Cranes Dance Over Empty Mountains; A Hero Startles a Snake Monster; Mist Obscures the Shu Mountains; A Filial Son Worships an Immortal Master. - Sword Xia of the Shu Mountains

Zhou Chun quickly jumped out to investigate upon hearing what the stranger said, only to find that Yan Er was nowhere in sight. The shock he felt was considerable. Initially, he assumed she had just stepped away for a brief moment, but despite his loud calls around the vicinity, there was no response from her, and he was soon drenched in sweat from anxiety. He dared not move too far from his current location, fearing that Yan Er might return and be unable to find him. As he stood there helpless, he suddenly heard a faint voice from within the house saying, "You haven't left yet?" Zhou Chun replied, "We parted just a moment ago. I have a companion, but now she's missing. She hasn't taken her clothes or belongings with her. Could this be the work of the demon you mentioned?" The stranger assured him, "The demon only comes out after the third watch and wouldn’t have taken your companion. Her sudden disappearance is not its doing. You should quickly visit Bai Yun Master and ask her to divine for you; she will reveal your companion’s whereabouts. Don't delay; it’s getting late, so hurry along." Reluctantly, Zhou Chun set off as the stranger advised. He had scarcely walked five li when he heard a sudden gust of wind behind him, carrying a pungent odor. Knowing this was not a good sign, Zhou Chun ran like the wind toward a nearby temple. As he reached the front of the temple, the wind suddenly ceased. Turning back, he saw two red lantern-like glows retreating in the thick fog from whence he came. In the moonlight, the scene was eerily clear, and cold sweat trickled down his back. The temple there was not large, with two old willow trees at the entrance casting fragmentary shadows on the ground, adding to the tranquility. From within, the sounds of Buddhist chants were continuous, suggesting the presence of an occupant engaged in nightly prayers. Zhou Chun gently knocked on the door. A young girl answered, "This is a nunnery. If you're seeking lodging, you should proceed further ahead," she said. “I encountered difficulties on the road and have come specifically to seek Bai Yun Master's help,” Zhou Chun replied. Before he could finish, the door opened to reveal a young nun, no more than thirteen or fourteen, with delicate features. “The Master is performing her night recitals. Please wait in the shrine,” she instructed Zhou Chun. Once seated in the shrine, the young nun brought him a bowl of tea and some plain buns before leaving Zhou Chun waiting anxiously for quite some time. Restlessness mounting, Zhou Chun caught sight of a green light flitting like a bird towards the back courtyard. Driven by curiosity, he quietly followed and approached a window. There, Zou Chun overheard a conversation between a man and a woman. The woman was saying, "Second Brother, what brings you here at this late hour?" The man replied, "As I was passing by Yunling Mountain, I noticed a strong demonic presence and went to investigate. I found a child standing under the eaves of a nearby house, barely ten feet from the danger. The child seemed to possess an innate spiritual foundation, so I couldn't leave him vulnerable. I rescued him and used my sword to chase the demon away. Upon questioning, I learned he was the disciple of Zhou Chun from the renowned Three Heroes of Qilu. Seeing that the boy had a spiritual essence, it seemed a waste for him to remain with mere worldly adventurers, so I took him on as my disciple and had Bai’er carry him to my mountain. The boy was reluctant to leave without notifying his master and elderly mother, so I promised to deliver a message. In the process, to my surprise, I also rescued a follower of our Seventh Brother named Shi Lin, who was similarly afflicted by demonic poisons. I helped heal him and returned him to our mountain, then discovered that Zhou Chun had sought refuge here. I presume the person I saw in the shrine was him." The woman replied, "Zixiao mentioned someone named Zhou seeking refuge with us. I was about to meet him when you arrived." The man continued, "The demon seemed incredibly powerful; my Xuan Ying Sword could only drive it away, not harm it. Not knowing its full nature, I acted with caution. Given your proximity, how have you tolerated its rampant behavior?" "I’ve expended considerable effort seeking a means to subdue this demon, but assistance was scarce. Your arrival is very timely," she said, then called out through the window, "Brave Zhou, why remain outside listening? Please, come in and converse." Caught red-handed, Zhou Chun flushed with embarrassment and had no choice but to enter the room. Inside, a nun, appearing around forty or fifty, sat on a meditation mat alongside a Taoist with a rugged beard and piercing eyes—clearly extraordinary people. Awed, Zhou Chun dropped to his knees in salute. The nun and Taoist quickly helped him to his feet, humbly saying, "There's no need for formalities." The nun then introduced herself and her companion. "This is my elder brother, Ren Xian Li Yuanhua. I am Yuan Yuan, known as Bai Yun Master. As you might have overheard, my brother has taken your talented disciple under his wing. Are you willing to part with him on this account?" Zhou Chun replied, "It’s a great blessing for him to be favored by such an esteemed celestial swordsman. His aptitude is remarkable, and my limited skills could never fulfill his potential. Encountering this opportunity, how could I refuse? However, along the way, I met someone afflicted by demonic poison, nearly at death's door. I implore both esteemed practitioners to extend your aid." Ren Xian Li Yuanhua assured, "The one you mention, Shi Lin, is my fellow disciple’s pupil. I already aided and returned him to our mountain." Zhou Chun expressed his gratitude, and Bai Yun Master continued, "It’s fortunate that my brother arrived when he did. We shouldn’t delay; let us vanquish the demon come morning." "What exactly is this demon that possesses such power?" Ren Xian Li Yuanhua asked. Bai Yun Master explained, "This mountain wasn’t always known as Yunling Mountain. A serpent demon appeared here, spewing poisonous mists daily that form into clouds, creating a spectacular view with the mountain’s dawn and dusk. For the past hundred years, people have admired these captivating mists and began calling this mountain Yunling. Initially harmless, the demon's behavior changed drastically over the past three years. From morning until dusk, the demon retreats to cultivate; it is only safe for travelers during these times. Otherwise, few escape its clutches. In these past years, I have battled the demon numerous times without results. It knows my prowess and flees whenever it approaches my nunnery. Earlier, I heard its approach but then detected no movement, before you knocked at the gate." Zhou Chun finally understood why the demon had suddenly ceased its pursuit. Bai Yun Master continued, "Every creature has its bane. This demon fears centipedes the most, and I heard that the Yellow Mountain Zen Master has one. After much persuasion, she finally lent it to me yesterday. With your timely arrival, it seems the demon's end is near."