The eastern section of the Qin Mountains features the large Hiao Mountain, where numerous steep peaks stand tall and are dotted with narrow "deep holes," ideal for establishing bases, training grounds, and fostering anti-Jin warriors. Lin Chaoying understood this well; for two months, she had climbed and rappelled into many ravines, searching for hidden strongholds. Meanwhile, Gou'er was responsible for visiting villages and markets to inquire about any anti-Jin volunteers gathering or operating. Her skill in finding people grew sharper; she could accurately locate Lin Chaoying no matter which cave she explored, waiting at the exit to report her findings, but unfortunately, useful information was always lacking.
This time was no exception. After shyly reporting, Gou'er resentfully added, "All the way here, there have been continuous rumors about that Chong bandit rebelling against the Wei Wu Alliance, establishing the 'Yang Wu Gang' in Anqing Prefecture. I also encountered people heading to condemn him, those going to support him, and those just watching the spectacle. Why is there no movement here? Have all the people gone to Anqing Prefecture?" Lin Chaoying shook her head. "Even if the nest is empty, there should be traces left behind." She stood up, facing west as if sensing something, and said, "Perhaps the 'Qinling Deep Holes' are to the west. He was originally from Xianyang, wasn't he?" Gou'er replied shamefully, "My impression of Brother Shixiong is mostly that he often appeared near Zhou Botong." Lin Chaoying didn't listen carefully, muttering almost to herself, "Guan Zumei said he would search from east to west after strengthening the anti-Jin forces in Nanyang. It seems that was a mistake! His 'all-out efforts' should have been around Mount Taibai." Gou'er intended to continue westward to avoid the cold in the southeastern Qinling Mountains. If they changed their plans to rush to Mount Taibai, they would have to detour north around Mount Hua and Mount Li. By then, it would be the winter solstice, and on the towering, treacherous peaks covered in white snow, she was worried, hesitantly saying, "It's September now, almost..." Lin Chaoying sighed softly and said sadly, "Yes, it's the eighth year..." Seeing her expression, Gou'er said no more, quietly contemplating how to procure warm clothing, climbing gear, and provisions.
Not far from Mount Hua, the first snow began to fall. Past Chaoyang Peak, they encountered continuous wind and snow. Ice shards condensed on the sharp rocks, resembling a collection of butcher knives ready for slaughter, arrayed on either side of the treacherous path. They spent the night in a cave at the foot of Jade Maiden Peak. Gou'er, warming water over the fire, rotated her shoulders, straightened her back, and rubbed her hands. She then took out a sable fur vest "taken" from a wealthy household and offered it to Lin Chaoying, who had just finished her meditation and cultivation. Seeing her wave it away, Gou'er anxiously said, "Your clothes are really thin! I worked so hard to find this and get it." Lin Chaoying replied, "You haven't been outside the Huabei region. Such weather is indeed difficult to endure. I was born in the land of Sanhan, where the mountains in Longzhou are several times colder than this place. Moreover, I was trained by Dark Swordsmen from childhood. This little bit of cold is nothing to me now." Gou'er blamed herself, "This servant is being presumptuous."
Lin Chaoying beckoned her closer. When Gou'er approached, she took her hand and said, "I will teach you a set of mental techniques. Dark Swordsmen practice this to prepare for cold weather ambushes and operations. First, take off your thick clothes, then sit beside me." After Gou'er followed her instructions, Lin Chaoying turned to face her, placing her hands palm to palm. "When I transmit inner energy to you, you will follow the incantation I impart, circulate the energy through your meridians, and perform ten repetitions. You will then feel warmth permeating your body. You can then cultivate it on your own without external assistance." After the cultivation, Gou'er indeed felt warm all over. After thanking her, they each retired to their respective ropes to sleep, conserving their energy to face the blizzard outside the cave.
Lin Chaoying had not closed her eyes for long when she suddenly felt light entering the cave. Opening her eyes, she saw light growing stronger, within which indistinct black shadows flickered. But the resentful, unwelcome aura was all too familiar! Her heart filled with surprise: the Qinling Deep Hole was indeed beneath Jade Maiden Peak! "You only have the nerve to show yourself now! Hmph, victory and defeat are common occurrences. Why hide in the deep mountains for eight long years, wasting your great talent!" She thought this but couldn't say it. Instead, she heard him say, "Your hair is messy." Instantly, a surge of emotion flooded her heart and mind, leaving her unsure whether to be happy or sad. He continued, "Turn around, let me help you tidy it." She turned her back dazedly, feeling the sandalwood scent of the comb from above, and his warm little finger, intentionally or unintentionally, lightly touching her earlobe. The surge of emotion in her heart and mind instantly bloomed in her eyes, nose, mouth, and even her face. The steady beating of her heart was drowned out by increasingly loud music from zithers and flutes. She turned back regardless of everything, only to see him floating out of the cave. She rushed out after him. The light transformed into a rainbow like silk ribbons. He mounted it and suddenly vanished. Lin Chaoying opened her eyes again; her body still lay on the rope, and the cave remained dark.
Gou'er woke up and couldn't find Lin Chaoying. She searched outside the cave and saw her standing facing the morning sun. She felt that Lin Chaoying was dressed neatly and beautifully, and it seemed as if the wind and snow were restrained by her presence. Lin Chaoying, radiant, said to her, "I will set off first. We will meet at the Jade Maiden Temple later." With a light leap, her figure drifted away like a dark cloud in the wind.
Snow had fallen for days. The treacherous peaks and sharp rocks, the secluded forests and narrow paths, were covered in a thin layer of snow that gradually melted in the morning light, revealing patches of their original color and making the peaks appear more upright, rich with the essence of ink wash paintings. Amidst the white snow and black rocks, Gou'er could faintly see her distant trace, like a hungry eagle swooping for prey or a wild ape leaping over walls in play. She guessed that Lin Chaoying was so energetic because she had been cooped up for days and wanted to stretch her limbs. In an instant, she vanished again. Gou'er could only focus on rushing to the temple to await orders.
Her shoes became damp with snow as she ascended the steps, but Lin Chaoying walked up, lost in thought, unaware. Looking up, she saw a lone pine tree growing on a ledge at the cliff's summit, in a niche with no soil or water, appearing proud yet also dependent. Looking down, she saw five stone basins in front of the temple, still holding clear green water even in the drought of winter. It was as if the tears in her heart had overflowed and never dried. Stepping into the hall, she faced a stone statue whose features were blurred. Feeling a sense of kinship, she sadly murmured, "All of us have been abandoned and neglected. Why are we still foolishly waiting?"
Arriving in time, Gou'er, who accompanied her, could offer no words of comfort, only kneeling like before, kowtowing repeatedly and praying, "I beg the Jade Maiden to show mercy and bless my young lady to find Brother Shixiong soon." Lin Chaoying then said, "If I get to see him, I, Lin Chaoying, am willing to perish on the spot!"
Gou'er didn't know how to respond. She could only silently pray for the Jade Maiden to bestow peace and resolve her own sense of foreboding.