Chapter 20: Snow Lake Descends into the Mortal Realm

Beneath the locust tree, a swath of icy frost stood rigid, crystallized, encircling a woman clad in pale blue. From outside, her figure and face were obscured, only the blue of her robes shining through the crystalline ice, refracting a deep, tranquil azure light. That patch beneath the tree seemed as though snow had abruptly fallen, the entire expanse of blue ice radiating cold, deterring any from drawing near.

Outside the frosty formation, a group of men in black, bearing a demonic aura, gathered to observe. Each wore an expression of astonishment, eager yet afraid to approach. For any touch upon the ice would drain all strength and spiritual energy, and the affected area would be wracked with pain, wounds slow to heal.

“Sister!” Lan Shui shouted, descending from the sky. A gust tore through the woods, swirling ice and snow as the black-clad men scattered in terror. Lan Shui strode from the storm, his gaze sharp as a blade, unhesitatingly driving the group into the river.

Summer waters ran clear and bright; the men fell in, and as a breeze passed over, the river instantly froze, carrying the men away in blocks of ice. Their terrified expressions were sealed in the frozen slabs—plain and unadorned, yet strangely artistic. Soon, the ice darkened to blue-black and drifted downstream toward the waterfall.

This place was the famed Demon Mountain, a gathering place for monsters in the mortal world. Lan Shui wondered why Xue Ze had wandered here—surely it had something to do with the White-feathered Maiden. Had she withdrawn the guiding dove that accompanied Xue Ze? Otherwise, why would Xue Ze lose her way so soon after leaving the mountain?

Lan Shui wielded his Blue Light Sword to chip away the sharpest ice, leaping into the center and shattering the frosty formation. He gathered Xue Ze into his arms.

This cold, icy region was a formation that Tianshan disciples conjured in times of danger. Though Xue Ze’s cultivation was shallow, her array was unique. Lan Shui, protected by his magical sword, was able to dismantle the ice and approach her.

“Sister!” Lan Shui channeled true energy as he called, not relaxing until she stirred.

“Sister, you’re awake?” Lan Shui’s furrowed brow eased, though his heart still ached, the pain sharp as a blade. “I promise I’ll get to the bottom of this matter with the guiding dove!”

Xue Ze lay in Lan Shui’s arms, dazed and weary. Her blue skirts pooled like a beautiful iris, pure and ethereal, resembling a fairy.

“How do you feel, Sister?” he asked.

“I’m alright, Brother,” Xue Ze replied, adjusting her posture as she sat up. “Why are you here?”

Seeing the ice recede, Lan Shui gently helped her to her feet. “If I hadn’t come, who knows what might have happened! When we return, that maiden will answer for suddenly withdrawing the guiding dove and causing you to stray here!”

Earlier, Xue Ze had left the mountain alone, bringing only a guiding dove. When Lan Shui returned to the Bamboo Grove and found her missing, he sensed something was wrong and went searching, finally finding her unconscious in Demon Mountain.

“No need, Brother, don’t worry! It was my own decision to descend—White-feathered Sister isn’t to blame. I have little experience traveling and am unfamiliar with these rivers, so I lost my way.”

Lan Shui shook his head, brushing leaves from Xue Ze’s hair and gently holding her shoulders. “You mustn’t go out alone anymore. If anything happened to you, I—”

Xue Ze smiled softly, smoothing his frown. “Brother, don’t worry. Though my magic is lacking, with this icy formation, no one can harm me.”

“There are countless dangers in this world. The mortal realm houses more than common folk—what use is an array alone? When it comes to magic and martial arts, I must teach you properly. You’re not yet ready to venture out alone; you mustn’t leave the mountain.”

Xue Ze nodded, regulating her breath as she rose and took a few steps forward, lifting her long skirt. “Brother, let’s go check on Lianzi and the others!”

“Very well, ride my sword with me! You still need to recover—don’t exert yourself.”

Before long, Xue Ze and Lan Shui arrived at Tangzhou, surrounded by verdant mountains, clear rivers, and blooming valleys. Apricot Blossom Village nestled on the banks of the Greenwater River outside Tangzhou City. Following the village’s lead, they soon found Lianzi and Ji Lin, who had been waiting for some time. Lan Shui and Xue Ze concealed themselves and descended.

Upon seeing Xue Ze, Lianzi and Ji Lin rushed forward.

“Are you alright?” Lianzi took Xue Ze’s hand, examining her closely with guilt. “It’s my fault—I always make you worry.”

“Sister, don’t worry. I’ll avenge you!” Ji Lin turned to Lan Shui, his voice agitated. “Brother, was it those mountain demons? I must find time to raze that mountain!”

Xue Ze smiled apologetically, speaking softly. “Don’t worry, I’m fine! Don’t provoke them—it was my mistake, wandering into their territory by accident.”

“I’m with Second Brother!” Lianzi said, full of indignation. “We were just about to head into the city when we sensed your presence—I was so worried! If not for the guiding dove’s message that Brother was here, we’d have rushed over and fought those monsters!”

“Yes, even if Sister’s skills are lacking, I’d wipe them out. Brother, please allow me to vent her anger!”

Ji Lin had barely finished when Xue Ze hurried to stop him. “Brother, there’s no need! It’s over—don’t pursue it. I’ll focus on cultivating from now on!”

Ji Lin shook his head stubbornly. “No, I must go! Brother, please instruct me!”

“Permission granted,” Lan Shui replied solemnly.

Xue Ze was startled, staring at Lan Shui in disbelief, regardless of the joy behind her from the other two. “Brother, how can you allow this? Our mission remains unfinished. Causing trouble now could ruin everything—please reconsider!”

Lan Shui gazed gently at Xue Ze, calm and steady. “Sister, with us here, don’t worry. If not for concern over you being alone, I would have done what Ji Lin wishes already!”

“Brother, but—”

Ji Lin laughed, his tone light. “Sister, don’t fret. I’ll just warn them a bit, nothing more. You’re so kind—I won’t do anything harsh.”

With that, Ji Lin dispersed his form and vanished.

Xue Ze anxiously searched the surroundings, but Lan Shui drew her into the room.

Lan Shui’s expression was neutral as he poured tea, speaking calmly. “Let’s have some tea and listen to Lianzi’s plans.”

“Alright.” Xue Ze took the tea, glancing at Lianzi.

“Yes.” Lianzi smiled knowingly and explained, “Most matters have been settled, and the groundwork is laid. I’m about to reveal the real prescription—in time, the rumors will be dispelled.”

Xue Ze nodded, a hint of unease in her voice. “You’ve disguised yourself as a healer and gained permission from the West Sea Prefecture—so that’s settled. But once you cure everyone, your fame will spread, and you’ll be remembered. Sister warned me—the mortal world is complex. You mustn’t get entangled.”

“Was that advice from White-feathered Maiden?” Lan Shui asked.

“Brother, don’t blame her again—let’s discuss the present matter! Sister’s warning was out of concern.”

Lan Shui closed his eyes, shifting his gaze indifferently. “Limit your dealings with her.”

“This—” Xue Ze said no more. She knew little of Tianshan’s current state and even less of White-feathered’s character. She only wished for Tianshan’s reputation to be restored, for all to be well; the dreams of the past were already forgotten.

Lost in thought, Xue Ze heard Lan Shui say to Lianzi, “I’ll handle this—don’t let your sister worry.”

Lianzi nodded. “Do you have any instructions, Brother?”

“Your face shouldn’t be seen. Though wearing a veil attracts suspicion, it’s the best option. Tangzhou is crowded—you can’t use magic to disguise yourself. Wear a light veil and plain clothes.”

“Yes.”

“Moreover, since you’re posing as a healer, imitate their speech and demeanor—be gentle and professional, don’t slip up.”

“Yes.”

Lan Shui finished speaking, and Xue Ze produced a light veil, offering it to Lianzi. “Don’t change veils here—use the Red Lotus Leaf Veil you gave me, take it to cover your face.”

“I can’t use that—you need it more. There are no powerful magicians here; I’ll use a regular veil.”

Xue Ze insisted, pressing it into Lianzi’s hands. “Take it—I’ll stay out of sight.”

“I’ll look after Sister. Lianzi, accept it.”

Lianzi nodded, taking the veil, then glanced outside. “General Fengxing has arrived—I’ll be going.”

“Take care!”

“Hurry back!”

“Yes.” Lianzi bowed and quickly left.

Though Lianzi had gone, Xue Ze still worried. Lately, she had felt increasingly uneasy, growing agitated and tense at critical moments. Perhaps it was because the matters that had troubled her for so long were finally coming to an end. Once the epidemic was cured and Tianshan’s reputation restored, she would have nothing more to worry about.

“Sister, what troubles you now? Rather than worrying, think about your cultivation. What can you do?”

“I… Brother, you know all my skills!” Xue Ze lowered her head shyly, fiddling with her sleeves, feeling deeply ashamed: I’d always wanted to return, but forgot Tianshan was a place of cultivation. Now, I’m far behind Brother and the other disciples—what should I do?

Lan Shui smiled calmly. “You can ride the wind, perform small spells, conjure icy formations—what else?”

Xue Ze pursed her lips and replied softly, “Isn’t that a lot already?”

“A lot?” Lan Shui couldn’t help but laugh.

“Brother, you’re laughing?” Xue Ze raised her head, charmed by his gentle smile. “I’m no match for you. You know so much—I can’t compare to a tenth of your skills!”

Lan Shui’s smile faded. “Then hurry and learn. When Second Brother returns, study invisibility and disguise with him. The important things, I’ll teach you myself.”

“Which are the most important? You’re not expecting me to learn everything, are you?”

“Not all, but the more you know, the better. Even if I’d rather you never need them, knowing them brings me peace.”

“Alright.”

“Today, I’ll teach you the Maze-breaking Technique. It can break formations, escape from confusing valleys, foil schemes, and help you find your way.”

“Alright.”

Lan Shui couldn’t help but smile. “You’ve worried me today, Sister, yet brought me laughter as well. How is that? If I told you a thousand things and you answered ‘alright’ a thousand times, how wonderful that would be.”

“Alright—if you want me to say ‘alright,’ it’s easy!”

“Good! Then begin by learning what I teach. The mortal world’s terrain will give you plenty of practice.”

“Alright.”