Chapter 59: Seeking Shelter in the Southern Sea

After instructing them on what needed attention, Liu Jin prepared to depart. Ling Shuang would not let him go so easily; she tugged at his sleeve, pleading sweetly, “Grandfather, my dear grandfather, why not just send us directly to the island? Why make us seek lodging tonight and then beg the villagers for a boat in the morning? It adds so much to our journey. Couldn’t you help us just a little more and take us there yourself?”

Despite her coaxing, Liu Jin did not relent. He reasoned that if he were to deliver them straight to the island, the master and elders there would surely notice. Once they realized the four had been entrusted by Liu Fortress, they would not teach them with genuine care. If Ye Sansi were a spy, such intervention would conceal it; if not, then these promising youths would not receive the island’s full cultivation. Smiling, Liu Jin spoke honestly to Ling Shuang, “Shuang’er, I’ve told you before—the elders of Immortal Island are not ordinary folk. Their temperaments are strange. If I bring you to the island, they will know you’ve been sent by Liu Fortress. If they favor you for my sake, you’ll miss true tempering. If they resent your ties to us, they’ll suspect my intentions, and withhold their best teachings. Do you understand?”

Taiyi nodded, understanding Liu Jin’s motives were for their future. He said, “Elder, I see your intentions. Only by keeping our identities secret can we receive the same training as other disciples and truly achieve something.”

Liu Jin was satisfied with this answer and nodded slowly. Ling Shuang still looked displeased; she knew well the hardships of traveling to Immortal Island, having made the journey alone before, and she dreaded repeating it, especially with her friends.

Ye Sansi noticed her mood, and with a smile, said, “This trip to the island sounds interesting. I’ve lived on the mountain for years but never rowed a boat myself. I wonder if it’s hard to learn. Ling Shuang, why don’t you teach me?”

“Sanshi, you don’t know the dangers of the South Sea.”

“What danger is there? We’ve faced plenty on this journey. Even if there are obstacles, it’s just more tempering for us. Besides, you managed it alone—how could the four of us fear it?”

Ling Shuang stroked her chin thoughtfully; his words made sense. With Sansi, Taiyi, and Nian’er, there was nothing to fear, so she nodded her agreement.

Seeing her consent, Liu Jin was pleased, offered a few more words, and departed on the clouds, leaving the four behind.

Though Ling Shuang agreed to make her own way to Immortal Island, worry lingered in her heart. Nian’er slipped an arm around her, asking gently, “What’s wrong, Ling Shuang? You look troubled, not quite happy.”

“It’s nothing. This bit of hardship doesn’t bother me. It’s just that Father and my grandfathers are so at ease letting me go, I’m not used to it. Last time I left home, they fussed constantly—Sixth Grandfather nearly wept, desperately wanting me to stay. But today, Father gave me only a brief word, and I didn’t even see the other grandfathers. It feels odd, as if something’s missing.”

Taiyi laughed heartily, “Ling Shuang, I’ve felt that too. I grew up wandering with my father, but when I first went out alone, it took getting used to. Gradually, you adapt. We aren’t children anymore; to grow, we must leave the comfort of our cradle and face adversity. I think Uncle Liu and the elders feel the same—it’s time to let go. Best to get used to it now, don’t you think?”

“Mm, Taiyi, you’re right. From the moment I left home, I must abandon my pampered status and stop clinging to privilege if I want to improve. It’s getting late; let’s head into the village—perhaps we’ll make it in time for dinner.”

Led by Ling Shuang, they entered the village. She had been here before and knew the path, heading straight to the village chief’s house. The door was shut.

“Knock knock knock.” Ling Shuang rapped on the door. Sounds came from within, then the door opened. An elder, hair streaked white but full of vigor, saw Ling Shuang’s familiar face and welcomed them in, saying, “You’ve come at just the right time—I just finished preparing dinner. Please, eat first; I’ll go add more dishes.”

With that, he cleared the table, served some seafood, and gestured for them to sit, then went to the back room.

Ling Shuang laughed, “This is the warmth of South Sea villagers. No matter who you are or why you’ve come, once you enter the village, you’re a guest—served with seafood, and never charged. If you force money on them, they’ll get upset.”

Taiyi replied, “But these are poor folk; we shouldn’t eat, drink, and stay for free.”

“Haha, guests needn’t worry for us.” The elder returned, carrying two plates of large fish, smiling, “This is all from the South Sea. I catch plenty each day, and selling them in town earns good silver. I keep some to eat, and if there’s too much, it spoils and must be fed to the live fish in the sea. Besides, I live here alone; it’s dull, so having guests to talk to is a joy.”

Ye Sansi bowed, “Then thank you. We gratefully accept.”

The elder chuckled, “Forgive my asking—do you come to South Sea village for something important? Perhaps I can help?”

Ling Shuang pulled him to the table. “Village chief, please sit and eat with us. We can’t just eat while you watch.”

Smiling, he took up his bowl and chopsticks. Ling Shuang said, “Village chief, I visited before and ate here at your house. Do you remember?”

He laughed, “I’m old, memory’s not what it was. But your face is familiar. Let me guess—are you heading to Immortal Island?”

“Village chief, how did you know?”

“Look at your faces—bright and refined, surely talented. You must be seeking the island to learn immortal arts and make your mark. Many young people come here hoping for passage to Immortal Island, but few leave without disappointment.”

Sanshi asked, “Village chief, could you help us find a boat?”

“No need to look. If you truly wish to go to the island, any boat on the South Sea is yours to use. Our villagers all long for Immortal Island, though few are worthy of its sanctity. Whenever someone rows over, we hope to accompany them and glimpse the immortal realm. Now that I think of it, young lady, you borrowed a small boat last time, going alone.”

Ling Shuang nodded, “Exactly. And you claim to be old, yet you remember me? I think you’ll stay healthy for another hundred years.”

The elder laughed with delight, charmed by Ling Shuang’s lively spirit, and promised to arrange the strongest, fastest boat for their journey.

He added, “Though we’re humble folk, the immortals of the island treat us well. If a boat is in trouble, they come to our aid. Their robes are clean and beautiful, and they never mind our fishermen’s grime. Thanks to the island, we’ve had years of good weather, and every boat returns full.”

Ye Sansi finished his meal, patting his stomach with a smile, “It seems Immortal Island has a fine reputation. We’ve chosen well, better than Tianluo Mountain.”

“Haha, Sansi, you mustn’t say that. Tianluo Mountain is a sacred place, guarding the peace of this land and doing much good. That green-robed disciple who sought a bride was crooked at heart, but such are rare. One person’s fault shouldn’t tarnish the whole sect.”

Sansi nodded, “You’re right, Taiyi. I was thinking too simply. If I become a disciple of Immortal Island, I’ll do good deeds for the world and bring honor to the island—never like that green-robed man, shaming a holy place.”

The four finished eating, and the elder quickly tidied up the dishes. Ling Shuang helped spread bedding on the floor. The elder protested, “Guests, you should sleep on the bed. I’ll take the floor.”

Ling Shuang took off her shoes and lay down, laughing, “Village chief, last time I slept on the bed—let’s swap tonight, how about it?”

“But…the floor is cold. The seaside isn’t like the central plains; it’s bitterly chilly. How can a young lady endure this? I’ve long grown used to it; in fact, I sleep better on the floor than in bed.”

With that, Ling Shuang had to get up, wash, and settle on the bed with Nian’er.

Ye Sansi was not sleepy; after washing up, he felt energized. He informed the elder, stepped outside, and strolled along the village road. Though the sea was a thousand steps away, he could feel the breeze—it caressed his cheeks, gentle and warm. Normally, people here complain the sea wind is bone-chilling, but Sansi, thinking of Immortal Island and cultivation, felt his heart ablaze.

Li Taiyi followed, approaching Sansi and asking, “Sansi, what are you thinking about?”

“Nothing, just enjoying the breeze—it feels good.”

“And…do you have any thoughts about the future?”

“Cultivation, of course. Once I’ve learned enough, I’ll return to Stepcloud Mountain and be lord of the hills, feasting on roast meat and immortal fruit. If trouble arises in the world, I’ll ride my sword, slay monsters and evildoers!”

“Have you thought about your future with Ling Shuang?”

“Ling Shuang? I swore to protect her for life—I won’t break that promise. Even if I die, I won’t let her come to harm.”

“But have you considered whether Ling Shuang would want to live on the mountain with you? Remember, she’s the only rightful heir of Liu Fortress. In time, she may have to shoulder its burdens, enter worldly disputes. From what I know of you, you would dislike such days. When that happens, what will you choose?”

Ye Sansi scratched his head, “I don’t know. Who can foresee what the future brings? We live in the present—why worry about what’s to come?”

Li Taiyi smiled, “Haha, you’re right, Sansi. I was just asking casually. Don’t mind me. Ling Shuang and Nian’er are asleep; the village chief left the door unlocked. Let’s hurry back before the sea wind blows it open and chills them.”

“Alright.” Sansi and Taiyi quietly opened the door, saw everyone asleep, extinguished the light, and lay down on the bedding.