Chapter 1: Finally Descending the Mountain

Chapter One: Finally Descending the Mountain

At the peak of the Heavenly Mountain, the world is perpetually blanketed in snow, with biting cold making it a forbidden zone for ordinary folk. Yet here, an ancient Taoist sect stands proud—the Gate of Eternal Life.

In the grand hall, the air was suffused with the fragrance of incense and the lingering echo of bells. Four women, robed in Taoist garb and each radiantly beautiful, sat in a row upon the dais, their gazes fixed in unison upon the handsome youth standing below.

"Five years! How swiftly time flies," the woman seated at the center said with a gentle sigh.

She was Nangong Wan, the sect leader, and at her side were her three junior sisters: Li Qingping, Meng Shanshan, and Fang Ai'ai. As for the youth before them—he was their disciple, Qin Yu.

"Yu’er, you are now grown. It is time for you to descend the mountain."

"To descend? My beautiful masters, do you truly permit me to leave?" Qin Yu could scarcely believe his ears.

For five years, he had longed for this day—he had exhausted every flattery, even devised escape plans, yet never managed to set foot beyond the gate. He had almost lost hope.

Did his four lovely masters keep him here out of loneliness, retaining him as their sole male disciple? That would be… rather inappropriate.

Firstly, they were not women to be trifled with—one could only admire from afar, never dare to profane. If he ever entertained improper thoughts, he might well be struck down, his line ended.

Secondly, when his family had been slaughtered years ago, his eldest master had brought him to the mountain, but his only surviving sister was still missing. He had to find her; that was his true reason for wishing to descend.

"Now that you have achieved a measure of mastery, we have nothing left to teach you. There is no further reason to keep you."

Indeed, family vengeance could not be forgotten—least of all the destruction of his entire clan.

At this, Qin Yu's fist clenched unconsciously, his eyes burning with hate.

The four masters saw all his reactions and exchanged sighs.

Nangong Wan spoke: "I know your heart is set on vengeance, but do not act rashly. Proceed with patience and caution."

"Disciple understands."

Nangong Wan nodded. "Then go and prepare yourself to descend the mountain."

Qin Yu turned to leave, but suddenly paused.

"My celestial masters, I cannot bear to part with you. These years, your kindness to me has been like a blessing from the heavens..."

His words made the four women press their hands to their foreheads in exasperation, the weight of farewell instantly broken by this familiar performance.

Here he goes again—more shameless flattery?

"Out with it—what do you want?" Nangong Wan interrupted, resigned.

"Ahem, revered masters, you see, the road ahead is fraught with danger. If I were to lose my life and fail to repay your kindness, it would be a sin beyond measure..."

"Enough!" the four masters chorused. Each then produced a treasured gift.

Nangong Wan: "I bestow upon you a Bag of Holding. It can store countless items, convenient for travel."

Li Qingping: "This is the East Sea Jade Pearl. It refreshes the mind and aids cultivation."

Meng Shanshan: "This is an Escape Talisman. As the name suggests, it's for fleeing in dire emergencies—but you may use it only three times."

Fang Ai'ai: "This is the Celestial Silkworm Armor. It protects against severe physical harm—wear it for self-defense!"

With these four treasures, Qin Yu was naturally delighted. "Your disciple thanks his beautiful masters!"

Suddenly, Nangong Wan seemed to remember something. "Ah, and here are seven marriage contracts. We have carefully selected seven senior sisters for you—do not forget to marry them and continue our lineage."

"Master, what are you saying? I am descending for vengeance, not pleasure... I am not that sort of person!"

Even as he protested, Qin Yu tucked the marriage contracts into his bag.

He packed a few other necessities, then bowed deeply. "Masters, your disciple takes his leave!"

Turning with reluctant grace, Qin Yu strode away.

As his figure vanished from sight, the four masters felt an unexpected pang of emptiness.

"That little menace is finally gone. We ought to set off firecrackers in celebration—over the years, he spied on us bathing more than once. What a scoundrel!" Nangong Wan broke the silence first.

Li Qingping agreed. "Elder Sister is right! That rascal even stole my undergarments and sprinkled pepper powder on them—I was uncomfortable for an entire day!"

"You should learn from me," Fang Ai'ai said, hands on hips. "Whenever I was annoyed, I just beat him up. Relieves all frustration."

"But I heard you calling his name in your sleep. Are you pining for a man, perhaps?" Meng Shanshan teased with a soft laugh.

"I am not! Third Sister, how dare you mock me—take this!"

Amidst the playful laughter, all traces of sorrow at parting vanished.

...

Aboard the plane from Wushi to Haishi, Qin Yu sat in his Taoist robe, head resting against the seat, gazing out the window.

"Five years, and at last I am going home. Little sister, wait for me—your brother will surely find you!"

Perhaps from excitement, his body began to tremble.

"Sir, are you alright?"

A gentle, melodious voice brought Qin Yu back to himself. He turned to see its source—a young woman of extraordinary beauty, perhaps eighteen or nineteen years old. Her face was pale, her frame frail and slender, as if she might be toppled by the slightest breeze.

"I... I'm fine."

"Hehe, that's good. You looked a bit agitated just now, so I was worried," the girl said with a sweet smile. "Pleased to meet you. My name is Mingyue—bright as the moon, clear as the moon!"

Her smile was so warm it felt like spring sunlight. Qin Yu found himself momentarily entranced.

As luminous as the moon, her name suited her. Yet, tragically... her days were numbered.

"Thank you, truly. But it is your illness that concerns me..."

Suddenly, the girl beside Mingyue—a youthful, earnest attendant—cut him off. "Miss, the Master always warns us not to speak to strange men. It could be dangerous!"

Mingyue shook her head and smiled again. "Xiaoya, you worry too much. This gentleman has kind eyes and a gentle face—he doesn’t look like a bad person."

Xiaoya eyed Qin Yu, then frowned at Mingyue. "Miss, just look at his clothes. He dresses like a beggar. Best to keep your distance! If only we’d managed to get first-class tickets..."

A beggar? How narrow-minded!

Qin Yu bristled at her words and was about to retort, when Mingyue was seized by a violent fit of coughing. After several harsh coughs, she collapsed unconscious in her seat.

In panic, Xiaoya shook Mingyue and shrieked, "Miss, wake up! Please, wake up!"

When there was no response, she began to sob and shout to the entire cabin, "Please! Someone help my lady, she’s fainted!"

In the urgent silence that followed, no one moved. The air itself seemed to grow heavy and stifling.

"I can try," Qin Yu said calmly, looking at Xiaoya.

Were it not for Mingyue’s kindness, he would have ignored Xiaoya altogether.

Clutching at hope, Xiaoya cried, "Sir, can you really help my lady?"