Chapter 004: Three Words

The Yu family’s vessel sailed past the borders of Silver Prefecture and soon arrived at the river where the Shengyu fish were plentiful.

In the elegant chamber on the second floor of the vessel, a man in white sat before the table, idly turning a teacup in his hands. His robe was simple yet embroidered with exquisite patterns, and the blue-tinted sword at his waist was dazzlingly beautiful—strange and rare, much like the two streaks of white hair among his otherwise jet-black locks.

Upon closer inspection, he possessed a beauty pure and untainted: handsome brows, a straight nose, eyes cold as frost; his features were striking, his bearing noble. His face was serene as water—cool, yet not frail. The strength in his hands and the cut of his garments spoke of his martial prowess and mastery of esoteric arts; anyone with a discerning eye would recognize him as a prodigy in both martial and mystical disciplines.

A sudden breeze swept through the wooden window, and a man in blue appeared in the room. He tidied his slightly disheveled hair, placed his sword on the table, and took a seat opposite the man in white.

This newcomer was clearly younger, his face still touched by childish innocence. Though not unhandsome, his features had yet to mature, and he lacked the effortless heroism of the man in white. Still, he carried himself with an air of proud resilience, and like his companion, a single streak of white hair graced his dark locks—though his sword was plain, unremarkable in appearance, unlike the noble, refined blade worn by the man in white.

Both sword and white hair were marks of identity, used for distinction; only those from Mount Tianshan could recognize their significance.

“How did it go?” The man in white poured tea for his companion.

“Senior brother, I followed Master’s instructions and investigated, but found nothing unusual.”

The man in white nodded, then asked, “And what of Sister Xuezhe?”

“She has been out of contact since yesterday. Master instructed us to await her here.”

These two were disciples of the revered Qiangui Immortal of Mount Tianshan—the man in white was Lan Shui, the eldest, and the man in blue was Ji Lin, the second disciple. Both were outstanding among Tianshan’s disciples and were often dispatched on missions beyond the mountain.

Since Tianshan folk were forbidden from revealing their true names in the mortal realm, their names here were Wei Shui Lan and He Zi Lin.

“I wonder whether our junior sister will successfully reach Shengyu. The Yu family’s vessel is swift, rarely making stops. Can she catch up?” Lan Shui’s calm face showed a hint of concern.

“Yes, why don’t we go to meet her? Wouldn’t it be easier to appear at the foot of Kunlun Mountain?”

“You’re muddled again! That place is watched by Master Qinglian. If we go, not only will we fail to help our junior sister, but we’ll delay the auspicious hour. Worse yet, if Master Qinglian spots us, she’ll have even more grounds to intervene.”

Ji Lin nodded. He was inexperienced in worldly matters and always relied on Lan Shui’s guidance for peace of mind.

“But waiting like this isn’t much of a plan either. If our junior sister appears nearby, will we be able to sense her presence?”

“I don’t know. Let’s hope we cannot.”

“Why?” Ji Lin was surprised. “If we can’t sense her, how will we find her?”

Lan Shui glanced at him, sighed, and said gently, “You’re usually so clever and considerate—why are you so dull in the mortal world?”

“I’m just anxious to see our junior sister,” Ji Lin muttered, then fell silent in deep thought.

Lan Shui rose and stood by the window, watching the traces left on the water by the passing vessel. He silently mused: Am I the only one who wishes to see her?

He recalled the days when the three disciples lived with their master in the snowy bamboo lands; those memories colored his life. Once, he was merely an outstanding disciple of Tianshan, praised by the immortals and respected by his peers—a simple happiness. But after Xuezhe arrived in the snowy bamboo lands, his life lost its order and principle. For such a lively, endearing girl, the two brothers learned the art of their master’s affection, always seeking joy in her company. Parting once, meeting again after ten years—who wouldn’t long for such reunion?

A lone boat appeared on the sea of bitterness. Ling’er returned to Orchid Pavilion, her face clouded with disappointment.

“Why are you back?” Mr. Wu Xiao asked with a smile.

“With Xiao Qinglian present, I fear I won’t be able to see Miss Xuezhe,” Ling’er said sadly, leaning against her master.

“Her father has already helped her. Could it be that the medicine from Master Yu has no effect on Xiao Qinglian?”

“It worked, otherwise she wouldn’t have escaped to Silver Prefecture,” Ling’er sighed, sorrowful. “But what’s the use? Even if she reaches Shengyu, Xiao Qinglian will just take her back. Her father is always gentle with her mother; that medicine probably only lasts a single night. When she wakes, her mother will still pursue her, and she’ll be able to sense Miss Xuezhe’s whereabouts. Why did I overlook this? I’m so discouraged; I’d rather not witness such a scene.”

“Do you wish Miss Xuezhe to return to Tianshan as well? What has the Heavenly Maiden’s Calamity to do with you?”

Ling’er trembled, her expression rippling with emotion. “Then, Master, please tell me—what is the Heavenly Maiden’s Calamity? When and where does it occur?”

Mr. Wu Xiao paused, frowning and sighing. After a moment, he smiled mischievously and waved his blue fan. “Come, let me erase this memory—it’s none of your concern.”

“No! Every time you accidentally reveal a secret, you erase my memory. It’s miserable!” Ling’er leapt up and ran to the side.

“Ah, child, be good!” Mr. Wu Xiao followed, taking her hand. “If you don’t obey, disaster may follow!”

Ling’er considered and nodded reluctantly. “Fine, but you have to compensate me later! I’ll write ‘compensation’ in my brocade book and ask you for it when I wake.”

Mr. Wu Xiao nodded helplessly. Though strict and stingy with outsiders, he cared deeply for his only disciple, treating her as his own child.

Mr. Wu Xiao’s blue feather fan served many purposes—it was the treasured artifact of Orchid Pavilion, the source of the world’s most important information, and his beloved possession. Whenever he misspoke or revealed a monumental secret, he always erased memories with the blue fan.

The people of Orchid Pavilion possessed little magical power or cultivation, relying on the blue fan and spirit butterflies to manage affairs and handle information. Because of their vast knowledge and high status, all in the martial world showed Orchid Pavilion great respect, fearing the day they might need its guidance.

When Ling’er awoke, she found her master busy with a visitor and lingered at the doorway to listen.

One side of Orchid Pavilion stood against a cliff, the other over the sea of bitterness. Those who entered were always extraordinary, but few obtained what they desired. Only those who pleased Mr. Wu Xiao’s heart would receive information.

“Master!” Ling’er called. Before long, he came in.

“Ah, little girl, your shout cost me a business deal!”

“Who knows? Perhaps I helped you escape!”

Mr. Wu Xiao shook his head. “Don’t try to guess your master’s thoughts!”

Ling’er hid her brocade book, quietly approached, and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Master, aren’t you owing me something?”

“Hmph! Tell me, what compensation do you want?”

“Your disciple wishes for your guidance: how can we prevent that troublesome Master Qinglian from stopping Xuezhe?”

“Why do you wish for this?”

Ling’er concealed her true thoughts, feigning innocence. “Well… you know how I dislike elders’ restrictions. Children should have freedom to choose; that’s why I sympathize with Miss Xuezhe!”

Mr. Wu Xiao smiled calmly. “Indeed? Then go to Azure Valley.”

“Azure Valley?”

“Yes. What, are you afraid?”

“Does Master think Azure Valley can defeat Ling’er?”

“Unknown! If you go, fetch the Nine Command Bead before sunset.”

Ling’er pondered. “The Nine Command Bead can erase true essence, helping avoid Master Qinglian’s detection of Xuezhe. But the books say the bead is in the Second Tower, guarded by the Fire Dove. I only know disguise; my magical skills and martial arts are lacking. Isn’t this making things difficult for me?”

“Qiangui’s disciples have quietly entered the mortal realm—you may be able to obtain it from his eldest disciple!” Mr. Wu Xiao said as he walked. “What happens next is your choice; you must decide for yourself!”

Ling’er watched her master depart, then paused to reflect: Nine Command Bead? That’s the sacred relic of the Fire Dove clan. Yet the Fire Doves have scattered, their crimes unforgivable. But will the people of Tianshan listen to me? Master and Qiangui Immortal seem to have a grudge—could this affect the disciples of both sides…

She took out her brocade book and gazed at the three characters, feeling a strange, powerful summons—stronger even than curiosity.

Ling’er was unsure whether it was curiosity or her yearning to understand the Heavenly Maiden’s Calamity that drove her. She quietly sought out the Tianshan scroll in the library, which contained all known matters concerning Tianshan.

“So Master Qinglian is the origin of the Heavenly Maiden’s Calamity—she set it in motion! But when will the next heavenly maiden appear? Why does Master link this calamity to Xuezhe?” Ling’er wondered silently.

By now she had learned much about Tianshan and felt anxious and restless. Uncertain what to do, she decided to assist Xuezhe and her companions!

Ling’er summoned a beautiful golden butterfly, sending it with a message to the Yu family vessel; then, taking the other spirit butterflies, she crossed the Bitter River and set out toward Azure Valley.