Chapter 2: Distant Gaze Peak

“Forget it, I understand that this young girl has suffered grave wounds; taking her as a disciple can wait. If she does not rest properly, she may be left with severe internal injuries. At that point, she’ll never be able to pursue greater heights in martial arts. As for these ropes, they’re useless to you now. Let me carry you both up the mountain—it will be faster. The girl has just used both River-Gazing Palm and Water Commanding Technique; now, she must not exert herself at all.” With these words, Fu Yuzhen took Liang Xi in her left hand and Ji Anran in her right, her body moving nimbly up the mountain.

Liang Xi and Ji Anran felt as though they were soaring among the clouds; in an instant, the three arrived at the summit of Remote Peak. Remote Peak was formed by two mountains, one male, one female, linked by a suspended bridge. At this moment, they stood atop the women’s peak, where there were no flowers, yet everywhere carried the scent of fragrance. “Come with me,” said Fu Yuzhen.

On the vast mountaintop stood a single residence named Star-Plucker, simply furnished inside. “Little girl, you haven’t told me yet—what is Han Yuchan to you? Wait, I’m asking in confusion; you look so much like Han Yuchan, she must be your mother. How is she? I haven’t seen her in so long. She and I were once the closest friends, but since she went to Cold River Isle, we’ve seldom been in contact.”

“If not for my temperament, would I let you damage my Forgetting River Array?” So it was: Fu Yuzhen and Han Yuchan were so connected. “Senior, you are correct. Miss Ji’s parents were Jiang Xuehan and Han Yuchan, but they passed away yesterday.” Since Ji Anran did not wish to answer, Liang Xi spoke for her.

Fu Yuzhen’s smile faded to calm. “I see. I should have guessed. She ultimately gave everything to protect Cold River Isle. Jiang Xuehan is truly fortunate, to have a woman who loves him so deeply.”

“I know you both must have many questions, but now, let’s heal this little girl’s wounds first. Anything else can wait.” With that, Fu Yuzhen’s jade hand summoned a powerful, domineering energy, which she infused into Ji Anran’s body. “The girl is lucky—so young, yet bearing the supreme arts of two great sects. She will surely achieve much. However, though you have formidable power within, you haven’t guided it properly. Over time, it accumulates and stagnates. I will help you disperse it, so it flows throughout your body. When I was your age, my strength was not as great, so now I believe you when you say you wish to be no one’s disciple.”

After infusing this potent energy three times, Ji Anran finally broke through her internal blockage. “All right, your internal wounds are healed; just rest for a few days. I was your mother’s confidante, and since you refuse to be my disciple, I shall insist on taking you as one—let’s see what you do about it,” Fu Yuzhen said with a smile.

Such was Fu Yuzhen’s nature. “Hmph, do you think I will truly be grateful just because you say so? You claim to be my mother’s closest friend—then let me ask you: when she fought with Wan Ruyu, where were you? And you seem to know my master as well; why did you not appear then? If you had come sooner, both my master and mother would still be alive!”

Ji Anran knew she was being unreasonable, but after so much grief, whom could she confide in? Liang Xi? No, she couldn’t bear it; Liang Xi had followed her so long to protect her, and she understood that. But who was this Fu Yuzhen to suddenly appear and judge her?

Fu Yuzhen listened to Ji Anran’s accusatory words, unable to reply. At this point, nothing she said would matter. “Rest well; I will visit you tomorrow. My intentions will not change.” She turned to leave, but Liang Xi saw clearly: the senior’s eyes had reddened. Unable to help her friend in times of crisis, she truly lacked the right to call herself Han Yuchan’s confidante. Yet now Ji Anran had become someone with nowhere else to go, and fate had brought her to Forgetting River. She must do something.

“Miss Ji, you shouldn’t speak to Senior Fu that way. Perhaps she feels just as sorrowful as you do—you can sense it, can’t you?” Liang Xi, who usually called her “Great Beauty Ji,” used “Miss Ji” for the first time today, lending a solemn air.

“I know I hurt her feelings just now, but I truly couldn’t control myself. I have many senior sisters who treat me well, but I always feel something is missing. Tell me, am I too greedy?” Ji Anran often spoke without thinking; her heart and words rarely matched. Liang Xi replied, “Miss Ji, since you’ve come here, it is fate. I believe it’s Han Yuchan’s wish as well. Look, your color is much better now—Senior Fu Yuzhen must possess great abilities.”

“I want her to take you as her disciple because staying here is best for you. Jiang Xuehan’s River-Gazing Palm and Water Commanding Technique are too domineering. He meant well, but didn’t teach you how to guide the power. In the short term, using it poses no problem, but over time, disaster is certain.”

Liang Xi spoke, but Ji Anran barely listened. For the first time, she saw the serious side of Liang Xi; his handsome features now bore a rare steadiness, giving her a sense of peace. “You really are a sight to behold, you brat.”

Liang Xi was stunned; he never expected Ji Anran to say such a thing. “All right, I’ll listen to you, isn’t that enough? Since we met, this is only the second time we’ve been alone—the first was in the water prison, and I was grateful to you then. Today, I am still grateful. Thank you for accompanying me. But I prefer your silly, joking side, because that’s who you truly are.” Tonight, atop Remote Peak, Liang Xi and Ji Anran argued less and found more tranquility.

The flickering candlelight warmed the somewhat empty room, with the beauty close at hand. Liang Xi gazed into Ji Anran’s eyes, and as he did, he suddenly smiled—he himself did not know why. “Fool, why are you smiling at me like that? Do I look funny to you?” Liang Xi’s smile was truly captivating, especially those eyes.

“When a little brother sees Great Beauty Ji, of course he must smile. Such a beautiful girl—how could she ever fancy me? Shouldn’t I be happy?” Liang Xi was never suited to seriousness; he could not maintain it for more than the time it takes incense to burn. Sure enough, he soon reverted to his usual self.

“This room smells so nice, but I think the fragrance comes from you. I’m tired—let me sleep comfortably for a while.” Sleepiness overcame Liang Xi, and he soon fell into a deep slumber. Ji Anran looked at the sleeping youth and felt peace within. She hummed inwardly, “A grown man, why must you be so handsome? Do you want to be a butterfly among flowers?”

For the first time in her life, Ji Anran realized how comfortable it could be to simply be with someone—crying or laughing as she pleased. She took out a bamboo flute, old and smooth, clearly a cherished relic; yes, it was her parents’ token of affection. Three years ago, when she left Cold River Isle, it was the only thing she brought. Now, a melodious flute tune rose, like cheerful birds flying into the woods, sunlight dappling the ground through the leaves.

Especially on this quiet night, the flute’s melody brought a faint smile to Fu Yuzhen’s lips. Han Yuchan used to love playing her flute in idle moments. Now, with her confidante gone and only the flute’s music remaining, how deeply she missed the days of old. When the song ended, Ji Anran reached out, wanting to touch Liang Xi’s face, but dared not. “You really are my nemesis; I never used to be so anxious. Only when you’re asleep do I dare look at you so freely. Let me indulge just once more.”

Ji Anran finally nestled her head into Liang Xi’s arms. In the past, she would never have imagined herself bold enough for such a thing—but what did it matter? Liang Xi’s heartbeat was strong and steady. Her lovely face blushed deeply as she slept sweetly.

A night of restful sleep: this was Ji Anran’s state, while Liang Xi awoke unsure whether to laugh or cry—the finest Cloudmist silk now sported a large patch of drool. Ji Anran realized she had embarrassed herself and said nothing. “Hmph, it’s just a garment—why look so upset? Do you think I can’t afford to make it up?”

To reach the level of villainy Great Beauty Ji achieved was truly unique. “Little brother would never dare think such a thing. To be favored by the beauty is the highest honor for this garment. Come on, I’ve heard that the sunrise at Remote Peak is a wonder of the world. I’ve always wanted to see it.”

Great Beauty Ji, her dignity restored, was now pleased at heart. Together with Liang Xi, she reached the platform on Remote Peak. Each of Forgetting River’s twelve peaks had its own unique scenery, most notable for its strange stones. “I’ve never seen such beauty before,” Ji Anran, refreshed from her sleep, was in high spirits. “Little girl, looks like your rest did you good—your mood is much improved. The scenery here is splendid, and there’s even better to come.”

“Soon, the morning sun will rise from the eyes of the Divine General. Rays of light will fall upon Forgetting River, and the Fairy will smile. The Divine General and Fairy gaze at each other across the river, their feelings beyond words.”

Divine General Peak and Fairy Peak together formed Remote Peak. The tale was a good one, but Ji Anran had no wish to become the Fairy, and Liang Xi was no Divine General. As the sun rose, two faint rays appeared atop Divine General Peak, and as they fell upon Forgetting River, a wondrous sight unfolded: the river reflected the image of a Fairy, smiling softly. “Come, let’s visit Divine General Peak; we must cross the Suspended Bridge. If you’re too timid, you can rest here instead.”

“I... I will never back down! It’s just a bridge—there’s nothing to be afraid of. Do you think your words will frighten me? I’m not so easily scared.”

The Suspended Bridge was just as its name suggested, supported by nothing, actually a narrow stone beam barely the width of a hand. Mountain winds swept across it. “So, this is the Suspended Bridge. For us, disciples of Forgetting River’s twelve peaks, the first great challenge is to cross it by our own strength. If you regret it now, it’s not too late. But once you step on the bridge, you must walk each step yourself. If you fall, the consequences are unimaginable. You are Yuchan’s daughter; I cannot let you come to harm.”

Liang Xi found the bridge fascinating. He stepped cautiously onto it, his heart pounding. The stone beam, constantly bathed in mist, was slippery as could be. “Great Beauty, now that you’ve come this far, you mustn’t retreat. You weren’t afraid of Wan Ruyu; will you fear a mere stone beam? Impossible, right?”

Under normal circumstances, Ji Anran would have been terrified, but with Liang Xi’s encouragement, every difficulty seemed surmountable. Still, as she stepped onto the beam, her jade hand instinctively grasped Liang Xi’s sleeve. Fu Yuzhen followed behind. Though slippery, the stone beam was remarkably sturdy, and the roar of river waters, mingled with mist, created a dreamlike, celestial atmosphere. Liang Xi proceeded steadily; as a man, injury was nothing, but he would not let Ji Anran be harmed.

Ji Anran kept her eyes tightly shut, barely daring to breathe, let alone speak. She also felt a gentle force behind her, protecting her throughout. She could not help but feel grateful. After half an incense’s walk, Liang Xi said, “All right, Great Beauty, you can open your eyes now. We’ve crossed safely—you are truly courageous.”

Ji Anran finally relaxed, looking back at the stone beam still hidden in the mist. She was proud of herself. “Little girl, you did well—better than your mother. This beam was discovered by your mother and me together. She may have invented many novel martial techniques, but you don’t know—she was very timid, especially afraid of the dark. The first time she stepped onto the beam, she turned back, never daring another step. I teased her about it for years.”

“Whenever this happened, your mother would retreat. It was quite amusing; I doubt she ever told you about it, as her pride would not allow her to recall such memories.” Fu Yuzhen reminisced about her friendship with Han Yuchan, finding it amusing even after all these years. Ji Anran truly wished to know more about her mother’s past, but after yesterday’s harsh words, she could not bring herself to apologize today.

Fu Yuzhen seemed to sense the girl’s thoughts and smiled, “Come, I can tell you many stories about your mother. Whether you accept me as your master is unimportant. If you ever face trouble and I can help, I will do so without hesitation. The bond between your mother and me cannot be severed.”

Crossing the beam, they arrived at Divine General Peak, which was less a market than a city built upon the mountain, wasting not a single inch of land. Divine General Peak was divided into four tiers; their current location was the fourth tier, a marketplace gathering all shops in the region, bustling every day. But Fu Yuzhen’s purpose was not here. Shopkeepers greeted her respectfully, for she had provided them with livelihoods.

This was a great kindness, and despite being sect leader, Fu Yuzhen still fished daily, and her eleven disciples all had their own trades. Bullying and extortion never occurred here. Ji Anran saw the respect shown to Fu Yuzhen and thought, “Showing off in front of me—is that so impressive? Hmph.” Liang Xi was used to such scenes, born to a wealthy family and seeing them daily since childhood; he was unmoved. Passing a jewelry stall, a jade pendant caught his eye—a fine piece, shaped as a ring with golden veins within.

The stall owner had seen many customers, but never one so handsome as Liang Xi. Though the market had many treasures, this youth stopped at his stall. “Young sir, this Beauty Jade was found days ago. Your elegance matches it perfectly. I am honored to meet you; let me gift you this jade—what harm?”

Liang Xi would not accept a gift without payment. He drew out a hundred yuan crystals. “You speak well, but I cannot take your jade for nothing. Take these hundred yuan crystals.” Liang Xi knew not to flaunt his wealth; a hundred was just right—any more would bring trouble to the honest stall owner.

The ring-shaped jade had red lines on the front and the words “Beauty Jade” engraved on the back, naturally formed, making it all the more precious. “For you.” Ji Anran did not expect him to buy the jade for her. “You refuse to accept gifts from others, but am I such a person? If you don’t give me a reason, I won’t accept it.”

“This jade is called Beauty Jade, and you are a beauty. Would you really refuse? Besides, your Jade Cicada pendant broke already. Though you never said so, I know: when Senior Han Yuchan emerged from the pendant, it cracked; and after she passed, you quietly placed it in her hands. Jade Cicada—your mother’s name came from it. As her daughter, you couldn’t bear to part with it, yet you did. These days, you keep reaching for a pendant, but each time realize it’s gone.”

“This Beauty Jade, though not as precious as Jade Cicada, will suffice for now.” Ji Anran’s thoughts went beyond the pendant—she felt sweetness in Liang Xi’s attentive care. If not for affection, would he notice such details?

“Very well. Since it’s your wish, I will accept it and cherish it.” Ji Anran tied the Beauty Jade with a cord around her neck, so she could see it always.

The stall owners were amazed by Liang Xi and Ji Anran, but it was only a fleeting moment. Fu Yuzhen was used to outstanding people; nothing strange about it. She observed Liang Xi attentively—his care for Ji Anran was both attentive and heartfelt. With Anran finding support, her old friend was glad indeed.

Fu Yuzhen, still dressed as a fisherwoman, led the three past the bustling market and up broad stone steps to the third tier, lined with restaurants and taverns. Not only lively, but the air was thick with the aroma of food and drink, making them ravenous. “You two saw the sunrise early and crossed the dangerous stone beam. You must be hungry—let’s eat. Eating is the most important thing in the world.”

It was not yet noon, so the third tier was not crowded, though chefs were busy preparing for the day. They sat in a small noodle shop, spotless despite its size. “Little Wu, three bowls of plain noodles—hurry!”

“Coming right up, three bowls of noodles.” Ji Anran had many questions for Fu Yuzhen, but when she tried to speak, she did not know how to begin. “Little girl, I know what you wish to ask. You must wonder why Forgetting River’s twelve peaks are so renowned, yet this place does not resemble a sect at all.”

“Have you read too many tales, thinking that sect members need not work or eat? Martial arts exist to protect what is important, not to bully and kill. Many die needlessly from violence; I have seen it often. When I became a disciple here, I was as you are now, thinking sects should roam the world sword in hand. That’s only true for some. Alone, it matters little; but what if you have a family someday? Then what?”

“Thus, Forgetting River disciples all have their own trades, gaining both martial skills and yuan crystals. Even if descendants lack talent, they’ll never starve. That’s what my master taught me, and when I became sect leader, I found it was true. I don’t know how other sects operate, but ours must do so.”

As she spoke, three bowls of noodles arrived. They seemed ordinary, but their aroma was rich. “Eat—Little Wu’s noodles are the best, and I would never share the secret with outsiders.” Little Wu was young yet robust, with bright eyes. Liang Xi and Ji Anran, starving, ate heartily; the noodles were indeed delicious. In no time, the brat and the girl finished their meal.

“Little Wu, two more bowls; looks like they are truly hungry.” Little Wu nodded and went to the kitchen. “Senior, I noticed Little Wu possesses great power. What martial art does Forgetting River practice? It’s not purely fierce, nor wholly gentle.”

Liang Xi’s curiosity for martial arts was strong. “Ha ha ha, you noticed. Good, let me tell you. Forgetting River, leader of the four great water sects, has practiced one supreme art for two hundred years: the Thirty-Two of Forgetting River.”

Thirty-Two of Forgetting River? The name was intriguing, yet carried a hint of grandeur. “Our ancestor was a fisherman on Forgetting River; at that time, the river was troubled by a malicious dragon. None could deal with it. When our ancestor learned of it, he resolved to slay the dragon. Alone, he fought it for three days, finally killing it.”

“Afterward, he developed a supreme art from his battle—thirty-two forms, named after Forgetting River. With it, he gained fame across the land. Over two centuries, the Thirty-Two became our hallmark. Ji girl, yesterday I used the Thirty-Two to clear your internal blockages. But to learn it, one must first master the Jade Dragon Secret—a supreme technique from the dragon’s belly. Little Wu has only reached the fifth level. If mastered, you would see no trace at all. Forgetting River’s excellence rests on the Jade Dragon Secret and Thirty-Two.”

Fu Yuzhen was proud. Liang Xi wished to witness the Jade Dragon Secret and Thirty-Two’s power. Ji Anran, however, seemed uninterested and scoffed, “I wonder, is the Thirty-Two stronger than my Beauty Hand?”

Fu Yuzhen knew well of Hua Lian’s Beauty Hand. “I cannot say. I’ve never had the chance to challenge Sister Hua Lian, whom I greatly respect. If we must compare, she is stronger—her famous phrase, ‘a gentle hand can break all weapons,’ is proof. Beauty Hand is her own creation; the Thirty-Two has a century’s history, relying only on deep roots.”

“More importantly, after our ancestor, many disciples lost parts of the Thirty-Two; now only twelve forms remain, the other twenty lost. I truly wish to restore it, but have had no chance.” Fu Yuzhen, once so proud, now looked dejected. She longed to recover the complete Thirty-Two.

“Enough, telling you these things is useless. The noodles are here—eat. Then I’ll take you to see the most important part of Forgetting River: the Fish Market. Our ancestor was a fisherman, so even after becoming a renowned master, he never forgot his roots. Forgetting River’s Fish Market is the largest, even compared to those beyond our region.”

After their meal, the crowd increased and Little Wu became too busy for conversation. Ji Anran noticed that the third tier had remarkable lighting: holes in the ceiling, walls, and floor held polished crystals, reflecting sunlight to illuminate the space; at night, they released stored light.

“These crystals are called Light-Gathering Stones, discovered by our ancestor. Most of these holes were carved by him alone. The stones are marvelous, able to gather sunlight.” Ji Anran found the city fascinating. “What if a Light-Gathering Stone breaks?”

For the first time, Ji Anran asked a question voluntarily. Fu Yuzhen was pleased and explained, “No technique can damage them; once set, they last forever. Come, let’s visit the second tier, where schools and sect halls are found. Our ancestor said the local children must learn, for only with understanding can they study martial arts. Without it, they will cause trouble someday.”

This tier was quieter than the others; their true destination, however, was the Fish Market. Passing through the second tier’s corridor, descending broad steps, they heard a cacophony and felt heavier mist; this was the lowest tier of Divine General Peak, full of lively bustle. Fu Yuzhen led, Liang Xi and Ji Anran followed, unsure why she brought them here, but resolved to do whatever they could.

Ji Anran had already gained affection for Forgetting River, though she would not admit it. “Master, you’re here early today. Didn’t I tell you that as long as disciples are present, the Fish Market will have no problems?” A burly man greeted Fu Yuzhen warmly; though robust, he possessed formidable power.

“Yu Xiaochuan, I’m here not for business, but to introduce your little junior sister.” Fu Yuzhen turned to Ji Anran, who was bewildered—when had she agreed to be Fu Yuzhen’s disciple? But seeing Fu Yuzhen’s eyes, she could not refuse. “Xiao Ranan, this is your eleventh senior brother, Yu Xiaochuan.”

“Congratulations, Master! Now I am a senior brother and no longer bullied by the others. Junior sister is truly beautiful; Master’s taste is excellent. Now the fourth, fifth, and sixth sisters will have someone to speak for them.”

“Yes, I just took them to see your tenth brother. Your junior sister ate two bowls of noodles, so he is quite satisfied.” Liang Xi realized that the Little Wu they met earlier was indeed Fu Yuzhen’s disciple.

Little Wu believed only those who could eat well could practice powerful martial arts. Thus, junior sister eating two bowls was admirable. “Tenth brother is practical, but junior sister is impressive—his noodles are enough for a day, yet you managed two bowls. Amazing! Ha ha, everyone, listen up: this beautiful girl is my junior sister now—no one is allowed to bully her!”

“Xiaochuan, that’s not fair. Your junior sister has a sweetheart; you’ve taken his role—have you considered her feelings?”

Yu Xiaochuan finally noticed the handsome youth behind Master. Junior sister and he were a perfect pair. “All right, Xiaochuan, spread the word—have your senior brothers and sisters come to Fairy Peak. I will formally take this child as my disciple. Her mother was my confidante. Now, with both her mother and master gone, I must care for her.”

Ji Anran was deeply moved; it seemed everything was destined. Yu Xiaochuan was delighted. “Very well, Master, leave it to me. With Forgetting River’s twelve peaks finally united, this is the greatest blessing for Forgetting River.”

“Xiao Ranan, from the moment you set foot here, you became my disciple. It was long destined, and nothing can change it.”