Volume One: The Dragon Rises from the Wilderness Chapter Eighteen: The Cliffside Cavern

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The Cliffside Cave, forbidden ground for disciples of Xuanhuang Mountain.

Forbidden, in essence, means imprisonment.

Yu Ye was not a disciple of Xuanhuang Mountain, but an outsider as Bai Zhi had said. The Daoist sects of the Spirit Mountain do not allow outsiders to roam freely, so he could only be confined within the Cliffside Cave until Chen Qi returned to the mountain gate and unraveled the truth behind the disaster that befell Yu Family Village. Only then would they let him descend the mountain and return home.

Is such reasoning credible?

To believe or not, what difference does it make? Now, bound by others, his fate is not his own. Rather than futile resistance, it is better to wait for an opportunity in patience.

Bai Zhi seemed not to harbor ill intent; otherwise, why would she go to such lengths? Instead, Yu Ye longed for her to tell him where Qiu Bo had gone, for in his eyes, that familiar yet mysterious old man might be the only one who could help him survive.

But first, he had to stay alive.

Within the cave, the sound of water echoed, a gentle "splash, splash." Yu Ye sat in the pool, savoring his moments of life. His tattered robe, boots, undergarments, and trousers had all been stripped off and tossed aside. He submerged his whole body into the clear pool, letting the coolness seep deep into his skin. After a long soak, he abruptly sat up, exhaling a breath of stale air and vigorously scrubbing his hair and body to rid himself of grime. When the thick scabs of dried blood fell away, not a trace of his wounds remained. Even his once rough skin seemed to have gained some refinement.

Clean, he drank a few mouthfuls of fresh spring water, then leapt from the pool, dried himself, and donned the Daoist robe brought by Guyu.

The robes of Xuanhuang Mountain differed from those worn by hunters. The undergarments were white, the outer robe dyed blue, both made of hemp and silk, simple in cut, loose and comfortable, yet soft and warm—only a little worn. The boots were sewn from animal hide, equally old but fitting snugly, silent and light underfoot.

Yu Ye took out a piece of animal skin from his discarded clothes.

Though he had lost Old Feng's animal skin pouch and that strange little sword, the map he kept close remained intact, offering a little solace amidst the relentless hardships he endured.

Yu Ye tidied himself, stomach growling, and opened the bamboo box, only to be disappointed.

He had hoped for rice cakes or meat, but found only dried mountain fruits. Better than nothing; at least they could stave off hunger.

He walked to the left cave entrance, lifted a leg and sat on the stone platform. As he ate fruit, he looked about.

It was noon; the sun blazed, the sky was blue as sapphire, distant mountains faint and hazy. The scenery was tranquil, relaxing his mind and bringing a sense of ease and contentment.

Yu Ye could not help but sigh.

Ah!

To gaze upon mountains and vistas, to feast the eyes upon the beauty of heaven and earth—even if only a handful of wild fruit to fill one’s belly—was a pleasure in itself. Yet why must there be fighting and killing, a struggle to the death?

A naive, ignorant mountain lad, after suffering a few hardships and learning the dangers of human nature, gradually began to question and ponder, deep within, the meaning of life and death, and the path of survival.

Leaning at the cave entrance, he looked down. On the mountain terrace between ancient pines and houses, a group had gathered. Among them were elders and youths of both genders, sitting cross-legged in the noon sun. On a high spot sat a woman in green, occasionally speaking strange words. The crowd nodded, faces alight with understanding or excitement.

The woman in green was Bai Zhi; it seemed her status on Xuanhuang Mountain was quite unusual.

“Hey, you’ve finally come around!”

The stone door groaned; Guyu appeared in the cave. Seeing someone eating fruit at the entrance, he walked over with a smile.

“I told you, there’s no need to make things hard for yourself. Look—you’ve washed up, and your spirit is much improved. The Daoist robe fits you well; anyone would think you were my fellow disciple!”

“The day is still young, what brings you here?” Yu Ye glanced back, greeting him.

“Senior Sister instructed me to take your old, tattered clothes out to burn, and to bring you some fresh, tasty food. Ha, I didn’t believe it, but Senior Sister is always right—you’re eating!”

Guyu was straightforward and outspoken. Perhaps Yu Ye’s change had eased his worries, restoring his cheerful nature. He craned his neck toward the cave entrance, hinting, “The senior brothers and sisters are cultivating now; the yang energy is strong, perfect for breathing and regulating, to absorb the essence of heaven and earth.”

Yu Ye asked curiously, “Oh? Why aren’t you cultivating?”

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“I…” Guyu grimaced, embarrassed. “My spiritual root hasn’t formed, and the opportunity hasn’t arrived yet, haha!”

Yu Ye turned, puzzled. “What is a spiritual root?”

Guyu grabbed a fruit, popped it in his mouth, and explained, “Oh… The spiritual root is innate, though some say it can be forged against fate. Only when the spiritual root is established can spiritual energy enter the furnace, leading to cleansing the body, rebirth, condensing qi, building the foundation, and ultimately achieving the Golden Elixir.”

Rarely asked for advice, he took the chance to sit before Yu Ye, picking another fruit and continuing, “Innate spiritual roots are extremely rare. Xuanhuang Mountain has only two or three. Brother Chen Qi and Sister Bai Zhi are outstanding among us. As for those who reach the acquired stage, it’s one in ten thousand, but they spend their lives in vain. As for me, I do rough work to hone my character, and hope to achieve something within ten years, haha!”

Yu Ye nodded, half understanding.

Guyu, intent on showing off, went on, “Never underestimate the acquired stage; those are masters in their own right. As long as I work hard, the Dao is within reach!”

Yu Ye asked with interest, “What is the furnace?”

“Well…” Guyu scratched his head, pretending mystique. “That’s too profound to explain quickly. Ah, almost forgot my task.” He found an excuse to get up, picked up Yu Ye’s discarded clothes, pointed a finger, and hurried out.

Yu Ye walked over.

On the ground was a bamboo basket containing two bamboo shoots.

So this was the fresh food Guyu mentioned?

Yu Ye picked up a shoot, frowned, then took a bite—it was crisp and tasty.

Still, he preferred rice cakes and meat.

After filling his belly with dried fruit and bamboo shoots, Yu Ye spread his bedding on the ground, lay down to stretch his limbs, and closed his eyes peacefully.

As Guyu had said, the Dao was truly mysterious. How mysterious, he could not say. Yet as a member of the sect, Guyu’s knowledge far surpassed ordinary folk. Spiritual roots, innate, acquired, furnace—all endlessly fascinating. If Yu Ye could become a Daoist master, would Chen Qi dare do as he pleased…

Morning came, a new day beginning, marking the cycle of old and new, night and day.

Yu Ye woke early, drank mountain spring water, washed his hands and face, then leaned at the cave entrance to watch the sea of clouds and the rising sun. Though he could not leave the Cliffside Cave, he was no longer troubled. At least there was food, he could sleep until he woke naturally, enjoy the mountain breeze and scenery—why not relish this rare peace and ease?

Guyu did not appear.

Without his jokes, there was less cheer. Of course, there was also less food.

Yu Ye could only swallow yesterday’s leftover fruits and bamboo shoots, pace around the cave a few times, then lean at the entrance to continue admiring the morning landscape.

On the terrace below, several disciples of Xuanhuang Mountain practiced breathing exercises.

Others punched and kicked, agile and skilled. One’s punches roared with vigor; another leapt two yards into the air. Their movements were harmonious, each displaying extraordinary spirit.

According to Guyu, those were disciples without spiritual roots, cultivating acquired methods, yet their skills were impressive.

Yu Ye watched with interest, imitating their gestures.

From childhood, he excelled at fishing, bird catching, climbing trees, swimming, crossing mountains and streams, setting traps, wielding knives and sticks. Now, mimicking the disciples’ movements, he bore some resemblance, but the real techniques were worlds apart.

At noon, the scattered disciples gathered again on the terrace. A middle-aged man replaced Bai Zhi, instructing, “Life has limits, the Dao is limitless; to pursue the limitless with the limited is perilous. To follow the Dao, one must forsake life and emotion to preserve oneself, nurture life, care for kin, and fulfill one’s years…”

Unable to comprehend his teachings, Yu Ye found Guyu’s explanations more lively and interesting.

Why had Guyu not appeared? Was he hiding outside the cave?

Yu Ye’s impression of Xuanhuang Mountain had shifted from unfamiliar and mysterious, to awe and resentment, and now to curiosity and a yearning for knowledge. He was eager to learn about their cultivation methods; perhaps Guyu could answer his questions.

Yet the cave entrance was sealed, the stone door shut. No matter how he knocked or shouted, there was no response.

Yu Ye could only retreat inside, sulking alone.

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The seemingly peaceful and comfortable days felt more like self-consolation…

After dusk, night descended.

Guyu still did not appear.

Yu Ye rubbed his empty stomach and sat by the pool. Those dried fruits could not stave off hunger. Alone in the Cliffside Cave, idle all day, boredom made him crave good food even more—especially his own steamed rice cakes, chewy and fragrant, with a few sticks of pickled vegetables or a piece of dried meat. That was true delight.

“Bang—”

Yu Ye swallowed, hearing the stone door behind him.

Guyu had finally come.

Yu Ye did not turn, but voiced his complaint, “You lock me here, never showing yourself. From morning till now, I’ve thought about you hundreds of times…”

Guyu was about his age, lively and cheerful. Though their acquaintance was brief, they spoke freely.

A figure walked to the pool.

Just then, outside hung a bright moon. The pool mirrored the moonlight, its glow rippling all around.

Yu Ye was about to continue his complaint, but paused, stunned.

Bathed in moonlight and water, a figure stood gracefully, turning to gaze at him, revealing a face as pure as jade, radiant as the moon—stirring the heart.

Yu Ye quickly lowered his head to avoid her gaze.

Yet she persisted, pressing him, “You said you’ve thought of me hundreds of times. What did you mean?”

“Nothing…”

“I heard it myself, how could it be false?”

“No, I thought you were Guyu, you…”

“You don’t recognize me?”

“…”

Of course Yu Ye recognized her—her manner, her clear voice—she could only be Bai Zhi. But she had removed the cloth that covered her face, making him reluctant to look or admit it. Especially with his words causing misunderstanding, he felt even more embarrassed and uneasy.

“Why are you blushing?”

Bai Zhi asked again, then sat by the pool.

“Ah…” Yu Ye stammered, touching his face.

His skin felt hot, was it really red?

Bai Zhi continued to scrutinize Yu Ye, seemingly surprised.

Before her stood someone whose face was sharp and chiseled, thick brows angled upward, bright eyes, a straight nose, and youthful features imbued with spirit. The Daoist robe fit him well, dignified and neat. He was utterly transformed from the wild, disheveled youth of yesterday. Yet between his brows lingered a faint haze of dark qi.

Bai Zhi observed for a moment, then reached for Yu Ye’s wrist.

Yu Ye was startled as she seized it. He tried to pull away, but his body stiffened. Her hand was light yet smooth as silk, stirring his heart—he could neither bear to break free nor dare to move. That exquisite face was so close he could hear her breath. He squeezed his eyes shut, feigning calm. Unexpectedly, his wrist was released, and she, with a few words, was gone—

“I brought two wild ginseng roots to heal your wounds. Eat them and rest…”