn’t been to in three days.

He sensed there was more to the Holy Maiden’s deliberate avoidance. Curiosity drove him here.

Returning after three days, You Su felt both familiarity and strangeness.

The pure white birds that often perched atop Little Pond Palace no longer feared him and didn’t scatter upon his arrival.

However, the maids guarding the entrance reacted differently. Those who once allowed You Su to pass now blocked his way.

“Young Master You, please stop.”

You Su frowned slightly. “Please inform the Holy Maiden that You Su has come to visit.”

The maid remained unmoving, as if prepared. “The Holy Maiden is unavailable. Please return, Young Master You.”

“When will the Holy Maiden be available?”

The maid hesitated, her tone tinged with melancholy. “I don’t know.”

This maid was one of Holy Maiden Yu Die’s personal attendants. Seeing her hesitation, You Su knew she was hiding something.

“Then tell the Holy Maiden I came.”

“I will.”

Since she deliberately refused to see him, You Su didn’t insist further and turned to leave.

Just then, the maid suddenly called out, “Oh, Young Master You, the Holy Maiden said you helped her release a sky lantern that night. She still owes you a question.”

You Su paused. According to their agreement, this was true—he could ask Holy Maiden Yu Die one more question.

But what should he ask?

He already had a basic understanding of Jade Ring Lake. Deeper secrets wouldn’t be revealed even if he asked. This opportunity to ask a question felt somewhat redundant.

Seeing You Su’s silence, the maid bowed and added, “Young Master You doesn’t need to rush. You can ask before receiving the Lotus Root Heart. Take your time to think.”

You Su hesitated, then replied, “Alright,” before turning and leaving.

It was the tenth day of his stay at Jade Ring Pool—the day he was supposed to receive the Lotus Root Heart.

After Yu Meng and Yu Long confessed their intentions and were rejected yesterday, their interactions with You Su became awkward. You Su didn’t mind and avoided their service as much as possible.

After dinner, he returned to Little Pond Palace.

His divine sense couldn’t penetrate inside, so he had no idea what was happening within.

He wanted to use the question as an excuse to see the Holy Maiden, but he couldn’t think of anything to ask. He paced back and forth outside Little Pond Palace, looking visibly anxious.

Holy Maiden Yu Die’s personal maid continued to block the entrance. Seeing You Su’s troubled expression, she felt pity and leaned closer. “Has Master You decided what to ask?”

You Su thought for a moment and replied, “I want to ask about my master’s seclusion years ago.”

The maid shook her head. “Please return, Master You. That’s not the real question you want to ask.”

The real question?

You Su appeared surprised and left thoughtfully.

The maid watched his retreating figure and sighed deeply.

Day eleven.

Yu Meng and Yu Long noticed You Su preparing to leave again. Unable to restrain themselves, they asked, “Master You, are you going to find the Holy Maiden again?”

You Su nodded. “Yes.”

“But the Holy Maiden isn’t seeing anyone. Why are you going to find her?”

“The Holy Maiden owes me a question. Once she answers it, I won’t look for her anymore.”

“Master You is truly… meticulous, isn’t he?”

Yu Meng and Yu Long exchanged glances, their fading hopes reigniting. To them, the question was just an excuse. You Su wanting to see the Holy Maiden was the truth.

“Have you decided on your question, Master You?”

You Su stepped over the threshold without looking back and silently walked the same path again.

When he arrived at Little Pond Palace, the maid greeted him but still blocked his way, asking with concern, “Master You, have you decided on your question? Tomorrow… the Lotus Root Heart will mature.”

“Yes, I’ve decided.” You Su clasped his hands behind his back and solemnly asked, “How is the Holy Maiden?”

The maid looked up at him, tears shimmering in her eyes. She bowed and murmured, “Forgive me, Master You. Yesterday, I should’ve answered your question on behalf of the Holy Maiden, but I took it upon myself to refuse you.”

“Why?”

“I am the Holy Maiden’s personal attendant. While bathing, she once lamented that during the six days she spent with you, you asked dozens of questions—but none were about her. This made her feel defeated. I couldn’t bear to see her sad, so I remembered her words and decided to wait until you asked about her before answering.”

The maid glanced at You Su, who looked worried. She inwardly sighed, knowing she hadn’t misjudged him. You Su clearly cared for the Holy Maiden, otherwise he wouldn’t have sought her out or inquired about her condition.

“So, how is she?” You Su didn’t press the maid for her presumption.

The maid wiped her tears and retrieved a worn book from her sleeve. Its pages emitted a delicate fragrance—not hers, but one You Su recognized as belonging to the Holy Maiden.

“Master You will understand once you read this.”

She handed the book to You Su, who hesitated briefly before accepting it.

When You Su returned to Qing Lan Hall, Yu Meng and Yu Long were still waiting for him in the courtyard.

You Su’s face was grim, his brows tightly furrowed. His silence created a heavy atmosphere, like storm clouds gathering in the night sky.

Yu Meng and Yu Long had never seen You Su like this before and felt uneasy. Finally, Yu Meng mustered the courage to whisper, “Did you see the Holy Maiden, Master You?”

You Su remained silent, exuding the calm before a storm. He handed the book he had received from the maid to Yu Meng, who didn’t know what it was but could sense something unusual.

Under the lamplight, she and her sister carefully opened the book.

The handwriting was elegant, each stroke meticulously written, as if writing was not a chore but a pleasure for the author.

After reading a few lines, Yu Meng realized it was the diary of Holy Maiden Yu Die herself.

Each entry was brief, documenting her life growing up.

She had been born the Holy Maiden, but unlike previous ones who were hailed as the pool’s hope, everyone’s hopes were dashed when they discovered she lacked spiritual veins. As a reflection of Jade Ring Pool’s state, her lack of cultivation meant the pool hadn’t recovered despite sustaining countless lives.

This child, who should have been showered with love, instead faced scorn. She grew up confined in Little Pond Palace, which felt more like a prison than a palace.

In the world of immortals, a mortal serving as a symbol of faith was unacceptable—to both the immortals and the mortal bearing the weight of expectations, enough to crush her frail body.

Fortunately, Yu Die was strong, lively, and endearing. Had she been able to cultivate, she would have been an exemplary Holy Maiden. Through her charm, she gradually changed the perceptions of those close to her. At least in the eyes of her attendants, she was the true Holy Maiden.

Her diary rarely recorded bitter memories, focusing instead on happy moments, making her entries brief. However, Yu Meng noticed the most recent pages were filled to the brim, radiating joy.

As she read through, Yu Meng discovered the entries detailed interactions with You Su.

“Today, I danced with Master You. It was the happiest dance I’ve ever had. But I shouldn’t have told him the story of Jade Immortal Rushing to the Pool. He drank so much wine—he probably thought drinking immortal wine would make me drunk first, right? Hmph, that’s the price for underestimating Yu Die. But he looked so handsome when he was drunk, mumbling ‘Junior Sister, Senior Sister, Master’s Wife, Master,’ yet never once saying ‘Yu Die.’”

“Today, Master You and I admired the lake at West Pavilion. On the way, we met the eldest son and Miss Ji. Master You insisted the poems he recited weren’t his own, but I’ve never heard of such works before. Later, at the pavilion, he recited several more poems, each worthy of eternal fame. I memorized them secretly but won’t tell anyone, especially not Miss Ji.”

“Wishing to release sky lanterns from the mountaintop was my selfish request. I’ve never stood so high before. Looking down, I felt like I transcended mortals. But standing at the cliff’s edge, I was terrified. Yet knowing Master You was behind me gave me an inexplicable sense of security…”

“I can’t see him again. He doesn’t belong here, nor should he stay.”

“There’s a problem with the Lotus Root Heart, but the agreed-upon date with Master You is approaching. Will he think I deceived him? He traveled a thousand miles to seek the Lotus Root Heart—it must be very important to him… It’s alright. I am the Holy Maiden. I will definitely hand the Lotus Root Heart to him… It’s our agreement. Anyway, I’ll soon…”

The final page was covered in tear-dried creases, and the word “die” was blurred by moisture.

When Yu Meng and Yu Long looked up, tears streamed down their faces. They had assumed the Holy Maiden was using her charm to win You Su over, but they never imagined she had become someone else’s “captive.”

The diary fell to the floor, revealing a loose sheet of paper.

Yu Meng quickly picked it up—it was the previous Holy Maiden’s suicide note.

Like Yu Die, the previous Holy Maiden was also unable to cultivate. Most of the note recounted her experiences as a mortal in Jade Ring Pool.

But the last sentence made Yu Meng gasp—

“I didn’t die of natural causes.”