Chapter 14: The Most Beautiful Flower

Even after all these years, the woman in white remained as stunning as ever—peerless, unmatched, her beauty undimmed by time. Ji Anran had only glimpsed her from behind, yet Li Feichen, Jiang Xuehan, and the others were visibly shocked and overjoyed at her appearance. But for Jiang Xuehan, along with surprise and happiness, there was also a touch of sorrow. “After all these years, you still haven’t changed one bit. You were always a crybaby before, and now you’re just the same. What’s this? All you can do is cry when you see me? Can’t you even speak?” The woman in white ignored the dumbfounded Wan Ruyu, walked up to Jiang Xuehan, and smiled gently.

That smile—Jiang Xuehan had dreamed of it countless times in the dead of night, but every time it had been a fantasy. Now, it was real. He could no longer restrain himself; he broke down and wept in her arms. There was only one woman in the world who could reduce Jiang Xuehan to such a state: Han Yuchan.

“Yuchan, you’re back? You’ve finally returned. I’m sorry, I missed you so much. I let Anran down!” At this moment, all Jiang Xuehan could say was “I’m sorry,” as if there was nothing else left to say.

Whether it was the Condensing Water Dragon or the Summoning Water Soldiers, at the instant Han Yuchan appeared, all those techniques lost their power. A faint mist encircled her, as if even the clouds and water of the river sensed her return.

“Anran, this is your mother. You look just like her—a first-class beauty!” Mo Qing whispered to Ji Anran, but Anran’s feet seemed rooted to the spot; she couldn’t take a step forward. It had been ten years since she’d seen her mother. Now, fear gripped her—she was afraid it was all a dream. Yet if it was a dream, she wished never to wake.

The woman in white gently soothed her man, then turned to Ji Anran. “Xiaoran, you little rascal, you see me and don’t even call out? Are you looking for a spanking?” Han Yuchan pretended to scold her with a feigned sternness.

Ji Anran could restrain herself no longer—she threw herself into her mother’s arms. It was truly her mother; she really had come back. She wouldn’t lose her composure like the others; she would not cry, absolutely not. But in the end, Ji Anran cried after all. If Liang Xi wanted to laugh at her, let him—he had saved her life, after all. This time, she wouldn’t hold a grudge.

Liang Xi, too, was feeling much better now. Strangely, when Han Yuchan appeared, the cold energy that had been plaguing him subsided. Han Yuchan stroked her daughter’s hair. “Ten years—my little Anran has grown up. You even know how to protect Hanjiang Island now. As your mother, I’m truly delighted.”

“Liang Xi, thank you for saving Anran’s life. As for your backlash, I’ve temporarily removed it, so you needn’t worry. My daughter has always been quite willful—thank you for looking after her and tolerating her.”

“Madam, you’re too kind. I hardly did anything in the end; Anran protected me instead. I truly feel ashamed.”

“No need to be modest. I can see you’re destined for greatness. Well then, brothers and sisters, since I’m here today, it’s time to settle things with Wan Ruyu!” Han Yuchan had been a heroine of her generation, with an extraordinary talent for martial arts. She had created all of Hanjiang Island’s supreme techniques on her own and had only ever loved Jiang Xuehan. As for past grievances, she had long let them go. In hindsight, Xuelian was a pitiful woman; the true instigator had always been Wan Ruyu.

“Good child, stand back now. I wasn’t able to protect you before, and I’ve always wanted to say sorry. But now, I won’t miss another chance to keep you safe.”

“Wan Ruyu, are you so astonished to see me? I suppose, in your heart, I’ve been dead for years. But fate is rarely so obliging. I’m alive and well, and I saw every battle just now. Against my daughter and her friends, perhaps you could still use your tricks. But as for Sister Hualian’s swordplay—it’s unchallenged in the world, and I’ve always admired her. I value my disciples, and that’s good. But now, you face me. Your tricks are useless!”

Wan Ruyu knew well how formidable this woman was. The River-viewing Palm and Water-control Techniques were her own creations; before her, he could rely only on his true skill. “Humph. I don’t know how you survived, but that power must’ve come at a heavy price. My Shadowed Heaven Palm shattered your meridians back then.”

“You’ll soon find out just how strong I really am!” With that, Han Yuchan gathered a sphere of river water in her palm. All eyes watched as a massive, semi-circular water prison formed around Wan Ruyu. “This is the World Within the Palm—the third and most formidable level of the Water-control Art!”

“At least you recognize it. This is indeed the World Within the Palm. I haven’t used it in years. Today, I’ll take this chance to pass it on to my daughter. Besides my martial prowess, I’ve been a poor mother. Anran, listen well: this technique is the culmination of the Water Dragon and Water Soldier forms. To master it, you must practice for at least ten years!”

“I had you train in the Water-control Art since childhood, all so I could pass this final move to you. Watch closely!” Within the water prison in her palm, a water dragon emerged, coiling around a black core. As expected, Wan Ruyu grew visibly terrified. On open ground, such a dragon would be less threatening, but here, trapped within a water prison, there was nowhere to run.

“Mother, this move is amazing. That old villain said you were the one he feared most on Hanjiang Island, and it’s true! If you’d come out sooner, we’d have finished this long ago without so much trouble.”

“If I could’ve, I would have. But I was gravely injured and only completed my recovery as your battle reached its end. Still, I made it in time, didn’t I?”

“Sister Yuchan, your martial arts have improved at incredible speed these years. I remember, when the five of us became sworn siblings, you’d already reached the Highest Water stage, but you hadn’t mastered the World Within the Palm—am I right?” Hualian had always been closest to Han Yuchan. Seeing her old friend again, her heart brimmed with joy.

“You’re right. Back then, I hadn’t mastered it. If I had ten years ago, the Shadowed Heaven Palm would’ve been powerless against me.”

“I was so focused on mastering this final move that I developed inner demons, and overnight, my martial power was lost. Xuelian somehow learned of my secret—I’m sure it was Wan Ruyu who told her. That’s when my meridians were severed.”

“But in hindsight, if that hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t have entered a whole new realm of martial arts. Do you know why World Within the Palm is so hard to master? Because it requires you to die and be reborn. Only after feigning death can you truly grasp its supreme essence.”

“When my meridians were broken, I thought my life was over. But at the final moment, Brother Li Feiyan used his own power to restore them for me. I could never repay that debt. Only then did I realize he hadn’t died all those years ago, but was in hiding, waiting for the right moment. After he gave me his power, he became an old man overnight, even losing all memory. Before I left, he told me: ten years hence, he’d return and the five of us would reunite. That’s why I trained in seclusion for ten years, suppressing my longing for my daughter. Now that my skills are complete, it’s time to settle all scores!”

Li Feichen and Mo Qing could scarcely believe it—their father, or elder brother, was still alive after all. Mo Qing always knew her father’s word was gold; if he promised a reunion in ten years, nothing could stop him. This revelation stunned Wan Ruyu even more. So Li Feiyan hadn’t died? One Han Yuchan was already formidable enough—now there was another. So the five who’d killed his father were all gathered here. “Hahaha, all the better! I’ve spent the past decade searching for you all, and now you’ve come to me—saves me the trouble!”

“Li Feiyan, I know you’re here. Why not show yourself? Hmph, you’ve always been a turtle, hiding at the first sign of trouble. Are you so afraid of me?”

“Afraid of you? You’re not worthy of my fear, not then, not now!” Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen found the voice familiar, as if they’d just heard it recently. But who could it be? Suddenly, a flash of realization struck them both, and a name hovered on their lips: “Old Boatman!”

“Hahaha, young men, what a pleasure! Didn’t I tell you we’d meet again? I’ve spent ten years as a boatman—my word is good.” The boatman’s voice drifted over the river, clear but distant, drawing nearer with every word. By the time he finished speaking, the old boatman—no, Elder Li Feiyan—stood upon the viewing platform, appearing before them as if he’d traversed space in an instant. Was this the legendary art of shrinking the earth to a single step? “What’s wrong? I am the old boatman. I remember your kindness to me. I’ve come to repay it. There’s no longer a Li Feiyan of the Su Clothing Tower—just an old boatman, that’s all!”

“Father!” Mo Qing was usually so composed, but now, upon seeing her father, she was overcome with emotion. “Well now, my little girl has truly grown up. I’m overjoyed. It seems you’ve matured a great deal without me by your side. Yet seeing you grown, I can’t help but feel sad. From a young age, you had to restrain yourself for the sake of the Su Clothing Tower. Things others took for granted were forbidden to you. Whenever I visited in secret, I saw how many times you cried alone!”

“Father, that’s all in the past. Look at me now—I’m fine. Aunt Yuchan said you used all your power to heal her meridians. Have you spent the last ten years recovering?”

“No. I’ve spent these ten years as a boatman, watching the endless tide of people come and go. My heart was opened. Many things I once couldn’t understand have become clear. For ten years I didn’t train or fight. But the moment I arrived just now, I felt my power return. It’s different from before—my hands hold no flame, yet I can sense the Undying White Flame ever flowing around me.”

“Li Feiyan, have you broken through martial skill and entered the realm of the Dao? Otherwise, why can’t I sense your power at all? Among the five of you, your skill was always the greatest. I don’t mind you breaking through, but it’s been many years since anyone in Xuanzhou reached the Dao.”

“Perhaps. But I know my entry into the Dao was by chance. This state cannot last long, but it’s enough to deal with you.”

“Indeed. Since ancient times, those who pursue the Dao often perish at the height of their power. Many top masters refused to take that final step, fearing the risk. Li Feiyan, you’re running on empty, sustained only by a single breath. Let’s see how long you can last!”

“You think a mere water prison and these water eels can restrain me? Dream on!” Wan Ruyu now wielded both the Shadowed Heaven Palm and the River-viewing Palm. The water prison meant nothing to him; his movements were as swift as the wind as he fought the water dragon in the confined space, left hand unleashing the Endless Waters, right hand the Deceptive Obedience of the Shadowed Heaven Palm. Two utterly different palms, yet Wan Ruyu executed them with effortless grace.

The water dragon, though fierce, was sentient and wary of the deadly cold of his palms. To touch it meant certain death. “Li Feiyan, once I deal with Han Yuchan, you’re next!”

“This time, you won’t get the chance. The World Within the Palm has four transformations. It’s normal you don’t know. The first is the Hidden Dragon—the essence lies in concealment, gathering strength for a decisive blow. The more powerful your attacks, the stronger the Hidden Dragon becomes. By now, the dragon’s roar in your ears must be like the tide itself. With power gathered, this battle is already lost for you!”

Han Yuchan smiled. “Brother, you know me well. The first transformation is indeed the Hidden Dragon, gathering its might!” As she spoke, the water dragon, which had been darting agilely, suddenly changed. Its roar was filled with power, its gaze fixed on Wan Ruyu, and its massive form lunged at him once more.

“Perfect timing—let’s see how I break it!” Wan Ruyu, disheveled but undaunted, unleashed the Boundless Expanse of the River-viewing Palm with both hands, his full power unleashed. All were awestruck: even cornered, the old villain displayed such might—truly remarkable!

Though an enemy, he was worthy of respect. In the clash between the Hidden Dragon and the River-viewing Palm, there was no earth-shattering noise. As the saying goes: the greatest form has no shape, the greatest sound is rarely heard. The true power of such techniques is only known to those who wield them. Here, on Hanjiang Island by the river, the duel between the supreme arts of water and river palm had reached its conclusion.

Wan Ruyu had seemed doomed, but his indomitable spirit was unmatched. He scanned the faces on the viewing platform, and his fighting will flared anew. The River-viewing Palm erupted with even greater force, the river’s waters turning to his aid. The Hidden Dragon shattered, the water prison broke, and the old villain escaped!

Yet Wan Ruyu was now the picture of exhaustion and disarray. After so many fierce battles, even his genius could not sustain him. “Friends, Wan Ruyu has brought ruin upon us five. There’s no need for honor with such a man. Let’s finish him together!” Li Feiyan said loudly.

“Hmph! So you all want to gang up on me? Truly shameless! So much for your so-called honor.” Even now, Wan Ruyu refused to let go of his pride.

“Honor? Hahaha! When you used every underhanded trick against our brethren, where was your honor then? I see now—honor is for us, not for you. Your father committed countless crimes in Xuanzhou and died by our hands. He brought it on himself. Today, you’re worse than he was. We won’t bother with honor now—what will you do about it?”

“Hahaha, well said! Come, then. No matter how many, I fear none!” Though gravely wounded, Wan Ruyu could still unleash terrifying power.

“Wait! For this final battle, may I and my brother take your place? Three days ago, we agreed to a best-of-three. What’s done is done, but let us, the younger generation, settle this last match. Brother, do you not want to reclaim your honor from the day Wan Ruyu chased you all over the place?”

“Wan Ruyu, you may have no honor, but we are not like you. You won several rounds with your tricks; for this last match, let us brothers be your opponents. Surely you have no objection?”

Wan Ruyu had not expected Liang Xi to come up with such a proposal—one he couldn’t refuse. “Very well. I used tricks to win earlier, but for this final match, I accept. I will not use any tricks, relying only on pure skill. Life or death, it matters not!”

Liang Xi went on, “You’re gravely wounded now. If we fought you like this, even if we won, you’d never accept it. Rest for a night, and we’ll fight tomorrow. I want you to lose so completely you’re left without a word!”

Wan Ruyu was despicable, but after so many consecutive battles, his courage had won Liang Xi’s respect. Such a foe deserved to be defeated in fair combat.

“Well said for a young man! Few have such spirit at your age.” Wan Ruyu was not ungrateful, but he’d never say thank you. “A bunch of famed heroes, yet not one has the magnanimity of a youth. How amusing.”

“Liang Xi, how could you let that old villain rest? Did you not see his skill just now? If he recovers even a little, do you know what might happen?”

“Senior, he may be our enemy, but his spirit is remarkable. I want to defeat him fair and square. He’s cunning and ruthless, but we can’t become like him. Not that I dislike cunning—he’s just awakened my fighting spirit. I want to leave him speechless!”

Liang Xi was no stickler for rules; if his opponent were truly evil, that would be another matter. But Wan Ruyu had fought alone from beginning to end—his willpower was extraordinary.

“You’re right. He may be a scoundrel, but his skill is indeed formidable. How confident are you and your brother against him?” Li Feiyan, now the elder among them, asked.

“I don’t know, but together my brother and I will not lose.” That was enough. Seeing Liang Xi’s confidence and his bold, ringing words, Ji Anran knew she had not misjudged him. “Stop staring, girl. Your eyes are about to fall out. I never thought you’d fall for someone. It must be exhausting to like a boy like that.”

“Mother, what are you saying? Who likes that arrogant brat Liang Xi? Didn’t you see how cocky he was just now? Hmph, does he really think he’s all that?”

“Oh? So my daughter’s crush is Liang Xi? Hm, he’s a fine young man. So what if he’s arrogant? Would you prefer him timid before Wan Ruyu? If he were that sort, I doubt you’d even look at him. I know your nature better than anyone.”

Ji Anran said nothing, snuggling against her mother as she’d never dared before. After ten years, she could finally do so. A faint smile appeared on her face as she drifted into sleep.

“Sister Hualian, thank you for taking care of Anran all these years. I truly have been a poor mother, always selfish, acting only for myself. Now, even if I wish to atone, I don’t know how.” Han Yuchan bowed deeply to Hualian, genuine gratitude in her heart.

“Yuchan, you’re family. Your daughter is my daughter. There’s no need for thanks—it saddens me to hear it. I know your current power is only temporary; you won’t be able to hold on much longer. I just feel sorry for Anran. She’s only just regained you, and soon she’ll lose you again.”

“She has you as master and someone she loves in her heart—I have no worries.” Whether Han Yuchan or Li Feiyan, their present strength was only a temporary touch upon the Dao. The path of the Dao was always fatal at its peak; no one had ever truly mastered it. Even if they did, such power could not last long. This would be the final battle. As for Liang Xi, I have no fear for his strength—the boy’s heart is too kind, and Wan Ruyu cannot be trusted.

“We’re of one mind. If Wan Ruyu were that easy to defeat, would we have spent so many years on this?” Hualian’s injuries were not serious; a few hours’ rest would suffice. Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen slept soundly; their supreme manual, the Cloud Atlas, restored their energy even in sleep, as it had for ten years.

Wan Ruyu, however, dared not relax for even a moment. Fortunately, years of hardship had made vigilance second nature to him. He could go days without sleep if need be. Everyone here hated him to the bone, and now, gravely wounded, he was vulnerable to any attack. Yet Liang Xi had bought him a night’s rest. Hmph, a single night would be enough to restore seventy percent of his strength. Those two brats, however strong, would not be his match.

The sun rose, gilding the river in majestic light. On Hanjiang Island, food was never a concern. As Wan Ruyu watched the others enjoy their meal, his own stomach grumbled. Hunger is instinctive, not something even martial prowess could overcome.

“Old villain, you’ve lived on Hanjiang Island for years, but do you really know it? Let me tell you: the whitefish from this river is the best in the world. You, so obsessed with revenge, never noticed. Not only is the whitefish delicious, but the congee made with river water is second to none. A bowl a day is a true pleasure.” Jiang Xuehan had suffered greatly at this man’s hands; now he reclaimed his dignity in these small ways. Wan Ruyu, proud to the last, would not beg for food even as his stomach roared.

“Here, eat. If you’re hungry, I won’t take advantage of you. I’ve always been fair, even as a child. Or, if you wish, consider it pity. If you don’t want it, throw it away.” Zhuang Yunzhen tossed him a bun and a piece of cooked meat. Since they’d decided on a fair fight, he and his brother would ensure their opponent lost with no complaints.

“I’ll eat, but don’t expect me to thank you for the rest or the food.” Hmph, what pride even now! After a day with no food, the humble bun tasted delicious. “Well, if you’re done, let’s begin. If you lose today, you’ll have no more excuses. Seniors, rest assured—my brother and I won’t lose. Even if we do, it won’t be to this man.”

Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen stood, their vigor restored. Wan Ruyu, for all his villainy, was a man who repaid debts. “You let me rest and eat—fine, I’ll let you have three moves. For the first three, I’ll only defend, not attack. After that, our grudges are settled.”

“What a joke! Now you play the gentleman? Liang Xi, Zhuang Yunzhen, if he wants to die, this is the time. Very well, let me test you!” Liang Xi shouted, unleashing a Snowfall Fist—Frost Upon Snow. With the Shadowed Heaven Palm’s cold neutralized by Han Yuchan, his snow fists were free again. This punch, now infused with his brother’s Blacksteel force, was even more powerful. With a thud, cold energy vanished instantly. “That’s one!”

Zhuang Yunzhen struck next—left hand Thunderclap, right hand Proud Ice Waltz, two palms of extraordinary force. Yet Wan Ruyu stood unmoved. “Three moves done. Now it’s my turn. Watch out!” He unleashed Drizzling Rain and Wailing Wind together, sending a chill into their bones. The two withdrew to either side. Liang Xi formed fists, and cold gathered on the platform, quickly turning to mist, as countless fist-shadows rained down—Searching for Plum Blossoms on Snow!

Such strength left no room to dodge. Fist met palm with a crash; Wan Ruyu grunted, surprised at the skill of this young man. The others were silently impressed—Liang Xi’s attack was vicious, while Zhuang Yunzhen’s moves were graceful as clouds, unpredictable and hard to read. In a flash, he struck three times—this was the most beautiful move of the Sun and Moon Twin Glory Palm, dazzling and elusive.

Wan Ruyu was formidable indeed. Even after being struck by Searching for Plum Blossoms on Snow, he managed to counter with Shadowed Heaven Palm. Knowing this battle allowed no carelessness, he used only this technique, and his attacks grew more ferocious. From Drizzling Rain to Congealed Frost, six palms in succession—a complete cycle. Though only six moves, the Shadowed Heaven Palm was peerless; any lapse would mean serious injury.

No matter how many moves the brothers threw at him, Wan Ruyu met them all with the Shadowed Heaven Palm, keeping himself unassailable. In moments, the three had exchanged nearly a hundred blows, with no clear victor. “This Wan Ruyu is fierce indeed. He didn’t show such power yesterday. Are we not even worthy to challenge him?” Li Feichen grew more alarmed the longer he watched. How much more did Wan Ruyu have hidden? More astonishing still, Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen only grew stronger as the fight continued—surpassing even the older generation.

“In fact, since Wan Ruyu promised not to use tricks, he won’t. Oddly, though I know he’s untrustworthy, I want to see just how strong he is!” Even Li Feiyan was amazed.

Wan Ruyu’s mind grew ever steadier. His attacks shifted from palm to fist to claw, all powered by Shadowed Heaven energy. Only such methods could keep the bout on even terms. For him, maintaining the status quo was already a feat.

No, he must not lose. If he lost now, years of planning would be wasted. Father, watch me—see how I merge the two great palms at last. I failed before, but now I will succeed!

“You two have skill, but you can’t beat me. I cannot lose! I may die, but I will not be defeated!” Wan Ruyu roared, his power exploding anew. He had truly merged the two techniques: the grandeur of the River-viewing Palm within the deadly chill of the Shadowed Heaven Palm.

“Hahahaha! At last, my divine art is perfected. Who among you can stand against me now? No one in this world is my equal!” Wan Ruyu appeared almost crazed, his meridians in chaos. He had long sought the martial pinnacle, and now, at last, he had reached it. “My power is unmatched. If any of you still have doubts, come—face me now!”

Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen felt a stab of fear, but neither retreated, nor did anyone else. “Now it’s our turn! We can’t let the juniors bear this alone. Wan Ruyu, we five will settle this with you, life or death!”

“Excellent! It was you five who made me what I am. I will never let you go. Now that my divine art is complete, no skill can threaten me!”

This was the death match of Xuanzhou’s six greatest masters. All others were swept away by a mighty force, leaving only the six on the field.

“To see such outstanding juniors today fills our hearts with joy. Let us old ones finish what remains—this was always our affair. To let you youngsters fight for us would shame us.” The battle’s ferocity defied words; each unleashed their ultimate skills, determined to make this final, most beautiful blossom bloom.