Chapter 12: The Beauty's Fury

As long as the little junior sister could return to her former self, even if she, as the senior sister, were to die, what would it matter? The brief battle ended, and the group finally arrived at the domain of the Spirit Water sect, Ripple Bay. Ripple Bay was said to be the most beautiful of the four great water branches, but now, the once breathtaking scenery had lost its vitality. After the sect leader and young master perished, the disciples scattered like monkeys from a fallen tree; the camaraderie of the past evaporated. The landscape remained, but hearts had changed, chilling one to the bone.

After landing and walking for about half a stick of incense, the group encountered a vast pond. “Spirit Water’s domain combines the features of mountain, water, city, and forest. This pond is called the Clear Pool. Its water does not come from Spirit Water. Though I’ve visited many times, I still don’t know its true source. What’s most remarkable is that the Clear Pool’s water remains crystal clear and exceedingly cold year-round. See the layer of pale ice around it? That’s from the cold. Beyond the Clear Pool lies a small mountain, Spirit Water Mountain, which is a remnant of the Twelve Peaks of Forgetting River.”

Liang Xi had traveled extensively with his parents since childhood, giving him unmatched insight among his peers. He spoke, “Senior, does the Spirit Water sect truly build upon the mountain? If so, channeling water to such heights is extraordinary. Yet, with such a splendid place, they still refused to do good—what a pity.”

Fu Yuzhen glanced at him and smiled, “Not built upon the mountain, but made by borrowing its presence. Brother Liang, you come from a learned family, so you should know: Spirit Water may not touch the mountain, but its essence is everywhere. When Lord Water honored this place to the sect’s founder, he hoped the recipient would cultivate virtue and abandon inner strife. Yet, even with Lord Water’s divine skill, the outcome could not be changed.”

“Come, after crossing the White Jade Bridge ahead, we’ll find a vast forest. These trees are exceedingly rare and valuable—Spirit Water’s sect master loved to train here. I haven’t been for years, and the trees have grown even more robust.” Soon, they saw the White Jade Bridge, carved from a single block of Greenstone with no joints. Greenstone is naturally blue, but when exposed to sun over years, its surface fades to reveal pure white beneath. Bathed in sunlight, it truly gleams like jade.

“The Spirit Water sect truly knows how to enjoy life. I’ve never seen such wonders before,” Zhuang Yunzhen spoke sincerely—raised in the Cloud Immortal Sect, his mind always focused solely on cultivation, unconcerned with anything else.

“Brother, that’s not quite right. Only after witnessing such beauty do we realize how limited our knowledge really is,” his companion replied.

Beyond the White Jade Bridge, they found a sprawling forest, with trees at least a century old, their trunks so thick three or four people could barely encircle them. “Don’t underestimate these rare trees. Their value is just one aspect. Listen: once inside, you must hold your breath. The trees emit a faint fragrance that can induce hallucinations or poison. Please be cautious.”

“Oh, one more thing—I forgot to mention: you must cross the forest as quickly as possible. We’re here on a mission, not for leisure.” With these words, Fu Yuzhen was the first to leap forward, using the Dragon Ascending step from the Thirty-two Paths of Forgetting River, a technique crafted for swift travel. Zhuang Yunzhen and Liang Xi, both young and spirited, could not hold back, employing their Flying Bird Dance to chase after her.

Flying Bird Dance was indeed a superb lightness skill, and soon, they matched Fu Yuzhen stride for stride. “Ha, you two are quick indeed! Among all I’ve seen, none surpass you. But it’s still not enough—you must be faster. At sunset, the forest closes of its own accord. If that happens, escape becomes impossible!”

Behind them, Second Sister Cheng Zhu Meng led the group, each displaying exceptional movement skills. Fragrant Beauty Step was the signature lightness skill of the Phantom Spirit Realm, performed by Cheng Zhu Meng, Mei Leng Ning, and Ji Anran—three beauties, each with their own charm. Yet, beauties aside, there was no time to admire. A faint fragrance permeated the air, “This forest’s scent has a lovely name: Heavenly Fragrance.”

Spirit Water’s ancestor was a man, but loved his wife deeply, striving to craft a rare fragrance to bring her back. His wish was to best her in skill, then use this fragrance to apologize. Yet, it seems he never accomplished that goal, and with time, the fragrance changed, becoming Heavenly Fragrance—a defense against powerful foes for the Spirit Water sect.

“Senior, if you have anything else to say, say it now. If you keep explaining bit by bit, even with our skills, we can’t use them. Or perhaps, as a famed elder, your greatest joy is seeing us juniors flustered?”

This accusation was unjust to Fu Yuzhen. Though she had been here many times, years had passed, and Ripple Bay had changed greatly, so she needed to recall things step by step. But if they couldn’t pass even these tests, nothing more needed saying. “Once through the Heavenly Fragrance forest, there is no danger. But beware: the Dark Pool beyond is the hottest spot among the four water branches. Never let yourself touch its water.”

Liang Xi and the others stared at the churning waters of the Dark Pool, more astonished than afraid. Spirit Water was truly fascinating: the entrance’s Clear Pool was freezing, the Dark Pool the opposite. Now, Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzhen realized why Spirit Water’s aura felt unique. “Brother, do you think the Clear and Dark Pools are like us? Seemingly opposite, yet getting along so well.”

“Haha, brother, you used to be taciturn, but after meeting Miss Mo Qing, you’ve become so talkative. Clearly, her abilities surpass mine.” So much had happened recently that Liang Xi rarely teased his brother, but now, with the opportunity, he seized it.

Mo Qing did not truly know Liang Xi’s nature; all she knew came from Zhuang Yunzhen. Now, seeing his glib tongue firsthand, his compliments had a unique charm. She smiled, “Brother Zhuang always said you were clever. Today, I see you truly are.”

Hearing Mo Qing call him brother, Liang Xi was delighted. “Brother, though you’re reserved, you’ve found a wonderful sister-in-law. I can’t let her call me brother for nothing—recently, you asked me to buy a Blue Jewel, and I’ve finally found it. Now I can hand it over. Sister-in-law Mo Qing, this Blue Jewel is your token from brother. You know him—full of thoughts, but tongue-tied since childhood. When he likes something, he asks me to buy it.”

He handed a palm-sized box to Zhuang Yunzhen, giving him a meaningful look. Zhuang Yunzhen, though less sharp than Liang Xi, understood perfectly, having grown up together. “Yes, yes, look at me—recently, I forgot such an important thing. Mo Qing, this is for you. Didn’t you tell me you like blue? I think the Blue Jewel is wonderful; I know you’ll love it.”

Giving gifts so awkwardly—Mo Qing must truly be remarkable to like such a wooden man. She understood Zhuang Yunzhen’s intent; the gift was really Liang Xi’s wish for them to be happy. She saw through it, but did not say so. “It’s beautiful, I do like it.”

Liang Xi’s thoughts were simple—he wanted Zhuang Yunzhen and Mo Qing to be happy together. With Mo Qing watching over his brother, Liang Xi could relax. His brother had always protected him, so now, he wanted to do something for him. Ji Anran found the scene amusing. She snorted, “You rascal, you really know how to win favor. But when facing me, you’re so mischievous!”

Beautiful women settling scores was always troublesome. Liang Xi felt helpless; everyone was waiting for his response, but offering help was out of the question. If he had the courage to like such a beauty, he had to accept her whims.

“Big beauty, you’re wrong. We’re so close—if I acted like a proper scholar, would you like me? I have no special talents, but in shamelessness, I’m unmatched!”

Ji Anran was both angry and amused; she had never seen such a boy. “Your thick skin is indeed unrivaled. Even Brother Zhuang’s Immovable Golden Body is no match for you.”

After this banter, everyone’s spirits lifted. They crossed the Dark Pool, and Spirit Water City appeared—the true core of the Spirit Water sect. With flying eaves and intricate wooden structures, the city was built entirely of wood. Up close, the air carried a delicate fragrance.

“I haven't been here in ages. Compared to before, there are more marks of time. Luckily, the disciples have all left; at other times, it would be difficult to enter. In the rear courtyard are the cultivation notes of all past sect masters. Let’s search; perhaps we’ll find something unexpected!”

Previously, Spirit Water City was lively, but now it was deathly quiet. After crossing the main hall, they reached the rear courtyard, which was spacious, with weapon racks on both sides. Fu Yuzhen was familiar with this, ignoring everything else and walking straight to a wall with a lingzhi pattern. She placed her hand on the mushroom’s cap and pressed down; the flagstones shifted aside, revealing a downward entrance. “Come, this is the true core of Spirit Water. It’s a pity Ling Guangchong always wanted to learn the ancestor’s skills, but though he passed by here many times, he never stopped to look. Had he paid attention, would we have had this opportunity?”

The stone steps were not steep—ten in all—so they soon arrived below. Here was a vast study, with tall bookshelves all around, filled with neatly arranged ancient texts, waiting for the destined to read. “These are the core scriptures of Spirit Water. Liang Xi, Zhuang Yunzhen—you two have studied the Cloud Atlas since childhood, so mastering these texts should be easy for you.”

Liang Xi, born to wealth, had no trace of arrogance, but was keen to learn. The books were divided into three types: weapons, divine skills, and historical anecdotes. Weapons held no interest for him now; perhaps someday, but for now, his focus was on martial arts and divine skills. “Brother, Spirit Water’s techniques are fascinating. Though all derive from the Ripple Sutra, over the years, so many branches have emerged.”

“Yes, but you need only look for those related to spiritual power. Sadly, my own skills are of the forceful kind; I can’t help you much here. But I’ve already spoken to your sister-in-law—this time, I’ll help you elsewhere.” Mo Qing was surprised: after reuniting with Liang Xi, Zhuang Yunzhen had become so outspoken, joining in his brother’s jokes.

Mo Qing truly loved Zhuang Yunzhen, for though he lacked words, he always understood her. He was the one who knew her best. Days ago, in the Plain Garment Tower, they leaned against each other, saying nothing, yet understanding each other’s thoughts.

This feeling was comfortable—before Zhuang Yunzhen, she need not put on the airs of a sect daughter, but could be herself, doing as she pleased. Sometimes, Zhuang would smile at her, and she’d be happy for days. As the Tower’s master, she was forbidden from so much, but people forgot she was just a sixteen-year-old girl with her own joys and sorrows. Now, only Zhuang Yunzhen knew her heart.

Traveling with her beloved was pure joy, but his public words embarrassed her greatly. Liang Xi, seeing Mo Qing’s shy expression, turned to Ji Anran, who was reading, and teased, “Big beauty, you must feel you’ve lost out knowing me. I know you never admit defeat to Mo Qing, but you’ll soon have to call her sister-in-law—that must be hard for you.”

“Rascal, that’s my business, not yours. You think you’re something special? Hmph, anger me and I’ll ignore you, then we’ll see who’s more miserable!” Zhuang Yunzhen and his brother were speechless.

“Haha, none of you should dream of leaving today. Let’s all become two pairs of doomed lovers—how marvelous! Liang Xi, you’re not ruthless enough. Let me teach you: in a fight, never leave until your opponent is truly dead. But it seems you’re out of luck now!”

A gust of force swept in, striking each of them unexpectedly and rendering them immobile. “Long time no see, everyone.” The newcomer was Ling Yun, who should have died. Though he had obtained a fake copy of the “Origin of Ten Thousand Waters,” his years of bitter practice gave him a solid foundation. Though he had severed his heart meridian, just as his life was fading, a strange power arose within him, boosting his skills beyond before.

Ling Yun, reborn, was bent on destroying Liang Xi and the others and obtaining the true scripture. Before that, he was determined to kill them all. Since childhood, he had sensed secrets within Ripple Bay, but despite many searches, he found nothing. So he followed Liang Xi’s group, witnessing them enter beneath the wall—a secret he could never have imagined.

Now, these once-proud figures were at his mercy. “These scriptures are Spirit Water’s treasures. Heaven has granted them to me, so I should use them well. Hmph, you little thieves—dying at my hand is no injustice!”

“Grandmaster, you probably never guessed your disciple was always trailing you. Did you forget Spirit Water’s specialty is stealth? My father always wanted to lead the four water branches, but since he failed, now I, his son, will achieve it.”

“Yes, you’ve always been patient, waiting for your chance. This is your domain; if you hid your aura, we’d be helpless. But you’re still too young—now that you reveal yourself, this is your death!”

“Haha, grandmaster, you’ve all been struck by my palm and are powerless. I know why you’re here—to heal Gu Zhenzhen, who’s at death’s door. But you have no hope now. Still, I’m generous: if you have any skills left, show them all—I’m not afraid!”

Ling Yun was nearly mad, his hand wielding a sharp sword, sword energy swirling coldly. He was ruthless now; his sword skill alone was not fearsome, but he’d gained some unknown fortune. His left hand wielded the sword, and his right index finger jabbed forward, unleashing a heavy, domineering force. Zhuang Yunzhen, always alert, responded with the Burning Heaven strike, the deadliest move of the Twin Shining Palms. No matter what Ling Yun had gained, he could not withstand this blow!

The finger and palm met with a small stir, but Zhuang Yunzhen’s face grew grave. “Hmph, you recognize it now—this is the first realm of the Ripple Sutra: Dripping Water Pierces Stone. Do you know what that means? All force converges to a single point. Zhuang Yunzhen, you learned the Sky Volume of the Cloud Atlas, gaining formidable Xuangang force. I hear you recently mastered the Immovable Golden Body of the Plain Garment Tower. Excellent—both are peerless forceful skills. But today, even with your mighty arts, you won’t defeat my Dripping Water Pierces Stone!”

Ling Yun shouted, his power reaching its peak, waves roaring around him. The tremendous waves condensed to a single point, showing the move’s immense power. Though Burning Heaven was domineering, and Zhuang Yunzhen’s Xuangang shielded him, he was still overturned by a single move. Ling Yun gave him no chance, unleashing Sword Fire Rage with his left hand.

The sword’s edge blazed with fire—a move from the Ripple Sword to sweep away evil. Instantly, Zhuang Yunzhen was enveloped in a net of sword energy, waves crashing in, holding nothing back. At that moment, a woman in green easily dispelled the fierce attack—it was Mo Qing. Though Sword Fire Rage was powerful, against Mo Qing it could only falter.

Though the Plain Garment Tower was renowned, its members rarely ventured out, so Ling Yun did not know the beautiful woman before him. She had dispelled his sword move, proving her strength; he could only be wary. “Miss, who are you? Why defend those unrelated to you?”

Mo Qing ignored his chatter, channeling a ray of light into Zhuang Yunzhen’s body. He knew it was Deep Violet Flame from the Immortal White Flame, a colorless fire. Deep Violet could heal or kill, all with a single thought. The healing was from Holy Light, wondrous and powerful—if not dead, one could recover; if dead less than three days, one could be restored by another move. “Mo Qing, be careful. Ling Yun’s methods are truly formidable.”

Yet, Zhuang Yunzhen realized his warning was unnecessary; the Plain Garment Tower thrived on fire and had nothing to fear. But Mo Qing, hearing his gentle concern, felt sweet inside and smiled. “I understand.” Mo Qing’s smile differed from Ji Anran’s—hers was breathtaking, while Mo Qing’s was gentle as a spring breeze. The Immortal White Flame had ten realms; Mo Qing had reached the fifth—a remarkable achievement. She rose, smile fading, the aura of a sect master radiating from her.

In an instant, the green shadow moved—Mo Qing finally struck. Before meeting Zhuang Yunzhen, she had never imagined she would one day fight hand-to-hand. Her palm was like a blade, swift and sharp, but each strike missed. Her movements were graceful but, for now, merely pleasing to the eye. “Brother, Mo Qing is strong, but she’s never fought before. I fear she’ll be gravely injured. Should we join forces?”

“No need! My man is mine to protect! Brother Liang, just watch!” Mo Qing spoke without turning. Only she knew what she was doing.

“Haha, Miss Mo Qing, I see this is your first real fight. Your skills may be lacking, but you shouldn’t be unable to see clearly, right? Facing such moves, I need no defense. I thought you were strong, able to counter my sword, but now, it seems otherwise. Why not step aside and let your man fight me? That would be more entertaining.”

Mo Qing still ignored him, her palms missing but growing sharper. “You think my strikes missed by accident? You don’t know—the essence of the Shattered Shadow move is to feint, to mislead. Now, I understand all your evasions; you’re no longer my opponent.”

Ling Yun felt trapped in a strange flow—he dodged her moves, yet her fierce palms landed anyway. The Shattered Shadow may not look impressive, but it was highly effective; soon, Ling Yun took several hits, his face darkening—whether from poison or rage.

Ling Yun finally understood: the beautiful woman before him was ruthless; if things continued, he would die here. The only option was to escape. But soon he realized he couldn’t move—what was happening?

“Unable to move? Your body now holds the Bone-Eater Worm I placed. Even if you want to leave, you can’t. Deep Violet Flame heals or kills with a thought—you’ve seen its protective power, now witness its lethal force. Shattered Shadow is the opening; Bone-Eater is the core. The Bone-Eater is a spirit worm formed by Deep Violet Flame, able to devour everything. Your mobility has been consumed by this little creature.”

“Your sword skill was broken by the Bone-Eater. Yes, this is my first real duel; some powers I use clumsily. But so what? Isn’t there someone like you here? So I don’t worry. I can’t be as ruthless as Ji Anran, but I think you deserve a lesson. Now, your stolen vitality is fading—how wonderful, isn’t it?”

Mo Qing didn’t kill, but the lesson chilled everyone. This was the power of the Plain Garment Tower’s Immortal White Flame. Ling Yun now felt only terror and distortion—he didn’t understand why things had turned so dire. He spat blood, feeling his life ebb away, step by step. Why? He was so close, yet it ended in ruin.

No, he could not accept this—if he did, he would never rise again. With that, Ling Yun gathered his last strength, leaping up. “Even if I die here, I’ll take someone with me!” His palm was chilling, identical to the move that wounded Gu Zhenzhen.

Seeing this, Ji Anran was furious. Gu Zhenzhen had saved her brother’s life, and she felt guilt ever since. Now, Ling Yun aimed to harm Liang Xi’s brother; if she did not act, how could she face her brother? Ji Anran sprang up, her left hand flowing, right hand unleashing Water Sky As One—both supreme killing moves from the Wangjiang Palm. Mo Qing also noticed; she had never fought in anger before, but Ling Yun deserved death. At this moment, she would not let him win.

Suddenly, scarlet flames burst around Mo Qing, accompanied by a phoenix cry. “This is the fifth realm of Immortal White Flame: Supreme Red Flame. Who would have thought Mo Qing reached this level? The Plain Garment Tower truly has a successor! Supreme Red Flame is formed from a drop of Vermilion Bird’s blood; only upon reaching the fifth realm does one become a master. Among the ten realms, the fifth is the most dominant, and it is the only one with Fire God Step, a lightness skill. Mo Qing used Fire God Step to instantly reach Ling Yun, pressing her palm to his face. Ling Yun howled as a powerful vibration surged through him, erasing everything in an instant. ‘Do you know what this is? This is Vibrating Force. I wouldn’t use it if I could help it—it can erase all things!’

‘But you threatened Brother Zhuang—I cannot tolerate that! Since reaching the fifth realm, you are the first to witness Vibrating Force. But even as I speak, you probably can’t hear me anymore.’ Ling Yun’s consciousness lingered, but it held no threat. Whatever resistance he felt finally faded into nothing.

Mo Qing and Ji Anran had never worked together before, but now, exchanging smiles, they admired each other’s abilities. “Excellent! No wonder you’re the daughter of Cold Jade Cicada—my disciple should be just like this!” Fu Yuzhen, leader of the four water branches, recovered quickly from the earlier ambush; she wanted to see Mo Qing’s methods, so though she could have killed Ling Yun, she refrained. Now, it was clear there was no problem—Ji Anran and Mo Qing together could sweep the world.

With Ling Yun, the greatest threat, eliminated, their next task was to find a way to heal Gu Zhenzhen. Yet, after the battle, all the scriptures were destroyed. Liang Xi felt despair—why had things turned out this way? Was there no hope for Gu Zhenzhen? No, it couldn’t be; there had to be a way, just unknown yet.

But everyone was wrong—there was no clue left here. Liang Xi always prided himself on his wit, but now, he could do nothing. “Brother, look—what’s this? In the corner of the wall, there’s writing. It was too faint to be seen before, but now that the books are gone, it’s revealed.” Zhuang Yunzhen, seeing his brother so dispirited, felt immense sorrow. Since meeting him, his brother was always lively; now, because of Gu Zhenzhen’s injury, he was helpless. At this moment, Zhuang Yunzhen’s fingers felt the writing: “Only the Falling Sunset Bright Jade holds this power.”

What was the Falling Sunset Bright Jade? “It requires the Falling Sunset Bright Jade? That’s the treasure of Bright Jade Manor. But who should fetch it? Bright Jade Manor has a peculiar rule: only handsome men and beautiful women can enter. Yet, its location is a secret—no one knows. Even so, Liang Xi, will you go? It must be dangerous.”

“Master, nothing more needs saying. I’ll go with this rascal.”