Into The Sea

After shouting that unfamiliar name, the old man jumped away from her as if burned, muttering something unintelligible before erupting into a cackling laughter. His eyes seemed to register neither Lan Wu nor Ji Lingyue as he shakily crawled away.

Lan Wu was still in shock and only snapped back to reality when someone hugged her tightly.

“Ah Yue…” she whispered, wincing in pain as her swollen right wrist throbbed, clearly broken. Ji Lingyue, her eyes red, gently held Lan Wu’s injured hand. Unfortunately, her own spiritual energy was too depleted, leaving her unable to heal her. Glancing at the bruises on Lan Wu’s slender neck, she asked hoarsely, “Does it hurt?”

“I’m okay…” Lan Wu coughed lightly and asked. “Did you hear that just now? What did he call me?”

“Chu Chunhan,” Ji Lingyue repeated. “Do you know who that is?”

Lan Wu shook her head. “I’ve never heard of them.”

“Then…”

Before she could finish, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the passage. Both of them tensed up, watching anxiously as a white figure emerged from the corner.

“Lan Wu!”

Lan Wu sighed in relief. “How did you find us?”

Yu Shanye ran over and was stunned by their condition. “I’ve been wandering around here forever. I saw the marks you left and followed them… Wait, what happened to you two?”

“It’s a long story,” Lan Wu said, raising her hand weakly. “Quick, help me out.”

Yu Shanye quickly knelt beside her, gently setting her broken wrist. As she did, a warm, red glow enveloped her arm, her healing energy flowing into Lan Wu. Once done, she turned to Ji Lingyue, who looked deathly pale, and rummaged through her storage bag for various spiritual medicines.

“These are from Elder Yao. See if any of these will help.”

The medicines were of a much higher quality than what they carried. Lan Wu picked out a jar of revitalizing pills, feeding one to Ji Lingyue before swallowing one herself. The tightness in her throat eased noticeably. After a short rest, she and Yu Shanye helped Ji Lingyue back to the water’s edge.

“Are we really going back through the water?” Yu Shanye grumbled. “I’ve been wandering around and didn’t see any old man.”

“Do you think I broke my own wrist?” Lan Wu shot her a glare. “Believe what you want, but I’m not staying here any longer.”

Without hesitation, she plunged into the water, making sure Ji Lingyue was securely fastened to her back with a rope.

“That’s not what I meant,” Yu Shanye sighed, following obediently. “It’s just… I really hate water,” she grumbled.

The three of them drifted along the current. After who knows how long, they came to a point where the passage split into three forks. Sensing a breeze from the right, Lan Wu felt a surge of hope and led the way. Unexpectedly, the moment they entered, the water’s flow became turbulent, and the passage twisted like a labyrinth, tossing them until they were dizzy.

Lan Wu quickly grabbed Yu Shanye. Hearing her shrieks, she couldn’t help but raise her voice, “Calm down!”

“You’re telling me to calm down?” Yu Shanye grabbed Lan Wu’s arm in panic. “What kind of route did you take us on?”

“I…”

Before Lan Wu could explain, brilliant sunlight flooded her vision. She was stunned, her eyes widening with joy. In the next moment, they were propelled out of the cave, suspended briefly in the air before plummeting down.

Several splashes later, Lan Wu, gasping for breath, dragged herself and Ji Lingyue onto the shore. As she looked up, the setting sun painted the sky in hues of red and orange, and in the distance, Penglai Island stood serenely on the surface of the sea.

They had landed on a small island, where cool water flowed from a cave in the rocky cliff, creating a waterfall that hung like a silk curtain in the air.

Yu Shanye let out a weak laugh and collapsed flat on the ground, murmuring. “You… you did well…”

Soon, disciples from Penglai Island, alerted to their presence, came to fetch them. Ji Lingyue was taken away for treatment, while Lan Wu and Yu Shanye went to see Chu Jiangchi.

Upon seeing them, the man’s tense expression finally relaxed. He dismissed everyone else, then turned to examine them carefully, sighing, “It’s a relief you came out safely; otherwise, I wouldn’t know how to explain to Haochen Mountain.”

Chu Ji stood beside him, looking guilty. “I informed Father as soon as I got out,” he explained. “But when we rushed back, the underwater passage was blocked…”

Yu Shanye cleared her throat, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “Well… that’s probably because I… kind of blew up the underground palace.”

“The underground palace…” Chu Jiangchi’s voice dropped to a low murmur. “It doesn’t matter now. What’s important is that you’re all safe.”

He sighed heavily before continuing. “Since you’ve seen it, I won’t hide the truth. The existence of that underground palace has been a secret guarded by our Chu family for a thousand years, known only to each generation’s island master. Unfortunately, the previous master passed away suddenly without leaving any information. Even after six years as the successor, I still don’t know what the underground palace is for.”

Lan Wu exchanged a look with Yu Shanye before cautiously asking, “So, what do you want us to do, Island Master?”

“You are very perceptive, so I will be direct.” Chu Jiangchi said seriously, “I ask that you keep the matter of the underground palace a secret. If our ancestors went to such lengths to keep it a secret, there must be a reason. I don’t wish to stir up unnecessary trouble, and I trust you understand.”

“Of course, Island Master,” Lan Wu replied with a nod. “You have our word. We won’t tell a word of this to anyone.”

A small smile touched Chu Jiangchi’s lips. “As expected of direct disciples of Haochen Mountain,” he said, his voice laced with approval. “Your integrity is beyond question. With your assurance, I’m relieved.”

“It’s the least we can do, Island Master,” Lan Wu replied politely.

However, her mind was racing with unanswered questions.

Aside from the underground palace, how could there be a hidden room beneath Penglai Island that seemed to have once imprisoned a merfolk? Did Chu Jiangchi know? And if so, how much? Who was Chu Chunhan? And who was that old man?

Lan Wu hesitated, about to ask another question, when a clear, ringing sound echoed in the distance. Everyone looked up, their gazes drawn towards the source of the sound. Chu Jiangchi frowned in confusion. “Someone’s approaching the island?” he murmured.

He turned and instructed Chu Ji to take Lan Wu and the others to rest, then headed alone toward the small boat moored by the shore. “I’ll go take a look.”

Watching him leave hurriedly, Lan Wu pursed her lips and shook her head, declining to go back with Yu Shanye. “I’m going to check on Ah Yue,” she said.

“Alright,” Yu Shanye mumbled, stifling a yawn. “You should also get your wounds re-bandaged.”

Lan Wu nodded and turned towards the medicine house on Penglai Island.

The small room, filled with the soothing aroma of herbs, contained only a single bed. Ji Lingyue slept peacefully; her wounds had been re-treated and bandaged. Yet her face remained pale, and her lips lacked color.

Lan Wu pulled a chair beside the bed and sat down, her chin resting on her hand as she stared at Ji Lingyue. After a while, she sighed wearily, laid her arm on the bed, and closed her eyes.

When Meng Changge entered the medicine house, she saw this scene: two girls, one sitting and one lying down, both seemingly asleep, with their hands resting together on the bed. She paused for a moment, then quietly walked to the bedside and gently touched Ji Lingyue’s forehead.

A moment later, the frown in Meng Changge’s brow relaxed. She glanced down at Lan Wu, who was sleeping soundly, oblivious to her surroundings. Carefully, she lifted Lan Wu and settled her beside Ji Lingyue on the bed.

Chu Jiangchi stood quietly outside the door. When Meng Changge came out, he asked, “Are you reassured now, fellow cultivator?”

“Yes,” Meng Changge replied with a nod. “I apologize for my earlier rudeness. I didn’t mean to offend the Island Master.”

“I understand,” Chu Jiangchi replied kindly. “The bond between fellow disciples runs deep. It’s only natural to be concerned for your junior sister.”

Still feeling a bit embarrassed, Meng Changge offered, “Even so, let me pay for the spiritual stones needed to repair the boat.”

“No need,” Chu Jiangchi said with a gentle smile. “It won’t cost much.”

With a courteous gesture, he extended his hand. “This way, please.”

Meng Changge nodded and followed him to her temporary resting place. Upon entering, she saw Yu Shanye carrying a plate of food from the kitchen. Her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Meng Changge. “Senior Sister Meng? What brings you here?”

Meng Changge smiled, bidding farewell to Chu Jiangchi before taking a seat at the table. “My junior sister’s identity token was damaged. I happened to be nearby, so Master urged me to come check on her.”

“Oh,” Yu Shanye said, settling down opposite her and setting the tray on the table. “Aren’t you practicing Grain Avoidance?”

“I am,” Yu Shanye confirmed, her expression turning serious. “But this is my family’s secret recipe. I practice it every day to keep my skills sharp. Besides, Lan Wu isn’t avoiding food. I was just about to deliver this to her.”

“No need,” Meng Changge said. “She’s already asleep.”

As she spoke, Meng Changge casually picked up some chopsticks and took a bite, asking, “When I arrived, Island Master Chu mentioned you encountered a sea beast and got injured. Is that true?”

Yu Shanye blinked, recalling Chu Jiangchi’s instructions. After a beat, she replied, “Yes, we were careless.”

Meng Changge looked unconvinced. “What kind of sea beast could injure Junior Sister so severely?”

“Well… it was a sea snake… with a human head.”

Meng Changge’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “I’ve seen snakes, and I’ve seen humans, but I’ve never seen a snake with a human head. Is there a corpse? I’d like to take a look.”

“Of course not!” Yu Shanye panicked, quickly dodging the topic. “Just talking to you has worn me out. Senior Sister, I’ll leave these dishes to you. I’m going to rest.”

“Alright, get some good rest.”

Yu Shanye mumbled an agreement and scurried into the room, her back radiating a distinct air of guilt. Watching her disappear behind the door, Meng Changge shook her head and muttered to herself, “She can’t even lie properly.”

The next day, as soon as the sun peeked over the horizon, Meng Changge went to visit her junior sister again. However, the moment she stepped into the room, Ji Lingyue jump up in a fluster from beside Lan Wu, eyes wide as she looked at her.

“Senior Sister?”

Meng Changge walked over, puzzled. “What’s wrong? Why are you so nervous?”

“What are you doing here?” Ji Lingyue asked, surprised. “I thought you were on a journey.”

Meng Changge patiently explained the situation again. As she spoke, the still-sleeping Lan Wu made a soft sound, seemingly disturbed by the noise. Ji Lingyue instinctively turned to look at her and then whispered, “Senior Sister, let’s talk outside.”

“Why are you going out? You’re still injured.” Meng Changge studied her for a moment. “But it seems Penglai Island’s healing methods are impressive. You look much better today. We might be able to leave in a few days.”

“Are you returning with us, Senior Sister?”

“Yes,” Meng Changge confirmed, her hand unconsciously resting on the fiery red hilt of her sword at her waist. “On the way back, we’ll pass by the Baibao Pavilion. I need to buy a sword embryo for Master.”

She was about to continue when Lan Wu stirred again, letting out another soft whine. Meng Changge paused, noticing Ji Lingyue staring at her with concern.

Meng Changge sighed. “Alright, alright, I won’t say any more.”

She had wanted to ask what really happened the previous day, but judging by Ji Lingyue’s reaction, any mention of it would only make her junior sister feel worse.

As she left, she couldn’t help but mutter, “They really are close.”

As expected, Ji Lingyue recovered quickly. Within three days, she was able to walk freely without assistance. Lan Wu, who knew the truth, kept quiet about her role, feeling a sense of pride when others praised Ji Lingyue’s speedy recovery.

Soon, it was time for them to bid farewell to Chu Jiangchi. The Island Master expressed his reluctance to see them go, urging them to visit again whenever they had the opportunity.

Lan Wu nodded politely, though inwardly, she couldn’t wait to leave Penglai Island behind.

This island and the crazy old man underneath it left Lan Wu feeling uneasy. She’d considered questioning Chu Jiangchi further, but she doubted it would yield any truthful answers. She didn’t trust him at all. A man claiming to be the Island Master yet saying he knew nothing about the underground palace seemed highly suspicious to her.

Now, even Chu Jiangchi’s kind smile struck her as insincere.

Leaving Penglai Island behind, they wasted no time continuing their journey. Within two days, they arrived at Changheng City, home to the famed Baibao Pavilion.

The city was a bustling hub of activity, with crimson buildings stretching as far as the eye could see. Pavilions and towers layered upon each other, and numerous magical formations floated in the sky, occasionally bringing in teleporting cultivators. The streets were crowded, mostly with people wearing cultivator robes, making it feel like you could throw a stone and hit a powerful cultivator.

Upon hearing this, Meng Changge smiled. “Of course. Like Wangliang City, Changheng City was built by cultivators. Most of its residents are cultivators, and the currency of choice here isn’t gold or silver, but spirit stones. While Junior Sister and I visit the pavilion, you two should explore the city. There are plenty of interesting things to see.”

Yu Shanye, feeling envious, repeated a complaint she had voiced countless times on their journey, “Why couldn’t I have reached the Golden Core stage? Then I could go inside too.”

Lan Wu retorted, “What’s wrong with exploring with me? Am I not good enough for you?”

“It’s not that,” Yu Shanye crossed her arms, giving her a sidelong glance. “But this is the Baibao Pavilion! Legend says they have everything imaginable. Anything can be yours, as long as you have the spirit stones. You’re telling me you don’t want to go in?”

“Not really,” Lan Wu shrugged offhandedly. “The best items will cost a fortune anyway. It’s better not to torture myself by looking at things I can’t afford.”

Yu Shanye fell silent for a moment, then conceded, “You… actually make some sense.”

As soon as Ji Lingyue left with Meng Changge, Lan Wu’s expression shifted. She turned and sprinted toward the busiest street.

“Hey, where are you going?” Yu Shanye hurried after her.

“To buy a gift!” Lan Wu called over her shoulder. “They’ll be back soon. I need to find a suitable gift before then.”

“A gift? For whom?”

Lan Wu gave her a look as if she were an idiot. “For Ah Yue, of course. It’s her twenty-third birthday soon.”

Yu Shanye realized, “Oh, I see. You really had me fooled. I really thought you weren’t interested in the Baibao Pavilion.”

Lan Wu grinned smugly. “Exactly… Huh?”

She paused, touching her shoulder and feeling a wet spot on her palm.

“Where did this water come from?”

Lan Wu stopped, frowning as she scanned their surroundings. Passersby hurried along, seemingly unconcerned with them. None of them appeared to have the time or inclination to play pranks.

Yu Shanye asked, “What’s wrong?”

Lan Wu hesitated, then shook her head. “It’s nothing.”

She lowered her hand and continued toward the shops.

Meanwhile, at the far end of the market, a woman in blue stopped abruptly, her head tilting slightly as if listening to something only she could hear.

The stall owner hesitated before cautiously asking, “Miss? Do you still want to buy it?”

Lan Yuan returned to herself and glanced down at the mask in her hand. “Yes, I’ll take it.”

She tossed a few spirit stones onto the counter and turned to leave. The stall owner gaped at her retreating figure, then called out, “Miss, you gave me too much!”

“It doesn’t matter,” Lan Yuan said, her voice laced with indifference. She lifted her hand, her fingers brushing against the cool surface of the mask as she secured it over her face. “I won’t be needing them anymore.”

Translation note:

Baibao Pavilion – Treasure Pavilion