Chapter 528: Passing by Stirs the Wind
The ancient temple in the mountains lay beneath a vast sky where the stars slowly revolved. A faint light had begun to creep over the horizon, heralding the coming dawn.
The room Master Xuanhua had arranged for Song You was tucked into the highest, most secluded corner of the mountain temple. It was a small, simple space. Like the others, it had a window but no door, offering a quiet retreat where he would not be easily disturbed.
The wooden bed was covered with only a thin cloth, barely different from sleeping directly on the hard planks.
Water was precious here. Even more so in a mountain temple. There was no indulgence in washing or bathing. The winds were strong, and the air was dry. Washing one’s face carelessly could result in cracked skin from the cold gusts. Thus, Song You used half a cloth, dampened it with a little water, and merely wiped the dust from his face.
As he sat on the bed wiping his face, the calico cat perched on the windowsill, peeking her head out to gaze at the vast expanse beyond.
“It’s so high up here!” she said without turning her head.
“Indeed.”
“It’s so hot during the day, but so cold at night—just like the mountains we traveled through!”
“You should remember this place, Lady Calico.”
“Hmm?” The calico cat abruptly turned her head to look at him.
“This is the character and symbol of this place, a treasure gained by you as you passed through. It will become a part of your life’s experience.” Song You continued wiping his face, his voice calm.