336 - Made-Up Martial Arts, Have You Really Mastered Them, Disciple?

## Chapter 336: Meng Shushu's Wrath and the Azure Token (青色令牌) Due to the upheaval in the Ice State's Silent Snow Palace (冰州靜雪宮), a cavern permeated with crimson light, as the eternal ice began to melt—these things, Mu Qianliu (木千流) was unaware of. He was making his way towards Yuzhou. Before his death, he longed to meet the gentle lady, yet he chose to die outside the Spiritual Domain (靈域). The eerie woman within the Silent Snow Palace was fearsome beyond measure, filling him with such terror that he didn't dare die within the Spiritual Domain. There was a persistent fear that even after death, she would find him and obliterate his very bones! "You deceived me! How dare you deceive me? You deserve death! You deserve death!" The voice was tinged with madness, rage, and boundless hatred as it echoed through the mountains of the Silent Snow Palace. "I loved you so much, I liked you so much, and I sacrificed so much for you. Though I drew some of your essence, you were happy, weren't you? "And yet, you deceived me, you attempted to escape! I hate you, I despise you. You deserve death, you do!" The snow and ice atop the mountains where Silent Snow Palace resided was continuously melting. The dark cavern slowly expanded, and more and more crimson light poured forth. It didn't seem particularly intense, yet the ice continued to melt. No one knew what catastrophe the change in the Ice State would bring about, not even Mu Qianliu realized the severity. To him, the Ice State merely seemed as if it was being occupied. Presently, one could say that the Ice State indeed had been occupied. To stay out of the Ice State was to avoid any crisis, as the realm was rarely paid attention to among the eighteen states of the Spiritual Domain. Mu Qianliu's letter, due to his changed appearance, wasn't taken seriously and wasn't quickly delivered—it took some time before reaching the recipient's desk. Meanwhile, the recipient was preparing for a journey to the Evergreen Pavilion (長青閣), unaware of the letter among his matters. Su Lingxiu and her companions were still in the capital of Great Zhou and, under Zi Yun's guidance, had even visited as guests at the Qing King Manor. Xiang Qing was overjoyed, not expecting Evergreen Pavilion to have a connection with Zi Yun. Su Lingxiu sold Xiang Qing some pills refined with Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy, including one made with the Laws of Heaven and Earth. For Xiang Qing, it was an opportunity that could greatly enhance his strength in a short period. Consequently, his status as the Qing King would be significantly elevated. Xiang Qing thought to himself that accepting Zi Yun as his adopted daughter was the wisest decision he ever made. Meng Chong was preparing to venture into the Spiritual Domain. Zi Yun was reluctant, hoping Meng Chong would stay, but she knew Meng Chong wouldn't listen and could only see him off reluctantly. "Alright, go improve your strength. Aren't you going to participate in the Battle of the Chosen?" Meng Chong pulled Zi Yun hanging on him and said, "I'm off. We’ll meet before the final battle of the Chosen." Waving his hand, Meng Chong strode away. The Spiritual Domain was vast, and he needed to explore, to roam and comprehend the Martial Dao. "Wait and see, I’ll soon be able to refine the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy!" Zi Yun huffed stubbornly. Evergreen Pavilion's stay in the capital of Great Zhou was longer than ever, thanks to the capital's prosperity, which Su Lingxiu and her companions were preoccupied by, enjoying every bit of it. Finally, Shi’er, Meng Shushu, and Zhou Ying also ventured out to enjoy the capital for a few days. Li Xuan leisurely emerged from the Great Zhou's royal archives and returned to the Evergreen Pavilion. In the core areas of the archives, he found countless treasured secrets involving historical events, legends, and esteemed records of legendary heirs within the Spiritual Domain. However, Li Xuan was slightly disappointed for failing to find the secrets of the Divine Bridge (神橋). Such secrets of the Divine Bridge were likely the core secrets not documented in the archives but passed down orally among high officers to prevent leakage. After returning, Su Lingxiu and her companions began planning their next destination. "Zi Yun, are you going to join us?" Yue’er asked. "I want to join, but my adoptive father mentioned securing some sort of position for me, likely involving some of the Great Zhou's heritage. I'm curious to see what it's about," Zi Yun thought for a moment and said. Though she felt following the Evergreen Pavilion would be better with unlimited elixirs and guidance from masters, and even see Meng Chong more easily, she was still intrigued by the Great Zhou's heritage. "That's fine. I'm also somewhat curious about the secrets and backgrounds of Great Zhou. If you need to find us, take this communication talisman and contact us through Wan Shi Alliance's channels; you will find us quickly," Su Lingxiu instructed. "Or we can regroup after the Battle of the Chosen." Finishing their enjoyment in the capital, the Evergreen Pavilion commenced treating patients again. Once this round of treatments was complete, they would move to the next destination. "The next stop will be Yunshanzhou. We shall visit some old friends," Su Lingxiu decided, considering it a chance to see Du Yuying and Yun Miaomiao at the Tai-Miao Sect. They all had enjoyable interactions back on Canglan Island, and all hailed from the Inner Domain. With the treatments starting at the Evergreen Pavilion, queues formed again as people came for treatment of old injuries, hidden ailments, or to purchase elixirs. Zi Yun also assisted at the Evergreen Pavilion. One day, the crowd suddenly parted in the queue. A distinguished and stunning lady came forth, with a regal grace and unparalleled beauty. She was accompanied by two lovely maidservants, each carrying a box. "It's the Eldest Princess!" someone whispered in the crowd. The Eldest Princess of the current era, Xiang Wei (項薇)! Once the dream goddess of countless elites of Great Zhou, many talented individuals endeavored tirelessly hoping to win her favor. Yet, the Eldest Princess had suddenly decided against marriage, spawning rumors that she kept male companions. This incited envy among the elites, who cursed their fate for not being chosen. However, the tales of the princess's rumored lifestyle were soon forbidden topics of discussion. Whether there ever were such companions remains unknown, as does the identity of any such person. There was a rumor from a royal manor of a suitor or the princess having given her heart, but all these rumors faded into oblivion. Xiang Wei had come to bid farewell, officially representing the Xiang household in forging a friendship with Su Lingxiu, the Dan Medicine Fairy. Shi’er guided Xiang Wei into the Evergreen Pavilion, where Su Lingxiu, Zi Yun, and Yue’er awaited. Su Lingxiu had a favorable impression of Xiang Wei, having toured the capital together once, and Xiang Wei seemed like an elder sister to her. At the entrance where the Evergreen Pavilion treated patients, Meng Shushu replaced Shi’er and continued the treatments. "It's the last day, and tomorrow the Evergreen Pavilion will leave," Meng Shushu announced. "Hurry up, it's the last day, and my chronic injuries haven't healed yet." "Move up, quickly." "Hey, brother, I see you are withered; even if treated at the Evergreen Pavilion, there's likely no saving you. Don't waste the spot." "Right, your treatment might take the time to heal multiple others." Among the crowd stood a withered man, looking gravely ill. He lined up silently. Mu Qianliu remained indifferent to the bustle around him, focused on the queue. He would be next after about a dozen people. He wasn't there for treatment but to meet Xiang Wei. Originally he intended to reach the Inner Domain, but the Spiritual Domain's doors wouldn't open without an order from an esteemed sect, prompting him to seek out Xiang Wei. For Mu Qianliu, this was not how he wanted to meet his beloved, but desperation forced his hand. His method of refining Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy was initially from Xiang Wei. "Did she see the letter?" Mu Qianliu wondered. If Xiang Wei saw his letter, she wouldn't be calmly attending the Evergreen Pavilion. "I hope no one but her finds out about me," Mu Qianliu hoped silently. He dared not mention the Ice State issues to Xiang Wei, fearful she might seek revenge and fall into the Ice State's grasp. That terrifying woman—the thought alone was paralyzing. Even in death, he didn't dare meet his end within the Spiritual Domain, longing to pass away in the Inner Domain, away from his beloved, lest he bring calamity upon her. Finally, it was Mu Qianliu's turn. He looked up, intending to have someone inform Xiang Wei of his visit—only to be shocked to see who was treating—Meng Shushu! --- ### New Translations & Terms: 1. **Mu Qianliu (木千流)** - A character not previously listed. Male. 2. **Silent Snow Palace (靜雪宮)** - A specific location undergoing significant change, central to this chapter's events. 3. **Azure Token (青色令牌)** - Not explicitly detailed but implied to have significance. 4. **Dan Medicine Fairy (丹醫仙子)** - Reconfirms Su Lingxiu's title. 5. **Chosen (天驕)** - Denoting elite or esteemed individuals. 6. **Eldest Princess (長公主)** - A title for Xiang Wei indicating high nobility. ### Suggested List Approximation: - Xiang Wei (項薇) is introduced as the notable Eldest Princess, emphasising status and enigmatic personal life background. - Consider adding "Spiritual Domain" (靈域) to emphasize its significance in the world setting. Rubbing his eyes, Mu Qianliu feared he was hallucinating, or that he had merely mistaken a familiar appearance. However, he realized the person before him was truly Meng Shushu. "Meng Shushu?" Mu Qianliu was both excited and incredulous. He was unaware that the Gate of the Spiritual Domain (靈域之門) had been opened, so seeing Meng Shushu in the Spiritual Domain left him stunned. Could it be that the gentle woman was here as well? Meng Shushu was attending to patients when he heard someone calling him, and the voice seemed familiar. Puzzled, he looked up. Before him stood a withered figure, cheeks sunken, hair a dull yellow, eye sockets hollow, resembling nothing more than a dried corpse. The injuries had affected the man's very essence, draining it to near depletion. His condition was even worse than Yue Changming's had been at one time, and there seemed to be something disturbingly excessive about it, giving Meng Shushu the impression that this person had indulged in excess to the point of self-destruction. "Who are you?" Meng Shushu asked with suspicion, unable to recognize the person, though he seemed oddly excited. Scrutinizing the man closely, Meng Shushu slowly discerned a faintly familiar outline. "It's me, Shushu. Is Wan’er here? How did you come to the Spiritual Domain?" Mu Qianliu asked, his voice trembling. Meng Shushu's expression changed abruptly, his eyes widening in disbelief. He couldn’t reconcile the man before him with the charming, handsome gentleman he once knew. The difference was too stark. Yet it was true—this was indeed Mu Qianliu from back then! Suddenly, Meng Shushu's anger flared. He dragged Mu Qianliu out of the Evergreen Pavilion, shutting down the consultations, and enveloped them both with the pavilion's spreading formation. "Mu Qianliu, you have the nerve to come here?" Mu Qianliu opened his mouth, but Meng Shushu didn't let him speak before raging, "To think I, Meng Shushu, held you in such high esteem. Su elder sister was so enamored with you, so loving towards you, and you left claiming some urgent matter, never to return. "Turns out everything you said was a lie. You deceived Su elder sister's affections. "In the Spiritual Domain, you have so many lovers. Flitting around carelessly, you are the notorious libertine of the Mu family! "What happened to you? Have you ruined yourself through indulgence? Serves you right!" Meng Shushu's anger mounted as he berated Mu Qianliu ferociously, releasing all the pent-up rage. Mu Qianliu fell into silence and only spoke after Meng Shushu had vented his fury. "It's true, I hid the matter of my many lovers, but there’s one thing I didn't lie about. "Wan’er was indeed the one I loved most!" "And you dare say that? Mu Qianliu, you speak nonsense!" Meng Shushu erupted. Once more, he unleashed a furious tirade, expressing his suppressed anger in full. "How is Wan’er?" Mu Qianliu asked once Meng Shushu had vented his anger. Meng Shushu remained silent for a long time before finally speaking. "Su elder sister passed away long ago." Mu Qianliu’s body swayed, and he grabbed Meng Shushu's arms. "How? How could Wan’er have died?" Meng Shushu gritted his teeth. "After giving birth to Lingxiu, Su elder sister's body was greatly weakened, deteriorating until she succumbed." "The spiritual medicines? The ones I provided?" Mu Qianliu demanded. "They were used up. Otherwise, how could Lingxiu have been born?" Mu Qianliu fell silent, even incapable of shedding tears from his hollow eyes. "And the old master?" "Dead! He was killed!" "What happened?" Mu Qianliu was stunned. "It was done by people from the Hidden Tower. Lingxiu has already avenged him." Meng Shushu briefly explained the events. Instantly, fury erupted in Mu Qianliu's eyes as he muttered through clenched teeth, "Tang Jinyan!" "What did you say?" Meng Shushu was taken aback. "Lingxiu, where is she?" Mu Qianliu suppressed his anger, his voice shaking. "You needn't worry. Lingxiu has a master and senior brother who care for her, not to mention Dan Medicine Fairy's renown. She's living well. However, your appearance brings me much conflict," Meng Shushu said, his expression complicated. Should he tell Su Lingxiu that this was her biological father? Would she remain as happy and carefree? "Living well is enough. I'll disturb her no further," Mu Qianliu nodded. With trembling hands, he retrieved a pale green token from his robes, handing it to Meng Shushu. "This is my most precious possession. I left the Inner Domain in haste because of it. "Find an excuse to give it to Lingxiu. "But remember, it conceals some unknown secrets. Don't explore it rashly. At the right time, it will reveal its secrets. "And remember, don't go to the Ice State. It's an absolute hazard now—no longer the Ice State it once was." Mu Qianliu's demeanor was earnest and grave as he spoke. Though reluctant, seeing Mu Qianliu’s current state and pain, Meng Shushu took the azure token. After giving his instructions, Mu Qianliu prepared to leave but turned back to say solemnly, "Shushu, remember not to mention me to anyone. Act as if this encounter never occurred, and that you haven't seen or known me. "Ensure no one knows you saw me or that you are acquainted with me!" Meng Shushu was confused, pondering what terrifying ordeal had instilled such fear in Mu Qianliu. --- ### New Translations & Terms: 1. **Gate of the Spiritual Domain (靈域之門)** - A key term indicating access to a specific realm within the story. 2. **Azure Token (淡青色的牌子)** - Its importance and the secrets it holds to be revealed at the right time. 3. **Hidden Tower (隱樓)** - Introduced as an organization responsible for certain actions against Mu Qianliu’s allies.