Chapter 11: A Friendly Duel

Wan Ruyu finally returned to Hanjiang Island. At this moment, he could no longer hold on and suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood. The technique of the Beauty’s Hand was indeed peerless under heaven. He had painstakingly practiced the Wangjiang Palm Technique for many years, yet he still could not defeat Shui Linglong. Not only that, he had suffered a serious injury, and now all the meridians in his body were sealed. To break through this suppression, it would take three days. He had roamed Xuan Province for years and, ever since gaining the power of the Mirror Flower, considered himself invincible here—even the Island Lord Jiang Xuehan was no longer his match. Today, there could be only one reason for his defeat: he had underestimated his opponent.

How had Shui Linglong managed to recover her strength? Back then, he had clearly destroyed her cultivation, and only a few years had passed since. Now, her power surpassed what it once was. The competition in three days would be crucial; he could not afford to lose. He had prepared for so many years and endured so much. Now, at the final step, if he could win the match three days from now, Xuan Province would inevitably return to his hands once more!

Jiang Xuehan, too, had been recuperating these past few days. Zhuang Yunzheng's strength had far exceeded his expectations. "Island Lord, Wan Ruyu has returned. He didn't look well—he must have suffered an internal injury just now. But now, apart from you, he is the strongest on Hanjiang Island. Who could possibly have injured him?"

"You say Wan Ruyu is wounded? Hmph, all the better. The man has been unbearably arrogant all these years, looking down on everyone, even me. Does he think being the strongest in Xuan Province makes him so special? While few in Xuan Province can harm him, some still could. He has been obsessively practicing the Mirror Flower, thinking that learning it makes him first under heaven—how ridiculous. Did he say anything besides being injured?"

"Wan Ruyu also said that in three days, the experts from Phantom Spirit Domain and the Plain Garment Tower must all gather at the Wangjiang Terrace for a best-of-three contest. Island Lord, do you think he’s gone mad?"

"Hahaha, that’s exactly his style. If he hadn’t done so, who knows what would follow? Since he already has a plan, all we need to do is wait calmly. The man is internally injured; he should rest well these three days. After all, whether we can win depends on his strength. This battle concerns our future."

"You’ve worked hard these days, keeping an eye on him. Now your task is complete; it’s time for you to rest. For years, I’ve meant to thank you."

"Island Lord, as your shadow, this was my duty. If not for your help back then, I would have perished long ago. I’ve always wanted to repay your kindness. What I’ve done now is nothing compared to you saving my life."

"No, now it’s time I told you: you were created by me with the Condensing Water Technique—a shadow whose sole purpose was to watch Wan Ruyu. Have you discovered his true origins?" Sometimes, even Jiang Xuehan could not fathom himself. In order to keep Hanjiang Island, he had made too many mistakes—some mistakes that could not be erased with a mere apology.

The shadow was unconcerned about his own origins. "Island Lord, I’ve secretly investigated for years, but Wan Ruyu is extraordinarily cautious—there are no clues to his past at all." The shadow had always been confident in his tracking abilities, but this time, he had failed.

"I know this is no easy task. Though you were crafted by my hand, your skills were honed through years of trial. Now, on Hanjiang Island, you are the only one I can truly trust. Today’s Hanjiang Island is no longer what it once was." The shadow did not understand why the Island Lord’s tone had changed. "Enough, you’ve worked hard. There’s nothing more for you here—you may go."

Jiang Xuehan rose and moved to the back chamber of Siyun Hall. He stopped at a protruding section of wall, tapped three times on the left, three times on the right, and the protrusion retracted. Soon, the wall cracked open, revealing an entrance. Inside was a square main hall, with four paintings on the walls—four beautiful women, identical in appearance yet each with a different expression. The woman in the paintings closely resembled Ji Anran.

Perhaps only here could Jiang Xuehan lay down his daily mask. "Yuchan, I’ve come to see you again. Our daughter is becoming more like you by the day. Every time I see her angry, I think of you. During her three years in the Phantom Spirit Domain, she’s always been safe; you can rest assured. You know that as long as I promise you something, I will make it happen!"

"To this day, it’s been ten years since you left me. I miss you. Ten years ago, it was Xuelian who killed you—I know everything. But I’ve investigated a full decade and still don’t know why she did it. The two of you were always close. That afternoon, after Xuelian returned from meeting someone, she changed completely. Anran says Xuelian saw someone that day, and after that, you left me forever."

"Xuelian killed you, but I had no proof—I could only let it be. Anran is far more capable than I am. I don’t know what method she used, but she learned you died under the Tianyin Palm. After the Tianyin Master died, I truly believed that art had disappeared, but I later realized I was wrong."

"You used to say I didn’t know how to love. I never believed it before. But look at me now—Anran sees me as her mortal enemy and wants to destroy Hanjiang Island. She can do as she pleases, but if she wishes to destroy the island, I cannot allow it."

"But then I think, if Hanjiang Island is destroyed, so be it. I have no right to ask anything of Anran now. Over the past decade, my indulgence of Xuelian has led her to harm Anran over and over. But you know me—I’m a fool, searching for Xuelian’s flaws by such means!"

"But in the end, I did nothing. I’m not trying to defend myself—harm is still harm, and that can never be changed. Once I leave this room, I’ll become that cold person again. Perhaps soon, you and I will meet again. I ask for nothing, only that you see me one last time."

This place was where Jiang Xuehan commemorated Han Yuchan, designed so secretly to keep others from knowing. "There, talking to you has lifted my heart. There’s one more thing I must tell you: Anran seems very fond of that boy Liang Xi. I know he can protect her better than I can. It turns out I am truly the most useless man in the world—I can’t even protect my own daughter."

No matter what Wan Ruyu sought, in three days, all would be revealed. That night, in Siyun Hall, Yao Qianshui, Feng Mengchen, and Lin Guang sat together, unable to believe what the Island Lord had just said. "Island Lord, do you know what you’re saying? Hanjiang Island was founded by the few of us together. Yuchan’s death grieved you, but you still have us brothers. Whatever happens, as long as we stand together, we can face it!"

"No, I’m no longer fit to be Island Lord, but the martial legacy of Hanjiang Island cannot be broken. I’ve already failed Yuchan and Anran. The Water Command and Wangjiang Palm were originally Yuchan’s arts. Because of my incompetence, I failed to protect her—now, I cannot even safeguard her martial legacy. If not for you all, I’d have died long ago. These past years, thanks to your support, I’ve been Island Lord for ten years already—I am content."

"Wan Ruyu is finally making his move. In three days, he’s arranged a duel with the masters of Plain Garment Tower and Phantom Spirit Domain. I’ve long harbored a suspicion—how could Li Feiyan have died by our hands when he was so formidable? I feel the man never died, just waited for the right moment. Enough. You three have mastered the essence of Wangjiang Palm and the Water Command. I will remain alone."

"All these years, I pretended not to know but have always suspected that the man Xuelian met in secret was Wan Ruyu. My intuition has often been wrong, but I hope this time it isn’t."

The three wanted to say more, but found themselves at a loss for words. After a long time, Lin Guang asked quietly, "Brother, will we meet again?"

Jiang Xuehan smiled, "At this moment, Lin Guang, you’re still willing to call me brother. That’s enough for me. If fate allows, we’ll meet again."

"Now, while no one is around, you three should leave at once. Wan Ruyu has been empowered by the Mirror Flower—his strength is such that even I am not certain of victory. I’ve waited ten years to test my suspicions, and now I can wait no longer. My brothers, I know your word is your bond. I want you to promise, no matter what happens on Hanjiang Island, you must not return. Whether you can do it or not, you must promise me!"

"Rest assured, Brother—we will. But you must be careful. I believe Anran will soon understand, even if you’ve been misguided, your aim was always to protect her!"

With that, the three left Hanjiang Island. In their hearts, they were unwilling, but now they had no choice. Only three days remained. What could Jiang Xuehan do in that time? He did nothing. In ten years, he had never truly looked at Hanjiang Island. He used to say he wanted to see the results of their hard work with Yuchan, but after she left, he lost all desire.

Now, however, things were different. He felt an immense calm, finally able to take a careful look at Hanjiang Island. The island was truly beautiful—why had he never noticed before?

"The Island Lord is in high spirits, enjoying the clouds and river scenery alone at this hour? It’s been long since I truly looked at this place. If you don’t mind, shall we sit and watch together?" Wan Ruyu’s injuries had mostly healed. The night sky was filled with stars. Jiang Xuehan ignored him—at this moment, he saw no one but himself.

Wan Ruyu didn’t mind. The Island Lord was always like this; once he drifted off, he forgot everyone. "Wan Ruyu, I know you love Hanjiang Island too. In three days, what are your chances in the contest?"

"I don’t know. I can only do my best. But I’m not worried—because as long as you’re Island Lord, you’ll never leave. Hanjiang Island was created by you and Han Yuchan. If everyone else leaves, you’ll still remain. Perhaps only here do you have value—isn’t that right?"

"Indeed. I’ve poured my heart into this place. If I left, I wouldn’t know where else to go. Apart from here, where could I go?" Jiang Xuehan’s voice grew softer and softer. He fell asleep. After so many years, he had never slept soundly. In his dream, he saw Yuchan again. "Yuchan, you’re finally willing to meet me in a dream? Of course I know this is only a dream, but I truly wish it would never end."

Han Yuchan said nothing, only smiled gently—the same warm smile as always. "I know you’re smiling, but inside you’re crying. You blame me for not protecting our daughter."

Yuchan stepped forward and, still silent, placed her finger in Jiang Xuehan’s palm, writing softly: "I know you’re tormented inside. Outwardly, you ignore Anran, even treat her harshly, all so she can survive. Ever since the two of us killed the Tianyin Master with the Wangjiang Palm and Water Command, I knew there would be no good end for us. But that man endangered Xuan Province. Even if I had the chance again, I’d still do it."

"Xuelian is a pitiable woman. She loved Wan Ruyu, but in his heart, there was only himself. Her Tianyin Palm was taught by him—even if just the basics, it was still formidable. I was careless then."

Though unspoken, Wan Ruyu’s true identity was now clear. "Xuehan, don’t be sad. I heard what you said to me in Siyun Hall today. Liang Xi will protect Anran well. She’s doing fine, and her master will protect her even better."

He woke from the dream. Jiang Xuehan got up. "What’s wrong? Lost interest again, Island Lord? The tides of the river are famous—you really won’t take another look?"

"No, I no longer care for these scenes. They live in my heart now. Besides, I know, Wan Ruyu, how much you love them. So take your time to enjoy them. I’m tired—I need a good rest."

Wan Ruyu prided himself on his intelligence, but sometimes even he could not understand Jiang Xuehan. As Island Lord, the man seemed indifferent to Hanjiang Island, which would make Wan Ruyu’s coming conquest of Xuan Province all the easier. The Beauty’s Hand was formidable, but having practiced the Wangjiang Palm for many years, he feared neither her nor the other three masters in the coming contest.

Xuan Province—after all these years, at last, it would return to his hands. What could be more satisfying? His father had used his last breath to send him away for just this moment.

After a surge of emotion, Wan Ruyu calmed himself. For ten years he had secretly practiced the Tianyin Palm—a style very different from the Wangjiang Palm. The Wangjiang Palm was gentle yet powerful, its display awe-inspiring; the Tianyin Palm was cold and sinister, its power greatest in those who harbored resentment. Only three days remained. In three days, he would reveal his true face. Hanjiang Island was fine, but there was nothing left here to hold him. For a decade, he had longed to fuse the two palms, so that his power would surpass even his father’s. His father had died under the Wangjiang Palm; if Wan Ruyu could unite the two, his father’s spirit would surely rejoice. Staring into the deep night, Wan Ruyu finally fell into a peaceful sleep.

In the Phantom Spirit Domain, Shui Linglong and Cheng Zhumeng stood facing each other. "Let’s be clear: your match should be for practice only—no going too far. Especially you, Mengmeng. Your Dream Soul Six Swords are incredibly fierce; I’ve always worried you wouldn’t be able to control them, so I never let you use them. If not for your senior sister’s sake, I wouldn’t have allowed this duel."

Private duels were forbidden in the Phantom Spirit Domain, but since Hualian approved, it was different. "Master, you understand me best. I’ve trained my swordplay hard in order to challenge Senior Sister. Senior Sister, will you really face me barehanded?"

Her Beauty’s Hand was formidable, but could it withstand the Dream Soul Six Swords? "Mengmeng, have you forgotten? I taught you the basics of swordsmanship. I never use weapons—come, let me see how much you’ve improved!"

Fei Xingye, Mei Lengning, and Ji Anran stood at the sides, while Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng sat under a nearby tree. The weather was hot; the tree’s shade was refreshing. "Senior brother, who do you think will win this duel?" Liang Xi tossed a sunflower seed into the air, caught it with his other hand, and ate it. He’d loved sunflower seeds since childhood; Zhuang Yunzheng was used to it. "You ask me, but I can’t say—only after the fight will we know."

"Senior brother, you’re something else. After just a few days, the heiress of the Plain Garment Tower seems taken with you—don’t tell me you haven’t noticed?"

"You’re always talking nonsense. Miss Moqing saved my life. That day, you were hiding on Mount Tianji, so you didn’t see—Wan Ruyu chased me for dozens of miles. I was exhausted. If not for Miss Moqing’s timely arrival, you wouldn’t see me here. Besides, Ji Anran and Mo Qingye only just met, yet they’re already at odds. Junior brother, you’re the impressive one—Anran only listens to you. Don’t you want to do something about it?"

"Senior brother, you jest. Lady Ji always has her nose in the air. I may be bold, but I won’t play matchmaker and risk trouble."

Zhuang Yunzheng found it all quite curious. "Junior brother, that doesn’t sound like you. You were fearless as a child—master always had headaches over you. What’s this? Has the little terror finally met his match, and all your tricks are useless now?"

"Haha, rascal, now you finally see that every tough guy meets his match. Master and I couldn’t tame you, but now someone can—makes me happy."

Liang Xi could only laugh and cry. So, in their hearts, this was how his master and brother saw him? "Senior brother, the show’s starting."

At that moment, Cheng Zhumeng finally drew her weapon—a plum blossom branch. Her move, "Beauty’s Twilight," was not a flashy sword technique, but a slow sword with four changes: sunrise, noon, dusk, midnight. Women often cherish their beauty more than life itself; this move, with its changes, reminded her opponent that beauty, no matter how radiant, eventually fades into night. The more beautiful the woman, the more powerful this move. The sword seemed ordinary, but its energy was tangible and untouchable.

Shui Linglong spun, her palms creating a wind. As soon as "Beauty’s Twilight" entered the circle of palm wind, she felt a strong resistance—she could go no further. This was the "Plucking Leaves" of the Beauty’s Hand: no matter how fast or slow the opponent, her move would be countered. "Beauty’s Twilight" was now halted completely.

"Well done! Linglong has mastered ‘Plucking Leaves’ to such a degree. Your second senior sister’s moves are completely blocked; she can’t break through that palm wind. Look, Mengmeng’s about to change tactics!" Hualian praised from the side. Cheng Zhumeng, caught in a difficult spot, felt a wave of sadness and tears appeared on her cold face. "Senior Sister, behold my Heartbreak!"

"Heartbreak" was a defensive move—the deeper the sorrow, the stronger the sword technique. Shui Linglong’s heart skipped a beat; she sensed guilt and sorrow from her master in this swordplay. Sensing this, Hualian explained, "That Heartbreak move was created by your master—its power grows with your sadness!" Plum blossoms scattered, countless sword lights converged, the sword aimed straight for the brow!

Shui Linglong swiftly used the Fragrant Wind Beauty Step to dodge. Plum blossoms fluttered, her movements graceful and fragrant. She gathered the blossoms around her, then struck with a "Flying Flowers" palm. Countless petals, sharp as blades, howled toward Cheng Zhumeng.

Shui Linglong had intended to use "Red Sleeve Dance" from the Six Changes of Floating Fragrance, but changed her mind—this was only a friendly bout. "Flying Flowers" would suffice. "Your senior sister only learned the basics of this Fragrant Wind Beauty Step, yet she’s developed so many changes on her own. Girls, now do you believe how incredible your senior sister is? Mengmeng’s sword is fierce, but against a Beauty’s Hand master, it’s not enough!"

Cheng Zhumeng shouted, changing her sword form to her most lethal move: "Breaking Intestines." This sword was swift and deadly, enough to scatter the "Flying Flowers." But no matter how fast her sword, her senior sister always anticipated and blocked her attacks—she even used the "Falling Plum Severing Bones" from the Thousand Blooms! "Mengmeng, your swordplay is truly impressive. We’ve exchanged dozens of moves. Let’s call it a draw. After years apart, no need to turn a friendly match into a real fight!"

Both now used the Fragrant Wind Beauty Step. Cheng Zhumeng’s sword aura was fierce, Shui Linglong’s fingertips powerful yet always restrained. Otherwise, Cheng Zhumeng’s arms would have been crippled. "Thousand Blooms" was a technique that grew stronger against stronger foes. Shui Linglong, having lost her will to fight, switched from "Thousand Blooms" back to "Flying Flowers," defending only.

Cheng Zhumeng sheathed her sword, laughing. "Senior Sister, you’re formidable. I finally admit defeat. I always looked down on the Beauty’s Hand, wondering what use it was—if you met a true sword master, wouldn’t your hands be useless? Now I see my own skills are lacking."

"Haha, Mengmeng, your swordplay is excellent—especially your ‘Beauty’s Twilight,’ combining sword and time. I can’t compare. When it comes to swordsmanship, you’re first. As for me, I can only polish what master taught me."

"Good, a draw is best. I worried you two might lose control and hurt each other—then this match would be meaningless."

"Master, Senior Sister is the one I respect most. I may be arrogant, but I know what should and shouldn’t be done. The Dream Soul Six Swords are my own creation; I can control them. Now my wish is fulfilled, and I’ll be able to refine my sword skills even further. I must thank Senior Sister."

It turned out that mastering "Plucking Leaves" created a cage—no matter how fierce the opponent’s moves, they could not escape. Ji Anran seemed to understand. She immediately used the Fragrant Wind Beauty Step and suddenly attacked Senior Sister Linglong, using "Plucking Leaves." "Anran, what are you doing?" Hualian was astonished. "Master, in two days’ time, I must compete. With Senior Sister here, I’d like to practice. Senior Sister, don’t think little sister’s martial arts are weak."

"Master, don’t be angry. Junior Sister must have learned something from our fight. Let’s see how far she’s come with the family’s Wangjiang Palm." With that, Shui Linglong floated up. If her opponent used "Plucking Leaves," so would she. To master this move was to be untouchable—no one could harm you. The two of them danced, plucking plum blossoms with their fingers and launching them with the "Flying Flowers" technique, quickly getting entangled.

"Plucking Leaves" demanded speed—one had to strike before the opponent could react. Among varied techniques, it was the best for constant change. As the first and most famous move of the Beauty’s Hand, it had a thousand variations. Shui Linglong, now serious, realized her junior sister had mastered many of its changes in just three years—a true prodigy. Ji Anran fought nimbly, but Senior Sister’s grasp of the Beauty’s Hand now surpassed even their master’s. Though "Plucking Leaves" was meant to be light and quick, every attack from Senior Sister felt like crashing waves.

Even more astonishing, Ji Anran heard the roar of waves in her ears. She had no choice but to counter with Wangjiang Palm: a single palm unleashed massive force—the "Waters as One" at the Fearless Realm! Strike and retreat, never lingering, combined with the Fragrant Wind Beauty Step. She actually fought her senior sister to a standstill. The essence of "Plucking Leaves" was speed and lightness, but if the opponent struck and vanished, there were no leaves to pluck—thus, the move failed!

"Haha, Junior Sister, your trick is unorthodox but effective. Plucking Leaves relies on having something to pluck—if there are none, the move is broken. The energy you release is the leaves. Master, Junior Sister is truly clever. In both matches, I couldn’t defeat them. With disciples like these, I’m very proud as Senior Sister!"

Mo Qing, watching both duels, couldn’t help but recall her own Plain Garment Tower. In training disciples, the Phantom Spirit Domain truly excelled. She resolved to work harder when she returned; otherwise, the fame of the Undying White Flame would soon fade.

Ji Anran was overjoyed by her senior sister’s praise. She turned to Liang Xi under the tree. "Well, are you convinced? Even though I don’t like martial arts, if I devoted myself, I’d be a top master!"

"Yes, yes, the Spicy Beauty’s skills are the best. We wouldn’t dare challenge your might!" At this, Ji Anran’s face flushed with anger. "You, explain yourself! Since when did I become a tiger? ‘Your might’? You deserve a beating!" She chased Liang Xi, who cried, "Senior Hualian, help! Lady Ji is angry!"

"Those two never grow up. Liang, you dared call her a tigress—now you must accept the consequences. Anran may be my disciple, but this is your doing. I won’t help! That girl’s temper is unrivaled—I’ve long experienced it. Now, it’s someone else’s turn."

Liang Xi fled with the Bird Illusion Dance technique. Though he yelled, his movement was graceful; each time, Ji Anran was just a step behind. "So, you want to compete in agility? Fine, let’s see whose movement is superior!"

Ji Anran used all her strength, her clothes fluttering and plum blossoms swirling—the Fragrant Wind Beauty Step was a beautiful sight indeed. She was stubborn and hated to lose, but still couldn’t catch him. Finally, she stopped, stomping in frustration. "You only know how to bully me—is that any skill?" She looked about to cry. Liang Xi regretted it deeply—had he known this would happen, he wouldn’t have argued.

"Alright, my fault. Don’t cry—when a beauty cries, she becomes ugly." Ji Anran burst into laughter and hit him. "Rascal, it’s all your fault for embarrassing me. Is it so fun to tease me?"

Liang Xi grew serious. "I’ve been a prankster since I was little. Senior Hualian said you like to tease people too. So I wanted to tease you, but I never thought you’d be so hard to tease. Fine, all my fault—I apologize. Will that satisfy you?"

"Hmph, that’s better. You’re not allowed to tease me again, or I’ll get angry, understand?" Ji Anran felt a sweetness in her heart. If anyone else tried this, they’d be finished, but this rascal was different.

"Wonderful, just wonderful. After all these years, someone can finally handle this girl. Liang Xi, as her master, I must thank you—she’s truly a handful. Now it seems only you can deal with her. In the future, even if you want to tease others, you probably won’t get the chance!"

Ji Anran, hearing this, stomped in embarrassment and anger. Liang Xi felt this moment was truly beautiful. No matter how much time passed, he would never forget it—this scene would live forever in his memory. "If the beauty is happy, then all is well. Truly marvelous."