Chapter 11: The Forbidden Scale

Ji Anran and Gu Zhenzhen finally arrived at the Pale Garments Pavilion. The former was merely suffering from exhaustion due to depleted energy, which could be remedied with rest; but now the real trouble lay with Gu Zhenzhen. The young girl had first been ravaged by the Poison of the River of Forgetfulness, and now was gravely injured by Ling Yun’s desperate strike. The two afflictions combined—had they not reached the Pavilion, her life would truly have been forfeit. Even so, Li Moqing, the Pavilion Master, was not entirely confident, “Miss Gu’s wounds are severe, Senior Gu Chuan. To speak honestly, I cannot guarantee that she will recover her former state, but I can promise she will not die.”

Gu Chuan breathed a sigh of relief at these words; there was hope for Zhenzhen after all. “Thank you, Pavilion Master Li.” In this day and night, he seemed to have aged considerably. Moqing was not a person without feeling; she merely put the Pavilion above all else. Yet, when help was truly needed, she never refused. Last night, Zhuang Yunzheng and Liang Xi had come to her, battered and hurried, explaining the situation, and Moqing naturally had no reason to refuse aid.

Moqing held Ji Anran and Gu Zhenzhen in deep respect. How she wished she could love as unrestrainedly as they did, but the responsibilities of her sect would not permit it. Thus, in Moqing’s heart, she regarded them as reflections of herself. Gu Zhenzhen gazed at Ji Anran’s pale face; between them there was no real conflict, only a clash of temperaments.

A gentle light poured into Ji Anran’s body—the Fourth Heaven of the Imperishable White Flame, the Deep Violet Flame. Deep Violet could both harm and heal, all depending on one’s intent. As expected, Ji Anran awoke. She knew at once it was Moqing who had saved her, but she was always stubborn—except before Liang Xi, she never showed her true feelings. She wished to thank Moqing, but could only manage a cold snort.

Moqing paid it no mind. “You needn’t thank me. If you died, your beloved brother would grieve. I did it for his sake.” “Brother” was Ji Anran’s term of endearment for Liang Xi—something Moqing had learned. “Oh, who else could it be? Since you arrived last night, you’ve been calling for your brother non-stop. I thought, who could possibly inspire such affection in the famed Ji beauty, if not Liang Xi?”

Ji Anran’s attitude toward Moqing differed from her attitude toward Gu Zhenzhen. Both she and Moqing were outstanding and serene, and Ji Anran was unwilling to be outdone. Hearing Moqing tease her, her already exquisite features flushed with embarrassment, adding a touch of charm. “Enough, I’ll stop teasing. Just rest a few days and your energy will return. Spend this time with your brother. As for Gu Zhenzhen, I must devise a solution.”

“I cannot rest now. I must see Gu Zhenzhen safe before I can be at ease. She suffered for my brother’s sake; no matter the cost, I will see her restored. If she cannot recover, how can I be at peace with my brother?”

“Very well, come with me. Gu Zhenzhen’s internal injuries are dire; prepare yourself not to be shocked.” But upon seeing Gu Zhenzhen’s condition, Ji Anran could not help but be astonished. Once lively and adorable, she was now pale and lifeless. “The Poison of the River of Forgetfulness is truly formidable. I thought Deep Violet Flame could easily dispel it, but to my surprise, the flame and poison formed a conflict of water and fire!”

“But you needn’t worry. The Deep Violet Flame can suppress the poison; I simply don’t know how to proceed. Unfortunately, Uncle has left the Pavilion. Had he been here, his skill could easily resolve this. I have only cultivated the Imperishable White Flame to the fifth level; many things remain beyond me.”

“If your uncle is absent, can you not call upon me?” Fu Yuzhen said mildly. Though she did not practice the Imperishable White Flame, the methods of healing had always been similar—first stabilize with powerful energy, then seek further remedies.

“If Senior is willing to help, that would be ideal. Your skill matches Uncle’s, so explanations are unnecessary. Senior, first use your profound strength to stabilize Gu Zhenzhen’s chaotic meridians, then I will use the Deep Violet Flame to gradually resolve the poison.”

The Poison of the River of Forgetfulness, like the Three-Day Severance, was among the world’s most domineering toxins. Unlike ordinary poisons, it posed no problem in everyday use, but if one was wounded and then encountered the River’s water, it became a deadly poison. Fu Yuzhen was well aware of this, and repeatedly cautioned her disciples: if wounded, never touch the River’s water, or trouble would surely follow. Look at Gu Zhenzhen now. The powerful Jade Dragon Technique was directly infused into her body. Her meridians were wildly disordered; first they must be aligned, then further matters would become much easier.

Martial artists possess two main meridians: the Ridge and the Abyss. Ridge, meaning small mountain, was studied by countless martial artists since the dawn of martial arts. Both meridians served to gather energy; Ridge was overt, Abyss covert. Thus, they were often called the Light and Dark Meridians. Gu Zhenzhen’s Ridge and Abyss were now thoroughly disordered—sorting them was no easy task.

“I am now using my strength to smooth your meridians. Though you cannot speak, I know you understand. This process will be painful, but you are already in this state—no matter how much worse it gets, what does it matter?”

Gu Zhenzhen had no strength left, yet her gaze remained resolute and clear. “Senior, I have become like this, my skills are gone—what could be worse? You may do as you wish.”

Such was Gu Zhenzhen’s look. “Good girl, you are remarkable. People like you, though they suffer setbacks, are sure to be blessed in the future.” The Jade Dragon’s power was indeed formidable; the disordered meridians were nourished and gradually returned to their proper course. “Senior’s skill is truly divine; I am convinced. Uncle always praised you highly.”

“No need for flattery. I have aligned her meridians; now it’s up to you. For you, this remaining task is simple; you have mastered the Deep Violet Flame. But everyone should understand—even with aligned meridians, I can only maintain the status quo.”

“I am the master of the River of Forgetfulness, but today I truly felt its poison’s power. I used to think it formidable yet controllable, but now, in my naïveté, I see I was wrong.”

The Deep Violet Flame formed a gentle glow, infusing Gu Zhenzhen. Liang Xi looked troubled; his thoughts were always simple—he must find a way to restore Gu Zhenzhen.

“Anran, you can be at ease now. We are at the Pavilion, with powerful resources to suppress the poison for a time. We must find a better way to restore Gu Zhenzhen. I know it won’t be easy. I have another critical task—I sense Ling Yun is still alive. I cannot let him continue harming others!”

Ling Yun, though severely injured, was a disciple of one of the Four Great Water Sects, so killing him would not be easy. His eyes flashed with malice. “Damn Liang Xi, do you think I’m dead? Once I recover, I won’t spare you. Let’s see who wins in the end!” But this was impossible; Liang Xi had already found him.

“How… how did you find me?” At the sight of Liang Xi, Ling Yun’s terror was unleashed, his resolve crumbled. “How did I find you? Simple. My Falling Star Technique is unmatched in tracking. Today, you won’t escape!” Liang Xi’s finger gathered immense sword energy; one move of Drawing Sword for Merit would finish him! Liang Xi approached Ling Yun, who was stricken with fear.

“No, you cannot kill me! If I die, there will truly be no one in this world who can save Gu Zhenzhen. Perhaps you have a way against the Poison of the River, but my last strike contained the supreme skill of my lineage, the Ripple Sutra. You may not know—the Ripple Sutra and Prayer counteract each other. You look confused; you must not know what Prayer truly is. Since I have nothing else to do, let me explain. Everyone knows Lord Water’s power is renowned, but few realize he perfected both the Ridge and Abyss meridians. Ridge gathers true energy, Abyss gathers mental power. Though this is known, no one dares attempt the Path of Spirit. Do you know why? Because cultivating the Spirit is unique in martial arts—the worst that can happen in martial training is losing your skills, but you can still live as an ordinary person.”

“But cultivating Spirit is different. Once begun, it can never cease—even in death, it continues!” Ling Yun, though lacking in martial prowess, was well versed in martial secrets. “Tell me, your mind exists every moment; can you truly stop thinking? You cannot. In the end, cultivating Spirit becomes as natural as eating and drinking—can you go three days without food or water?”

“If it were merely never ceasing, it would be easy. The real danger is that any error in cultivation erases all prior effort. Lord Water felt the power and peril of mental strength in his later years, so he created the Ripple Sutra to counteract the growth of mental power.”

“He passed this skill to my lineage. Because of this, my ancestors and those of the Yasha Sect became bitter enemies. If they met, it was always a fight to the death. When I first met Gu Zhenzhen, I knew nothing of her identity. Old Gu Chuan had found some way to suppress her Prayer. But later, in Lord Water’s treasure chamber, Gu Zhenzhen broke her restrictions to save you.”

“At that moment, I realized Gu Zhenzhen was the strongest in Prayer among the Yasha. I could not allow such a person to exist; if she grew stronger, my lineage would have no hope. So I struck with all my power, injecting the Ripple Sutra into her. Her meridians may be aligned now, but her fate is sealed. Now, only I can save her; no one else. But do you think I would? Ha! I tell you all this merely to delay you—what a pleasure!”

Ling Yun gathered his last strength, pierced his own heart, and died. Gu Zhenzhen was left beyond saving. Ling Yun had long resolved to die; now, even as his breath ceased, his face wore a strange smile. “You think my death means you have no way out? Damn Ling Yun!” Liang Xi had never felt so helpless; rage consumed him. But he soon calmed—anger was useless now. He must return to the Pavilion and report everything, for together, they might find a better solution.

“Hmph, Ling Yun is truly ruthless. With his death, we have no means left. Liang Xi, I was mistaken—I thought combining my skill with Moqing’s would preserve Gu Zhenzhen, and we could seek another way. But Ling Yun’s final strike destroyed her Abyss meridian. The Yasha Sect specializes in mental strength; with the Abyss gone, we are powerless.” Everyone’s face was grim. Ji Anran would not stand by and let Gu Zhenzhen die. “Do not worry, everyone. I’ll send word to our eldest sister to obtain the supreme spiritual medicine, the Phantom Spirit Pill.”

“The Phantom Spirit Pill was found by Master Hua Lian long ago. No matter how grave the injury, taking it preserves the patient’s life.” The pill uses illusion to make the wounded believe they are well, but its effect lasts only half a month. If a cure is found within that time, all will be well; otherwise, when Gu Zhenzhen awakens from the illusion, she will suffer a severe backlash.

If things reach that stage, it will be true trouble. Fu Yuzhen respected Hua Lian’s abilities. “Yes, yes, I’d forgotten. Hua Lian’s talents are in illusions, similar to Gu Zhenzhen’s Prayer. So, Anran, the matter is yours to handle.”

Fu Yuzhen was mistaken—illusion is a trick, using true energy, not mental power. Prayer, however, uses real mental force. But desperate times call for desperate measures; it’s better than nothing. “Master, rest assured. I know what to do.”

“Eldest sister, has our junior sent word? She must be in trouble; that girl is always stubborn. If she’s asking for help, she must truly be out of options.” Mei Lengning had always been close to Ji Anran and knew her well.

“This time, your junior is healing her rival in love. The girl rarely likes anyone, but fate brought her a rival. Two days ago, she and her companions went to Lord Water’s treasure. At the final moment, Ling Yun triggered a trap, and Gu Zhenzhen risked her life to save Liang Xi. Though Anran was uncomfortable, she was grateful. Now, Gu Zhenzhen is poisoned, and though Anran expelled most of it, what remains is powerful. But the worst is Ling Yun’s final strike—her Abyss meridian is destroyed. Anran wants me to use the Phantom Spirit Pill to maintain her condition.”

“I always knew—when Anran loves, it is for life. Now, she’s written to me; how can I, as her sister, refuse?”

“Chasing Dreams, you are the second sister; you cared for her while I was away. Master always trusted you. If this were your task, how would you handle it?”

Shui Linglong, though now the master of the Phantom Spirit Realm, preferred to consult with others. Chasing Dreams played with her sword, smiling, “Eldest sister already knows what to do. Treasures are best used where they matter most. Since Anran has asked, we sisters must help. Eldest sister, simply have someone deliver it.”

“Very well. Second sister, will you make the trip? You are reliable. Third and fourth sisters are capable but still young; with you there, Anran will have support and won’t panic.”

“Hmph, eldest sister is biased. She knows I’m closest to Anran, but never lets me have the best tasks. I’m very upset,” Mei Lengning feigned annoyance.

“Eldest sister, Anran hasn’t been eating well. She’s picky, so I’ve prepared some snacks she likes. Why not send second and fourth sisters together, with my pastries as an extra token?”

“Alright, second and fourth sisters, take the Phantom Spirit Pill to the Pavilion. If it can help Anran, all the better.” Mei Lengning was delighted; since entering the sect, she had never traveled. Master was strict, and her only task was to train. Now her skills had grown, she could help her junior—showing Anran that her fourth sister was worthy.

The first Phantom Spirit Pill was found by chance, but now many exist in the Phantom Spirit Realm. Hua Lian, eccentric in her early years, claimed she would plant a Phantom Spirit Tree to yield endless pills—and, years later, she succeeded. Though Hua Lian has passed, her legacy remains powerful. The pill, radiant and fist-sized, was more aptly called the Phantom Spirit Fruit.

Chasing Dreams and Mei Lengning selected the largest. “If you’re ready, depart quickly. Delay may bring trouble; you know Anran’s temperament.” Ji Anran was stubborn—once resolved, she would achieve her goal, no matter the obstacles.

Within the Pavilion, everyone was solemn. Gu Zhenzhen’s destroyed Abyss meridian left them helpless. “Junior, we’re here; sorry to keep you waiting.” In truth, only half a day had passed. The Phantom Spirit Realm was not far, but even so, it took a day’s journey; second and fourth sisters arrived in half a day, showing their dedication.

“Disciples Chasing Dreams and Mei Lengning, under Phantom Spirit Realm Master Hua Lian, greet Seniors Fu Yuzhen and Gu Chuan.” The Phantom Spirit Realm was famed in Xuanzhou, though its disciples seldom traveled. Today, they truly met. “I’ve long heard that Hua Lian’s disciples are many and skilled. Today I see it is true. This lady in purple must be the Realm’s foremost swordmaster.”

Foremost swordmaster? Chasing Dreams would never claim such; though her Dream Soul Six Swords were remarkable, she was not so arrogant. “I know a bit of swordplay; calling me the foremost is exaggerated. We came by eldest sister’s order to help junior. We see Gu Zhenzhen’s Abyss is destroyed. If we delay further, she might survive but become crippled—which none of us wish.”

“So, we brought the Phantom Spirit Pill; with it, we can suppress Ling Yun’s backlash for now. Since Ripple Sutra and Prayer counteract each other, our only path is to seek out Ling Shui.”

“Ripple Sutra and Prayer counteract, yet from another angle, opposition breeds connection. It is said that the ancestor of Ling Shui’s lineage longed to defeat the Yasha ancestor. I don’t know all the history, but master liked to gather these tales and share them. It’s said the two ancestors were once close, but after joining the sect, everything changed. Perhaps Ling Shui’s ancestor did not merely wish to defeat Yasha, but to reconcile as well.”

“Senior Gu Chuan, if I’m not mistaken, your ancestor was the only female among Lord Water’s five disciples, right? Her Abyss meridian was so powerful that Lord Water broke precedent to accept her as his final disciple and taught her Prayer. Lord Water knew from the start that Yasha and Ling Shui ancestors were a loving couple, but everything changed once they entered the sect.”

Gu Chuan’s expression was uneasy—Chasing Dreams was recounting Yasha’s history. “You are correct. My ancestor was exceptional; Ling Shui’s always sought to defeat her, but never succeeded. Now, if any hope remains for my daughter, it lies in Ling Shui.”

“Good, then we all agree on our next step. Let us set out for Ripple Bay. Fortunately, it is only half a day away. Liang Xi, you said you saw Ling Yun destroy his own heart and die? You were deceived. Did you not know Ling Shui’s lineage excels at deception? If you doubt, we’ll see soon enough. I suspect Ling Yun is on his way back to Ripple Bay.”

“Thankfully, even if he survives, he is gravely wounded. If we reach Ripple Bay before him and obtain the Ripple Sutra, he will be powerless even if he returns.” Chasing Dreams, though just arrived, was already giving orders, her reputation high before Eldest Sister Shui Linglong returned.

She caught herself, her beautiful face flushing. “I have overstepped; please forgive me, elders.”

“No, you spoke well. Who gives the order does not matter; what matters is we now have a direction. If all agree, let us set out for Ripple Bay. I know the place. Our group should be limited: myself, Liang Xi, Ji Anran, Zhuang Yunzheng, Moqing, Chasing Dreams, and Mei Lengning.” Fu Yuzhen led the way down Fairy Peak.

The rest remained to care for Gu Zhenzhen. Traveling north from the River of Forgetfulness, they soon saw a clear boundary: the River was pristine, while Ling Shui shone like jade. The River was slow, Ling Shui swift. “That boundary you saw is the most famous among the Four Water Sects, but was submerged by tides a century ago.”

“Beyond the boundary is Ling Shui—its waters are swift, but our boat is sturdy, so there’s no need to worry.” Entering Ling Shui, the landscape widened, not like the rocky gorges of the River. “Second sister, isn’t it beautiful here? Coming was truly worth it,” Mei Lengning said, delighted by the scenery.

Yet Ji Anran, even amidst such beauty, had no heart to enjoy it. She leaned on Liang Xi’s shoulder, silent, unsure what to say. Her own meridians had been tainted by the poison, but compared to Gu Zhenzhen, it was minor.

Liang Xi understood what troubled her. He comforted her softly, “Don’t blame yourself. We can only do our best. The fault was mine; had I been more cautious in Lord Water’s treasure, none of this would have happened.”

Liang Xi was deeply saddened; he never expected Gu Zhenzhen would sacrifice herself for him. How could he repay such devotion? By loving as he wished—why wait until regret was too late? Zhuang Yunzheng watched his junior; though full of words, he could say none. He looked at Moqing, who glanced back; both thought: our hearts are true, let us not imitate Liang Xi.

Zhuang Yunzheng knew his junior had always attracted affection—a blessing, but one that brought trouble, too. Unlike Liang Xi’s boldness, he sought lifelong devotion.

“Junior, you must not have eaten properly these days. Third sister sent snacks you love; she wanted to come, but with eldest sister newly promoted, she must help her.” Mei Lengning, closest to Ji Anran, was pained to see her in such state, and offered the pastries of Fei Xingye, hoping Anran would care for herself.

“Get up! Look at yourself—is this the junior I know? The Anran I know is willful, brave, strong. What is this? You love Liang Xi, yet all you do is hurt him. Is this your idea of love?” Chasing Dreams, ever forthright, pushed her fourth sister aside, pointing at Ji Anran.

Chasing Dreams did not believe in love; her life was swordplay. Her way of comfort was always blunt, incapable of soft words. “Hmph, having you as junior is a disgrace. If master were here, she’d be furious—the disciple she valued is useless. Surely you are angry now; good, stand up and fight me. If you die, your life repays Gu Zhenzhen—wouldn’t that be clean?”

Everyone was shocked; sometimes, advice must be contrary, but few can truly do so. “Second sister, you…”

“Silence! I’m not talking to you. Liang Xi, you’re a failure—you make two women who love you suffer. The one most deserving of death is you! Are you proud? Hmph, you’re only handsome; beyond that, you’re not worthy to be called a man!”

“Shut up!” Ji Anran could endure no more; criticize her if you must, but speak ill of Liang Xi and she would not stand for it. She launched a fierce attack from the Water’s Edge Palm—Sky Water Unbroken!

“Hmph, so you care when I insult him? Yet I speak truth—he is a failure. Master valued you, yet you love a failure. If you disagree, prove me wrong!”

Chasing Dreams faced the deadly palm without fear. Sword in hand, she unleashed Severed Intestines, a killing move from Dream Soul Six Swords. Lethal sword energy burst into myriad lights, threatening to strike Ji Anran down. Ji Anran knew her second sister’s sword was formidable; her palm move not yet spent, she retreated and summoned the Cage—her leaf-plucking skill, the only defense against such swordplay.

“Bang!” The two supreme skills clashed, the air rippling from the impact. Severed Intestines was a single move, but now transformed into a thousand variations, matched with Chasing Dreams’ graceful form, a sight to behold. Yet Ji Anran was superior; with the Cage, her hands blocked thousands of sword strikes.

No matter how fierce the sword, against plucking leaves it could not advance. Chasing Dreams’ moves were all kept at bay. In an instant, the two sisters exchanged over a hundred moves, neither gaining advantage. “Second sister, junior, what are you doing? Stop! The boat is sturdy, but even it can’t withstand your powerful techniques!”

Ji Anran’s hands and body moved faster; with a sharp “clang,” she flicked Chasing Dreams’ sword aside, her figure floating, shifting moves. The fifth form of the Beauty’s Hand, Falling Plum Breaks Bone, halted just half an inch above her sister’s crown. Had it struck, Chasing Dreams would be crippled if not dead! “Criticize me as you wish, but insult Liang Xi and you are my enemy—even if you are my sister!”

With that, her palm struck beside Chasing Dreams’ ear, shattering a nearby chair. Everyone was astonished—Ji Anran’s reverse scale was Liang Xi.

Chasing Dreams, however, was not angry. Yes, this was the junior she knew.