Chapter 10: Deep Affection

Ji Anran could certainly feel the potency of the Poison of Wangchuan, but she kept silent. Compared to Gu Zhenzhen, whose complexion was deathly pale and whose powers were temporarily lost, she herself was much better off. Now, it was deep into the night. Wangchuan Gorge, under the cloak of darkness, gained an air of mystery and desolation, the only sound being the relentless rush of the Wangchuan River. After expelling the poison, Gu Zhenzhen gradually regained consciousness. She gazed at Liang Xi beside her and spoke softly, "Brother Liang Xi, I’ve always wanted to be with you like this. Today, I’ve finally fulfilled that wish. When you helped Yaksha Gate reclaim its place as the first of Tianyun, you also took my heart."

Under ordinary circumstances, Gu Zhenzhen was always shy and reserved, never daring to say such words. But now, wounded and with residual poison in her body, she thought—if she didn’t speak her heart, perhaps there would never be another chance. "I’m not of much use. Neither my looks nor my strength can compare to Sister Ji. If I were a man, I’d like her too. Brother Liang Xi, I’m close to the end. All I ask is for you to hold me like this."

Liang Xi had always been a strong child, but now he wept—for a woman, for the first time in sixteen years. "Zhenzhen, you’re wonderful. It’s me who’s lacking. Don’t worry, Brother Liang Xi won’t let anything happen to you. No matter the cost, I will see you restored."

Ji Anran herself could not describe what she felt. It was as if a piece of her heart was missing. Though she had just helped Gu Zhenzhen expel the Poison of Wangchuan, she now watched from the side, her feet feeling as heavy as lead, unable to take a step forward.

Yet, Ji Anran did not regret her choice. If she had to do it again, she would make the same decision. Zhuang Yunzheng had grown up with Liang Xi, but he had never seen his junior so heartbroken. He was always clumsy with words and wanted to comfort his brother, but didn't know how.

"Brother Liang, since we’ve made it out, let’s return to Wangchuan Fairy Peak. There, the young lady will be better cared for. With all the commotion just now, do you think Ling Yun might have noticed? If he strikes now, we would be powerless to resist."

Liang Xi was no longer his clever self, but lost and indecisive. "Master, why ask? I’ll decide for him!" Ji Anran disliked seeing Liang Xi in such a state. In her mind, he was always spirited, able to solve any problem. But look at him now? Gu Zhenzhen had lapsed into sleep again, and Ji Anran shoved Liang Xi aside, snapping, "Go cry elsewhere! I don’t want to see you like this. Instead, think about what you should do now!"

"I must have been blind, and so was Zhenzhen, to like a useless man like you!" Ji Anran knew only harshness could restore Liang Xi to himself. She carried Gu Zhenzhen and rushed toward Fairy Peak. After all, Liang Xi had always lived smoothly, never facing setbacks. His bewildered response was only natural. Now, he would have to find his own way; no one could help him.

"I thought, after leaving the Water Sovereign’s treasure, I’d part from you for a while. Mo Qing has just become the master of Su Yi Pavilion and has much to accomplish. I promised to help her. But now, seeing you like this, I can’t leave until you’re recovered."

Mo Qing was shocked by Ji Anran and Gu Zhenzhen’s actions. She had always been taught to put Su Yi Pavilion first, never feeling love or affection. She could not imagine sacrificing one's life for love. If Zhuang Yunzheng were injured, what would she do? She didn’t know. Mo Qing had never lived for herself; everything she did was for the Pavilion. If one day she could lay down her burdens, she hoped to love boldly. But for now, she truly could not.

"Brother Zhuang, I’ll go back first. If your junior needs help, just say the word. If I can, I won’t refuse. Uncle has done so much for me in the past. Now that I’m Pavilion Master, I want to help him however I can."

More importantly, Mo Qing could do nothing by staying. "It’s only right. Your status is different now; the sect must come first. Thank you for everything." Zhuang Yunzheng understood Mo Qing perfectly. She had no reason to stay. Mo Qing wanted to say more, but ultimately left in silence—yet as she turned, she felt the urge to cry.

"Brother, get up. How long do you plan to sit there? Remember what you promised Zhenzhen—you said you’d restore her. Is this how you plan to do it? You let those who love you fall into danger, and now you’re in chaos, doing nothing. We protected you too well, made you what you are. Still, this is good for you. I hope you grow from this!"

"You’re a man. I know you’re bold, not timid. I grew up with you, know who you are. I’m going to check on Ji Anran and Gu Zhenzhen. They mustn’t suffer another moment’s danger. I hope you take these words to heart."

Gu Chuan saw how things had developed, and though he had many complaints about Liang Xi, what could he say now? He could only snort and stride toward Fairy Peak. Yuan Minghe wanted to help, but realized he had nothing to offer, so he left as well.

Now, only the disciples of the Twelve Peaks remained. Faced with such events, they too didn’t know what to do. "Let’s go. Brother Liang is confused; let him rest. You few, come with me to check on Anran and Zhenzhen. Your junior sister needs no mention; Zhenzhen is also of our sect. For such a thing to happen in our territory is our fault. No matter the cost, she must be restored. This is your task."

"And Ling Yun—where is he now? We have no clue. He, like his father, is vengeful. If he learns his ‘Wan Shui Yuan Zong’ is a fake, who knows what he’ll do? Everyone must be careful. As for Brother Liang, we needn’t worry. He must process this himself."

"Lu, you’re the senior disciple. You’ve cultivated Jade Dragon Technique to the ninth stage. I will use Jade Dragon Technique and ‘Wangchuan Thirty-Two’ to treat Zhenzhen. During this time, all matters of Wangchuan are yours. You’re my chief disciple, and I know you’re carefree and detached, but this time, you must take responsibility!"

Lu Jingdi, as Wangchuan’s chief, was strong beyond question. "Master, I understand. This was always my responsibility. If I’m here, no one can harm my junior brothers or sisters."

It was rare for Lu Jingdi to show such responsibility. All the disciples felt reassured seeing their senior like this. Everyone left, leaving only Zhuang Yunzheng and Liang Xi. Liang Xi stared deeply at the roaring Wangchuan, lost in thought. After a long while, he finally spoke, "Brother, why did things turn out this way? I’m truly useless. I couldn’t protect Master before, nor can I now protect Zhenzhen or Ji Anran. What’s the point of me in this world?"

"You’re right. You protected me too well. All I do is talk nonsense. If Zhenzhen dies because of me, I’ll never forgive myself!" Liang Xi felt utterly shameful and useless. He had heard Ji Anran’s scolding but didn’t know how to respond.

"Brother, you know I’m clumsy with words. I have plenty of thoughts, but can’t express them. I can’t comfort you. But now, since you’ve decided what to do, I ask one thing: Zhenzhen is gravely wounded, and Ling Yun is the cause. What do you plan?"

Liang Xi was never one to fear trouble. "I want him dead! Without resolve, one cannot stand. My father always told me this. I didn’t understand then, but now I do. When it’s time to act, you mustn’t hesitate. If you go soft today, your enemy will press harder tomorrow. There will be no peace!"

Liang Yunsi built his empire through wit, originally valuing honesty. But after years of business, betrayed by those he trusted, only his intelligence saved him from ruin. From then on, he knew honesty was right, but must be applied with discernment. If someone comes to harm you, would you still speak of morality? Of course not. ‘Without resolve, one cannot stand’ was his hard-earned lesson, taught to Liang Xi from a young age. The boy didn’t understand then, but one day, he would. Whether in business or martial arts, the principle is the same: kindness for kindness, but harm to oneself or loved ones means a fight to the death.

No sentiment remains when harm is intended; brotherhood fades. Zhuang Yunzheng, meanwhile, held a different view, believing in moderation. But now was not the time for such words. He wondered—if his junior or Li Moqing were injured, how would he respond? His methods would be just as harsh.

Thus, Zhuang Yunzheng approved of his junior’s resolve. Their master had always said Liang Xi was spirited and clear in his loyalties, acting only according to his heart, indifferent to anything else. Having him cultivate the ‘Earth Scroll of Lingyun Map’ was meant to temper his fiery nature, but now it seemed the plan had failed completely.

His junior had always been this way; if he could be changed so easily, would he still be the boy they knew? "Looks like you’ve recovered. What will you do next?"

"Naturally, I’ll strike first! Brother, head to Fairy Peak. I’ll be there soon!" Liang Xi deployed the ‘Flying Bird Illusion Step’, vanishing in a few leaps. "That boy is the same as ever, bold and impetuous."

"Spit!" Ling Yun vomited blood violently. What was happening? Since yesterday, whenever he practiced the second stage of ‘Wan Shui Yuan Zong’, a violent force surged within, forcing him to spit blood. Ling Yun checked carefully—he was following the manual precisely, never making a single mistake. So what was wrong? Where had he erred?

‘Wan Shui Yuan Zong’ was the Water Sovereign’s life’s work, combining the breadth of Yunjiang, the essence of Wangchuan, the purity of Spirit Water, and the marvel of White Dew—four great features. In his later years, the Water Sovereign distilled the best, discarding excess moves, and formed five realms: Wan Shui, Prayer, Jade Dragon, Ripple, and Object Control. Five stages, because Yunjiang was split into Yaksha and Cold River branches. The realm names were from four water arts, but power was multiplied many times, like accumulating sand into towers, water into abysses.

The first realm, Wan Shui, was simple—refined control over water. Ling Yun, as a disciple of the four water arts, had never learned Water Manipulation, but since all water arts were related, it wasn’t hard to grasp. But what was the second realm, Prayer? He had no clue. In truth, Prayer was unique to Yaksha, a protective force, impossible to describe, only to be felt with the heart.

For one as selfish as Ling Yun, he could never grasp its essence. Worse, the ‘Wan Shui Yuan Zong’ he obtained was a fake—the second realm of Prayer had no text. The Water Sovereign, in the fake, provided detailed instructions, warning that if not followed, one would be gravely injured. Who would expect a master to falsify his own manual?

Practicing as instructed would cause spiritual and bodily disorder. Ling Yun was stubborn, enduring severe internal injuries but refusing to give up, always believing he’d erred in cultivation. Unbeknownst to him, persistence only deepened his trap.

At that moment, the ‘Wan Shui Yuan Zong’ he had obtained ignited before his eyes and vanished. Ling Yun was furious—why? He sensed a fierce, domineering killing intent approaching. "Bang!" A sharp sword aura slashed through the air. Ling Yun rolled aside, barely dodging. The attacker pressed on, their fingers as swords, sword aura chilling and formidable.

Constant evasion was not Ling Yun’s style. He grabbed a branch in the cave, wielded it with Ripple Sword Technique against the intruder. The sword move was slow and steady, like still water—calm on the surface, but with hidden currents, not to be underestimated. This was Ripple Sword’s ‘Water Without Trace’, a move that harms without marks.

But the attacker’s sword was even more sublime. Though only one strike, it was like a rampaging torrent, unstoppable. Water Without Trace was powerful, but against such a sword, it paled. Ling Yun, unable to defeat the foe with a single move, was shocked—who was this person with such mastery? Could it be an old enemy of his father?

"Your sword technique is impressive—who are you? Sneaking about, are you a true hero?" Speaking, he stepped back, leaving the cave. Under moonlight, he saw the attacker’s face and was utterly stunned—it was Liang Xi.

Using ‘Falling Star Technique’, Liang Xi had located Ling Yun. His fury could not be contained, and he unleashed ‘Sword Qi Rainbow’, a move that blasted forth. The technique summarized the chessboard of Wangchuan’s Twelve Peaks. Treating them as a chessboard made it easy to find hidden foes. Ling Yun, recognizing Liang Xi, soon turned his shock to rage. "Well, you’ve come to me instead of me seeking you! Fine, then—avenge my father!"

Enemies met; mercy vanished. Ling Yun threw aside the branch, drew a sword thin as cicada’s wings from his waist, and launched Ripple Sword Technique anew.

His posture was graceful, like a white crane in water; the sword became a misty vapor. Still ‘Water Without Trace’, but now, with the divine sword and exquisite footwork, its power was unmatched. Water Without Trace, when used with water, unleashes hidden currents. Liang Xi, now at Wangchuan, could not evade.

Liang Xi used ‘Flying Bird Illusion Step’, dodging the raging currents with exaggerated moves. The Water Without Trace was truly formidable, an aggressive attack with no way to counter. "What’s wrong? Weren’t you arrogant just now? Are you powerless? Where has your bravado gone? Today, you die here!"

Ling Yun shouted, wielding his sword, summoning towering waves. Liang Xi finally saw—the waves were sword qi, forming a sword array, instantly swallowing him. Liang Xi was stunned; Ling Yun had hidden his strength well. His sword skills were far stronger than expected. Ling Yun had trained in Ripple Sword since childhood, and though he wasn’t adept with Ripple Scripture, he was passionate about the sword technique.

Even Ling Guangchong, his father, never knew of this. Ling Guangchong saw Ling Yun as useless, incapable of achievement. Who could have guessed, after perishing in the Water Sovereign's treasure, that his son would surpass him in sword mastery?

Liang Xi now realized, in swordplay alone, he could not match Ling Yun. So he changed tactics. Wasn’t this the predicament of ‘Rowing Against the Current’, the second stage of Water Manipulation? The stronger the opponent, the greater force one must muster to shift the tide. Suddenly, the force of ‘Reverse Sea’ surged through him, and he punched fiercely, shattering the sword array. "Wave’s End is nothing—behold my Reverse Sea Whale Swallow!"

Liang Xi’s punch was vast as the sea, endless. Wangchuan was mighty, but before the sea, mere dust! The Water Sovereign said water is both the gentlest and most unyielding. The Whale Swallow move embodied this. Ling Yun had never seen such a powerful punch; his Ripple Sword was rendered useless!

"Whale Swallow? Do you think I can’t use it? Boy, have you forgotten? I obtained Wan Shui Yuan Zong, whose first realm includes Cold River’s Water Manipulation!"

"You think you can defeat me with Whale Swallow? Wishful thinking!" Ling Yun roared, launching Whale Swallow himself. "Bang!" Their punches collided, neither retreating. Now both fought with Water Manipulation, their silhouettes battling from Wangchuan’s peaks to its river, stirring waves.

Liang Xi’s fury blazed, but he forced himself to stay calm. Left fist for Whale Swallow, right for sword technique. Ling Yun had found a way to counter Liang Xi’s moves, imitating them. Although Liang Xi’s moves were exquisite, he couldn’t overcome Ling Yun!

"Ha! You think you can kill me? I now wield Wan Shui Yuan Zong. Next, you’ll use Still Sea, but you won’t get the chance! Take my Rapid Flow!" Wangchuan’s waters formed torrents, slashing at Liang Xi. Rapid Flow was Water Manipulation’s first realm, harnessing momentum. The torrents were like blades, encircling Liang Xi. Escape was impossible. "Boy, you think you can challenge me? You’re no match!"

Recalling Gu Zhenzhen’s grievous injuries, Liang Xi’s fighting spirit erupted. Had this man not triggered the Water Sovereign’s traps, Gu Zhenzhen wouldn’t have suffered Wangchuan’s poison. Today, he must be slain! With that, Liang Xi shouted, and Wangchuan’s waters formed dragon-shaped whirlpools—‘Azure Dragon’s Breath’, another Water Manipulation move.

"Bang!" The two greatest Water Manipulation moves clashed, making Wangchuan boil with their energies. Liang Xi’s attacks now lacked all formality—above Wangchuan, several giant water spheres appeared.

"Take my Headlong Flood!" The spheres burst, and Wangchuan’s waters poured down, unstoppable. This move gathered nearly all Wangchuan’s water, so its power was immense. Ling Yun’s face was filled with shock—why, when he had Wan Shui Yuan Zong, could he not match Liang Xi?

"Boom!" The Headlong Flood struck Ling Yun directly. Though he had strong protective qi, he was defenseless. "Spit!" Ling Yun vomited blood, finally realizing he was no match for Liang Xi. The only option was to flee and find another opportunity.

Naturally, as Ling Yun escaped, he noticed the gravely wounded Gu Zhenzhen and the pale Ji Anran. Hmph, as long as these two women remained, he would never be trapped.

Ji Anran had helped Gu Zhenzhen expel the poison orally, but it had sapped some of her own strength. She guarded Zhenzhen, never before considering herself a guardian, but now, she was determined to fulfill this role. Fu Yuzhen looked at the two girls, unsure what to say. It seemed she could never accomplish anything.

Suddenly, a fierce wind swept in, and in an instant, a pair of large hands seized Ji Anran and Gu Zhenzhen by their slender necks. Fu Yuzhen and the eleven disciples were shocked and furious. "Ling Yun, how dare you!"

"Hahaha! Why wouldn’t I dare? With these beauties in my hands, do you think I can’t escape? You’re all formidable, but you hesitate. Come then, see if you’re faster than me. If you don’t want these beauties to die, step aside!"

"Liang Xi, you’re truly formidable. I don’t know why, even with Wan Shui Yuan Zong’s approval, I can’t defeat you. But I don’t care now. To win, I’ll use any means. My Spirit Water lineage has always survived like this. Come, aren’t you powerful? Why not attack? That Ji beauty must be your sweetheart, and Gu Zhenzhen must be enamored of you. Let me go, or they’ll die because of you!"

"Fine, I’ll let you leave. Don’t harm them. If they suffer even a scratch, Ling Yun, hear me—you won’t escape me, not even to the ends of the earth!"

"Hahaha, arrogant! But you can do nothing to me!" Ling Yun was utterly crazed. No matter how strong these people were, what did it matter? Now, they were caught between advance and retreat.

Ji Anran’s bright eyes watched the battered Liang Xi. At last, she understood—he had become like this for her and for Zhenzhen. If he could go so far for her, she refused to be a burden. Suddenly, the Jade Dragon Technique she had studied became clear. The energies of heaven and earth gathered within her, and before everyone’s eyes, she began to vanish!

"This is the fourth stage of Jade Dragon Technique—Dragon Transformation—gathering heaven and earth’s energy to oneself, freely changing!" Fu Yuzhen was overjoyed at the sight. Though she didn’t know what was happening, it was clear Ling Yun’s fate lay in Ji Anran’s hands.

"Bang!" A powerful force struck Ling Yun. The change had come so swiftly he couldn’t react. Ji Anran had, in an instant, become one with heaven and earth. How could Ling Yun resist? Liang Xi seized the moment, punching with the Snowflake Fist, derived from Mooncold energy.

Cold invaded Ling Yun’s body, wounding him further. Yet he fought back. "Bang!" In desperation, Ling Yun struck Gu Zhenzhen’s back, worsening her injuries.

"Hahaha! Well done, clever ploy. But as I said, you’ll never kill me. Even if I die, I’ll take someone with me. Gu Zhenzhen is now beyond help—even a Golden Immortal couldn’t save her!"

That strike exhausted Ling Yun’s power. But Zhuang Yunzheng delivered the final blow. "Ling Yun, do you know why you’re not my junior’s equal? Simple—you possess a fake Wan Shui Yuan Zong. You’ve always been arrogant, never considering that the Water Sovereign would tamper with his own art. The real Wan Shui Yuan Zong—you’ve just experienced it."

Ling Yun, hearing this, was furious, then laughed wildly. "Hahaha! I endured so long, only to be ruined by the Water Sovereign’s hand. Indeed, the old master was notorious for deception—now I see it’s true!" With that, he dashed from Fairy Peak.

"No need to chase him. He’s just been struck by Jade Dragon Technique, and after fighting Liang Xi, even with all his skills, he’s doomed."

"Let’s check on Gu Zhenzhen. The girl has suffered severe internal injury. If not suppressed quickly, as Ling Yun said, there’s no hope. But where can we find pure enough fire to hold back such injury?"

"That’s easy. Only Su Yi Pavilion’s Inextinguishable White Flame can do it. The flame is fierce and should temporarily suppress Zhenzhen’s cold injury," said Zhuang Yunzheng.

"Right, I forgot about the White Flame! Brother Zhuang, you’re close with Mo Qing of Su Yi Pavilion. Would you help?"

On hearing this, Gu Chuan dropped to his knees. "Brother Zhuang, you are a great benefactor to Yaksha Gate. You and Liang Xi have helped us once before. This time, I beg you to help once more. I kneel to you—if you can get Su Yi Pavilion’s aid, I’ll always be grateful!"

Gu Chuan crawled to Liang Xi, bowing fervently. "Brother Liang, it’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have resented you. I know Zhenzhen loves you. I only saw her wounded, and as her father, I am powerless. I actually resent myself. Please, don’t hold it against me!"

Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng were deeply moved. They helped Gu Chuan up. "Senior Gu, don’t say that. Zhenzhen is my friend. She was wounded saving me. Even if you hadn’t asked, I would help. As for resentment, you have every right—no apology necessary," said Liang Xi.

"Yes, Senior Gu. My brother and I said in Tianyun we’d be friends for life. That will never change. Now, time is precious—let’s go to Su Yi Pavilion."

Ji Anran gradually returned to normal. The move she used was actually the second stage of Wan Shui Yuan Zong—Jade Dragon. But her power was insufficient; she couldn’t maintain it long. Her face was pale, but at last, she showed a peerless smile. "Brother, I finally helped you."

‘Brother’ was Ji Anran’s exclusive term of affection for Liang Xi. She had recited it countless times in her heart, but never had the courage to say it aloud. Now, exhausted, she finally spoke those two words. How much unspoken affection was contained in that ‘Brother’?

"No! Anran! Brother is here—don’t sleep!" ‘Ji beauty’, ‘Chili beauty’—these were the names Liang Xi called Ji Anran, but what he truly wished to call her was ‘Anran’. At last, they both understood—she (he) had become immensely important in each other’s hearts. Their love was already deep.

Liang Xi, utterly drained, blacked out. Zhuang Yunzheng carried his junior, Ji Yin carried Ji Anran, and Gu Zhenzhen was carried by Fu Yuzhen herself. "Brother Gu Chuan, rest well in Wangchuan. If you trust me, I promise to return your daughter to you whole."

Gu Chuan nodded. "I’ve always trusted Senior Sister. I leave everything to all of you."