Chapter 7: The Pale Garment Pavilion and Mo Qing

Unfortunately, there was no response from Liang Xi. His body grew colder and colder, and within Ji Anran’s heart it felt as though something was about to crack; she was truly distraught. Since her mother’s departure, Ji Anran had never again experienced great joy or sorrow. But now, watching this young man she’d only known for half a day, whose breath was faint and fading, tears finally slipped from the corners of her eyes. After a while, Liang Xi finally stirred. Whether it was his extraordinary constitution or Ji Anran’s tear that worked some miracle, he slowly opened his eyes and whispered, “Chili Beauty, don’t cry. I was jolted awake by the spiciness.”

Ji Anran was overjoyed, her lovely face breaking into a smile through her tears. She scolded, “You rascal, even at a time like this you still love to spout nonsense.” Yet in her heart she thought, Liang Xi’s nonsense was truly more pleasant than celestial music. The cold around him had abated somewhat, and his complexion looked better. “To have Ji Beauty cry for me once, this injury was indeed worthwhile. Ha ha ha, cough, cough, cough!” Liang Xi had wanted to laugh heartily, but the breath caught in his chest and he broke into a violent cough.

“Your breath has only just steadied, don’t talk nonsense. You never let your mouth rest. If you wish to speak, are you so afraid you’ll never have another chance? Why must you seize this moment?” Ji Anran’s words left her feeling uneasy; how could she say anything to this man so freely? She was both embarrassed and angry, but stole a glance at Liang Xi, who seemed not to notice what she had just said. This reassured her somewhat.

Had he overheard her earlier words, she would have been too mortified to live. “Junior brother, your complexion is much improved now. Rest assured, this is Tianji Mountain. Jiang Xuehan is always exceedingly proud; he would never imagine we are hiding here. Though the cold within you has subsided for now, don’t underestimate it. I can no longer return to Hanjiang Island. I plan to join Su Yi Tower.”

“Before I leave, I must teach you a power of unrivaled strength. It’s something I grasped only after ten years of cultivating the Heavenly Volume of the Lingyun Manual. At Lanjiang Terrace, I used this very move to withstand Xi Tianjian’s blazing sword technique. You should remember it.”

But at this moment, Liang Xi’s attention was entirely on his senior brother’s decision to join Su Yi Tower. “Senior brother, this is all my fault. You could have continued your studies peacefully at Hanjiang Island, but now, because of my impulsiveness, you’re forced into this situation.”

“No, junior brother, don’t say that. You stood up for Ji Anran—that’s the path of a true cultivator. Would you really have watched her be bullied at Lanjiang Terrace? I know you well; you seem flamboyant, but your heart is upright. Besides, the techniques of Hanjiang Island were never compatible with me. Forcing myself to train them would only do me harm.”

“Enough. We’re still in Xuanzhou, aren’t we? Don’t be so downhearted. From the Golden Body Defense in the Heavenly Volume, I’ve gleaned the power of Xuan Gang. This force is supremely masculine and can suppress the cold within you. Junior brother, you’ve honed the Earthly Volume for ten years; it would be a pity if that strength went unused.” With that, he infused Liang Xi’s body with Xuan Gang power. The next day, Liang Xi awoke to find his senior brother gone, departed for Su Yi Tower.

Liang Xi was somewhat despondent. Counting the days, he and his senior brother had been together for eleven years, never parted. Yet he knew, they were individuals, and separation was inevitable. Still, his brother was diligent in martial arts, unlike his own penchant for mischief. With the resources of Su Yi Tower, his brother’s cultivation would surely advance.

Meanwhile, he himself remained hidden in Tianji Mountain. The Xuan Gang force left by his brother was potent, so now was the time to train diligently. His brother was indeed extraordinary, able to derive such a formidable power from the Golden Body Defense. “Your senior brother is truly remarkable. As soon as I descended the mountain, I heard Zhuang Yunzhen used a move called ‘Burning Heaven’ from his Sun and Moon Twin Palm to fight Jiang Xuehan to a standstill!”

“Jiang Xuehan is a renowned figure in Xuanzhou. His Wangjiang Palm and water control techniques are unmatched. Who would have thought his reputation would be ruined by your senior brother? Pity I wasn’t there, or I would have spread the tale far and wide. Jiang Xuehan values his reputation above all; he must be furious now, ha ha ha.” After a day’s rest, Hua Lian’s strength had returned, and her words flowed freely. Only after venting did she remember her disciple, Ji Anran, was present.

Jiang Xuehan might be contemptible, but he had raised Ji Anran; as her master, it was improper to disparage him in her presence. Yet Ji Anran paid it no mind. “Master, you’re right. That man always prizes his reputation, and everything he does is for himself. Others’ lives mean nothing to him!”

“I wish I had no connection to him, but I know that’s impossible. My mother died because of him. The moment he struck at me, our bond was severed. So, Master, say whatever you wish; don’t mind me. If I were present, I’d be even more outspoken than you!”

“I want everyone in Xuanzhou to know what kind of person Jiang Xuehan truly is. But, right now, I’m very happy about this rascal.” Ji Anran pointed to Liang Xi. “He’s lively again. I never imagined I’d share a place with a boy who only talks nonsense. The world is indeed full of wonders.”

Hua Lian knew her little disciple seemed extreme, but was deeply sentimental. Fortunately, Liang Xi was not heartless like Wan Ruyu, so she felt reassured about their future. “Liang Xi, though we’re hiding on Tianji Mountain, we mustn’t be careless. Jiang Xuehan is not as simple as he appears. If he truly wanted to kill you at Siyun Hall, you could not have resisted.”

“Do you think Jiang Xuehan knows we’re here?” Liang Xi, ever perceptive, paled. “Senior, are you saying Jiang Xuehan already knows we’re hiding here? But if so, why hasn’t he come after us?”

Hua Lian’s expression grew odd. “You may not believe it, but it’s said Jiang Xuehan comes to Tianji Mountain every year for the Shangyuan Festival. What he does here is unknown, but every time he returns to Hanjiang Island, he’s deeply depressed. Anran, any idea why?”

Ji Anran’s face turned grim, and after a moment, she said, “Shangyuan Festival is the day he met my mother. Tianji Mountain was where they pledged themselves. Absurd, utterly absurd! If that’s the case, why did he kill her? Sometimes, I can’t fathom his motives. Master, I won’t believe a word of it!”

But did she truly not believe? “Your father is fickle. If he wanted to harm you, how could he let you study for three years in the Illusory Spirit Realm? This time, he hasn’t acted. Perhaps he’s injured, or has other plans. Never mind, let’s not dwell on it. For now, defense is our only guarantee of safety.”

“Exactly. Once we enter the Illusory Spirit Realm, you’ll be safe. Liang Xi, you can recover as well. You’re the most seriously wounded, but thanks to your foundation in the Lingyun Manual, you survived. Without it, you’d be finished.”

“Master, didn’t you say only women can enter the Illusory Spirit Realm, men are forbidden?” Ji Anran hoped this man could accompany her. In all Xuanzhou, aside from the Illusory Spirit Realm and Su Yi Tower, there was nowhere else he’d be safe. But Zhuang Yunzhen had chosen Su Yi Tower, so only the Illusory Spirit Realm could protect Liang Xi.

Hua Lian gave Anran a half-smiling knock on the head. “Little girl, I know exactly what you’re thinking. You’re eager for Liang Xi to enter the Illusory Spirit Realm. If he were killed by Wan Ruyu in Xuanzhou, would you be able to sit still? You’ve always ignored rules when it suits you, and now you bring up regulations. Rules are dead, people are alive. If letting him recuperate here benefits the Illusory Spirit Realm, so be it.”

“They both came to Xuanzhou because of your senior sister Linglong. If I washed my hands of it, would that be right? And what are you hiding in your arms? Hand it over!”

“The water prison of Hanjiang Island can trap anyone except you. While Liang Xi slept, you went to Wan Ruyu’s room, didn’t you? Now that you have it, hand it over.” Ji Anran giggled, “Nothing escapes Master’s eyes. Yes, I took the Mirror Flower Heart Method. It’s your property, so I’m returning it, not stealing.”

She produced a blue booklet. “Master, I know you’ve missed Senior Sister Linglong all these years, even if you don’t say it. You quarreled over this Mirror Flower, and it pains me. Though I joined last, I know among all your disciples, you love Linglong most. When she left, you were furious and heartbroken. Later, when the truth emerged, you regretted it deeply, but pride kept you from seeking her out.”

Hua Lian stared at the Mirror Flower in her hands and at her youngest disciple. She realized the child was so perceptive, seeing through everything in just three years. With a sigh, she said, “Yes, your Senior Sister Linglong had extraordinary talent in illusion arts, even surpassing me. I was overjoyed, planning to make her the leader someday. Sadly, she met Wan Ruyu, and I’ve never forgotten the look she gave me before leaving—utter despair.”

“She was my first disciple, raised from childhood. I always said Wan Ruyu hurt her most, but truly, it was me. I foolishly believed rumors and distrusted her. I haven’t avoided Linglong, but I’ve lacked the courage to face her.” As she spoke, Hua Lian’s eyes reddened and her shoulders trembled, clearly overwhelmed by the most painful memory of her life.

The women of the Illusory Spirit Realm are deeply passionate, but also fiercely independent. “Enough, why talk about this with you? You enjoy watching your master’s misery, don’t you? You wicked girl. Come, let’s return to the Illusory Spirit Realm without delay. Once Wan Ruyu realizes Mirror Flower is missing, even a fool will know only you could have done it.”

Hanjiang Island, Siyun Hall.

Jiang Xuehan’s face was grim; he was clearly badly injured. Zhuang Yunzhen had matched him with a single ‘Burning Heaven’ strike, nearly overpowering him. “Wan Junior Brother, you’ve tracked them all this way. Any useful information?”

“Island Master, forgive me. Zhuang Yunzhen is now at Su Yi Tower. I followed him and even fought the young man. His Sun and Moon Twin Palm is formidable. He used ‘Burning Heaven’ against you, but ‘Thunder Movement’ against me. I countered with Wangjiang Palm and almost captured him, but at the last moment, a flame swept in and rescued him.”

“That was the Immortal White Flame from Yingxue Mountain. I dared not approach, and judging by its strength, it was at the Fifth Heaven Level.”

“Hmph, useless! Do you know the Mirror Flower you’ve guarded for years is now back in Hua Lian’s hands? Zhuang Yunzhen is at Su Yi Tower, so ignore him for now. But you treat Mirror Flower as your life!”

Now we must find a way to retrieve Mirror Flower. You’ve been pursuing them non-stop; rest for now. My rebellious daughter must have returned to the Illusory Spirit Realm!

“If she’s entered the Illusory Spirit Realm, I truly have no way in. This is your task now. I have only two goals: first, retrieve Mirror Flower; second, do not harm my daughter. If she must die, it will be by my hand alone—no one else has the right to harm her. Leave! I don’t want to see you today. You’ve mastered Wangjiang Palm, yet let Zhuang Yunzhen escape—how can you show your face here?”

Wan Ruyu’s gloom flashed across his face as he replied respectfully, “Tomorrow I’ll go to the Illusory Spirit Realm. All of Xuanzhou fears it, but I do not. Years ago, I took Mirror Flower from there; this time will be the same.” With that, he withdrew. The other sub-island masters cared little; Wan Ruyu always claimed to be second only to the Island Master, so these matters were left to him. Yao Qianshui and the others were content to relax, knowing Hanjiang Island was no longer safe.

When the chance arose, they’d leave this place of trouble. The old Hanjiang senior was long dead, and though his martial prowess grew, his mind was increasingly erratic.

Meanwhile, Zhuang Yunzhen felt as though he were inside a giant furnace. He saw Wan Ruyu, who relentlessly pursued him; Wan Ruyu’s Wangjiang Palm was even stronger than Jiang Xuehan’s. Already wounded, Zhuang Yunzhen struggled to fight back, but Wan Ruyu was too powerful. Suddenly, a white-robed figure appeared. Wan Ruyu’s expression changed dramatically. “You—aren’t you supposed to be dead? How are you still alive?”

The white-robed person said nothing, only enveloped himself in a pure flame. After that, Zhuang Yunzhen remembered nothing until he awoke, finding himself surrounded by rare flowers, the atmosphere serene yet vibrant.

“You’re awake. Did you know you’ve been unconscious for three days?” said a young woman in pale green. Zhuang Yunzhen realized the voice from his dreams belonged to her. He hadn’t seen her clearly before, but now he could. She had an oval face and lively eyes, with a teardrop mole beneath her left eye.

“Young man, aren’t you going to let go? You’ve been holding my hand for three days, mumbling nonsense.” Startled, Zhuang Yunzhen released her hand, apologizing profusely.

The woman found his embarrassment amusing but remained cool. “Is just one apology enough?” Zhuang Yunzhen paled, thinking he must have babbled while unconscious. “Whatever you say, I’ll comply without complaint.”

Finding him interesting, the green-robed woman smiled, “So you’ll do whatever I say? Then it’s simple—destroy this hand and your babbling mouth, and I’ll forgive you.”

Zhuang Yunzhen, though not as mischievous as his junior brother, was perceptive. Noting her faint smile, he replied, “Ah, you’re joking. So, where is this place? Since you like to smile, I’ll call you Miss Smile.”

Just as he was about to continue jesting, a coughing fit interrupted him. The green-robed woman felt remorse; he was injured, and she shouldn’t have stirred his emotions.

“This is Su Yi Tower. I am Mo Qing, and the Tower Master saved you. Had he arrived a moment later, you would have died at Wan Ruyu’s hands. It’s strange; you carry an aura of pure yang. Though Wan Ruyu has mastered the second realm of Wangjiang Palm, it’s not easy for him to harm you. His palm is powerful, but against pure yang force, he gains no advantage.”

So, he was at Su Yi Tower. Zhuang Yunzhen had intended to join, but fate brought him here through Wan Ruyu’s pursuit. He felt a closeness with Mo Qing and shared his experiences on Hanjiang Island. She was surprised by his story. “Your junior brother must be quite interesting. If I’m not mistaken, he’s now in the Illusory Spirit Realm. Once there, Hanjiang Island can do nothing. As for you, after several battles, even with Golden Body Defense, you must be exhausted. Rest well for now.”

Zhuang Yunzhen wished to meet the Tower Master, but since Mo Qing did not invite him, he let it be. After their conversation, he drifted back to sleep. Mo Qing checked his breath and found it steady; his foundation was strong—he was simply fatigued.

When Zhuang Yunzhen awoke again, it was dusk. He smelled food and saw Mo Qing, dressed in blue, carrying a tray. “You must be hungry after sleeping so long. It’s best to start with plain porridge and light dishes.”

Zhuang Yunzhen smiled, “I wasn’t very hungry, but the aroma has stirred my appetite.” Mo Qing chuckled, “Then eat.” The porridge was pure white, the grains distinct, and the side dishes—one red, two green—were appetizing. The red was Miao Yin fruit, sweet and sour, its flavors blending like celestial music. The greens were Qing Chen threads and Yu Qing cakes, common in Yun and Xuan states, though Zhuang Yunzhen had never tasted them.

He ate heartily, feeling refreshed. “This is delicious. If my junior brother were here, he’d analyze it all, but I can’t.”

Mo Qing was intrigued. “So your junior brother is very cultured?” Cultured? “Ha ha, it’s the first time someone’s used that word for him. He’s not cultured—he’s the most mischievous person I know. I’m seven parts steady, three parts playful; he’s six parts mischief, four parts seemingly steady, and always has a witty remark.”

“That’s interesting. You must have grown up together, or you couldn’t make such judgments. I’d like to meet him someday.”

“Of course, Miss Mo Qing. I’ll introduce you if the chance arises.” Their conversation deepened his sense of closeness to her, though he couldn’t say why.

“Rest well. Tomorrow I’ll visit you again. The Tower Master wishes to see you; he knows all your thoughts, otherwise he wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to rescue you.”

The Tower Master wants to see him? Su Yi Tower’s master, Li Feiyan—nicknamed Drunken Feiyan, for his love of wine and mastery of the Immortal White Flame. He was said to have died years ago at Hanjiang Island’s hands, but there was never proof. The two sects have long been Xuanzhou’s greatest rivals, like water and fire. Now that Su Yi Tower’s master wanted to meet him, Zhuang Yunzhen was anxious.

“Don’t worry. The Tower Master is very kind. Just answer his questions truthfully. Now that your strength has recovered, rest well. Tomorrow I’ll come for you.” Mo Qing was somewhat mysterious; Zhuang Yunzhen had many questions, but didn’t know how to ask. For now, since he was in Su Yi Tower, he’d have opportunities later.

After a hazy night, Mo Qing arrived again. Zhuang Yunzhen felt genuine joy each time he saw her. “Your complexion is much improved; I’m truly relieved. Let’s go—Tower Master is waiting, and he dislikes delay.”

Mo Qing led Zhuang Yunzhen out of the room. Breathing fresh air again, he was delighted. But looking down, he was startled—the house was built on a sheer cliff, with the surging Yun River below. They walked a narrow, winding path called ‘Thread in the Sky.’ “Follow me carefully. This is the most perilous part of Yingxue Mountain, called Thread in the Sky. If you’re frightened, close your eyes and hold my hand. I cross it every day and know it well. Beyond this, we ascend to the main peak, Vermilion Bird Peak.”

Mo Qing, accustomed to this route, was pleased to talk about Yingxue Mountain. Soon, the sound of water faded, and they crossed Thread in the Sky. Zhuang Yunzhen glanced back, marveling at its improbability. Along the way, he gently held Mo Qing’s hand, noticing a thin layer of sweat—was she nervous too?

“This is Immortal’s Cave. Legend says it once held a spring called the Fountain of Youth, granting immortality.” Mo Qing’s words distracted him, and he saw the dry spring. Exiting the cave, the view opened up: the three characters for Vermilion Bird Peak appeared, connected by about three hundred stone steps. “Come, this is the easiest part. I thought you’d falter, but you’ve persisted.”

“Fortunately, Yingxue Mountain’s scenery is beautiful. Without it, I couldn’t have endured.” Su Yi Tower cultivates fire arts; after this climb, Zhuang Yunzhen felt his strength grow. At the final step, he reached a platform, at the end of which was a place called Feiyan. “Go in yourself. This is the heart of Su Yi Tower. The Tower Master doesn’t allow disciples inside.”

Zhuang Yunzhen found this odd, though couldn’t say why. Nevertheless, he respectfully said, “Disciple Zhuang Yunzhen thanks Tower Master for saving my life.”

“Zhuang, no need for formalities. Please come in. Mo Qing, you too.” Before Zhuang Yunzhen could react, a powerful force drew him inside. The Tower Master, Li Feiyan, wore white. “Zhuang, I’m glad to see you recover. Mo Qing has told me everything. Rest here and regain your strength.”

“To match Jiang Xuehan is impressive. Su Yi Tower has always despised his kind. You’ve done well.”

Zhuang Yunzhen was silent for a while, pointing at the Tower Master. “You—you—weren’t you dead? Rumor says you died at Hanjiang Island, so what’s going on?”

“Yes, my elder brother Li Feiyan died. I am Li Feichen. Mo Qing is his daughter, the young mistress of Su Yi Tower. Other than you, no one knows this. By rights, you shouldn’t know, but Mo Qing said you were honest with her, so she couldn’t deceive you.” Zhuang Yunzhen realized the answer was obvious; only the young mistress could freely enter Vermilion Bird Peak.

She was so familiar with the place; all the clues fit. Zhuang Yunzhen laughed, “I should have guessed. Who else but the young mistress could enter Vermilion Bird Peak at will?” “Mo Qing drove off Wan Ruyu that day. She was returning from an errand, passed Hanjiang Island, saw you being hunted, and intervened with Fifth Heaven Immortal White Flame.”

This was shocking. Now all was clear; Mo Qing had rescued him, so naturally she cared more. “Apologies for not telling you sooner. Are you upset, Zhuang?” Though her tone was calm, Mo Qing’s eyes betrayed a faint nervousness.

Zhuang Yunzhen smiled, “You jest, Miss Mo Qing. I owe you my life. If you need anything, just say so.”

He still called her Miss Mo Qing. Mo Qing was relieved; she had few friends, always alone. After several days together, she’d already regarded Zhuang Yunzhen as a friend. Had he grown distant just now, she wouldn’t have known what to do.

“Uncle, aren’t you going to ask him your questions? Why are you staring at me?” Feiyan was silent; Li Feichen smiled, “I was thinking, if this boy learned your identity and left, you’d be heartbroken. But it seems my worries were unfounded.”

Mo Qing’s cheeks blushed, stamping her foot, “Uncle!”

“Alright, my mistake. Zhuang, I’ll ask you just one thing: will you join Su Yi Tower? You can’t return to Hanjiang Island. Jiang Xuehan must be madly searching for you both. Here, you need not become a disciple; it’s more relaxed. You have great strength, but don’t know how to use it. Though you’ve grasped supreme power from the Lingyun Manual’s Heavenly Volume, if you can’t use it properly, you’ll weaken over time.”

“Su Yi Tower’s core is fire, but to learn Immortal White Flame, outsiders must first master the Immovable Golden Body. If you reach the pinnacle, even Immortal White Flame can’t harm you.”

Zhuang Yunzhen was grateful. “Tower Master, you flatter me. If I can learn Immovable Golden Body, I’ll be satisfied. Immortal White Flame is the Tower’s legacy and off-limits to outsiders; I understand. The founder regretted the rule’s harshness, so created Immovable Golden Body to compensate.”

Since he wished to join Su Yi Tower, he must understand its history. “Yes, you’re wise. Your Sun and Moon Twin Palm’s ‘Burning Heaven’ is a supreme yang technique; Immovable Golden Body suits you. It has twelve realms. If you train well, you’ll remedy the weaknesses of Xuan Gang power. In fact, your self-created Xuan Gang rivals the first six realms of Immovable Golden Body. You need only start from the seventh.”

“By doing so, you can integrate Xuan Gang with Immovable Golden Body, strengthening both. If you can merge them, all the better. Judging by your aura, Xuan Gang has four levels, correct?”

“Tower Master, you’re astute. Unfortunately, I could only create four levels. Advancing further seems impossible.”

“It’s not my insight, but my own youthful ambition to master all twelve realms of Immovable Golden Body. Sadly, I lacked the talent and disdained it, so failed. But my failure need not be yours. You’ve trained external techniques since childhood, giving you unmatched strength; defensive arts suit you, so you’ll progress rapidly.”