Chapter Ninety-Six: What If

Ye Sansi and Jin Sun finally arrived at Xiong Gang’s residence. The door was open, and Jin Sun hurried inside to find Fang Jian already there. Xiong Gang lay on the bed; the icy chill that had enveloped him had dissipated, and the protective formation around him had vanished.

Jin Sun was puzzled. She approached, bowed respectfully to Fang Jian, and said, “Greetings, Island Master and Master.”

Fang Jian helped Jin Sun up and smiled warmly. “Good timing. You’ll watch over Xiong Gang here. After an hour, if there’s no change, you may leave. Just be sure to close the door behind you. I’m heading back to the Qiankun Hall now. A distinguished guest has arrived, and I must go greet him. This place I entrust to you and Sansi.”

“But Island Master,” Jin Sun hesitated, “what has happened to Brother Xiong? You removed the protective formation and the ice has melted. You’re leaving us here—doesn’t that worry you?”

“Not at all, Brother Sansi. I assure you, that is not my intention,” Fang Jian replied.

Ye Sansi smiled gently. “Xiong Gang is my brother. If my master wished to abandon him, how could I ever agree? Besides, you came here with me; it’s not merely a coincidence.”

Jin Sun pondered and realized her suspicions were groundless. She scratched her head and asked Sansi, “Brother Sansi, what exactly did Master mean? Why withdraw the formation that was protecting Brother Xiong?”

Fang Jian laughed heartily. “Ha ha ha! Your Brother Xiong is perfectly fine now. Sansi will explain the details to you. It’s getting late, and I mustn’t delay. I’ll be off now.” With a flourish of his robes, he summoned a gleaming sword, mounted it, and soared out the door. Sansi and Jin Sun bowed low in farewell.

Jin Sun stood and went to look at Xiong Gang. After a glance, she turned back with a frown. “Brother Sansi, what’s wrong with Brother Xiong? Master’s words confuse me. How can he be ‘fine’? Is it possible that Brother Xiong’s condition is beyond even an immortal’s healing, so the formation was taken down and the ice melted, leaving him unprotected? Yet I happened to see this and you deceived me, saying he was well?”

Hearing Jin Sun’s doubts, Sansi smiled softly. “Little Jin, what are you thinking? Is your Brother Xiong not the kindest soul you know? Do you think Master and I are villains?”

Jin Sun nodded repeatedly, then bent over staring blankly at Xiong Gang. Sansi said, “Little Jin, you’ll watch over him. I’m truly hungry now, so I’ll return to the Eastern Dining Hall for a meal. After an hour, you can leave without worry.”

“Understood, Brother Sansi. You go ahead and eat.”

Sansi left the room, gently closing the door. He summoned his Heavenly Fury sword and rose into the air, setting course for the Eastern Dining Hall. Speaking to himself, he said, “Such tenderness in Little Jin’s eyes when she looks at Xiong Gang—I believe I now understand what Taiyi meant by love. When someone dear suffers, your heart aches and you grieve; when they are well, you feel joy and contentment. Lingshuang, from now on, I will protect you with my life forever. Anyone who dares harm you, I will destroy.”

“Little Jin, my greatest gain from this day’s journey is the elixir to save Xiong Gang and awaken him.”

“What? An elixir! Brother Sansi, you mean Brother Xiong really is fine? You’re not deceiving me?”

Sansi laughed, lightly patting Jin Sun’s shoulder. “Little Jin, calm down. I can now tell you that your Brother Xiong is indeed alright. According to the venerable monk at Qingyang Temple—no, my uncle—once he takes the elixir and rests for a few days, he will surely awaken. When that happens, Brother Wang Qi must prepare a feast so we can celebrate Xiong Gang’s revival. How does that sound?”

“But when you left the island, do you know what a stir it caused? While we were eating, you were nowhere to be seen. We thought to keep it secret, but one disciple hurried to tell Master. You know how strict Master is—he claimed you left the island without permission, had impure thoughts, and disobeyed the rules. He planned to have the Island Master Uncle expel you.”

“I knew that. When I was in Qiankun Hall, the elder said as much. But I managed to handle it. It shouldn’t be a big problem, right?”

“That’s not a worry. Since you’ve returned and haven’t committed any betrayal, the Island Master Uncle will protect you. Master is only putting on a show. You’re registered in the immortal island records—appointed by our ancestors—so even Master can’t harm you.”

“By the way, Nian’er, Taiyi, Little Jin, and Xiong Gang are all my friends. No matter what hardships come, I will never let them face danger alone…”

Sansi had more to say but they soon arrived at the Eastern Dining Hall. As he landed, Fang Yuan also descended on his sword and called out, “Junior Brother Ye, your sword speed is impressive. I chased after you but couldn’t catch up. When I called, you didn’t respond.”

Sansi scratched his head, embarrassed. “I was distracted, didn’t pay attention, and the wind was strong—I couldn’t hear clearly. Brother Fang, have Lingshuang and the others told you I’ve returned? Or have you been searching for me all this time?”

Lingshuang shook her head and laughed. “Haha, you’re all tired and hungry. Sit down and eat while we chat.”

They sat as Wang Qi and several disciples brought out the dishes. Counting carefully, Sansi found twenty-nine dishes—mostly meat with few vegetables. Judging by the colors, Wang Qi must have cooked them personally. The sight alone was mouthwatering.

Wang Qi said, “You must be hungry, so eat quickly. The kitchen is busy at this hour, so I won’t stay long.”

Fang Yuan smiled and led Sansi inside the dining hall. It was a lively time; the hall was filled with disciples. From afar, Wang Qi beckoned them over.

Fang Yuan chuckled, “Looks like Taiyi and the others have arrived. Let’s go meet them.”

Wang Qi led them to a private room in the back where Taiyi, Lingshuang, and Nian’er were waiting. Sansi smiled. “So, you three—I told you to inform Brother Fang that I’d returned. Why are you still sitting here? If Brother Fang hadn’t seen me by chance, how long would you have waited?”

Li Taiyi laughed in agreement. “We wanted to look for you, but even if we met Master riding his sword, calling him wouldn’t work. So we thought he’d come to the dining hall at night to eat, and we waited here. And now, you’re here.”

Sansi nodded, admitting he hadn’t thought it through. He looked at Fang Yuan and said, “Brother Fang, you must teach them sword-riding properly from now on. Otherwise, they’ll have trouble handling things in the future.”

Fang Yuan laughed. “From what I see, Taiyi’s talent is the best among the twenty I’ve selected. He can master sword-riding in half a month. As for Jin Sun, she’s not outstanding among the twenty, but she’s diligent, hardworking, and clever. I believe she can become proficient in less than two months.”

Sansi picked up his chopsticks, smiling. “Brother Wang, then I won’t be polite.” He bit into a bun, then ate rice and dishes, offering praise as he went.

Lingshuang quickly filled a bowl with rice and handed it to Sansi, who took it and said, “I forgot to ask—why didn’t you listen to me and go find Brother Fang earlier instead of sitting here?”

Lingshuang pouted. “How could we find him on foot? Unlike you, who can ride a sword and fly on a treasure gourd…”

Fang Yuan waved his hand, laughing, “That’s just my opinion—it doesn’t count! Ha ha ha.”

They chatted amiably over the meal. Wang Qi had prepared the feast with care, having been worried about Sansi’s safety and the possibility of his expulsion. When he learned Sansi had returned, he hurried to cook twenty-nine dishes, each a specialty.

Wang Qi came in to ask, “How is the food, everyone?”

After Fang Yuan’s appraisal, Lingshuang playfully asked, “Brother Fang, how do you rate the talents of Nian’er and me?”

“From my perspective, neither is as good as Taiyi. If we measure by the time to learn sword-riding, Nian’er should master it in a month, and Lingshuang in two.”

Lingshuang scowled. “Big Brother, you’re so mean! You only practiced sword-riding for one day and you already discourage me. I won’t talk to you!”

“Sansi, you don’t know how worried Brother Fang, Uncle Liu, Uncle Lin, Junior Brother Li, and Sister Jin were when you disappeared. They barely ate all day. Now that you’re back, their faces finally have smiles. I must show my gratitude. It’s a pity there’s no fine wine today; otherwise, we’d celebrate with a few bowls and drink heartily.”

Sansi said, “Brother Wang, you must prepare wine and dishes these next few days. There will be good news soon.”

Curious, Lingshuang leaned in. “Good news? What kind? Can I know now?”

Sansi gave a thumbs-up. “Your cooking is truly excellent, Brother Wang—better than anything I’ve eaten before. I’m so full now; otherwise, I’d eat all these dishes myself!”

Wang Qi smiled shyly, pleased by the compliment. “I prepared this in a hurry. Had I known of Sansi’s return earlier, I could have been more meticulous with the cooking and timing. If I’d known a day ahead, I might have asked someone to bring fine wine…”

Sansi laughed, “Brother Wang, I was only gone one day. You’re acting like it’s been years.”

Lingshuang quickly added, “That means Xiong Gang will awaken soon? That’s wonderful! By the way, where’s Little Jin? Why didn’t she come with you?”

“She’s with Brother Xiong. We shouldn’t disturb them,” Sansi replied. Everyone smiled, envious of the mutual affection between Xiong Gang and Jin Sun. When Xiong Gang awakens, they would surely become lifelong companions.

Lingshuang pouted. “Sansi, where did you go and what did you do today? You must tell me everything, no hiding, or I won’t forgive you for leaving without telling me.”

“I told you—there’s a cure for Xiong Gang.”

“You said that, but I didn’t pay much attention. Isn’t the cure to venture to the far north and seek an immortal?”

“Of course not. After leaving the island, I went to Qingyang City, where I met the venerable monk from Qingyang Temple again. He gave me an elixir to give Xiong Gang. After taking it and resting a few days, he will awaken.”

Lingshuang’s tone nearly cracked with emotion, and Sansi quickly comforted her. “Lingshuang, see? I returned safely. The only regret is that I lent Taoxiao the token you gave me—I don’t know if he’ll return it.”

“You silly boy. As long as you’re safe, I don’t mind. You know Taoxiao isn’t ordinary; he could kill you easily. If you hadn’t lent him the bracelet, it might have harmed you.”

Sansi suddenly stood up. “Would he dare? If I hadn’t been soft-hearted to lend it, even with his powers, he couldn’t have taken my treasure. Don’t forget, I have a trump card—I fear neither gods nor immortals.”

Half an hour later, Sansi finished his tale, and the others had eaten well. Wang Qi had disciples clear the dishes and wiped the table, occasionally marveling, “Wow, truly impressive. I was ignorant of Wei Feiliang’s villainy on the island, but just knowing he sent warships to attack Fangcun shows he’s no good. Sansi’s revenge is well deserved.”

Lingshuang lightly tapped Sansi’s forehead. “You wild boy, how dare you act so recklessly alone? If Wei Feiliang hadn’t been practicing in the secret chamber or if the monk hadn’t helped, you could have lost your life…”

After a moment of silence, Lingshuang whispered, “Sansi, be careful with dangers ahead. Remember, I’m waiting for you. You must stay safe, understand?”

“Lingshuang, don’t worry. I act with caution, not impulsively. I measure my strength. Sansi will always think ahead.”

Lingshuang nodded, smiling. “This room feels stuffy. How about coming out for a walk with me?”

“All right, all right. You’re insistent. But remember, if you’re in danger or lose your life, I won’t live alone. I’ll accompany you in the afterlife.”

“Eww,” Li Taiyi covered his face, laughing. “You two are so mushy. We really shouldn’t be here. Master, why don’t you tell me more about sword-riding techniques?” Taiyi and Fang Yuan stood together.

Lin Nian’er covered her mouth, laughing. “Brother Fang, wait for me! I don’t know sword-riding either—teach me too!”

Wang Qi, seeing this, hurriedly said, “I seem to have some business. You guys chat.” He left, closing the door behind, leaving only Sansi and Lingshuang.

Sansi’s promise—to protect her forever—was the most romantic thing Lingshuang had ever heard. She didn’t seek wealth, fame, or power; in this world, she only yearned for peace and one person’s protection. That alone would make her happy and content. Sansi was the man she could entrust her heart to.

Before meeting Sansi, Lingshuang had thought about her future. If her father arranged a marriage, she would refuse, preferring to roam the outside world for decades. When she returned to the Liu family estate, old and no longer beautiful, powerful suitors would no longer seek her hand. Though lonely, she wouldn’t marry without love.

But now was different. She had found love. Sansi might not know how to please her, but she liked his sincerity and straightforwardness. His sense of justice, always helping the suffering, meant he could never treat her badly.

“That sounds perfect.”

Sansi and Lingshuang left the dining hall. Night had fallen; clouds veiled the moon, casting a hazy glow. As they strolled, Sansi took her hand and said, “Lingshuang, from now on, I will always protect you.”

“Good.” Lingshuang said simply, lowering her head, cheeks flushed. Being held felt wonderful. She thought, this must be love.

Sansi was about to speak when Lingshuang interrupted, “Don’t say things like wanting to die.”

“That day will never come.”

“You silly boy. I mean, suppose I die—what then? Where would you live? Would you find another beautiful woman to keep you company? Would you forget me after a few years? Would you…”

Seeing Lingshuang so unusual after leaving the dining hall, Sansi smiled and asked, “Lingshuang, what’s wrong? Something on your mind?”

“No, no,” she shook her head. “Sansi, I ask you: if, I mean if, I were to lose my life, what would you do?”

“I…”

Lingshuang covered her mouth laughing, “Alright, alright, I said if, and you’re already upset. Also, one more question—you haven’t answered where you’d want to live?”

Without hesitation, Sansi said, “Of course, Wu Ming Peak. It’s the quietest, most peaceful place—no conflict, no demons, no villains—only tranquility.”

“I’d live there too—not for peace or quiet, but for you. Together, we’d be happy every day. Just don’t complain if I talk too much.”

Sansi, a little flustered by her question, said earnestly, “I won’t find another woman. I will never forget you. Sansi will never betray Lingshuang. Heaven and earth bear witness, sun and moon observe.”

“Good, good. I’ll remember. If you forget me, I’ll become a ghost and haunt you day and night, keep you awake, spoil your appetite. Humph!”

“I will never forget you. You are engraved on my heart. To forget you, they’d have to take my heart!”

Sansi said, “I’ve slept little these past days; I’m a bit tired now. I wonder who this distinguished guest is, that even Master treats him with such respect—surely he must be an immortal?”

After about two incense sticks’ time, they met Taiyi and the others. Approaching, Sansi asked, “You haven’t practiced long today and are already heading back?”

Fang Yuan said, “On our way to the training ground, we met Island Master Uncle. He said a distinguished guest arrived today and told us to rest well tonight. Tomorrow morning, we’ll be introduced. We might have to show our skills—so be prepared.”

“How could that be? I’d love someone to talk to,” Sansi laughed heartily. Thinking of returning to Bùyún Mountain brought him joy. Thinking of the woman he loved made him feel blessed.

No one knew the guest’s identity. They would rest now and find out tomorrow. Fang Yuan mounted his sword and left. Sansi, Lingshuang, Nian’er, and Taiyi parted ways to their respective abodes.

Sansi, truly tired, washed up, changed clothes, lay down, and fell asleep within moments, snoring softly…