Chapter 7: The Opening of the Water Sovereign's Treasure

Tomorrow is the day when the Water Sovereign’s treasure will be unveiled. It is the second day of the second lunar month, commonly known as Dragon Raising Its Head. Choosing this day is not without reason; in the hearts of the disciples of the Four Great Water Sects, the Water Sovereign’s treasure is like a hidden dragon. “A hidden dragon should not be used,” they say, as no one has yet appeared who can truly harness its power. Yet, all of that is now past; this time, the treasure will certainly find its rightful heir.

“Tomorrow the treasure will open. Tonight, after dinner, do not train—rest well, for tomorrow will surely be a fierce battle. Aside from your junior sister, the eleven of you have followed me and studied under my guidance for many years. Tomorrow is your chance to show your abilities.”

Of all the Four Great Water Sects, the most renowned now is Forgetting River, but its reputation is largely due to Fu Yuzhen’s personal charisma. Should Fu Yuzhen ever come to misfortune, Forgetting River would quickly be replaced. Yet the sect has endured for a century; if it were to end in Fu Yuzhen’s hands, he would have no face before his ancestors.

“Do you know which of the Four Great Water Sects is strongest in terms of power? Perhaps you’ve never considered this question. The answer is White Dew. Their fame is hidden because the White Dew lineage devotes itself to cultivating disciples. Yuan Minghe brought only three disciples this time; you met them yesterday, and their bearing is impressive. Still, I believe my own disciples are the best.”

“Very well, rest now. I shall leave you for the night. The Water Sovereign’s treasure has been in Forgetting River for a hundred years. Whether we can protect it depends on tomorrow.”

“Mo Qing, thank you. You are now master of the Plain Garments Pavilion, yet you still risk your life for me. I truly do not know what to say.” Zhuang Yunzhen looked at the beautiful woman before him, his heart serene. An orphan, raised by his master in martial arts, then meeting his junior brother, and now accompanied by such a fine woman—he was already deeply satisfied.

“Brother Zhuang, you’re mistaken. All of this, I chose willingly. I’ve told you before: I grew up in Plain Garments Pavilion, never experiencing the outside world. In truth, I should thank you. My own experiences were too few. Only by growing myself can I become a truly worthy master. Before I met you, every day felt stagnant, but now, each day is filled with uncertainty. It’s truly delightful.”

“Brother Zhuang, don’t worry. No matter what you face, I will never abandon you. The day you faced Wan Ruyu alone, how impressive you were!” Was it impressive? No, Zhuang Yunzhen never thought himself impressive; he simply did what he ought to do. Wan Ruyu wanted to harm his junior brother, so as an elder brother, he could not allow it. If given another chance, he would do the same.

Zhuang Yunzhen was easily content. Now, to have all this was more than enough. A pure heart is quick to be satisfied. “Tomorrow is Dragon Raising Its Head. Brother Zhuang, do you not wish to see your junior brother again? Surely you have much to say to him.”

At her words, Zhuang Yunzhen quietly drew closer to Mo Qing, who accepted his gesture without the slightest resistance—she believed this was only natural. “My junior brother is grown now; he’ll have his own path. Though I am his elder, I cannot protect him forever. I’ve guarded him for ten years. From tomorrow, if he wishes to change his life, I’ll protect someone else—that person is you.”

Zhuang Yunzhen had never spoken such words to a woman. To him, it was already bold. He spoke what he felt. Mo Qing had never left Plain Garments Pavilion, yet unlike Ji Anran, she was perceptive and transparent. Ji Anran was self-centered, before meeting Liang Xi thinking only of herself; it takes years to change such habits.

Mo Qing, however, was different. Her purity allowed her to understand the meaning of Zhuang Yunzhen’s words. She, too, had never imagined that in her life she would hold someone in her heart. That day, she had secretly followed Zhuang Yunzhen; she knew well what transpired between the brothers and Wan Ruyu. She never expected that brotherly affection could be so profound in these two youths.

Someone willing to sacrifice everything for his brother—what kind of person is that? In her early perception, Mo Qing believed Zhuang Yunzhen to be Liang Xi’s shadow. Whenever Liang Xi faced trouble, Zhuang Yunzhen, as elder brother, would always help. That’s how it had always been. Perhaps Liang Xi was long accustomed to his brother’s support, and Zhuang Yunzhen had never minded. But later, Mo Qing saved Zhuang Yunzhen, who had suffered from Wan Ruyu’s powerful attack, sustaining serious internal injuries. Yet the man had uttered not a sound, tightly gripping her wrist. Mo Qing had never been held so by a man; it felt as if electricity had passed through her.

That day, the only words he spoke were: “Don’t leave me!” What experiences had shaped so strong a man, to reveal such troubled expression? At that moment, a crack appeared in Mo Qing’s heart; she wondered what she could do to help him.

Mo Qing gazed at the man before her, her smile softening further. “Brother Zhuang, your thoughts are no different from mine.” Their hearts were already connected; many words did not need to be spoken. Zhuang Yunzhen, receiving her affirmation, was overjoyed, feeling as if he stood among the clouds. This unpretentious youth now truly understood what it meant to like someone. Their feelings flowed naturally, without the slightest obstruction.

The night was cool as water; the scenery atop Full Moon Peak was breathtaking. On Moon Viewing Terrace, a young man and two women stood—Liang Xi, Ji Anran, and Gu Zhenzhen. Both Ji Anran and Gu Zhenzhen liked Liang Xi. “Brother Liang Xi, I came tonight to tell you: I like you. How you see me doesn’t matter. This time, I will help you.” With that, she dashed away.

Liang Xi considered it childish banter and did not take it to heart. “You brat, you must feel quite proud now, having someone like you so much. Tell me, what are you thinking?”

A beauty always has the right to settle accounts later. Liang Xi felt a headache coming, but he was no blockhead like Zhuang Yunzhen. His thoughts spun quickly, and he smiled, “Great beauty Ji, you asked, so I’ll tell you directly. What else could I think? I’m proud! I’ve always been popular—talent, you know, something no one can learn.”

The highest level of thick-skinned is sheer shamelessness. At this moment, Liang Xi’s manner was utterly shameless. Ji Anran’s pretty face flushed with anger. “Shameless! You’re so pleased with yourself! I won’t like you anymore!”

Liang Xi laughed, “If you don’t like me, that’s fine. The one just now likes me a lot—if you don’t object, I’ll go find Gu Zhenzhen.” He made as if to leave.

Great beauty Ji’s heart soured with jealousy. Could she really bear to let Liang Xi leave? “Don’t you dare!” Ji Anran shouted angrily, raising her hand to strike, but lowered it gently in the end, unable to bear it. Liang Xi, who loved to joke, said seriously, “I really want to know what’s in the Water Sovereign’s treasure. Don’t you want to know, great beauty?”

“I do want to know. The night is truly beautiful. How you treat me—I know. Look, the green stone figurine in my arms, it’s you. No matter what changes come, you’ll always be most important in my heart. Earlier, I said I’ve always been popular, but that was a lie. Since age five, I’ve trained in Cloud Immortal Realm, over a decade, never associating with beautiful women.”

“To have two outstanding women like me at once—how could I not feel proud and happy? But I truly don’t know how to handle it.”

Ji Anran understood Liang Xi well. “I believe you. Don’t worry about handling it—just do what you feel you should.” What she truly despised was heartless men; Liang Xi was not such a man. Gu Zhenzhen owed Liang Xi a great debt of gratitude; if Liang Xi ignored her after seeing her today, he would not be the man Ji Anran knew.

Gu Zhenzhen looked at the couple on Moon Viewing Terrace, feeling a brief bitterness, but sweetness soon followed. This time she would help Liang Xi—helping him would bring her great joy. That was her truest thought.

Second day of the second month: Dragon Raising Its Head. Today was indeed a fine day. Many masters had not left, all with the same goal—to see what the legendary Water Sovereign’s treasure was like. Forgetting River surged ceaselessly today, as if it sensed something different about this day.

Ling Guangchong wore a dazzling red robe. After today, his Spirit Water lineage would become the true leader among the Four Great Water Sects. No one could stop his rise.

“Three junior brothers, the rules and method for opening the Water Sovereign’s treasure I explained last night. I trust you have no objections. Let us begin!” To open the treasure, four keys were required, each palm-sized. Only with all four keys inserted simultaneously could the treasure be unlocked; missing one would trigger traps. Led by Fu Yuzhen, Gu Chuan, Ling Guangchong, and Yuan Minghe stood atop Forgetting River.

Soon, a massive pattern appeared on the river’s surface—a formation. The four masters stood at the formation’s corners. The turbulent river stilled, only for an instant, then surged again with towering waves thrice a man’s height.

“Ha!” The four sect leaders howled in unison, their power at its peak. Their combined strength parted the river completely. “Quick! Insert the keys into the stone gate together. The window is but a moment—miss it and the treasure will be lost to the flood again.”

They moved with lightning speed. All four keys were embedded in the black stone gate at the same instant. After years of silence, the gate groaned with turning gears—clearly it had not been opened for ages. What lay behind it? No one knew, but after today, the Water Sovereign’s treasure would be the talk of the world.

“Step back! The treasure is opening!” As the gears rumbled, Forgetting River’s waters vanished. The crowd stared in astonishment, for beneath the river lay a grand structure. More precisely, a mountain was buried beneath the river, built into its very foundation.

“This mountain must have been moved here by great power—this is the first realm of water mastery: moving mountains. Though I can move mountains, look—this range stretches for miles. Even my White Dew ancestors could not achieve this. Only the Water Sovereign could,” said Yuan Minghe, a master of water manipulation.

There is a difference between mountain and range: a mountain towers; a range flows endlessly with momentum. “Indeed, this range appears to be a mausoleum. Look—sacred avenue, stone statues, outer city, inner city, and at the city’s end, the treasure dome. Beneath the dome lies the treasure.” Ling Guangchong had imagined many forms for the treasure, but never expected it would be a mausoleum.

Judging by its layout, it was once a great city. Things were getting interesting. “Disciples of the Four Great Water Sects, what are you waiting for? Let’s see what secrets the Water Sovereign’s treasure holds.”

Entering the treasure was not easy. From above, the submerged mountains seemed small, but once inside, one could only marvel at the Water Sovereign’s genius—not only divine in martial arts, but able to build a mausoleum single-handedly.

“Brother Liang Xi, this place feels cold and eerie. Are we disturbing the Water Sovereign’s rest? The aura here is different.”

Gu Zhenzhen, seeing such sights for the first time, was naturally startled and frightened. “This range is no ordinary range. Its ridges are dragon-shaped, the patterns on either side like scales. The Water Sovereign likely sleeps here. Be careful after crossing the ridge. See the sacred avenue below? Usually straight, but this one curves nine times—don’t be careless!”

Since the treasure opened, Fu Yuzhen’s face had lost all smile. She usually dressed as a fisherwoman, but today wore a rare blue training suit, making her look tall and agile. After descending the ridge, they reached the entrance to the sacred avenue—a four-pillared, three-gated arch inscribed with “Ten Thousand Waters.”

Passing through it, they truly entered the avenue. Yet, unexpectedly, visions appeared before their eyes. “I, unrivaled in the world, felt lonely and retired to Solitary Dragon City for decades. I wrote my lifetime’s learning as ‘Origin of Ten Thousand Waters,’ awaiting a fated successor to continue my name! Hahaha!” Such words could only come from the Water Sovereign. The visions showed his past; those lacking in spirit would not endure the power.

The overwhelming aura condensed into a mighty dragon swirling in the sky. Those lacking skill could not withstand its might. “Fu Yuzhen, our skills do not suffice—we must leave. To enter the sacred avenue is achievement enough.”

As expected, only disciples of the Four Great Water Sects remained. The Water Sovereign had said: “Those not of my lineage may not learn my divine arts.” Yet outsiders refused to believe it, seeking what was not theirs, earning their fate. The mausoleum grew ever higher; the avenue held only the vision, but midway, stone statues appeared—statues of humans and divine beasts.

Pairs of winged horses, qilins, elephants, lions, and tigers lined the path. They were lifelike, almost too much so. Zhuang Yunzhen, holding Mo Qing’s hand, watched both sides closely. “Junior brother, don’t you find it odd? Only beasts, no martial heroes. Remember when we visited a mausoleum with our master? There were both beasts and martial figures.”

Liang Xi felt a foreboding. “Careful!” Ji Anran pushed Liang Xi aside as a fierce gust swept past her ear; had she not dodged, it would have killed her. Even more astonishing, the statues had come to life.

The gust came from two tall armored men. Everything was clear now: these statues were always alive, sealed by powerful force, and the key to breaking the seal was entering the avenue.

Suddenly, beasts roared and danced wildly. Though Liang Xi and company were skilled, it was their first encounter with divine beasts—no ordinary martial arts could handle them. Still, retreat was not an option. The brothers Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen struck swiftly and fiercely; Sun and Moon Palm and Snowflake Fist exploded forth. However mighty the beasts, they could not resist the power of Cloud Record.

The statues, sealed for years, had formidable strength, but now could only make a last desperate stand. The Water Sovereign’s power, though diminished, was still unmatched by ordinary skills. In moments, the statues’ strength erupted, forming a formation.

Ji Anran could not stand it. “You stone beasts! How dare you!” She leapt into the air, her left palm wielding the Boundless River Palm—its combined hardness and softness overwhelmed the statues. Her aura was even stronger now; left hand River Palm, right hand Beauty’s Hand, all her skills unleashed. The statues could not approach her.

Seeing their junior sister’s prowess, the eleven Forgetting River disciples were emboldened. Had their years of training truly been inferior? All twelve now joined forces.

Soon, the statues exhausted their last strength. Liang Xi and the others were pale; the battle had cost them much energy, but it was a good trial. “Hmph, mere statues—are they truly so impressive?”

“You brat, you aren’t hurt, are you? Our teamwork was excellent. The statues should be powerless now. Let’s press on. I want to see what’s next!” Ji Anran had little interest in the treasure before, but now her curiosity was piqued.

Yuan Minghe, Ling Guangchong, and the others were surprised at the younger generation’s strength—especially Liang Xi, Zhuang Yunzhen, and Ji Anran. They themselves had no chance to act. But that was fine; if not now, when would they conceal their strength? After the avenue, they reached the treasure’s core: the outer city. Its walls were built of giant green stones, tightly joined even after a century.

A single straight avenue led from outer to inner city. The city must once have been lively; shops lined the road, which was ten miles long. “After so many years in Forgetting River, I never knew such things lay beneath. I’ve been a most unworthy master, haven’t I?”

“It’s said the Water Sovereign was invincible yet wandered all his life, never settling anywhere. Perhaps he always wanted to build his own city, but only had the chance at the end. For us to see this giant city is fortune itself. The outer and inner cities rise with the mountain, quite different from the avenue. Now they had returned to the mountaintop; below, the river roared. Unexpectedly, there was a hidden river!”

“If I’m not mistaken, this hidden river draws water from Forgetting River. The layout is superb. After two incense sticks’ time, they passed through the outer city, and after a vaulted gate, entered the inner city. It was much smaller, square and refined, containing only stories of the Water Sovereign, which everyone already knew well, so they did not linger. The most important part was beyond the inner city—the treasure dome. ‘Hahaha, at last! After so many years, I finally see the Water Sovereign’s treasure!’”

Ling Guangchong was truly delighted. He had waited so long, and now he believed the treasure was his. “Let me make it clear: this treasure is mine. None of you may compete with me. You know my strength well.”

“Hmph, just as expected. You’ve always been like this—getting whatever you want. But now, shouldn’t we work together to enter the dome? Whoever claims the treasure, let it be by skill, not empty talk.”

“Fine, senior sister is senior sister. If we’ve come this far, I’ll obey. But the dome is twenty meters high, fully connected to the ground. Finding the entrance won’t be easy. The dome is the final part of the mausoleum; the calmer it seems, the greater the danger.”

“Move aside! I said the treasure is mine, so now it’s up to me. Look, there are inscriptions: ‘Water Without Trace, Waves Across the World, Battle All Heroes.’ I see—they’re sword techniques of the Ripple Sword. There are six forms; if I write the last three, perhaps the dome will open.” Ling Guangchong refused to give up. He wrote: ‘Sword Produces Fire,’ ‘Limitless Extinction,’ ‘Proudly Over All.’ The ground shook, and a long stone staircase appeared.

“Hahaha, I opened the dome. The treasure is mine! None may compete with me!” Ling Guangchong had gone mad. The treasure was finally his. He rushed down; Ling Yun couldn’t stop him. Soon, a scream rang out, flames erupted, and Ling Guangchong, a hero of his generation, was killed by a trap. No one expected it.

“He was blinded by desire. The dome is real, but its entrance is false. Ling Yun, you’ve wanted to strike at Liang Xi all along—do you think we didn’t know? Your father’s fate is clear. Now you lack the courage. Only by staying with us can you keep your life!” Fu Yuzhen’s voice was utterly calm. If the treasure were so easily claimed, it would not have caused so many deaths over the years. Ling Guangchong would not be the last.

Ling Yun was at a loss. He had lived under his father’s protection all his life, unable to imagine being left in charge. Now he felt a wordless anger—were these people to blame for his father’s death? Finding the treasure was his father’s greatest wish; whether it could be fulfilled depended on him now. Though the others spoke of brotherhood, none intended to help.

Ling Yun blamed everyone else, forgetting that if Ling Guangchong had not been so greedy, he would not have triggered the trap. But now, such thoughts were useless.

Ling Yun stammered, “I truly have no idea what to do. I must rely on you, uncles and elders. I am no longer interested in the treasure; I just want to leave safely.”

Liang Xi and Ji Anran understood Ling Yun, but at this critical moment, if he left, he could do nothing. So they were not concerned.

“Master, since the dome is real, the entrance must be nearby. Perhaps we passed it but missed it. I grew up playing with stones and know all about their types and origins. The green stone here is called ‘Falling Green,’ long since mined out—this mausoleum is built from it. No, I misspoke—the mountain range itself is all Falling Green!”

“This stone is now rare and valuable, even a fist-sized piece worth thousands of crystal coins. But its worth is only apparent to stone masons; others can’t recognize it.” Ji Xia instantly recognized the stone as Falling Green.

From the start, she felt something strange but couldn’t pinpoint it. “Fifth sister, your expression is odd. Have you discovered something? If so, you must tell us.”

“Anran, hush for now. Your fifth sister knows stones well. Her expression means she’s thinking, and soon will have an answer.”

Ji Anran stuck out her tongue and fell silent. The twelve disciples of Forgetting River each had their own strengths. Ji Xia circled three times, still finding nothing, but her expression grew grave. “So strange. I never noticed how odd these Falling Green stones are.” They were covered in cracks, as if scorched, and the cracks seemed contagious. In moments, the stones all bore these cracks, which formed a picture.

It was a Lotus Step Diagram—each blossom lifelike. There were eighty-one lotuses, matching the number nine squared, but twelve petals were missing. Ji Xia understood. “Hahaha, I finally see—brother, sisters, place your hands in lotus mudras on the specified spots. Do not err in the sequence, or the treasure will be destroyed, and we may be buried here.”

“Left three, right four…” At her command, the eleven disciples placed their palms in position. Soon, the outer city’s hidden river surged, forming a water staircase. The true entrance to the treasure was within the hidden river.

Without Ji Xia, who could have discovered this? “Looks like we’ve found the entrance. There should be no more tricks ahead; we can go in.”

Descending the water steps, they saw exquisitely carved patterns on both sides of the river. After half an incense stick’s time, they reached the true entrance to the treasure. The Water Sovereign was famous for water control; his legacy must be water-related. The hints were obvious, yet no one saw them. The gate was formed not of green stone, but of water.

The gate vanished, revealing a narrow passage, chillingly cold. “This place is truly cold.” Gu Zhenzhen held Liang Xi’s hand—yes, she was genuinely afraid now. Only Liang Xi could give her absolute safety.

Ji Anran had no mind for jealousy; what dangers lay ahead were unknown. If she wanted to be jealous, surviving came first. As they entered the passage, the water gate reappeared, and a chill wind grew ever stronger.

“Everyone must be careful. We seem to be in a wind tunnel—do not act rashly, or we will die here,” Fu Yuzhen warned.