Yu Bin. Immortal Of Water Land

Chapter 21- Dust and Resolve

The morning air inside the royal court was thick with tension, although the gentle sunlight streaming through the grand windows softened the atmosphere. The king sat on his throne, draped in ceremonial robes, his brows furrowed with concern. Beside him, the queen watched with quiet worry as Master Bao Fang stepped forward, her expression resolute.

"My king, if you allow me to speak..." Bao Fang's voice was calm, respectful as she bowed low.

"You are allowed, Bao Fang," the king replied, gesturing with a tired hand.

She straightened and met his eyes. "Your Highness, I know a place where Yu Bin can find her sword. If you allow me to take her for a month, I believe she has a real chance. There is a place where her spiritual energy can be strengthened. I will help her cultivate for the first two weeks and guide her through rigorous training afterward. Only then will she be ready to attempt bonding with a sword. And throughout it all, I will be at her side."

The king sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging under the weight of past attempts and repeated heartbreak. "I already tried everything," he murmured. "From the time Yu Bin turned twelve, I brought home every rumored sword. Each one rejected her. I watched her hope rise and fall over and over. It hurt more than I can say."

Bao Fang’s tone softened. "That’s because her spiritual force was undeveloped. But she has the heart now. She wants to grow. I believe she can succeed."

Yu Bin stepped forward, her voice steady. "Dad, I won’t be disappointed this time. I trust my master. And even if I can’t find a sword, I still have my hands. I can learn to protect myself with or without one."

The king studied her face, seeing something in her he hadn’t before. Maturity. Resolve. A depth carved by recent trials.

"You’ve changed," he said slowly. "You were always stubborn, self-centered. But now… I see someone stronger. I’m not sure whether to be proud or worried."

Yu Bin gave a sad smile. "I made the same mistake twice. When I first met Brother Xian, I thought he was arrogant. I told him he didn’t know how to have fun. Later, I dismissed him again, thinking I was the one who saved everyone. But he was the one who got hurt, both times. I judged him unfairly. I don’t want to keep hurting the people I care about."

Emotion welled in the king’s eyes, and he stepped forward, pulling her into a warm embrace. "My daughter has grown. I’m proud of you. Go with Master Bao Fang. I trust her."

After a shared breakfast, where laughter was light and promises hung in the air, Bao Fang and Yu Bin prepared for their journey. Outside, the wind brushed the castle walls, as if whispering blessings over their path.

As they ascended into the sky on Bao Fang’s sword, a lone figure watched them from behind a distant window. His expression twisted with unspoken agony.

"How dare you touch her with your filthy hands... You murderer..." the words trembled with hate and sorrow, as tears fell silently from his eyes.

Meanwhile, Yu Bin nestled her head gently against Bao Fang’s shoulder. The sky stretched endlessly above and below them.

"Master," she whispered, her voice laced with awe, "it’s so peaceful up here. I feel... happy. If Brother Xian were with us, I think he’d love it."

Bao Fang smirked. "Oh? You miss him already?"

Yu Bin flushed, cheeks glowing. "I—I didn’t mean it like that!"

They shared a brief laugh that echoed through the clouds before descending.

When they arrived at their destination, Yu Bin’s mood shifted instantly. The place was desolate. Spider webs blanketed the gate, weeds overtook the courtyard, and the old wooden door looked like it had surrendered to time itself. The moment Bao Fang cleared the cobwebs and tried to open the gate, the door collapsed with a loud crash.

Yu Bin recoiled. "Master, you can’t be serious. We’re supposed to stay here?"

Bao Fang grinned. "Why not? It’s perfect."

"This place looks haunted!"

"And? Doesn’t that make it exciting?"

"Master! I’m going home!" she exclaimed, turning on her heel.

Bao Fang’s voice stopped her cold. "Yu Bin, down the hill live real monsters. Not corpses. Real monsters."

Yu Bin groaned. "Damn it..." and walked back grudgingly.

They hoisted the broken gate against the fence and entered. Inside, the house was even worse. The floor creaked ominously, the bed looked like it had suffered through battle, and dust coated every surface.

Bao Fang, still unfazed, handed Yu Bin a broom before heading out to fetch water from the nearby river.

Left alone, Yu Bin stared at the broom with disbelief. Then, slowly, she began sweeping. She cleared the spider webs, wiped down the furniture, aired the musty mattress, and even started scrubbing the floor.

When Bao Fang returned, she found Yu Bin curled up in a dusty corner, fast asleep. A faint smile touched her lips.

"Yu Bin," she said softly, kneeling beside her, "you’ll catch a cold. Wake up."

"Master... just five more minutes..."

"I brought water. Wash your face. Then we’ll head into the city to eat and buy supplies. Afterward, I’ll let you sleep as much as you want."

"I’m not hungry..." Yu Bin mumbled.

Her stomach growled loudly.

Bao Fang laughed. "Let’s go, silly girl."

She carried Yu Bin outside, helped her wash up, and together they rode to the village market. They bought essentials: new bedding, cooking tools, cleaning supplies, even some basic tools to fix the place up.

As they flew home under the late afternoon sun, Bao Fang glanced sideways at Yu Bin.

"You’re really different now."

Yu Bin smiled faintly, watching the clouds drift beneath them. "That’s what happens when people start believing in you."

And so the path to strength began—not in grand temples or shining weapons, but in dust, laughter, and the quiet rebuilding of a girl who refused to give up.

!