Chapter Forty-Seven: Submerge

On the martial training grounds, swords danced as the wind rose.

Every disciple practiced with earnest diligence; each had been carefully chosen from among the youth of Lingzhou, all aspiring to serve their country and the world, hoping that one day they might repay their debts, punish evil and promote good, and become heroes who uphold justice. Thus, none wished to slacken.

Ling Shuang’s swordsmanship had improved greatly under Sansi’s guidance. Though Ling Shuang was not lacking in talent or comprehension—otherwise she could not have mastered the spatial lock of Immortal Island in just a few days—her mind was preoccupied by thoughts of Sansi during these days of training, so she had little focus for serious study.

Now that Sansi had returned to her side, her heart was at ease and she practiced sword techniques with renewed enthusiasm. With Sansi teaching her, she worked even harder, and her progress was surprisingly faster than Taiyi’s.

At noon, with the scorching sun high overhead, Liu Mu ordered the disciples to disperse for lunch, instructing them to regroup once the midday heat subsided.

The fragrance of cooking wafted from the western courtyard’s dining hall, drifting over the training grounds. The aroma made the disciples hungry.

After Liu Mu left, the disciples lined up to enter the dining hall, no one fighting for position, each orderly as a disciplined army.

Taiyi, observing this scene, quietly remarked to Sansi at his side, “Brother Sansi, I believe the Liu Family Army has great potential. The disciples are diligent and progress swiftly; at this rate, in a few years they could rival the Ironclad Army.”

Ye Sansi leaned closer, half covering his mouth as he whispered, “It’s easy to say, but in reality, it would be extremely difficult to truly contend with the Ironclad Army.”

“But this is Uncle Liu’s plan. With things developing like this, surpassing the Ironclads should be no trouble at all.”

“Ah, it would be wonderful if things went according to plan, but the Ironclad Army is more formidable than it appears. As Uncle Liu said, any one of their true warriors could match him. Think how many years it would take these disciples to reach Uncle Liu’s level? The Second Elder must have considered this, which is why he didn’t ask us to stay. Don’t worry, Taiyi—I will destroy the Ironclads one day, but it must be done with strategy, not at the cost of the common people.”

“Brother Sansi, you truly see farther than I do—I am too shallow. If ever you undertake such a great task, don’t forget me. Let me be at the forefront of your grand plans.”

Ye Sansi nodded, and the two entered the dining hall, received their food, and found a vacant spot to sit.

Ling Shuang, after getting her meal, saw Sansi and Taiyi and sat beside them, asking in a low voice, “What were you two whispering about on the way? Is there some righteous deed you plan to do? Don’t leave me out.”

Taiyi smiled, “Rest assured, Ling Shuang. Next time, we’ll certainly include you.”

“That’s more like it.”

Nian’er chimed in, “Young Master Ye, I am no longer the Nian’er I once was. I have now learned spells and sword techniques. If danger arises, I can defend myself. When the time comes, let me stand with you, not behind you. I wish to fight alongside you.”

Before she finished speaking, Ling Shuang hugged Nian’er’s left arm and laughed, “Nian’er’s spatial lock is much stronger than mine. Thinking about it, among the four of us, I’m probably the weakest.”

Ye Sansi grinned, “Ling Shuang, it’s nothing. I’ll protect you. No one can bully you.”

“You’re so sweet-tongued, Sansi. Eat more—there’s still training this afternoon. By the way, Sansi, Taiyi, I wrote down the incantations and techniques for the ‘spatial lock.’ Try them when you have time; it never hurts to have more skills.” With that, Ling Shuang handed Sansi a few sheets of paper.

Sansi nodded and accepted them, then ate quietly. After one bowl, he was full, and put down his utensils, lost in thought. The others were busy eating and didn’t notice.

After the meal, the disciples returned to their rooms to rest, but Taiyi was pulled back to the training grounds by Sansi.

Taiyi shook off Sansi’s hand, “Brother Sansi, can’t we talk in our room? Why come out here under the blazing sun?”

“Ling Shuang and Nian’er’s room is next to ours, isn’t it?”

“I think so. Why? Is there something you don’t want them to know?”

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“There’s one thing I haven’t told them—our experience in the Demon Realm. I’m afraid if people in Liu Fortress hear about it, word will spread, and the peace of the Demon Realm will be at risk. So I came here, where it’s open and I can see if anyone’s listening.”

“Why mention the Demon Realm?”

“It’s related to this monster plague. I’ve been thinking—the elders can’t even discern the monster’s whereabouts. Are we to let it harm the people unchecked? I’ve noticed the Second Elder is deeply troubled, and the Liu disciples guarding the city gates are being replaced frequently. I suspect Lingzhou will soon fall. Rather than sit and wait for disaster, we should take action.”

“But you said even immortals can’t sense the monster’s movements—how can the demons of the Demon Realm?”

“I’m taking a gamble. If it works, we’ll rid the city of the plague. If not, we’ll just waste a few days’ journey—no harm done.”

“I’m worried… we might catch the plague ourselves. Even if Master knows detoxification, by then we’ll be far from Lingzhou, and nothing can be done.”

“Haha, since you met me, every day has been a walk between life and death. Now that Lingzhou is in trouble, we should be the first to act—not just for the people, but for Ling Shuang. Ling Shuang’s home is here, and monsters covet it. How can I stand by? I promised her I’d protect her for a lifetime. If the plague breaks the city, not even immortals could save it. If Lingzhou is destroyed, I would have failed Ling Shuang.”

“But if we don’t tell Master and go alone, it will be extremely difficult. Do you know how far the Demon Realm is from Lingzhou? It’s at least ten days’ journey, and with the plague spreading outside, danger is everywhere. By the time we reach the Demon Realm, half a month will have passed—how could we catch the monster then?”

Ye Sansi pulled Taiyi aside, glanced around, and whispered, “That’s exactly my worry. With our speed, it takes too long. If it really takes ten days, Lingzhou may already be lost. We need another plan.”

“Brother Sansi, I think the best plan is to ask Master to take us. It would only take a few hours.”

“No, I promised Elder Peng not to speak of the Demon Realm to anyone else.”

“Do you distrust even my Master? And Ling Shuang?”

“I trust the Second Elder, but the fewer people know, the better. It does no harm to anyone. As for Ling Shuang, I’ll tell her, but only after leaving Lingzhou. The demons of the Demon Realm are pitiable, hiding underground for so many years—they can’t be destroyed by us.”

“You’re right, Sansi, but I worry Master might tell the other elders. They aren’t as enlightened as he is. If the Demon Realm is attacked, it would be bad for both sides. But if we don’t ask Master, it’ll be hard to manage.”

“Perhaps…”

Taiyi and Sansi arrived at Ling Shuang’s room and knocked.

Inside, someone asked, “Who is it?”

“It’s me, Taiyi, and Brother Sansi. We have something to ask you.”

Ling Shuang swung the door open with a smile, “It’s you!” She grabbed Sansi and pulled him inside.

Taiyi smiled and shook his head, glancing around to ensure no one was watching before quietly closing the door.

Ling Shuang laughed, “What brings you here? Nian’er is teaching me embroidery—do you want me to show you?”

Ye Sansi found a stool and waved his hand, “No, Ling Shuang, we have a favor to ask.”

“No need for formalities. With our relationship, just tell me what you need—I’ll help.”

Taiyi smiled, “It’s like this. We were just talking—I said the Liu family has many treasures, each powerful. Sansi didn’t believe me, so we made a bet. But we can’t go to the northern courtyard, so we came to ask you. Tell us about the treasures in Liu Mansion’s vault, so we can broaden our horizons.”

Ling Shuang laughed, “Sansi, you’ve lost the bet. Our Liu Fortress’s treasury is famous throughout the land. Rare treasures, precious flowers—anything you want, we have it. My father loved collecting these things when he was young, spending a fortune on them. They’re just piled up in the treasury, never used—a real waste.”

---

“Are there any powerful weapons? Like a sword that could cut through Ironclad armor?”

“Of course! For example, the God-Slaying Blade, the Immortal-Slaying Sword—great names, but their power is far less than your Killing Wall Sword. Oh, and there’s a Black Sky Axe. I saw my father use it—it can cut down monsters and evil.”

“Any treasures that store items? Like Brother Sansi’s Jade Bracelet?”

“No, none like that.”

“How about treasures that carry people through the air?”

“Not really… Oh! There’s a Treasure Gourd that can carry people, like sword-riding. I’ve only ridden it once, and apart from my great-grandfather, no one knows how to use it. It should be on the first floor of the treasury. What, want to sneak it out for fun?”

Ye Sansi quickly waved his hands, “No need. We’re new here; causing trouble again is not an option. Besides, even if we took it, none of us could use it.”

“Haha, who would’ve thought the wild boy would be afraid of getting into trouble?”

Ye Sansi stood up, “Ling Shuang, since you’ve named the treasures and their uses, it seems the vault truly holds such items. Looks like I lost the bet.”

Taiyi continued, “You two keep practicing embroidery. Sansi and I won’t disturb you.”

Ling Shuang stood to send them off, “Alright, you two go ahead. Oh, Sansi, don’t forget to teach me sword technique later—I still can’t master the sixty-fourth move.”

“I’ll teach you soon.”

With that, the two left and Sansi helped close the door.

Once outside the western courtyard, Taiyi said to Sansi, “Now we know the Treasure Gourd can fly, but none of us knows how to use it.”

“We’ll have to take it step by step. There’s no time to waste—I’ll sneak into the northern courtyard to steal the gourd, and you keep watch at the gate. If the elder returns, stall him.”

“Alright.”

They reached the northern courtyard gate. Taiyi saw there were guards inside and called out several times, “Master!” No one answered, so he confirmed the Second Elder was not inside—this was the perfect time to steal the gourd.

Before Taiyi could signal, Sansi understood. He used his swift steps to avoid the guards and slip into the courtyard. The two disciples, hearing Taiyi’s calls, came out to check and, seeing Taiyi, saluted and asked, “Who are you? What brings you to the northern courtyard?”

“I’m the Second Elder’s new disciple, Li Taiyi. I have something to discuss with Master.”

“Oh, so you’re Uncle Li. Our apologies. The Second Elder isn’t back yet. Please wait outside—you know only two Liu family disciples may guard within ten paces of the gate; non-family disciples aren’t permitted. Uncle, please bear with us—don’t make it difficult.”

“Of course. I understand the rules. I’ll wait outside—no need to worry about me.”

The guards returned to their posts inside.

What they didn’t know was that Ye Sansi had already slipped inside…