Chapter 3: A Subtle Contest Over Wine

"Indeed, my dear nephew, it has been many years since we last met. Your forceful methods just now were strikingly reminiscent of your father's—I almost thought I had traveled back in time," said Liang Chen. Unlike his brother, Liang Chen was a very different sort of man. Where the father appeared gentle but was in truth shrewd and efficient, skilled in the art of winning hearts—thus securing the family's wealth and standing—Liang Chen, though equally handsome in his youth, had grown soft from years of luxury, his figure showing signs of indulgence, adorned in jewels as though afraid the world wouldn't know he was a wealthy magnate. Yet, the composure he once prided himself on had vanished the moment he saw his nephew.

Liang Xi had little impression of this second uncle, save for the fact that every encounter between his father and uncle ended in a heated argument, always parting on bad terms. Liang Xi knew his father's character well; anyone who could provoke his father to anger was unlikely to be a good sort. To encounter this uncle here, at Bright Jade Manor, could hardly be considered auspicious. Luo Mingyu, naturally aware of Liang Chen's identity, now had his suspicions confirmed upon hearing the man address the youth as "nephew." In all the world, only the Liang clan could produce ten pieces of black jade in a single breath—without so much as a blink or a racing heart.

Of course, Luo Mingyu, who called himself "the Mad Immortal of Wine," was no ordinary man. The wealth of the Liang clan might be legendary, but Luo Mingyu's own fortunes were not far behind. Now, on his own turf, he wondered how this reunion of uncle and nephew would unfold. Truly, it was an entertaining affair. "Liang Chen, you are right. A man as unromantic as yourself could hardly appreciate the subtleties of the Beauty's Test. Very well. Since you two are the only ones to have passed my first trial, let us proceed to the second: the Wine Challenge."

"Here at my manor, you may drink as a roughneck, bold and brash, or as a scholar, engaging in games of wit and guessing. But since the two of you are unique guests, the rules shall change. Each of you must don a blindfold and attempt to seize the other's wine to drink; whoever finishes first is the victor."

With a clap of Luo Mingyu's hands, a troop of burly men entered, each carrying a massive wine jar. The aroma of wine wafted through the air even before the seals were broken; some jars already had their seals cracked, releasing a fragrance rare to behold. Liang Chen had long known Luo Mingyu as a man of iron will—how else could he have carved a manor into the heart of the mountains? Yet he also knew how to enjoy life's pleasures.

"Hahaha, what fine wine! To guzzle such a treasure would be a shame. A contest to snatch and drink wine—I've never heard of such a thing. But my nephew here is not yet of age; drinking would be a challenge for him. So, let's skip this round and move on to the next, which is far more important."

Liang Chen did not know how other families conducted themselves, but in the Liang clan, men were not allowed to drink before coming of age. He felt a surge of pride; at last, Bright Rosy Jade would be his. "Hold on!" At that moment, Ji Anran interrupted, her voice clear and melodious, perfectly suited to her breathtaking beauty, stirring the hearts of all present. "Little beauty, what do you have to say? Do you wish to take the boy's place and compete with me?"

Liang Chen paid her no heed; why bother with a delicate beauty? Ji Anran glanced reassuringly at Gu Zhenzhen on her left, silently promising she would be fine. She turned to Liang Chen, raised a slender finger, and said coolly, "First, the term 'brat' is for me to use, not you. Second, I intend to help my brother drink—what of it?" As she spoke, the wine jars were being placed before the two competitors. In a flash, Ji Anran summoned a stream of water that lifted a jar high into the air.

She had used the Water Manipulation technique. Liang Chen was taken aback—who would have thought this fragile girl possessed such skill? "Water Manipulation? I know who you are! You're from Cold River Isle! Of course—recently, the greatest event in the realm has been the gathering of masters from the four great water sects at Wangchuan to seek the Water Lord's treasure. But however impressive your Water Manipulation, I am not afraid!"

Though corpulent, Liang Chen moved with surprising agility, leaping skyward to snatch the massive jar. But the Water Manipulation technique, famed as the Water Lord's signature, was not so easily countered. With a flick of her wrist, Ji Anran sent the water—and the jar—veering away, leaving Liang Chen grasping at air.

Ji Anran, once resolved to act, showed no mercy. Her fingers formed a sword, unleashing the technique "Riding the Lotus," her sole sword art—fierce and unyielding. Liang Chen, now truly angry, had at first tolerated the girl for her looks, but she proved utterly insufferable. His heavy body steadied in midair, and with a nimble step, he retreated, escaping with his life if not his dignity.

At that moment, the jar fell into Ji Anran's hands. She smiled, "Thank you, Senior. Forgive my impertinence!" Ji Anran loved wine; in one draught, she emptied the jar. Her peerless beauty, now flushed with drink, outshone all others.

The crowd cheered; not only was she stunning, she possessed formidable skill and courage—her effortless humiliation of Liang Chen proved her a true heroine. A wine servant quickly marked a point for Liang Xi. Liang Chen, who prided himself on his reputation, could hardly bear having lost to a young girl. The more furious he became, the more he forced a genial smile. "Remarkable! The little beauty has taken the first round—credit to the wine. But do not be complacent. My martial skills may not match yours, but the score is now tied. Wine servant, bring the wine!"

A servant appeared with a giant jar for Liang Chen. "I bribed one of the wine servants earlier; while you were distracted, he secured a jar for me. Strength can win wine, but so can crystals," he declared, shocking the onlookers.

In an instant, the contest was tied. Liang Chen, in high spirits from the aroma, laughed heartily. Ji Anran snorted coldly—her pride would not permit her to act if the odds were not in her favor. "My dear nephew, I have always relied on myself in all things. Now, you cannot even drink on your own—how will you protect your women in the future? Rules are well and good, but too much adherence is a flaw. Will you still refuse to act?"

Liang Xi, ever the mischief-maker, cared little for rules and rose to act, but Gu Zhenzhen spoke up, "Brother Yuanhui, why not let me handle the next round? You and Sister Anran have come here for my sake; let me contribute to this second trial." Since entering Bright Jade Manor, this was the first time Gu Zhenzhen had spoken, her gentle voice unwavering.

Though gravely injured by the Poison of Wangchuan, Gu Zhenzhen stood tall, her resolve drawing every eye. Even if a chasm yawned before her, she would go forward without hesitation. Unlike Li Moqing, always oppressed by responsibility, or Ji Anran, so free-spirited, Gu Zhenzhen simply loved.

From the day Liang Xi destroyed the Thunder Sect at Tianzhi Yun and restored Yasha Sect to its former glory, he had stolen her heart. Since then, she lived for him. The time he and his elder brother Zhuang Yunzheng spent recovering at Yasha Sect had been her happiest days. If only time could have stopped then.

But when Liang Xi recovered and left, she could only watch him go, hating her own weakness. If she had been stronger, she could have gone to Wangchuan with him. Later, when the Water Lord's treasure was revealed, she met him again, her joy boundless. To share his journey was enough; she never cared for the treasure. When it collapsed, she saved him—finally daring to confess her love.

Now, someone threatened Liang Xi and Ji Anran. She would not allow it. A profound, tranquil force burst from within her, calming the hearts of all present. Luo Mingyu was astonished: "Is this the Prayer technique? Since Water Lord Lian Pingfeng's passing, it was thought lost. Yet this frail girl has mastered it!"

Indeed, Gu Zhenzhen was the only one in Yasha Sect to reach the fourth realm—Judgment—of Prayer. In pure skill, she was no weaker than Ji Anran, who mastered three disciplines. Previously, she had never understood the purpose of Prayer, but now she knew: it was meant to protect the people she loved.

Though petite, the force she released was formidable, too powerful to ignore. Liang Chen was aghast—how could such a slight girl wield such strength? Worse, he found himself unable to move.

This was the final layer of Prayer: Judgment. At this level, one's mental power became almost tangible. Normally, Gu Zhenzhen's injured body could not sustain it, but she knew Liang Chen was not to be underestimated. If she struck, she must awe him completely. She could only maintain Judgment for half an incense stick's time; all must be resolved before it ended.

If uninjured, she could have used Judgment's ultimate move—Erasure—which would destroy every soul present. As she was, she could only intimidate.

She moved slowly, her aura growing more oppressive. Luo Mingyu watched the convulsing wine servants and found her fascinating. Though gravely wounded, she still went to such lengths for Liang Xi. Suddenly, every wine jar before Liang Chen shattered, wine soaring into the air, coalescing in Gu Zhenzhen's hands to form a massive sphere of water. "Now that all your jars are gone, who has won this round?"

Even the mountain seemed to tremble. Gu Zhenzhen, though wounded, was not incapable of unleashing Erasure. "Liang Chen, if you wish to die, that's your concern. We are here for sport, not death. Will you not admit defeat? Do you not feel this suffocating pressure?"

"Hahaha, so this is Prayer? Impressive. But do you think this pressure can truly harm me? I will not yield today—what will you do?" Liang Chen was no Liang Yun Si; he was a seasoned martial artist with powerful mind. Prayer alone could not subdue him easily. "Really, drinking should be a joy, yet here we are, blades drawn."

In an instant, Liang Chen appeared before Gu Zhenzhen. "Since this is your choice, let me grant your wish. To die for Liang Xi—surely that is your greatest desire." He struck with a powerful palm, but the chilling lunar force neutralized his attack.

"Uncle, after all these years, you have finally mastered the Art of Tranquil Spirit. Congratulations. But if you are dissatisfied, come at me—why bully a girl?"

Gu Zhenzhen's face was deathly pale. "Zhenzhen, what are you doing? Did I not say, as long as I am here, no harm will come to you? I understand your heart—but do you understand mine? I must protect you—and the fair lady as well."

"Uncle, you are right. Those who cling too rigidly to rules achieve nothing. But I have always been a rascal. I did not come here to oppose you—only to win the Bright Rosy Jade. If you back down now, I will be grateful."

"After all, I know why you have spent years cultivating the Art of Tranquil Spirit. I will return home soon; with my support, you will surely get what you wish."

Liang Chen knew that though he had mastered Tranquil Spirit, he would gain nothing by fighting now. Not only was Liang Xi formidable, but with Ji Anran beside him, he would be doomed. Yet he could not simply admit defeat. Years ago, his cultivation of Tranquil Spirit had damaged his channels, leaving him unable to use it for long lest he suffer a backlash.

Only the gentle power of the Bright Rosy Jade could counteract this backlash. "Ji Anran, if I recall, you despise men who are unfaithful. Why is it you are so strict with your father, but tolerate Liang Xi? I hear the Illusory Realm's master, Hua Lian, has five outstanding disciples. Now tell me: Liang Xi knows both you and Gu Zhenzhen—can you truly bear it?"

"Hmph, Jiang Xuehan may be my father, but he is nothing like my brother. My brother is sincere with everyone. Besides, Gu Zhenzhen and I have survived life and death together. I see clearly how she feels about Liang Xi. You cannot sow discord between us. Anyone willing to risk her life for my brother makes me happy."

"Who cares about snow lotuses? Enough talk—Bright Rosy Jade will not be yours. If you want it, win it with your own strength."

Liang Chen had not expected such a response. He had hoped to set them against each other and then pick them off one by one, but that plan was clearly impossible now. "Liang Chen, you have lost the second round," Luo Mingyu said.

"Such fine wine, wasted by you all. Whatever your grievances, you must abide by my rules. The second round goes to Liang Xi. Of the three trials, each of you has now won once. As for the third, the Test of Strength—I am at a loss. My manor is for pleasure, not battle. Liang Xi, you and your companions have traveled a hard road; rest now. With me here, your companions are safe."

Luo Mingyu meant what he said. None knew the true depths of his power; whatever he wished, he achieved, and those he wished to protect were safe. His voice inspired trust. "Little one, your mental power was extraordinary and your courage admirable, but now you are gravely wounded. If you do not address it, you may become an invalid."

"If that happens, helping your brother will be no more than a dream. I have a way to suppress your internal injuries for now. As for the Bright Rosy Jade, that will depend on who wins the final trial. We must be fair." Gu Zhenzhen had exhausted her strength; her reckless use of Prayer had brought on a fierce backlash.

Liang Chen would not miss this chance. Since mastering Tranquil Spirit, he had never met his match. To lose to a slip of a girl was unbearable. In desperation, he struck with a savage fist.

Luo Mingyu, however, would not let him succeed. With a single move—the shifting technique of his own creation, "Heavenly Nether Change"—he diverted Liang Chen's attack. This technique, rooted in the first realm of the Five Harmonies of Music, altered everything in its vicinity. "Liang Chen, you dare behave so recklessly in my presence? Since you love to spar, why not face me?"

Liang Chen recognized the move. The shifting realm aimed to change everything nearby; his punch went awry, and he knew defeating Luo Mingyu was impossible. Still, he would not give up. "Master, your skills are unmatched, but I must have the Bright Rosy Jade. However the third trial is set, I will defeat my nephew. Liang Xi, do you dare face me?"

"All my life, I surpassed your father in only one thing—martial skill. If I defeat you today, it will prove I have bested him at last."

Liang Xi knew his uncle now harbored a demon in his heart. This encounter would not end easily. "Uncle, I will fight you—but not now!"

"Uncle, for now you should focus on healing. The power of Zhenzhen's Prayer comes from the Water Lord himself. Without rest, you will not survive the third trial. I never thought you would dare to challenge Prayer directly. Do you not know that when it comes to mental arts, Prayer is unrivaled?"

Liang Chen realized he was at his limit; his channels were on the verge of collapse. Prayer was indeed formidable—even wounded, Gu Zhenzhen was a match for him. If she were whole, he would stand no chance. Though unwilling, he could only retreat for now.

"Take this Fire Dragon Pill. The chill of Wangchuan remains in your body. Without Prayer's protection, you would not have survived this long. The pill is fierce, but given your current condition, only such force can suppress your injuries. The process will be painful. Refuse if you wish."

"No need for further words, Senior. If this can suppress my poison, I am more than glad. If I could endure the cold, I can withstand a mere pill," Gu Zhenzhen replied, unafraid.

"Good. That is the spirit of Lian Pingfeng's heir. Swallow the pill, and whatever happens in your body, ignore it—do not resist. Let the Fire Dragon Pill resolve everything."

The pill, the size of a hen's egg, radiated an intense heat, flames roaring within. Gu Zhenzhen glanced at Liang Xi and Ji Anran, steeled herself, and swallowed it whole. Instantly, it felt as though she were consumed by fire, her world a hallucination. "Remember: do not resist. All you see is illusion. If you fight it, the illusion becomes real. Ji Anran, you studied under Hua Lian and know that in illusion arts, if the mind is unsettled, all illusions become reality. We must wait for the pill to consume the poison—only then will she survive."

Gu Zhenzhen felt a powerful force swirling within her. The Wangchuan poison, though fierce, retreated before the might of the pill. Yet the two forces were natural enemies; the Fire Dragon Pill pursued the poison relentlessly. Her body became a battleground, shifting between hot and cold. She nearly collapsed, but thoughts of Liang Xi kept her going. She could not lose now.

After an incense stick's time, the fierce aura finally calmed. Gu Zhenzhen's delicate face was flushed. "Brother Liang Xi, I really did it. Did I do well?" All she wanted was his approval; with it, she could face any hardship.

Ji Anran stepped forward and wiped the sweat from her brow. "You did very well—better than I could have. My affinity is for cold; I could never bear the Fire Dragon Pill's power. You always thought yourself weaker, but today it is I who must praise you." For the first time, Gu Zhenzhen felt truly happy.

"Enough talk. You have one night to cultivate. Tomorrow is the third trial, which depends on strength. Surely you wish to be Liang Xi's greatest support? I intend to teach you Lingwei, a divine art I collected in my youth. It focuses on nurturing the mind, which you need. Prayer is powerful, but taxing."

"Your father likely never intended you to use Prayer forever. It requires a heart devoted to protection. In Yasha Sect, such hearts abound, but yours is unique—you fight out of love, to protect Liang Xi alone."

"This explains why, when the Water Lord's treasure collapsed, you were able to shield him instantly. In that moment, you truly completed Prayer. Am I right?" Luo Mingyu, though not present that day, missed nothing.

Gu Zhenzhen stared at him in wonder. "If you wish to know about me, I can tell you—but that will cost you precious time to practice. Which is more important: stories or helping Liang Xi?"

"I'll learn! Anything to help Brother Liang Xi," she cried. Only by growing stronger could she truly help him. Facing Liang Chen, she had sensed the man's formidable power—Liang Xi was strong, but defeating that brute would be no easy task.

With childlike curiosity, she asked, "Is Lingwei truly so impressive? You said Prayer is the greatest mental art—why should I bother with Lingwei?"

Luo Mingyu, ever proud, had four great loves: beauties, wine, music, and collecting divine arts—even excelling at each. He smiled, "Prayer is powerful but exhausting. Lingwei balances it. Try it and see. But remember, you only have one night; how far you go is up to you."

With a flick of his hand, a golden light entered Gu Zhenzhen. "I've already planted Lingwei in you. Spend this night refining it. Now, only you can help yourself. Liang Xi, Ji Anran, let us leave. I believe that by dawn she will have mastered it."

Gu Zhenzhen immediately felt the difference. Luo Mingyu was right—Prayer was powerful but domineering, whereas Lingwei was gentle. Lingwei cultivated four energies: White Clouds, Azure Snow, Violet Stars, and Golden Light. White Clouds confounded enemies, Azure Snow and Violet Stars harmed them, and Golden Light protected the body. No one knew its origin, but had she practiced only Lingwei, she could have roamed the world unchallenged. Now, having reached Prayer's fourth realm, the combination made her even stronger.

For most, cultivating qi was a nebulous art, but Gu Zhenzhen's foundation in Prayer made it easy. Her progress was smooth and swift.

Outside, Liang Xi and Ji Anran sat in silence, wine before them yet lacking any appetite. "Are you truly so worried for little Zhenzhen? Do you not trust her—or Lingwei? The silence within means all is well. Have you forgotten? She is a master of mental arts."

Luo Mingyu, ever the hedonist, poured another cup. "Come now, to waste good wine is a sin. As the young master of Yasha Sect, are you so easily undone?" Liang Xi and Ji Anran exchanged glances, knowing impatience was useless.

"You should worry about your uncle. You haven't seen him for many years, have you? The Tranquil Spirit technique he practices is formidable. Much of what happened tonight was an act—he already knew Zhenzhen's origins and how to counter Prayer. He deliberately took the hit to buy time. Tomorrow, to win the Bright Rosy Jade, he will fight with all his might. Are you prepared?"

Liang Xi drained his cup. "You're right. I barely know my uncle. All I do know is he always opposed my father—beating him is his lifelong ambition. This fight was inevitable. Since it cannot be avoided, I will give it my all."

"Your sense of kinship holds you back. It's admirable, but also a fatal flaw. If your uncle tries to kill you tomorrow, will you strike back or flee? The Liang clan did not raise you to be soft. If you die, you know what fate awaits those who love you. Do you really think your uncle would spare them?"

Luo Mingyu's expression darkened, recalling his own past—how softness had cost him much. Now, as the most renowned gentleman in the land, he saw in Liang Xi a reflection of his former self. "These words are hard to hear, but true."

Liang Xi, though mischievous, was no fool. "You are right, brother. I will remember."

Soon, the stone door opened and Gu Zhenzhen emerged, her complexion restored. "Yes, that is right. The girl has succeeded. Now your channels are brimming with power, and the chill of Wangchuan is suppressed. Use your strength freely."

"Fair lady, what are you waiting for? Strike her—test her strength for yourself. Fight with everything you have."

Ji Anran launched into her graceful beauty's footwork, her left hand employing the art of capture, her right the River Gazing Palm—all killing moves. Gu Zhenzhen twisted away, evading the fierce attacks, a chill forming in her palms—the second level of Lingwei, Azure Snow. Yet Ji Anran, a master of the River Gazing Palm since childhood, was unharmed. Her attacks flowed without end; after a hundred moves, Gu Zhenzhen's chill was utterly shattered.

Though they spoke of using their full strength, neither could truly bear to harm the other. Ji Anran, grateful to Gu Zhenzhen, held back with every move. After a hundred exchanges, they halted, smiling at each other.

"Zhenzhen, you are truly formidable now. You did not even use Prayer—only Lingwei—yet fought me to a standstill. If you used both, I could not win. Remarkable, truly remarkable."

"You flatter me, sister. You excel in three arts; I am far behind." The two outstanding women exchanged mutual praise, leaving Liang Xi thoroughly amused.