Chapter 9: Dearest Love

In order to find out where Mo Qing was, Zhuang Yunzhen set out for the White Garment Tower. As for his master’s situation, he now understood with perfect clarity—it was nothing but a trap set by that old scoundrel Liang Chen. “Brother Yunzhen, go now. If you need anything, just tell me. Who would’ve thought things would come to this,” Old Mo said, feeling thoroughly ashamed to speak to Zhuang Yunzhen. After all, this man had always trusted him, but now things had turned out like this. If only he’d learned Mo Qing’s whereabouts earlier.

But Old Mo was wrong; even she couldn’t foresee everything. “Old Mo, you really don’t need to blame yourself. This never had anything to do with you, but you helped me for friendship’s sake, and for that, I am deeply grateful. Leave the rest to me.”

As for Liang Chen, Zhuang Yunzhen had no mind to deal with him now, but upon further thought, felt he ought to leave the man a warning. “Old scoundrel, don’t be too smug. Tell me, when my junior brother learns of this, what do you think he’ll do to you? And you know well, as his senior brother I won’t stand aside. You were right before—when my junior brother and I join forces, there’s nothing in this world we cannot do.”

That was warning enough. However Liang Chen took it was his own affair. Now Zhuang Yunzhen needed to hurry back to the White Garment Tower. Mo Qing was indeed a fool; he’d told her many times—no matter what she encountered, she must let him know. Yet now, because of him, she was in danger. The fault was his.

Liang Chen’s expression was ugly; he didn’t doubt the weight of Zhuang Yunzhen’s words. But even if he was threatened, so what? The boy’s mind was already in chaos. If Li Mo Qing returned safely, the three of them might well have a showdown. If she died, would Zhuang Yunzhen still wish to fight him?

“Well, since you’ve said as much, I’m actually looking forward to it. But you’d best check on the White Garment Tower first. The people there loathe you now. Even if you make it there alive, you might not make it out. Only if you survive can you talk about anything else. Hahaha, see you next time.” With a few steps, Liang Chen vanished.

Everyone looked on in shock. Liang Chen had just fought several battles—by rights he should be badly wounded. Yet his movements showed that even if gravely injured, he might still be a formidable foe. He was truly terrifying.

Yingxue Mountain, White Garment Tower.

Zhuang Yunzhen saw the cold faces before him and already knew this would happen. “Young Master Zhuang, you actually have the face to come here? You should know our Tower Master Mo Qing’s fate is uncertain, all because of you. Since you’re here, you owe us an explanation.”

Li Feichen disliked this man in front of him, for no other reason than that Zhuang Yunzhen was too dull. What kind of person was Mo Qing? She was clever and astute—a girl like her deserved someone much better. But as her uncle, he couldn’t make things too difficult for Zhuang Yunzhen, lest the girl become angry with him—he couldn’t bear that.

Zhuang Yunzhen paid no heed to Li Feichen’s unfriendly tone and gaze. He knew Li Feichen disliked him, but he didn’t care. In this world, so long as Mo Qing loved him, that was enough. “I’m here for this matter. I’ll rescue my woman myself, without your help. As for where she is, if you wish to tell me, speak. If not, I have my ways of finding out.”

Since they disliked him so, Zhuang Yunzhen saw no reason to be polite. They expected him to beg? Impossible. It’s said people’s temperaments influence each other—now, a touch of severity colored his own. He’d once disliked his junior brother’s harshness, but now he saw that a little edge wasn’t a bad thing.

Li Feichen hadn’t expected this young man to show such a fierce side. Did Mo Qing know about this? “Boy, what’s with your attitude? Without my help, you’ll never find Mo Qing. As her uncle, I’ve always respected her choices. But I must see for myself what you’re capable of. If you can defeat me, you may come and go as you please. If not, you’ll do as I say.”

With a swish, Li Feichen attacked without another word, his moves lethal from the start. He wanted to test this young man’s abilities—if he couldn’t even beat him, how would he protect Mo Qing in the future? Mo Qing was strong, perhaps stronger than he was, but did a strong woman not deserve her beloved’s protection?

“Fire of the Heart, Raging Across the Plains!”

That move could ignite the fire in one’s heart—if one’s cultivation was insufficient, it might burn the practitioner alive. “Boy, since you’re so confident in your strength, let’s have three moves. If you win after three, I’ll tell you all I know. If you lose, you go back where you came from and never see Mo Qing again.”

“Our Tower Master must not act rashly for the sake of love, since she bears great responsibility. But once in love, it’s for a lifetime. If you can’t protect her, you’d best leave now—for her sake and yours.”

Such a fierce attack did not faze Zhuang Yunzhen. Flames flickered between his palms as he countered with the Sundering Sun and Moon—a match, in terms of power.

Their palms met with a thunderous clap, the force evenly matched. White Garment Tower no longer had the deep foundations of the past, yet all present were keen-eyed enough to see that Zhuang Yunzhen’s strength was not to be underestimated.

“Good, first move was decent. Here comes the second!”

Li Feichen, after the first exchange, had sized him up. Now came Five Dragons Ascending—an opening move of the Inextinguishable White Flame, its power depending on the wielder’s skill. Li Feichen had trained in it since youth; after decades, his five azure dragons were tyrannical in their might. “Boy, I know your strength now. But can you withstand this next move?”

Li Feichen and his brother Li Feiyan were once the twin pillars of the Tower. Though their temper was now less fierce, their cultivation had only grown deeper.

Zhuang Yunzhen dared not be careless. He countered with Clear Wind and Jade Dew, his feet crackling with lightning as he used the Thunder Step, a specialized footwork from the Sun and Moon Palm, swift and relentless—first a heavy blow, then a rapid strike.

“This place is too cramped. Senior, dare you come outside and fight? I only worry that, should you lose, the shame might be too much to bear.”

“You brat, don’t try to provoke me, or you may lose your life here. But your face is awfully pale—haven’t healed your inner wounds? In your condition, can you really be my match?”

“Let’s find out.” Zhuang Yunzhen showed no fear.

The next day, Zhuang Yunzhen looked back at the receding White Garment Tower. He was heading to the Grand Cloud Golden Valley. If he delayed any longer, he feared something terrible might happen—he wouldn’t do anything he’d regret.

“Master, you’re just letting that boy go? If others hear of this, what will they think of us? They’ll say the White Garment Tower is all show, that we can’t even defeat a youngster.” The elder looked worriedly at Li Feichen.

But Li Feichen was unconcerned. “You all witnessed yesterday’s fight. We agreed on three moves, and I couldn’t defeat him—so I must keep my word. If you’re so confident in your own strength, why didn’t you step forward yesterday? Now you’re whispering in my ear—what use is that?”

The elder knew Li Feichen’s character—he always kept his word, and if you tried to settle scores afterward, he would never let it go. “Enough, I understand your worry. Now that Zhuang Yunzhen has set out, if he and Mo Qing join forces, who in the world could stand against them? Don’t fret. I know the boy’s strength, and the girl has always had a keen eye. Instead of worrying about our reputation, we should be concerned about what will happen at the Grand Cloud Golden Valley.”

Recently, Grand Cloud Golden Valley had been quite peaceful. “What’s wrong with the Valley Master lately? He used to be domineering and decisive, but now, for a woman, he’s changed so much. Our Valley was so prestigious; to return to our former glory will be hard.”

A sudden gust of wind swept past the two gate disciples—so fast it was hard to imagine.

“Did someone just pass by us?” one asked, but decided he’d imagined it.

“You must be tired lately. Who would dare cause trouble here? If there’s any trouble, the Valley Master will take care of it. We just need to guard the gate.”

So these were the Grand Cloud Golden Valley’s guards? Useless, Zhuang Yunzhen thought. Mo Qing, I’m here. I really am. You foolish girl—when this is over, I’ll have a word with you.

“The Azure Luan Sword is truly domineering. I hadn’t expected the blade to contain such fierce Vermilion Bird Fire. To suppress such power is no easy feat. But do you really think I have no way? Azure Luan, I know you have a spirit. You know your master is in my grasp. If you want to save her, you’ll have to obey me.”

“I know Zhuang Yunzhen has arrived. In fact, I’ve been waiting for him all this time. Now, rest for a while and consider, Azure Luan. I’ll need your answer soon. For now, let me go meet this boy. I’m truly curious—what manner of man could make Mo Qing value him so?”

“My friend, since you’ve come to my domain without my knowledge, forgive my neglect. If you wish, why not stay a few days and enjoy yourself?”

Qin Boyu, dressed in white, stood atop the mountain, looking down at his guest. So this was Mo Qing’s beloved? No matter his abilities, now that he had come to Grand Cloud Golden Valley, he wouldn’t leave alive. This must be Zhuang Yunzhen—yes, he’d heard the name. He’d wondered what kind of expert this boy would be. But today, he was disappointed. “You’ve come all this way for Mo Qing, haven’t you?”

“But let me tell you, Mo Qing is about to become the mistress of the Valley. Do you think I’ll let her leave at this crucial time? Besides, with your strength, you’ll never take her away. I do this for your own good. For your safety, you should leave now.”

“So, you’re Qin Boyu? The world calls the Valley Master a young hero. I’d thought you must be formidable, but it turns out the disappointment is mine. Since I came, I have no intention of leaving. Whatever you can do, show it now—let’s see what someone as ‘useless’ as me can do.”

“You’re right, but I’m not in the mood to fight you. Or rather, you’re not qualified to fight me. Still, since you’re here, as host I must entertain you. My countless death warriors, trained for years, should suffice as your opponents.”

Qin Boyu would not fight Zhuang Yunzhen personally, nor would he let him run wild under his nose. “You lot, listen! This man is skilled. You’ve trained here for years—now it’s time to play. Young Master Zhuang, since you’re here, enjoy yourself. My warriors can each fight ten men; they’ll meet all your needs for a contest.”

“Oh, and one crucial thing—you’re here now, so if you survive, join us for the wedding feast when Mo Qing and I are wed. Perhaps you don’t know, but she and I were betrothed. When she hears you’ve come, she’ll be so happy. My devotion is finally rewarded—don’t you think I deserve a little happiness?”

Qin Boyu didn’t know how Zhuang Yunzhen got into Grand Cloud Golden Valley, but no matter how strong he was, he wouldn’t leave unharmed. With a few steps, he vanished.

“Young Master Zhuang, our master has ordered us to ‘play’ with you, so show your strength. You made it here, so you must be powerful. Brothers, don’t hold back—don’t let him pass, even at the cost of your lives.”

Qin Boyu’s death warriors had a rustic name: the Black Shoes. There were twelve of them, all in white with black shoes, exuding an intense aura of violence—their bloodlust was palpable.

“Attack!” In an instant, the twelve surrounded Zhuang Yunzhen, who dared not be careless. Somewhere nearby there had to be water—he’d heard it earlier. If he could reach it, he could use his Water Command technique. For now, he fought while retreating. Luckily, his profound steel strength and Immovable Golden Body defense were formidable—though the twelve were strong, defeating him would not be easy.

Even more important, his profound steel strength had now fused with the Immovable Golden Body; a casual punch held immense power. After one exchange, the twelve realized this youth’s strength was exceptional. “We must join forces and kill him today.”

“Mo Qing, it’s been so many days—haven’t you figured out what to do? Let me tell you: your beloved has arrived. Unfortunately, you two cannot meet, and he’s already agreed to my request. When the time comes, he’ll be there.”

What? Big brother is here—he really came, this fool, coming alone? “Tell me—how is he?”

“Hahaha, you really care for your big brother. Fine, I’ll tell you—he’s being watched by my Black Shoes. You’re new here, so you don’t know their power. They earned great merit for the Valley, and after generations, have grown ever stronger. Do you want to see for yourself?”

“Hmph, you’ll soon see how powerful my brother is. Qin Boyu, I know what you’re thinking. But as I’ve said, no matter what, my answer never changes. I’ll only ever love my big brother. Even if I die, that won’t change.”

Li Mo Qing’s gaze was resolute. Since her brother had come, her heart was at peace. Qin Boyu seemed to have expected this all along. “Fine, since you say so, why not die for real? On the road to the Yellow Springs, you and he can accompany each other. I’ve waited for you so many years, but in the end, this is how it turns out. You’ve exhausted my last patience—come with me.”

“This is the Lake of Life and Death. Didn’t you say you wanted to die? Enter, and once inside, there’s no coming out alive. Still, your cultivation is strong—things others can’t do may be different in your hands. You now have a choice: if you’re with me, I’ll spare your life and Zhuang Yunzhen’s as well.”

“All I’ve ever wanted is you. But why have you never looked at me properly? If you understood me, you’d know I surpass your brother a hundredfold in talent and martial skill.”

Qin Boyu hoped his words would make her repent. If she would, all could be forgiven. He’d always been this way—so why did her gaze remain so cold? Did she not believe him?

What Li Mo Qing hated most was threats. She looked at him coldly. “Is that all you have to say? Death? I thought you’d have something more difficult.”

With no hesitation, Li Mo Qing leapt into the Lake of Life and Death—a body of both yin and yang. Any who entered would suffer violent assaults of life and death qi; if unable to withstand them, death was certain. Why would she rather die than be with me? Hmph, Li Mo Qing, do you think entering the lake will resolve anything? No, never!

The more you resist, the angrier I become. You won’t save your man. If I count the days, he won’t last much longer. What a pity—I’d hoped to spare him, but things turned out this way. But I doubt you can hear me now.

The Lake of Life and Death was meant to make those who entered experience the ferocity of both life and death qi. People thought these two forces could not coexist, but in truth they could. The lake’s power came from this. Yet when Li Mo Qing entered, she felt nothing unusual; that was because she had trained in the Inextinguishable White Flame since childhood, and as one of fire, she did not fear the lake’s death qi. Moreover, her courtesy name was Gui, and so she was also called Li Gui.

Gui was of water; the union of yin and yang allowed her to withstand the lake’s power. “So this is the life and death qi? It’s nothing much. Big brother, I’m coming soon. Once I’ve absorbed all the life and death qi here, everything will be over.”

Indeed, Li Mo Qing had entered the lake on purpose: her goal was to absorb both forces. In the past she could not, but now she was sure she could.

“Little girl, you really want to absorb the life and death qi here? Do you think you can? If it were so easy, I’d have done it years ago. Why wait until now? If I could, my cultivation would be even deeper.”

“The Grand Cloud Sutra is formidable, but the requirements are too high. I’ve struggled for years and only now reached the sixth realm—Letting Go. But how could I let go? I’ve loved you for so many years—why do you treat me this way?”

Qin Boyu had always been supremely proud; no one had ever rejected him—Li Mo Qing was the first and would be the last. “Spread the word: three days from now, I will marry Li Mo Qing. That should be enough time for them to sever their ties.”

“Yes, sir.” His subordinates would see to it; he need not bother.

“The Valley Master commands: three days hence, he will marry Li Mo Qing. All friends are invited; the Valley Master will be delighted.”

“Zhuang Yunzhen, you’re gravely injured. You should realize that your own strength isn’t enough. You want to protect your woman, but you can’t even protect yourself. What’s the point of living? Better to die—it would be better for everyone.”

The Black Shoes were indeed formidable. No one knew what they’d been through before. Though Zhuang Yunzhen possessed profound steel strength and the Immovable Golden Body, he could not harm them.

“Zhuang Yunzhen, you’re strong. We’ve fought all day—though you can’t defeat us, neither can we easily keep you here. Our only task is to bar your way; if we succeed, that’s enough.”

After a day of fierce fighting, Zhuang Yunzhen and the twelve Black Shoes were all battered. Though his skills were superb and he had the Heaven Volume of the Lingyun Atlas for protection, he had no strength to spare. Alone against twelve, he held out only because of his will. Their combined bloodlust made them ever fiercer—an ordinary man would have collapsed long ago.

“Brother, you’re a true expert; why not give up? Even if you get out, you can’t change anything. Your beloved is in the Lake of Life and Death. Perhaps you don’t know how powerful that is?”

“She aims to absorb both forces. Good—such courage is worthy of a Valley Mistress. Before that, you and I should keep playing. I know you have more to show. Come, let’s continue; it’s been years since we faced a worthy opponent. What else can you do?”

Three days—is that enough? By this point, even with divine protection, Zhuang Yunzhen had no strength left. But still he fought on; only by persisting could he hope for a chance. Surrender? Never—not now, not ever.

“Hmph, come then. Today, I’m not leaving. Let’s see what else you twelve can do. All I have left is this last bit of strength—let’s see it all spent today!”

In the Lake of Life and Death, Li Mo Qing was enduring immense agony. The life and death qi was tyrannical—fusing them was no easy feat. “Mo Qing, why won’t you believe that you’re powerless now? You want to absorb the qi, but look what’s become of you.”

“Just admit defeat and everything will be over. I could betray all others, but never you. Do you know why? Because all these years, you’ve been the only one I truly loved.”

Qin Boyu had not expected her innate ferocity to erupt at such a moment. Li Mo Qing, meanwhile, was already unconscious under the onslaught of life and death qi. “Do you think these forces can suppress me? You want me, but what you want most is my Inextinguishable White Flame!”

“Inextinguishable White Flame—what an amusing thing. If you want it, come and take it if you can. But I doubt you’ll have the chance!”

“Mo Qing, you’re resolved to fight me to the end? Fine. Our wedding is in three days. Then, you’ll see what’s become of Zhuang Yunzhen. He’s remarkable, but look what he’s become for your sake!”

“Qin Boyu, listen well: if you dare harm my brother, I’ll raze Grand Cloud Golden Valley. You want to use force to subdue my Azure Luan Sword? You think you’re powerful, yet you can’t even do that!”

“If you want me dead, be prepared. I am the Tower Mistress. The White Garment Tower may not be what it was, but as its leader, this is my duty. In the past, I didn’t know what true guardianship was. But now, after all that’s happened, I finally understand.”

Li Mo Qing was never afraid of death, but she still felt regret—that in this final moment, she had not seen her beloved.

“My dearest, you are my one and only. Yet now, for another man, you would die. Have you ever considered my feelings? Of course not—you’ve always thought only of yourself. Don’t you always want to see your beloved?”

“The Black Shoes were trained by me alone. Against the twelve, even Zhuang Yunzhen can’t last. Perhaps, by now, he’s already a heap of mud. Even so, you still want him?”

“Of course. Even if my brother dies, in my heart and eyes, there is only him. You’ll never understand love. Fine—then let me show you what love truly is.”

“Love? You say I don’t understand love? Very well; then I’ll show you whether I do. Three days is enough—I’ll show you what power one who has absorbed life and death qi possesses.”

Three days passed in a flash. The Grand Cloud Golden Valley was lively—today was the Valley Master’s wedding day. Beauty like jade—such was Li Mo Qing. But in three days, she had failed to absorb the dual forces. Instead, battered by their onslaught, she had lost even her consciousness, now little more than a puppet.

“Look at you now—it pains me to see it. Three days ago, if you’d admitted your mistake, would you be like this? I did everything for you, but you never believed in me. You’d trust an outsider over me, who is so closely bound to you. That hurts most of all.”

“But now it’s over. From today, you are mine. Zhuang Yunzhen is nothing—he’s not even fit to speak to me. If not for you, I wouldn’t have met him. Zhuang Yunzhen, you must be hearing this—all is over. You changed nothing!”

“Change? Why should I? I am who I am, and she is she. Qin Boyu, you want all to submit to you, but can you truly do it today? The Black Shoes are strong, but if I wish to leave, I will. Mo Qing is my woman—always has been, always will be. As for you, you were never anything to me. Mo Qing, you’ve done so well all these years. You are my daughter—is this really the end?”

Within Mo Qing’s consciousness, two voices sounded—Zhuang Yunzhen’s and her father’s. The two had finally reconciled. The life and death qi, long locked in her body, finally began to loosen. Yes, at last, after all this time, the dual forces could be absorbed. She was awake once more.