Chapter 5: Journey to the Valley for the Pearl

At the entrance to the Azure Mystery Valley stood a wooden bridge, suspended high above an abyss, connecting the valley to the outer mountains. Outside, the landscape was tranquil and natural, but within the bridge, a strange and mournful atmosphere prevailed, just as the legends and rumors described. The bridge was old and hanging precariously, with a bottomless chasm beneath it that inspired dread. On either side of the bridge, green vines had grown, adorned with unknown black blossoms, warning all who approached to tread carefully.

Among the mundane world, Azure Mystery Valley was renowned for its unusual beauty. It was said that within this valley grew rare flowers and herbs, miraculous elixirs capable of curing all ailments beneath the heavens. Those who could not seek their wishes in the divine realms of immortals risked entering the valley, for it contained many legendary places and mysterious treasures.

The Pearl of Nine Commands, spoken of by Master Wu Xiao, was hidden in the Second Tower within the valley, known to few and claimed by fewer still.

Ling’er was aware of the valley’s peculiarities and dangers, yet she feared nothing. She sat quietly upon the bridge, waiting in silence. “Will they come? This is my first time seeing disciples of Heavenly Mountain—will they be as bold and aloof as the tales say?”

Suddenly, Ling’er sensed the bridge trembling. Turning, she saw two handsome young men at the bridge’s end. Before she could think further, a golden butterfly flew towards her.

“To be faster than my golden butterfly, the visitors must be the two disciples of Lord Qian Gui!”

“A spirit butterfly bearing a message, and golden at that—so you must be the Butterfly Fairy of Orchid Heart Pavilion!” Ji Lin regarded Ling’er with curiosity. Seeing her mischievous charm as she rose to greet them, he could not help but remark, “Your golden butterfly is truly worthy of its reputation, even finding us so easily!”

“You flatter me. It is only because you entered the mortal realm that my golden butterfly could sense your presence.”

“Then may I ask, is the Pearl of Nine Commands truly as miraculous as you say?” Lan Shui asked directly.

Ling’er focused her gaze on the speaker, noting his commanding presence, handsome yet cold, his expressionless face drawing all attention. Compared to the candid, playful youth beside him, Ling’er favored this calm, aloof senior disciple, her heart sighing: How can such a cool and beautiful man exist in this world? It stirs my soul—could this be love at first sight?

“Indeed, the Pearl of Nine Commands is a rare treasure. Its essence conceals all flavors among heaven and earth. Yet, I am not as skilled as you two, and cannot claim it alone.”

Lan Shui and Ji Lin exchanged glances, then moved towards Ling’er.

“Then let us follow you and try our luck. Please, lead the way!”

Ling’er nodded and strode into the valley. “Come with me, then!”

Lan Shui glanced at Ji Lin, who immediately nodded in understanding.

“May I ask your name?” Ji Lin, walking beside Ling’er, asked with a naïve curiosity.

Ling’er smiled knowingly. “Qu Ling’er.”

“So, Miss Qu, since you are a disciple of Orchid Heart Pavilion, you know our tracks and our purpose. Could you offer us some guidance?”

“Guidance? I am already breaking tradition by helping you find the Pearl of Nine Commands for free!” Ling’er understood Ji Lin’s intent; he hoped she would advise him on another great matter concerning Heavenly Mountain.

Recently, the ruling country of Northern Hua in the Central Plains suffered a natural disaster, and refugees fell ill with plague. The Queen of Dai, Lady Xue, accused the High Priest Mu Fan of failing to bring blessing, instead inviting calamity. Mu Fan was a disciple of Heavenly Mountain, so Lady Xue blamed the sect again, declaring only Heavenly Mountain’s rare treasures could cure the plague and disaster. As Heavenly Mountain would not grant its artifacts lightly, Lady Xue claimed they wished to see Northern Hua destroyed, causing the common folk to doubt the sect’s reputation.

Thus, Lan Shui and Ji Lin had descended the mountain to resolve the issue. Before they could, they learned that Xue Ze had returned to the mountain.

“Miss Qu knows the martial world and the court. Why do you claim ignorance?” Ji Lin pressed Ling’er, not believing she was unaware of Lady Xue’s secrets. “Are matters of state not of interest to you?”

“All things under heaven interest us if we can know them! Yet, few know the ways of Heavenly Mountain—I do not even know your names!” Ling’er paused, then spoke calmly. “Knowing and speaking are separate matters. I have often heard that disciples of Heavenly Mountain are wise and learned. Do you not know our rules at Orchid Heart Pavilion?”

“We know—a thing exchanged for a thing. Then may I offer my name in exchange?”

Ji Lin had just finished speaking when Lan Shui stopped him.

At that moment, Ling’er suddenly turned, laughing brightly. “The names of Heavenly Mountain’s disciples are known only among yourselves. Such an exchange—perhaps Lady Xue’s matter troubles you greatly?”

Ji Lin wished to say more, but Lan Shui shielded him. “Miss Qu, pay no mind. It is merely the trouble of a mortal, not worth your concern. Please lead the way quickly, as time grows late!”

Hearing Lan Shui’s words, Ling’er shyly turned away, murmuring, “The senior disciple is ever so steady!”

Soon, they reached the Second Tower. All three gazed and studied it with curiosity. An ancient, weathered tower stood on level ground, its height and floors impossible to estimate. Its name, left by ancestors, was visible only through three rusted, faded characters.

Though daylight shone, the building’s chilling aspect was evident, growing more terrifying in the dim sunlight. Dense mist thickened around the tower, obscuring all living things and the structure itself, its colors flickering between light and shadow. The plants and trees below had withered and died, the remains of strange species resembling relics from antiquity, everything exuding an ancient, decayed aura.

Seeing this, Ling’er halted, stopping beneath the tower, finally feeling a trace of fear in her heart.

“This is where the Pearl of Nine Commands resides?” Lan Shui asked.

Ling’er nodded, glancing up at the Second Tower and speaking softly, “You should hurry inside and claim it—the sun is setting soon!”

“What’s this, you won’t come with us? Are you afraid?” Ji Lin teased.

“I lack the skill; it’s best not to hold you back. I am curious to see the guardian, the Fire Dove—soon I’ll let my golden butterfly accompany you.”

Ji Lin meant to mock Ling’er further, but Lan Shui stopped him. “Miss Qu has shown kindness. This place is perilous—fear is only natural. You keep her company here, while I go up and investigate!”

“Senior brother, let me go too!” Ji Lin was eager to ascend, but could not sway his stern brother. He watched Lan Shui climb the tower alone until his figure vanished.

“You really release your golden butterfly?” Ji Lin smirked at Ling’er, his tone contemptuous. “I thought Orchid Heart Pavilion was so formidable, knowing all things, but it’s just this spirit butterfly…”

Ling’er snorted, displeased. “Humph! There are so many matters in the world—must my master and I personally handle each one? Never mind efficiency, it would wear us out! The spirit butterfly relies on our care and cultivation, and mine is a golden butterfly, far from ordinary!”

“So it’s the butterfly’s merit—why not admit it? Orchid Heart Pavilion is renowned, yet you side with mortals and offend Heavenly Mountain?”

“You!” Ling’er was too angry to speak, yet kept her master’s warning: never divulge information lightly.

Letting the two below argue, Lan Shui focused solely on overcoming the obstacles within the tower. Though its exterior appeared to be two floors, inside it felt as if there were more than twenty.

Had Lan Shui’s powers and martial skill not been profound, it would have been difficult to locate the Fire Dove, let alone obtain the Pearl of Nine Commands alone.

Lan Shui examined the blurred arrangements and spatial structure within the Second Tower, then soared upward on his sword, carefully experiencing each floor’s differences.

Suddenly, upon reaching the ninth floor, Lan Shui sensed a pure magical force. This level seemed ordinary in appearance, but its aura was subtly unusual—a masculine energy, fiery warmth, the opposite of Heavenly Mountain’s icy clarity, making it easily perceptible to him.

Lan Shui quietly stepped onto the ninth floor, feeling the air tighten and thicken around him, an unseen pressure rapidly closing in, its forceful waves threatening to drive him back.

Seeing this, Lan Shui steadied his breath and unleashed a Meteoric Rain technique, sweeping outwards. Instantly, ice descended, swift as shooting stars, scattered like heavy rain. Dust and wood chips fell from the floor above, and the air loosened. Lan Shui adjusted the hair on his shoulder and walked inside calmly.

“So this is where the Fire Dove resides—how humble!”

He spoke with a half-smile. As his words faded, the surroundings grew unnaturally quiet, all things falling into a respectful silence.

This was the prelude to chaos. Lan Shui knew the Fire Dove was about to emerge. He gently touched his sword hilt, and as a bright, fiery light suddenly appeared, he drew his blade and leapt into the air.

The roar on the ninth floor was deafening; the sudden fiery shadow flew like daggers, filling the Second Tower with a foul odor and a heavy, shaking sensation. The floors threatened to shatter, the building to collapse, all objects converging upon Lan Shui. The sound was unavoidable, sickening, yet never touched him.

The shockwaves echoed outside. Ji Lin quickly covered Ling’er’s ears and took her flying on his sword to a safe distance in the sky.

“What’s happening?” Ling’er stared in fear at the Second Tower, seeing clouds of yellow-brown smoke spread, and occasionally hearing sharp bird cries.

“My senior brother must be facing the Fire Dove!”

Ling’er nervously watched Ji Lin. “Then hurry and help him! It looks terrifying—who knows if he’s alright!”

“Don’t worry. My senior brother is the most formidable disciple of Heavenly Mountain! I wager the Fire Dove cannot harm him!”

Indeed, as Ji Lin predicted, the Fire Dove’s strength and shrill cries were powerless against Lan Shui’s formidable magic.

Lan Shui used only half his power to create a barrier, calmly awaiting the Fire Dove’s attacks, then struck with his sword at the creature, swift as a flash of light. His technique was the unique icy formation of Heavenly Mountain, making the demon’s assault trivial, and his sword a spiritual artifact of the sect, its cold divine power overwhelming the Fire Dove.

After several exchanges, the Fire Dove’s wings were gravely wounded, and it fell to the ground with a wretched howl, emitting a foul stench.

With each step Lan Shui took, the Fire Dove pitifully retreated, fearing he would behead it. Examining its fiery feathers, Lan Shui approached with cold indifference. “Your cultivation is lacking. Yet, for your loyal guardianship, I shall spare your clan today.”

The Fire Dove screeched, then struggled upright, forcing its broad, bloodied wings to block Lan Shui’s path.

“You refuse to let me claim it?”

Lan Shui sneered, drawing his sword again, a deep blue light shining into the Fire Dove’s eyes. Watching the creature struggle to shield its gaze, Lan Shui swiftly flew to the inner chamber and found the treasure.

Upon a fire-lit circular pedestal, a snow-white, translucent pearl hovered above the flames, gently rotating from time to time.