Chapter 3: Drunken Clouds, Deep Shadows

The cultivation of Drunken Cloud Depths had begun. This secret art was the supreme skill that the divine physician Su Wen had painstakingly researched for years, divided into two parts: the first for healing, the second for internal cultivation. “I really wouldn’t have guessed,” he said, “you look rather simple-minded, but your cooking is truly exceptional. Honestly, it’s been many years since I’ve tasted anything so delicious. Now, this Drunken Cloud Depths manual in your hands is my gift to you. I suspect you know nothing of the principle of balancing yin and yang. If you only study the path of force and vigor, in the beginning you’ll be unstoppable, but once your skill reaches a certain level, you’ll hit a bottleneck.”

“Though that’s true, in my youth I was much like you—wandering down many paths in cultivation. The only difference is, back then, no one told me which were detours. So this Drunken Cloud Depths is really a collection of all my mistakes. Now, without exaggeration, I can say that if you master this art, your channels will become entirely unobstructed. Well, you’ve received my divine skill; from here on, you must cultivate diligently. Don’t expect me to tell you what you’ll face during practice—it’s only when you experience it for yourself that you’ll truly understand.”

“The Unthinking Pavilion nearby is your place to train. I once created this skill there myself. Now I pass it to you; go, and do not come out until you succeed.”

Su Wen, at this moment, showed none of the bearing of a master. One hand held a chicken drumstick, the other a lacquered gourd, taking alternate bites of meat and sips of wine, utterly at ease. Now that his skill was complete and he was honored as the divine physician, he no longer suffered as before. But Zhuang Yunzhen was different; he needed to train relentlessly every day to deepen his foundation. Most people of average talent became peerless masters only through such grinding. Since childhood, Zhuang Yunzhen had cultivated the Earth Scroll of the Ascending Cloud Record, his strength domineering and fierce, unmatched by any. Now, switching from force to softness, it was hoped he would go even further.

The Unthinking Pavilion was merely an ordinary thatched hut, yet it possessed a certain weight. Though years had passed, it remained clean and tidy. On the flat ground were countless deep footprints and palm prints—marks left by Su Wen in his years of practice. His master Qi Ying had said that his own constitution was truly unsuited to cultivating the arts of softness, so he had pushed Zhuang Yunzhen to train in force since childhood. Now, Drunken Cloud Depths clashed with what he had learned; if problems arose, what should he do?

But only by practicing Drunken Cloud Depths could he restore his channels; otherwise, he would never master the Sun-Moon Twin Radiance Palm. To cultivate supreme skills was inherently risky; if he truly feared, he would have abandoned it years ago. Yet he had persisted for so many years—how could he give up now, and waste all that effort?

“Clear joy, continuous rain, wandering among clouds; pluck chrysanthemums, transform scenery, forget all worries; if hate lingers in the heart, when will the empty valley become natural?” This was the healing formula of Drunken Cloud Depths. It read smoothly, even possessing a certain rhythm. But what did it mean? Zhuang Yunzhen’s mind was not as agile as his junior’s. Had his junior been here, he would have realized that these four lines meant that both body and mind must be entirely relaxed; only then could the energy of the two channels truly roam freely, unbound.

Still, Zhuang Yunzhen, though less quick-witted, believed that if he did not understand, he should simply read it several more times. If supreme skills were so easily comprehended, everyone could master them—what would make them supreme? “Boy, if you don’t understand the formula, come ask me now and I’ll tell you; but doing so is not necessarily good for you.”

“Elder, rest assured—I’ll rely on my own strength to complete this skill. That’s how I’ve always done things. Your art is difficult to grasp, but it’s not as obscure as the Ascending Cloud Record, which didn’t even have a single formula. Even so, I mastered it.”

No matter how the soft arts evolved, their essential principle was to relax and draw in the energy of softness. At this moment, Zhuang Yunzhen held his left hand toward the sun and his right hand toward the sun—yang representing the force he’d learned since childhood, yin representing Drunken Cloud Depths. Repeating the four lines again, he believed he would feel something different.

Su Wen had not expected the boy to cultivate in such a manner. Normally, to harmonize yin and yang, one would master either yin or yang to the extreme, then integrate the opposite after long refinement. Only then could the skill be truly achieved. Zhuang Yunzhen had chosen the most dangerous path—forcing yin and yang to clash. Success would mean the completion of the skill; failure would render him crippled and powerless.

Such boldness, though risky, made Su Wen greatly admire him. He himself had completed his skill in the same way long ago. Unexpectedly, after so many years, another youth would choose the same path. “Good lad, it seems you truly don’t need my assistance. Let me tell you another thing: I also mastered it this way. It appears there is a father-son affinity between us.”

Unfortunately, Zhuang Yunzhen could hear nothing now; he was deeply immersed in his consciousness, which was in utter chaos. The two forces of yin and yang swirled around him. Despite years of cultivation, he had never seen his own power so clearly.

He seemed to be wandering within his own channels: one side filled with yang, the other with yin. If only these two forces could merge, he would become a true master. Yet they remained apart.

The force of vigor required intense battle spirit and willpower to complete; Drunken Cloud Depths, representing the force of softness, required letting go of everything, moving with the heart, forgetting all, to reach the pinnacle. Both were correct in principle, but merging them changed everything.

Both the domineering force and the soft force were truly formidable. Had he chosen only one, he would surely become a supreme master. Without the Sun-Moon Twin Radiance Palm, he would have done so. But since learning that palm, he knew his path would be utterly different—exceptionally arduous. Still, the martial path was meant to be hard.

The clash of yin and yang became ever more intense. Zhuang Yunzhen had tried to distract himself from the impact, but the feeling only grew stronger. Now, he had no recourse but to endure. If he could withstand it, the skill would be his.

“Boy, now you must realize the power of my skill. The Earth Scroll of the Ascending Cloud Record is a forceful art; if you have unresolved anger in your heart, you can channel it through this skill. But think about the third line of Drunken Cloud Depths: ‘If hate lingers in the heart’—what does it mean? You must have unquenchable hatred inside. I don’t know how you came by it, nor whom you hate, but such hatred is no good thing.”

Indeed, Zhuang Yunzhen’s heart was filled with astonishing hatred, and the one he hated most was himself. Once, he had been useless; his junior, though younger, had saved him many times. He always remembered that kindness. Later, when he became skilled and tried to help his junior, the latter no longer needed his aid. Not to mention what happened recently in Taiyun Golden Valley, where his incompetence caused Li Moqing to suffer grave internal injuries.

Drunken Cloud Depths differed most from other supreme arts in that, regardless of how much hatred or discontent one held, it could instantly dissolve it. “If hate lingers in the heart, when will the empty valley become natural?”—so it meant the dissolution of hatred. No one had ever said this to him before. Yes, he had wandered many detours in his cultivation; the suffering, no one could understand.

Hmph, even if hatred remains, so what? How could mere hatred defeat him? The Ascending Cloud Record was a supreme, mysterious skill; its force was triggered by hatred, but once power reached a certain level, hatred must be resolved. Most elders who cultivated it chose to disperse their power, but doing so was dangerous—if a powerful foe appeared during the dispersal, the outcome could be disastrous.

Now, Zhuang Yunzhen recalled his master Qi Ying’s warning: though the Ascending Cloud Record was formidable, it should not be practiced. Once begun, it was a path of no return. The cold energy of the moon was extremely yin and frigid; over the years, one’s temperament would change dramatically. His junior had endured much unimaginable suffering, and the Earth Scroll’s mysterious force was so domineering that only those with exceptional constitution could wield it.

It was hard to imagine what manner of person had created this skill—able to master both Heaven and Earth Scrolls of the Ascending Cloud Record. Perhaps, since its inception, only one nameless elder had ever succeeded. Qi Ying had obtained it but never cultivated it, for good reason. Later, seeing both himself and his junior possessed decent constitutions, he taught them separately.

Even so, single cultivation was still difficult. Yet both Zhuang Yunzhen and Liang Xi had done well. Now, Zhuang Yunzhen’s hatred reached its peak. Anyone else would have been overwhelmed, but his willpower was exceptional—the harder the challenge, the more determined he became.

Fortunately, this time, he need not rely on willpower alone. The soft energy of Drunken Cloud Depths now perfectly dissolved it. A chilling force surrounded him; this was Drunken Cloud Depths’ power, which had been suppressed through several rebounds, now finally released as he persevered. Drunken Cloud Depths’ force was simple: it would try one final time, and whatever happened, it would not let Zhuang Yunzhen perish.

Divine weapons possess spirit, and so do supreme skills.

Zhuang Yunzhen’s luck was remarkable. In this practice, he awakened the spirit of Drunken Cloud Depths. “Boy, you’re quite fortunate. After so many years, I never thought I could awaken again. Good, Su Wen finally decided to find a successor, eh? He should have done so years ago, but I don’t blame him—his circumstances were dire, and he had no mind for such things. Now, he’s left that oppressive place.”

“Yes, yes, the Heaven Scroll of the Ascending Cloud Record—your forceful energy suits Drunken Cloud Depths. And then there’s Shang Ruyi’s Sun-Moon Twin Radiance Palm and Sword Qi as One. Shang Ruyi was once famed for both sword and palm, and I see he truly values you, passing down all his skills. Unfortunately, you’re too honest; previously, you focused solely on force. Your master likely never intended to teach you the principle of harmonizing yin and yang, thus you became as you are.”

“I know Shang Ruyi well. Perhaps he lacked time, so he hurriedly passed all his skills to you; how much you comprehend depends on your own fortune. You have a strong foundation—otherwise, the domineering mysterious force would have killed you!”

“I’ve been observing you secretly, and I truly admire your temperament. This is how it should be. Rest assured, with me by your side, nothing will happen to you. Take this pill—it’s called the Balance Pill. Once you swallow it, the yin and yang within you will become balanced. Practice Drunken Cloud Depths again, and it will be much easier.”

The Balance Pill melted in his mouth, and soon Zhuang Yunzhen felt the two energies within him change; previously chaotic, now stabilizing and gradually converging in his channels. The channels store energy, the abyss stores spirit.

Before, his true energy had not converged in his channels; thus, while his power was formidable, he could only exert forty percent at best, the rest wasted. Now, both yin and yang energies converged, and he sensed a subtle difference.

“Yes, very good. You’re truly clever. I knew that if you were willing, you could master my skill. See, it’s done. My task is complete; the rest is not my concern.”

“Hahaha, you’re really impressive! It took me a full month to reach this stage, just to get started on Drunken Cloud Depths. You did it in three days—surpassing me by far. But you’re only at the beginning. Do you think cultivation ends here? No, this is just the start. Tonight, rest and regulate your breath; in three days, I’ll teach you the second part.”

“Boy, I know you’re eager, but at times like this, you must be calm. In the martial path, impatience is most dangerous. Three days means three days—now that your energies are just stabilized, it’s unwise to overpractice.”

Though Zhuang Yunzhen was reluctant, he knew Su Wen spoke the truth. So, though unwilling, he agreed, “Elder, rest assured. I know what to do next—three days it is. I’ll return then.”

“Hmph, do you think you’ll be idle these three days? You’re wrong. While you practiced, I’ve accumulated plenty of chores for you. Since you’ve learned my skill, in all things you must obey me. That’s how it should be.”

These chores were meant to temper his heart. Zhuang Yunzhen truly enjoyed household tasks—cooking, washing, cleaning, whatever was asked, he did well. Known as a household prodigy, he thought, “I never imagined I could live such days. Good. I thought one adopted son was enough, but you’re so capable. I’ve been lonely all my life; now, with you, it’s quite nice. I know you have many questions, for example, why would someone of my skill choose seclusion?”

“Silly boy, do you think there are few experts in the world? Just take Mandala—you’ve met him. He and I are equal in skill. For him to beat me is hard; for me to beat him, equally so. He fears my power, which is why he hesitates to kill. He knows, if I die, the consequences would be unimaginable.”

“Well, today is a great day, so let’s not speak of him. Let’s talk about you. How did you end up injuring yourself in such a hurry? By your skill, it shouldn’t have happened. If you’re willing, tell me.”

Zhuang Yunzhen had much to say, but never found the right opportunity or person. Now, being asked, he answered thoroughly. Though his eloquence wasn’t as fine as Liang Xi’s, he was detailed. Su Wen, who had lived alone for years, loved stories—detailed stories helped him understand his adopted son better.

After a long time, Su Wen finished listening and sighed, “It seems you and your junior have had a hard time. You two depended on each other since childhood, so your bond is deep. Tell me, even if your junior’s talent exceeds yours, have you ever felt dissatisfied or resentful toward him?”

Zhuang Yunzhen cried, “Never! If my junior excels, as his senior I am truly happy. Adoptive father, I understand why you ask this. Perhaps you believe all resentment stems from unfairness, but Master Qi Ying treated us both well. To be his disciple is my greatest fortune. Even if we disagree in the future, our brotherhood will never change.”

This was how Zhuang Yunzhen spoke—he had never resented his junior, nor ever would.

Facing such a Zhuang Yunzhen, what could Su Wen say? The boy was uncannily similar to himself. Once, he too believed brotherhood would never change. But it did. Still, he was used to such things; his heart had long grown cold, but upon meeting this boy, he found himself wanting to believe again. He wished to see if Zhuang Yunzhen and Liang Xi could uphold their brotherhood.

“Hahaha, you truly are remarkable. I never thought I’d believe in genuine brotherhood again. Now, hearing you, I want to see if you and your junior, after many trials, can remain as before. My heart, long cold, grows warm once more. Yes, I owe you for that.”

Zhuang Yunzhen did not see himself as having accomplished anything extraordinary. His adoptive father’s reaction was simply because his nature was inherently kind; though tempered by hardship, his essence never changed, which was rare indeed.

“Well, boy, you needn’t do any more chores today. Talking with you has brought me great joy—more than I’ve felt in many years. Rest assured, here in Golden Swallow Cove, you can train and rest in peace. Go now; after your recent cultivation, you must be weary.”

Seeing a trace of fatigue on Su Wen’s face, Zhuang Yunzhen understood he must have recalled his past—once deeply wounded by a brother. But he did not know who that person was, nor how to help.

Though Golden Swallow Cove was tranquil, its inhabitants lived in caves. Fortunately, the rear mountain had many clean caves, and living in one was a novel experience for Zhuang Yunzhen.

The night here was truly quiet. Gazing at the stars, Zhuang Yunzhen thought of Moqing. “Moqing, now you and I gaze at the same sky. As you wished, my journey has been smooth. When my skill is complete, I’ll return to you. Though it’s only been a few days, I miss you dearly.”

Under the same starry sky, Li Moqing also watched the heavens, a faint smile on her lips. She had never liked stargazing before—this habit passed from Zhuang Yunzhen, who once said that gazing at the stars lifted one’s spirits. She never believed it, but now, it seemed true; her mood was indeed much improved.

“Big brother, no matter how long I must wait, I’ll wait for your return. I know, whatever you set your mind to, you always accomplish. You’ve never disappointed yourself, have you?”

Beneath the same starry sky, Mandala was in a far worse mood—in fact, he was furious. “Damn it, damn it, after all these years preparing the Hundred Flowers Poison, Zhuang Yunzhen, that brat, managed to break it. I’m truly unwilling! What about the investigation? Who is Zhuang Yunzhen really, that Su Wen values him so highly?”

“Master, our investigation shows Zhuang Yunzhen’s talent is average. He’s only trained for a dozen years, mostly in the Plain Garment Tower of Xuanzhou. We haven’t clarified his battle record, but he has a junior named Liang Xi, who is formidable—no exaggeration, Liang Xi could be considered a master among the younger generation!”

Smack.

Before the disciple finished, Mandala slapped him to the ground. “Useless! What do you mean by this? Are you saying this Liang Xi is the strongest in the world? Hmph, you’ve always belittled your own and praised others. Hmph, men like you are useless. Take him away, hand him to the Evil Dragon!”

The disciple had forgotten Mandala’s greatest taboo—he never wanted to hear of anyone stronger than himself. He could accept it only if he experienced it personally. He hadn’t fought Liang Xi, yet his disciple claimed Liang Xi was so formidable; no one could accept that.

“Mercy, master! I was careless—please forgive me!” The disciple was dragged away, his cries fading into the distance, growing ever more desperate. Those present were used to such scenes; to serve Mandala, one had to mind their words. Otherwise, his unpredictable temper would be intolerable.

“Hmph, you are all outstanding disciples of my Poison Sect. Out with me, you should be tempered. You all know my history with Su Wen. Tell me, how should we deal with him? His Drunken Cloud Depths is truly powerful. I’m confident in a duel, but the outcome would be fatal for one of us—which I cannot accept. If we can devise a foolproof plan, all the better.”

“Master, you grew up with Su Wen. No one here understands him as well as you. You ask us, but you already have an answer, don’t you?”

The white-robed elder smiled faintly; his words were amusingly simple: you’re the boss, tell us what to do and we’ll do it. We can work, but thinking is not our job.

“Yang Lao, you love to jest. Fine, I’ll share my plan. You’re right—Su Wen and I grew up together. Though raised in the Poison Sect, he pursued both medicine and martial arts, which always irked me. But his skill is truly formidable. Frankly, I had no solution. Since he left the sect, I’ve been in seclusion, cultivating my poison arts. Now, my skill is complete. Are you willing to follow me to Golden Swallow Cove for a duel?”

Years ago, Su Wen stole many vital manuals from the Poison Sect. You are its elite; out here, you must serve the sect. I know you have many concerns, but rest assured, you won’t work in vain.

I know, though you are disciples in name, you’ve never seen the supreme skill of the Poison Sect, the Other Shore Flower. That’s normal—even I haven’t seen it in all my years. But just because I haven’t doesn’t mean I can’t obtain it. Here’s the deal: help me kill Su Wen and Zhuang Yunzhen, and I’ll give the Other Shore Flower scroll to the victor. How about it?”

The Other Shore Flower was a secret skill of the Poison Sect. Mandala’s promises were empty, but that didn’t matter. To inspire others, a promise was needed. The others knew it was only words, yet the allure of the skill compelled them to act, even unto death. In the Poison Sect, all aspired to become peerless masters.

“Fine, Mandala, you’re so straightforward. I’ll help you. As for the Other Shore Flower, I’ll prove with my own strength that I alone am worthy of it—none of you are.”

Very well. Their expressions changed, and now the time had come to stir things up. The bigger the chaos, the better—let them fight, for only the survivor would earn his respect and stand before him.

“It seems you all have much to say. Then I’ll leave the rest to you. I know you want to prove your skill, which is best done with fists, not words. I suggest you fight—there are too many here. I value only the strong; the weak have no place.”

“Wang Laosan, who do you think you are, daring to compete with me for the skill? I’ve disliked you for ages; today, I’ll teach you a lesson.”

The melee began. Mandala watched from above—let them fight, the livelier the better! This group of useless fools, not one meets my standards. I only want you to know the law of survival of the fittest. You haven’t disappointed me. Hahaha.

After a day and night of fighting, the survivors emerged. They all understood Mandala’s plan was simply to send them to their deaths; the more he acted thus, the more determined they became. “Master, what’s with your expression? Are you unhappy we all survived? Or did you want us to die from the start?”

“Hahaha, you are truly formidable—after such a melee, you’re all intact. Good, you are exactly what I need. Rest assured, I acknowledge your skill. For the next phase, I’ll depend on you. Su Wen’s skill is formidable—if anything goes wrong, I won’t be responsible.”

“Since you are ready, follow me now. I’ve waited for this day a long time. Previously, my skill was decent, but against Su Wen, I had no assurance. Now, with you here, my odds have increased by thirty percent.”

Golden Swallow Cove remained tranquil. In three days, aside from chores, Zhuang Yunzhen did nothing else, but his power grew ever deeper. “Adoptive father, now you should teach me the inner cultivation of Drunken Cloud Depths. I truly wish to learn.”

“No need to rush. Haven’t you noticed? We seem to have esteemed guests. Mandala and company are here—why not reveal yourselves? We’re all acquainted. You’ve come for a reason; I know it well.”

“If it’s battle you want, let’s fight openly. Mandala, isn’t this what you’ve always desired? You orchestrated this; now you hide and say nothing—why? Or do you intend to ambush me, as you did years ago?”

“Hahaha, you cannot fool me. Indeed, I brought this about. Su Wen, you should have died years ago. Your survival until now is my gift to you.”