Chapter 3: A Draw

After much discussion, Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen were accepted as disciples on the main island of Cold River Isle. To be taken as disciples by the island master was an immense honor, an extraordinary turn of fortune. “The two of you already possess considerable skill,” said the island master, “and my duty here is to look after your well-being. If you wish to study our techniques and internal methods, that is best; if not, it matters little. I know well the matters concerning you both. The Lingyun Atlas has long been in harmony with your hearts; if I were to forcefully seize it, that would be unbecoming, and besides, I have no need to do so. Cold River Isle harbors every sort of cultivation method under the sun. Here, you are safe.”

“As for those people from Yunzhou, they have hunted you relentlessly. Now, they linger in the vicinity of Cloud River, but none among such petty scoundrels would dare set foot here.” Jiang Xuehan spoke plainly. “At times, learning too many things at once is not a good thing. Still, since you have taken me as your master, it would not be right were I not to pass something on to you. Tell me—what do you wish to learn? So long as it pertains to water, I can teach it.”

“Senior, when my brother and I arrived, we saw the small boat gliding over the water as if by itself. How did that happen?” Liang Xi could not suppress his curiosity, nor could Zhuang Yunzhen. They were, after all, still young boys, and this was their first encounter with such a marvel.

The island master laughed. “So, that’s what caught your attention? The self-gliding boat is one of Cold River Isle’s signature arts, called Water Mastery. Water is the gentlest force under heaven, formless and difficult to control. Yet water is ever-changing; nothing is truly impossible when it comes to water. Here—take this. Within is a record of all my insights from the creation of Water Mastery to the present. Once you master this art, water will be as obedient as a child in your hands. Now go, and study it well.”

The essence of Water Mastery lies in following the flow. The manual explained that water is the clearest network of energy in the world, and divides the practice into three stages: Going with the Current, Rowing Against the Stream, and Supreme Goodness Like Water.

Going with the Current refers to harnessing the raging surge of water, controlling it with strength and freedom. If one cannot master the downstream flow, it will become a flood, harming oneself and others with bitter regret.

Rowing Against the Stream is the principle of advance or retreat. The world’s four great water systems cannot all be downstream flows. While holding the current with brute strength is key to downstream mastery, to go against the current, one must break the forceful resistance and bring it to heel, like taming a wild horse.

The third stage, Supreme Goodness Like Water, is the highest and most difficult—embracing the power of water with a heart that embraces all. Water benefits all things and contends with none; thus it embodies the ultimate gentleness.

Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen were astonished at the depth of Water Mastery, yet neither of them shrank from the challenge. Liang Xi possessed the Falling Star Technique, enabling him to observe the veins of water directly, while his senior brother had a golden body defense strong enough to withstand the dangers of going against the current. As for Supreme Goodness Like Water, that was a realm too far to consider for now—it was enough to coexist with the surging torrents. That alone would not be easily achieved.

Simply put, Water Mastery uses one’s own firmness to control the softness of water. Luckily, the Moon Chill Energy Liang Xi had learned belonged to the yin school, making this less difficult for him. Still, when he pondered it, he found it almost unbelievable. He and his brother had only just met the island master, and yet not only had he accepted them as disciples, but he was also passing on the painstakingly developed Water Mastery. This was no common gift.

“Brother, we are in a place of danger,” Liang Xi whispered. “Unless it is absolutely necessary, we must not reveal any of our true techniques. We can practice Water Mastery in secret.”

“You see it too, then. It is indeed strange, but we have endured much—there is no need for concern.”

Liang Xi agreed and let it go. But for two outsiders to become main island disciples in just a day—how would the other branch island disciples, who had toiled for years, feel? They must have thought that opportunity rightfully belonged to them, only to see it snatched away by outsiders. How could they bear it?

“Master,” cried Xi Zhen, “I have trained under you for years. Did you not say you would recommend me to the island master? Why is it now that Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen—who merely defeated Fat Yang—have taken my place? I cannot accept this!”

His voice was loud with fury, his face twisted in indignation. His master, Wan Ruyu, sighed. “Child, why are you still so hot-tempered after all these years? I have told you before: what is yours will be yours. Your skill is considerable, but it appears you still do not catch the island master’s eye. You are aggrieved, but do you think I am not, too? Fat Yang, though less talented, was my own disciple and your senior, entrusted with the care of Wangjiang Tower, never disappointing me. Yet now, his cultivation is destroyed—I am deeply grieved!”

“I have only you left as a disciple here. If you, out of hurt pride, bring harm to yourself, whom shall I rely on?”

“Master, you have always taught me to be forbearing. We have endured, yet what has it brought us? As your only disciple, I cannot let this pass. Tomorrow, I will request a sect challenge from the island master. If either of those two can defeat me, I will accept it as fate and admit I lack the ability and fortune to become the island master’s disciple!”

“But if I win, the reputation of our Ying Isle will be restored!” Indeed, though Ying Isle was the foremost of the four branches, its glory had faded with the loss of disciples over the years. From the day Xi Zhen became its disciple, he had vowed to restore its former honor.

Wan Ruyu’s gaunt face finally showed a hint of emotion. “Child, I understand your heart. You have trained the Wangjiang Palm to the second realm, Fearlessness. Yet with such boldness, your inner demons have grown stronger.”

“Master, I am ever grateful for your kindness. I have always obeyed you, but will you not grant me this one request?”

“It is not that I refuse, but do you realize, should you lose the sect challenge, I may lose my only disciple?”

Sensing his master’s wavering, Xi Zhen pressed, “Are you worried I would lose to those outsiders? What a joke! As you said, I have reached the second realm of the Wangjiang Palm. No matter what skills they possess, they cannot defeat me. So, you agree? Wonderful! Then wait here for my good news.”

With that, Xi Zhen strode from the room, certain of his victory. “This child, after so many years, is more fearless than ever. So be it. Let him deal with Zhuang Yunzhen. That boy has inherited Shang Ruyi’s legacy—how fortunate! Long ago, I wished to test myself against Shang Ruyi, famed for both sword and palm. If not for his relentless pursuit of perfection, he would not have suffered divine retribution and grave internal injuries.”

Now, Shang Ruyi’s heir stood before him. All was fate. Xi Zhen was remarkably talented and diligent. Most disciples took five or six years to reach the second realm of Wangjiang Palm, but he had done it in just three. Even Wan Ruyu himself felt inferior.

He desperately wished for his disciple to win, but Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen’s potential could not be underestimated. They must not be allowed to join forces, or Xi Zhen would have no chance.

In Siyun Hall, Jiang Xuehan regarded Xi Zhen with cool detachment. “You wish to initiate a sect challenge? You are a senior brother now—why can you not accept these new juniors? Must you become my disciple to be satisfied? Though your Wangjiang Palm has reached a moderate level, your temperament has not improved—in fact, it is worse. Such a mindset is not suited to be my disciple. Xi Zhen, you are a promising member of the younger generation. Why is victory so important to you?”

Jiang Xuehan was not one to delight in conflict. Now, Su Yi Lou and he had been at odds for years. If his disciples were harmed, the responsibility would be his. “Say no more. Go, and reflect on what you should do next!”

Xi Zhen’s heart burned with frustration. Why had the island master become so complacent? Why had he lost his fighting spirit? Su Yi Lou and Cold River Isle were now locked in deadly enmity. “Island master, do you remember when you were hunted by Su Yi Lou and swore to build Cold River Isle? My master often recounted your courage in those days—even in dire straits, you never gave up.”

“But look at you now. It pains me to see you thus!” Xi Zhen tried to rekindle the island master’s former self, but Jiang Xuehan replied, “Why can we not resolve our grudge with Su Yi Lou? I let go of the past long ago. I spent decades building Cold River Isle to what it is now; I cannot bear to see it destroyed. Your master was instrumental in its founding, but now you would start a sect challenge over a trifle!”

“Hmph, island master, you are content with mediocrity. My master always had faith in you. If he saw you now, he would be deeply saddened.”

“Island master, I insist on the sect challenge. You know, to initiate this, the consent of the four branch island masters suffices. I have already consulted them, and they wish to see whose palm technique is superior: the Wangjiang Palm or the Sun and Moon Twin Glory Palm!”

Thus, Jiang Xuehan had lost all authority—the rule allowing the four branch masters to approve a sect challenge was his own creation, and now it had trapped him. “Very well. If your mind is set, nothing I say will change it. Since you wish to see which palm is superior, what are you waiting for?”

“Did you hear? Xi Zhen is initiating another sect challenge—this will be a spectacle. He is narrow-minded, and Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen have offended him; nothing can change that now.”

“Brother, as I said, trouble was bound to come. But this is what I’ve been waiting for—I’ve long wanted a battle here. We must win!”

The Viewing Jiang Platform was a remarkable stone, narrow at the base and broad at the top, standing like an inverted triangle beside the Cold River Waterfall. From it, one could view both the perilous falls and the vast Cloud River. It was not only a scenic spot but also the ideal place for duels, embodying the water-centric martial spirit of Cold River Isle.

The stone steps leading to the platform were hewn straight from the mountainside, wide enough for only two people, each step barely larger than a foot. Twisting and perilous, they struck fear into the heart. It was no surprise that every sect challenge began with braving this “Slope of Dread”—a test of composure essential for mastering the Wangjiang Palm’s highest realm of Egolessness.

In the early days of Cold River Isle, Jiang Xuehan traversed daily between Siyun Hall and the Viewing Jiang Platform. After years of repetition, he developed the Water Mastery technique from the egoless realm of the Wangjiang Palm, achieving in one leap the Supreme Goodness Like Water stage. The two arts complemented each other, and his mastery became peerless—no one else had ever matched it, save for Su Yi Lou’s master, Li Feiyan.

Yet now, Jiang Xuehan had lost his appetite for conflict. He believed the feud between Su Yi Lou and Cold River Isle to be full of hidden mysteries, but his secret investigations had yielded nothing.

Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen were awed by the treacherous setting: waterfall on one side, river on the other. Any wavering of spirit and—Liang Xi shuddered at the thought, sweat dampening his palms. His senior, Zhuang Yunzhen, was unfazed; he had trained since childhood in the Sky Scroll of the Lingyun Atlas, his mind tempered to steel.

“What’s wrong, Liang Xi? If you’re afraid, turn back—no shame among brothers,” came Xi Zhen’s mocking voice. Liang Xi turned to see his infuriating face—not unattractive, but radiating an energy that set Liang Xi on edge. He knew Xi Zhen had instigated the challenge, and his fear vanished.

He grinned, “Your junior, Fat Yang, was begging for mercy after I beat him the other day. As his senior, shouldn’t you greet your grandfather with more respect?” The disciples were stunned, then burst into laughter. Xi Zhen was famously solemn, the Wangjiang Palm prodigy who had reached the second realm in three years. No one had dared joke with him—until Liang Xi.

Xi Zhen, ignorant of Liang Xi’s unruly childhood, flushed with rage, ready to explode. “Enough. Save it for the challenge,” Jiang Xuehan interjected. With a tap of his foot, the island master’s upright figure soared meters ahead, then again, each step seemingly on air, reaching the platform in moments—a path he knew well.

“Did you see? The island master didn’t even touch the steps—he walked on air. Is that the Supreme Goodness Like Water stage?” Xi Zhen snorted. “Liang Xi, you may win with words, but in my eyes, you’re already dead.” He ascended the steps, not as quick as the island master but steady, his breathing perfectly even—a sign of the unending internal force of the Wangjiang Palm’s Fearlessness realm.

The Wangjiang Palm was both a palm art and a mental discipline, inflicting damage purely with inner power. The deeper the cultivation, the greater the force. Xi Zhen meant to display his skill, and the disciples gasped—truly, he deserved his reputation as their foremost peer.

“Brother, what are you doing down there? The view is amazing—hurry up, or I’ll thrash you!” Zhuang Yunzhen called. He rode a rainbow arc of sword energy—Sword Qi As One. He and his brother had endured much scorn since arriving; today, they would show their strength.

“Wait, brother! I’m coming!” Liang Xi invoked the Flight of Birds, his movements fluid and swift, leaving no trace—the very embodiment of a celestial in clouds, a moon on water.

Many disciples had looked down on the brothers, doubting their worthiness. Now, they were silent; Zhuang Yunzhen’s approach was fierce, Liang Xi’s ethereal—each in their own way, rivaling the island master’s demeanor.

“Grandson, your grandfather is almost there. If you want to win, there’s no hope. Your skills are lacking, but don’t worry—I’ll make sure you’re not bullied while I’m here!”

Even at such a moment, Liang Xi joked, to the amusement of many. Some secretly relished seeing Xi Zhen humbled; he had bullied them often. Now, seeing him falter, they were delighted.

“Impressive, but do you think your agility alone will win? Dream on!” Xi Zhen unleashed the Unending Pursuit. The Wangjiang Palm’s three realms were both technique and philosophy, but the second—Fearlessness—was unique, composed of three energies: Unending, Sky and Water As One, and Boundless.

Sky and Water As One signified the ultimate union of heaven’s vastness and the sea’s breadth, a supremely forceful palm. Boundless blended hardness and softness, two streams of energy attacking in endless waves. But the Unending step was little understood; within its force lay an advanced body technique—Following. Go wherever the opponent goes, never letting them out of your sight.

In martial arts, movement techniques are paramount. The Wangjiang Palm’s Following was known to very few, and even fewer had mastered it, yet here it was, displayed by Xi Zhen.

Liang Xi was quick; Xi Zhen matched him. Liang Xi slowed; Xi Zhen shadowed him, always close behind. “Grandson, your movement is truly fascinating. Today, your grandfather’s eyes are opened!” With those words, Liang Xi reached the platform first. Xi Zhen, who could not abide defeat, especially by half a step, was furious.

The disciples were astonished; Xi Zhen’s skill was expected, but how had Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen become so formidable? Many felt ashamed. Under Xi Zhen’s orders, they had made life difficult for the brothers, but now, facing such prowess, trouble was sure to follow.

The Viewing Jiang Platform was a broad, round plaza with a square heart. The four branch island masters were already seated. Jiang Xuehan glanced at Liang Xi with a hint of appreciation and addressed the gathering, “You all know, Cold River Isle was founded by the five of us.” He looked to Yao Qianshui and the others. “I was the youngest, but was chosen as island master simply because my skills surpassed the others, and I had mastered the arts of all four branches.”

The disciples wondered why the island master was saying all this, but Jiang Xuehan continued, “I am soft-hearted. Though I possess unrivaled techniques, I dislike strife. Today’s sect challenge is not my wish. But since it has begun, let me be clear: this is the first and last time! Some of you believe I am a figurehead. Xi Zhen, yes, I am speaking to you. Whatever the outcome, you will never be my disciple. Accept it as you will. Now, let it begin!”

Jiang Xuehan, usually gentle and accommodating, now exuded authority. The crowd fell silent; Xi Zhen broke into a cold sweat.

He stepped forward, facing Liang Xi. “Liang Xi, come up here!” His shout echoed across the platform. Liang Xi sauntered out, grinning. “Your grandfather is here—no need to shout.” One’s presence was overwhelming, the other casual and carefree.

“Liang Xi, I challenge you today to make you retreat in defeat. If you lose, leave Cold River Isle. Our temple is too small for a deity like you.”

Liang Xi was unfazed, laughing. “You’re so roundabout. Let me guess—you saw my movement skill and want me gone, but to keep the technique, right? Not a bad idea. I rather like it.”

“Hmph, you understand. Someone like you doesn’t deserve such refined skills,” Xi Zhen admitted bluntly—he wanted Liang Xi’s body technique.

“Fine, enough talk. Let’s fight!” Liang Xi struck out with a punch, a chill emanating that made the watching disciples shiver. It seemed he was not only agile but also a master of fist techniques. Xi Zhen, unafraid, countered with the Sky and Water As One palm—a powerful clash that sent both reeling back three steps.

Though the Moon Chill Energy and Wangjiang Palm differed, they shared a common source, so this outcome was natural. Liang Xi smiled, “Grandson, for all your talk, your palm isn’t up to much! Try another round with your grandfather’s fist!” He unleashed the Flight of Birds in tandem with the Flying Snow Fist, his movements graceful yet chilling, the air thick with mist and moon-cold energy, leaving Xi Zhen no escape.

“An exquisite Seeking Plum Blossom on Snow!” The move’s secret lay in freezing the surroundings, leaving the opponent nowhere to hide.

The four branch masters were amazed. Liang Xi could affect the very air’s chill—was he, like the island master, able to command the forces of nature? If so, Xi Zhen stood no chance.

On the platform, all the cold was under Liang Xi’s control. In a breath, he sealed Xi Zhen in a giant sphere of frost, while Wan Ruyu watched with closed eyes, unconcerned.

“This youth is only sixteen, yet his skill is already formidable. Who knows what he will achieve? None among our disciples can match his control of cold energy. Well done, junior!” Zhuang Yunzhen cheered.

“Senior, isn’t my technique fine? Xi Zhen wanted a match but can’t even break my move—what a waste. Still unsatisfied, Xi Zhen? Losing to your grandfather is nothing to be ashamed of.” Yet within the snowball, there was no movement.

“Ha! Grandson, now you know your grandfather’s prowess? Next time you see me, take a detour, or I’ll have to discipline you again. You’re no spring chicken, and it’s not a good look to be beaten down by me. After all, your grandfather is quite proud.”

Triumphant, Liang Xi was all but gloating. “Brother, dodge!” But too late—“Bang!” Xi Zhen burst from the snowball, landing a palm on Liang Xi’s back. Liang Xi spat blood, caught off guard. He came from a wealthy home and had trained for ten years, but lacked real combat experience. His breezy nature made him careless—his master, Qi Ying, had warned that Liang Xi was too lively, lacking steadiness, while Zhuang Yunzhen was too stolid, lacking agility. Their chosen arts reflected this. Even so, Xi Zhen had spent all his strength and was now paralyzed by the cold. He could not strike again—his defeat was sealed.

The sudden reversal stunned everyone. Liang Xi had seemed certain to win but fell due to overconfidence and now suffered serious internal injury. Thankfully, the Moon Chill Energy stabilized him.

“Liang Xi, you have no strength left. Let’s see what you do now!” Xi Zhen, frost invading his body, was more resolute than ever. Even at the risk of death, he was determined to kill Liang Xi, lest he become a future threat. Mustering his last strength, he tried to strike, but a dominating force shattered his hope—Zhuang Yunzhen intervened.

“My brother is injured and cannot continue. Island master, shall we call this match a draw? If Xi Zhen disagrees, he can face me.” If Liang Xi was the soaring eagle, Zhuang Yunzhen was the tiger descending the mountain, his aura overwhelming.

“You’ve long wanted to know whether the Wangjiang Palm or the Sun and Moon Twin Glory Palm is superior—let’s find out!” Zhuang Yunzhen’s energy was beyond dominance; it was the aura of an army of one.

He had invoked the third realm of Sword Qi As One: Sword Heart, Lute Spirit—unshaken even if Mount Tai collapsed before him. In the presence of so many masters, he was fearless, his potential only increased.

“My good brother indeed!” Liang Xi, somewhat recovered, resumed his banter. One could tell he would be a bit steadier after this, but his irrepressible tongue was here to stay.

The disciples were shaken. Zhuang Yunzhen, usually so silent, was truly terrifying when roused. “What’s wrong, Xi Zhen? Afraid?” Xi Zhen, always proud, was now genuinely frightened. Even uninjured, he could not guarantee victory against Zhuang Yunzhen—injured, he had no chance.

“This match is a draw. Everyone, disperse!” Jiang Xuehan intervened, dissolving Zhuang Yunzhen’s force with the Boundless Palm—a seamless blend of softness and strength. Zhuang Yunzhen grunted, supported Liang Xi, and left.

Once out of sight, Xi Zhen coughed up blood. He had never known such defeat. A draw? In his mind, there was no such thing—only victory or death. Very well—Liang Xi, Zhuang Yunzhen, when I recover, I will avenge today’s humiliation a hundredfold!

Perhaps even he had not imagined he would lose, and so badly. His skill was formidable, but he was vengeful to a fault—none who crossed him would escape his retribution.

“Brother, Xi Zhen is far more troublesome than Mu Chen. I fear he will return before long. I was careless this time—Master was right: I have agility but lack steadiness. I never believed it before, but now I see. This defeat was worthwhile.”

“What’s this? A single loss and you’re giving up? That’s not like you. Didn’t you always say you’d never fear any opponent in the world?”

“You may want to admit defeat, but I haven’t lost yet. You saw my energy—it’s stronger than ever. If Xi Zhen behaves himself, so much the better. If not, I won’t be afraid, and neither should you. Since when has a grandfather ever feared his grandson?”

Liang Xi burst into laughter at this nonsense. “Right—Xi Zhen is the grandson, I’m the grandfather! Next time, I’ll teach him a real lesson. He got off easy today.” The brothers both had an indomitable spirit—so long as that remained, no challenge or foe could truly threaten them.

“Damn you, Liang Xi, Zhuang Yunzhen—I will never forgive you!” Xi Zhen roared.