The Rebellious Nun and the Witty Taoist

The martial arts competition was a cacophony of cheers and clangs as clans from across Jianghu showcased their prowess. Amidst the bustling crowd, a figure cloaked in the pristine white robes of a Buddhist nun moved with silent determination. Mei Lin, young and spirited, had slipped away from the watchful eyes of the White Lotus Temple, seeking solace in the shadows at the fringes of the arena. 

She was ever grateful to Buddha that the strict Senior Nun Sister Gui was busy judging the competition, her seat far from her disciples, next to the elders and dignitaries from other sects. By a stroke of luck, even her shijie was too preoccupied to watch her like a hawk.

She paused in a secluded alcove, hidden from prying eyes, and with practiced precision, she retrieved a tightly wrapped bundle of tobacco leaves. As she deftly rolled a cigarette, a sense of guilt flickered in her eyes—a moment's indulgence in defiance of her sect's strict teachings.

A faint rustle behind her caused her to freeze mid-motion. Instinctively, she hid the freshly rolled cigarette within the folds of her robe, heart pounding. It wasn't her first time doing it, but it was certainly her first time being caught. Her senses heightened, she turned slowly, expecting a disapproving nun or elder ready to reprimand her.

Instead, she locked eyes with a young Taoist cultivator. He was rather handsome, and she remembered seeing him in the arena earlier that day. She recognized the white robes with the cloud symbol embroidered on the chest, marking him as a member of the Azure Cloud Sect, situated on a mountain bordering her nunnery.

Zhang Wei, who had also slipped away to avoid reprimand from his Shixiong for fighting with his Shidi, stood at the entrance of the alcove, his expression a blend of surprise and quiet amusement. He too had sought a moment of solitude to collect his thoughts after the altercation with his junior, finding solace in the shadows. He smiled at her, his lips curving into a gentle, understanding smile, and held up his hands, signaling he meant no harm.

His presence caught her off guard, her pulse quickening as she braced herself for judgment, yet her face dared him to make a comment.

Zhang Wei took a step closer, while Mei Lin stepped back, cautiously watching him move, ready to bolt at a moment's notice. She calculated that if she ran away and joined her fellow nuns, she could camouflage herself well. Wearing the nun's habit, with their heads covered by veils, they all looked alike from afar. Nuns didn't appreciate men gazing at them, especially Sister Gui.

What were the chances the young Taoist had recognized her from the brief glimpse he had caught of her? And more importantly, what were the chances he would be allowed by the strict Sister Gui to get close enough to identify her again?

Zhang Wei brought his finger to his lips, making a silencing gesture. Without a word, he moved closer and seated himself across from her, not invading her space but sharing the alcove's shadowed sanctuary. In a gesture that spoke volumes, he retrieved a cigarette of his own and lit it with deliberate calm.

Mei Lin watched in astonishment, shocked at the sudden turn of events. With a fluid motion, he tossed the lighter toward her. The fire starter, commonly used by alchemists, landed at her feet, a silent offering. Mei Lin used a matchstick to light a smoke usually. Never had she thought a fire starter could double as a lighter. Mei Lin hesitated only briefly before retrieving the lighter, their eyes meeting in a moment of mutual acceptance.

They sat in companionable silence, the flickering flames of their cigarettes casting fleeting shadows on the alcove walls. Mei Lin found herself relaxing in the young Taoist's presence, a sense of camaraderie blooming amidst the tension of their clandestine meeting. His quiet acceptance eased her guilt, offering a glimpse of understanding she rarely encountered within the rigid confines of her sect.

No words were exchanged, yet a silent pact formed between them—a bond forged in shared defiance against tradition and the unspoken promise of mutual respect. As the sun dipped low over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the competition grounds, Mei Lin and Zhang Wei remained seated in their hidden alcove. Two figures united by a fleeting moment of rebellion, their bond strengthened by the quiet companionship that defied the boundaries of Jianghu.