THE WORLD FLASHED DARK. Demonic energy shot forth like an arrow splitting the clouds, rushing straight toward the formless Space-Time Gate in the distance. The storm that had raged for more than ten days cleared, and the rain crashing down from the heavens vanished in the blink of an eye.
One hopeful onlooker piped up through trembling lips, "What… What's going on?"
No one replied; everyone was gazing fixedly in the direction of the Space-Time Gate. Yet that gaping black maw stretching over half the horizon remained unchanged. They waited with bated breath, hearts pounding. Nothing was happening… Still nothing…
"The rain stopped… Is that a good thing?"
"It was probably a false alarm—I think everything's okay…"
Across the crowd, breaths were exhaled, and tensed faces relaxed. Yet a moment later, the ground quaked beneath their feet.
"What was that?!"
When they looked up again, the Space-Time Gate was expanding at a dizzying rate. The dark chasm swallowed the lingering rain clouds, then ripped open across the heavens. Mouths agape, they watched as a blazing scarlet phoenix burst from the rift, its massive wings blocking out the sky as it soared overhead. Its eyes were like mountain lakes, its talons like towering peaks, each of its feathers a hundred yards long. Clouds raced across the sky and forests were torn from the earth with a flap of its wings. As it shot toward the distant Kunlun Mountain, the thick snow melted and icicles were blown to dust.
With a keening screech, the creature alighted on the mountain's summit. The cry that issued from its throat was identical to the whistle that sounded when the Space-Time Gate opened and closed.
"This is…"
Cultivators began to exclaim from the crowd: "The Primordial Phoenix!"
"That's the Primordial Phoenix!"
This legendary beast, so ancient even the oldest painted scrolls contained no depictions of it, had in the past come into the service of Gouchen the Exalted. The Primordial Phoenix possessed earth-shattering might: It could ascend to the highest heavens faster than lightning and soar farther than the light of dawn.
"The Primordial Phoenix…was the guardian of the Space-Time Gate all along?" Chu Wanning said weakly.
In fact, the Space-Time Gate of Life and Death, created by Gouchen the Exalted as one of the three great forbidden techniques, worked by opening the enclosure in the void to which the Primordial Phoenix was confined. When the caster stepped into the portal, the phoenix asked them where and when they wanted to go, then took them across space and time, into the past or the future. Yet this creature was so enormous and swift that those within the portal never caught sight of the beast—they only heard its call as they arrived at their destination.
The phoenix perched atop Kunlun Mountain, red-gold eyes swiveling as it scanned the world below. It spoke in low, grave tones, like a massive bell's toll. "You have defied the order of the mortal realm. The heavens shall render their judgment."
The beast took to the air again, nine golden tail feathers fanning out across the sky. With each flap of its wings, the peaks and hills of the mortal realm quaked and crumbled. It would have been a sight to behold, if only its coming didn't herald the apocalypse.
"Fall back!" Chu Wanning shouted.
His voice was joined by a chorus of others—the leaders and elders of nearly every sect. Fall back, fall back.
Seeking survival was instinctual; no one needed further persuasion. Like a swarm of ants, the cultivators fled on their swords before the colossal Primordial Phoenix.
Mei Hanxue had finally arrived at Chu Wanning's side. Brushing his windswept hair out of his eyes, he said, "Zongshi, please help them retreat to the edge of the Space-Time Gate."
Before Chu Wanning could ask why, Mei Hanxue continued, "This world's been doomed for ages. For the past eight years, the two of us and Xue Meng have tried to think of ways to minimize the destruction to come on this day. Ever since the two worlds were linked, we've been setting up a Xuanwu Armor barrier array next to the portal."
This armor was a piece of shell shed by the Xuanwu—the Ebon Tortoise, a mythic creature as ancient as the Primordial Phoenix. Xuanwu Armor, when used as the foundation for a protective barrier, could strengthen it a thousandfold. But according to legend, this armor was found only in the most remote and treacherous reaches of the East Sea. What bitter trials had this lifetime's Mei twins and Xue Meng endured to acquire such an artifact?
"Zongshi, please lead everyone to the Gate so that they can return to their original world." He paused. "This calamity originated in this world. It's only right that it ends here too."
In the distance, the Primordial Phoenix had taken flight again. With a swish of its red-gold tail, huge plumes of snow curled up from Kunlun. The beast transformed into a beam of scarlet light that shot into the distance faster than the eye could see. In an instant, rivers rushed backward, and the oceans swelled into towering walls of water. It was as though the tides had been dredged from the depths of the sea and were surging toward the earth at a murderous speed.
The crest of those great waves brushed the heavens, and then the waters descended upon the land.
Chu Wanning had begun to draw back when he realized the flood was encroaching far faster than the cultivators' could flee on their swords. In the space of a few breaths, the waters were close enough to see; in another moment, they would be at the heels of the retreating crowd. He made a quick decision. "You and Xue Meng get everyone to safety. I'll stay here and buy us some time."
Chu Wanning activated the Rising Dragon Talisman once more and soared into the sky. "Tianwen!" he cried. "Ten Thousand Coffins!"
Willow vines burst from the ground below. Chu Wanning bit open a fingertip and let a drop of blood fall. "Barricades, rise!"
The vines and shoots converged, winding and weaving into a towering thicket.
"Jiuge!"
Light flared in his palm, and Jiuge appeared atop the vines. Chu Wanning plucked at the strings, and the melody streamed into the skies and wreathed the wall of vines in brilliant gold, willow and music merging into a solid and impenetrable wall. By the time he finished, the floodwaters were upon them.
The first enormous wave ricocheted off the wall in a shower of spray. Chu Wanning tilted his head toward Mei Hanxue. "Go, quickly!"
This turn of events had taken even Mei Hanxue by surprise. Though his chest burned with anxiety, there was nothing to do but respectfully cup his hands at Chu Wanning and vanish behind the dense thicket of vines.
The army of cultivators continued to retreat as Chu Wanning poured all his strength into countering the flood. The tempestuous waters roared as they crashed against Tianwen and Jiuge's barricade.
On the Martyr's Path, the crack in that infernal door was slowly widening before the rapt Butterfly-Boned Beauty Feasts. The crimson and violet clouds of the demon realm were serene as they floated out into the mortal world's frantic chaos.
At last, the gate was fully open.
Shi Mei, standing at the very front of the group, was the first to bathe in the pure energy of the demon race. Shivers raced down his spine, and his limbs tingled, then relaxed. Without thinking, he took a deep breath. The shriveled spiritual core within his chest swelled, reinvigorated by the wash of demonic energy. The power of the demon race was coursing through his body. So this was what it felt like to be strong. Finally, he understood—he knew this sensation at last. His eyes glittered, rapturous, his lovely features suffused with an atavistic glee.
His reaction was mirrored by all his fellow clan members behind him. The spiritual cores of these Butterfly-Boned Beauty Feasts had always been feeble for lack of demonic energy. Now, those who had been frail so long received the strength that should've always been their due.
Eventually, the stooped figure of a man with neat hair and white-streaked whiskers appeared in the doorway. His red eyes swept across the crowd, and his puckered face scrunched in a grin. "Aiyo, I've been posted here for four thousand years. All the previous gatekeepers have been gone for ages; none of them ever saw any Butterfly-Boned Beauty Feasts accomplish what you lot have." He leaned heavily on his cane, looking pleased. "All right, all right. You've made the heavenly realm your enemy and emerged victorious. Very good, very good."
The old demon glanced at the mortal realm disintegrating behind them, and his smile widened to reveal stained yellow teeth. He turned to make way for the Butterfly-Boned clan members to pass. "This old man offers you a warm welcome home," he said in a quavering voice.
The waters were lapping at the sky behind him, but so what? That was the business of the mortal realm; it had nothing to do with demons.
Shi Mei glanced back at Chu Wanning, still struggling to contain the apocalyptic flood—this singular mortal who dared to strive against the heavens. Was it courage, or was it naivete? But perhaps it was precisely Chu Wanning's unique brand of naivete that had once stirred Shi Mei's heart. Even as he stood on the threshold of another world, Shi Mei found himself remembering the Yuheng Elder walking him home as a child beneath his umbrella.
At the foot of Naihe Bridge, they'd encountered a wriggling earthworm. Chu Wanning had glanced at the creature as they passed and waved his sleeve. A tendril of gold curled around the little worm and deposited it carefully back onto the grass.
"Elder, what is the purpose of this?"
"It was in the way," said Chu Wanning, face neutral.
It was, of course, a silly excuse. The young Shi Mei laughed. "The elder is very kind. But the ground gets waterlogged when it rains—won't the worm just crawl out again in a little while? Then it'll end up blocking the elder's way again."
Chu Wanning's footsteps slowed, a tiny furrow appearing on his smooth brow. "I…never thought about that." He looked down at Shi Mei. "You know quite a lot about these things."
Shi Mei offered him a shy smile. "Earthworms are often used in medicine, so I'm somewhat familiar with their behavior. The things I know aren't all that useful, really."
The two of them walked on. But although Chu Wanning was now informed about the habits of earthworms, Shi Mei found that he still moved aside every one they came across on the path. Eventually, despite his incredulous amusement, Shi Mei bent down to help.
Chu Wanning glanced at the thick books in Shi Mei's arms as he awkwardly crouched around them. "There's no need."
"But they're blocking the elder's way," Shi Mei said warmly. He turned to look at Chu Wanning through the misty rain. "This disciple will help them behave."
Chu Wanning shook his head. He stepped closer to Shi Mei and raised the paper umbrella over him. "Stop running around—you're getting wet."
The disciples' quarters weren't far, but the walk was long enough that it would be an awkward journey if they didn't speak at all. As they strode side by side, Shi Mei asked, "Elder, are you always so good?"
There was a moment of silence. Chu Wanning cast his gaze to the ground, phoenix eyes haughty. "Good? Since when?"
Shi Mei, clever as he was, had by now realized the Yuheng Elder was not so cold and indifferent as the rumors claimed. "Even when the elder knows something to be fruitless, you do it anyway."
Chu Wanning walked on without a word. Shi Mei had resigned himself to making the rest of the journey in silence when Chu Wanning finally spoke up. "Let's say you pass a beggar on the road. Whatever money you give them probably won't make a real difference to their circumstances—does that mean you shouldn't give them anything?"
It was Shi Mei's turn to go quiet.
"Let's say you pass a spiritual beast injured by hunters. Even if you help it, it might be caught again soon after you return it to the forest. Should you ignore it and do nothing?"
Shi Mei lowered his long, soft lashes. "This disciple understands what the elder means," he said agreeably. "Thank you for taking the time to explain."
The child's equanimity left Chu Wanning a bit embarrassed. He cleared his throat. "But when it comes to earthworms, they're really just in the way, nothing more."
Shi Mei blinked, then looked up at Chu Wanning. His expression was stern, yet the tips of his ears were faintly red. Shi Mei suddenly found him adorable. He pressed his lips together, then said in a voice like liquid silk, "The elder is so good. I'm sure you show such compassion for all living creatures." He paused, then asked abruptly, "You know—there's something I read today that I don't fully understand, but I don't have a shizun to ask. Elder, may this disciple trouble you for your insight?"
Grateful for the chance to move on from the unbearably earnest subject of saving lives, Chu Wanning nodded. "Go ahead."
"Guyueye's medicinal texts are extensive, and many of their formulations have stunned this disciple. The one I found most baffling was a miracle drug that fortifies the spiritual core. After taking this drug, one can—"
For some reason, Chu Wanning's face darkened. "You want this drug?" he interrupted.
"Does the elder know the one I'm referring to?"
"Some years ago, this drug was quite popular throughout the cultivation realm. Sects large and small tried to buy it from the medicine masters." Chu Wanning's eyes narrowed. "Of course I know it."
Shi Mei took in this reaction, then replied, "This disciple is not interested in acquiring the drug. But I saw that one of the ingredients is the flesh of a Butterfly-Boned Beauty Feast. I don't think I fully understand… Should members of the Butterfly-Boned clan be considered humans, or beasts?"
Chu Wanning didn't hesitate for a moment. Sword-like brows drawn low, he solemnly answered this inquisitive disciple: "They're human."
He didn't say They should be considered humans—rather, he immediately asserted, They're human.
Before Shi Mei could reply, Chu Wanning glanced at the medicinal text in his arms and took it from him.
"Elder?"
"The ethics of Guyueye's medical scholarship are complex. This is unsuitable material for a new student. Tomorrow, go to the library and borrow the Tanlang Elder's writings. That would be more appropriate."
Shi Mei hung his head. "This disciple can only borrow books in the outer rooms of the library. The books deeper in… The ones deeper in all require express permission from one's teacher."
Chu Wanning stilled. This boy had joined the sect some time ago, but because his aptitude for cultivation was weak, even the laid-back Xuanji Elder refused to accept him as a disciple.
In the windblown drizzle, Chu Wanning untied a fine jade token from his waist. "Take this."
Shi Mei's eyes widened.
"If anyone asks, show them my token," Chu Wanning advised. "Be discerning with your reading material. It won't do to go down the wrong path all because you read the wrong books."
Shi Mei wanted to take the jade token politely with both hands, but he was carrying too many books. It would be too disrespectful to snatch the token one-handed. He stood frozen, a flush rising over his face and ears.
Chu Wanning got down on one knee, bringing his eyes level with the boy next to him. Lashes downcast, he fastened the token at Shi Mei's waist. His face remained impassive, just as it had been when he moved the worms blocking his way. No other elder would ever have given their personal library token to an unfamiliar disciple. It was against the rules. But Chu Wanning clearly wasn't someone who lived by the rules.
"Okay." Once the token was tied securely on Shi Mei's belt, Chu Wanning got to his feet and let his hands, lightly calloused from constantly fixing automatons, fall to his side. "Let's go."
The young Shi Mei sucked in a deep breath, though he didn't quite know why—only that he feared if he didn't, whatever emotion had rushed into his chest would make him burst into tears. Somehow, he felt wounded. He'd never been treated fairly, whether as a Butterfly-Boned Beauty Feast or as a disciple with paltry spiritual energy. He hadn't really minded before; he'd been used to it. To him, all these people amounted to nothing more than vile butchers anyway.
But now, someone had looked him in the eye and told him, Butterfly-Boned Beauty Feasts are human. Someone had stopped and given him this token, one with which teachers might not even trust their direct disciples, all so he wouldn't go down the wrong path. His battered, hardened heart ached unbearably, and for the first time he felt aggrieved—it had been so painful to bottle up his feelings for so long.
Even if he appeared gentle and considerate, it was merely a mask he'd forged in the wake of the peril that had pursued him throughout his life. He hid behind it, using kindness as a shield, as a battlement. He appeared kinder and more biddable than anyone, but in truth, his heart was impenetrable to all. His breast was crammed full of the Butterfly-Boned clan's hatred; there was no room for anything else.
But when he got back to his room that day, as he wrote a formal request for a teacher, each stroke of his brush held a rare sincerity. When he finished, he put down the shabby bamboo brush and gazed at the pooling candle wax. Throughout his life, he'd known the desire for vengeance and the longing to return home. It felt like something new had joined those bitter emotions: a wisp of unexpected joy. Such joy might endanger him. But back then, he'd thought this bit of affection harmless, incapable of influencing his grandest ambitions.
Now, as he stood before the demon realm, Shi Mei turned back to look at the source of that affection. He still wasn't sure what it was he felt. Anger? Sorrow? Maybe it wasn't as simple as that. He couldn't name it, so he didn't know how to act upon it. Shi Mei hesitated, then said with a touch of derision, "Shizun, look. Everyone struggles against their fate for as long as they can. No matter who—whether you or I, whether men or demons—we're alike."
He spoke softly, and Chu Wanning stood too high in the sky to hear. But as the words fell from his lips, a pressure seemed to ease in Shi Mei's heart. He turned toward that infernal entrance to the demon realm. A thousand Butterfly-Boned Beauty Feasts followed him, walking toward the gate.
They were going home.
The old demon guarding the gate greeted Shi Mei with great decorum, having recognized him as the leader. As Shi Mei stepped over the threshold, the guard bowed deeply. "Gongzi, a moment, please."
"What is it?"
"Status in the demon realm is determined by bloodline. Gongzi, now that you're coming home, we must first check your ancestral origins."
"Aren't all Butterfly-Boned Beauty Feasts descended from the maternal line of Gouchen the Exalted?" Shi Mei asked impassively. "What is there to check?"
"The line of Gouchen the Exalted has long been expunged from the registry of the demon realm. When you and your followers enter, we must examine what other bloodlines have mixed into your ancestry."
Shi Mei frowned. He turned back to glance at Chu Wanning—still holding out alone, though who knew for how much longer—and the thousand-odd people waiting behind him. Despite his irritation with the guard's request, Shi Mei nodded. "Quickly, then."
The old demon waved his hand, and a scepter topped with the leering beast's head appeared in his grip. He mouthed an incantation. A hundred ribbons of red light floated out of the beast's mouth and wrapped around Shi Mei like a bolt of brocade.
"Bai, Cheng, Xie, Zhou…" The guard muttered aloud the surnames glimmering upon each of the ribbons.
"What's all this?" Shi Mei asked.
"Your lineage," the old demon answered. "The ribbon corresponding to the demon family that best matches your ancestry will wrap itself around your wrist."
Shi Mei fell silent, dipping his head to watch the glowing bands of light.
"Qin, Fei, Ouyang, Shangguan, Zhongli, Luo, Ye, Duan, Chu…" The guard continued to recite names. Still, none of the ribbons settled. He frowned and looked up at Shi Mei's face.
Shi Mei looked back at him, unruffled.
When their gazes met, the guard chuckled, then began muttering more quickly than before. Finally, one of the ribbons encircled Shi Mei's wrist. He coolly raised his hand to examine it. "Is this the one? Which surname is it?"
He turned his wrist over, but before he could read the name, the ribbon withered and blackened, disintegrating into dust.
Shi Mei was silent. So, too, was the guard. He stared at Shi Mei in mute disbelief. Shi Mei raised his gaze a fraction. He had an inkling as to where this was going, but he nevertheless showed the guard a serene smile. "What's wrong?"
The demon's wizened face had gone dark. He snarled, "A descendant of the gods?"
Shi Mei paused, then let out a scornful snort. He brushed the dust off his wrist with deliberate nonchalance. "Yes, my father was indeed a descendant of the gods. But so what?" he said smoothly. "I've never raised so much as a finger to help the gods. My sole mission in life has been to help our demon clan return home. Surely you won't brand me as divine simply because a few drops of dirty blood flow through my veins? That would be far too—"
He was still speaking when a black gale whirled up around the guard. Shi Mei took an involuntary step back.
When the gale subsided, the old demon had vanished. In his place was a monstrous skeleton brandishing an equally enormous hatchet, fangs bared. He hurled the hatchet into the ground, blocking the path forward for all the Butterfly-Boned Beauty Feasts. Then he tipped his head skyward and let out a fearsome bellow. "Gods and demons have never been permitted to fraternize—your blood is tainted with filth!" the skeleton roared. "The Martyr's Path will not open to you. Leave the demon realm—scram! Shut the gate!"
The two halves of the gate rumbled, drawing inexorably back toward the center. At the far end of the bridge, where it touched Sisheng Peak, there was a dull roar like the slide of an avalanche.
The completed bridge had begun to crumble.