You are relegated to being a servant.

It doesn’t take long for reality to set in.

While Meiyu is whisked away toward the grand halls, you are quietly escorted elsewhere. No soaring pavilions or gleaming towers for you. Instead, you’re led down narrow paths through the bamboo, past storage sheds and moss-eaten walls, to a small building at the edge of the sect grounds.

“This will be your quarters,” says the brown-haired woman, who introduced herself as Lu Qingyi, Song Baiyun’s third disciple.

Lu Qingyi’s expression is calm, almost kind. “I’m sorry if it’s shabby. It’s been... a long time since we had outsiders.”

You peer inside. It’s little more than a stone hut. A low wooden bed leans against one wall, a battered chest sits abandoned in the corner, and a narrow window lets in a sliver of gray light. Dust floats lazily in the air, mingling with the faint scent of bamboo.

It’s not much.

But it’s yours.

“The Red Bamboo Sect is small,” Lu Qingyi says. “Master Song is the only master. The rest of us are her disciples. There are no elders, no servants. Only seven of us now, including your wife.”

You wince slightly at the word wife.

“We cultivate, train, and guard the mortal villages within our domain,” she continues. “And sometimes, we clean up after ourselves.”

You manage a weak chuckle.

Her expression turns serious. “There are rules here. Don’t stray into the inner courts without permission. Don’t interrupt disciples in training. And above all—do not wander at night. There are more dangers here than a mortal like you can comprehend.”

A chill runs down your spine. You nod. “Yes... Great Immortal Fairy. I understand.”

Lu Qingyi laughs gently. “No need for such titles. ‘Senior Sister’ will do. You’re my new Junior Sister’s husband—that makes you family.”

You flush, mumbling an apology.

She smiles. “We never expected a mortal among us, a man no less. But idleness breeds trouble.”

She glances around and spots a broom.

“For now, sweep the outer paths. Keep the moss at bay. It’s humble work, but honorable.”

You nod, more resolute now.

Lu Qingyi turns to leave. “Rest now. Tomorrow, someone will show you the rounds.”

You hesitate. “Wait, S-Senior Sister!”

She pauses, expectant.

“If it’s possible... Could I also begin training? The Qi breathing technique, like Meiyu?”

Her smile softens. “I’ll see if I have an old manual lying around.”

She disappears into the bamboo, robes whispering against the leaves.

And just like that, you’re alone.

You lie on the hard bed, legs heavy, the weight of everything pressing down. The scent of dust and old bamboo lingers.

Somewhere out there, Meiyu is beginning her journey to immortality.

A fire burns in your chest.

“Six months,” you whisper. “Just six months. Wait for me, Meiyu. I’ll catch up to you yet.”