Chapter Twenty-Two: Linglong?

“A young woman like myself is but a newcomer to the world; how could I possibly compare to Master Shen's cultivation?” Though her bearing still retained an air of pride, her words were nonetheless filled with respect. These two contrasting attitudes were evident, but Shen Wansan did not bother to argue; instead, a smile suddenly emerged on his face, as if quite satisfied with this response. “Immortal Lady of Guyue, there is no need for such modesty. In the northern lands, who does not know of your renown? But tell me, how has His Highness been lately?”

“Master Shen, I am afraid His Highness has not fared well, or else I would not have been sent here. Since I am here, I shall speak plainly. You are well aware that His Highness has always cherished the world’s rarest treasures. The luminous pearl in your possession, unmatched in all the land, has long been the object of his desire. It was to be given as dowry in the upcoming marriage alliance, presented to the heir apparent. Yet suddenly, this pearl vanished right before your very eyes. Surely, this is too much! To be frank, when His Highness heard of this, he was furious and sent me here to seek an explanation from you, Master Shen!”

The woman stepped forward a few paces, directly facing the grand entrance. Above the doors, the four golden characters of Mingyue Villa gleamed solemnly in the waning sunlight, exuding an air of majesty. Her gaze narrowed, intent and unwavering. Though she spoke neither quickly nor loudly, her meaning was clear; Shen Wansan understood better than anyone. His own eyes followed hers to the sign above the gate, and he fell into a brief silence.

In a flash, Shen Wansan moved with astonishing speed. His palm shot out, sending a forceful gust straight toward the woman. The attack was so sudden that it caught her off guard. Of course, the so-called Immortal Lady of Guyue was no ordinary person. Her body retreated several steps with the force, attempting to evade his assault. Her hand moved as if to draw her sword, but Shen Wansan’s reputation as the greatest under heaven was well-deserved. Though she moved back quickly, she could not so easily escape. His palm struck, forcing her half-drawn sword back into its sheath. With a flick of his fingers, two bursts of energy shot forth!

“You—!” At such close range, evasion was impossible. She had never expected Shen Wansan to attack so suddenly, nor imagined that his martial prowess could be so overwhelming. In a single move, he had her at his mercy, too fast for her even to attempt escape. Instinctively, she cried out. Whether it was her shout or something else, Shen Wansan halted his advance at once, and with a sharp withdrawal of his hand, the two currents of energy dissipated without a trace.

Such is the nature of martial arts; when one reaches a certain level, channeling inner energy is nothing remarkable. Yet to wield it with such mastery and restraint as Shen Wansan—there are few in the world with such ability. Having withdrawn, he stood as if he had never moved at all. His gaze still lingered on the plaque above the entrance, revealing a deep attachment to the words “Mingyue Villa.” “Immortal Lady, does this old man’s skill still please your eye?”

“Master Shen’s martial arts are peerless; I am utterly convinced. But His Highness…” Clearly, at that moment, the Immortal Lady’s face turned pale. To brush so closely against death leaves most shaken. She dared not even look at him, and her earlier pride vanished utterly. Her voice, too, softened unconsciously. When she spoke of His Highness, she hesitated, fearing that a careless word might bring her to a less fortunate end should she not be so lucky next time.

“Do you think that with my abilities, anyone could possibly take the luminous pearl from me? Everyone knows of the marriage alliance and the pearl destined as dowry. So long as it remains within Mingyue Villa, it is safe; but if it leaves this place, countless eyes will covet it. Though His Highness is powerful and wise, there is no guarantee that he will not be targeted by greedy outlaws along the way. Rather than risk that, perhaps it is best that someone ‘steals’ it now. In this way, no one will dare plot against my Shen family or His Highness. And you, sooner or later, would come for it. When the time comes, returning the pearl to the palace will be simple and flawless. What do you think, Immortal Lady?”

Shen Wansan clearly understood her thoughts. Judging from her tone, his earlier display had achieved its purpose, and it was time to restrain himself. After all, forcing a renowned figure to act deferentially is never done without reason, and until one's goals are met, there is no sense in burning bridges.

“So Master Shen means the luminous pearl is still in your possession?” This answer surprised her even more than his earlier attack. Her eyes betrayed disbelief, but Shen Wansan’s words had eased the pressure on her. First, the danger had passed—if he truly meant her harm, she would already be dead. This was the closest she had ever come to death. Second, she now had something to report. Bringing back the pearl would be the best possible outcome. Shen Wansan smiled, and on the face of an old man, the expression seemed kind and gentle, making him appear all the more approachable. In that moment, she finally understood: those who seem fierce may not truly be so, and those who appear gentle are not always kind.

“Come with me, Immortal Lady.” Without replying directly, Shen Wansan turned and walked slowly into the house. The Immortal Lady had no better option; her earlier attempt to control the conversation had failed utterly. Now, she could only follow his lead.

Returning from the courtyard to his room was not too difficult for Han Tanyi, though his legs still tingled with numbness. It was much improved from before. Soon, he was lying on the bed, gazing at nothing in particular. Other than the dazzling splendor of gold and jade, there was nothing remarkable in the room. His thoughts were in turmoil as he wondered what to do next, but all that answered him was confusion. Perhaps because he stared too long, his eyes began to ache, and a drowsiness crept over him.

“I only came to witness a farce. Shui Linglong—what a name you’ve chosen. Have you forgotten everything from the past? No, I suppose I have forgotten as well. The notorious demon, once feared by all, died sixteen years ago. Now you are only Shui Linglong.” Calming herself, Shui Linglong immediately recognized the new arrival. The white robes and veil belonged to only one person in the Blue Lotus Sect—Shui Lianhua. When these two women stood together, one was bewitching and seductive, the other pure and ethereal. Side by side, they were a striking portrait of beauty—any man would be transfixed. For a moment, Shui Linglong’s expression grew uneasy, as if she were avoiding something only she herself could name.

“Right Envoy Hua, be mindful of your station. You know the rules of the Blue Lotus Sect.” The emotion on Shui Linglong’s face vanished in a heartbeat, replaced by her usual cold demeanor. Her words were edged, a clear rebuke. Shui Lianhua’s face grew serious at once, her posture lowering respectfully. “Yes, Sect Leader. I will not forget. I only fear you may develop true feelings for that young man and be drawn once more into the abyss, as you were sixteen years ago, bringing ruin to our sect—”

Mid-sentence, Shui Lianhua seemed to realize she had gone too far and stopped herself. Shui Linglong, of course, understood what she meant—her pain lay precisely there. At that, she seemed lost in memory before giving a soft sigh. “Do not worry. I know my limits. Just attend to your own duties, Mother.”

Her address returned to the former, more respectful tone. The conversation having reached this point, Shui Lianhua nodded in acknowledgment, then retreated a few steps and left. Shui Linglong watched her until the figure disappeared, then turned her gaze toward Han Tanyi’s chamber, murmuring softly, “You must be different from Shao Donghua, mustn’t you?”