Chapter 3: Choices Within the Bewildering Maze

Ba Three Blades would never let his disciple die in vain; as a master, he would avenge him when Li Moqing came to Taiyun Golden Valley. Yet the man was always one to treat his words as trifles—how could Ba Three Blades wait so long? If he could not avenge his disciple Xiong Zhen, how could he continue to stand firm in Taiyun Golden Valley? Baishui Gathering, was it? Very well, he hadn’t visited in ages; this time, he would seize the opportunity to see old friends—an excellent prospect. “You all stay home and stand guard. If the other three hall masters come searching, tell them I am in seclusion, cultivating. Say nothing more. If trouble arises, I will take responsibility.”

“Yes,” the disciples answered in unison.

Though lacking in strength, these disciples were remarkably adept at handling people. The men of Baishui Gathering, having killed their senior brother, ought to know that what awaited them was their master’s overwhelming fury.

Today, Ba Three Blades donned elegant white robes. His appearance was entirely at odds with his name; he was a true refined gentleman. Unlike Liang Xi’s restrained opulence, his own noble air was flamboyant, perfectly befitting his moniker. He used only the finest, never compromising, at any time or place. Riding a tall white steed, he galloped toward Baishui Gathering; behind him, the rolling mountains of Taiyun Golden Valley receded into the distance.

Upon the massive city walls, Qingyu Hall’s master Leng Jiu and Jinhu Hall’s master Yue Jin Hong watched his departing figure, sighing quietly.

“You knew that Three Blades would ultimately make this choice; why didn’t you stop him earlier?”

“Stop him? Jin Hong, you and I have known Three Blades’ temperament all these years. Knowing he would turn out this way, why bother stopping him? Besides, aren’t you curious to meet our future valley mistress? I’ve heard, this Miss Li Moqing is not only beautiful, her inherited Undying White Flame has reached the seventh level, the Heart-Fire Realm—her skill is formidable. Well, the matter has happened; we need only wait. If Li Moqing cannot defeat Three Blades, she is unworthy to be our valley mistress. All those tales about Undying White Flame’s power are mere hearsay, nothing more.”

Leng Jiu always wore such an expression, as if everything was within his grasp. Yue Jin Hong could only feel helpless. The eldest favored following the valley master’s lead, and over the years, Taiyun Sutra reached its fifth realm; he was second only to the valley master. Three Blades was fiercely protective, his disciples all violent. Second Brother Leng Jiu was close only with himself, usually solitary.

So, in this vast Taiyun Golden Valley, was he, Yue Jin Hong, the only normal one? Yet Second Brother was right: if Li Moqing cannot pass Third Brother’s trial, the Undying White Flame is better left aside. Everyone says it’s powerful, but its reputation is hollow, with nothing to show for it.

“Let’s go, let’s go—drink some wine. No need to worry about Third Brother. He may seem rash, but he’s meticulous. He left the valley so easily because you and I agreed not to hinder him.” Leng Jiu most wanted to share a drink with his friend Yue Jin Hong.

“Come, come, Miss, taste my handmade Pearl White Rice. I dare not boast about much, but when it comes to making Pearl White Rice, my skill is unmatched. Today, none of you may leave—you must eat to your heart’s content. I am truly happy today. Miss, you don’t know how much Baishui Gathering has suffered under that wretched Xiong Zhen. Though we have many martial halls, all teach basic self-defense, meant for health, not conflict.”

“But Xiong Zhen heard rumors that one of our halls hid peerless martial arts, so he came daily to challenge us. With his skill, beating everyone would be easy, but he insisted on losing deliberately. In his mind, only by doing so could he draw out our real abilities. Yet Baishui Gathering has stood for a hundred years, and even the founder only taught basic self-defense.”

“Peerless arts? Never existed. Anyway, Miss, thank you. But Xiong Zhen was vengeful; now he’s dead here, and his master is formidable. I fear this will bring you trouble.”

The people of Pearl Residence nodded in agreement. Li Moqing found them amusing; facing such a situation, shouldn’t they be worried about themselves? Even if they all acted together, they could not withstand a single blow from Xiong Zhen’s master. Yet now, they fretted over her. Did they think she lacked the ability?

Li Moqing tasted the Pearl White Rice. “Delicious! I never expected such flavor. It looks ordinary, but its taste varies. I’ve never eaten anything so tasty—if my elder brother were here, he would love it too.”

Seeing she paid no heed to the threat, the people could only feel helpless. But the manager of Pearl Residence could not allow this to continue. “Miss, after this meal, you must leave. Only then will you be safe. Baishui Gathering and Taiyun Golden Valley had an agreement; they dare not harm us, but you are different. Xiong Zhen died by your hand—if you remain, Ba Three Blades will not let you go.”

“He is one of Taiyun Golden Valley’s four hall masters, and his Taiyun Sutra has reached the third realm. He is violent by nature. If you meet him, you’ll be in real trouble. Wait until things settle; if you want Pearl White Rice again, old me will welcome you. Suyi Tower has shown me great kindness—I only wish you no harm. If you are hurt here, I’ll have no face to see the people of Suyi Tower.”

With a soft click, Li Moqing set down her chopsticks, looking around. No one dared meet her gaze; she understood—these people feared that her presence would bring disaster. Since things had reached this point, she could not stay.

“Uncle Manager, no need to say more. I understand. After this meal, I’ll leave. If there’s another chance, I’ll return.”

The rest breathed a secret sigh of relief. Thank goodness she agreed; if she hadn’t, they wouldn’t know what to do. She had helped them before—forcing her out would be rude. Now, departing on her own, it was best.

Li Moqing cared little for their changing expressions. Without her Undying White Flame, she might have acted the same, perhaps even worse. Understanding this, she had nothing to complain about. If things repeated, she would do the same. She couldn’t watch innocents suffer. How they later treated her was out of her hands.

Meanwhile, not far from Baishui Gathering, a lone rider sped down the straight road—Ba Three Blades.

“Everyone, no need to see me off. If fate allows, we’ll meet again. Go back now.” The crowd felt uneasy; she had helped them, yet they treated her so. It violated all chivalry, so they escorted her again and again, hoping to soothe their guilt.

Li Moqing finally left Baishui Gathering. Turning back, she saw the people fading into the distance. They were lovable—they were simply afraid, and fear is instinct. She waved to them and strode away. But did she really leave? Of course not. The matter was far from settled. She moved away, but not too far, so if Baishui Gathering was endangered, she could return instantly.

No sooner had Li Moqing departed than Ba Three Blades arrived on horseback. The two crossed paths; Li Moqing halted, glanced back. Was that rider a figment of her imagination? She sensed a chill from him—perhaps she was overthinking it. Baishui Gathering had many such people passing through.

“So I’ve finally arrived? After all these years, Baishui Gathering is still the same—lively, and just as detestable as ever. Well, since I’m here, I’ll take a look inside.”

Ba Three Blades, infamous though he was, few had seen him in person, making his actions easy. Shops lined both sides of the stone road; Ba Three Blades walked slowly, stopping at the middle of Baishui Long Street. On the left was Pearl Residence. It was mealtime; he strode in with an air of authority.

Upon entering Baishui Gathering, Ba Three Blades subdued his murderous intent. His expression was calm; he was just here to eat—what problem could there be?

“Sir, welcome! Please, come in!” The waiter was as enthusiastic as ever.

“Have you heard? Yesterday, outside the city, Li Moqing killed Xiong Zhen, and now she’s gone. That battle was spectacular. If I’m not mistaken, Li Moqing could have easily killed Xiong Zhen, but they fought for a thousand moves—why? Do you know?”

Ba Three Blades had just sat down when he overheard two diners discussing yesterday’s duel.

“Oh? Then, Brother Wang, don’t keep me in suspense. I know you watched the entire fight—my curiosity is piqued, please tell me.”

Brother Wang scowled, his empty wine cup before him. His companion hurried to refill it. “Alright, alright, speak up.”

Brother Wang drank, ate a bite, then spoke slowly: “It’s because Li Moqing, though possessing peerless martial arts like Undying White Flame, lacks experience in facing enemies. Without a strong opponent to spar with, she could not reach the seventh level, Heart-Fire Realm. So, the two fought for so long—not because she couldn’t kill him, but because she didn’t wish to.”

“When her skill was nearly perfected, Xiong Zhen’s task was complete—a mutually beneficial arrangement. If it were you, wouldn’t you do the same?”

The crowd found it reasonable; peerless arts require a whetstone. Only then can they shine. Ba Three Blades was furious and sorrowful, yet now he said nothing. Since he was here, all matters must be settled—but not yet.

The manager of Pearl Residence felt terrible. When everyone hoped Li Moqing would leave, he hadn’t stopped or argued. Hmph, what’s done is done—regret is useless now.

That night, Baishui Gathering slept soundly.

“Manager, I’ve brought your breakfast.” Usually, the manager was the earliest riser. Today was unusual—Pearl Residence had opened, but the manager hadn’t awakened. The waiter, worried, came with breakfast.

Finding no movement inside, he pushed the door open. Everything was as usual. Turning right, he saw the manager lying on the sandalwood bed. The waiter approached, calling softly, “Manager, breakfast is here—please get up and eat.”

There was no response. The waiter sensed something wrong, felt for breath, and found the manager was dead. Never having seen such a scene, the waiter fled in terror. This matter must be checked by the martial hall masters.

“Breath is gone; all meridians shattered by a single strike. The killer is a master, a Taiyun Sutra expert. Judging by the technique, he’s at the third realm.”

The hall master, though not strong, was shrewd—he immediately saw the key. “There’s a letter on the table. Waiter, didn’t you see it?”

“I was so frightened I couldn’t notice anything else. I never opened the letter.”

“Hmph, useless—too scared to even read a letter.” The hall master seemed formidable, yet if he were truly so, why hadn’t he stepped up before?

“I have long admired your skill, Miss. I present a gift; upon seeing it, please visit Taiyun Golden Valley. I will welcome you wholeheartedly. If we can spar, I will be most delighted.”

The letter was faintly scented, the handwriting bold. The ‘Miss’ referred to Li Moqing, but she was gone. Where could one seek her now? Had they known, they shouldn’t have let her leave. Baishui Gathering always believed Taiyun Golden Valley would not dare act against them, but they forgot that Taiyun Golden Valley never cared for rules.

Now things had reached this point—who could they blame? If Li Moqing had stayed, she might have resisted for a time. Now, what should they do? The hall master had no idea.

“If you’ve come for me, then I alone should resolve this.”

A graceful figure appeared—it was Li Moqing, returned. She was no ordinary person; after sensing the murderous aura from the rider she had crossed paths with, she kept watch. But she was still a step too late.

“Since you caused this, you should resolve it yourself. Why did you leave? Why meddle? Without you, none of this would have happened!” The people, their expressions desolate and voices unfriendly, blamed everything on Li Moqing. Now, she was an outsider in every sense.

But the people of Baishui Gathering truly forgot—though Li Moqing was approachable, that didn’t mean people could throw mud at her. If she remained soft, they would only press further. Indeed, her face turned cold, and her aura was imposing. “So now all the blame falls on me? If I hadn’t acted, Pearl Residence would have been lost!”

“A bunch of fools unable to distinguish right from wrong—besides shouting, what else can you do? When the killer came, none of you stood up. Now you’re all suddenly brave. Enough talking. I ask: who among you dares accompany me to Taiyun Golden Valley? Anyone may step forward.”

Li Moqing’s presence was overwhelming; her voice was low but commanded everyone. The previously arrogant crowd fell silent. “What? If none of you have the courage, stay put!”

Taiyun Golden Valley, is it? Fine, she was going there anyway. Uncle had already written to explain everything; now Li Moqing knew her connection to Taiyun Golden Valley. Hmph, Valley Mistress—what a grand title. Did she care?

“Don’t trust this woman! Do you know her relationship with Taiyun Golden Valley? You may not believe it, but she is the future Valley Mistress. If she goes alone, who knows what will happen? She must not be allowed to leave rashly!”

A tall man suddenly jumped out, pointing at Li Moqing, painting her as a villain. The crowd’s faces darkened. No one expected Li Moqing to have such ties to Taiyun Golden Valley. The man was Brother Wang, who had eaten at Pearl Residence.

Brother Wang’s skills were ordinary, but he was a master of information. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say there was no news in the world he couldn’t obtain. Many secrets, yet he had survived all these years—truly a remarkable man!

Li Moqing finally grew angry. She rarely lost her temper, but now her body trembled with fury. “What do you want? Or what do you all intend? Speak plainly!”

“I knew this lovely lady was no good. See? If not for her, Pearl Residence would be fine. Regardless, we demand justice!”

“Wait, I haven’t finished. Why are you so eager? Last night, while you slept, where was your courage? This woman traveled all night from Nameless Mountain to Baishui Gathering—a great distance in a single night. Does that not say something?”

“Yes, I said Miss is the future Valley Mistress, but notice: future. That’s only Taiyun Golden Valley’s wish. Miss and Suyi Tower would never agree. So, the matter falls on her. You know Suyi Tower’s reputation, and Miss saved our lives. Are we to be ungrateful beasts?”

“I know you’ve wondered why I, Brother Wang, have survived all these years without martial arts. Today, I’ll tell you: because I distinguish right from wrong. If I promise something, even through hell, I’ll do it. That’s why all sects respect me!”

“Yes, strong people can do many things, but even those without martial arts can accomplish much, sometimes more. Could you do better than me? If not, shut up!”

Brother Wang was truly fascinating. Anyone could easily kill him, yet under his aura, none dared approach. “Miss, do you think me fickle? If these people offended you, please, for the manager’s sake, forgive them. Allow me to introduce myself: Wang, given name Xiong, the city master of Baishui Gathering.”

Who says a city master must be imposing? The key is to distinguish good from evil. In this, Brother Wang excelled. “In the past, we weren’t like this, but over the years, we’ve been bullied too much. Anyone would change. Miss, I know it’s improper to ask, but please, help us seek justice. We only want a peaceful life—why is that so hard?”

“No need to say more. Leave it to me. Even if not for myself, for the Pearl White Rice, I will see it done.”

The Divine Origin Sword still lay quietly in the bedroom, ancient as ever. “The Divine Origin Sword was given to you by Uncle Manager, but you wouldn’t accept it. Now, it’s still the same sword—will you take it?”

Brother Wang had wanted it more than once, but Uncle Manager never agreed. He said, the family sword needed a kindred spirit for its master. Now, after years in dust, it finally had an owner.

“Divine Origin, you witnessed your master’s murder and must be furious. Will you accompany me to Taiyun Golden Valley?” Divine swords were always said to be sentient; Li Moqing believed it. Indeed, the sword rang out sharply. Taking it in hand, she said, “Good. Let’s go—let’s meet this so-called Taiyun Golden Valley. They want me as Valley Mistress? In this world, no man moves me but my elder brother!”

With a few leaps, Li Moqing vanished. Her speed was astonishing. But who was the elder brother she referred to? If she was so formidable, could her brother be even stronger?

Taiyun Golden Valley, Ba Xiong Hall. Ba Three Blades watched the scented letter in his hand, his lips curling into a cold smile. “Finally coming? Good—I await you.”

“Now, are you satisfied? Wasn’t it always your wish for this woman to stand up for you? Now she does, but what is your expression? If you fear, come with her—but I doubt you have the courage.”

“If you had courage, things wouldn’t be like this. As city master, I never wanted to manage you, because years ago I knew your nature. All these years, nothing has changed!”

“Fine, you fear, but as city master, I cannot retreat. Others can help once, twice, thrice—but not every time. The only people we can trust are ourselves, but you lost that courage long ago. You disappoint me! Though I am city master, I feel unqualified. All I can do now is this—take care!”

With that, Brother Wang strode out, footsteps resolute. The others’ faces paled. A city master with no martial arts had such courage, while they, trained from youth, could not move.

“We have been wrong, truly. We have nearly forgotten our former selves. When did we abandon ourselves? No point in pondering now. Is Baishui Gathering truly without good men? Must our benefactor save us again and again? If word spreads, what will others say? That matters little—but can we live with ourselves?”

In that moment, the spirit of Baishui Gathering’s men awoke. “Let’s go—even if we risk our lives, we must aid our benefactor, to show the world we are not ungrateful!”

“Indeed. Uncle Manager was family; now he’s dead. Even through hell, we fight!” Encouraged, Baishui Gathering’s heroes followed their city master.

Brother Wang never expected, after so many years, their courage remained. “Very well. At last you come. I thought you’d still hide. Since you’ve decided, follow me!”

“How long has it been since you fought in earnest? Perhaps you’ve forgotten what battle feels like?”

Battle? Yes, it had been years. How much skill remained? No matter—the fight would not retreat! That was everyone’s thought.

Leaving Baishui Gathering, heading east, after a day’s journey, they reached endless mountains—Taiyun Golden Valley. It was said to comprise mountain, water, and city: Taiyun Mountain, Unforgotten Water, and the city itself, a unique layout.

Legend held that Taiyun Valley’s ancestor was a deeply passionate man, but he could never be with his beloved. So, he invented the Taiyun Sutra, with six realms: Ruined Life, Unforgettable, Reunion, Regret, Unbroken Love, and Falling Flowers.

Throughout his life, he never mastered the Taiyun Sutra, halting at the fifth realm. It wasn’t lack of talent, but an inability to forget love. To ask him to forget was worse than death.

Taiyun Golden Valley was built for his beloved, but that wish was never fulfilled. Thus, though beautiful, the valley always felt tinged with sorrow.

Li Moqing traveled slowly and steadily. The place was strange—she had walked back and forth several times, yet never left. The only explanation: she was trapped in an illusion. But when had it begun? She hadn’t noticed.

“Hahaha, Miss, your courage is admirable. I left only a letter and you dared come alone. For that, I respect you. To have such a person as an opponent delights me. This is Taiyun Golden Valley’s Maze Array. There are many such arrays in the world, but ours is unique. Do you think you are in an illusion?”

“Wrong—all wrong. An illusion is simply something real that exists in your heart. What you see is what you desire. How can you escape your own heart?”

“But you are clever. Spend more time, and perhaps you’ll understand. Until you do, you’re not my opponent. I have nothing else to do—let’s talk.”

Ba Three Blades’ voice was gentle, utterly different from his violent nature. The sound alone inspired closeness.

Li Moqing gazed into the distant void, proud. “Are you the one who killed Pearl Residence’s manager? State your name. I do not kill nameless men. If you dared act, you must be prepared.”

“Yes, I am Ba Three Blades. The manager died by my hand. How is it? The scented paper I left—nice, isn’t it? It took me ages to find. Now its fragrance has seeped into your meridians. Even if you could leave, how could you enter Taiyun Golden Valley unharmed? Girl, you are too naive. The martial path was never yours. Your confusion and hesitation are clear. What you truly need is others’ protection. You were always like this.”

“And now, still. Are these burdens truly yours? No, never—they belong to your parents. They are incompetent, yet unwilling, so they kept telling you: you belong to Suyi Tower, you must bear these burdens. Hahaha, what a joke! They couldn’t do it, torn by choices—why should you sacrifice everything?”

“Are you truly willing? Do you really never want to see your beloved elder brother again? Think carefully—if Zhuang Yun Zhen knew you were like this, how sad he would be.”

Such seductive words drew Li Moqing into sleep again. Why had things ended this way? Hadn’t she understood back in Baishui Gathering? Was everything before a mistake?

“Enough. Stop thinking now. Sleep peacefully. Maybe, when you awaken, everything will change. But I know—no matter how you change, you will always be yourself. The ruthlessness you showed before—that was not you. You wish to emulate Ji Anran, but you are different. If Ji Anran were here, she would not be confused!”

“Do you know why? Because she wants only Liang Xi, while you want everything—and end up with nothing.”

Thus spoke Ba Three Blades.