Chapter 4: The Arrival of the Celestial Shadow

Gu Zhenzhen believed that with the abilities she now possessed, she would surely be able to help Brother Liangxi. "Truly remarkable, Miss Gu. You mastered the four realms of Lingwei in just an hour after your injury. Excellent. Since that's the case, I imagine you three must have much to discuss. Ever since you met, the three of you have hardly had an opportunity to speak your hearts. I understand that feeling very well. This place is most elegant—I'll leave it to you. Just remember: when the sun rises, you will face a bitter struggle. I'll go prepare things now. Rest assured, my final arrangements will certainly astonish you."

Since the third trial was a test of strength, an ordinary stage would hardly suffice. Luo Mingyu had not felt such excitement in a long time. This time, he was determined to create something truly unique. Luo Mingyu loved to be in the spotlight, and with such a rare opportunity, he meant to enjoy it thoroughly. Though he was just in his early twenties, there was a youthful vigor about him that had not been seen in years.

With the door to the room closed, only the three—Liangxi, Ji Anran, and Gu Zhenzhen—sat facing one another. Liangxi felt suddenly ill at ease. Earlier, Anran and Zhenzhen had sparred, and though there were limits to their contest, it was clear their abilities were well matched. If those two were to fight for real now, whom should he help?

At last, Liangxi understood what it meant to be sitting on pins and needles. He had always been mischievous and playful, but now, for once, he found himself at a total loss for words to ease the tension. No, "awkward" was not quite right—"embarrassed" was more accurate. Ji Anran and Gu Zhenzhen had shared the dangers of the Water Sovereign's treasure and then come to Mingyu Manor together; any former misgivings had faded away. They both knew what Liangxi was feeling; to see him so embarrassed today was, in truth, a source of secret delight for them.

Especially for Ji Anran—ever since she’d met this rascal Liangxi, she always ended up losing their battles of wit, even though she liked him dearly. Still, she felt indignant. "Hmph! You must be feeling pleased with yourself, mustn’t you? After all, both Gu Zhenzhen and I are unrivaled in beauty, and both of us are fond of you. If I were you, I’d be smug too."

Liangxi, troubled about how to break the silence, brightened at the sound of the first words from the great beauty Ji. When dealing with a beautiful woman, there was always one sure way since ancient times: shamelessness. If one could cast aside pride, laughter would follow. Boldly, Liangxi declared, "Ah, great beauty, you know me so well. Indeed, I am feeling quite pleased with myself right now."

"In fact, ever since I was young, I’ve had a wish—that all the women in the world would love me. Later, I realized how impossible that was. But now, with such a peerless beauty by my side, I am truly content. Hahaha!"

When a man resorts to roguery, a woman is powerless to resist, especially Ji Anran, who adored Liangxi. She knew he was always shameless, but even so, his words just now were...

"Shameless! Do you really think all the women in the world would love you? I regret it now—how could a beauty like me have fallen into your hands? Heaven is unjust!"

Liangxi laughed heartily, pulled Ji Anran close, and kissed her delicate cheek. "Mmm, so fragrant." Then he kissed Gu Zhenzhen as well. Gu Zhenzhen, though she had wished for this, was flustered and blushing when it truly happened. Ji Anran, surprised by Liangxi's boldness, found herself feeling a sensation she had never experienced before. After her initial embarrassment and annoyance, she teased, "Well, Zhenzhen, you saw that, right? To deal with a scoundrel like him, we mustn’t go easy. Let’s join forces and teach him a lesson!"

"This rascal’s shamelessness knows no bounds—such a villain!" Her words, delicate and crisp, only heightened Ji Anran's beauty and charm. Though only fifteen, she was already so enchanting; what would she be like as a grown woman? Gu Zhenzhen, cheeks flushed, was clearly still dazed from Liangxi's kiss. Ji Anran, seeing her in such a state, thought to herself, "Such a hopeless girl! Just a kiss, and she’s lost her wits?"

Where had all her courage in their earlier contest gone? Liangxi was not truly a libertine, but after all they had been through, he realized that if either Ji Anran or Gu Zhenzhen were to suffer misfortune, he would never forgive himself. He did not want to have regrets. He had already decided: if he loved, he would love wholeheartedly. Why be coy? To hell with hesitation.

"My second uncle is indeed formidable. But today, if the three of us join forces, there’s no certainty we will lose. However skilled he may be, can he compare to that scoundrel Wan Ruyu?"

"Master, didn’t we agree with Shadow Heaven Sect to join forces and seize the Luminous Jade of Falling Sunset? But from your demeanor, it seems you plan to act alone. I don’t know exactly how skilled Liangxi is, but as for Ji Anran and Gu Zhenzhen, they are not to be underestimated. Judging by Liangxi’s determination, he is set on claiming the jade for himself." Ever since leaving Yunzhou, Liang Chen had journeyed to Sizhou, and after more than ten years of hard struggle, finally established his own power. The hardships need not be spoken of.

Sizhou was a land of bitter cold and poverty in the far north, sparsely populated and barren. Yet through sheer perseverance, Liang Chen transformed it into a land of great wealth. Now, his name was known everywhere. What’s more, he was devoted to martial cultivation; after mastering the Art of Roaming Spirit and Tranquil Breath, his strength became astonishing. He did all this to prove himself—not a whit inferior to his elder brother. In fact, he now far surpassed him in many ways, and he was determined to reclaim what was rightfully his.

"What is the Shadow Heaven Sect but my dog? If I hadn’t brought them to Sizhou, would they have what they do today? Want to usurp their master? Dream on!"

Sizhou prospered because of him, as did the Shadow Heaven Sect. But its leader, Tian Ziling, had become increasingly unruly. Though Liang Chen did once propose an alliance, he had since changed his mind—the Luminous Jade of Falling Sunset was too valuable. "You have all followed me for years. As long as you remain loyal, we shall be invincible. My nephew Liangxi is a wild child—had it not been for my brother and sister-in-law cleaning up his messes, he would have come to a bad end."

Liang Chen paused and continued, "For over a decade, that boy has trained at Lingyun Palace, but no one knows what he’s really learned. Even if he’s acquired some powerful martial art, he’s no match for me. The only one in Mingyu Manor I need to watch out for is Luo Mingyu. He’s called the first young lord under heaven, and his Five Harmonies Divine Tone is a rare and formidable art. If he intervenes, I don’t know my odds of victory."

"Spread the word—our brothers must be ready at all times. Surround Mingyu Manor in secret. The Luminous Jade of Falling Sunset must not fall into anyone else’s hands. I have prepared for this for so long. The Art of Roaming Spirit and Tranquil Breath is powerful, but its backlash is terrible; this is why I do not wish to face Luo Mingyu directly."

"Yes, Master. Rest assured, I know what to do." Soon, the house returned to its former stillness. For Liang Chen, the surname Liang carried no honor—only endless humiliation. But all that was the past.

A decade of tempering had made this man’s heart hard and reserved, but his competitive spirit had only grown fiercer with his skills. What could Liangxi and the others accomplish in a single night?

"So late—why aren’t you resting? What brings you to me?" Luo Mingyu looked at Liangxi, as if he’d known all along he would come, yet still asked deliberately.

"Brother, I’d like to ask you for something—to dispel cold energy. Anran seems to have been afflicted by the River of Forgetfulness chill in the Water Sovereign’s treasure, though she’s kept silent, probably not wanting me to worry. After all, we three came here for Zhenzhen, and there is only one Luminous Jade. Anran must want to spare me the dilemma."

"But the more she hides it, the less I can pretend nothing’s wrong. Please, brother, give it to her in your own name. Anran has always been proud—since she doesn’t want me to know she’s hurt, I’ll pretend not to." Liangxi had always been sensitive; Ji Anran’s silence was her way of expressing love, and Liangxi’s feigned ignorance was his.

"Hahaha, you and the great beauty Ji are made for each other: one keeps silent, the other pretends not to know. Leave it to me. What, you came just for this? Don’t worry, the great beauty knows three families’ secret arts—even the River of Forgetfulness’s poison is nothing to her."

Relieved, Liangxi waited until Ji Anran was sound asleep before quietly slipping out. On his way back, he was intercepted by Gu Zhenzhen, who had been waiting in the shadows. "Brother Liangxi, be honest—Anran was also afflicted by the chill of the River of Forgetfulness, wasn’t she?" Gu Zhenzhen was always astute; ever since leaving the river for Mingyu Manor, she had noticed something wrong with Anran’s complexion and, after seeing Liangxi sneak out, was certain.

"Brother Liangxi, at this point, don’t bother lying to me. I overheard your talk with Master Luo. The Luminous Jade is precious, but I cannot accept it."

"If I took the jade, I would be ashamed and regret it forever." Dressed in blue, Gu Zhenzhen had regained her color after taking the Fire Dragon Pill and practicing Lingwei. Her abilities still couldn’t match Anran’s, but she had her own pride.

"Brother Liangxi, Anran must think she owes me for saving you when the Water Sovereign’s treasure collapsed. That’s not true. Anran is a good person; she never owed me anything. Everything I did was my choice. Now, with the Fire Dragon Pill and Lingwei, the chill in me is much less. The jade should go to Anran. She has practiced Wangjiang Palm and Water Control since childhood—both arts are heavy with cold. Normally it’s fine, but if her internal cold erupts, it would be dangerous."

"The River of Forgetfulness’s poison is the key to releasing internal cold. Though Anran says nothing, I know she’s been enduring it all these days."

Liangxi was at a loss for words at Gu Zhenzhen’s earnest plea—each word incisive. Yet he couldn’t decide for Ji Anran. In this impasse, a clear voice rang out, "I don’t need the Luminous Jade. Who says I’ve been afflicted by the River of Forgetfulness? Besides, I’ve been immune to cold since childhood, practicing Wangjiang Palm and Water Control. Later, I learned the Thirty-two Harmonies of Forgetfulness and the Jade Dragon Art—what can a little cold do to me?"

"But you, Gu Zhenzhen, are different. You specialize in wishing, a rare spiritual art. Now your deep veins are invaded by cold—do you really not know? Liangxi and I came here to help you. If you, the sufferer, won’t accept the jade, then what were our efforts for? You were injured for your brother; by reason and feeling, the jade is yours. Liangxi and I decided this long ago—don’t refuse again."

Ji Anran did indeed harbor the River of Forgetfulness’s chill, but she could still suppress it. This must not be known to her brother; otherwise, he would make a fuss, and with only one Luminous Jade, whom should he choose? "Zhenzhen, since you call me sister, don’t refuse now." Ji Anran approached, the cold moonlight casting a radiant glow on her peerless face.

Gu Zhenzhen wanted to protest but, seeing this, couldn’t utter a word. In the presence of Anran’s ethereal poise, words were in vain. She came to stand before Gu Zhenzhen and Liangxi, taking their hands in hers. "There, these are just trifles. Brother, you didn’t finish your story earlier. You mustn’t try to wriggle out of it, or I won’t let you off." From ethereal beauty to the playful innocence of a young girl, the transformation was instant.

Women are changeable, and Ji Anran embodied this. She knew her internal cold would eventually erupt, but so what? To cherish each day with her beloved brother was what mattered most; the rest, she cared little for.

Gu Zhenzhen adored Liangxi, but upon truly understanding Ji Anran’s intentions, she felt a new respect for her. Anran’s cold poison was surely worse than her own, yet she remained cheerful and composed—this grace was something she could not match.

"Great beauty, I imagine you haven’t rested much on this journey. Let me give you a song. When you feel weary, play it, and it will calm your heart." Last night, after Liangxi spoke with Luo Mingyu, Luo decided to teach her the Pure Jade Melody—a secret technique from his Five Harmonies Divine Tone, with a cold attribute, useful for both attack and healing.

Most believe cold energy should be suppressed with violent yang energy, and in most cases that’s true. But Hanjiang Island, source of the Water Sovereign’s legacy, does things differently. If a disciple there suffers cold poison, only stronger cold can suppress it; using yang would destroy the practitioner’s skills. If Ji Anran did that, her cultivation would be ruined.

"Here’s the score, great beauty. With your memory, you’ll master the Pure Jade Melody in no time. Since you should call me brother, I ought to give my sister-in-law a gift, shouldn’t I?"

The word "sister-in-law" was music to Ji Anran’s ears. "Here, this jade flute is my own work. Use it to play the Pure Jade Melody, and its power will be fully realized. This flute, Sky Jade, is as hard as steel and serves as a weapon as well. A great beauty deserves a remarkable blade."

The Sky Jade flute was three feet long, divided into three sections: green jade in the middle, with black gold at each end. Cool to the touch and unadorned, the pure green jade complemented the black gold’s ancient luster, making the flute extraordinary. Ji Anran was delighted. "Since you say so, I must thank you, brother." Now, with the Sky Jade in hand, she was a beauty to rival precious stones.

"See? I’d never deceive you. This Sky Jade suits you perfectly. I hear the Water Sovereign’s ‘Ten Thousand Waters Origin’ includes a Ripple Sword technique. You’ll need a fine weapon for it." Luo Mingyu said to Liangxi. Mingyu Manor contained countless treasures, but only he and his twelve musicians could truly appreciate its beauty. Sometimes, he wondered why he had spent so much effort building this place.

He wanted to leave, but a vow bound him. Though his martial arts were unmatched, he could not depart. He valued Liangxi, hoping that one day the young man could help him break the oath. Without its constraints, he could accomplish much.

"Brother Liangxi, do you know why I value you so highly? Because your temperament is most like my own. This matter is best left to you. I once lost a bet and, bound by my vow, cannot leave. But you can. Have you heard of the Eastern Market?"

"Eastern Market? Of course. My parents told me our Liang clan originated there, but though our business spans the land, we’ve never been able to return. My father regrets it deeply. Brother, why do you mention this?"

"Hahaha, good brother, did you know I built the Eastern Market with my own hands? But I trusted the wrong man and ruined it. Even after all these years, it weighs on me. I cannot take revenge myself, but you can. If you help me finish this, I’ll give you the Eastern Market and make you its master. In this way, you’ll fulfill your father’s dream. Will you do it?"

"I know it may seem early to speak of this now, but no matter—when you’re ready, come to me. My promise to you stands, always." Luo Mingyu’s past was truly unexpected. Liangxi pondered a moment, then replied, "Don’t worry, big brother. I’ll help you with this one day."

"Good, very good. With your promise, I am at ease. The third trial’s stage is ready. Remember what I said: never take Liang Chen lightly! But you, Liangxi, are both playful and prudent. I trust you completely."

Luo Mingyu was clearly in high spirits, and gave Gu Zhenzhen some pointers. Though she had quickly mastered the four colors of Lingwei through her wish-cultivation foundation, it was still a shortcut; when this was over, she would need to relearn it to make her foundation solid.

Not far from Mingyu Manor, a thunder of hooves and a cloud of dust rose on the official road. At their head rode a man on a white tiger—yes, an entirely snow-white tiger, with not a single stripe. Behind the tiger came several magnificent steeds, clearly accustomed to their unusual companion. "Sect Master, once we cross this road, we will enter Mingyu Manor’s territory. What are your orders?" asked a man respectfully on the left.

Tian Ziling patted the tiger’s huge head; the beast, already spiritual, halted. "Since receiving Liang Chen’s letter, we have traveled day and night. Now we are here. Let our brothers rest. I know some of you have long thought I am too lenient with Liang Chen. It’s true that we, the Shadow Heaven Sect, only gained a foothold in Sizhou thanks to him."

"In those days, Sizhou was desolate and bitter cold. Its later prosperity is largely due to us. I know your opinions, but have you forgotten? Because of our Heaven Demon Sevenfold Heart method, we were reviled everywhere—no matter our strength, we had no place to use it. Thanks to Lord Liang Chen, we had a home. This is the last time I will help him. I don’t want anyone to say I lack loyalty or righteousness."

Tian Ziling had become sect master knowing he inherited a mess. The Shadow Heaven Sect had a terrible reputation, having relied on their Heaven Demon Sevenfold Art to do evil for generations. None of his predecessors had ever tried to change it; the sect was as pitiful as a stray dog. But Tian Ziling intended to change everything. Ever since Liang Chen brought him to Sizhou, Tian Ziling had grown fond of the place. What was bitter cold to him? At last, his brothers had put down roots, no longer drifting like seeds in the wind.

He knew Liang Chen was harsh and unfeeling, but he was grateful for his past kindness and had done some unsavory things for him. For this, he, the youngest sect master in the Shadow Heaven Sect’s history, had faced criticism from his men. Days ago, Liang Chen told him that once they seized the Luminous Jade, their debts would be settled, and they would go their separate ways.

Liang Chen usually kept his promises, which was why Tian Ziling had brought his best men. Their journey had been smooth. The man on his left, hearing his words, fell silent—so the sect master knew everything after all. Tian Ziling had been chosen as sect master by election, not by merit. The elders had picked him for his easygoing nature, and had shown little respect. But his words just now gave them a new impression—perhaps they had misjudged him.

The group moved slowly down the road. As they entered Mingyu Manor’s territory, signs of life appeared, and the road became lively. Abandoning their mounts, they entered a roadside tavern. All the inns and taverns here depended on Mingyu Manor. Only remarkable people could come to the manor, so business was always good. Though busy and tired, the constant stream of spirit crystals made it worthwhile.

"Gentlemen, please come in! There are fine private rooms on the third floor, exceedingly comfortable." At such busy times, the proprietor personally greeted guests. Tian Ziling, though dusty from travel, could not hide his noble bearing; his followers were fierce and wild, and the proprietor, shrewd and seasoned, thought, "This handsome gentleman must be of high status, judging by his companions," and was all the more cautious in speech and manner.

"You blind fool! How could you let people from the Heaven Demon Sect in here? We came to eat, not to risk our lives! Either they leave, or we all go. Choose!" barked a burly man, having caught sight of the white tiger embroidered on Tian Ziling’s robe—the symbol of the Heaven Demon Sect, feared by all.

Other patrons, newly seated or midway through their meals, tensed as if facing a deadly foe. The proprietor cursed the meddling brute in his heart for stirring up trouble.

"Hmph. Yes, we are from the Heaven Demon Sect. If any of you object, come and fight. What’s the use of big talk?" The speaker was Bu Yetian, foremost among the sect’s four Demon Shadows and Tian Ziling’s confidant. Having reached the fourth level, "Flame Dragon," of the Heaven Demon Sevenfold Art, Bu Yetian radiated killing intent and fire.

The bold customer, seeing this, turned pale and held his tongue. Tian Ziling sighed; he had known that once their presence was revealed, trouble would follow. He turned to the proprietor, whose face had gone ashen—this tavern had been in his family for generations. Was it to be ruined today?

"Brothers, let’s take our meal outside. Proprietor, just prepare us a fine table." Tian Ziling clapped Bu Yetian on the shoulder. "After such a long journey, aren’t you tired?" Each time he did, Bu Yetian’s aura lessened, until it faded completely. The proprietor, seeing this, quickly sent for the best fare.

To release such killing intent was impressive, but to dispel it so easily—this was rarer still. Clearly, only someone stronger than his wild men could lead them. Tian Ziling smiled at the proprietor. "Thank you."

Bu Yetian, following, recalled the advice of the Left King before they departed: "No matter the outcome, obey the sect master. We may have chosen him, but the Left and Right Kings have approved his strength. Don’t cause trouble, or not even I can protect you."

After the previous sect master’s death, the Left and Right Kings ruled the Shadow Heaven Sect. Both had mastered the fifth level, "Chaotic Shadow," of the Heaven Demon Art—the stage where one’s energy and killing intent are unleashed, harming both self and enemy. Few could match them together. To become sect master, one had to defeat both. No one had ever managed it—until now. Their contest was secret, but the result was clear. Had Tian Ziling failed, the Kings would never submit.

Bu Yetian recalled the three strikes Tian Ziling had given him just now—each stronger than the last. Had his foundation been weaker, those blows could have killed him. "Sect master, wait for me! Why walk so fast?" Bu Yetian was now certain Tian Ziling’s skills were greater than his own. Rumor had it that at the seventh and highest level, "Annihilation," all the evil energy would turn to righteous force. Could the sect master truly have reached it? The only explanation he could think of was that the sect master had indeed achieved the legendary seventh level—a great blessing for them all. Bu Yetian himself was dissatisfied with some of the sect’s old ways, but what could he do? If the sect master truly meant to change, he was willing to lead the charge.

The other patrons sighed with relief. If this had turned into a massacre, it would have been truly unpleasant. The brash man got only cold looks. "You’re always the first to run, aren’t you?"

"Brothers, our purpose here is the Luminous Jade of Falling Sunset—nothing else matters for now. Forgive me for making you eat by the roadside."

"Sect master, don’t say that. We know all about you. You’ve beaten the Left and Right Kings—our sect is far from finished. Whatever you wish to do, we will follow you." Their hearts echoed their words.

"Since you all trust me, I’ll tell you: I will lead us to a new tomorrow. Rest for now. Later, we’ll enter Mingyu Manor together. Don’t worry—I will never gamble the sect’s future. If Lord Liang Chen keeps his word, all is well. If not, we can seize Sizhou for ourselves. I know you all love Sizhou—I do too. Since my earliest memory, we’ve wandered endlessly. At last, we have found a home; we mustn’t let it go."

No one else understood so clearly that if they continued on the old path, the Shadow Heaven Sect would truly be finished. The Tian clan that founded the sect would have no future. Tian Ziling, though a collateral branch, now bore the responsibility of sect master.

"Now that everyone has eaten, let’s go meet our old friends and new. It’s said that the Luminous Jade of Falling Sunset possesses extraordinary power. Now that we’re here, we must see for ourselves."

With that, Tian Ziling mounted the mountain white tiger and led the charge toward Mingyu Manor.