Chapter 52: Ji Lin Descends the Mountain

The morning in the Snow Bamboo Land was exceedingly tranquil, the perfect time for sleep. Thousand Returns, who always enjoyed resting and nurturing his spirit, had already left, rising early to inspect the snowfields with Honorary Elder Nine Skies.

Since Master Qinglian entered seclusion, Thousand Returns had taken charge of all affairs in the snowfields, while Nine Skies managed the greater and lesser matters of Tianshan. Both elders felt the mounting pressure, fearing any misstep might befall Tianshan.

Anomalous powers emerging in the mortal world and several strange incidents had left the stewards of Tianshan anxious, wary, and troubled. This prompted the Master to enter seclusion early, to be prepared for any eventuality and to prevent disaster.

Without the Master overseeing, the system was incomplete and morale unsteady. Even the Elder had set aside thoughts of punishing the traitors, instead assigning guards to keep a close watch over the West Spring Hall.

While the dream was still sweet, Jilin heard a voice calling, the sound of Bluewater echoing faintly in his ears.

“Get up!” Bluewater patted Jilin.

Jilin rubbed his sleepy eyes and asked plaintively, “Senior Brother, what is it? I’m not on duty today!”

“Rise quickly, there’s something to be done!”

“What’s the matter? Don’t tell me you want me to practice again?” Jilin touched his arm and moaned, “You’ve had me train diligently these days, and the two junior sisters beg me to teach them spells. I’m exhausted, barely human anymore!”

Bluewater pulled Jilin to his feet and spoke sternly, “There’s a real mission, and you’re the one to carry it out! I must look after the disciples of Tianshan, so this task falls to you!”

“What is it? Do I have to go down the mountain?”

Bluewater nodded, “It’s a simple task, but remember—don’t associate with anyone from Lanxin Pavilion. Once you leave the mountain, find Yu Qixian immediately and have him assist Liu Li. It’s crucial that Liu Qing is saved.”

“This matter?” Jilin pondered, puzzled. “Are we truly to intervene? Is there really something in the mortal realm threatening Tianshan?”

Bluewater did not answer, only cast a meaningful glance at Jilin.

“Senior Brother, why don’t we just find the thing threatening Tianshan and eliminate it entirely? Why meddle in these people's affairs—it never ends, and it’s not our way! If Lanxin Pavilion finds out, they’ll surely record it in their annals, saying Tianshan disciples frequently interfere in mortal matters.”

“This is only for now. Only by finding clues can we trace the source. Do you think I wouldn’t prefer to resolve this directly? Master’s judgment is that a mysterious figure lies behind all this, controlling many people and affairs—it's likely very complex. For now, we must ensure the thread of Liu Qing remains unbroken, only then can we continue our investigation and capture his movements.”

“Why not use our Tianshan secret arts? Though the Master is in seclusion, our junior sister knows many spells. She’d be better suited for this task. Or are you worried Yu Qixian covets her beauty?”

Bluewater struck Jilin, knocking him back onto the bed. “How can you act like the Second Brother? Such wild speculation, and you repeatedly trouble our junior sister—what are you after?”

“Senior Brother, need you be so harsh? So violent!”

“I haven’t even reprimanded you for last time! You and Lotus Seed, with nothing better to do, insist on letting our junior sister hear unpleasant things. You know the mind of the spirit maiden, so protect her well. Why insist on explaining everything to her—what’s your intent?”

“Don’t blame me unjustly!” Jilin scrambled up, staring at Bluewater, “Lotus Seed asked for my help! It’s better to be clear with our junior sister, so she won’t be bullied when we’re not around. Now the Master is secluded, the spirit maiden lacks the guidance of Master Hundred Spirits, and Snow Ze lacks the protection of Master Qinglian—conflicts are bound to happen.”

Bluewater considered this and sighed. “Then don’t do this again. This time, as our junior sister isn’t well, the task is yours. Remember, Master said not to associate with Lanxin Pavilion—they’ll try every way to learn our affairs.”

“Yes, understood! Lanxin Pavilion, eh? Don’t worry, that Qu Ling’er doesn’t even know our names!”

“Also, subdue that harmful serpent along the way!”

Jilin nodded, grinning mischievously, “The serpent is tough—I’m weak and lack strength. Why not lend me your Blue Light Sword? Legend says the serpent fears blue light most. With your sword, I’ll be twice as effective!”

“Let’s see if you can handle it!” Without hesitation, Bluewater handed his sword to Jilin. “Hurry down the mountain!”

Jilin smiled with satisfaction, delighted by the beautiful sword. “Senior Brother, where should I arrange their meeting? Liu Li’s group is searching for him too. If Yu Qixian sets out, won’t they miss each other?”

“Figure it out yourself!”

The people of Listening Wind Pavilion were early risers as well. Snow Ze, troubled by worries, couldn’t sleep and got up to practice. Though Bluewater’s care was attentive, she still couldn’t easily let go of the affairs of men.

“Why has Tianshan become like this? Wasn’t it a sacred place for cultivation? Why does no one strive to cultivate, instead scheming like mortals? Sigh, I’d better mind my own business!”

After circling the area, Snow Ze didn’t see her two senior brothers, nor Thousand Returns in the house, leaving her puzzled: where had they all gone so early? Practicing, perhaps? Lotus Seed had been exhausted from days of training, with no energy left to descend the mountain, so Snow Ze decided not to call her.

Snow Ze thought, since she had nothing to do today, she might as well practice her spells. “Master said I only know a few minor spells, but my lightness skill is decent. Why not practice the Ice Swallow Hidden Feather?”

The morning mist had not yet lifted as Snow Ze arrived at Inverted Spring. The water here was crystal clear, imbued with spiritual energy, soothing her for a while.

Calming her mind, gathering spiritual power, she soared away. The caress of the wind was exhilarating, sweeping away much of her worries without her knowing.

Master Qinglian had taught Snow Ze this spell, and she often practiced and used it, so her speed was swift and her technique superb. But Thousand Returns had said the highest realm of this spell was to move at will—fast or slow as desired, only then would it be mastered.

Snow Ze focused intently, exploring how to control speed, how to investigate her surroundings while in flight.

Soon, she reached Silver Prefecture; north lay Kunlun, west the Western Sea Manor.

“Where to?” Snow Ze paused atop a treetop, pondering. “Perhaps I’ll see the flowers from last time? No, I’ve already caused enough trouble for others.”

Before she could decide, a commotion arose from the woods below—a fight.

Looking down, Snow Ze saw a group of men in black surrounding a delicate carriage.

“These masked men seem up to no good! Only three people in the carriage—how can they resist? Wait, is that Windwalker?”

Snow Ze watched in surprise as Windwalker leapt from the carriage, recalling Lotus Seed’s words: Senior Sister, I don’t know why, but I keep thinking of Apricot Blossom Village. If you ever see Windwalker or Warm Wind, treat them kindly!

Windwalker was agile, but outnumbered by dozens. Before Snow Ze could act, Liu Li suddenly flew out, brandishing a folding fan, and joined the fray without hesitation. Though he wielded only a fan, his moves were swift and remarkable, no less than Windwalker’s seasoned skill.

“I thought he was just a scholar, but he knows martial arts! He helped me find my way and my books, and last time in Kunlun, he shielded my father. I should help them—both public and private, it’s a good deed!”

A hidden arrow shot straight for Liu Li’s chest. Windwalker was blocked and unable to assist, leaving Liu Li in grave danger. At the critical moment, Snow Ze descended.

“Be careful!”

Snow Ze landed atop the carriage, blocking the arrow with a flurry of ice shards, then cast a spell to unleash a storm of frost. Though seemingly light, the frost was biting cold, as if plunging into an icy cellar.

“There’s a master here—retreat!” The masked men fled in pain and panic.

Snow Ze smiled, back turned to Windwalker and Liu Li, “I’ve helped you once more!”

“Thank you, miss, for saving us!”

“Thank you, benefactor!”

“Hurry and save your companion, don’t linger in danger!”

A flash of white vanished into the distance, leaving Liu Li and Windwalker staring in amazement.

“Majesty!” Windwalker recovered first, “We’ve encountered ambush after ambush. Clearly someone is trying to prevent us from meeting Young Master Yu! Could it be the Western Sea Manor?”

Liu Li shook his head, “No, the Western Sea Manor only has warrior women, no men. These attackers want to prevent Liu Qing from being saved—we must find Young Master Yu quickly!”

“But bringing the spirit butterfly along is like carrying a watcher. Lanxin Pavilion has mixed intentions. If we’re being monitored, this journey will be perilous, and those people are ruthless, intent on silencing us, Majesty—”

“No matter!” Liu Li laughed, “I’m often the target of plots, so these don’t worry me. But assassins delaying us is indeed troubling.”

Windwalker nodded, “Then, should we keep the spirit butterfly or not?”

“We must not!”

A male voice echoed from the woods, ethereal and drifting.

Soon, a young man appeared out of nowhere, standing elegantly with his back to them. “I am a disciple of Tianshan, here to guide you! Toss the spirit butterfly, lest it bring endless harm. I’ll show you the way!”

Liu Li was momentarily suspicious, unable to judge.

Windwalker smiled reassuringly, “Majesty, no need to worry. This is the benefactor who helped cure the epidemic!”

“Ha, General, you have sharp eyes—recognizing me by my back!” Jilin grinned, casting a spell to reveal a map. “This is the route; I’ve arranged everything, so you won’t be disturbed. Young Master Yu is waiting in his flower garden, hurry there now!”

“Then, many thanks, young master!” Liu Li nodded to Windwalker, watching him take the map.

Jilin dispelled the cold aura in the area, smiling at them, “My junior sister appeared just now, likely sneaking down the mountain to play. Please don’t spread the word! Without her, I wouldn’t have found you two so quickly.”

Liu Li nodded, smiling to himself: She truly is adorable—always disobeying, sneaking out to play, never changing her ways.