Chapter 079: The Imperial Descendant of the Water Kingdom

After leaving the Celestial Palace, Jiner said to Liu Qiansha, “Master, I wish to depart now. I’ll deal with the Poison Sage first.”

“In such a hurry? You must think carefully; the journey to the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect will be fraught with peril. Perhaps you should train for another year,” Liu Qiansha replied, a hint of worry in her voice.

“No. Even with more preparation, success isn’t guaranteed. Aunt Xue has said that defeating the Poison Sage doesn’t require extraordinary martial skill. My current abilities should suffice.” Suddenly, Jiner realized she was carrying too much on her shoulders.

She no longer wished to wait.

“Very well. Since your mind is made up, I won’t hold you back. When will you leave?” Liu Qiansha asked.

“At dawn tomorrow,” Jiner answered with a serene smile.

After a year of preparations, she was finally ready to set out. Rather than hesitate or shrink back, she was eager, unwilling to linger a single day longer.

Liu Qiansha frowned slightly, raised her hand, and gently patted Jiner’s frail shoulder, heaving a long sigh. “Be careful in all things. I’ll send people to escort you for part of the way, and they’ll hide near the perimeter of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect, ready to assist.”

Jiner pressed her lips and nodded. “Thank you, Master. I will be cautious.”

They continued walking and talking. When they parted ways at a fork in the road, each returned to their own quarters.

Not long after lunch, Liu Qiansha sent someone with new clothing, travel funds, and self-defense items—daggers and concealed weapons.

Jiner examined each item carefully, knowing she could not bring obvious weapons with her; her beloved Flying Flower Sword would have to stay in the Flower Rain Pavilion. Yet, these concealed weapons would likely be of little use.

Her blood was, in truth, her safest and most invisible weapon.

After tidying her things, Jiner headed to Aunt Xue’s quarters.

“You’re leaving tomorrow?” Aunt Xue was surprised by her abrupt farewell, though she had longed for this day, night and day.

“Yes, I will leave at dawn.” Jiner looked at Aunt Xue, who had aged considerably since a year ago, and felt a pang of sadness. Bereft of inner strength, she seemed to have aged ten years overnight, her former grace and charm now gone.

“Rest assured, Master. I will accomplish the task.”

Though it was a transaction, Aunt Xue had treated her well this past year, and her past was so tragic that one couldn’t help but pity her.

“Alright, I believe you can do it.” Aunt Xue grasped Jiner’s thin arm, her hands trembling slightly, as if she could already see her triumphant return.

Suddenly, Jiner’s expression grew tense. She raised her hand with a swift motion.

“Whizz, whizz, whizz—!” Three silver needles embedded themselves firmly in a tree trunk dozens of paces away. Beside them was Tianyu’s startled face.

“Wow!” Dressed in azure robes, he floated down gracefully from behind the tree, landing lightly with a look of embarrassment.

“You really meant it, didn’t you?” Tianyu muttered as he approached Jiner and Aunt Xue.

“I wondered who was lurking and sneaking about,” Jiner scoffed, looking at him with disdain.

Tianyu rolled his eyes, uncertain how to retort, and simply pursed his lips in silence.

Aunt Xue glanced at both, smiling behind her hand. “Oh, what’s wrong with you two? Are you having a quarrel?”

With her experience, she could easily discern Tianyu’s feelings for Jiner. They were well matched, but Jiner seemed oblivious.

Heh, that foolish boy Tianyu was bound for some heartache.

“Nonsense! What quarrel could I possibly have with him?” Jiner cast a sideways glance at Tianyu, recalling yesterday’s awkward incident, her irritation rising as she glared at him.

“You!” Tianyu’s face reddened, and he stood awkwardly, unable to advance or retreat.

Ignoring him, Jiner turned to Aunt Xue. “Master, I’ll take my leave now. I’ll depart at dawn tomorrow and won’t come by again.”

“Very well. Remember what I taught you—be careful in all things.”

Jiner smiled and nodded, then turned away.

Seeing her ignore him and leave, Tianyu hurried after her.

“Jiner, you’re leaving tomorrow? Where are you going?” Tianyu had overheard their conversation and knew Jiner was leaving on a task, though he didn’t know the details. He was also unaware of the strange poison afflicting her.

“It’s just a short trip. I’ll be back soon,” Jiner replied lightly.

Though he’d behaved a bit uncouth yesterday, he’d cared for her well over the past year. If she told him the truth, he’d worry, perhaps even try to stop her from taking the risk.

But she couldn’t avoid this now. Rather than add another worry, it was better he didn’t know.

“What are you going to do? Let me go with you,” Tianyu insisted, worried at the thought that he might not see her for a while.

“No need. It’s just a trivial matter,” Jiner continued to refuse.

“No! I heard you say it’s a task. Your skills aren’t exceptional; what if you meet danger? With me there, at least you’d have help,” Tianyu pleaded, walking alongside her.

“Oh, I told you it’s nothing, and I mean it. I don’t need you to meddle!” Jiner strode forward, impatience in her voice.

“I insist! I care about you!” Tianyu suddenly raised his voice.

Jiner paused, her heart trembling slightly.

He truly did care. But if she told him, he’d only worry more, and it would do no good.

She bit her lip, turned to look at Tianyu, whose face was flushed, and gave him a gentle, sweet smile.

“I know.” She reached out and took his hands in hers. For a moment, she felt his hands tremble.

“Trust me, won’t you? Wait for me here. I’ll return, and it won’t be long,” Jiner said firmly, smiling softly.

Tianyu frowned, wanting to argue further, but seeing the unwavering determination in Jiner’s eyes, he finally nodded in resignation.

“You said it! If you dare break your promise, you’ll answer to me!” he said, feigning anger as he tugged at Jiner’s small nose.

“Ouch, that hurts!” Jiner punched him in annoyance, quickly covering her nose.

“If it didn’t hurt, you wouldn’t remember. Come, to my palace—I’ll give you a farewell dinner.” With that, Tianyu took her hand and led her to his Star Palace.

Unable to resist, Jiner followed.

Tianyu seated her in the pavilion, picking up his flute to play for her, savoring the happiness of her quiet presence.

Since she came into his life, he hadn’t played the flute in daylight for a long time. Only in countless nights had he sat alone in the pavilion, playing in solitude, thinking of her smile.

Jiner leaned sideways, resting her chin in her hand, enjoying the tranquil beauty of the moment.

Turning her gaze, she quietly watched Tianyu’s profile, suddenly noticing a melancholy aura about him, so different from his usual playful self—a whole other charm, almost as though he were a different person.

Could he truly feel sorrow?

As she pondered this, Tianyu stopped playing and turned with a roguish grin. “What, have you noticed I’m even more handsome?”

Jiner was stunned, then her eye twitched in annoyance.

Clearly, her earlier impressions had been mistaken…

At that moment, servants brought out a sumptuous meal, each dish one of Jiner’s favorites.

“Come, eat. Rest today—no practice,” Tianyu said, setting aside his flute and seating her at the table, quickly filling her bowl with food.

“Eat plenty,” Tianyu smiled.

Jiner picked up her chopsticks, giving him a sweet smile before lowering her head to eat.

Tianyu held his chopsticks but didn’t eat, simply watching her with a smile, as if watching her eat was enough to fill him.

“Why are you staring at me? You should eat too.” Noticing his gaze, Jiner looked up and saw him foolishly watching her. She hurriedly put a piece of meat into his bowl.

Tianyu’s heart soared as she served him; he grinned and began eating with relish.

In the peaceful courtyard, the farewell meal was not tinged with sorrow but felt rather joyful.

Yet both knew that the true sadness had not yet arrived.

Early the next morning, Jiner shouldered her bundle and departed with several waiting guards.

At the riverbank, as she was about to board the boat, Tianyu’s call came from behind.

Turning, Jiner saw him running over with a bundle, followed by Xiaobai.

“Just made it!” Tianyu said, breathless, pressing the half-open paper package into her arms. “Here, I picked these early this morning—your favorite fruits. Xiaobai helped too.”

Both looked at the little creature, which rushed forward, hugging Jiner’s leg and nuzzling her, expressing its reluctance.

Jiner smiled, glanced at the dew-dappled fruit, and at Tianyu’s sweat-dampened brow. A wave of warmth swept over her.

“Thank you. I’ll miss you both.”

She hoped this would not be their last meeting.

Jiner pressed her lips, forcing down a sudden surge of sadness. She hugged Tianyu, then bent to stroke Xiaobai, rising with a gentle smile. “I’m off, don’t worry about me. See, Master has sent escorts to protect me.” She patted Tianyu’s arm and turned to board the boat, but Tianyu seized her hand.

“No lies—promise you’ll return!” Tianyu’s rare seriousness, his grip so tight it hurt her hand.

“I will.” Jiner smiled through the pain, extricating her hand, and leapt onto the boat.

She dared not look back, stood facing away from the shore until she sensed the boat was far enough. Then she turned.

That small, blurry figure still stood on the bank, a faint white shape nestled in his arms.

Tianyu, Xiaobai, thank you. With such heartfelt concern, how could I bear never to return…

Jiner looked up at the sky, forcing back the sting of tears.

Had it been the twenty-first century, even faced with death, she might not have felt such reluctance. Then, she had no ties, no one to care for her. But now everything was different.

Now, so many people had entered her life, all who didn’t wish to see her die. For their sake, she must survive.

Ye groaned, clutching his aching head as he sat up in bed.

Gazing at the bright sunshine, he realized he must have slept for nearly two days.

He staggered to the table, poured a cup of water and drank it down, but his mouth remained parched. He seized the kettle and drank greedily.

He’d never been so drunk before; it was as though he’d frozen himself for two days, needing neither thought nor concern.

Yet, upon waking, all his confusion and anguish rushed back, making him feel worse.

Setting down the kettle, Liu Ye walked heavily outside. The sunlight forced him to squint, feeling strangely unaccustomed.

He wandered aimlessly, his mind a muddle, unaware that he was heading toward Jiner’s Flower Rain Pavilion.

Halfway there, he finally came to his senses, looking up to see he’d come this way. He hesitated, wanting to turn back, but his feet remained rooted, refusing to move.

“Eh? When did you return?” A puzzled voice sounded behind him. He turned to see Tianyu.

“Were you coming to see Jiner? You’re too late; she’s already gone,” Tianyu said, frowning.

“Gone? Where?” Liu Ye asked, surprised.

“I don’t know. She wouldn’t tell me. She said it’s a small task and she’ll be back soon.” Tianyu looked at the familiar Flower Rain Pavilion, feeling her absence and already missing her.

Liu Ye frowned thoughtfully, then turned and left.

As he passed Tianyu, his robes swept a breeze across Tianyu’s face.

“Tsk tsk… What a reek of alcohol!” Tianyu complained, covering his nose.

Liu Ye ignored him, heading straight for Flower Mist Palace. For some reason, unease gnawed at his heart. Task? What task would Master need her for? With so many experts below, any one could do better than her!

He burst into Flower Mist Palace, disregarding the servants’ attempts to announce him, and strode to the front hall.

Master should be there, having tea.

“Island Master, Island Master…” The palace guard hurried ahead to announce him. “Young Master Ye…” Before he could finish, Liu Ye was already beside him.

“Master.”

Liu Qiansha frowned, glanced at the troubled guard, and waved him off. “Leave us.”

The guard sighed in relief and withdrew.

“Ye’er, what brings you here in such haste? I was just discussing you with Baiqi,” Liu Qiansha remarked, raising his brows.

“My affairs?” Liu Ye was briefly confused, but quickly set that aside. “Master, I heard you sent Jiner on a task. Is this true?”

Liu Qiansha nodded, understanding. “So that’s why you’re here. What’s the problem? Why are you so anxious? This isn’t like you.”

“Indeed, I’ve never seen him so tense,” Baiqi chimed in. “Can’t bear to part with the girl, eh?”

Liu Ye frowned, ignoring Baiqi, and pressed on, “Is Jiner truly well? Are you hiding something from me?”

The smile vanished from Liu Qiansha’s face, replaced by a stern, imposing expression.

“I ask you: what business is hers to you? That day I questioned you, you denied everything. Now, for her sake, you burst in without decorum to interrogate your master? Have you grown bold?” Liu Qiansha’s voice grew cold and angry.

Baiqi shrank back, silent.

Liu Ye dropped to his knees. “I dare not!”

“Hmph!” Liu Qiansha snorted, eyeing him for a while before speaking. “Everyone has their own destiny, especially those who’ve clawed back from death’s edge.

Jiner is a prime example. She must experience certain things; no one can help her. But you need not worry—her fate is strong, she’s not easy to kill.

As for you, focus on your own affairs.” He signaled Baiqi to proceed.

Before Liu Ye could grasp his meaning, Baiqi approached, swept aside the hair at his nape, and pulled open his collar.

“Palace Master Bai, what are you—” Liu Ye began, but suddenly felt a chill at his neck, then dizziness and a loss of control in his body.

What’s happening? What is this?

The strange sensation lasted for the time it takes to burn a stick of incense. Suddenly, Liu Ye felt his body lighten and collapsed to the ground. Luckily, he caught himself, avoiding smashing his face.

Before he could react, Baiqi placed a cup of tea before him.

“Focus your mind and make the water move according to your will,” Baiqi ordered.

Lying on the floor, Liu Ye looked up at Baiqi’s rare seriousness, then stared into the teacup, gradually concentrating his thoughts.

After a while, the tea swirled, rising like a small dragon into the air.

Liu Qiansha and Baiqi were stunned, as was Liu Ye himself. In that instant, the water dragon seemed to lose life, crashing back to earth and splashing everywhere.

“Excellent! Your spiritual power is strong!” Baiqi exclaimed, excited.

Liu Ye rose, bewildered, looking at Baiqi and Liu Qiansha. “What’s happening? How can I—”

Liu Qiansha smiled, stroking his beard. “Indeed, you possess the Water Spirit. You are of royal blood from the Water Nation.”

“What?” The revelation thundered through Liu Ye.

“I once told you you were found, but not that I found you in a river.” Liu Qiansha’s gaze grew distant, his memory drifting back eighteen years.

“It was a morning in the capital of the Water Nation. I heard a baby crying.

Following the sound, I found a child drifting downstream in the river. Strangely, the child wasn’t in a basket, nor clothed—just floating naked, blue with cold, crying…

I rescued him and kept him at my side. That child was you.” Liu Qiansha smiled at Liu Ye.

Liu Ye stared at the water stains, still confused.

“That river flows from the Water Nation’s palace. You were just born, yet survived floating in the river. That proves you have the Water Spirit—likely strong. You are of royal lineage, perhaps even a prince.

Later, I took you as my disciple. When the island discovered the art of sealing spiritual power, I had Baiqi seal yours.

One, so you could focus on martial arts. Two, so when you matured and your skills grew, your spiritual power could be released—better for you.”

After hearing this, Liu Ye staggered, his breath quickening.

Royal blood from the Water Nation? A prince? He was not an orphan? Yet it all seemed unreal, like a dream…

“I know it’s hard to accept. If you wish to confirm your identity, seek the answer yourself,” Liu Qiansha said.

Liu Ye nodded, his cold, deep eyes flickering with confusion and pain. Then, without another word, he turned and left.

If he truly was a prince, why was he cast into the river as a newborn? Accident—or… If he’d been deliberately abandoned, Liu Ye clenched his fists, murderous intent flashing in his eyes.

If he found the perpetrator, he would tear them to pieces!

“Island Master, so many years have passed. Can he really discover anything?” Baiqi asked, watching that cold back.

“The palace is a complicated place, especially in the unique Water Nation. Bloodlines are there; the truth should surface,” Liu Qiansha sighed.

Emerald Screen Mountain, home of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect, lay at the southeastern border of the Gold Nation. The terrain was treacherous, dense with trees—easily defended, hard to assault.

Jiner, carrying her bundle, arrived alone at the foot of Emerald Screen Mountain. She wasn’t ascending, merely passing by—or so it seemed.

Everyone for hundreds of miles knew not to approach Emerald Screen Mountain. Countless villagers had warned her to be careful, to stay away.

Jiner didn’t glance at the mountain entrance, maintaining a calm demeanor as she walked on.

“Stop!” A brash, harsh voice rang out. Jiner feigned surprise, turning to see three men of varying heights and fierce appearance, knives in hand, approaching her.

Jiner’s face paled, and she turned to flee, but the sound of something cutting through the air came from above. A nimble man landed before her, blocking her path.

“What—what do you want?” Jiner clutched her bundle, looking anxiously around, her voice trembling.

“What do we want? Relax, we won’t harm you. Such a pretty girl should be presented to our esteemed Master. He’ll surely be pleased. Brothers, our fortune is made!” The man in front laughed excitedly.

“Yes! She’s enchanting even without makeup. Once dressed up, she’ll be irresistible. The Master will love her! Tsk, such beauty—fit to topple kingdoms…” The lewd man behind stared greedily at Jiner, nearly drooling.

“Ow!” No sooner had he spoken than the man beside him smacked him hard, making him yelp.

“Topple kingdoms? Didn’t know you were so eloquent. Now swallow your drool, don’t dirty the girl or upset the Master!” The man moved forward, reaching for Jiner’s arm.

Jiner dodged aside, trying to escape, but had no chance. Before she could run, another seized her wrist.

“Let me go! Help!” Jiner feigned panic, struggling and shouting.

“Heh, even if you scream, no one will save you. Come quietly!”

Despite her seeming wild struggle, the three men finally subdued her and escorted her up the mountain.