Chapter 2: The Trial of Beauty

The next day, as expected, Lord Yang had arranged everything. After their brief encounter the previous day, Lord Yang no longer dared show the slightest disrespect toward Liang Xi. “Brother Liang, everything is ready. You’ve arrived at the perfect time—today is the first day of the month, precisely when trips to the mountain villa are scheduled. Though my master is famed as the First Gentleman Under Heaven, he’s never cared for such a title. He founded the Bright Jade Villa simply to invite the world’s most handsome and lovely people to appreciate the scenery together. For this reason, the villa has long enjoyed great renown, but to enter, one must satisfy two conditions. First, one must be handsome. Second, on the first of each month, one must come to my Yang residence to be escorted by me.

“The first requirement alone eliminates most. After all, our features are bestowed by our parents and cannot be changed at will. Still, if anyone meets both requirements, I reveal the final condition for entry: one must prepare a number of Black Gold Jades equal to the party entering. These stones are the key to the villa, but Black Gold Jade is exceedingly rare—no ordinary wealth can secure it.

“Brother Liang, you seem to come from an extraordinary background. Have you heard of Black Gold Jade? If not, then this opportunity must pass you by. As for your wife’s internal injuries, I do have some spiritual medicines. They may not cure her, but they’ll at least allow her to move about as usual.” Even as Lord Yang spoke, his hands trembled. Yesterday, his Mountain-shaking Palm had failed to harm Liang Xi in the least, an utter loss of face.

From childhood, Lord Yang had trained in the Mountain-shaking Palm, defeating countless formidable opponents with his palms. Only yesterday did he finally meet his match in Liang Xi. He recognized Liang Xi’s strength, but giving up was out of the question. Today, he hoped to use the matter of Black Gold Jade to dissuade Liang Xi, thus salvaging his pride. Yet he didn’t realize that Liang Xi, unaware of Lord Yang’s wounded pride, had no intention of backing down.

Had Liang Xi not visited the Water Lord’s treasure trove, he’d have had no Black Gold Jade to offer. But the trove had contained an entire chest of it. Coming from a merchant family, Liang Xi would never waste such treasures; only in the outside world could they be put to proper use. He smiled and replied, “So Lord Yang was worried about this. I don’t have an abundance of Black Gold Jade, but I can produce three pieces.” As he spoke, he withdrew three palm-sized Black Gold Jades from his robe.

Lord Yang had seen these stones before, but no matter how many times, he marveled at their rarity and value, far exceeding that of Origin Crystals, though they were black as ink. He snorted inwardly, thinking, “Since that’s settled, just follow my instructions tonight.” Lord Yang truly hadn’t expected Liang Xi to produce three pieces so casually—this youth must have an illustrious background. For most, obtaining a single Black Gold Jade would be a rare fortune. The villa master would surely like such a guest.

Now, whether in strength or wealth, Liang Xi far surpassed Lord Yang, who dared not act arrogantly even if he felt aggrieved. “Brother, this old man lost to you yesterday and surely can’t accept it. Just now, he said he’d help you if you lacked Black Gold Jade, but in truth, he hoped to make you retreat in the face of difficulty.” Ji Anran, with her keen insight into human nature, explained quietly. As the Bright Jade Villa’s outer steward, Lord Yang was second only to the villa master. Such men value pride above all, and now his pride had been shattered by Liang Xi. Were it her, she’d also try to regain her dignity. But Lord Yang was a fool to challenge Liang Xi in wealth; the Liang clan was known as the richest in the land. Black Gold Jade might be rare to others, but for Liang Xi, what could compare to the safety of Gu Zhenzhen?

If Ji Anran were in Lord Yang’s position, she’d resort to trickery—whatever achieved her aim would do. As a young woman, she had little interest in fame, but Lord Yang was different. For him, reputation had become a shackle. Yet Liang Xi gave it no thought at all. “This Lord Yang is but a pawn,” he said coolly. “Even if I saw through his intentions, I wouldn’t waste the effort on him. I’m far more curious about the villa master, Luo Mingyu, who’s called the First Gentleman Under Heaven. He must be quite a character.”

Such was Liang Xi: though skilled, he was far from oblivious to danger. Should anyone threaten those close to him, his domineering side would emerge. Beneath a gentle exterior, his nature was fierce—otherwise, how could someone as intense as Ji Anran fall for him? When he and his senior brother faced Wan Ruyu without fear, wasn’t that proof enough? To act knowing the odds are against you—that’s the sort of man worth loving. And when he learned of Gu Zhenzhen’s feelings, he didn’t evade or play at ambiguity; he declared his affection openly, a straightforwardness that surpassed all the world’s hypocrites.

Gu Zhenzhen had gained a new hobby: watching the confident glances exchanged between Anran and Liang Xi, an exemplary pair. She had always been unconfident, but now she wanted to change—to become worthy of Liang Xi, perhaps even if she never equaled Anran, at least to surpass her former self.

“Brother Liang Xi, Sister Anran, someday I’ll become like you—confident and decisive.” But such boldness didn’t truly suit Gu Zhenzhen. Ji Anran laughed, “Silly girl, you don’t need to change. You already have a gentle strength. You’re still recovering from serious injuries; making you come here was bad enough. If you get hurt again, I’d have no face left to live.”

Gu Zhenzhen affectionately linked arms with Anran. “Sister Anran just worries too much. In truth, you may seem extreme, but your heart is softer than anyone’s.” She was born with a natural warmth, able to turn all ice into spring.

At midnight, the Yang household was cloaked in mystery, quite unlike the daytime bustle. “Please, all three of you put on these blindfolds,” Lord Yang instructed. “The villa’s exact location must remain secret—this is my master’s rule. Don’t worry, you’ll soon see a true paradise. Once inside the Bright Jade Villa, you’ll understand: only my villa deserves the name. The master has a miraculous talent for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.” For a moment, Lord Yang’s expression brimmed with pride, as if he himself were the famed First Gentleman, Luo Mingyu.

Rules existed to be followed. The three travelers were linked by a rope at the waist, so even blindfolded, they wouldn’t lose their way. Liang Xi led, Ji Anran walked last, and Gu Zhenzhen, still injured, was in the middle—a precaution Liang Xi and Ji Anran had agreed upon. Birdsong drifted by; they had entered a forest. Liang Xi had noticed earlier that a grove lay about two li from the Yang residence, but they didn’t stop.

After passing through the woods and walking for about the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn, Lord Yang’s voice came again, “We’ll stop and wait here.” All was silent. Soon, the sound of hurried yet orderly footsteps approached, along with a sweet fragrance in the air. The Mirage Sect was famed for illusions, but Hua Lian had also deeply studied floral scents and incorporated her findings into the peerless “Hand of the Beauty.” The third stance, “Floating Fragrance,” guided the victim with scent before killing with a powerful hallucination. Ji Anran, a disciple of the Mirage Sect, was less skilled with scents than her third senior sister, Fei Xingye, who was a gourmet and had devoted herself to mastering this technique. Still, Ji Anran recognized something was amiss the moment she smelled the fragrance, and her heart rang out in alarm. But before she could speak, she lost consciousness. Liang Xi and Gu Zhenzhen felt the same, but it was too late—all three succumbed one after another.

In a daze, Liang Xi sensed the three of them being carried into a massive sedan chair. The journey was smooth, and after some time, they finally awoke. The air was still tinged with that sweet fragrance. They were in a meticulously decorated room, and melodious music filled the air. “You’re awake! The food here is delicious—I didn’t save you any,” Gu Zhenzhen said cheerfully. “I was going to take a look around, but Sister Anran said we came together and should stay together.” Clearly, Gu Zhenzhen had been raised as a noblewoman—after all, as the Young Mistress of the Yaksha Sect, she deserved the title.

“Brother, how are you?” Ji Anran asked. “I’ve checked this room thoroughly. Nothing seems amiss, but we appear to be confined here. At least the food is good.” Though calm and composed, Ji Anran was only fifteen; before her, a table of exquisite pastries tempted her.

Liang Xi checked his energy and, finding nothing amiss, relaxed. “It seems Lord Yang was merely following orders. The First Gentleman is extremely cautious. I find myself growing ever more curious—such hospitality is unprecedented.”

With a heavy click, the stone door swung open, and a burst of clamor filled the air. The door was well soundproofed; had it not opened, they would never have guessed how lively it was outside.

“Hahaha, apologies! My men are always a bit rough. Friends, please forgive us—I offer my apologies.” The phrase “Unparalleled Gentleman” was not an exaggeration for the man before them. He was barely twenty, his looks unremarkable but bookish and refined. He wore a dark robe, his belt fashioned from twelve pieces of white jade, each carved with his own likeness and strung together with oxhide. His boots were pale as clouds, and he held a gilded fan, from which hung a softly glowing treasure.

Liang Xi instantly recognized it as the very object of their quest: the Falling Rosy Jade. “So, you must be Luo Mingyu, the one called the First Gentleman Under Heaven?” Ji Anran’s greeting was curt, for she found such posturing men insufferable.

“Hahaha! To receive such praise from a beauty is my great good fortune. As for the title ‘First Gentleman,’ it’s nonsense. If anyone deserves it, it’s Brother Liang—his noble aura is innate, mine acquired. Please, call me Mingyu. No need for honorifics. Come, let’s talk outside.”

Luo Mingyu’s demeanor was natural, without the slightest affectation. Ji Anran still found him insincere—he was the host, yet chose to barge in at their moment of confusion. She glanced at Liang Xi and saw that he wasn’t the least perturbed, which frustrated her. She cared for him, yet he seemed utterly unconcerned.

“Sister Anran, you should already know—Brother Liang Xi is always like this. Until danger is truly upon him, he’s curious about everything. And if trouble comes, isn’t that why you’re here? So, really, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Now Liang Xi understood: the so-called paradise of Bright Jade Villa was built entirely within a hollowed-out mountain—not at its base, but carved from a single massive stone. Though the surroundings were artful, he could see that the passage they walked was long and narrow, barely wide enough for two to pass, and paved with well-worn green stone that gleamed with age.

Stranger still, both sides of the path were lined with flowers and plants, lending the way an air of enchantment. Liang Xi felt a chill from the moment he entered and instinctively reached out to hold Ji Anran’s and Gu Zhenzhen’s hands. Their hands were cold, but the gesture brought warmth, and both girls blushed.

They truly did feel warmer, and birdsong drifted by. “Master Luo, you must have a remarkable spirit to carve out such a world within stone. This would be impossible without extraordinary resolve,” Liang Xi said, genuinely impressed.

Luo Mingyu delighted in hearing guests praise his work, and Liang Xi clearly understood him, which pleased him greatly. “I get bored with ordinary houses—they’re all alike. But Bright Jade Villa is different; every blade of grass and flower here is of my choosing. I built it little by little, and when I finished, I wanted the world’s talents to enjoy it with me. Until now, you are the only one who truly understands my intent.”

Liang Xi demurred at the compliment. As they spoke, the group reached an even more exquisite chamber marked “Mingyu.” This, it seemed, was the villa master’s favorite spot. Three walls were polished smooth, and the fourth opened onto a square window offering a view of the outside.

Those who reached Bright Jade Villa were never ordinary. But with many people, conflict was inevitable. Luo Mingyu, as host, did his utmost to prevent such incidents. “So, the villa is divided into two by the mountain itself. Though many come each month, few are qualified to enter the inner city. But Master Luo, this is our first meeting. I doubt I have such great face. Better to state your terms outright—if I can do it, so be it; if not, I won’t be called a man of empty words.”

Ji Anran and Gu Zhenzhen exchanged glances—they’d guessed right. Luo Mingyu’s warmth toward Liang Xi meant he wanted something. Luo Mingyu, surprised by Liang Xi’s directness, simply pushed a plate of pastries toward him. “Try these. Tell me what you think. Is it the Falling Rosy Jade you three seek? Everyone who comes desires it. Rumor has it the Falling Rosy Jade possesses great power, and that’s true.

“I have three trials: Beauty, Wine, and Strength. Only those who pass all three may obtain my Falling Rosy Jade. Brother Liang, let’s speak plainly. Though this is our first meeting, I feel a kinship with you. I wish to make you my sworn brother. Will you accept? To be honest, I have a troublesome matter on hand and expect I’ll need your help in the future.”

Where there is motive, there can be lasting friendship. “In that case, I respectfully accept! May I bow to you as elder brother?” Liang Xi was overjoyed to have such a sworn brother.

“No need for such formalities. Do you have a courtesy name? If not, allow me to bestow one as your elder brother.”

“I’ve never had one—if you’d give me one, I’d be honored.” Luo Mingyu pondered. “Your surname is Liang, your given name Xi, which suggests dawn. How about Yuahui—‘Yuan’ for the year’s beginning, ‘Hui’ for gentle radiance.” Liang Xi savored the name and found it elegant.

“I called you here for two reasons. You haven’t seen the real villa yet. Go through that door behind me and you’ll reach the outer city. The first trial—the Beauty challenge—has already begun.” Liang Xi, Ji Anran, and Gu Zhenzhen rose to leave. At the door, they saw Lord Yang bowing respectfully. Liang Xi nodded in return.

But Ji Anran was less magnanimous; with a flick, she sent a petal flying into his body—a subtle punishment for scheming against them. Yang’s face twisted, and he spat blood, lightly injured.

“Heh, Ji An’s temperament is formidable. She just used the Yulong Divine Art with a petal technique to teach you a lesson. If not for my brotherhood with Liang Xi, she could have slain you with a gesture. In future, best steer clear of her,” Luo Mingyu remarked.

Yang did not doubt a word, but he was unwilling to let it go. He asked, “Master, if I fought Ji Anran to the death, what are my chances?”

Luo Mingyu poured himself a cup of wine and said, “Don’t bother. Your Mountain-shaking Palm may be strong, but against Ji Anran you wouldn’t last ten moves. She has mastered the arts of Cold River Island, the Mirage Sect, and the Forgotten River. How could you win? These three are my honored guests—whatever thoughts you harbor, you’d best suppress them.”

“Brother, do you believe Luo Mingyu?” Ji Anran muttered. “I won’t trust a word he says.” Gu Zhenzhen, who had remained silent, chimed in, “Sister, now is the time to trust Brother Liang Xi. I’m just happy he’s been given a courtesy name—I’ll call you Brother Yuahui from now on, all right?” Her face was pale and blue—the poison of Forgotten River was flaring up again.

There was no time to lose. The power of Deep Violet Flame was nearly spent. They had to acquire the Falling Rosy Jade, or Gu Zhenzhen would be lost. Though suffering terribly, she remained steadfast. “Yes, Brother Yuahui will help you recover. It would be a great pity for you to lose your cultivation.”

Ji Anran, usually cold and hard, had softened since meeting Gu Zhenzhen. She resolved: whatever it took, she would help her friend.

Emerging from the long passage, the three entered the villa’s outer city—a bustling, market-like place. Ji Anran, with her unrivaled beauty and long, graceful legs, drew every gaze. Though all present had seen beauties before, few could compare to her. Liang Xi was equally outstanding—handsome and noble. The third girl, though sickly, was also lovely.

“Tsk, tsk, such beauties! How are we supposed to pass this Beauty trial?” Before, the dancers and singers here had been proud of their looks, but now, with Ji Anran present, their jealousy was evident. Heaven had truly been unfair—bestowing both peerless beauty and an alluring figure on one woman. Compared to the real gem, the others’ pride was but self-deception; in truth, they didn’t even qualify to feel jealous.

“Hahaha! Such a beauty, and she falls into my hands today! I must taste her lips, or my life will have been in vain. Young man, let’s make a deal—give me this beautiful girl, and I’ll pay you a hundred thousand Origin Crystals. That’s far above the going rate. With that money, you’ll never want for food or clothing again.”

The exchange of women was not unusual in this world, but Liang Xi had been raised to cherish women. Though he knew such transactions were common, to have it happen to him was another matter, and his face darkened.

Ji Anran was about to explode but held back, curious how Liang Xi would handle this affront. Gu Zhenzhen, suffering from cold poison, felt only chill at the stranger’s words. The bustling market fell silent, all eyes on Liang Xi. Would he let Mu Tian, that notorious rake, get his way? Any beauty in his hands would be doomed.

Mu Tian saw Liang Xi’s displeasure and thought his offer too low. Annoyed, he raised the price. “Fine! Five hundred thousand Origin Crystals—my highest offer. Is that enough? Yes or no?”

Liang Xi laughed coldly. “How ridiculous. I’ll offer you a million Origin Crystals for your life—how about that?” Mu Tian blinked, and a wave of cold engulfed him. Looking down, he saw icy energy devouring him. Liang Xi, back in his seat as if he’d never moved, had struck with the Flying Bird Phantom Dance and the Snow Upon Snow Fist in an instant.

Liang Xi then produced ten Black Gold Stones—worth far more than a million Origin Crystals. He looked at the stunned Mu Tian. “You shouldn’t have died. But you tried to value Anran in Origin Crystals, you harbored murderous intent when you saw my anger, and you thought you could take liberties because of my youth and the beauties beside me. If not today, then another would try tomorrow. Better I strike first. Your death is not unjust.”

The crowd was horrified by his ruthlessness. Mu Tian was no saint, but not someone to be killed lightly. Who was this bold young man, so unafraid?

At that moment, anyone who had hoped to see Liang Xi humiliated was struck dumb. He was arrogant, but had every right—ten Black Gold Jades, produced on a whim, put petty amounts of Origin Crystals to shame.

Liang Xi had his reasons; the villa’s master, Luo Mingyu, was surely watching to see his abilities. Why not put on a show? None present would dare speak of what happened. He knew well that mercy toward enemies meant disaster. If he hadn’t had the power to protect Ji Anran and Gu Zhenzhen, what would have become of them?

“This is interesting. He’s not cruel by nature; he did this for my benefit. I should show my own attitude.” Lord Yang, the outer steward, finally understood Liang Xi’s resolve. The master’s future requests would be well handled.

“Everyone, quiet please!” Luo Mingyu declared. “I know what happened. Mu Tian was an arrogant son from a lesser branch. Many of you have suffered his bullying. My brother here has done a good deed. Such heartless men deserve death. Mu Tian, you’ve been here three days, sneaking into my treasury at night. For your father’s sake, I overlooked it. But now you try to bully my brother and covet his companion?

“Too bad Liang Xi acted before I could. I’d have been harsher!” As master of the villa, Luo Mingyu was law. Yet since founding the villa, he’d rarely appeared. Rumor had it he was a master of music, his attainments in that art beyond compare—eccentric, but to be noticed by him was an honor. To be called brother by him, as Liang Xi was now, was unprecedented.

“Mu Tian, stop pretending. Liang Xi’s Snow Upon Snow Fist is powerful, but your family’s arts are deep. You’re only pretending to be wounded, waiting for a chance to strike. Too bad—the cold energy of Linyun Atlas is beyond your control. Your skills are useless now; even if you wished to do evil, you couldn’t.”

“From this day, Liang Xi is my sworn brother. To bully him is to provoke me. Any objections?” Luo Mingyu’s martial arts, the Five-Tone Harmony, were divided into five realms and renowned as the world’s finest. He was both its creator and sole master. With his twelve musicians, all formidable, who would dare challenge him?

“Mu Tian, you’ve survived today by luck. Still won’t leave? Then you truly want to die.” Stripped of his arrogance, Mu Tian fled.

Luo Mingyu, displaying his signature lightness skill, appeared before the crowd. “As you know, my villa has three trials: Beauty, Wine, Strength. What just happened was the start of the Beauty trial.

“Which of you would do what Liang Xi did for a beloved? To you, beauties are objects, to be taken or discarded as you please. But you saw how my brother acted. Yes, most of you lack his wealth—but do you lack the courage to fight for love? When did my villa admit such people? Shameful!

“Do you think the Beauty trial is just about admiring faces? You’re wrong. It’s about how a man treats his beloved. In that, none of you measure up to my brother. Therefore, the only one to pass the Beauty trial is Liang Xi. Any objections?”

“If not, you may leave. Take anything you like, but once you exit the villa, you’ll never return.”

“Hahaha, Master Luo, you’re mistaken. Liang Xi and I are old acquaintances. As for me, beauties are but dust—I seek only the Falling Rosy Jade. Today, you’ll give it to me, one way or another!” At that, a distinguished middle-aged man, whose features resembled Liang Xi’s, spoke up.

Liang Xi recognized him at once—his second uncle, Liang Chen.

“Second Uncle, you’re here too?”