Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Blue Dream Quarrel—A Storm Unleashed

“I believe I need not say much for you all to guess where the place depicted on this map is, do I?” the elder said, pausing for a moment before continuing, “Indeed, as you suspect, this is the map of the mysterious region within the Ancient City of Biluo!” After a brief pause, he went on, “My master once had the fortune to explore that place, but despite all his efforts, he could not approach the floating chamber—not a single step closer. With no other choice, he returned empty-handed, unable to find anything, not even a trace of the life-and-death scroll that links the Ancient City of Biluo and Yanlan Academy. He suspected, then, that the scroll must be within the chamber. Fearing that future generations might wander into the region and become lost, he drew this map. He intended to abandon the search, but a few years later, fate brought him a weapon whose shape matched the region’s terrain—a divine blade. Alas, he was not destined for it, so he relinquished any thought of claiming it for himself. He issued an order: every disciple of the Academy must seek the one fated for the blade, and until that person was found, the order would remain. Years passed, and after much effort, we found that destined one—it is you, Yushang of the Netherworld!” The elder suddenly turned to Yushang, who had been studying the map, and declared this loudly.

“So you mean this divine blade in my hand is the key to entering that chamber?” Yushang asked thoughtfully.

“Correct, which is why we are willing to pay any price to exchange with you,” the elder replied coldly, a hint of dissatisfaction in his tone.

“No wonder you’ve been so generous—gifting us swords, promising that whatever we find in the mysterious region is ours, and letting Meng Youyuan go after just a few words. Your true aim isn’t simply to have us guard the Academy’s gate,” Xiaoyin sneered, his tone laced with disdain. “It’s just like setting a trap: give us a little benefit so we feel indebted, then we’re compelled to accept your request!”

“Xiaoyin, do not be so disrespectful toward the elder. This is a fair exchange, mutually beneficial for all. Besides, we’re hardly the ones at a disadvantage this time,” Yushang smiled wickedly. He relished the feeling of holding the reins; no matter what favors he had received, in the end, only the divine blade in his hand could grant them what they desired.

The elder looked at Yushang with a peculiar expression, as if pondering something, then said quietly, “This map must not be leaked, or it will provoke endless strife in the world. Commit it to memory quickly—I will collect it shortly.” With that, he sat in a wooden chair, closed his eyes, and paid no more heed to the group.

Everyone studied the strange map intently, not missing even the smallest corner. Suddenly, Yushang noticed something odd. He pointed to a small, unremarkable pool beneath the floating chamber, asking, “Elder, what is this place? Though it’s not marked as important, I feel it’s quite suspicious.”

He felt that everything about this mysterious region was unusual, yet its location seemed logical. But the pool’s placement was bizarre—why build such a seemingly useless pool directly under the chamber? Was it merely for aesthetics or local interest? Yushang thought not; it must have a purpose.

“You truly have sharp eyes, noticing even such an inconspicuous pool,” the elder praised him, then explained, “The water in that pool is unlike ordinary water; nothing can float on its surface—not even a feather, which sinks swiftly and vanishes. My master, curious, once approached to drink the water, but a powerful force dragged him under. Though he was skilled in water arts, he could not break free and began to suffocate, sinking ever deeper. He did not know what dangers lurked below, so he struggled desperately. Strangely, the force released him, as if fearing him or for some unknown reason, and he barely managed to surface and survive.”

“One can only imagine the ordeal he endured to escape from a pool where even feathers cannot float,” Lan Bingxian remarked, now filled with curiosity about the strange pool. He wondered what could lurk in its depths to entrap a master of such profound skill. If given the chance, he would dive in himself—not out of overconfidence, but because such a wondrous place should not be missed.

“So, to enter the chamber, not only must I rely on the divine blade, but also the power of the pool’s water?” Yushang asked, suddenly enlightened. He truly possessed a mind unmatched by others, able to connect two seemingly unrelated matters.

“Looking at this divine artifact, I see we have chosen the right master. You are indeed destined for it. Still, wit alone is useless without strength to back it up. You must train harder!” the elder advised earnestly, his impression of Yushang clearly changing.

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“Young one, I accept your counsel. May I ask if you know how to use the blade and the pool’s water to open the chamber’s door?” Yushang smiled lightly as he asked, after hearing the elder’s praise.

“This puzzles even me. Even my master—the greatest of men—could not enter, so how could I know the way? But perhaps this is fate, and when you reach that place, the answers will reveal themselves. Don’t worry too much; the river flows straight when it meets the bridge,” the elder replied, his coldness replaced by patience.

“You’re right—I’m too anxious. Sometimes it’s useless to worry; better to let things develop naturally,” Yushang replied, smiling at his own lack of composure. Clearly, the mysterious region held great allure for him, stirring even his normally cool temperament.

“Well, you’ve all memorized the map, haven’t you? Then hurry along—I am weary and wish to rest,” the elder waved them out and turned to his inner chamber.

“Farewell, elder!” the group intoned in unison, bowing before leaving the wooden house.

“Brother, I’ll take my leave as well,” the old headmaster respectfully bid the elder goodbye, then departed with the others.

Outside, the group gathered, but gone were the laughter and cheer of days past. Each wore a solemn face, silent and lost in thought. They paced back and forth, hands behind their backs, sometimes nearly colliding as they walked. Words hovered on their lips but were swallowed before utterance, their thoughts locked within.

Seeing their troubled state, the old headmaster smiled gently and said, “I have matters to attend to; I’ll take my leave.” With that, he walked away without looking back.

The others barely noticed, nodding perfunctorily and drifting away like souls lost in the world, the atmosphere deathly quiet.

Suddenly, Meng Youyuan, at the front, stopped abruptly, turned, and said, “Since the moment I received the sword, I’ve been wondering whether to join you in the contest. After hearing about the pool, I’ve decided—I’ll fight alongside you!” She looked to the group for their approval, her resolve clear.

“No. I saw your intention back in the wooden house and was pondering how to gently dissuade you. Now that you’ve spoken, I’ll be blunt: I absolutely will not agree to your impulsive decision!” Lan Bingxian said sternly, his demeanor far from the gentle, doting man he usually was.

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“Why not? I’ve grown up; I shouldn’t hide behind you all like a timid girl needing protection! I want to stand on my own—I don’t want you to worry about me anymore!” Meng Youyuan, too, shed her usual obedient manner, shouting at the brother she loved and respected most.

“You must understand—this contest could cost your life. It’s not a child’s game; there are no do-overs, no regrets!” Lan Bingxian scolded, his eyes full of worry and anxiety. In his eyes, Meng Youyuan was always the little girl needing his care. How could he let her participate in such a perilous contest? If anything happened to her, he would regret it forever.

“Brother Bingxian, I know you care for me most and always think of my well-being. But the more you do so, the less I can grow. Let go—let me be willful this once! Even if I must pay a price for my life this time, I will not regret it. Please, give me a chance!” Meng Youyuan shook his arm, her eyes brimming with tears.

“I cannot stand by and watch you step into an abyss, nor push you in! I don’t want to see you hurt. I don’t know about the others, but judging from those who always oppose the Academy, they are not to be trifled with. If you cross their path, the consequences will be dire,” Lan Bingxian said, gripping her shoulders, nearly losing control.

“Stop treating me like a child! I must grow up. Can you care for me all your life? Perhaps we might be together forever, but can you guarantee you’ll never leave my side? Impossible. I’ll have to face things alone sometimes. If I become strong, I can protect myself even when you’re not there!” Meng Youyuan pleaded, unwilling to give up, yearning to strengthen herself, to cease being a burden.

“Youyuan, please, just this once—afterwards, you can do as you wish, and I won’t stop you!” Lan Bingxian’s tone turned to pleading; he feared losing his beloved to this cruel contest. Having finally seen his true feelings, he didn’t want to spend his life in regret from a moment’s indulgence.

“Why must you always control me? You’re free to pursue your desires—why can’t I? Even if I get hurt or lose my life, so be it. At least I’ll have no regrets—that’s enough. Don’t be so selfish, please!” Meng Youyuan shook free from his grasp in anger, not realizing that her words, spoken in haste, would wound the one she loved so deeply.