Chapter 1: Paths of Love

After Mo Qing returned to the Su Yi Pavilion, she never saw Zhuang Yunzheng again. There was so much she wanted to say to her father, but only three days—how could that be enough?

“All right, all right. Ever since I came back yesterday, you’ve clung to me like a little shadow, following wherever I go, just as you did when you were a child. You haven’t changed at all. But Zhuang Yunzheng is here now, and you pay him no mind. Is this how we treat our guests? I don’t recall ever teaching you this, child. You are not like Ji Anran—you’ve always carried your own responsibilities.”

“Now, you’ve cultivated the Inextinguishable White Flame to the fifth tier, which is truly rare. You never liked it before, so what changed you? Whatever it is, I am grateful. I know you will do well in the end.”

“Why have I reached this stage in my cultivation? It’s simple—because I want to avenge you, and I want to restore the glory of the Su Yi Pavilion. No matter what I suffer, I am willing. Everything I have done, from childhood until now, has been for the Pavilion!”

“Child, now that you’ve seen me, perhaps you can let go of your obsession. I know you never had many friends growing up, but Zhuang Yunzheng has always been close to you.”

“Father, you needn’t say anything more. I want to become the Master of the Pavilion—Uncle and I have already discussed it, and he agreed. Uncle was once so exuberant, and he changed himself for the Pavilion. Why shouldn’t I?”

“No, this should have ended with my generation. Both of you were so spirited, but you’ve changed yourselves for this place. As an elder brother, as a father, I’ve failed you. For these three days, I will do nothing. The obsessions in your hearts are too deep. I don’t know what I can accomplish in these last days, but the only thing I can do now is to resolve the demons in your hearts.”

“Brother (Father), these are our own choices. You need not blame yourself. The Pavilion’s century-old legacy must not be destroyed by us. If it were, how could we ever face our ancestors?”

“Our ancestors didn’t found the Pavilion for this reason. He simply wanted to protect everyone. You, like me, have succumbed to inner demons. You know how difficult it is to dispel them. When I secluded myself in cultivation, it was to defeat my own demons. Their power is immense, and if you can’t extricate yourself, it will only hinder your cultivation.”

“Though I have only three days left to live, I wish to leave no regrets behind. This is my last wish—will you not help me fulfill it?”

Since the founding of the Su Yi Pavilion by the Li ancestors, it has stood strong through a hundred years of storms. What is the reason for this? It is a reverence for the honor of the clan. When the Pavilion faced danger, the disciples would always step forward bravely.

Yet honor, while supreme, is often a shackle. In the past, the environment made it easy to risk life and limb for the Pavilion. But what now? Look at the Pavilion—there are no disciples left. There are many reasons for this, but the main one is that the power of the Inextinguishable White Flame is too coveted. Everyone wants it, but lacking the strength to claim it openly, they conspired in secret to divide the Pavilion.

At that time, the one who stirred the most trouble was Wan Ruyu. But that man is dead, and the Pavilion has lost its reason to exist. After the fierce battle with Wan Ruyu, the three great forces of Xuan Prefecture will never return to what they were.

“Father, but the Pavilion still has me. As long as I breathe, it will not fall. I don’t know what it was like in the past, but if I become its master, I will make it something new. Years ago, our ancestor wished for it to become the greatest under heaven, but being number one is a hot potato—no one can hold it forever. I was born and raised here; I only wish to see the Pavilion become something different, something peaceful.”

“You are right, Father. After the battle of Hanjiang Isle, the three great powers of Xuan Prefecture have changed for the better. Master Shui Linglong’s strength has been witnessed by Uncle. If Hanjiang Isle wishes to rise again, it will not be difficult. But have you noticed the greatest change after this fierce battle? Once, the three families were locked in mortal enmity. Now, they are united!”

“Did you ever imagine such a thing when you were the master? Probably not. But ever since I began cultivating the Inextinguishable White Flame, I have been planning for this. Today, what I envisioned has become reality. What was once a deadlock has been unraveled by the arrival of Liang Xi and Brother Zhuang—they truly changed everything!”

“You’re right. Perhaps, from the moment those two boys entered Xuan Prefecture, much was already destined. Very well, Feichen, this little girl Mo Qing has truly grown up. I was going to dissolve the Pavilion, but now I’ve changed my mind. I want to see what a different Pavilion will become. But, alas, I may have run out of time. You, as uncle, should watch over the Pavilion for me.”

“I thought I would persuade you, but instead, it is you who have persuaded me. That is a good thing. A united Xuan Prefecture hasn’t been seen for years. Well, what needed to be said has been said. Let me have this last day to myself. Now that I am no longer master, perhaps I will see the Pavilion with new eyes.”

“In the past, my inner demons were strong, and in cultivation, I made a grave error. I had to pass all my skills to Han Yuchan for us to survive. But I never knew that, to fight Wan Ruyu, she took the Three-Day Heartbreak Poison. Enough—go now, little girl, go see Brother Zhuang. Leaving a guest alone is wrong!”

Li Feiyan once again entered Feiyan Pavilion, his favorite place. Despite many years, nothing had changed here. After wandering for so long, he found himself returned at last, with little life remaining. But he had finally seen Mo Qing grown, and nothing brought more joy than witnessing his daughter’s maturity.

Mo Qing’s eyes brimmed with tears, though none fell. The people of the Pavilion were always strong. From this moment, she, Li Moqing, would become the Pavilion’s master. Yet her heart felt empty, as if something were missing—Zhuang Yunzheng. Now that her role had changed, would Brother Zhuang stay? She did not know.

All her life, Zhuang Yunzheng had been her only friend. It had always been that way. Mo Qing arrived at the room named Feiyun, where he was recuperating. As her hand hovered just a finger’s width from the door, she paused, uncertain how to speak of her new role.

“Miss Mo Qing, since you’re here, why not come in?” Zhuang Yunzheng’s voice was unchanged; he already knew the choice he would make. Mo Qing finally summoned her courage and entered. Zhuang Yunzheng greeted her with his honest smile. “It’s only been a night, yet your expression is so grim. Has something troubled you? If I can help, just say the word.”

“Brother Zhuang, there’s something I must tell you. By this time tomorrow, my father will pass, and I will become the new master of the Pavilion. I ask you now—will you stay and help me? As a friend, of course. You know I’ve never had many friends, but you and I have always shared a special bond.”

Zhuang Yunzheng did not hesitate. “Of course I’ll stay and help you. Isn’t it your wish to build a Pavilion unlike any before? You never told me, but I could feel it. And besides, while I was recuperating, I learned your Pavilion’s Immovable Golden Body. If I left now, it wouldn’t be like me.”

“Brother Zhuang, are you joking? Would you really stay?” Warmth flooded Mo Qing’s heart. Even without words, this man understood her. She had never known what it meant to have a confidant. Now, after meeting Zhuang Yunzheng, she did.

“I mean it. I never lie. I say what I mean. I only worry I may not be clever enough to help you well.” Zhuang Yunzheng could sense what Mo Qing felt, though even he could not explain why. Were it any other woman, it would be impossible. Perhaps it was because both of them possessed rare, pure hearts.

“But your younger brother, with his restless spirit—can you really be at ease not being by his side? You two grew up together. Surely, Liang Xi is very important to you, isn’t he?” Mo Qing had investigated Zhuang Yunzheng and Liang Xi, something she should not have done, but she wanted to understand the man she knew so little about.

But Zhuang Yunzheng paid this no mind. “Liang Xi and I grew up together, but he no longer needs my protection. He’s found someone in his heart he wishes to protect. Even the closest brothers part ways. Now, Miss Mo Qing, it is you who needs my help. It would not be right for me to leave.”

Whatever his reasons for staying, Mo Qing felt a deep joy—this man had become so important to her. Her heart, once tense, was finally at peace. “Don’t worry. Since I’ve promised, I’ll stay. But now, shouldn’t you spend your time elsewhere? Is the Three-Day Heartbreak Poison truly so formidable? Is there no remedy?”

“Yes, Three-Day Heartbreak is the most tyrannical poison in the world. Years ago, my father and five others became sworn brothers. They sang and drank together, but those days are gone.”

Li Feiyan sat in his pavilion, gazing at the surging Yun River, memories of familiar faces drifting before his eyes. As the tides rose and fell, he felt no regret. At last, he passed away in Feiyan Pavilion. Han Yuchan sensed this, but her heart was full of sorrow. How long had it been since Jiang Xuehan had seen such a look in her eyes? He had fallen for Han Yuchan because of her peerless eyes.

Han Yuchan fell asleep in the arms of the man she loved. Jiang Xuehan wanted to cry, but in the end, he only smiled gently, for she’d always said his tears were ugly. So, he would not cry. Ji Anran, now, did not know what fate had in store for her. First she lost her master, now her mother—could she never have both her beloved and her family? Was it truly impossible to have both the fish and the bear’s paw?

But heaven was merciless to this beauty. Jiang Xuehan had loved Han Yuchan all his life. In this moment, he saw his younger self and realized how many mistakes he had made. Now, even if he wished to make amends, it was too late. “Anran, I truly am sorry. I never told you—your mother was terribly afraid of the dark. She always looked proud, but she was very timid. I have nothing left to give you. I know you resent me. For these three days, you only called me father for your mother’s sake, and even so, my heart is filled with gratitude!”

“That day, when you returned safe, I was overjoyed. But in the end, I hurt you, though it was never my intent. I wanted to protect you, but for ten years, I did it all wrong. I am truly sorry. The three uncles of Hanjiang Isle have already gone before me. If you get the chance, please tell them I’m sorry too. As for Hanjiang Isle, stay if you like it; if not, you’re free to leave.”

With that, Jiang Xuehan passed all his skills to his only daughter. “The Water Control and River-Gazing Palm were your mother’s proudest achievements. Now I give them to you; from now on, you must rely on yourself. Brother Liang, my daughter is headstrong—please care for her.”

“A man like me has long since lost the right to live in this world. To see my beloved again is enough. I have much to say to Yuchan; please leave us.” Jiang Xuehan carried Han Yuchan to the River Overlook. The roaring waves there shocked Ji Anran, shaking her to the core. Did she truly hate her father? No—love and hate were always intertwined. She felt breathless, wanted to scream, but had no strength left. This moment would mark her heart forever.

She realized, at last, how deeply her father loved her mother. The waters of Yun River swallowed them both. They had met at Tianji Mountain, and now, their story ended in the river. But their love would not be forgotten. Ji Anran’s vision went black and she fainted. She did not know how much time passed before she awoke in Liang Xi’s arms. “You’re awake?”

Her eyes were empty; she paid him no heed. Her mind was blank, but with a wave of her hand, she unleashed astonishing power. So it had all been true. From now on, she was alone in the world. Where should she go? She did not know. Years ago, Hualian and the others became sworn siblings on Hanjiang Isle; now, Zhuang Yunzheng and Liang Xi could only lay their bones here.

The disciples of Phantom Spirit Sect were passionate and true. “Brothers, I am grateful for your kindness!” said Shui Linglong. Thanks to Yun and Xi, she was able to return to her sect, see her master again, and defeat Wan Ruyu. Now, the two brothers had buried the five heroes of Xuan Prefecture here—a great kindness indeed.

“Elder sister, you jest. We became family through battle—there’s no need for such words,” said Zhuang Yunzheng. Liang Xi said nothing, keeping watch over Ji Anran, who seemed somewhat out of sorts. But when he turned back, a cold sweat broke out—Ji Anran had already set off alone in a small boat, leaving Hanjiang Isle behind. Perhaps this place was truly a land of heartbreak for her.

Liang Xi had just promised Jiang Xuehan to look after Ji Anran—what if anything happened to her? In the past, he would not have worried, but now, after her recent trauma, he had to follow in secret. “No need to say anything. Shouldn’t you go after her? Or will you only regret it when it’s too late?”

Ji Anran sailed downstream, not knowing where she was headed. After mastering the Water Control technique, her boat glided forward even without her rowing. She only wanted to leave this place of sorrow. Hanjiang Isle brought her not only endless pain, but also boundless joy. But with the passing of her parents, all joy and pain faded like smoke.

Her master was gone too. Now, she only wanted to wander, uncertain if she would ever return. Who could say? Liang Xi dared not follow too closely. He watched the slender figure in the boat ahead, feeling a sudden ache—how could such a beautiful woman end up so forlorn? He took out the small box Han Yuchan had given him—it might contain something useful.

But inside was only a letter. “Anran, after I had you, I was so happy. I had a terrible temper, but your presence saved me. You were always a child who loved to smile. But when did your smile disappear?”

“I didn’t want you to practice martial arts because I knew that once you set foot on that path, there would be no turning back. I wanted you to grow up safely, but in the end, you trained anyway. Your talent was so great, it would have been a waste not to nurture it, so I began to train you. Looking back, that was when your smile faded. Now I understand—I made you this way. I am truly sorry.” The letter contained all Han Yuchan’s feelings, but she’d been betrayed by Xuelian and never managed to give it to Ji Anran.

Downstream, the Yun River soon entered Paradise Gorge, famed since ancient times for its beauty. Green mountains rose on both banks, winding endlessly. Only upon entering Paradise Gorge could one truly appreciate the Yun River’s splendor. Before the gorge, the river was broad and boundless; within, every step revealed a new vista. Ji Anran had never come here before, and now, witnessing such beauty, her spirits lifted.

In the distance, a mountain shaped like a handsome youth stood on the right, with a peak resembling a beautiful woman to the left—these were the symbols of Paradise Gorge, the Twin Peaks, gazing at each other across the water. For some reason, seeing these famous peaks, Ji Anran thought of herself and Liang Xi—there was a sweetness in her heart. Would she gaze across the river at him? She refused to be separated from Liang Xi like this.

The sun was just rising, its rays casting a mysterious, dreamy glow over the mountains. Beyond Paradise Gorge lay Wangchuan, one of the four great rivers, famed for its three hundred miles of unbroken beauty. The latter half of the gorge was full of hidden currents—one misstep could mean disaster. Thus, though the scenery was the finest under heaven, only the brave could pass from Yun River to Wangchuan through this final peril.

Ji Anran dared not be careless. She was born with a spirit that thrived on challenge—the greater the danger, the more determined she became. Countless hidden currents gathered into a mighty whirlpool. The Water Control technique showed little power on calm water, but in these rapids, its strength was clear. The second stage, called Swimming Upstream, was made for this moment!

A vast and fierce power erupted from Ji Anran’s body. Her little boat became a divine weapon, and the swirling currents ahead were her worthy foes. She shouted, “Heaven has not bullied me enough—now even these currents come to torment me? Fine! Today I’ll see which of us is mightier!”

Ji Anran rose, poised on the boat, steering directly toward each current. She didn’t avoid them; instead, she charged forward, determined to sweep them away. At this stage, an inner force called “Against the Tides” would arise. Neither she nor Liang Xi knew that, years ago, Han Yuchan had braved Paradise Gorge alone. Her ordeal had been far more perilous, but from battling these currents, she had created four unique moves: Swallowing Whale, Overwhelming Waves, Still Sea, and Lands and Waters.

Used skillfully, these four could shatter any current; even the greatest masters would fall before them. Though Ji Anran’s skills were not as deep as her mother’s, she had studied under Hualian for three years, and Jiang Xuehan had passed on his unique insights. Her Swallowing Whale move was already formidable.

These techniques could be performed with palm or fist—the form didn’t matter, so long as they contained the “Against the Tides” inner force. Ji Anran thrust both palms forward in Swallowing Whale. The force was immense, and the ferocious current was destroyed in an instant. But the whirlpools were inexhaustible; no matter how violently struck, they reformed in moments.

“Well, let’s see what else you can do, you whirlpools!” Ji Anran soared, left hand unleashing Swallowing Whale, right hand performing the Heaven’s Water move from River-Gazing Palm. Both were fierce and powerful, and the river boiled as the energies merged. Ji Anran’s long-suppressed pain erupted—her master and parents were gone, and she would endure no longer!

The River-Gazing Palm was itself a forceful technique; now, fueled by her rage and grief, the waters became her blades. The whirlpools, sensing her strength, dared not face her directly. “You think you can escape after tormenting me? It’s not that simple!”

She drove the palm to its limit—next was the ultimate move, Boundless Gaze. Ji Anran had long suspected these whirlpools were controlled by someone. Fine—let them taste this final strike. Whoever it was, even if not killed, they would be badly hurt. Liang Xi watched from afar, ready to intervene if danger arose. The whirlpools were cunning, but Ji Anran now possessed the supreme arts of Hanjiang Isle and Phantom Spirit Sect—she had no fear!

With a fragrant gust, a beautiful woman unleashed her palm, fierce as a storm. Ji Anran’s temperament was much like her mother’s, and her childhood misfortune had made her even more extreme. But the river flowed on—how could a palm alone conquer its might? Yet Ji Anran cared nothing for this; she needed to vent every last drop of her anger.

“Well, well, such a fierce young lady! If you dislike my Wangchuan Array, why not come find me directly?”

Suddenly, a woman’s voice rang out over the river. A barefoot fisher-girl walked atop the water. With each step, a lotus bloomed beneath her feet. After seven steps, she stood before Ji Anran. “What a striking girl! But you wear so much anger in your eyes. If there’s something troubling you, why not tell me? I am the master here. And you, young man in the back, don’t be so tense—I mean no harm.

If I did, neither of you would escape. Come closer. I’ve been watching you since you entered Paradise Gorge, and you seem kind-hearted.” Ji Anran turned and saw Liang Xi in the distance—had he been following her all along? She felt a burst of sweetness—so, despite his silence, he cared for her this much. In her selfishness, she had made him worry too.

Liang Xi, realizing he had been spotted, no longer concealed himself. Using Bird Flight, he flashed to Ji Anran’s boat. Seeing the surprise and joy on her face, he cleared his throat. “Fiery beauty, you were truly impressive just now. If you’d used that palm strike on me, I fear I’d have been done for.”

Ji Anran was delighted that her beloved cared so much, but the next moment, this rascal reverted to his usual nonsense. Did he really think she would hit him? She’d never been unreasonable! Did he see her that way? Then she saw the mischievous glint in his eyes and realized she’d been tricked again!

“Rascal, you followed me all this way—are you looking for a beating?” She raised her hand but could not bring herself to strike. The fisher-girl watched their banter with interest. “May I ask this elder sister’s name?” Liang Xi did not forget his purpose. Beyond Paradise Gorge lay Wangchuan, and this woman had called her whirlpools the Wangchuan Array—was she the master of Wangchuan?

“Ha-ha! You’re a funny one. I’m far older than you, yet you call me elder sister. Do you really think I’m that beautiful?” The fisher-girl was clearly a grandmaster and didn’t care much for titles, but being praised still pleased her.

Liang Xi replied seriously, “If I’m speaking nonsense, you are the most beautiful of all. But if I must be honest, you can’t compare in looks to this Miss Ji.” Ji Anran was about to scold him, but Liang Xi changed tack and praised her extravagantly. Whatever grievances she’d had, they evaporated. Hm, this rascal certainly knew how to talk. Her cheeks flushed, making her even more captivating.

“You’re a clever one—using me to praise your sweetheart. Well done! Enough chatter; I am Fu Yuzhen, the master of Wangchuan. Since fate has brought us together, why not rest with me a while?”

Liang Xi’s guess was correct—the four great rivers each had a master, save for the more complicated Yun River. Fu Yuzhen was the master of Wangchuan, her skills even greater than Hua Lian’s. If Ji Anran could become her disciple, it would be a stroke of fortune.

Liang Xi had grown up admiring stories of such heroes. “You really followed me all the way?” Ji Anran asked, seeing him wet from the river.

“Yes. Seeing your sorrow, I followed in secret. If you were in danger, I would have helped. I promised your father I’d care for you—I must keep my word.” Seeing her exhaustion, Liang Xi became serious.

“You fool. If I never stopped, would you have followed me forever?” Without hesitation, Liang Xi replied, “Yes.”

Fu Yuzhen listened to their exchange, satisfied. These young people cared deeply for each other—it was good to see. The young woman’s heart was weighed with grief; how could she help her?

“We’ll soon be climbing the mountain. Each of you, take hold of this rope and follow me. Don’t lose your way.” At her words, Liang Xi and Ji Anran returned to their senses—they had reached the foot of Twin Peaks.

“Strictly speaking, Paradise Gorge is part of my Wangchuan domain. Have you heard of the Twelve Peaks of Wangchuan?”

Ji Anran did not know, but Liang Xi did. “I have, elder. It is said that Paradise Gorge contains twelve exquisite peaks, each representing one of your disciples. This Twin Peak is your home and place of cultivation—is that correct?”

“Well, you’re a knowledgeable young man for one so young. Yes, the Twelve Peaks are headed by this one, Twin Peak. But I have only eleven disciples; the last I could never find. I decided the heavens must send them to me, and today, I met you both. Which of you would like to become my disciple?”

Liang Xi was overjoyed—things had gone so smoothly, it saved him much trouble. “Elder, please accept Ji Anran as your final disciple!”

Fu Yuzhen had expected him to seek apprenticeship for himself, not offer it to another. Ji Anran, angry, retorted, “You rascal, who gave you the right to decide for me? Who are you to me? Who says I want a master at all? I won’t be anyone’s disciple!”

“Young man, you mean well, but this young lady is ungrateful. If you fall for such a woman, you’re bound for trouble!” Fu Yuzhen laughed.

“Elder, Miss Ji has suffered greatly and is a little harsh in her words. Please don’t take it to heart—I beg you, grant my request!”