Chapter 82: The Falling Bamboo Shoots

The group finished their meal swiftly, and Li Taiyi led everyone in search of Wang Qi.

Normally, disciples from the eastern quarter would gather at the eastern training grounds to practice their skills and martial arts. Yet, because of the day's disciple selection ceremony, many were otherwise occupied and allowed a day of rest.

Wang Qi, however, knew his martial prowess and cultivation were inferior to his peers, and his comprehension was particularly lacking. Determined to make up for his shortcomings through diligence, he continued his training while others rested.

When Ye Sansi and the others arrived at the training grounds, Wang Qi was nowhere to be seen. They called out loudly, and finally a voice echoed in reply, "I'm over here."

Drawn by the sound, they spotted Wang Qi, standing on tiptoe and waving his hand. Had he not done so, he would have blended in completely. Approaching him, they found that he was not on the training field itself, but rather at its edge, practicing alone.

Bear Gang, puzzled, asked, "Brother Wang, why are you training in this corner? The grounds are vast—wouldn't it be more comfortable to practice in the open?"

Wang Qi waved his hand and shook his head repeatedly, laughing, "No need, no need, it's fine here. Brother Bear Gang, think about it—I've been on this Immortal Island for many years now. There are plenty of junior disciples. If they saw their senior mastering martial arts and spells less skillfully than themselves, surely they'd mock me."

Ling Shuang of the Willow Clan scowled, "Let them try! If anyone dares to make fun, I’ll be the first to stand up for you, Brother Wang. You need not be shy. Everyone's aptitude and talent differ; if they ridicule that, then they cultivate immortality in vain."

"Thank you, Auntie Ling," Wang Qi replied.

"Ha ha, Brother Wang, just call me Ling Shuang. If you care about formalities, wait until outsiders are present to use the title; otherwise, it bothers me," she said with a smile.

Lin Nian'er and Ye Sansi nodded in agreement with Ling Shuang's words.

Li Taiyi hurriedly pulled Wang Qi toward the center of the training grounds. Though Wang Qi protested, Taiyi's strength prevailed, and Wang Qi had to comply.

Once they reached the center, Golden Bamboo grinned, "Brother Wang, why not demonstrate some basic swordsmanship for us? It'll help us stand out among the twenty tomorrow."

Wang Qi laughed, "If you wish to learn, I’ll teach a bit, though I’m not particularly skilled myself. I fear you might laugh."

Ye Sansi smiled, "How could we? If you're willing to teach, we'll learn earnestly. Why would we laugh at you?"

Wang Qi considered, "Perhaps instead, I could show you around the island. Martial arts and spells can be studied later; Brother Fang Yuan and the Elders instruct far better than I ever could. It's no matter if we wait. But the wonders and marvels of this island—if I don't show you, it would be a shame."

Lin Nian'er smiled, "Wonderful! The scenery here is far more beautiful than anywhere in the mortal realm. If you say it's extraordinary, it must be dazzling. We've just entered the island—if we don't see its beauty, what’s the point of being disciples of an immortal sect?"

Ye Sansi nodded, asking Wang Qi, "Shall we go now?"

"Yes, let's head south," Wang Qi replied. "There’s a perilous cliff there. Standing atop it, you can gaze over the southern sea—a view unlike any other. The journey is long; even by the shortest route from the east, it'll take several hours. We should depart now to return before nightfall."

Guided by Wang Qi, the group walked several hours and finally arrived in the southern part of the island. The architecture—pavilions, towers, and halls—was much the same as in the east. Without Wang Qi’s guidance, Ye Sansi and the others would surely have lost themselves in the labyrinth.

Pointing ahead, Wang Qi said, "Another thousand steps forward, past the outer houses, and we’ll reach the cliff. It’s exceedingly quiet—not a port, so no one fishes there. Even the nearby residents seldom approach. We’ll be able to enjoy it undisturbed."

Continuing, they found the outer houses less lively than when they first arrived, most inhabitants having been sent away.

At the so-called perilous cliff, the scenery was indeed breathtaking. Sunlight shimmered on the sea, gilding its surface. Though the water was ordinary, viewed from the cliff it seemed like an immortal realm.

Ye Sansi sat cross-legged and laughed, "This view is magnificent! While the clouds atop the unnamed peak of Stepping Cloud Mountain are beautiful, I’ve never seen the sun reflected in the sea like this. It's truly unique. Living here would be a blessing."

Ling Shuang pouted and plopped down beside Ye Sansi, muttering, "Isn't the Willow Fortress with its towers and halls splendid too? But you only mention Stepping Cloud Mountain—how annoying..."

Ye Sansi laughed, "Ling Shuang, I meant no slight. The Willow Fortress and Lin Nian’er’s family estate are grand, far superior to my humble wooden hut. Still, I grew up on the peak, and I love that scenery. Having left so suddenly, I do miss it."

Ling Shuang smiled, "If you master immortal arts and martial skills, would you take me to the mountain with you someday?"

"Of course! Uncle Tree would love to meet you all. He's kind and might pick some immortal fruit for you to taste. Also, since I’m not there now, by the time I return, years will have passed. The wild boars on the peak will be stronger and more numerous than before. When the time comes, we can hunt a few and roast them—the flavor, ah..."

Ling Shuang, amused by Ye Sansi’s silly expression, covered her mouth and laughed. Li Taiyi then said, "Brother Sansi, I’ve long wanted to climb that unnamed peak but never had the chance. When you return, I’ll certainly follow."

Golden Bamboo, despite knowing Ye Sansi and the others for only a few days, was lively and charming, and Ling Shuang had taken a liking to her. She asked, "Little Bamboo, would you come with us to the summit of Stepping Cloud?"

Golden Bamboo jumped up, cheering, "Yes! With all of you describing it, Stepping Cloud Mountain must be wonderful. Brother Sansi’s talk of clouds—I’ve never seen a view like that. If I could go, it would be a dream come true."

Ling Shuang stood and lightly tapped Golden Bamboo's head, laughing, "You sweet child, always quick with compliments."

"Ling Shuang, that's not flattery—it's the truth! Big Bear, will you come?" Golden Bamboo asked, twisting shyly, unaware she was edging toward the cliff...

Before Bear Gang could answer, he saw Golden Bamboo drifting near the cliff's edge, afraid to shout for fear of scaring her. She stepped out and lost her footing.

"I? Of course I want to go! Brother, is it possible?" Bear Gang tried to distract her.

"Certainly. Uncle Tree will be happy to see I’ve made so many friends," Ye Sansi replied.

Unexpectedly, Golden Bamboo slipped, nearly falling off the cliff. Ye Sansi and Li Taiyi, though quick with their swift arts, missed their chance; Golden Bamboo was already halfway down.

Bear Gang, always attentive, rushed forward the moment she slipped, grabbing her arm in time.

He thought he could pull her up, but in his panic, the loose stones gave way. His own weight and her small frame dragged them both over the edge.

Ye Sansi and the others hurried over, but Bear Gang, holding only the cliff’s edge with one hand, was too heavy. He couldn’t hold on and fell with Golden Bamboo.

Bear Gang knew this was likely his end, but if Golden Bamboo died too, it would be too great a loss. From the moment he met her, he had liked the young girl, though pride kept him from saying so.

His feelings for Golden Bamboo were obvious to others. Bear Gang did not fear death, but could not bear to let the one he loved perish with him. An idea struck him.

He gripped Golden Bamboo’s arm tightly and, with a mighty swing, hurled her upward. Ling Shuang and the others caught her, but Bear Gang fell faster.

Ye Sansi quickly took out his ancient jade bracelet, transformed it into a magic gourd, flew atop it, and rushed to rescue Bear Gang—but it was too late. Bear Gang crashed into the sea below.

Golden Bamboo clung to the cliff, sobbing, "Big Bear, it’s my fault, I cost you your life."

Li Taiyi comforted her, "Little Bamboo, don’t worry. Bear Gang has trained in martial arts since childhood; his bones and muscles are tough. If he lands in the sea, it’s probably nothing—but if there are rocks below, that's another matter..."

"Ah, ah, ah!" Hearing this, Golden Bamboo wept even harder.

Ling Shuang hastily interjected, "Taiyi, don’t say such things—rocks, really? Impossible! Little Bamboo, don’t listen. Bear Gang will surely be fine."

Below the cliff, Ye Sansi searched for Bear Gang but saw nothing—he must have fallen into the sea. Not knowing how to swim, Ye Sansi could only sit atop the gourd and call out, hoping for a reply.

One cannot know longing until one loves, and once one loves, longing becomes torment.

Golden Bamboo also harbored affection for Bear Gang but was too shy to confess. Would these two lovers forever be kept apart?