To Love the Gentle Moon - Lan Xichen X Reader

Secrets in scrolls

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Without any more rambling, here's the chapter....
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Feng Yuemei strolled along the stone-paved walkways of Fenghua Manor, her gaze wandering over the elegant beauty surrounding her. The sweeping, curved roofs with their intricately carved eaves, the gracefully arched bridges spanning over koi-filled ponds, and the quiet charm of flowering magnolia trees all spoke of a world built on tradition, grace, and unyielding strength.

She couldn't help but compare this breathtaking reality to the historical dramas and fantasy shows she'd watched back in her old life. No matter how grand a TV set might be, it could never replicate the authenticity of living within such a place. Everything here felt alive-from the faint scent of blooming flowers carried on the breeze to the distant hum of wind chimes swaying gently under the manor's eaves.

The manor exuded a timeless serenity, but she couldn't afford to relax. She needed information-about her family, the sect, and the dangerous future that lay ahead. Her mind whirred with plans and contingencies. If she was to change the fate of the cultivation world, she had to start with knowledge.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of light, hurried footsteps approaching from behind. Turning, she saw a young boy, perhaps seven years old, sprinting toward her with a wide, innocent grin plastered across his face. His silk robes, embroidered with delicate wind and moon patterns in shimmering silver thread, marked him as a member of the Feng family's main line.

"Jiejie!" he called, his voice clear and bright as a bell.

She blinked, her heart warming at the sight of the lively child. His bright eyes sparkled with joy and curiosity. So young... and so free, she thought wistfully.

"Whatever is the matter, my little didi?" she asked, kneeling slightly to meet his gaze.

"Is Jiejie going to the library?" he asked eagerly, tilting his head like a curious bird.

Her breath caught at the unexpected stroke of luck. "Yes, I was just on my way there," she answered gently. "Would you like to come with me?"

His face lit up like the morning sun. "Yes!" he cried, grabbing her hand eagerly and tugging her toward the towering structure in the distance.

The library stood proudly at the heart of Fenghua Manor, its towering walls of lacquered wood adorned with carvings of swirling winds and majestic phoenixes in flight-a clear homage to the sect's name and spiritual essence. Its grandeur was both imposing and inviting.

Yuemei couldn't help but marvel at its craftsmanship. Even the heavy wooden doors bore exquisite etchings depicting ancient legends of wind spirits and heroic cultivators. Stepping through the grand entrance, she felt a sense of reverence settling over her.

The air inside was cool, filled with the faint scent of aged parchment, ink, and sandalwood incense. She noticed that sandalwood was a common fragrance around her and wonders if the forest she has seen earlier has sandalwood trees. Or if the family preferred the woody scent over the floral or fruit scents.

Looking around she could see the sunlight streaming through the elaborately carved lattice windows, casting intricate patterns on the polished stone floors. Shelves rose high into the vaulted ceiling, filled with countless scrolls, ancient tomes, and records bound in leather and silk.