Chapter 5 Entering Full Moon Peak

Ling Guangchong gazed at his useless son, truly at a loss for words. He, Ling Guangchong, had been a hero of his generation, the one who had revived the Ling Shui bloodline and restored its former glory. Yet how could his son be so spineless, actually afraid of an unknown brat? Ling Guangchong’s face darkened; his lifelong reputation might well be ruined by this. “Ling Yun, you are the future master of the Ling Shui line. I know you’ve always been steady and prudent—what has come over you this time? Since you were little, you’ve always stayed by my side. Tell me, what exactly happened at Wangchuan?”

Recalling that day in Wangchuan, Ling Yun felt nothing but anger. He had always been the favored son of the Ling Shui clan, yet this time, in Wangchuan, Liang Xi had humiliated him beyond repair. “Father, I followed your teachings. I went to Wangchuan to investigate clues about the Water Sovereign’s treasure. Ever since I was young, you told me that the four great water lineages share a common origin and should aid one another. I brought gifts this time, hoping to pay respects to Senior Master Fu Yuzhen, but I ran into some foul-mouthed brat who somehow caused me trouble right away. I don’t even know who that boy was—he must be from some local family around Wangchuan.”

Ling Yun was skilled at evasion and deflection; the truth was that he had tried to bully another, but now he painted himself as the victim. Ling Guangchong knew his son’s true nature, but even so, he could not let some upstart bully his child. If he did nothing, others would think they could freely trample over the Ling Shui line. That was something he could never allow.

“That’s enough. Say no more. I know all too well what kind of person you are. I only blame myself for promising your mother to care for you, which has made you like this—it’s my failing. Hmph. If I weren’t around, I wonder what would become of you?” Ling Guangchong almost wished to strike his son dead, but every time he saw Ling Yun’s face—so like his late wife—he could never steel his heart. Instead, he had let the boy grow ever more brazen.

Ling Yun breathed a sigh of relief, knowing his father would stand up for him once more. “Father, please don’t be angry. I’ll take my leave now.” Having achieved his aim, he retreated with ease. Whenever he made trouble, his father always cleaned up the mess—this time would be no different.

Ling Guangchong could only feel helpless. Why was his son such a disappointment? But what could he do—just ignore it? That was impossible. “Send word: in three days, we set out for Wangchuan. It’s been years since I last saw Senior Sister. I truly miss those days of learning and training together.” All helplessness vanished from Ling Guangchong’s face, replaced by a cold, ruthless gleam. To dare bully his son—such audacity!

“Father, is it true? Are we really going to Wangchuan? I’ve never been there in all my life. They say Wangchuan is first among the four great water lineages. Is our Nightshade Sect truly worthy?” Gu Zhenzhen was overjoyed. She had never left Yunjiang before, and the chance to see Wangchuan was the greatest delight. “Little girl, do you think I don’t know what’s in your heart?”

“You want to see your brother Liang Xi, don’t you? Silly girl. You know he already has someone at his side, so why are you so unwilling to let go? Look at you—what have you become these days? Seeing you like this truly pains your father.” Gu Chuan saw his daughter growing more beautiful, but her eyes still held a trace of sorrow. He knew her feelings for Liang Xi ran deep—truly a fateful entanglement. Yet he could not say so directly; Gu Zhenzhen could not bear to hear a word against Liang Xi.

“Father, truly, I am well. I never knew liking someone could feel this way. I only regret not meeting Brother Liang Xi sooner, but I remain grateful that heaven allowed me to meet him at all.” Gu Zhenzhen was stubborn; once she set her heart on something, she would never turn back. Though Gu Chuan felt uneasy, he chose acceptance. “Very well, since this is your choice, whatever you must face in the future, you must learn to bear. We shall go to Wangchuan, and our Nightshade Sect is indeed worthy. We are one of Yunjiang’s two great branches. Who would have thought, after all these years, that Wangchuan’s people would still remember us? If we are not qualified to go, then no one in the world is. Still, I have not been to Wangchuan in many years. For a long time, our sect was suppressed by the Thunder Gang; though we have reclaimed our place at the top, our foundation is still the weakest. This time, Zhenzhen, you must not lose your bearing. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Father. I know what to do. You always taught me never to lose the dignity of our sect. My skills may be lacking, but I will not shame you at such a crucial time! I want Brother Liang Xi to see how much I’ve grown. I don’t want to compete with Sister Ji Anran, but I also can’t allow others to look down on us.” Love was important to Gu Zhenzhen, but as the daughter of a sect, she bore responsibility as well.

Such was the lot of daughters of noble sects, yet Gu Zhenzhen was only fifteen. As she pictured Liang Xi, a smile crept to her lips. A man of such virtue and looks deserved the best woman in the world—a category she did not count herself among. Yet if she could steal just one quiet glance at him, she would be content.

Ling Yun truly could not understand. His father was master of the Ling Shui line, acclaimed as the greatest in Ripple Bay, and had pushed the Wave Sutra to the eighth level, surpassing even the founder. Yet every time the master of Wangchuan, Fu Yuzhen, was mentioned, terror flickered in his father’s eyes. Wasn’t Fu Yuzhen just a fisher girl, albeit with considerable skill—could she truly exceed his father?

To Ling Yun, his father’s strength was unmatched, but he had never spoken of this. For all his arrogance, Ling Guangchong knew that each of the four great water lineages had their strengths; if it came to a contest, it would be a matter of life and death. Since things had not gone so far, it was best to avoid conflict.

News that the Water Sovereign’s treasure was about to emerge had spread far and wide—even those in Yun and Xuan Prefectures, as well as the South and North, had heard. But not everyone could enter: only heirs of the four great water lineages were qualified, cutting off much potential trouble. So, though many knew of it, few were eligible to obtain it.

Zhuang Yunzheng, of course, had heard the news. He was sincerely worried for his junior, Liang Xi. Though he hadn’t said as much, Mo Qing understood. “Brother Zhuang, I know you wish to go to Wangchuan. You’ve carried a shadow of worry these days—I can see it. I understand the bond between you and Brother Liang Xi. So let me tell you: we are allowed to go to Wangchuan.”

“Really? That’s wonderful! My junior has always been a restless soul. Our master had not intended to teach him divine arts, but worried that, without them, he would be bullied. So in the end, both of us received the Lingyun Atlas.

“I don’t care what the Water Sovereign’s treasure is. I only want my junior to be safe—that is what matters most. This time, I will protect him no matter what.”

Perhaps, in Zhuang Yunzheng’s heart, Liang Xi was still the little brother he’d first met more than a decade ago—someone who always needed his protection. For an elder brother, protecting became an instinct; as long as they stood together, they feared no one in the world.

Mo Qing, gazing at this man, felt her heart soften. She wondered how she could better help him. Since Zhuang Yunzheng had helped her through hardship, she, in turn, wished to help him.

Liang Xi and Ji Anran knew well that they were caught in a great, invisible vortex. Still, this moment was inevitable. The Ling Shui line had always been vengeful since a century ago. Now that they had crossed Ling Yun, who knew what lies he might spin on his return? Yet even if time could be rewound, Liang Xi would have acted the same—for he most despised the callous cruelty of the powerful.

After Ji Anran completed the ritual of discipleship, she returned with Liang Xi to Crescent Moon Peak. Each of Wangchuan’s twelve peaks had its own character; Crescent Moon Peak was closest to the bright moon, tranquil and secluded, with winding bridges, flowing streams, pavilions, and towers—everywhere beautiful and novel. Even Liang Xi, who had seen much since childhood, could not help but praise it.

“Little junior sister, master said you’d love this place!” The three Ji sisters adored Crescent Moon Peak, though unfortunately, each of the twelve disciples had a fixed residence, without room for error. “Master values you most of all. She put great effort into preparing this place for you. She said you had wandered without respite for years, never knowing a day of comfort. From now on, Crescent Moon Peak will be your home. Now that you’re a disciple, even if you poke a hole in the sky, there’s nothing to fear. Master may not say so, but she can see you are resourceful.”

“Liking Liang Xi is one thing, but you can’t lose yourself for it!” Ji Yin was especially fond of her little junior sister—indeed, everyone loved a beautiful girl.

“Master is truly thoughtful. Honestly, I can live anywhere. To have such a large place to myself actually feels a bit inappropriate.”

“Inappropriate? You’ll get used to it. Soon, your senior sisters from Mirage Realm will visit. Didn’t you wish them to feel at ease? If they come and you can’t host them, how do you think master would feel? Didn’t you hear when you took discipleship? She has only one rule: always uphold the honor of the sect. Now, living on Crescent Moon Peak is itself an honor for our sect.”

“And who said you’re living alone? Brother Liang Xi is here too. Cross that flying bridge, and you’ll see two houses, built to each of your preferences.”

Ji Zhi’s favorite pastime was teasing her little junior sister. Ji Anran suddenly felt a strange emotion. Her heart had once been filled with hatred; though hatred had given her strength, it had also cost her many joys. Perhaps that was why Fu Yuzhen wished to give her the best of everything.

“Enough, enough. Our junior sister has worked hard for a long time. Let her rest for a few days. The Water Sovereign’s treasure will open soon—then, even if you wish to rest, it will be impossible. By the way, master asked me to give you the Jade Dragon Mantra and the first twelve forms of the Wangchuan Thirty-Two. As her disciple, you must learn these two divine arts. No one knows what the treasure holds, so the more you learn, the better for you.”

Ji Yin handed Ji Anran two booklets—the blue one was the Jade Dragon Mantra, the white the Wangchuan Thirty-Two. Though old, they were well-kept, showing Fu Yuzhen’s care. “Your surname is Ji, so is mine—same sound, different characters, but it must be fate. Now, our task is done. Don’t think about anything else—just rest.”

Ji Anran stared at the books, not knowing what to say. In a blink, the three Ji sisters vanished into the mist. “Elder sister, do you think our little junior will really study the Jade Dragon Mantra and Wangchuan Thirty-Two?” Ji Zhi looked back at Crescent Moon Peak, a little worried.

“Our little junior sister has the strongest will. Now that she has a chance to grow again, she won’t let it slip. As for your worry, I understand. Master seems to have pinned all her hopes on her. None of us eleven ever mastered the Wangchuan Thirty-Two. She is master’s last hope—she won’t let this supreme art be lost. Let’s go. The Water Sovereign’s treasure will soon open; we should plan for ourselves.”

“They say the Wangchuan Thirty-Two is incredible. Today, I must see for myself!” The white booklet seemed to pulse with power as Ji Anran opened it. She saw twelve silhouettes, each representing a move—twelve in all. The moves weren’t subtle, but possessed a strange allure that drew her in.

Suddenly, the twelve silhouettes merged into a beam of light and entered her. After this vision, Ji Anran felt no discomfort. “Great beauty, what are you doing? Are you mad? You almost walked off a cliff to your death. Fortunately, I grabbed you in time!”

“You looked crazed—what happened to you?” Ji Anran, regaining her senses, turned and broke out in a cold sweat. One more step and she would have fallen. The Wangchuan Thirty-Two was indeed formidable, able to directly seize a cultivator’s mind. Mastering it was no simple feat. In the past, hatred might have trapped her, but now, free of that burden, Liang Xi’s shout had snapped her back.

“That really scared me. The Wangchuan Thirty-Two is dangerous. Great beauty, you’d better not study it further lest you forget yourself completely!”

Ji Anran smiled sweetly at Liang Xi. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. But you’re right—though only twelve forms are recorded, their power is great. Now, let’s see what the Jade Dragon Mantra is about.”

She opened the blue volume. Instantly, a golden dragon soared into the air, its roar echoing mightily. The dragon was fierce and imposing. Liang Xi wanted to shield Ji Anran, but she shook her head. “If I don’t even have the courage to face the dragon’s roar, I am not Ji Anran! But it’s only an illusion—it’s already gone.”

“See? The Jade Dragon Mantra and the Wangchuan Thirty-Two are both yours now. How far you get depends on your own fate. There are only a few days before the treasure opens, Anran. Don’t you want to be able to protect this man beside you? If your heart is unchanged, you should improve yourself!”

“If Liang Xi faces danger, will you just stand by?” Fu Yuzhen’s voice sounded all around. “You are my disciple. Complete mastery of these two arts is your duty, just as your seniors have done.”

“Master, I will not let you down. Is the Wangchuan Thirty-Two truly so formidable? I doubt it.” Ji Anran flipped to the opening page, which read: “Master the Wangchuan Thirty-Two and you are invincible. Learn its form, then its spirit; when both are one, only intent remains.”

Such bold words! The Wangchuan Thirty-Two seemed a peerless art. There were twelve illustrations; the first depicted a tiger in the forest, unmoving but causing the trees to tremble. Ji Anran realized this first form, Tiger’s Bite, was a sonic attack. Once mastered, its roar would be thunderous.

“Learn its form, is it? That’s not so hard.” The essence of Tiger’s Bite was stillness—hold the body motionless, qi would gather in the abdomen. The first step was to maintain this qi without dispersing it. Then, with a sudden cry, she let out a roar like a tiger echoing through the woods.

The second form, Dragon’s Rise, was a movement art. Among all such arts in the world, only Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng’s Flying Bird Illusion Dance and the Mirage Realm’s Fragrant Beauty could compare. Others, no matter how subtle, could not surpass them. Dragon’s Rise took too long to prepare—no match for Fragrant Beauty, so she skipped it.

The third form, Lifting the Cauldron, was a saber technique. Third Senior Brother Mo Qianchen had used it as the basis for his own Ten Forms of Heaven and Earth. It was too forceful for Ji Anran’s style—forcing it would only harm herself. So she read on to the twelfth form, Piercing the Heart, frowning in frustration. Though all twelve forms were formidable, few suited her. Yet from her master’s words, it seemed she was expected to master them all.

But was it truly possible? Ji Anran fell into thought. Liang Xi, meanwhile, had no intention of learning the Wangchuan Thirty-Two—its nature was too different from his own. If Senior Brother were here, he would be fascinated, but even so, there was nothing he could do to help.

“Master, isn’t this unfair to junior sister? All her skills are of the yin, gentle type, while the Wangchuan Thirty-Two is aggressive. If she cannot learn it, won’t this harm her?” Mo Qianchen, after all these years, had only mastered Lifting the Cauldron. To learn more was impossible for him. Their master, Fu Yuzhen, however, had mastered all twelve forms and reached the seventh level of the Jade Dragon Mantra. Her prowess was unparalleled.

“I know you all think I’m too harsh on your little junior sister. Let me be frank. My hope is that she can master all thirty-two forms. Wangchuan is famed for this art, but later disciples lost the final twenty forms. To maintain our reputation, each disciple was made to learn both the Jade Dragon Mantra and the twelve forms. But this was a mistake. Do you know how our ancestor mastered both? Only after reaching the fourth level, Dragon’s Roar and Leopard’s Transformation, in the Jade Dragon Mantra, could one truly learn the Wangchuan Thirty-Two. The sequence must not be reversed; otherwise, not only will you make no progress, but you may harm yourself. Knowing this, your eldest brother focused solely on the Jade Dragon Mantra. Otherwise, do you think he was simply gifted?”

“The same goes for you all. After learning a couple forms, you focused on the Jade Dragon Mantra. This works, but it is not ideal. The world thinks Wangchuan stands unshaken after a century of storms, but you know better. The Ling Shui line has always sought to replace us—how can I let them succeed?”

“Master, you’ve said this many times. We know we’re not talented enough and regret we haven’t helped you more. It seems our little junior sister is truly the one you have been waiting for.”

“Yes, yes. Your junior sister has indomitable will and a unique approach to cultivation. Don’t you want to see how she copes with such adversity?”

“So, what’s the matter? Is this training really so difficult? If it troubles you, rest a while. I don’t care how you trained before, but from now on, you must listen to me. The Wangchuan Thirty-Two is formidable—better to work on the Jade Dragon Mantra first. Didn’t Senior Fu Yuzhen say so? To learn the Wangchuan Thirty-Two, you must first master the Jade Dragon Mantra.”

“The Jade Dragon Mantra has ten levels—don’t you want to try?” Liang Xi felt it was a true marvel. “I think this is what your master intends.”

Ji Anran, however, felt no urge to train at the moment. “Right now, I’m only interested in you, rascal. Look at the scenery of Crescent Moon Peak—let’s enjoy it first.”

Her courage growing, Ji Anran leaned into Liang Xi. She worried he might push her away, but he did not. Though he liked her, he never dared go further than banter.

“Come on now, your little junior sister finally has some peace. Will you seniors just keep watching? I think not.”

“Fine, Liang Xi. From now on, I’ll do whatever you say. I told you before, this kind of peace is something I’ve never had. As long as you’re by my side, I can face anything. But right now, I just don’t want to train. I’ve been training since I was a child, never a moment of true happiness. Only after meeting you did I understand what happiness truly is.”

Liang Xi was at a loss for words. “Then, my lady, can we agree on something? Don’t call me ‘rascal’ anymore—I’m actually quite fragrant.”

“No way. ‘Rascal’ is my pet name for you—what, you don’t like it? Others would beg for such a privilege. Do you really dislike it?” Her playful pout was a beautiful sight. Liang Xi never realized how changeable a woman could be—especially a stunning one, who wielded caprice like a secret weapon.

“No, no, the nickname bestowed by Lady Ji is a true honor. You’re right, the scenery here is lovely. I suppose I can only follow wherever you lead.”

Ji Anran rarely got the better of Liang Xi in their banter, but this time she had won—and her mood soared. “You’re always talking nonsense. What’s with you today—so meek? It’s not like you at all!”

A chill swept over Crescent Moon Peak; Ji Anran shivered. Liang Xi noticed and draped his pale robe over her shoulders. “It’s getting cold. Your constitution is naturally chilly—let’s go inside and warm up.” On the peak were only two exquisite houses. The one on the left was called Moonwatch, the right, Heart's Inquiry; identical in design, linked by a floating bridge—a marvel of craftsmanship.

Inside, it was warm. Candlelight flickered, bathing Ji Anran’s cheeks in rosy glow. Liang Xi was entranced by her beauty—he had never seen a woman so lovely. “Fool, haven’t you seen a woman before? Why are you staring at me like that?” Though she protested, her heart was sweet, for it was the gaze of her beloved.

Night gradually fell. In the two houses, they found many delicacies. Liang Xi laughed, “Senior Fu Yuzhen truly knows you—she must know you’re a foodie, so she prepared all these treats. I’m hungry too—let me thank you.”

“Of course. Remember, as long as you stick with me, you’ll never want for good food. Without my protection, you’d be lost.”

“Yes, yes, I am truly grateful. Let me just try these delicacies now.”

“Master, you only just met this junior sister, yet you know her so well?” The other disciples wondered the same. “Indeed, though it’s our first meeting, Ji Anran looks just like her mother. Years ago, I grew up with her mother. I know what Han Yuchan was like—always fond of food. Even when she became a peerless master, she never lost her love for treats.”

“Yuhua fruit, blue-flower wine—these were mother’s favorites. I never believed master was her close friend, but now I do. No one could know this without a deep bond. Some things not even my father knew. Liang Xi, do you know how I feel? I’m nothing but moved.”

“Child, there’s no need for such emotion. As your mother’s friend, it’s only natural I should know her likes. But actually, your father told me most of these things. No one knew your mother better than he did. I once thought your father ruthless, but later I understood: though he was harsh to the world, you and your mother were always his greatest weakness.”

“As master of Cold River Isle, Jiang Xuehan faced every difficulty, yet never thought to abandon you or your mother. He knew he was not a good man, and was swallowed by Yunjiang. Perhaps you still resent him, but that resentment should now finally fade away.”

“Master, in truth, I have long since let go of any resentment. I now understand everything. I never believed in love, but after seeing my father and mother, I realized the seed of love was planted in my heart long ago—I just never knew.”

“Good child. Now that you understand, I am truly at ease. With this, you have no more inner obstacles, which is a great boon to your cultivation. Remember these things well.”

Ji Anran still did not understand what the Jade Dragon Mantra had to do with love, but though she could not grasp it now, perhaps she would in time. “Good child, you must understand: from now on, in cultivation, the only person you can truly rely on is yourself. I know you have always depended on yourself, but now I tell you—Liang Xi will be by your side to protect you. You are no longer alone. Do you believe it?”