Pearlescent

Master Kai Fei Huang strode into the room, the guards snapping to attention as he entered. His presence commanded the room, the door echoing shut behind him.

The study room of the leader of the Kunlun mountains was very spacious, with large windows that let in ample amounts of natural light exactly as Master Fei remembered it.

The room was tastefully decorated with fine furniture, exquisite tapestries, and paintings that depict the history of the sect. The walls were made of dark wood with intricate carvings and the floor is adorned with thick rugs.

Master Fei's heart raced as he remembered the events that had taken place in this room many years ago. He could almost feel the emotion in the air.

There were comfortable chairs and couches to relax and enjoy the view. A large desk sat in the middle of the room, littered with scrolls, books, and inkbrushes.

A pot of tea sat on the corner of the desk, ready to be enjoyed by whoever entered the room. There were also several cabinets filled with scrolls that contained the secrets of the Kunlun mountains, preserved for generations.

Master Fei stopped in his tracks, a smile crossed his lips as he watched the old master of Kunlun mountains in meditation.

Master Fei's nostrils flared as he took in the heavy power that emanated from the old master's powerful presence. He recognized in him the strength of the good-natured martial artist and the wisdom of the ages that Kunlun symbolized.

Respectfully bowing his head, Master Fei felt a surge of silent admiration for the grace and strength with which the old master conducted his practice.

''Master Wei Jiantai!''

Master Wei Jiantai opened his eye's slowly. The smoke from the incense burner run around in the form of clouds.

The Old Master of the Kunlun Mountains was a mysterious figure with a wise face.

Master Fei couldn't blink his eye's away for a few seconds. Everything was still the same about Master Wei Jiantai like five years ago. He had a long white beard that cascaded around his face and a look of knowledge and benevolence about him. He wore a long white robe with intricate edging, which gave him a timeless feel. His hair was luminescent, and as always in pristine condition.

Master Wei Jiantai's presence was said to be calming, and his presence was said to grant any who entered his presence a sense of peace. He spent much of his time in deep seclusion, meditating in the highest reaches of the Kunlun mountains.

Master Fei felt that sense of peace as soon as he entered the room.

"Ah, Son! The Kunlun Mountains rejoice in your return!", Master Wei Jiantai slowly strode towards him, a spark of joy in his eyes.

Master Fei straightened his stance and raised his head as Master Wei Jiantai stood before him. He clasped his master's hand and bowed reverently, pressing a kiss to its back before steadying himself upright.

''Master Wei-!'' He looked at his face which shined like a jade. ''I apologize-''

Before he could get his thought out, Master Wei cut him off, swift action halting his words.

''Forget what lay in past and strain forward for what lies ahead''. Master Wei walked towards his desk. Master Fei followed him behind slowly.

Master Fei glared at the map on the desk before turning to Master Wei and demanding, "What were you teaching the disciples about military strategies?"

"I was teaching them about the importance of defensive strategies and how they can be useful in certain scenarios," Master Wei replied calmly.

Just then they heard the knock on the door and Meng Yao entered inside calmly. She motioned to two maids behind her to enter the room silently. They each carried a tea tray with refreshments and set them down on an elaborate side table.

Master Fei noticed the display of tea cups, confectioneries and fruits set on the table. He smiled.

''Uncle Fei! I specially made the tea for you myself. Enjoy-'' Meng Yao poured the tea into the cups.

Master Fei noticed something was awry. He asked, ''Master Wei, is there something going on between the kids?''

Master Wei nodded his head. ''There's a cease-fire going between these two. They have stopped talking with each other for one week''.

''It's not a good thing, A'Yao''. Master Fei said.

''I know, but it wasn't my mistake. He pushed me into cold water that's why I ruined his new paints''. Meng Yao whined.

Master Fei burst into laughter, the side of his eyes turned moist due to laughing. He couldn't help but feel more love for this girl who was so innocent.

''It's cold outside and he was painting in this cold. Go, give him tea''. Master Fei ordered.

''I also caught a cold when he threw me in chilling water''. Meng Yao stated.

Master Wei slowly shook his head. It was something he witnessed almost every day.

Although Master Fei didn't give up. ''My sweet daughter Meng Yao has the heart of a butterfly. Very fragile and caring. She can't see anyone in discomfort''.

Meng Yao felt embarrassed and thought Master Fei was right. She got up and quickly left.

The rain had completely stopped.

She saw Guo Haoxuan complete his painting. She walked toward him and stood next to him.

''Come on, let's go and drink tea''. She said slowly.

Guo Haoxuan raised his head to look at her. ''No thanks! I better drink poison than tea with you''.

His mood was completely off with her. She couldn't help but smile widely.

"Young Master Haoxuan, those paints were a gift from your beloved - why don't you speak accordingly?!" Meng Yao enunciated. ''Why are you so angry, they were just a few paint colours. Father has since bought new for you''.

Guo Haoxuan seared her with an intense gaze and fiercely declared, ''You didn't merely mess up my paints, you damaged my heart''.

''Okay! My bad''. Meng Yao clasped her hands together in the form of an apology.

Guo Haoxuan fiercely held a brush and a bucket of paint thinner in his grip, but Meng Yao attempted to yank it away. In a flash, the bucket of paint thinner clattered from Haoxuan's hand and crashed onto the floor.

Meng Yao let out a blood-curdling scream as the paint thinner scalded her hand in agony.

Guo Haoxuan was taken aback, and a moment later he realized how careless he'd been. He tried to retrieve a handkerchief from the side table, but Meng Yao's hand was already covered in blisters.

So aghast with his actions, Guo Haoxuan crouched down in front of her and cupped her head in his hands. Two droplets of tears streamed down his cheeks. He then pressed his forehead against hers and apologised deeply.

Meng Yao looked at him with a surprised and gentle expression. For a second, everything was still.