Chapter 2: Inquiry into the Essence

After the battle at Taiyun Golden Valley, Zhuang Yunzhen gained a clear understanding of himself: he had to become stronger! Otherwise, he would never be able to protect anyone. All these years, a voice had echoed in his heart—a thought that, save for himself, no one else ever knew. When facing Liang Xi, he felt deeply inferior. Though he was the elder disciple, it was always Liang Xi that came to others' minds first, whether outsiders or their master Qi Ying. Aware that his martial talent paled in comparison to his junior brother’s, Zhuang Yunzhen knew he had only one path: ceaseless effort. Fortunately, the results had been satisfying.

He aspired to be like his junior brother, but his temperament would not allow it. Now, he too had someone he cared for. So this is what it feels like to love someone, he marveled. How far could he go for the one he loved? He truly wanted to find out. Yet after the ordeal at Taiyun Golden Valley, he realized how naïve he had been. Facing a master like Qin Boyu, the valley lord, he had won, but only barely. His greatest problem was that he still could not fully unleash the supreme power of the Twin Radiance Palms. There were eight forms in total, the last two devastatingly invincible, but his strength was insufficient. Now, he was determined to find a way to master this peerless art as quickly as possible.

The Divine Physician Suwen was the ideal candidate to help. He had known of Suwen for years, but the man was elusive, his whereabouts a mystery, his temperament fickle. As a legendary healer, Suwen could cure any ailment, but his actions were always governed by whim; if he was in good spirits, anything was possible, but in a foul mood, he would abandon his patients without a second thought.

Such stories were countless. By now Suwen’s reputation was polarizing: those who admired him revered him as a god, while others scorned his character. Yet, regardless of his infamy, in times of true need, he was the first one people sought.

Not only for Li Moqing was Zhuang Yunzhen willing to take this step, but also for his junior brother. His brother's cultivation was formidable, but did that mean he needed no protection? Of course not. His brother's current strength was the fruit of bitter training since childhood. Since the age of five, from the moment he entered the sect and began practicing the Earth Scroll of the Lingyun Atlas, he had never rested, spending every day in relentless cultivation.

Only those who had endured such rigors could understand the hardship. That his brother remained optimistic, unconsumed by the formidable power of the Lingyun Atlas, was itself extraordinary. As his elder, Zhuang Yunzhen felt deep affection and pity, but back then, he had no ability to help, and his brother had to bear it all alone.

As an elder brother, he felt he had failed. Later, when he met and fell in love with Moqing, why was it that, every time the woman he loved faced danger, he was powerless to help? How long had this gone on? Each time she suffered grievous internal injuries, he was wracked with guilt. If he could not even protect the woman he loved, then what had all these years of arduous training been for?

How many more ordeals like Taiyun Golden Valley would it take before he truly understood?

“Big brother, are you leaving again this time? Do you think if you say nothing, I won’t notice? You’ve been in low spirits for a while. You think it’s because you failed to protect me, but it’s not so. You arrived at Taiyun Golden Valley in time. I know how hard these years have been for you.

“You’ve always wanted to protect me, and I have always wanted to protect you. That’s how I’ve felt, and that’s what I’ve done. If I hadn’t come, would you have left without a word again? Why do you always make me wait? Don’t you know I’m weary of waiting? Fine, you want to get stronger? Then stay and train here with me. Whatever you need, my White Garment Tower can provide.

“Or, if you insist on going, take me with you. I’ve already said: wherever you go, I’ll go. That’s my truest wish, and it’s never changed.”

Zhuang Yunzhen was deeply moved. For a moment, he truly wished to stay. But reality told him he could not. “White Garment Tower let me meet you and here I learned the Unmoving Golden Body. But you know, what I learned as a youth was the Twin Radiance Palms. These days, all I want is to master that art completely. Of the eight forms, I can only use the first six. The art is divided into yin and yang, and I cannot fully balance the two. This has limited my strength. So now, I must seek out a hermit master, hoping he can help me. Moqing, I know how much you worry about me, but you and I both must grow, become better selves, so we can truly help each other.

“A temporary parting is for a better tomorrow. You’ve always understood me best. Why, this time, won’t you let me go? Are you afraid I’ll never return? But you should know, for me, that will never happen. I’m a stubborn man who only knows hard work. I want to become your pride, your true support.

“Yes, we returned from Taiyun Golden Valley, but that was because of your uncle’s reputation, not my own power. What I truly want is to protect you with my own strength. Your uncle can save us once, twice, but there will come a day when his strength fails. What then?”

Li Moqing had never considered this. Now, even as master of the White Garment Tower and wielder of both the Azure Luan and Divine Origin swords, she still faced many things she could not foresee. Indeed, her uncle had protected her since she was a child. She had long grown used to his presence. In this, she was not like Ji Anran, who was fearless and bold by nature. Moqing preferred stability, but also enjoyed a dash of adventure.

Now, Moqing understood she could not stop the man before her. “Very well. I know nothing I say can change your mind now. All I can do is wish you luck. I have many matters to attend to here at White Garment Tower. The time we have together is precious. I have a feeling we may not see each other for a long while. Won’t you miss me?”

She knew nothing could change at this point; best then to cherish the time left. “When I leave this time, I will return even stronger. Trust me, I will become even better.”

The night was tranquil. Moqing nestled quietly in Zhuang Yunzhen’s arms, asleep, her face calm. Clearly, she cherished this rare peace.

“Brother Yunzhen, it seems you’ve truly made up your mind. Though Moqing says little, her heart grows ever more attached to you, as I’m sure you’ve noticed. She has never cared for anyone so deeply before. All her changes are because of you.”

Li Feichen knew the young man before him was now etched deeply into Moqing’s heart. To ask her to forget was impossible. “Young man, I understand everything you’ve said. I cherish the bond between Moqing and me as well. My leaving now is for her sake.

“The authority and strength Moqing displays are all for me. She wants White Garment Tower to thrive in her hands, believing that only then can she protect me. She overthinks it. As long as our hearts are as one, there is nothing I cannot do.”

These words came from the bottom of Zhuang Yunzhen’s heart. As dawn tinged the sky, though he was reluctant, he knew it was time to go.

Li Feichen found the young man’s expression amusing. “Now, now, why make such a face? It’s not as if you’ll never meet again. Don’t worry, Moqing is my niece. As her uncle, how could I neglect her? Still, your journey to Golden Swallow Hollow is fraught with danger. Take care. No one has ever truly found it—whether it even exists is uncertain. Are you sure you want to go?”

“There’s no need to say more, senior. I already know where Golden Swallow Hollow lies. I must master the Twin Radiance Palms, or how can I protect Moqing?”

Zhuang Yunzhen departed. No sooner had he left than Moqing awoke. “Big brother is gone?” She had not truly slept. She had closed her eyes only because, while awake, she could not bear for him to leave. Yet she also knew that, once one set foot on the martial path, there was no turning back. All that her brother did was for her; she had no reason to stop him.

“It seems you’ve truly thought it through now, knowing what’s best to do. Don’t worry, with Zhuang’s current strength, so long as he doesn’t meet a supreme master, no ordinary foe can harm him. Perhaps you don’t realize just how formidable your brother is now?

“In fact, even at Taiyun Golden Valley, facing Qin Boyu’s prowess, even if I hadn’t been there, he would have prevailed. Your brother’s foundation is solid—only through daily hard work did he reach this level. If possible, I’d like to see his skills for myself.”

“Uncle, let’s return. There is much to do at White Garment Tower. Now that I am the sect master, I must act accordingly. If, when brother returns, I am unchanged, that would be shameful. Don’t you agree?”

“My brother and I must grow together. Uncle, do you know whom I admire most? Ji Anran. She is the most remarkable woman I have ever met—decisive, never considering the dangers she might face in her actions. In this, I am not her equal. That is why I aspire to be like her. But you and brother know who I truly am—I have never been domineering, not once in my life.”

Now, all Moqing could do was silently wish for her brother’s safety. As for Golden Swallow Hollow, it was said to be utterly devoid of life, filled only with the breath of death. A vivid saying described it: “Within Golden Swallow Hollow, no life stirs; none return who enter.”

The Divine Physician Suwen was not only a master healer but also possessed peerless martial prowess. Yet he was an eccentric, and to this day, none knew where he dwelled—except, perhaps, Zhuang Yunzhen. At last, he arrived in Hundred Flowers City.

The city was famed for its fragrant blooms, said to make all who entered forget their past sorrows. For this, it was also called Forget-Worry City. Whatever troubles you bore, they would vanish here.

Upon entering, Zhuang Yunzhen saw everyone smiling. Yet to him, those smiles were tinged with falsity—a symptom, he knew, of poisoning. He realized that after passing through Hundred Flowers City, he would surely find Suwen.

A mad laugh echoed. “Suwen, after all these years, you haven’t changed. Always trying to save everyone. I always despised your hypocrisy, even though master favored you most. But what does it matter? Master is long dead, and all you relied on is history. No, I’m wrong—you left the sect years ago. Now we meet here, let’s settle everything. I truly want to see if you have any tricks left to escape today.

“You’ve been hiding long enough; surely you’re sick of it. But today, it all ends. I recall you once claimed your miraculous hands could cure any poison. Your ‘Drunken Cloud Depths’ skill was legendary. So why aren’t you using it now? Oh, I see—you must be terrified of me, right?

“Whatever you do is useless. Today, everyone in Hundred Flowers City will die because of you. You’ve lived here in seclusion, doing much for this place, but so what? No one is grateful.”

On the broad avenue, two figures faced each other—one in black, skin pale as snow, the other in plain white, surrounded by a faint herbal scent. Both looked disheveled, evidence of a fierce battle.

“Mandrake, you’re as detestable as ever. Do you really think you control Hundred Flowers City? This place was once where our master made his name, and I’ve lived here for years. I long ago discovered the formation that wards off all deadly flowers. We’ve fought hundreds of rounds, still no victor. If we continue, there will be no end. Let’s call it off. Rest assured, I will return to the sect in time. For now, I have no time to play with you.”

Suddenly, Mandrake sensed Zhuang Yunzhen’s presence and grew enraged. “You dare ruin my plans? You’ll die for this!”

“Mandrake, that youth is my newly-accepted disciple. Do you truly think I can’t kill you? I’ve let bygones be bygones out of respect for the past, but now you fancy yourself strong enough to challenge me?

“Very well, let’s end this today. I’d like to see how your poison arts have progressed. But I know this much: you were never my match, and now you can’t even touch me.

“Young man, stay put. He’s an old acquaintance of mine. With me here, he won’t dare act rashly.”

“Suwen, do you really want this to be a fight to the death? Fine, I’ll await your return at the sect. By then, no one will help you. You say this youth is your disciple? I only sense severe internal injury in him, nothing of your aura.” Mandrake feared Suwen—his “Drunken Cloud Depths” skill was formidable.

“Young man, you’re lucky this time. Next time, you won’t be. He can’t always protect you. Still, to neutralize my Hundred Flowers Poison by chance is impressive. I’ll remember you. Next time, I won’t let you go.”

Now Suwen called out, “Since you’ve come, reveal yourself. I know why you seek me. I can sense your grave internal injuries and damaged meridians. Though you’ve gained great strength, you can’t truly use it. Am I wrong?”

“Senior, you see through everything. I came precisely for this problem. It has troubled me for a long time, and I have long sought a cure.”

With a swish, Suwen appeared before Zhuang Yunzhen. Only now did he see Suwen’s face—unexpectedly youthful, even younger than his junior brother, always wearing a gentle smile. Such a smile could heal any wound.

Suwen laughed, “You see my youthful face and underestimate me. You’re not the first, nor the last. Twin Radiance Palms, Lingyun Atlas—Heaven Scroll, Unmoving Golden Body, Sword Qi Unification—all supreme arts, and you possess three of them without dying. You must have tried many things, eh?

“Did you not know the Twin Radiance Palms are of yin-yang nature? Forcing their use would damage your meridians. But you needn’t worry now—you’ve found me. If you hadn’t, there’d be no hope. I have a way to help you, after which your strength will grow stronger still. That’s your goal, isn’t it?

“But I have a rule: I never expend myself for outsiders. If you want my help, it’s simple—become my adopted son. Then, between us, there’s no distinction of teacher and child. Don’t rush to answer; I’m not taking advantage. I see you have a solid foundation, practicing only the hardest arts. But Shang Ruyi, though powerful, was a terrible teacher. Such an outstanding disciple, dead by his hand—what a pity.

“Don’t believe me? Tell me, when you use the Twin Radiance Palms, does your whole body feel as if cut by knives, sometimes as if torn by fire and water? That’s Shang Ruyi’s way—he created powerful arts but cared nothing for what became of those who learned them. Many experts perished because of him. That you and your brother survived is a miracle.

“Still, since you’ve met me, I can help you. Frankly, I’ve been alone all these years, and people call me eccentric, but I’ve only wanted a true successor. You saw just now how many enemies I have—the Mandrake was once my sect brother, always trying to kill me. Without deep skills, how could I have survived?

“Though we meet for the first time, I sense we are alike. I’ve waited many years; perhaps you are the one I’ve been waiting for.” There was a trace of joy in Suwen’s voice.

Zhuang Yunzhen was no fool—he knew what he must do. He had been an orphan, closest only to his master and junior brother; now both were gone. To have such a senior care for him now was a blessing.

“Senior—no, father—please accept my bow.” Zhuang Yunzhen knelt and kowtowed three times, clean and resolute, without a trace of hesitation.

Suwen laughed, delighted. “Excellent! I knew you would choose thus. Come, now that you are my only adopted son, I will heal your injuries. I’ve always loved Hundred Flowers City; in truth, our experiences are similar—I too was an orphan, wandering since childhood. When I first came here, I saw a pair of immortally matched lovers and wished to become such a person one day. When I finally achieved great heights, I found only loneliness, longing for a worthy opponent. That wish remains unfulfilled.

“Boy, I will teach you all I know. Once you’ve learned, you must become my rival. I want to know what it’s like to raise a powerful adversary with my own hands. Tell me, what is your name?”

To take someone as a son without even knowing his name—only this man could do such a thing. He always relied on instinct. If this boy became a villain, he would not regret it; after all, the boy’s injuries were so severe that even if he wished to do evil, he would have to wait until he recovered. He would not require his heir to use his skills for good—right and wrong were never so easily defined.

“Zhuang Yunzhen.”

So direct an answer! Zhuang Yunzhen, too, was now curious about this elder: what had he experienced to become who he was now?

“A fine name. I shall grant you a courtesy name: Fengming—Phoenix’s Call. It suits you well. Come, I haven’t visited Hundred Flowers City in some time. As my adopted son, you should become familiar with my habits. In the future, gathering herbs will be your duty.”

Indeed, finding himself a free helper was not bad. Hundred Flowers City was truly beautiful, fragrant now that the poison was gone, and every blade of grass seemed steeped in history.

“Is that you, Master Suwen? We haven’t seen you in some time. Have you been developing new healing techniques? Last time, you saved my son; I haven’t thanked you yet!”

“Yes, Master Suwen is the best man we’ve ever met. We’ve missed you while you were away. Is this your new disciple? You always said you were seeking an heir for your abilities. Now that you’ve found him, we’re all delighted!”

The townsfolk were warm and welcoming, and Zhuang Yunzhen found that he liked such enthusiasm. He smiled so much along the way his face grew stiff. “Silly boy, why are you grinning like that? They’re just being polite. You should know, though I love this place, I love it with mixed feelings. Boy, how is your movement technique? Care to spar? Now that you’re my son and disciple, I should see what you can do.”

With a swish, Suwen, though a physician, displayed remarkable martial skill, instantly appearing before Zhuang Yunzhen, who responded with their self-created “Birds in Flight” technique. The two moved neck and neck, raising not a speck of dust.

“Good boy, your movement skill is unique—different from any I’ve seen. Your control of breath exceeds all others. Where did you learn this?”

“Father, this technique is called Birds in Flight, invented by my junior brother and me. He is the true master of it. If you meet him, have him show you—then you’ll see its wonders.”

He spoke the truth: in his brother’s hands, the technique was on a different level, graceful and powerful. Only his brother could fully realize its potential.

In no time, they left the city and headed south, finally arriving at Golden Swallow Hollow, built atop Hundred Flowers Mountain. Once a barren peak, it had only flourished since Suwen’s arrival. “It’s been a long time since I’ve returned. The air here is wonderful. This will be your home for the time ahead. Smell that fresh green grass—this place is truly excellent. Many have wanted to come here, but I never allowed them. They weren’t worthy.

“Since this place was established, you are the only one besides me to enter. You look like you can cook. That’s perfect; you can handle the meals from now on. At last, I won’t have to eat awful food anymore.”

He didn’t even wait for a reply before assigning chores, but Zhuang Yunzhen didn’t mind. He believed that doing things was the best way to improve.

“Father, rest assured, I love to cook. This place is wonderful. You’re right—the air is excellent. Training here will be a rare experience for me.”

“Very well. Since you like it, tomorrow I’ll teach you a new technique. Once you master it, your power will grow immensely. As my sole heir, I’m truly curious to see the result. Your talent and foundation are impressive; I know you won’t disappoint me. For now, rest and recover. Here, no matter what injuries you suffer, I can heal them. Your Twin Radiance Palms and Drunken Cloud Depths complement each other perfectly; such a legacy is fortunate indeed.”

Junior brother, do you believe me now? When we meet again, I will be even stronger. I think this is what you’ve always wanted to see, isn’t it?