Chapter 11: Mo Qing's Serenity

On the second day, the Qingshan Tian clan began their migration to Sizhui. Qingshan, a place steeped in memories, had finally fulfilled all its purposes. “Why are you looking at me like that, boy? Is my sudden arrival so surprising? It shouldn’t be. From the moment you set out for Qingshan, I’ve been following you in secret. The results are quite good, after all. Enough with the gratitude—I helped you, but truly, I helped myself. My second uncle won’t give up so easily; even I don’t know what he plans next.”

“If you really wish to thank me, invite me to a good meal once you’ve settled down. That’ll be enough. For now, focus all your efforts on the Tian clan. Go and see him—though you and your brother haven’t met in years, after the battle you’ve come to understand each other. As for me, you needn’t concern yourself.”

Liang Xi ultimately did not ask the Tian clan to compensate him for his robe. Today was a momentous day for the clan, so he donned a new azure robe and rode his horse at a leisurely pace. Previously, his arrival had been rushed, and he hadn’t appreciated the scenery along the way.

The Tian clan disciples watched Liang Xi’s relaxed demeanor and wanted to approach him several times, but his earlier feat—standing alone against Tian Ziling and Tian Peijun’s deadly attacks—had stunned everyone. They now held Liang Xi in awe, mixed with gratitude and shame. They were grateful Tian Ziling seemed to have let past grievances slide, and ashamed that they had once looked down on him for being from a branch family.

Apart from Tian Peijun, there was no one in the Tian clan who had never changed their attitude toward Tian Ziling. Liang Xi understood well what these disciples thought. There was no need to appease them; intimidation was the only way. Only when fear filled their hearts could Tian Ziling truly stand his ground within the clan.

Imagine if Liang Xi or Tian Ziling did not possess such formidable skills—what would these people’s attitudes be? No doubt they would remain arrogant and aloof. Before the age of five, when Liang Xi was at home, he had seen many such people. At the time, he didn’t understand why powerful experts were so respectful to his parents.

His mother, Jun Cailin, merely smiled and did not answer his childhood questions. Later, when Liang Xi apprenticed himself to Qi Ying at Lingyun Palace, he confided his long-held doubts to his master. Qi Ying replied, “The Liang family is strong—very strong. That’s why others are so fearful.”

It must be known that “Madman” Jun Daoxing was one of the three greatest masters in the world, but he had disappeared for years—who knew if he was alive or dead? As the saying goes, when a person dies, their fame extinguishes. Could Jun Daoxing’s reputation truly protect the Liang family forever? Thus, the family’s foundation rested on his parents’ achievements. With this premise and Jun Daoxing’s legacy, the Liang family held its current prestige.

Thus, Liang Xi had no need to care about these Tian disciples. “Young man, how should I address you? It seems you’ve known Ah Ling for quite some time?”

At last, after a brief awkward silence, a bold Tian disciple stepped forward to speak to Liang Xi. The youth was handsome in white robes, but Liang Xi disliked his gaze; his demeanor seemed respectful, but he was sizing Liang Xi up with sidelong glances. Even now, the Tian disciples had not given up their ambitions.

Liang Xi used the Falling Star Technique to observe him. The disciple hoped to cultivate a connection with Liang Xi, thinking that with a powerful ally, his journey to Sizhui would be safer. Yet Liang Xi’s piercing gaze seemed to see through him entirely, making him feel small in comparison. Liang Xi’s handsome face bore a faint mocking smile, and after a pause, he spoke coldly, “Whatever relationship you imagine between me and Tian Ziling, that’s what it is.”

The disciple’s face flushed and paled; his feelings were real—Liang Xi could truly see through people’s hearts!

Suddenly, the disciple coughed up blood, gravely injured and as pale as paper. Liang Xi’s dislike for the Tian clan led him to use the Falling Star Technique to disturb the man’s mind and then wound him. This would ensure a quieter journey.

“You’ve finally grown up. I can no longer see the boy you once were. Now, you’ve fulfilled your promise and surpassed me. With you, I can rest assured for the Tian clan’s future. Go forward boldly; I’ll protect you from behind. You’ve suffered much these years. As your elder brother, I failed to shield you. From now on, do as you wish—whatever happens, I’ll bear it.”

Tian Peijun turned to look at Tian Ziling. After years apart, Ah Ling’s childishness was gone, replaced by resolve. He must have endured much hardship—training was not the hardest part. Living in the Heavenly Shadow Sect, he must have faced countless sneers every day, simply because he was from a branch family.

Tian Peijun knew no matter what he said, he couldn’t endure those pains for his brother. All he could do was protect him from now on.

Tian Ziling smiled, “Enough, big brother. No need to blame yourself. Without those past events, I wouldn’t be who I am today. It’s all behind us. This time, you must keep your word—if I ever tear a hole in the sky, you must patch it!”

“Haha! Your brother promises!” The two clasped hands in oath. Past grievances finally vanished. Tian Ziling knew well that in the vast Tian clan, only two or three truly cared for him. The rest once scorned him and now feared him—there was nothing more to say. If they chose fear, let them fear forever.

“We’ve arrived, Ah Ling. Go see your parents. They’ll be overjoyed to learn of your achievements.” Tian Qikong signaled everyone to halt. The scenery was beautiful, and in the distance, the endless contours marked Qingshan.

The brothers’ conversation was overheard by their uncle, who was pleased. Tian Ziling dismounted and hurried to a thousand-year-old tree. “You think your parents are dead, don’t you? But they’re not. Years ago, your parents grew weary of all things Tian, so they sought to leave. At that time, Tian Yuheng struck suddenly.”

“For your parents, this was the perfect opportunity. Since Tian Yuheng wanted them dead, they let him believe it so. Why not?”

“Second brother, you’ve persisted for the branch family so many years. It’s my fault. Now, rest well and leave the rest to me. Whatever doubts Ah Ling has, I’ll answer them.” The ancient tree rippled, and a man and woman emerged. The man wore simple, neat clothes, scholarly in appearance with luminous eyes.

The woman was slender, not exceedingly beautiful but graceful and unforgettable. Her bright eyes reddened upon seeing Tian Ziling; she reached out, wanting to grasp him, yet feared it was a hallucination. She opened her mouth but could not speak. These were, of course, Tian Ziling’s parents.

Tian Ziling embraced them, his shoulders trembling as he sobbed softly. He had always been strong, but at least in this moment, he allowed himself to be vulnerable.

“You’ve grown so much, yet you still cry like a child. I heard you fought Peijun fiercely in Qingshan and amazed everyone. Well done, my son.”

Tian Qiyang gently stroked Tian Ziling’s head, his gaze warm. The other Tian disciples were stunned—these two, thought long dead, were alive. “Thank you for caring for my son all these years!”

When Tian Qiyang addressed the disciples, his tone was cold. His skills had long surpassed the clan leader, Tian Yuheng, and after all these years, his power must be even greater. His Demon Seven Transformations had reached the sixth realm, Collapsing Moon; now, it seemed he had achieved the seventh realm, Destruction. The disciples were pale and terrified, fearing he might lash out and kill them all.

“Today, my family is reunited. The past is forgotten; I am already a dead man. Please, do not approach. We have much to say in private.”

Unlike Tian Qiyang’s sudden severity, Su Yuan gazed at her son. Liang Xi, seeing her demeanor, thought of his own mother. He dismounted, approached the elders, and respectfully bowed. “Liang Xi, greeting the honored elders.”

“Mother, this is Liang Xi, my good friend. During the battle with big brother, things got out of hand. If not for Liang Xi’s timely arrival, both of us might have died.”

Su Yuan ignored her son’s ramblings, her gaze full of affection for Liang Xi. “You truly resemble your mother. I haven’t seen her in years—how is she? Oh, you may not know, but your mother and I have been friends for many years. What, she never mentioned me to you?”

“Well, after meeting your father, your mother changed greatly—not just her, but I changed too. Never mind, that’s all in the past. Child, by seniority, you should call me Aunt Yuan, but titles don’t matter to me. Call me whatever you wish. Thank you for helping my son in Qingshan. I know his temperament well—please watch over him in the days to come.”

Liang Xi now understood that this beautiful woman was an old friend of his mother. He replied respectfully, “Aunt Yuan, rest assured. I will treat Tian Ziling as my own brother. But he is incredibly powerful—the only one to master the Demon Seven Transformations through cultivation. He probably doesn’t need my protection.”

Hearing this, Tian Qiyang and Su Yuan were shocked. After sizing Tian Ziling up, Tian Qiyang burst out laughing. “Well done! The Demon Seven Transformations, the Tian clan’s pride, now mastered by my child. Tian Yuheng, you old scoundrel, you lost in the end. You fought me your entire life—now do you admit defeat?”

“Father, he passed all his skills to big brother Peijun before dying. Now only the two of us truly master this art.”

Tian Ziling gently reminded his father, realizing how much the Demon Seven Transformations had tormented him.

“Dead? Ha! Dead… you don’t know how deep his skills were. Tian Yuheng never wasted effort. Never mind, this has nothing to do with you anymore. I’m delighted to see you all again. It’s late—set out for Sizhui soon.”

“Father, will you and mother truly not join me in Sizhui? The Heavenly Shadow Sect has wandered for a hundred years; now we have a foothold. No one will dare oppress us again. Why not come with me?”

Having just reunited, Tian Ziling could not bear to let go. “Child, we know your heart, but we are already dead to the clan. We don’t wish to return. We suffered too much there. Most of the Tian clan now are old enemies—hidden daggers everywhere. Rather than be on guard, it’s better to live freely.”

“This has always been our wish. But, doing so will be hard on you. We thought you would remain isolated and helpless. If that were the case, even if we hated the Tian clan, your father and I would help you in secret.”

“But now, those worries are unnecessary. With your uncle and brother, and especially Liang Xi supporting you, you are blessed. Whether Tian clan or Heavenly Shadow Sect, you will go far. As for these clan disciples, use them if you wish, discard them if not.”

Su Yuan had once reached the fifth realm of the Demon Seven Transformations and had not advanced since, but she cared little for cultivation; her skills were enough for self-preservation. Now, seeing her beloved son, she had no regrets. “Yang, let’s go. If we linger any longer, the clan won’t tolerate it.”

Tian Qiyang glanced at Tian Qikong. “Second brother, I owe you. The responsibilities I shouldered all fell onto you. You were once naive, and now you are changed—that’s my fault.”

Once so devoted to the clan, Tian Qiyang now felt only disappointment. The Tian clan was no longer what it once was. “Big brother, we need not speak of it. Others don’t understand you, but I do. Don’t worry—though you despise the clan, I know you can’t let go. With me, Ah Ling, and more friends, your wish to restore the clan can be fulfilled. If I can’t do it, I’ll let Tian Ziling do it.”

“Enough. Everyone has their limits. I can’t claim freedom while leaving you all trapped. Just do your best. I hope we can meet again someday. Yuan, time’s up; let’s go.”

Tian Qiyang was not selfish, but now his abilities were limited; he only wished to protect those close to him. As for others, their fate was no longer his concern. Ah Ling, you surpass your father in every way. With you, I am at peace.

Tian Qiyang took Su Yuan and departed instantly. The time was so short—Su Yuan had many words left unsaid. “Take care, child. We’ll meet again someday.”

The reunion felt like a dream, so unreal, yet the lingering air was tangible. Tian Ziling glanced at Liang Xi and Tian Peijun; their eyes were gentle. Turning away, Tian Ziling’s gaze became resolute. The road ahead was perilous—only supreme skill could let the Heavenly Shadow Sect truly leave the past behind.

“Let’s go; we’ve wasted enough time. There’s much to do when we reach Sizhui.” Tian Ziling mounted his horse and rode ahead, his confusion gone. This was what Tian Qikong hoped to see—the clan had fallen because hearts were divided. Now, his nephew’s absolute strength had cowed everyone, and none dared rebel.

Half a day later, the Tian clan arrived at Sizhui. Compared to the hardship of Qingshan, Sizhui was prosperous and wealthy. Upon seeing the real Sizhui, the clan quickly forgot Qingshan—this was truly a place befitting their lineage.

“You brat, your courage grows by the day. You dared leave without telling me. Were you having too much fun in Qingshan? If not for important matters, you wouldn’t have returned, would you? Hmph, you’ve always been like this!”

Liang Xi was now being scolded by a stunning beauty, who twisted his ear mercilessly, showing him no respect at all. Liang Xi dared not resist—a sight that shocked the Tian clan disciples. In Qingshan, he had faced deadly attacks alone, yet now, before this beauty, he was utterly submissive—a sign of a romantic soul.

“Anran, stop hitting him. Brother Yuanhui has had a tough journey, and so many are watching. If you’re displeased, wait for a better moment to settle accounts with him.”

Gu Zhenzhen’s words seemed to offer Liang Xi salvation, but the second half carried the real weight. When a beauty becomes an ally, no external force can break the bond.

Apparently, Ji Anran took Gu Zhenzhen’s words to heart and released Liang Xi, scanning him from head to toe. “Hmm, not bad—you’re unhurt. I told you, the Qingshan Tian clan couldn’t harm you. You didn’t know, but Zhenzhen has been nagging me for days. Now you see, your brother Yuanhui is formidable—those weaklings couldn’t touch him.”

Unlike Gu Zhenzhen’s open concern, Ji Anran’s worry for Liang Xi was hidden. She knew well the Qingshan Tian clan was dangerous—this was Tian Ziling’s matter, but Liang Xi, out of friendship, followed in secret. Fortunately, nothing happened; otherwise, Ji Anran would not have spared the Tian disciples.

“Hmph, Tian Ziling, you’re quite bold. Without absolute strength, you shouldn’t be sect master. Since you’ve chosen this path, whatever happens, the only one you can depend on is yourself. Liang Xi helped you out of friendship this time, but what about next time? Will you keep relying on him? Why not say how long you expect him to help you—when will you be satisfied?”

Ji Anran no longer cared about propriety. She could accept Liang Xi facing danger, but not if it was always for others, especially if she was the last to know. Thus, her tone was sharp and questioning.

“And who are you?”

A Tian disciple could not bear it anymore. The clan had seen arrogance before, but never from someone so beautiful and bold. This was Sizhui—their turf. If they wished, they could make these outsiders leave!

“Bang!”

The disciple meant to say, “Who are you,” but before he finished, he was slammed to the ground by a powerful force. Ji Anran had used the Water Source Sect’s skills—water power, invisible but mighty. The move stunned all the disciples.

What had just happened? They considered the Demon Seven Transformations the pinnacle of martial arts, but today realized the Tian clan was just a frog in a well. They could not comprehend the Water Source Sect was the distilled essence of Water Sovereign Lian Pingfeng’s life’s work. In terms of power, the Demon Seven Transformations were far inferior.

“Remember this: speak to me with respect, or next time you won’t be so lucky. I know what you’re thinking—having seen Sizhui’s prosperity, you think you’re its masters, right? That gives you the nerve to act out, doesn’t it?”

“A mere Tian clan—if I’m displeased, I could wipe you all out. I’m done talking. What a bunch of weaklings. Brother, let’s go.”

First, Liang Xi had single-handedly neutralized two deadly attacks; now, Ji Anran had intimidated everyone with her domineering skills. Their former pride had vanished. Ji Anran’s actions, though unintentional, made it clear: Tian Ziling was under her and Liang Xi’s protection. If anyone dared trouble him, they’d face consequences.

Tian Ziling felt helpless. He’d heard of Ji Anran’s temper, and now saw it firsthand. “Who is this girl? She’s so powerful! From what I see, her skills surpass Liang Xi’s.”

Tian Qikong had never seen such a formidable woman; even Su Yuan was not so imposing, always leaving others some dignity. This girl, beautiful and ruthless, struck with killing intent.

“Second uncle, you’re right. This is Ji Anran, Water Sovereign’s heir. Her principle is simple: anyone who opposes Liang Xi is her enemy. Be grateful she’s our friend, not foe. If all our enemies were as formidable as her, ten lives wouldn’t be enough. Her actions just now have cowed the Tian disciples—even their bravado from Qingshan is gone. In the coming days, we need to manage them properly, use those we can, discard those we can’t.”

“In the past, I tolerated these people too much, which caused me much suffering. My current state owes much to them.”

“All of you, listen well. Compared to Qingshan, you know the answer—Sizhui is far superior. If you truly wish to leave, do so. If you stay, I demand loyalty. The Tian clan has been a laughingstock for a hundred years. Did you ever think how to redeem it? No. You only ever thought of yourselves!”

After Liang Xi and Ji Anran’s successive displays of strength, the disciples’ confidence was shattered. Tian Ziling’s words brought them shame—they realized they had done nothing for the clan, not a single thing. “Sect master, we’ve heard you. We have nowhere else to go. We’ll leave all our strength here. As for the past, let it be forgotten. From now on, judge us by our actions.”

The disciples finally recognized their situation. Leaving Qingshan was a fresh start—not necessarily a bad thing.

“Hmph,” Tian Ziling snorted coldly, saying no more. The crowd breathed a sigh of relief. Though his expression was still harsh, he had accepted them. The shift in their status felt surreal—once so proud, now those days were gone. The boy from the branch family had grown up—strong enough to decide life and death.

“Brother, what did you think of my performance? Not bad, right? I’m quite pleased with myself.”

Ji Anran had reverted to her playful self, so different from her earlier fierce demeanor.

“You did well, but my ear still hurts. Hmph, you didn’t even apologize. I’m angry—really angry, not easily appeased.”

Yes, Liang Xi was now acting spoiled before Ji Anran and Gu Zhenzhen. In Gu Zhenzhen’s eyes, Brother Yuanhui was strong, humorous, noble—all the praise for men in the world fit him. Yet seeing him act spoiled was rare.

Beauty’s charm is irresistible to men; a handsome youth’s charm is irresistible to beauties. Used appropriately, it fosters intimacy; used too often, it grates. Liang Xi knew this—he learned it from his father. Whenever his father acted spoiled toward his mother, her anger vanished instantly.

Jun Cailin, wise as she was, knew it was feigned—but she always fell for it. It worked every time. With such family tradition, how could Ji Anran, the great beauty, resist?

“Fine, fine, I’m wrong. I apologize, Lord Liang, please be magnanimous. If you’re still upset, you can pull my ear in return.”

Ji Anran knew Liang Xi would never let her suffer, even if he himself was wronged. He couldn’t bear to pull her ear. So who was acting spoiled toward whom? Hard to say.

“It seems our tasks are mostly done. The most important treasure, the Radiant Sunset Jade, is now fused with Zhenzhen’s bloodline. Her training will advance rapidly. Let’s rest for a while, then depart.”

“Brother Yuanhui, Sister Anran, I owe you both so much. This time, I insist you stay at Nightshade Gate for at least a year. It’s settled—I’ve already told my father, and he agreed. He said it should be so.”

Gu Zhenzhen truly hoped they would stay. She was motivated by a personal longing—she couldn’t bear the pain of separation.

“Alright, since you insist, if I refuse, you’ll cry like Sister Anran. If that happens, I couldn’t bear it.”

While Liang Xi’s group enjoyed a cheerful atmosphere, Zhuang Yunzheng was on his way to Yunzhou. Recently, he had been training daily at the Plain Garment Tower, while his bond with Li Moqing deepened. Such peace was new to him. But days ago, he received an unsigned letter:

“If you wish to see your master Qi Ying, come to Yunzhou quickly. Delay, and all is lost!” Just a few words, but their meaning was clear. His master had been dead for years—whatever the letter’s purpose, he could not ignore it. Since it was addressed only to him, he set out for Yunzhou to investigate.

His junior was in Sizhui and could not leave. Moqing, now tower master, was busy with many duties. This was a minor matter—he could handle it alone. He left quietly, knowing Moqing would want to follow. If the journey proved dangerous, he would be the tower’s sinner. Though reluctant, he departed. Fortunately, Yunzhou and Xuanzhou were not far; he could finish in two days without anyone knowing.

“Yunzheng, why do you always carry everything alone? You know I would never refuse anything for you. I understand you do this for me, so I won’t be torn between you and the tower. If I could, I wouldn’t want to be tower master at all. I grew up here and have a responsibility—this I can’t deny. But after meeting you, I realized there’s more to happiness than duty!”

“That day on Fairy Peak of the Forgetting River, I saw Ji Anran again. Honestly, I envy her. Before meeting her, I never knew a woman could be so unrestrained. It overturned my beliefs. My heart is restless—I wish every day to become someone like her!”

“I don’t truly dislike Ji Anran; she lives the life I never had, so I’m resentful. But even so, what can I do? I can’t leave the tower yet. Responsibility—responsibility—is a shackle for me. I hope you can free me someday. If you can’t, I’ll break it myself. When I finally lay down all burdens, will you travel the world with me? Yes, this has always been my greatest wish; only you know it.”

Li Moqing watched Zhuang Yunzheng’s distant figure—though in truth, nothing was visible, only her imagination. She understood everything, but could not change anything. This was her deepest helplessness. Responsibility had changed her character; all she could do was watch her beloved leave.