Chapter 5: Ji Anran

I am the sword, and the sword is me. These were the words Shang Ruyi once spoke to the two brothers in the Palace of Myriad Swords. Shang Ruyi was a man whose swordsmanship was near divine. Yet in his later years, he came to realize that the path of the sword was fraught with peril; a single misstep, and all could be lost. Resolving to change this fate so that his disciples would no longer be plagued by the dangers of swordsmanship, he secluded himself within the Palace of Myriad Swords, distilling all he had learned into the Four Great Realms: the Rainbow Arc of Sword Qi, the Sword-Drawing for Merit, the Heart of the Sword and Courage of the Zither, and finally, the Ten-Year Sword. The unity of sword and mind—this was both technique and doctrine. After many years, he finally found his disciples: Zhuang Yunzhen and Liang Xi.

Shang Ruyi had said, “Though one of you learns technique, and the other the inner method, in truth, both paths are the same. I want you to begin cultivation from the realm of no-sword. The way of the sword is inherently free; to obsess over the blade itself is to forever miss ultimate profundity. Today you may not understand, but one day you will: Is it the divine weapon that is formidable, or the one who wields it?”

This was the final question Shang Ruyi left them. For a year, no matter how they pondered, they could not grasp its meaning—until today, when at last they understood: a divine weapon without its wielder is but scrap iron; only the person is truly formidable. Realizing this, the brothers burst out in unrestrained laughter, their mirth echoing across the sky.

“In days past,” said a voice, “when I dueled with old friend Shang Ruyi, he told me the very same thing. Alas, he did not succeed in the end. Who would have thought that after so many years, his aspiration would be fulfilled in you two? The sword is me, and I am the sword—what arrogance! Since that is so, receive my Scorching Sun move. Beware, this time it will not be like before!”

With the Celestial Sword, Qianshui Divine Sword in hand, Xi Tianjian’s aura surged. His Scorching Sun strike was swift beyond compare, radiance blazing in myriad hues. In the sky above, the rising sun itself seemed to lend power to this sword art. Facing such swordsmanship, Liang Xi remained poised and carefree, fingers forming a sword, darting up and down with agility. As previously mentioned, both Sword-Drawing for Merit and Scorching Sun were techniques famed for their speed, renowned together through the land. Liang Xi, with his unrestrained spirit, was born to master such art. Though the sword style consisted of only four moves—four realms—each was the ultimate refinement of Shang Ruyi’s swordsmanship.

Liang Xi, ever imaginative in combat, brought the sword art to dazzling new heights. Zhuang Yunzhen, meanwhile, grounded himself in the unity of sword qi, unleashing the Twin Radiance of Sun and Moon palm technique. The younger brother used his fingers as a sword, the elder his palm, making for a striking sight. It was known that Shang Ruyi himself once combined palm and sword qi; now, the brothers truly understood his intent: the sword was to repel, not to harm.

The three clashed in midair for dozens of rounds. The two youths grew ever more adept at wielding the unity of sword qi: Liang Xi’s swordwork merged with the chill of the moon, ethereal, agile, and fierce; Zhuang Yunzhen’s palm strikes surged with sword qi, grand and dazzling. Above, the sunlight burned ever brighter as Xi Tianjian unleashed a thunderous roar, his fighting spirit fully ignited. Unwittingly, he activated the Heart of Fire Incantation—a technique that complemented the Sun Sword perfectly. Now, hair and beard bristling, he unleashed the move Zenith Sun in its full might.

Below, disciples shielded their eyes from the blinding brilliance. Zenith Sun had been Xi Tianjian’s signature technique for conquering the world in his youth, formidable even then, and now its power had reached a state of sublime simplicity. Xi Tianjian, a true master of the sword, had no peer in skill. Yet despite decades of practice, he remained confined to the realm of sword-in-hand, never achieving the no-sword state. Today, his unbidden anger had cost him dearly, his cultivation suffering a grave setback.

Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen were but teenagers; faced with such a fearsome move, they could not help but feel fear. Jiang Xuehan, though wishing to intervene, found himself powerless in that critical instant. Suddenly, a single leaf drifted gently by. With a crisp clang, it shattered the sword qi of Zenith Sun.

“Brother Tianjian, after all these years, you remain as hot-tempered as ever. To truly unleash your wrath on two juniors—how unbecoming.”

“You have spent years cultivating in seclusion, now only to lose your temper and destroy your cultivation in a moment’s rage. You’ve already lost this battle. Tell me, how many rounds have you exchanged with these two? More than ten, and you even used the Heart of Fire Incantation. I have always respected you, but today, for the sake of victory, you’ve broken your word. I am deeply disappointed.”

These words left Xi Tianjian mortified, and the speaker’s voice was melodious. “Is that you, Hua Lian? Of all the world, only you can break my sword art with a flying flower. Since you’re here, why not show yourself?”

Shortly, a faint floral scent drifted through the air. Countless blossoms floated in, and a woman in blue stepped lightly among the petals, followed by two or three disciples. As the flowers scattered and she landed, she revealed a face not of peerless beauty, but graced with a noble bearing. Under her presence, the disciples of Coldriver Isle could not help but feel unworthy.

“So the Mistress of the Flower Domain herself graces us with her presence. I am truly delighted,” said Jiang Xuehan, who recognized the blue-clad woman as Hua Lian, the master who had taught Shui Linglong, and the leader of Illusory Spirit Domain, one of Xuanzhou’s three great powers. He immediately spotted among her disciples the most beautiful and captivating of all, and snorted, “An Ran, since you’ve returned home, why haven’t you come to greet your father? Have you stayed with your mistress all these years?”

“Brother Jiang, there’s no need for anger. An Ran is my disciple now. If she does not wish to return, as her teacher I naturally support her. An Ran, go greet your father first. With your master here, he won’t dare do anything to you.”

A tall young woman in white and green, her hair casually tied, stepped forward. As she did, the assembled disciples dared not meet her gaze, faces flushed, secretly marveling at such beauty. Jiang Xuehan, restrained by the presence of outsiders, merely snorted and said no more. Then, in a calm tone, he addressed Hua Lian: “Mistress of the Flower Domain, you have not left Illusory Spirit Domain in many years. Why have you come to Coldriver Isle today?”

Since Shui Linglong left the sect, Hua Lian had been filled with regret, believing she had been too harsh as a master. She knew Shui Linglong was nearby on the banks of the Cloud River, and had gone searching for her three times, but Shui Linglong always avoided her. Such stubbornness, she thought, truly befitted her disciple.

Afterwards, Hua Lian became gentler with her students. Three years ago, Ji Anran had asked to become her disciple, and Hua Lian was delighted. Anran, a child of the martial world, was gifted beyond compare. Unfortunately, Jiang Xuehan had long treated this jade as mere stone, considering her unworthy. Jiang Xuehan had trained himself to great power, but cared nothing for his daughter’s wellbeing, letting others mistreat her. But since Anran had chosen her as master, Hua Lian was determined to protect her at all costs.

“I have come to make the details of today’s battle known to all, so the people of Qingyang County may see how the so-called number one divine sword of Xuanzhou, for the sake of victory, can stoop to such disgrace. Xi Tianjian, do you think the world is blind? You claimed to seek justice for your useless grandson, yet in your Zenith Sun move just now, you harbored killing intent. Did you intend to slay these two youths?”

“In your heart, you’ve always wanted to defend your ancestor’s honor. So, when you heard that young Liang Xi’s maternal grandfather was Jun Daoxing, you couldn’t help but act. Had I not broken your sword field with my flying flowers, those two boys would be dead by now.”

Turning to Jiang Xuehan, Hua Lian said coldly, “Jiang Xuehan, you have always been a cowardly man, and so you remain. Sometimes I wonder how such a person could have a daughter as fine as Ji Anran. If not for the faint bond of kinship left after three years apart, do you think I would set foot on your Coldriver Isle?”

“Hmph, don’t forget: my ill-fated disciple Shui Linglong was ruined by your Coldriver Isle as well. Indeed, your sect has always resented strong disciples, isn’t that right, Senior Brother Wan Ruyu?” The name Shui Linglong was taboo on Coldriver Isle, but Hua Lian did not fear anyone here. She spoke the forbidden name without reservation.

Wan Ruyu’s face turned ashen. Though his River-Gazing Palm had reached the realm of fearlessness, he was not confident of victory against Hua Lian. The earlier display of the flying flower alone had shown her might.

As Mistress of Illusory Spirit Domain, Hua Lian possessed two great arts: the Mirror Flower Heart Method, a supreme art of illusion, whose current possessor was obvious; and the Beauty’s Hand, a set of six techniques renowned for defeating a thousand foes with a single hand. It sounded boastful, but Hua Lian had the strength to back it up.

Her jade hands could transform into any weapon under heaven—a feat possible only for those who had mastered the art of illusion to its pinnacle. The atmosphere grew tense.

“Hua Lian, there’s no need to provoke me. I was wrong to lose my temper today. Had you not intervened, these two prodigies might have died by my hand. I have always valued my word; win or lose, a promise is a promise. I will abide by it and have the Xi family leave Xuanzhou. But let me say this: after today, I have no regrets left. Today, I shall officially seal my sword! Hahaha! Jun Daoxing, though you have been missing for years, your grandson is so outstanding. As for me, despite my skill, my disciples have proved unworthy. I can no longer show my face in Xuanzhou. I will depart today.”

Xi Tianjian was by nature carefree; otherwise, he could not have mastered the Sun Sword to such an extent. Though the Sun Sword had only five moves, he had derived a thousand variations, conquering Xuanzhou in his youth with that art. Who could have foreseen that, in the end, he would nearly destroy his own reputation? With that, he drifted away. Xi Zhen, unable to accept this reversal, was left indignant. “Hmph! Boy, if you refuse to accept this, then fight for yourself! This was meant to be a contest among the young. If you had fought, whatever the outcome, it would have been your own achievement. Instead, you had your ancestor fight for you!”

“Don’t look to your master. Today, I’ll end this on his behalf!” Before the words faded, Hua Lian flicked her finger through the air, sending forth a mighty force. Xi Zhen let out a muffled grunt and collapsed, unmoving.

Hua Lian’s expression returned to normal, as if nothing had happened. “Anran, say whatever you wish to your father now. I will watch over you. The tragedy that befell your senior sister will not be repeated!”

Hua Lian’s actions infuriated the Coldriver Isle crowd, but Jiang Xuehan said coldly, “Hua Lian, I have told you before: the Mirror Flower Heart Method was never in my possession. We have long known who stole it. All these years, you have vented your anger on Junior Brother Wan, who has never complained. Now, you have even killed my disciple. Do you really take me for a pushover?”

“Very well, Jiang Xuehan, you have been weak for so many years, but today you finally show some backbone. There is no need to rush matters between our sects. Now, your daughter has a question that has troubled her for years. She returned today to finally learn the truth.” Ji Anran raised her head, her face truly of unparalleled beauty. “Father, how did mother and my little brother die?”

“Today, I must have an answer!” Jiang Xuehan’s face darkened. This was one of Coldriver Isle’s deepest secrets. That his daughter would demand the truth in front of outsiders—what would he do? “If I refuse to say, what will you do? Will you side with outsiders against your own father?”

“Very well. I promise to tell you the truth about your mother and brother one day, but not now. Anran, you have not come home in three years. I have kept your room immaculate, always thinking of you. You must have suffered much outside—this is all my fault.”

But three years had passed, and Ji Anran had grown into a poised fifteen-year-old. “Father, Master has cared for me well these years. I have been happy in the Illusory Spirit Domain; my senior sisters treat me kindly. Yet you still wish to deceive me? I know my mother and brother were murdered by the second wife!”

“Her arrogance was due to your indulgence. You always favored her. Have you forgotten that the ‘Han’ in Coldriver Isle comes from mother’s surname? Han before Jiang, that was mother’s wish. She loved you dearly, yet how did you treat her? If not for her sacrifice, would you be here today?”

The disciples were in an uproar—such matters being aired so openly! They wondered if they too should take their leave.

Indeed, all on Coldriver Isle knew the Master had two wives. The second was capable and trusted, but the first was gentle yet resolute, seeing all clearly but never speaking out. Such a good woman, and yet she was murdered by the second wife.

“Eldest Miss, you mustn’t speak recklessly. Do you have any proof?” asked a disciple.

“Proof? Hahaha, I am the proof. Do you know why I left three years ago? Because I saw through that vile woman’s schemes. She tried to kill me; had Master not intervened, I would not be alive. Father, you always protected her. Later, when I sought to avenge myself, do you know how she died? Haunted by nightmares, she finally scared herself to death!”

“Yes, I used illusions to stir her memories. When she awoke and saw my mother’s apparition, she confessed everything. I returned today to tell you this, for the sake of our bond as father and daughter.”

“Nonsense! I will never believe you. You wicked daughter, now that you have returned, you shall not leave again. Take her to the Water Prison! No one is to see her without my permission. If not for these guests, I would strike you dead myself!”

Liang Xi knew he should not interfere in another’s family affairs, but as he saw Ji Anran’s stubborn face, his heart softened. He had always believed that lovers would be as devoted as his own parents, but reality proved otherwise. He could not help but cry out: “Stop!”

Hua Lian had not expected Jiang Xuehan to act rashly in her presence, and was about to intervene when Liang Xi darted forward, light as a bird, shielding Anran just in time. Ji Anran had not expected to leave Coldriver Isle unharmed; she felt guilty for her master’s sake. But before she could react, she found herself plunged into icy darkness.

“Let go of me! We are strangers—why meddle in my affairs?” Owing to her upbringing, Ji Anran had never been close to men, believing all men to be much the same.

Liang Xi, too, had never been so close to a young woman and was momentarily flustered. “S-sorry…” For the first time, he stammered. But he quickly recovered. “Liang Xi, what are you doing? Step aside! Don’t you know this woman is a traitor, beautiful but ruthless? This is your first meeting; don’t be fooled. You and your brother just helped defend my isle, and I ought to thank you. Don’t cause trouble now!”

Liang Xi, calm again, thought, If I leave now, who knows what fate will befall her? Having intervened, I cannot abandon her halfway. Smiling, he said, “If the master truly wishes to thank me, then let this Ji Anran speak with me. That would please me greatly.”

Ji Anran was shocked and furious by his insolence. “You scoundrel! I’d rather die than accept your help. You’re as shameless as Jiang Xuehan!”

Zhuang Yunzhen was surprised at his brother’s new entanglement, but understood. Liang Xi believed men should be like his father, Liang Yun Si—sharp in mind but gentle to family. Jiang Xuehan fell far short, thinking only of himself.

Liang Xi, unfazed by Anran’s rebuke, smiled, “If I followed my true nature, I’d stay out of this. But you’re so beautiful, I can’t help myself. I can’t cripple my own legs over such a trivial matter, so I must trouble myself to intervene.”

“You rascal!” Ji Anran had never met a man like him—utterly shameless yet quick-witted, impossible to argue with. “I am not a rascal, but Liang Xi. Don’t forget my name next time.”

Anran’s face was livid. “Liang Xi, will you not step aside?” Jiang Xuehan’s voice was icy with rage. “No, I will not. To be honest, this is the first time I’ve met such a lovely girl, and I’d like to get to know her better.”

“Very well. You can join this traitor in the Water Prison! Take them both away! No one is to let them out without my order!”

Zhuang Yunzhen was about to act, but Liang Xi quickly sent him a secret message: “Don’t be hasty, brother. I have a plan. Earlier, Senior Shui Linglong said Wan Ruyu made her what she is. Did you notice Wan Ruyu’s reaction when Hua Lian arrived? He was shaken. Stay out in the open; I’ll work from the shadows. This time, Senior Shui Linglong must deal with Wan Ruyu herself.”

The two brothers had cultivated the Soaring Cloud Canon since childhood; transmitting messages was as easy as eating or drinking. Hua Lian found Liang Xi amusing—full of glib talk but always protecting Anran, unlike the cold-blooded Jiang Xuehan. She sneered, “So the rumors are true—Master Jiang brooks no dissent. Since that’s the case, I won’t leave. I worry that as soon as I depart, these two will be killed. After all, this isn’t the first time you’ve done such things!”

“Years ago, you allowed your wife Xuelian to run rampant in Xuanzhou. I was in seclusion then, but when I emerged, she was already dead. Pity she did not fall into my hands; I would have shown her my methods. Anran, and you, young Liang Xi—rest assured, as long as I am here, you will be safe!”

“Jiang Xuehan, will you not hand over the Mirror Flower Heart Method? I know you have always had it; you can deny it all you want, but it’s useless!”

“You now harm my disciples before my eyes—both my former and present ones! Ha! You have some nerve. Why not settle all old scores today?”

Jiang Xuehan was furious. If he fought this woman now, it would be a duel to the death. “I will not fight you. Stay if you wish. As for the Mirror Flower Heart Method, it was never with me. I have said this countless times; if you refuse to believe it, there is nothing more I can do!”

He had lost all face today; his mood was foul. If possible, he would have liked to deal with these people himself, but now he could not.

The disciples had not expected to learn so much on the Viewing River Terrace. They all knew that whatever they heard today could not be spread, or who knew what the unpredictable master might do? Liang Xi had clearly won, and made quite a name for himself, yet now he was locked in the Water Prison. Who knew if he would ever emerge?

Yao Qianshui, not only a master of swordsmanship but also head of punishments, led the way. The Water Prison was a pool on the main island, not far from the Viewing River Terrace. Yao Qianshui turned to Liang Xi and Ji Anran, wishing to say something, but knowing it was useless. “Anran, it pleases me greatly to see you again.”

Ji Anran replied coolly, “Uncle Qianshui, I am glad to see you as well.” Yao Qianshui, though in charge of punishments, was never harsh and was well-liked by the disciples. He glanced at Liang Xi. “This place is certainly chilly, but if you think the cold will break me, you’re mistaken.”

After passing through a narrow passage, the chill intensified and Liang Xi began to struggle. “Here we are—the pool is the Water Prison. All the cold you feel originates here.”

With a flick, Yao Qianshui sent a stone toward the pool; it froze midair. “Alas, it’s too late for regrets. When the master decides, no one can change it. Down you go!” Ji Anran, without hesitation, leapt into the pool and vanished without a trace.

Seeing her unflinching, Liang Xi could hardly hesitate himself. Was mere cold to be compared to the cold qi he had cultivated for ten years? With a splash, he plunged in—immediately swept by a powerful whirlpool. He spun, then used his Flying Bird Phantom Dance to escape, but knew this was the last time he could use his strength here. Once in the Water Prison, one could never leave.

A surge of water blocked Liang Xi’s path, forming a giant sphere. Inside, he saw Ji Anran again. “Miss Ji, we meet again—how wonderful!”

Ji Anran ignored him. She found that whenever she spoke to this rascal, her composure vanished; he was her nemesis!

Liang Xi was not the least bit upset. Having a beauty for company was a blessing. He had always loved to talk, and could make any dull thing sound interesting.

Even the composed Ji Anran could not bear it. “Rascal, shut up!” She sent a Flying Flower projectile; Liang Xi dodged, but her next move, Riding the Lotus, pierced his meridians with sword qi, making him wince in pain.

“Miss Ji, your Beauty’s Hand is truly formidable—first distracting me with the flower, then striking with the lotus. I risked my life to save you—do you always treat your saviors this way?” he groaned.

Her face turned cold. “If not for your nonsense, I’d have crippled Jiang Xuehan already. You know nothing—let’s see if you can keep talking!” Ji Anran pounded him with her fists, cursing everyone on Coldriver Isle, until at last she collapsed, sobbing softly. She had not cried since her mother’s death, much less before a stranger.

Liang Xi said nothing, but sat quietly beside her, letting her weep out her grief. He had never encountered such things and did not know what to do. The crying gradually subsided, and Ji Anran felt much better. She glanced at the young man beside her and snorted, “If you talk nonsense again, I’ll hit you!” She knew that if not for his timely intervention, things would have gotten much worse—just as that wretch Xuelian would have wanted.

Xuelian delighted in provoking anger; thus Ji Anran was determined not to give her the satisfaction. “Hey, are you all right? And what did you say your name was?” Her tone was still cold, but not as harsh as before.

“I’m Liang Xi, not ‘rascal’ or ‘scoundrel.’ You look younger than me—you could be my little sister.” Liang Xi had never felt this way before; he could not believe he was bickering with a girl he’d just met, and what was more, he enjoyed it, simply not wanting to lose to her. If his brother or parents knew, they would be astonished.

Ji Anran, exasperated, noticed the bruises on Liang Xi’s handsome face from her blows and finally lowered her hand. “Fine, for standing up for me, I’ll let it go.”

She had not rested since leaving Illusory Spirit Domain, and now, exhausted, drifted off to sleep on Liang Xi’s shoulder. He wanted to strangle her for hitting him, yet now she slept so peacefully, as if nothing had happened. Still, as a man, he let it pass.

Who knew how long she slept? When Ji Anran finally woke, it was the best rest she’d had in three years. At once, a bland voice sounded, “Since you’re awake, could you move your head?”

The words jolted her fully awake. She realized she had been sleeping on Liang Xi’s shoulder all this time, and he hadn’t budged. A faint blush of embarrassment touched her flawless face; she wanted to say something to ease the awkwardness, but found no words.

At last, she could only say, “Thank you.”

“That’s more like it. Miss Ji should speak like this, not snap like a firecracker.”

“Spicy Beauty, better think how we’re going to get out of here. This Water Prison is no pleasant place—water control forming a prison, a feat only the master could achieve.”

It was the first time Ji Anran had heard herself called ‘Spicy Beauty’. “Who are you calling Spicy Beauty?”

Liang Xi grinned. “You, of course. You’re beautiful, but your words and actions are fierce—just like a chili pepper.”

Ji Anran was torn between laughter and anger. What kind of man was this, to say such things with a straight face? She realized she could never truly dislike him. “You want to get out? Impossible. As you said, only Jiang Xuehan can control the water here. Even so, I would do the same again.”

“If we can’t leave, then let’s rest. With you here, I can’t complain.” Liang Xi was completely unconcerned—surely the master wouldn’t imprison him for life?

Ji Anran relaxed. “Let me tell you a story. Years ago, there was a young master in Xuanzhou, undefeated in every challenge. In his final duel, he was beaten by a friend from another sect. From then on, he was obsessed with surpassing him, vowing to found a sect and create a technique equal to his rival’s.

“At this time, he met a beautiful woman. Learning of his wish, she helped him with all her might. Together, they established the sect and fell deeply in love, eventually marrying. Years later, their daughter was born. They had met on Mount Tianji in Xuanzhou, so they named her Ji Anran—hoping she would live in peace. The young master became sect leader, his ambitions only growing…” At this point, she broke off, weeping once more.

This was her own story.

Liang Xi’s heart softened. “A great beauty turned into a weeping beauty—that’s a shame.”