Sichuan, Mount Emei
Since ancient times, this place has been renowned as a scenic wonder of Shu. Layers of peaks pierce the clouds, temples dot the landscape, and incense smoke rises ceaselessly. However, the back mountains are treacherous, rumored to be haunted by tigers, wolves, and demons, where travelers vanish without a trace. Over time, these remote peaks became a sanctuary for reclusive masters, far removed from worldly strife.
Kangxi Era, Year 2 (1663 AD), Wu Gorge River
A small boat struggled upstream, carrying only a father-daughter pair and two boatmen. The elder man, in his fifties, had silver hair and sharp eyes that glinted with hidden vigor. Beside him sat a girl of twelve or thirteen, with bright eyes, pearly teeth, and two vermilion moles between her eyebrows—a mark of spiritual grace. Though dressed plainly, they carried a heavy satchel that clinked like metal.
As dusk fell and the moon rose, the elder sighed deeply: "When will the rivers and mountains of our homeland be restored!" The girl hurriedly comforted him: "Father, do not grieve. Your health matters most." A boatman interjected: "Ahead lies Crow's Beak. Shall we dock?" The elder waved dismissively: "I am weary. Leave us."
After the boatmen departed, the pair sat drinking on the deck. Suddenly, a clear, melodious song echoed from the forest. A figure in white robes approached under the moonlight. The elder called out: "On such a fine night, will you not share a drink?" The stranger paused, then boarded the boat. When their eyes met, both men burst into tears!
"To reunite here after parting in the capital!" the elder choked. The white-robed man, Zhou Chun, sighed: "After the Battle of Yangzhou, we all thought you perished... Is this your daughter?" The elder, Li Ning, nodded and urged the girl: "Yingqiong, greet your Uncle Zhou!" The girl bowed obediently. Zhou Chun studied her features and remarked: "This niece bears heroic spirit. Your martial legacy may yet live on!"
Li Ning grimaced: "My skills brought ruin upon my family. How dare I teach her? I only wish her a peaceful life." Zhou Chun shook his head: "This girl is no ordinary soul. Destiny will find her." He then changed the subject: "Brother, have you come to Sichuan to hide? Join me in seclusion at Mount Emei's back mountains!"
Intrigued, Li Ning asked: "Where?" Zhou Chun replied: "I discovered a stone cave, secluded and serene—ninety li overland. Dismiss the boatmen tomorrow and meet me there!" After agreeing, Zhou Chun vanished like mist.
Dawn, A Thatched Cottage
As Li Ning and Yingqiong disembarked, a young boy with hair tied in traditional buns greeted them: "Uncle, are you seeking Master Zhou? I'm Zhao Yan'er, sent to guide you!" Yan'er chattered merrily: "Master stayed up all night awaiting your arrival!"
Inside the cottage, Yan'er served cured pork, blood tofu, and tea. When questioned about his past, Yan'er sighed: "My father was a Hanlin scholar of the previous dynasty, killed in the peasant rebellions. Master took pity on me and teaches me martial arts and classics."
Mentioning Zhou Chun's daughter, Zhou Qingyun, Yan'er's eyes reddened: "Last year, a Taoist nun came to recruit disciples. I refused to leave my ailing mother, but Qingyun was taken to Mount Huangshan. When I grow up, I'll bring her back!"
Zhou Chun entered, and Li Ning praised: "You've trained a fine disciple!" Zhou Chun chuckled: "This chatterbox spilled all my secrets!" Turning to Yingqiong, he added: "Qingyun was accepted by Master Canxia. If fate allows, you too may meet immortals!" Yingqiong's heart stirred—What if I could train as her disciple?
Li Ning frowned: "Yingqiong is impulsive. Martial arts may lead to trouble." Zhou Chun said cryptically: "A sword's aura lingers in her brow. When destiny calls, even you cannot stop it."
That Night, Swords in the Courtyard
Yingqiong lay awake, hearing steel clashing outside. Peeking through the window, she saw Zhou Chun and Yan'er sparring, their blades flashing like lightning. With a shout, Zhou Chun struck a cassia tree—its thick branch snapped clean! Yingqiong gasped. Is this mortal skill?
For days, she secretly watched their training. Begging her father to teach her, Li Ning relented: "Swordsmanship requires calm. First, meditate for three years!" Yingqiong protested, but Zhou Chun warned: "Yan'er practices horse stances for hours daily and swings his sword a thousand times. Could you endure that?" She bit her lip, resolved to prove herself.
Ten Days Later, Mount Emei's Foothills
Zhou Chun bid farewell to his students and departed with Li Ning's family. Yan'er tearfully trailed them for miles until Zhou Chun scolded: "Filial duty comes first! I'll return monthly." The boy retreated, glancing back repeatedly.
Nightfall at a Mountain Inn
Arriving at Mount Emei's base, the trio settled at a quiet inn amidst bustling pilgrims. Yingqiong yearned to ascend immediately, but Li Ning cautioned: "Cultivation is no hasty endeavor." Zhou Chun grinned, filling his gourd: "Tomorrow, we'll buy rope—it'll prove useful!"
The Perilous She Shen Cliff
The next day, they split to gather supplies: Li Ning bought rice and oil, Zhou Chun collected books and tools, and returned with a coil of thick rope. Yingqiong puzzled: "Can rope bind immortals?" Zhou Chun smirked: "You'll see!"
Midway up the mountain, fog thickened until the path vanished. Porters trembled: "Ahead lies Ghost's Despair—no passage!" Without hesitation, Zhou Chun leapt onto an ancient cypress, scaling the cliff like an ape. He lowered the rope, hoisting supplies and looping it around Yingqiong: "Close your eyes, girl!"
Suspended over a bottomless chasm, Yingqiong glimpsed the abyss below—wind howled like vengeful spirits. Clenching the rope, she was hauled to the summit, palms drenched in sweat. Li Ning climbed up last, and their laughter scattered the clouds.
The Cloud-Dwelling Cave
Beyond a curtain of vines lay a natural cavern engraved with "漱石栖云" (Shushi Qiyun: "Gargling Stones, Dwelling in Clouds"). Inside, stone chambers echoed with spring water—a paradise. As Zhou Chun hauled the last load, Yingqiong pleaded: "When will you teach me swordsmanship?"
Li Ning shook his head: "Three years of meditation first!" Yingqiong stamped her foot: "Yan'er can wield a sword! Why not me?" Zhou Chun mediated: "Your father cares for you. Without foundation, you'll fail against true masters."
Defiant, Yingqiong spied on their training. Watching their blades slice through ancient pines, she mimicked their movements, leaping cliffs with rope bridges. Within a month, she moved like a gibbon, shattering stones bare-handed!
The White Ape's Gift
One dawn, as Yingqiong sat by a stream, rustling leaves drew her gaze upward. A white ape with glowing red eyes dropped wild fruits into her hands before vanishing into mist. The fruit's sweetness warmed her core.
Chasing the ape to a cliff, she noticed faint sword marks glowing on the rocks, resonating with the fruit's energy. Zhou Chun rushed over: "Return quickly! Yan'er sent word—enemies approach!"