Chapter 15: I Like You

At this moment, Wan Ruyu unleashed his full strength, relying on the Yin Palm and River-Gazing Palm—two palm techniques he had only now truly mastered and unified. His power grew fiercer as the battle dragged on, far surpassing his prowess of just the previous day. Even facing five opponents, he remained undaunted. Hualian, the Beauty’s Hand, had pushed her skills to their limits—from Plucking Leaves to Flowers in Bloom, this would be the most glorious battle of her life. “Hahaha! This is truly exhilarating! I fear this will also be my last. Behold, the unity of sword and spirit!” Hualian’s left hand formed a sword with her fingers, while her right continued the devastating movements of the Beauty’s Hand. Only at this moment did she finally unleash all she had ever learned, instantly becoming the focus of all eyes.

“Master, what are you doing? Are you truly going to abandon your disciple? All of this is my fault. I should never have returned. If I hadn’t come back, none of this would have happened! Why not let me bear all the suffering? I should have died years ago, yet here I am, clinging to life!” Shui Linglong’s bond with Hualian had always been profound. To see her master reduced to this state was agony.

Both master and disciple unleashed their ultimate techniques together—Hualian could no longer bear such force. “Stop crying. I raised you myself—I know better than anyone what kind of person you are. You’ve always kept everything buried in your heart. This is my last battle. Haven’t you always wanted to see your master’s true strength? Well, now you see it. What do you think? Not bad, right?”

“As for the Illusion Spirit Realm, I leave it to you. As the eldest disciple, your junior sisters will depend on your care. You are thoughtful—that has never worried me. But your heart is too soft, too trusting. Mengmeng, you are the second sister—help your senior sister as much as you can. The five of you are the finest disciples I’ve ever had. I have passed all I know to you.”

Hualian’s voice finally relaxed. Now that she had worthy successors, she could fight with all her strength. Her swordplay grew swifter, the Beauty’s Hand ever more ruthless, a whirlwind rising around her—her final technique. When the Beauty’s Hand fused with the Unity of Sword and Spirit, that was when her beautiful flower would finally wither.

At that moment, Han Yuchan’s body was wreathed in mist. The River-Gazing Palm crashed forth, empowered by her mastery of water, its might extraordinary. “Today, we settle this. Years ago, I killed your father with my own hands. You should have come for me. Yet you did not, instead hurting so many others. Today, you will not leave alive, even if it costs me my life and soul! Behold the Four Transformations of the World-within-the-Palm!”

“One: the Coiling Dragon. Two: the Blade. Three: the Immutable Stone. Four: Righteous Sacrifice!” Han Yuchan’s figure split into four phantoms, each representing a transformation, all at once—an awe-inspiring spectacle. “All of you know there are four transformations, but above them lies a final form, the Heaven-and-Earth Annihilation—the fusion of all four, my own supreme creation. Wan Ruyu, I don’t know how you’ve grown so powerful, but no matter how strong you are, you cannot withstand this last move!”

“I created this technique a decade ago—today is the first time it will be used, and you are the first to witness it!” The Heaven-and-Earth Annihilation condenses the power of the world into a single point for a devastating release. That point could be a fist, a palm—anything. Han Yuchan gathered all her might into her palm; this strike surpassed all martial arts in Xuanzhou.

Jiang Xuehan had never imagined his wife possessed such a terrifying technique. Its force was too great for any mortal frame to bear; the only solution was to burn her own vitality as fuel, unleashing an earth-shattering blow.

The palm moved with excruciating slowness—how could any move be so slow? Yet, paradoxically, it was also the fastest: there was no chance to react. Wan Ruyu was struck; the force of heaven and earth poured into him. Yet it wasn’t as overwhelming as expected. “Is this your proudest technique? It seems rather ordinary. I have already surpassed you in skill—why won’t you accept it?”

“Look at me—even this mighty force I can suppress. You are spent; your life has reached its end. Do you know why nothing happened to me after I took your blow? Did you forget? I too am skilled in the River-Gazing Palm and Water Manipulation. Your Heaven-and-Earth Annihilation, though powerful, leads to the same end!”

“I should thank you. Because of you, my strength has reached new heights. The five of you combined cannot defeat me. With such an outcome, I am content. Even if I die this instant, I have no regrets. Hahaha!”

“Wan Ruyu, do you know your greatest flaw? It’s your arrogance. You think your skill and wisdom surpass all present, but you are terribly naïve. The power of heaven and earth is the mightiest of all—what are you, to think you can master it?”

“This power hasn’t vanished, nor have you absorbed it. It is absorbing all your own strength. Can you not feel your internal energy flooding out like a breached dam? Yes, now you can do nothing. You were right—my life is ending. But before I go, to kill you myself is satisfaction enough.”

“I lied to you. The true purpose of Heaven-and-Earth Annihilation is to drain your internal energy. Imagine—without your power, what use are you?”

Wan Ruyu’s gaze grew strange—a look of release. At last, he could be free. For ten years he had borne the weight of vengeance. Now, though his mission was unfulfilled, he had done all he could. This was heaven’s will, not to be defied. “To think… ten years of striving… mastering divine skills… and in the end…” The sentence was never finished. He died, breathless.

Now, her lifelong nemesis vanquished, Han Yuchan could hold on no longer. She collapsed into the arms of the one she had long yearned for. It was enough, to see her beloved and their daughter one last time. “Yuchan, wake up, wake up, you can’t leave me like this. You always were a lazy girl, still haven’t changed one bit. Do you remember our first meeting? I was walking along the road, and an apple flew out of nowhere, striking my forehead. Then, by the roadside, I saw a beautiful face up in a tree.”

Jiang Xuehan seemed lost in memory. “At that moment I wondered, how could there be such a lovely girl in this world? Seeing you, I was done for.”

“Yes, I remember how your roguish eyes darted about, and I said, ‘You thief! What are you looking at? Look again and I’ll blind you!’”

“That’s how we met. Afterward, we braved life and death together, and I found I could never part from you. It all feels as if it happened just yesterday. I survived these ten years on those memories. I dwelled in Anran’s Yuchan Pendant. I always knew what was in this child’s heart—she carried deep anger, but only because she cared so much for you. Now, I hope you and your daughter can let go of past grievances.”

“Mother, you worry too much. Father and I have never had any true issues. From the moment you returned, the past was gone. But now your life is fading, and I am powerless to help. I am truly the most useless person alive. I’m so sorry.”

“Anran, ten years ago my life ended. Had it not been for Brother Feiyan’s energy restoring my heart, I would not have lived to this day. Now my task is done. I am sorry for being too harsh with you in the past. Cold River Island is truly a prison; if you do not wish to stay, then leave. From now on, your life is your own to choose.”

“But, Xuehan, I cannot bear to part from you. Yet now, I am finished. I have words I have saved for ten years, even a lifetime, that I wanted to say, but now there’s no chance. At least I have three days left—let the two of you stay with me for these three days.” Han Yuchan’s cheeks grew faintly rosy. Jiang Xuehan was heartbroken. “You took the Three-Day Heartbreak for Cold River Island, but I am not worthy—not at all!”

“Whether it was worth it or not is not for you to decide. Cold River Island is our joint labor. If it must be destroyed, it will only be by our hands. Why cry? I told you on Mount Tianji that I would always protect you. Have I ever lied to you?”

“No, never. But I hate this Three-Day Heartbreak. Why must such a cruel poison exist in this world?” The Three-Day Heartbreak, in name, severs love, but in truth severs both love and life. Love is the strongest force under heaven, yet also the deadliest poison. Only one devoid of all feeling can survive it; any other dies without exception. For someone as passionate as Han Yuchan, the poison was even more violent. “There are still three days, aren’t there? What need is there to fear?”

Three days—is it enough? Of course not. But Jiang Xuehan could not bear to see his wife grieve, so he smiled, “Yes, three days. In these three days, I will go nowhere, but stay by your side. Let the poison take my soul—love will not die!” Ji Anran finally understood the restless spirit she had inherited. Perhaps she had never truly understood her father; he had long endured undeserved hatred, yet Jiang Xuehan never tried to explain himself.

But then, Ji Anran realized, with her own stubborn nature, even if he had explained, would she have listened? Certainly not—she would only have accused him of glib lies. Such a temperament harms both self and others, yet she could not change it.

“Yuchan, sister, to see you again in this life leaves me with no regrets. But, Anran, my little disciple, I’m afraid I can no longer protect you. I am truly sorry.” Hualian, gravely wounded, had forced herself through this fierce battle, but now her long-suppressed injuries broke loose like floodwaters. She was beyond saving.

“Master, why are you so gravely injured?” Shui Linglong’s voice was heavy. “I have faced countless formidable foes in my life, now all slain by my sword. Each was outstanding, but your master was more so—at a price. These injuries will never heal. For years I suppressed them with the Unity of Sword and Spirit, but in the battle with Wan Ruyu, I used that technique again, and now nothing can hold the wounds back. But as your master, how could I let Wan Ruyu torment you?”

“With this battle, I have no regrets. I now pass the Unity of Sword and Spirit to you. Linglong, you are my eldest disciple. I know how deeply you love the Illusion Spirit Realm, and I know you have always felt guilty for your absence. Very well—protect the Illusion Spirit Realm. That is the best way to repay your master. Will you do so?” For once, Hualian’s tone was stern.

“Yes, Master, I promise.” Hualian was always gentle with her disciples. This rare severity was only to dispel Shui Linglong’s death wish. Of course, Shui Linglong understood, but her heart still ached. “Good child, this sword technique is my own creation and the essential skill for all future leaders of the realm. Never forget it!” With that, Hualian placed her delicate hand atop Shui Linglong’s head, and a surge of unified energy flooded into her like a vast sea.

With her life’s work passed on, Hualian had no regrets. Her beautiful eyes closed gently, her breath stilled. In days past, the five had sworn sisterhood out of shared conviction; now, united against a common foe, they would be remembered in legend. Shui Linglong wept bitterly, joined by Cheng Zhumeng, Mei Lengning, and Fei Xingye.

As the youngest disciple, Ji Anran was numb. She wanted to weep, but the tears would not come. Her mother had left, her father had always been distant—only her master had truly cared for her. Now even her master was gone, yet she was the strongest one left. Though she did not cry, she grieved more than any of her sisters.

“Little sister, if you wish to cry, then cry. Bottling it up is not good. You have three days left with your mother—after that, where will you go? You have all this skill, but nowhere to use it. Where is your true home?”

Liang Xi had been watching Ji Anran closely. The quieter she became, the greater the storm would be—that was always the way. What could he do for her? Though they had not known each other long, Ji Anran had always been so spirited in his eyes. Perhaps that was why he was drawn to her. Now, she was lifeless, like an old man at death’s door. Liang Xi felt an unexpected sadness—was this what people called affection? Yes, it was. He did not know when it started, but Ji Anran’s shadow had entered his heart and never left.

Now, if she wished to leave, he would protect her—this was all he could do. Having made up his mind, Liang Xi was not worried about what she might do; whatever happened, he could stop it. That was the extent of his ability.

There was no objection in the Illusion Spirit Realm to the eldest sister’s ascension as leader, but Shui Linglong insisted on waiting a year, wanting only to stay with her master. How long had she been away from her sect? Ten years. In all that time, she was an unworthy disciple. “Master, let me stay with you for this year. There is so much I wish to say.”

Her junior sisters all knew how deep the bond was between their eldest sister and master. Since she was so filial, they gave her their blessing. After three bows at Hualian’s grave, Li Feiyan and Li Feichen quietly departed. Like Han Yuchan, Li Feiyan had also taken the Three-Day Heartbreak. The two of them, once equally matched, had gained their strength from that same poison.

“Let’s go. I haven’t been back in so long. Today I want to see what the Su Yi Pavilion looks like now. You, boy, were always playful, but you’ve changed a lot these years.” Li Feiyan approached Zhuang Yunzheng. “Brother Zhuang, why not come with us? If you don’t, Mo Qing will be very upset. She may seem indifferent, but she’s got a mind of her own. Judging by your aura, you’ve been practicing the Immovable Golden Body, haven’t you?”

“Excellent. After all these years, someone has finally completed that art. I know the method now; don’t worry. Since you’ve learned it, it is your destiny. You and Brother Liang once helped me; I have no way to repay you. That you’ve mastered this skill is already wonderful.”

“Senior brother, go ahead. Don’t worry about me. I’ll watch over Ji Anran. She’s suffered a blow to her spirit; if no one watches her, I fear something might happen.” Liang Xi knew his senior brother’s visit to the Su Yi Pavilion was not only for rest, but to learn even greater arts. Even if he was wrong, the guidance of Senior Li Feiyan would be invaluable.

“Very well, be careful. Though Cold River Island is now safe, you should still watch out for Jiang Xuehan—he is adept at deception.”

Deception? Perhaps in the past, that man was skilled at pretending, but now, surely, he had no heart for it. “Xuehan, it’s been so long since I’ve really looked at the scenery of Cold River Island. This time, you must grant my wish.”

“Of course, I promise.” In Han Yuchan’s presence, Jiang Xuehan was still the same honest youth he’d always been, unchanged. Han Yuchan’s cheeks flushed; she glanced at Liang Xi, not far away. “Brother Liang, since you have nowhere else to go, why not join us? I doubt you’ve ever seen the beauty of Cold River Island.”

Ji Anran glanced at Liang Xi and saw something new in his eyes—gentleness. Was she imagining it? This boy, always at odds with her, now looked at her like that? “Since the elder has invited me, I accept.”

In the past, Ji Anran would have bickered with him again, but she had no such mood now. She longed for him to say some comforting words, but she would never ask him to do so. She wasn’t sure what to make of their relationship—just ordinary friends who liked to squabble, she decided.

Ordinary friends? Liang Xi didn’t really know either. Watching Ji Anran’s spiritless face, he felt a sudden urge to protect her—an unfamiliar feeling for him. If he had to define it, Ji Anran was simply someone he needed to shelter. As for deeper feelings, there were none for the moment. Though clever in all things, he was hopelessly dense about love. Had he not cared for her, he would never have become involved with any woman.

Though he liked to tease, before Ji Anran, he had never joked so freely with any woman. Wanting to protect her—wasn’t that affection? Sadly, Liang Xi did not yet realize it. Ji Anran’s gaze had already left a mark on him he could never erase. He could only hope, under his quiet protection, that she would return to her old self.

The pair walked together along the beautiful Flower Road, each lost in their own thoughts. “This Flower Road has changed so much. It seems you’ve quietly tended it all these years?” Han Yuchan looked at the flowers she had planted long ago, now in full bloom, deeply moved. Jiang Xuehan had never been one for such things. For him to take care of these flowers was no small feat.

“This was always your favorite place. I came here every day. Every time I stood here, I felt you were still by my side. I always worried that if you returned to see these flowers withered, you’d be heartbroken. These things are nothing—seems Heaven showed mercy, and you’ve returned at last. I did many wrongs in the past; I only hope these three days with you will atone, if only a little.”

Ji Anran had never known her father was so sensitive. She knew nothing of what he had done. Was she a worthy daughter? No, she was not.

Liang Xi may have come from a wealthy family, but he had never cared for flowers. Still, the Flower Road was fragrant and peaceful—a perfect retreat.

Ji Anran thought, if only she could walk this path forever with the man behind her. Turning, she saw Liang Xi watching her—that gentle look unmistakable this time. He seemed to be gazing through her, at someone unseen. Ahead, her parents, reunited after ten years, walked side by side, lost in their own conversation—a stark contrast to herself and Liang Xi.

“Have you noticed? Anran seems to like that Liang boy, but she’s never loved anyone before and doesn’t know what to do. That silly boy looks clever, but in this matter he’s far behind you. To be honest, I want to help them. Fate has brought them together—wouldn’t it be a pity if it slipped away?” Jiang Xuehan gave his wife a curious look, as if to say, “Ten years apart and you’ve changed!”

Han Yuchan laughed, “It’s not that I’ve changed, but they both need to learn how to love. I know you want to say this is their own affair, and their future is their own, but even so, there’s a necessary prerequisite: they must at least know their own hearts. As things stand, they are bound to misunderstand each other.”

“I have only three days left. With you beside me, I am filled with joy. But after that, Anran will be alone. As her mother, I can’t bear it.”

“Look at Liang Xi’s senior brother—he may not be as lively, but he knows what he wants. I don’t know what’s between him and Mo Qing, but they make a beautiful picture together. They haven’t known each other long, but already understand each other’s hearts—how rare. Our daughter clearly likes Liang Xi, but is too proud to admit it. If you lose the person you love, what does pride matter?”

“So, I plan…” Jiang Xuehan looked at his wife, then at his daughter and Liang Xi. “All right, do as you wish. Let’s leave this place to them. Some things are easier said without us present.” After ten years apart, Jiang Xuehan and Han Yuchan’s understanding remained unchanged.

“Mother, this Flower Road is too long—I don’t want to walk anymore.” But no one replied. Ji Anran looked up and saw her parents had disappeared. This beautiful place was now just her and Liang Xi. Ji Anran, ever clever, finally understood—her parents had given her and Liang Xi a moment alone. “Hey, do you think this place is beautiful?”

Liang Xi answered at once, “Beautiful.” Ji Anran pressed further, “Do you think I’m more beautiful, or the flowers?” Liang Xi grinned, “Of course, people are more enchanting than flowers!” He meant it. He couldn’t appreciate flowers, but if the beauty before him wasn’t lovely, there would be no beauties in the world.

Joy bloomed in Ji Anran’s heart—this rascal did have a glib tongue. If anyone else looked at her that way, dared talk so brazenly, she’d have ended them. But Liang Xi was her nemesis. So, with such a golden opportunity, she would break the ice herself—what did others’ opinions matter?

“Liang Xi, I like you!” Ji Anran had thought she’d have no courage to say those words, but once spoken, she felt relieved. “I won’t be coy. I’ve thought about this for a long time, and I must say it. I don’t care how you see me. I know you don’t like me yet—you just like bickering. But I will make you love me, one day!”

Liang Xi was stunned. To have a peerless beauty confess to you—what does that feel like? Joy, confusion, pride, satisfaction—all tangled together, leaving him at a loss. Such a confession was precious indeed. Not knowing how to reply, he simply said, “I heard you. I will cherish it.” Liang Xi thought cherishing was the best answer. Raised by loving parents, he was not the sort to flee in shock at a girl’s confession. This courage and feeling deserved to be treasured.

Rejection? Why reject? Was it dislike? Clearly not. If Liang Xi disliked someone, he wouldn’t bother with them, let alone step in to protect them. So, not dislike, but not quite love yet—what was it? Liang Xi realized at last he was fond of Ji Anran, and his wish to protect her came from that fondness.

Ji Anran had expected rejection, and if it came, she swore never to see him again. But to her surprise, he said he would cherish it. Cherishing meant not disliking, and not disliking meant a kind of affection. This blockhead couldn’t speak plainly—he had to circle around it. He was even denser than his senior brother! But to get such an answer was already very good.

“My daughter is braver than I am. Listen to what she just said—excellent, that’s my girl. I never had her courage. When I spoke boldly to you, you were stunned—perhaps you’d never met such a wild girl before. But that’s who I am, and so is my daughter.”

“Hmm, since Liang Xi says he’ll cherish her, you can relax now?” Jiang Xuehan knew he had no right to interfere in Ji Anran’s affairs—he’d failed her before. Now, if another man could protect her, that was enough.

The atmosphere between Liang Xi and Ji Anran was not awkward, but natural. Neither was shy; they walked on together in silence, both smiling faintly, having confirmed their feelings, at ease.

At the end of the Flower Road, Jiang Xuehan and Han Yuchan sat side by side, watching the pair approach. “You two are awfully slow—the Flower Road isn’t that long. So, what have you been up to?” Only Han Yuchan would tease her daughter at such a time.

Ignoring her daughter’s embarrassed glare, Han Yuchan turned to Liang Xi. “You’re quite impressive, young man. Let me give you something. It’s not valuable, but you’ll find it useful someday.” She handed him a palm-sized box. “Don’t open it now, or it will lose its effect.”

“When should you open it? You’ll know in time.” The box was plainly made, clearly old, sealed with a band of gold lacquer.

“Mother, you’re so biased. I’m your daughter, but you only give gifts to this rascal! What’s so great about him?”

“Yes, yes, he’s nothing special. But who was it just now who spoke so boldly? I nearly couldn’t withstand the shock—I must be getting old!”

So, her parents had heard her confession. Hmph, let them hear—what of it? “I like Liang Xi, so what?”

“Hahaha, good, that’s my girl. Besides, if I give Brother Liang a gift, isn’t it like giving you one? Or do you want me to take it back?”

“Mother, you can’t do that! Once given, it can’t be reclaimed. You, don’t you dare hand it back, or I’ll never speak to you again!” Ji Anran pouted. Liang Xi was hopeless at handling such things. He realized that being liked—especially by a great beauty—was not as wonderful as it sounded. If only the Mingri chapter of the Cloud Atlas could turn back time, not just stop it! It seemed he would have to accept his fate.