Chapter 4: The Four Major Water Systems

"Master, Ling Yun claims that the four great water sects of the world are one family—what is the reason behind this? Didn't you say years ago that Wangchuan no longer had any dealings with Ling Shui? So why has Ling Yun come today, and what does she truly want?" Ji Yin had harbored this question in her heart for a long time, and now she finally voiced it. "Since you ask, I shall explain the origins of the four great water sects. I have known for a long time that this day would come, though I did not expect it to arrive so soon." Fu Yuzhen had foreseen the arrival of someone from Ling Shui. "As my disciples, you ought to know the history of Wangchuan and the other three water sects."

"Have you heard of the Water Lord?" At these words, everyone was startled. The name was familiar, of course. Liang Xi could not help but speak up, "The Water Lord was one of the peerless masters of old, famed as 'Waves Towering, Boundless and Unending.' These eight words mean that the Water Lord dominated the world with the power of water and had no rival for many years. He was counted among the three greatest experts alongside the Madman, Jun Daoxing, and Xitongshen, ancestor of the Xi family of Xuanzhou. But unlike the others, the Water Lord's true name was unknown; his demeanor was exceedingly modest. Though renowned as a supreme master, he cared little for fame, seeking only the ultimate heights of martial cultivation."

"And indeed, the Water Lord achieved his goal. Before attaining enlightenment, he summoned his four top disciples, each a martial prodigy who had received his true teachings. After years of arduous cultivation, their abilities were evenly matched, and the Water Lord cherished them all. He compiled his life's work into a manual called 'The Source of All Waters,' declaring that the manual would be entrusted to one of them."

"All four were obsessed with martial arts. Upon hearing that their master had left behind such a powerful secret manual, they could not endure the suspense. They searched each other but found nothing. At last, having no other option, they decided to compete. Having grown up together, they knew each other's strengths well. After three days of fierce battle, all eight peaks of their secluded refuge were leveled to the ground."

"Unable to find the manual and unable to defeat each other, the four disciples parted ways. Each founded their own sect: Wangchuan, Yunjiang, Ling Shui, and Bailu. Over the years, these sects not only became martial orders but also nurtured countless people nearby."

Everyone had expected Fu Yuzhen to recount these stories, but it was Liang Xi who spoke, his familiarity with history surprising all. When Liang Xi realized everyone was looking at him, he knew he had been too talkative.

"Brother Liang, you are quite correct—all that is true. I did not expect someone so young to possess such insight. Now that Ling Yun has arrived, representing Ling Shui, their aim is nothing less than everything in the Water Lord's treasure!"

"The Water Lord's treasure lies within Wangchuan. Soon, the treasure will be revealed," Fu Yuzhen announced. In her heart, she was unwilling to surrender the treasure. Thus, she had guarded this place for years, never leaving. Now that Ling Shui knew the treasure was here, soon the experts of all four water sects would converge on Wangchuan.

"This is quite amusing. If you are worried, Master, there is no need. Should Ling Yun truly dare come, I will deal with him myself," Liang Xi declared, still a youth, unaware of Ling Shui's true power. "I understand your intention, Brother Liang. Yet, each of the four sects possesses unique strengths. Facing any of them requires caution. Ling Shui inherited the purity of the Water Lord's martial arts. For a century, they have specialized in the Ripple Sutra, which the Water Lord himself learned in his youth. The Ripple Sword therein is formidable."

Though not as powerful as the later Source of All Waters, over a century Ling Shui had added their own innovations, making the Ripple Sutra more potent than ever. Ling Yun might be a disappointment, but his father Ling Guangchong was formidable, having cultivated the Ripple Sutra to the eighth level out of ten. Within Ling Shui, he was outstanding. Still, even with such skill, defeating me would not be easy!"

"I can match him with the first twelve forms of Wangchuan Thirty-Two and the Jade Dragon Formula. As for Yunjiang, it is divided into Cold River Island and the Yaksha Sect. Xiao Anran, your mother's Water Mastery and River Gaze Palm originated from the Water Lord; thus Yunjiang inherited the breadth of his martial arts. Cold River Island is now led by you, so I am not concerned, but the Yaksha Sect has always been obscure. Who might they send? I truly do not know."

For some reason, Liang Xi's thoughts drifted to Gu Zhenzhen, whom he had met in the Cloud of Heaven. He wondered how she had fared since then. If not for Fu Yuzhen's mention, he would have forgotten her. Now, her face appeared vividly in his mind. Liang Xi said with a smile, "Rest assured, Master. I have some connection with the Yaksha Sect. If they come to Wangchuan, they will not trouble anyone here!"

He briefly recounted how he and Zhuang Yunzhen had defeated the Thunder Gang in the Cloud of Heaven, making Yaksha Sect the leading order there, omitting details about the Divine Sword Palace. "Hahaha, what an unexpected fortune, young brother! Very well, since you say so, we are at ease," Third Brother Mo Qianchen was now quite fond of Liang Xi, first for defending Fourth Sister from Ling Yun, and second for preserving the sect's reputation—no small feat for a sixteen-year-old!

Ji Anran, however, sensed something different. Gu Zhenzhen must like Liang Xi. If she met this girl, how should she behave? Her gaze at Liang Xi was tinged with amusement. This handsome rascal—her old suspicions seemed about to be confirmed.

Yet Liang Xi remained oblivious. Noting Ji Anran's change of expression, he quickly guessed her thoughts and grinned, "Beautiful lady, are you jealous? There's nothing to worry about; Gu Zhenzhen and I are just friends, nothing more." It was the truth and needed no concealment.

Ji Anran snorted, clearly unconvinced by this explanation. "Hahaha, Brother Liang, no need to fret. Beautiful women have always had tempers, especially little sister here, a true beauty. I'm used to it," Mo Qianchen laughed, forgetting that his master was present, daring to say anything.

At this, Ji Anran's face flushed with anger, her beauty even more striking. Ji Yin, on the other side, raised her brows and pretended to be upset, "So, Mo Lord, have I caused you grievance? Allow me to apologize—will that suffice?" She reached out and twisted his ears.

Mo Qianchen was a heroic figure, but now he was scolded by a woman, his dignity gone. Still, he enjoyed it—he was the sort who felt uneasy if Ji Yin did not tug his ears once a day. "No, not at all. It's my fault, all mine. Is that not enough?"

Fu Yuzhen paid little mind to these antics. Indeed, the earlier mood had been too tense; now, with the laughter, everyone felt much more at ease. "Since Brother Liang has spoken, it truly is Wangchuan's blessing. As for Bailu, they inherited the Water Lord's marvels, specializing in controlling objects with water. The finer the control, the deeper the skill; if one can control a mountain, all the better. But the hardest thing to control is the heart. If one could wield water to command human hearts, that person would be invincible. Yet the heart's will is intangible—achieving this is most difficult."

The four water sects would not have lasted a century without true skill. "Wangchuan inherited the Water Lord's essence. Fortunately, you have all been cultivating the Jade Dragon Formula and have mastered the first twelve forms of Wangchuan Thirty-Two. Even if a fierce battle comes, there is nothing to fear!" Only twelve forms of Wangchuan Thirty-Two survived; among her disciples, those with talent could learn five, others one or two. Of the four sects, Wangchuan's founder received the least.

The reason was simple: though the Water Lord's eldest disciple, he had only average talent, so the master favored him less and granted him only the Jade Dragon Formula. Initially, it was merely a health technique, not a martial art, but the founder integrated his experience in slaying a dragon in Wangchuan, developing Thirty-Two forms, and infused his breathing techniques into the formula, turning it into a supreme martial art.

Because of his modest talent, he worked harder than anyone, mastering both Thirty-Two forms and Jade Dragon Formula, shaking the world. Yet only the founder truly mastered all Thirty-Two forms; no one since has done so. Luckily, the Jade Dragon Formula remained.

Just then, clear laughter echoed from outside. Two graceful figures approached. The first, dressed plainly, carried a small cloth bag slung over her shoulder, her face lovely but marked by a faint scar—this was Ji Xia, whose bag held her tools. The girl behind her was even cuter, with a red plum blossom painted between her brows, the latest fashion among young women—this was Ji Zhi, the youngest beauty of the Ji family. "Why are you two here? Didn't you say you wanted to dress up? Is this how you prepared?"

Ji Xia cared little for dressing up, devoting all her attention to carving. When she saw Ji Anran, her eyes lit up—such a beautiful woman! She immediately took a stone from her bag and began sculpting. Ji Xia possessed an eidetic memory; she could carve anything she had seen once. Ji Anran watched with interest as Ji Xia's knife danced, and her likeness quickly took shape.

"Elder sister, you know me well. I thought since Master was accepting a new disciple, I should dress up, but then realized we would be sisters. If that caused discord, it would be unfortunate, so I chose not to dress up. Second sister was searching for the finest stone to best showcase our new sister's beauty, which delayed us. But I heard you were bullied by Ling Shui?"

"Are you hurt?" Ji Zhi and her elder sister were close. "I'm fine, but you should thank Third Brother and Brother Liang Xi. Without them, I might have been in real danger."

Ji Zhi laughed, "Third Brother is practically family, no need to thank him. As for Brother Liang, he's our new sister's beloved, so thanks are unnecessary—otherwise, it would be too formal!" Her clever words made everyone laugh, especially Mo Qianchen, who was delighted. "Sixth sister, you speak my heart. Truly, you are my confidante."

"Master, see how brother and sister mock me? I am your favorite disciple," Ji Zhi protested, then added, "At least before the new sister arrived!" Her cute, mischievous face left Fu Yuzhen helpless. "Yes, yes, your new sister isn't as cheeky as you." Ji Zhi pouted a bit more, then pulled Ji Anran for a close look. "New sister, call me senior sister!"

Ji Anran resigned herself; she was always fated to be the youngest. In the Spirit Realm, she was the little sister, and now in Wangchuan, still the youngest. Yet the advantage was clear—she received the master's affection. "Fourth Sister, Fifth Sister, Sixth Sister."

"Master, elder sisters, did you hear? I am now a senior sister! No wonder you all wanted to be one. Well, for this title, little sister, if anyone ever bullies you, just tell me, and I'll help you!"

"It's done. New sister, I have no gift for you, so please accept this blue stone statue," Ji Xia finally spoke. It was her finest work, carved from the rarest blue stone in Wangchuan, called Blue Dan. Ji Anran received it; the statue was white below, blue above, carved in one stroke without pause.

"New sister, the jade pendant around your neck was also carved by me. It seems fate has brought us together. I suspect Brother Liang gave you that pendant out of care."

Ji Anran was delighted with the statue and thought to give it to Liang Xi, since the pendant had come from him. Ji Xia saw her intent. "Since I gave it to you, it's yours to do as you wish."

"Rascal, you gave me a jade ring, and today I give you Fifth Sister's statue. If we part one day, you can look at it and remember me." With that, Ji Anran pressed the statue into Liang Xi's hand; its cool touch was like beauty itself.

Fu Yuzhen was lenient with her disciples, so long as they did nothing truly wrong. Small faults were tolerated.

Ji Anran now missed her sisters from the Spirit Realm. Having left alone days ago, she knew they must be worried. She wanted to write, so she told Fu Yuzhen, "Master, I wish to send a letter to my sisters in the Spirit Realm. I left without warning, and they must be anxious."

"Of course. I have known Sister Hua Lian for years. Hearing she has passed, I am deeply saddened. Your thoughtfulness is a comfort. Never forget your origins—you do well in this."

Liang Xi thought Ji Anran had forgotten, but clearly she had not. In a few strokes, her letter was finished. "Hahaha, forgive us, Master—we are late today!" The booming voice came from far across Wangchuan, growing clearer. A figure appeared—Senior Brother Lu Jingdi had come! He was revered among the disciples, having been in seclusion for three years. Today, he had finally reached the ninth level of the Jade Dragon Formula.

The Jade Dragon Formula had ten levels; few ever reached the ninth. Three years ago, Lu Jingdi had vowed to match the elders by reaching the tenth, though that was impossible. But was the ninth truly unattainable?

Lu Jingdi's talent and resolve saw him succeed in three years. The ninth level, called 'Dotting the Eye of the Dragon,' seemed simple, but once mastered was immensely powerful. One could transform their energy into a dragon and nurture it within; it was not merely turning oneself into a dragon, but raising one within. When unleashed, its power was thunderous, and the dragon seemed to come alive. This move was dangerous—one misstep could ruin everything.

"Senior brother, three years without you—I missed you dearly. You've really reached the ninth level! Amazing! I never used to accept your superiority, but now I do," said a slovenly, carefree man arriving in his wake, his red lacquered gourd most conspicuous at his waist—Second Brother Gu Hun.

"Second brother, you've improved too. Reaching the eighth level is no small feat." "Haha, Senior brother, you're too kind. I was lucky. If not for Master accepting Twelfth Sister, we might never have met again."

Senior brother was a scholar; second brother a swordsman. Together, they brought new vitality to Immortal Maiden Peak. "Master, please accept our respects. Three years gone—are you well?"

"Hmph, now that you've mastered your arts, you finally emerge from your dens, eh?" Fu Yuzhen's smile reassured them. Gu Hun searched around and sensed sword energy in Liang Xi. With a sharp cry, he attacked, his sword blooming with flowers. Liang Xi, talking with Ji Anran, reacted quickly, forming a sword with his fingers and unleashing 'Draw Sword and Judge Merit' in an instant. The two crossed blades, Gu Hun obsessed with swordsmanship, always challenged experts. His attack was lethal.

Gu Hun based his sword on the seventh form of Wangchuan Thirty-Two, 'Drunken Moon,' and had created his own supreme technique, the Flying Shadow Sword. It was all about speed—each strike faster than the last, overwhelming the opponent until they surrendered or died.

Gu Hun's skill was remarkable; from a single form, he devised an entire sword style. But he hadn't expected Liang Xi to wield 'Sword Qi as One,' a peerless sword art. Especially the second move, 'Draw Sword and Judge Merit,' was equally swift. If Gu Hun had a thousand moves, Liang Xi would match him one for one, never backing down. Both were surrounded by fierce sword energy, exchanging hundreds of blows in moments, neither yielding.

"Hahaha, how exhilarating! Your swordsmanship is excellent. Is this the 'Sword Qi as One' of Shang Ru Yi? I've heard of it, never seen it. Now I see how formidable it is. Brother, I hope you don't mind. I have loved swordplay since childhood, and whenever I meet a swordsman, I must test myself. For that, I've received many scoldings from Master."

Ji Anran had been furious—how rude, to attack without reason! But seeing Liang Xi prevail, she was pleased, though she had little affection for Second Brother.

"Gu Hun, you never change! Brother Liang saved Fourth Sister and is Twelfth Sister's beloved. If his sword skill were less than yours, would you have killed him on the spot? I've told you before: your Flying Shadow Sword is too fierce, can only be released, not restrained. I've urged you to use it less, but you never listen," Fu Yuzhen scolded. Harming fellow disciples was a grave crime in any sect. Though Fu Yuzhen was gentle, she was not without authority. Gu Hun feared no one, save Master and Senior Brother.

Gu Hun realized his temper was getting out of hand since practicing swordplay. "Master, do not be angry. I am well, and though Second Brother's sword is powerful, defeating me is no easy task!" Bold words indeed, but Gu Hun believed a swordsman should be proud, or else his art would never improve.

"Hahaha, well said. I have studied swordsmanship for decades, always striking first, yet still cannot defeat you. In this, I have already lost! Shang Ru Yi's swordplay is truly remarkable—I am not your equal." Gu Hun had suffered many defeats, but never gave up, which was why his sword was so strong.

"Twelfth Sister, I was wrong—please don't hold it against me!" Gu Hun apologized, but Ji Anran only snorted; she was truly angry, so Gu Hun felt awkward. A beauty has every right to be angry.

"Second Brother, you deserve it. Ji Anran has always been close to Master, and now is our little sister. You arrive without a gift, and instead clash swords with her beloved. If I were her, I'd be angry too," Ji Zhi added, fanning the flames. Gu Hun was even more embarrassed.

Liang Xi tugged Ji Anran's hand. "Beautiful lady, give me a smile, or I'll ignore you!" Only Liang Xi could tease her so. Ji Anran looked at his handsome face and deliberately made a rogue expression, before bursting into laughter. "That's better—a beauty should always smile."

"Go away! Such a good-looking face, but you act like a scoundrel. I can't stand you!" Ji Anran raised her hand to strike, Liang Xi laughed, and the minor quarrel vanished. Ji Anran turned to Gu Hun, coldly, "Second Brother, promise me you won't challenge Liang Xi to sword duels again, and I'll respect you as a brother. But if you can't control yourself and harm him, I'll show you my power!" She struck the wall behind Gu Hun with a palm—'Boundless View' from the River Gaze Palm. The wall shattered with a boom. The rocks of Wangchuan's twelve peaks were among the hardest, but Ji Anran destroyed them in one blow—her strength was not to be underestimated!

This was a demonstration of the River Gaze Palm. Gu Hun was amazed, but seeing the murderous intent in Ji Anran's eyes, he knew she was not joking. Her anger vanished as quickly as it came, replaced by a smile. "I was only joking, Second Brother. Don't take it to heart!"

Fu Yuzhen hadn't expected Ji Anran to show such force—her temperament was much like the legendary Cold Jade Cicada. Joke all you like, but threaten someone important to her, and the beauty becomes a goddess of death in an instant. It was for the best. Gu Hun, until now, had respected only Master and Senior Brother. Now, there was a third to restrain him.

Gu Hun was not discouraged. He thought, if little sister can defend her beloved today, she will defend her brothers tomorrow. How could a brother begrudge his little sister?

"Brother Liang, you are something else—to fall for a chili pepper, your tastes are unique indeed!" "Where are Eight, Nine, and Ten? Must I summon them myself?" Fu Yuzhen asked Lu Jingdi.

Now, Wangchuan's twelve peaks had nine people present; only three were missing. "Forget it—they're always like that. To obsess over appearances is like trapping oneself. Leave them be. Today, I summoned you all to formally accept Ji Anran as my final disciple. Wangchuan's twelve peaks now have their full complement. This is a great fortune."

In the Spirit Realm, Ji Anran's letter had arrived. "Wonderful! Little sister is truly lucky. We feared she might be in danger, but now it seems we were wrong. Wangchuan is the foremost of the four water sects, its foundation deep. Our little sister will surely grow stronger."

Shui Linglong was delighted, though the letter was brief, her four sisters read it over and over. "Elder sister, you promised that once we had news of little sister, you would inherit the position of realm master. You always said to wait a year, but we've decided—the time is now. You are our role model, and though you've been away for years, your heart carries worries. But you needn't be concerned—no one else is suited for realm master."

Cheng Zhudream and Mei Lengning, as well as Fei Xingye, agreed. Shui Linglong's affection for Spirit Realm was deep. "Yes, I've thought it through. You are right. Now that I know little sister is safe, the realm master position should be mine." "Good, that's settled. Spirit Realm hasn't had such good news in years. Too bad little sister can't come."

"That's nothing—she has her own destiny now. She suffered much before. We, as sisters, must admit, have we ever truly cared for her? Never, have we?"

"Tomorrow, let's quietly settle this. The rest doesn't matter."

"Ji Anran, do you wish to become my disciple? There are no strict rules—just do not harm your fellows, do not commit wrongs. Can you do that?" Fu Yuzhen was solemn.

"Master, thank you for not abandoning me. From today, I am a disciple of Wangchuan, and I vow to cherish my brothers and uphold our honor!" Ji Anran spoke with conviction.

"Good. If anyone else said this, I might not believe it. But from you, I do. You have three brothers still in seclusion, and you will meet them in time. For now, greet your senior brothers and sisters, though you already know them."

"Little sister, hahaha, we finally have a little sister! This is the best! Master, then the last peak, Full Moon Peak, will be her residence?"

"Yes, Full Moon Peak is tranquil—just right for her. I'm sure none of you object?"

"Indeed, it's best for her. Now, Wangchuan's twelve peak masters are complete. Master, today is a great day, may I have a drink?" Gu Hun's craving arose.

"Hmph, you still want to drink? As if you haven't had enough in secret? Very well, you may, but only one cup. If you drink more, who knows what you'll do?"

"Master, I love drink, but today is special. I promise to have only one cup."

Liang Xi didn't like wine but enjoyed watching others drink. "Well, this is settled. I finally have twelve disciples. Even if the Water Lord's treasure is revealed, I need not worry. Now, I ask you—are you ready to guard the treasure?"

"Master, rest assured. We will guard it. The four water sects must reach a conclusion. This feud has lasted centuries, since our ancestor's time. We have endured long enough; now, at last, we need not endure!"

"Good. Since you say so, I am relieved. Only then are you truly disciples of Wangchuan. Go now, rest on your own peaks. When the other three sects arrive, we shall settle accounts together. I have waited for this day many years!"