Chapter 6: Gathering at the River of Oblivion

The masters of the Four Great Water Systems finally converged upon Wangchuan. Xianhe Isle, where the White Dew Water System was located, was unique among the four; it was the shortest stream, cutting through the isle and dividing it in two. Over a hundred years ago, Xianhe Isle was a desolate land, but when the ancestor of the Yuan family, a junior disciple of the Water Sovereign, arrived, he made no complaints. Instead, he settled there, thriving and multiplying. A century later, under the current head Yuan Minghe, Xianhe Isle had become the most beautiful place within a hundred miles. The land nurtured its people, and those blessed by White Dew possessed an ethereal aura.

White Dew inherited the unique martial arts of the Water Sovereign, excelling in controlling objects with water. Water could carry a boat or overturn it; the more refined the control, the deeper the mastery. Over a hundred years, this art evolved into four realms: Moving Mountains, Filling the Sea, Hundred Weapons, and Controlling Hearts. Yuan Minghe had reached the Hundred Weapons realm, meaning he could command every weapon in the world. The final realm, Controlling Hearts, was the most difficult. To command the hearts of men, fickle and unpredictable, only the ancestor of White Dew had ever achieved it. Yet, he felt its side effects were grave. Before passing, he destroyed the method for mastering this realm.

Yuan Minghe loved cleanliness. With the Water Sovereign’s treasure about to open, he too wished to visit Wangchuan. He cared little for treasure, valuing camaraderie above all. After years apart, he missed his senior sister and brother. “Let’s go; we shall head for Wangchuan.” With a wave, the White Dew stream formed a carriage of water—unique in the world. From White Dew, southward, it was a day’s journey to Wangchuan, though Ling Shui was nearest.

Ling Guangchong loved attention. With the four water systems gathered, he would not miss the opportunity for spectacle. Dressed in red, handsome and well-groomed, eight strong men carried a wide sedan behind him. Though he wore fine robes and had a comfortable carriage, he refused to ride it, wanting everyone to see his attire. The sedan was mere display, and the bearers were top experts of Ling Shui. This time, he would not let the boy who bullied his son go unpunished. Ling Yun led the next group. Compared to them, Gu Chuan and Gu Zhenzhen were most ordinary, drifting downstream in a small boat towards Wangchuan.

Today, Wangchuan was grandly decorated; famous figures from both north and south had arrived. More importantly, the other three water systems were joining as well. It had been years since Wangchuan was so lively. Fu Yuzhen valued this highly. Gu Chuan and Gu Zhenzhen left last, yet arrived first. “Father, is this the famed Paradise Gorge? The scenery is truly beautiful.” Soon, she would see Liang Xi, and Zhenzhen felt nervous. She also knew she would meet Ji Anran.

Zhenzhen now felt a desire to compare herself with Ji Anran. “Yes, this is Paradise Gorge. Beyond it is Wangchuan’s territory. See the peaks shrouded in mist? Those are the Twelve Peaks of Wangchuan. I haven’t returned in years; it’s remarkable that nothing has changed.”

The dock drew nearer, with a crowd waiting. Fu Yuzhen stood at the forefront. “Ha ha ha, Senior Sister, it’s been so long! I’ve missed you dearly. You’re as beautiful as ever.”

“Gu Chuan, it’s been years. I’ve missed you too. If not for the opening of the Water Sovereign’s treasure, we might never have met again. How long has it been?”

“Decades, Senior Sister. Today, I’m happiest. I care nothing for treasures; seeing everyone is the greatest joy. Liang, do you remember? I once said we would meet again. Seeing you today, you seem stronger than ever. Did you have some opportunity?”

Liang Xi greeted Gu Chuan, “Well met, elder. I’ve missed you greatly. My skills have grown stronger recently, though I don’t know why. Perhaps it’s simply luck, nothing noteworthy.”

Gu Zhenzhen finally met the one she longed for. Seeing Liang Xi, her nose tingled, unable to speak. She also saw Ji Anran at Liang Xi’s side. Her earlier urge to compete with Ji Anran faded; though both were fifteen, Zhenzhen knew she was inferior in every way. Anran knew of Zhenzhen. Without Zhenzhen’s care, she could never have met Liang Xi. In this sense, Zhenzhen was her benefactor. Smiling, Anran took Zhenzhen’s hand, “You must be Gu Zhenzhen. I’m finally meeting you in person. You don’t know how often Liang talks about you.”

“He always says, without your care, he couldn’t have left Yunzhou. Come, let me show you around. I hear you’re fifteen as well. Wonderful! I’ve never had friends my age. Now I won’t fear loneliness.” Anran knew Zhenzhen liked Liang Xi, but what did it matter? She couldn’t control others’ hearts.

Liang Xi was liked for his character. In matters of love, he was unskilled, simply doing what he thought right. He understood the meaning behind Zhenzhen’s gaze, but how should he respond? Yaksha Gate had been kind to him; harsh words would hurt Zhenzhen. Even clever Liang Xi could only evade such matters.

Gu Chuan cared little for this. It was not his place to meddle in younger affairs. “Senior Sister, I haven’t returned in years. I thought Wangchuan would have changed, but it remains as ever.”

“Certainly. Gu, you know I am sentimental, disliking change. You all, come greet your uncle!” From Lu Jingdi to Xiao Wu, eleven in total, they all greeted Gu Chuan with utmost respect. “Wonderful, truly wonderful! As your uncle, I must give gifts. Gu Chuan valued etiquette and gifts, having chosen them carefully to please all.

“Senior Sister, you mentioned a new disciple. Where is she?” Gu Chuan genuinely wished to meet Wangchuan’s youngest disciple.

“Haha, you saw her earlier. She’s with your daughter now.” Gu Chuan realized—of course, only Ji Anran could make his daughter show such strange expressions.

On Round Moon Peak, Ji Anran and Gu Zhenzhen sat together. Though it was their first meeting, after initial warmth, silence fell. Anran always acted on instinct, but what problems would arise, she never knew. They gazed at the beautiful scenery, yet said nothing. Zhenzhen was much like Anran, speaking her mind. “To be honest, I really like Liang Xi, but I know he only sees me as a sister.”

“No matter how you see me, today I must speak my heart. My liking him is my own affair. I wanted to compete with you, but now I see there’s no need. I’m not your equal. Before meeting you, I heard you were extreme, but now I see that’s not so.” Truthfully, Zhenzhen was somewhat afraid of Anran.

“Afraid before, but not now?” Anran replied.

“My nature is indeed extreme, but after meeting Liang Xi, I want to change. If I killed every girl who liked him, what would I become in his eyes? Instead, I think those who like him have good taste—it’s a worthy thing!”

Zhenzhen thought Anran must be mad; no one sane would say such things. “Enough, we’re rivals in love. I don’t want to discuss this with you. Let’s go; everyone must be waiting.”

Anran knew, as a Wangchuan disciple, she could never give the Water Sovereign’s treasure to outsiders.

“Ha ha ha, even after all these years, nothing has changed. Good. Who was it that hurt my son? Let this old man see!” Ling Guangchong came forward, eight bearers behind him with a massive sedan. “Ha ha, Senior Sister, forgive my tardiness!” Ling Guangchong entered Wangchuan as if he owned the place. Seeing him, everyone’s faces darkened—this harbinger of trouble had arrived.

“Ling, after all these years, you’re still the same? Shouting in public—is that proper? Your son deserved his fate for bothering my disciple. Everyone knows I fiercely protect my own. Well, since you want resolution, let’s settle it with a single move—winner takes all. What say you?”

A single move to decide the outcome—risky, but it resolved many disputes. “Senior Sister, since you wish it, I agree!”

“Wait!” Liang Xi stepped forward, gazing coldly at Ling Guangchong. “Since I caused this, whatever happens, I should be the one to face it!”

“So you admit it! Good, you have courage. Since you own up, I’ll grant you a swift end. One move, winner takes all! If you die at my hand, blame no one!”

Ling Guangchong, master of Ling Shui, famed for decades, drew a green flexible sword from his sleeve. “This sword is Acorus, my companion for years. Today, I’ll end you with a single sword technique!” Without giving Liang Xi any chance to retaliate, sword raised, he unleashed the ultimate killing move of the Ripple Sword Art, Warrior Against the Horde—a powerful, domineering sword energy roared towards Liang Xi! This move, meant to fight thousands alone, was the essence of the Ripple Sword Art, growing stronger against stronger foes. Liang Xi and Ling Guangchong both used their deadliest techniques, holding nothing back.

Liang Xi, unafraid, used his fingers as a sword, leaped swiftly, his move as fast as lightning—Sword Energy as One. “Hmph, merely sword energy as one. Impressive, but if Shang Ruyi were here, I might struggle, but you, I’ll kill today!”

The swords clashed, causing upheaval. Though Sword Energy as One was formidable, this opponent surpassed Liang Xi greatly. A surge of sword energy knocked Liang Xi to the ground. “You’ve lost, but know this is not a mere contest, but a battle to the death!” The Ripple Sword Art pressed harder, and Liang Xi seemed doomed.

Suddenly, a powerful palm strike landed. Ling Guangchong raised his sword to block, but felt an immense force. The Acorus sword, once extremely tough, snapped instantly! The newcomer was Ji Anran, stunningly beautiful and cold-eyed. “Stand up. I’ll fight you!”

Ling Guangchong was shocked—someone could block the Ripple Sword Art with bare hands! He suppressed his inner turmoil. “Who are you, girl? Why meddle?”

Ji Anran wasted no words. Her left hand plucked leaves, right hand conjured lotus—a deadly move called Beauty’s Hands, famed for defeating thousands. Her attack was fierce. Ling Guangchong dodged, but without a sword, he used his fingers as a blade—Water Without Trace, graceful and slow. Dazzling sword lights, but the cage of leaves formed, and his moves could not harm Ji Anran. “Is this your sword art? It’s nothing. How about my Beauty’s Hands?”

“I’ve seen Hua Lian use Beauty’s Hands long ago. Yours is fierce, but far from your master’s level!” Ji Anran switched forms, left hand Water of Heaven, right hand Boundless Horizon—transformed from Beauty’s Hands to Wangjiang Palm. “Now I know who you are—you must be Ji Anran!”

“Stop! Ling Guangchong, aren’t you overstepping? Bullying my disciple right in front of me. Are you so confident in your Ripple Sword Art? Fine, let’s duel ourselves!”

“A senior fighting two juniors, and still unable to win—how shameless! Ling, you were always low in character, but now I see I underestimated you.”

Ling Guangchong valued his reputation. He failed to defeat Liang Xi in one move, then couldn’t best Ji Anran. He felt humiliated, deciding to go all out and kill them both. But unexpectedly, Fu Yuzhen intervened.

Ling Yun, just arrived, witnessed this. “Father, this is my matter. With the Water Sovereign’s treasure about to open, it’s our opportunity. I’ll regain what I lost!”

“Good, well said. That’s the Ling Shui spirit. Senior Sister, I’ve learned much today. Let’s go!” Unable to gain advantage, they chose to leave. Liang Xi remained calm; had Anran not intervened, he would have won in ten moves.

“Boy, did you go easy just now? Your Sword Energy as One is powerful, but why did you hold back?” Liang Xi could have defeated Ling Guangchong in ten moves, but only with the final move—Ten-Year Sword, a skill with strict time limitations.

But it was not the time to explain; no one would believe him. “Brother, it’s good to see you well after so long,” came a loud, cheerful voice—a man and a woman, the man tall and mighty, the woman in green, beautiful though not as stunning as Ji Anran: Zhuang Yunzheng and Li Moqing. When Zhuang Yunzheng declared his wish to visit Wangchuan, Moqing began preparations. Formerly, Moqing lived in the Su Yi Pavilion, and now, finally free, he was delighted.

“Brother, Miss Moqing, you’re here too!” Seeing his senior Zhuang Yunzheng in Wangchuan brought Liang Xi great joy. Judging by their expressions, Liang Xi guessed their relationship had deepened during his absence—a wonderful thing. “Zhuang Yunzheng pays respects to Senior Fu Yuzhen.”

“Ha ha, excellent! So you’re Zhuang Yunzheng? With such strength, you must have learned the Immovable Golden Body of the Su Yi Pavilion. To master this, you’re truly blessed! Friends, thank you for coming to Wangchuan. With the Water Sovereign’s treasure soon to open, please enjoy your stay. If I fail to host you properly, I will have betrayed our friendship.”

“Senior Sister, why didn’t you invite me to such a fun occasion? We haven’t seen each other in years, right?” Yuan Minghe finally arrived.

“Brother Yuan, at last you’re here! I saw a carriage formed of river water on Wangchuan—obviously yours. You left early, yet arrive now. I know—you must have eaten much along the way! You always loved food, and after so many years, you’re unchanged.”

“Haha, Senior Sister, you truly know me best. You’re right; after so long in Xianhe Isle, everything outside seems novel.” The four water system leaders had arrived, Yuan Minghe being especially amusing. “Senior Sister, I’ve heard what happened. Did Ling Guangchong cause trouble again? That rascal has always been like that. If I’d been here, I’d have dealt with him properly!”

“Ling Guangchong fears me most! I haven’t seen him in ages. Sadly, I can’t shake my greedy habit. My dear niece, forgive your uncle, but rest assured, if Ling Guangchong dares come, I’ll stand up for you!”

“Old Crane, you’ve grown arrogant after all these years. We fought countless times—did you ever win? You say you want to beat me, but only I know you can’t!”

“Ling, you haven’t left yet? Good! With a flash, Yuan Minghe grabbed Ling Yun. ‘Brother, this detestable boy must be your son. You bullied Senior Sister’s disciple; now it’s my turn. Don’t move, boy! I don’t hold back.’”

Even now, Yuan Minghe couldn’t resist teasing others. “Old Crane, dare you!” Ling Yun was Ling Guangchong’s only weakness, though weak, he was Ling Shui’s heir. “Brother, don’t move forward. You wouldn’t want your foolish son to die, right? I don’t wish to make things hard for you. If you agree to one condition, I’ll return your son.”

“Fine, what do you want? Name it!” Ling Guangchong and Yuan Minghe were lifelong rivals, never settling their contests. Now Yuan Minghe had the chance to make Ling Guangchong admit defeat, and he wouldn’t let it slip. “Brother, don’t rush. My request is simple: publicly apologize to Liang Xi and Ji Anran!”

“Is that so hard? Just a word. Brother, you’ve always been eloquent, I’m sure you’re used to this.”

All present were renowned elders. Ling Guangchong valued pride above all. Forcing him to apologize to juniors was worse than death, but with Ling Yun in Yuan Minghe’s grasp, he had no choice. “Fine. Ha ha, excellent. Brother, your plan is clever. Helping someone save face is truly effective.”

“Both of you, I’m sorry. I was wrong just now. Please forgive me!” Ling Guangchong hated Ji Anran and Liang Xi deeply, but he maintained composure, showing no impatience.

“Good, Brother, you truly have a magnanimous heart! Boy, your father is impressive; go on!” Ling Yun was so frightened he collapsed, pale-faced. That was enough—Ling Guangchong’s dignity was utterly lost.

“Haha, what satisfaction! I haven’t seen Ling Guangchong look like this in ages. Where’s Gu Chuan? Didn’t he say he was coming? Why haven’t I seen him?”

“Brother, I’ve been here a while, but seeing you enjoying yourself, I didn’t want to spoil your mood!” Gu Chuan laughed.

“You rascal, after all this time, you speak to me like this? You weren’t like this before. Tell me, have you had some good fortune lately? Your complexion is excellent. And where’s Jiang Xuehan? That rascal tricked Han Yu Chan away with his glib tongue. Where are they? I most wish to tease Jiang Xuehan, the henpecked husband.”

On hearing this, Wangchuan’s crowd fell silent. “Father and mother have passed away,” Ji Anran said, feeling as if it had happened only yesterday.

“Anran, may the years be peaceful and you safe. I didn’t expect you to be Han Yu Chan’s daughter. I should have seen it; you resemble your mother greatly. She was the smartest person I ever met. Originally, your parents had nothing to do with the four water systems, but your mother created the Water Control Method and Wangjiang Palm. She didn’t know her techniques originated from the Water Sovereign.

“Yunjiang, though one of the four water systems, is divided between Yaksha Gate and Hanjiang Isle. Do you know why? Because Yunjiang is, besides Wangchuan, the second-longest stream. Its ancestor inherited the broad learning of the Water Sovereign, mastering many arts, so there were many disciples. Over time, only Yaksha Gate remained. Isn’t that a pity?”

“Yunjiang disciples were broad but not deep, easily absorbed by others. The Water Control Method and Wangjiang Palm were lost, but your mother, an extraordinary genius, recreated them unaided. Later, she met your father, himself a martial prodigy, and Hanjiang Isle was founded!”

“Anran, I see the Wangjiang Palm and Water Control Method within your skills. Your parents must have taught you everything. It’s not quite as I expected, but today, the masters of the four water systems are finally gathered—that’s what matters most!”

The four water systems had separated and reunited over a century, with long periods of estrangement. All present knew this history, so seeing them together was truly joyful. “Friends, please enjoy the food at your tables. The four water systems must dine separately; please understand!”

At Fairy Peak, in the Fairy Pavilion, the representatives of the four water systems sat across from each other. “Today is the happiest day. I’ve dreamed of this moment for years. We all descend from the Water Sovereign, but since his passing, the glory has faded. Every time I remember, I feel sorrow. Anran, today we are friends, not master and disciple. I know teaching you the Thirty-Two Wangchuan Techniques and Jade Dragon Divine Art was difficult, but you are still the most suitable candidate!”

“As for Ling Guangchong, let’s ignore him. If he were here, we’d all feel miserable.” Fu Yuzhen now saw Anran as a friend.

“Master, I understand your intentions and will never disappoint you. The harder the techniques, the more determined I am to master them. Then I’ll be an expert in three families’ arts—a wonderful thing!”

“Ha ha, well said. I feel the same. You and your mother love challenges; the harder, the more you strive.”

“Ha ha, such a joyful day—we should talk about happy things. What is the Water Sovereign’s treasure really like? None of us have seen it. Senior Sister, my information says it will open in about a week—is that right?” Yuan Minghe asked.

“That’s correct. The treasure has always been deep within Wangchuan. I heard from elders that when it opens, Wangchuan will vanish. I doubt anyone’s ever witnessed such a scene. Well, knowing this is enough; we just need to wait patiently. Today is a happy day—let’s eat and drink!”

“Father, must we endure this humiliation? I cannot accept it. I must find the right moment. Today, Ling Shui’s reputation is ruined!”

“Hmph, unable to endure a day’s disgrace—how can I entrust Ling Shui to you? Reputation is meaningless. Son, why did we come to Wangchuan? Was it not for the Water Sovereign’s treasure? You do not know—the treasure originally belonged to Ling Shui, but your grandmaster’s ancestor was ruthless and seized it, causing our decline.”

“Later, Ling Shui’s descendants lost more heritage. Only in my generation did Ling Shui revive. But I know it’s not enough; I want Ling Shui to return to its peak!”

“People think I love pride, but they’re wrong. I love honor—Ling Shui’s honor. For Ling Shui, I’ll do anything. So you must learn patience. These people are all our enemies. Once inside the treasure, you’ll have your chance to regain all.”

“I understand, Father. Now I know what to do. It seems patience is the only way forward.”

“Good, you’ve grown after this ordeal. That’s what pleases me most. The rest I’ll handle for you. All I do is for you. You must not risk yourself, but I will. When the time comes, follow me. Promise me, son—can you?”

“Father, say no more. I promise you.”