Chapter 9: You Save Me, I Save You

Liang Xi, Zhuang Yunzheng, and the masters of the four great water sects had finally entered the Water Sovereign’s treasure vault. The vault, sealed for years, now truly revealed itself to all. This was the resting place of the Water Sovereign. On the four walls, golden crows and white rabbits were depicted, alongside the illustrious feats of the Water Sovereign in his prime. Looking up, one saw an exquisite domed ceiling, forming the classic harmony of round heavens and square earth with the rectangular hall below. The golden crow symbolized the sun, the white rabbit the moon—day and night shining together. Only the world’s strongest would dare design their resting place so boldly. The Water Sovereign himself sat upright upon a white pedestal in the center.

He wore dark robes, his hair silver-white, brows sharp as swords, his appearance unremarkable but his bearing unmistakably that of a grandmaster. His left forefinger curled, pointing upward, while his right rested on his knee. “Is this the legendary Water Sovereign of old?” mused Ji Anran and Gu Zhenzhen, both awed. The disciples of the four water sects, led by Fu Yuzhen, Gu Chuan, Yuan Minghe, and Ling Yun, all knelt in reverence. Fu Yuzhen respectfully declared, “The seventh generation master of the Wangchuan lineage, Fu Yuzhen, brings disciples to pay respects to our ancestor!”

Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng, though not disciples of the Water Sovereign, also bowed thrice in respect. “Look, around the white pedestal are four bronze toads—what could their purpose be?” Mo Qing observed keenly. No sooner had they paid their respects than the ground shook, and four enormous black chests appeared before them.

There was no doubt: these chests contained the lifelong teachings of the Water Sovereign. “Hahaha! At last, the Ling Shui lineage is reborn! Father, can you see it now? Your son has finally found the Water Sovereign’s treasure!” Ling Yun was beside himself. The prestige and strength of the Ling Shui lineage had faded, so from childhood, Ling Yun was taught to restore its former glory.

Yet until now, the boy had resisted, neither excelling in literature nor martial arts. But his father, Ling Guangchong, died in pursuit of the treasure. Now, as the young heir, Ling Yun understood his true responsibility. He told himself he must obtain the Water Sovereign’s treasure. Now, with the treasure before him, he felt it was all too unreal.

After a brief spell of disbelief, Ling Yun succumbed to wild joy. “Hahaha! It’s all mine, every bit! From today, none of you can rival me. The Ling Shui lineage shall rise again!”

The four black chests were crafted from a rare black jade. Ji Xia’s eyes burned with excitement; she recognized the stone. “Master, I know this—it's the world’s rarest and most precious Black Gold Jade, far superior to common greenstone. If greenstone is a nouveau riche, Black Gold Jade is nobility. Only the Southern Region produces it. Legend has it that the sword ‘Divine Blade’ wielded by Xi Tongshen was made from this jade.”

“I've only seen it in books before. Seeing the real thing today is a delight. But Ling Yun knows nothing of this, so Master, let this knowledge remain among us.” Fu Yuzhen trusted her fifth disciple’s expertise in stones and gems; her word was never wrong.

Ling Yun’s eyes were bloodshot with excitement. After some searching, he opened all the jade chests. From left to right, they contained: a chest of yuan crystals, a chest of travel journals, a chest of worthless trinkets, and finally, a chest with a single manual—“The Origin of Ten Thousand Waters.” Beside it lay two black jade tablet-like objects, but Ling Yun’s attention was wholly fixed on the manual. “Is this the Water Sovereign’s lifelong mastery? Hahaha! It’s fate that I should obtain such divine power!”

“Ancestor Water Sovereign, I must thank you. You knew exactly what I desired—rest assured, once I master this, I’ll never forget your kindness!”

“The Origin of Ten Thousand Waters” had finally found its heir. The manual’s front page proclaimed: “Water is the gentlest force, yet also the strongest. It can carry a boat or overturn it—whether it carries or overturns depends on the heart of one.” Ling Yun, elated with the divine manual, greedily took all the yuan crystals from the first chest.

“I know what you’re thinking, but I must tell you—this is fate. The Origin of Ten Thousand Waters chose its own master. Blame your impure hearts! I’ve been patient for this moment. Now, with divine power, none of you can defeat me. Grandmaster, I mean no quarrel—just grant me safe passage out. If you refuse, then let us part ways!”

“That’s easy. None here plan to steal from you. Everything belongs to you now. With your newfound power, you can leave; we cannot stop you, can we?”

“Master, if you let him go, he’ll come for us one day. He’s gone mad,” Mo Qianchen said angrily.

“Qianchen, your martial skills are formidable, but honestly, are you Ling Yun’s equal now? The manual has found its master—our task is done. Let’s leave; who knows what may happen here? As your master, my priority is your safety. No matter how precious the manual, it’s nothing compared to your lives.”

“Haha! Though you’re a woman, Grandmaster, you value your word. So, I’ll be leaving now—while the rest of you remain!” Ling Yun leapt out, striking a wall protrusion with a fierce palm. Instantly, a heavy stone door descended. “Grandmaster, though I trust you, your many disciples’ intentions are unknown—even you may not know their hearts. That protrusion was the vault’s final mechanism, linked to the domed ceiling’s stone gate.”

“Once I master the manual, I’ll find a way to rescue you. Until then, please wait patiently. I will return and ask your forgiveness.” Ling Yun’s voice faded away. “He’s cunning. Let’s see what else is around. With the stone door down, we must find another exit. But this round heavens-square earth room is only so large—we must hurry or we’ll really be in danger.”

Ling Yun’s mood was naturally ecstatic. The “Origin of Ten Thousand Waters” felt like a priceless treasure. He sought a safe place to cultivate the divine manual. With several leaps, he fled from the depths of Wangchuan’s Dulong Mountain. As he emerged, Wangchuan resumed its torrential flow.

Seeing this, Ling Yun breathed a sigh of relief. “Even Heaven favors me today. That group will never escape Wangchuan alive. Wangchuan is no place to stay, but on reflection, only Wangchuan is truly safe among the four water sects. No matter—first, find a secluded cave and master the manual. Once I learn the divine skill, I’ll rule the world.”

Ling Yun understood much in that instant. He found a desolate cave in Wangchuan’s territory. “This is secluded—perfect for cultivation.” The cave was small, perched on a cliff behind Fairy Peak, rarely visited. Finally, Ling Yun felt secure. Exhausted from his journey, he collapsed and slept.

The Water Sovereign’s treasure vault—round heavens, square earth—was suddenly crowded with outsiders. The air grew thin. Ji Yin’s face paled; she leaned on Mo Qianchen’s shoulder. “Third Brother, this is actually good. Since we met, I’ve never spoken kindly to you. Now, I should apologize.”

“Don’t be silly, Ji Yin. Didn’t I warn you not to come? If you’d stayed at Nanlü Peak, you wouldn’t be hurt today.” Mo Qianchen cared deeply for Ji Yin, but his tongue was clumsy. He had much to say but never knew how. If they weren’t trapped, he’d never utter such words.

“With such commotion, Wangchuan’s waters must have resumed. Soon, the room will be flooded—we must find the exit, or we’ll die here!” Ji Xia continued to examine the stone walls, but after three rounds of searching, found nothing.

Everyone present was battle-hardened. No matter their composure, would they die so ignominiously? For them, a glorious death in battle was honorable, but to die like this—no one could accept it.

Ji Anran and Gu Zhenzhen hoped to speak with Liang Xi now, but urgent matters took precedence. Once they were safe, they could say what they wished. Though the two had revealed their hearts earlier, they still found each other disagreeable. Yet, facing calamity, they showed extraordinary tacit understanding.

Their division of labor was clear: Ji Xia, Yun, and Xi brothers formed a team to search for another exit, while Ji Anran, Gu Zhenzhen, and Mo Qing prepared food. In such times, eating steadied the heart.

With Fu Yuzhen present, everyone felt calm. Her face betrayed no emotion as she looked at the ancestor’s body. “Ancestor, I have lived honorably. I cannot believe you would entrust your teachings to Ling Yun. If he gains such power, what will come of it?”

Outside, Wangchuan’s waters grew wild. In half a stick’s incense time, the flood would reach the chamber. Would they die here? If no exit could be found, must they resign themselves? No, Liang Xi and his companions would never resign.

In an instant, Wangchuan’s waters flooded the room. The Water Sovereign’s vault, silent for years, would return to the water. The group was submerged, unable even to speak. At that moment, the Water Sovereign’s body emitted strands of light, growing ever brighter. His body vanished with the light, and the four bronze toads and pedestal sank together, revealing a massive entrance.

Where this entrance led, none knew. Fu Yuzhen and her group had no choice—the powerful current swept them into the opening, forming a fierce vortex. Liang Xi and the others grew dizzy; their surroundings changed rapidly. Uncertain of their location, they finally succumbed and fainted.

Who knew how long passed? Ji Anran awoke first, with Liang Xi beside her. Though awake, her mind was clouded. As her senses cleared, she saw the surroundings and was stunned—they were in Wangchuan itself, surrounded by rushing water.

Rather, they were in a special space, isolated from the river. Only the Water Sovereign could create such a place. The end of the round heavens-square earth room was here. “Who’d have thought the vault hid another world beneath—it’s true that Heaven never abandons us. Beauty, it seems we may escape after all,” Liang Xi said softly.

“You’re awake?!” Ji Anran was frightened, but seeing Liang Xi revived gave her strength. “Let’s go and see what’s here.” When Liang Xi awoke, he saw Ji Anran. At that moment, his heart calmed. After so long together, it was the first time Liang Xi took the beauty’s hand—soft and smooth. Ji Anran trembled; she never expected this man to take her hand.

Her heart bloomed with sweetness—so this was what holding hands felt like? Liang Xi realized: if Ji Anran perished, what would become of him? He felt a thread of fear and recalled Jiang Xuehan’s plea to care for Ji Anran. If love was in his heart, he should speak it. If love was not confessed, regret would surely follow.

Liang Xi was never indecisive. His previous hesitation was only because he’d never been close to a woman. But once he understood, he would never let go.

Not far away, Gu Zhenzhen woke groggily, terrified, and grabbed a weapon for protection. If anyone threatened her, she’d show no mercy. But what she wanted most was to see Liang Xi. Footsteps echoed in the mysterious space, heightening her fear. “Don’t come near! Whoever you are, if you hurt me, Liang Xi will never forgive you!”

Gu Zhenzhen was no longer calm—perhaps, at heart, she was always a little girl. Suddenly, her hand was gripped firmly by a strong one. “Zhenzhen, it’s me! Are you alright?” The familiar voice soothed her. She opened her eyes and saw the one she’d longed for. Unable to control herself, she threw herself into Liang Xi’s arms. “Liang Xi, you’re finally here—I was… I was so scared.” Her words came in sobs.

Tears stained Liang Xi’s pale robe. Ji Anran, seeing this, felt relieved. Gu Zhenzhen cared for Liang Xi; if anything happened to her, Ji Anran would feel immense guilt. “Ahem.” Though Ji Anran was at ease, she still felt a pang of jealousy—her nature, not resentment.

Gu Zhenzhen remembered Ji Anran was beside Liang Xi. Her behavior had been witnessed; surely Ji Anran would tease her later. But seeing her calm, Gu Zhenzhen relaxed. “Let’s go, and see if everyone else is awake.”

Indeed, Fu Yuzhen, with her deep cultivation, was unharmed by the vortex. “Good, everyone is here and unhurt. I imagine we all want to know where this mysterious space leads—let’s find out.”

“Brother, I knew we’d meet again. After waking, I examined the space; there’s only one path. See the light ahead? That’s the end. Only by combining our strength can we open the door. I believe the core of the Water Sovereign’s vault lies beyond.”

Zhuang Yunzheng, ever steady, was the first to wake. He observed the water-formed space—a waterway ending in a grand door, adorned with intricate patterns, sealed. Only together could he and his junior brother break the seal.

Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng approached the door. The patterns, seemingly chaotic, were drawn in a single stroke. They infused their powers—soft and hard—into the door. At last, it opened. Here was the true Water Sovereign’s treasure. “In my youth I swept the world, undefeated yet lonely, with countless foes. Thus I left two treasures, true and false. If you reach this water realm, you are truly blessed. Use my divine skill well.”

Ling Yun was overjoyed. He wasted no time cultivating after entering the cave. The Water Sovereign’s skill was formidable; within a short time, he felt powerful energy fill his body. “Who’d have thought ‘Origin of Ten Thousand Waters’ was so strong? No, it’s my own talent.”

Ling Yun’s heart soared. Soon, his lineage would rise again. Liang Xi—what was he compared to Ling Yun? Not even worthy to tie his shoes. Why did the peerless Ji Anran love him?

But such details mattered little. Once he mastered the skill, he would reclaim everything from Liang Xi. Only he deserved Ji Anran’s love. Though his skill was incomplete, his ambitions were many—how amusing.

The true Water Sovereign’s vault mirrored the false one, except the central pedestal now held a small chest, containing the real “Origin of Ten Thousand Waters.” Beneath it lay layers of yuan crystals—both skill and crystals essential to martial artists. “It seems there’s nothing strange here.”

“Brother, ‘Origin of Ten Thousand Waters’ should be yours. I know you’ve cultivated yin-cold energy since childhood—it suits you perfectly.”

Liang Xi disagreed. With Fu Yuzhen present, he deferred. “Senior Fu Yuzhen, the manual belongs to the four water sects. As their leader, you should keep it.”

Liang Xi was not greedy; he understood in martial arts that too much could not be digested. The manual was found together, so it belonged to the senior of the water sects. He already possessed the Lingyun Atlas; if he mastered it, it might rival the Origin manual.

Fu Yuzhen was deeply moved. Years had passed, and she finally saw the manual. “Liang Xi, you and your brother found this together. Are you sure you don’t want it?”

“You’re mistaken, Senior. We already learned the Water Manipulation skill on Hanjiang Island. Besides, I shamelessly won Ji Anran’s heart—this is more than enough for me.”

Liang Xi boldly declared his feelings for Ji Anran. She blushed furiously, but her heart soared. This rascal was still so shameless, but she loved him for it.

Gu Zhenzhen never imagined Liang Xi could be so brazen. Earlier, Ji Anran had taken his hand. Though neither woman spoke, their intentions were clear. After surviving this ordeal, any issues or conflicts could be resolved.

“Very well, Anran, I shall teach you the ‘Origin of Ten Thousand Waters.’ You are my youngest disciple, and I feel guilty for not helping your mother before. Teaching you this skill is all I can do. If you learn it, it’s as if Liang Xi has learned it. As for Zhuang Yunzheng, you follow the path of strength; you’ve mastered the Golden Body from Su Yi Tower, which suits you best—please don’t be dissatisfied.”

Zhuang Yunzheng had no complaints. “Senior, you jest. If my brother gains such fortune, it’s his blessing, nothing to do with me. My talent is inferior; though I know Water Manipulation, my skill is far less than his. I’m grateful for mastering the Golden Body.”

Ji Anran pondered the words—if she mastered the skill, it was as if Liang Xi had. Was her master as bold as Liang Xi? She didn’t know Fu Yuzhen was always this way; hence her friendship with Han Yu Chan.

“I will teach Ji Anran the manual; none of you should object. As for Lu Jingdi, you have cultivated for years—your skill surpasses your younger sister. She needs a peerless skill for protection.”

“Congratulations, Junior Sister. ‘Origin of Ten Thousand Waters’ is the Water Sovereign’s essence. When you master it, your achievements will be great!”

Ji Anran was elated—at last, she could learn a higher skill. With such power, she could better help him; that was most important.

“All is settled; let’s leave!” Fu Yuzhen was satisfied with the outcome. Suddenly, the water realm trembled. “Now that the manual has an heir, this place no longer needs to exist—hahaha!”

The Water Sovereign always acted capriciously. Though the manual had an heir, he set a mechanism on the pedestal. Once the manual was removed, the trap triggered. If one failed to escape in time, even the greatest skills would be useless. He valued luck—if fortunate, one lived; if not, nothing more could be said.

“Boom!” The pillar cracked. “Brother, watch out!” Gu Zhenzhen shielded Liang Xi. The pillar weighed thousands of pounds. She lay atop him, groaning from injury. The water realm was supported by four giant pillars; the trap had toppled the crucial one. Liang Xi’s agility saved him from the first, but not the second—at the last moment, Gu Zhenzhen intervened, acting on instinct.

Fortunately, Gu Zhenzhen’s training made her resilient, her protective energy dissipating much of the blow. Yet she suffered grave internal injuries.

“Zhenzhen! My daughter!” Gu Chuan was nearly mad with grief. His heart bled—why must his daughter suffer so? All her hardships stemmed from Liang Xi. Though he admired Liang Xi, now he felt resentment. If not for this rascal, would his daughter be so wounded?

Gu Zhenzhen was barely alive. Ji Anran was shocked—she hadn’t imagined Gu Zhenzhen would go so far for Liang Xi. Could she do the same? Yes, she could, but now it was too late.

“Why? Why be so foolish? I’m much stronger than you—why save me?” Liang Xi cried inwardly. The group fled Wangchuan. “Don’t be sad, Liang Xi. I like you, truly. Helping you makes me happy.”

“I’m useless. I trained hard to help you, but look at me—I can’t do anything. Father, don’t worry. I’ve always practiced your teachings. If I rest, I’ll recover.”

“Indeed, the Yasha clan’s secret skill, Prayer, is powerful. Its essence is the strength of one’s wish to protect—the stronger, the greater its power. Without it, she would have died. The real problem is her internal injuries. Wangchuan’s water is poisonous; I warned disciples never to drink it.”

“Gu Zhenzhen drank a mouthful of Wangchuan. If the poison isn’t expelled, she will surely die!” Fu Yuzhen saw it in her complexion. “Let me!” Ji Anran didn’t hesitate; she would extract the poison from Gu Zhenzhen.

Ji Anran was one to repay kindness. Gu Zhenzhen had saved Liang Xi twice—an immense favor. All she could do now was this. Ji Anran hated herself for failing to help Liang Xi at critical moments. Her only thought was to save Gu Zhenzhen. If she died, Ji Anran would feel guilty forever; if so, even if she loved Liang Xi, she’d have no face to be with him.

Liang Xi was speechless—first Gu Zhenzhen, now Ji Anran. Both were extraordinary women, yet both suffered because of him. He laughed bitterly—truly, he brought misfortune.

“Anran, don’t worry. I know Liang Xi loves you most. Seeing you do this makes me sad.”

“Enough! I’ll make sure you survive. You like Liang Xi? If you die, he’s mine!” Ji Anran wanted her to live, to have the will to survive.

“Yes, you like me, but you must live. Gu Zhenzhen, don’t worry—your Liang Xi will not let you die!”

After three rounds of extraction, the poison was gone. Wangchuan’s toxin was potent, but with Water Manipulation, Ji Anran resisted it, though she felt dizzy. She could not give up. Gu Zhenzhen’s color improved.

Gu Chuan hadn’t expected Ji Anran to go so far. Earlier, he had felt some resentment toward Liang Xi—wrongly. If Ji Anran died, how would he explain to the grandmaster? She was her last disciple, highly valued.

“The poison is mostly gone; now the girl’s life is safe—though her skills are likely ruined.”

“Even if Prayer skill is lost, what does it matter? Most important is that the three of us have no more barriers. You saved me, I saved Liang Xi—we are bound forever, aren’t we?” Gu Zhenzhen’s attitude was admirable.