The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 48: This Seat's Old Dragon

Upon hearing this, Mo Ran couldn't help but agree.

Master was right.

False Gouchen had a faint aura that Mo Ran initially thought was an illusion. But since Chu Wanning had sensed it too, the possibility of it being a false impression was slim.

The aura of a corpse.

—This Gouchen Supreme wasn't the real one, and in fact, he wasn't even alive!

It meant that the mastermind behind the scenes had taken a corpse and used it as a puppet to impersonate the God of Ten Thousand Weapons. They hadn't even shown their face personally.

Lost in thought, a soft, mocking laugh suddenly echoed from Jin Chengchi's direction.

Then, with a whoosh, a pale body shot out of the water like an arrow. The fake Gouchen Supreme leaped into the air, but his appearance and demeanor had become terrifying. His skin had shriveled up, resembling a snake shedding its skin or a silkworm breaking free from its cocoon.

"Wan Night Jade Heng, the Venerated Immortal of the Northern Dipper. Master Chu, your reputation truly precedes you."

The false Gouchen hung above the shimmering lake, his twisted smile resembling the peeled-off mask of a painting.

"You, a figure like you, how did the Confucian Wind Sect fail to keep you back then?"

Chu Wanning said coldly, "Who exactly are you?"

"You don't need to know who I am," the false Gouchen replied. "And I won't let you find out. Just consider me a long-dead soul who clawed my way out of hell to seek vengeance on you righteous gentlemen!"

Wang Yue said grimly, "Shameless young one! The Heart-Plucking Willow is destroyed. Without the power of the divine tree, it's impossible for you to perform any forbidden spells or commit wicked deeds, given your spiritual energy!"

The false Gouchen sneered. "You old eel, you're about to die and still trying to foil my plans. What right do you have to speak here? Scram now!"

Chu Wanning suddenly said, "Does a single white piece, as you claim to be, have the right to speak?"

By "white piece," he referred to the most unique chess piece in the game of Zhenlong Chess.

When the caster finds a freshly deceased body and infuses a portion of their soul into it, that part of the soul merges with the corpse, forming a pure white "white piece" like a piece of jade.

Unlike ordinary, purely obedient "black pieces," a "white piece" serves as the caster's substitute. Apart from having less magical power than the original, it can think, act independently, and share its experiences and emotions with the host.

Revealed as an impostor, the fake Gouchen burst into laughter, "Good, good! Good!!"

After those three "goods," the fake Gouchen's appearance became increasingly distorted, suggesting that his true form was surfacing as the magic sustaining the puppet body was waning.

"Chu Wanning, don't be too full of yourself. Do you really think stopping me today will make a difference? Even if the Heart-Plucking Willow is destroyed, my true form can still seek out other sources of spiritual energy. But for you..."

As he spoke, his hazy eyes suddenly turned malevolent, flickering from Chu Wanning to Mo Ran with malice.

A sudden jolt of alarm!

Mocking, the fake Gouchen enunciated each word, "If you believe that there's only one person in this world who knows the Three Forbidden Techniques, then I'm afraid your days are numbered."

Chu Wanning's long brows knitted together, and he demanded sternly, "What do you mean by that?"

But the fake Gouchen suddenly fell silent. After a momentary pause, he exploded into a putrid mess, scattering into fragments. A translucent chess piece, as white as jade, shot out from his remains, twirling against the light before plunging into Jin Chengchi's rippling waves.

It seemed that the true form of the hidden fake Gouchen, who had relied on the Heart-Plucking Willow's power, had finally exhausted all its spiritual energy without its aid.

At the same time, Wangyue, who had also sustained himself with the willow's energy, staggered and fell back to the ground with a thud, softly uttering, "Ah..."

Xue Meng exclaimed, "Wang Yue!"

Mo Ran echoed, "Wang Yue!"

The four of them gathered around the old dragon, who was now at the end of his rope. His lips were ashen, and he looked at them with a croaking voice like that of a crow at dusk.

"Don't... Don't believe a word that man just said. What he spoke was mostly... mostly lies than truth..."

Shi Mo's brows were knitted with concern and sorrow. He spoke softly, "Senior, please don't speak anymore. Let me heal your injuries."

"No, no need. If even my master couldn't... you... you definitely can't..." Wang Yue coughed violently before gasping for breath. "Many have come to Jin Chengchi seeking swords over the years. But... after the wicked entered the pool, the Heart-Plucking Willow refused to let its divine artifact be used by him, destroying tens of thousands of weapons. The only one left... is... a willow vine sword, a sword... a sword of the gods... equivalent in power to it..."

At this mention, Xue Meng's expression dimmed even further, and he pressed his lips together, remaining silent.

"Willow Vine... Willow Vine belongs to this young Daoist," Wang Yue looked at Mo Ran. "By the lake, I told you that I couldn't stop the evil deeds of the past. I only hoped that you would turn to goodness in the future... but actually... actually, following the wishes of the owner, the divine weapon should only be wielded by someone with a kind heart. So, I hope that you can... you can..."

Seeing how much effort it took for Wang Yue to speak, Mo Ran stopped him and said, "Senior, rest assured, I understand."

The dragon creature murmured, "That's good... that's good... then I... I can finally be at ease..."

He gazed up at the sky, his lips quivering slightly.

"People say that when Jin Chengchi sought his sword, underwater creatures would... would make requests. Back then, most of those requests were... to test the character of the seekers, but there were exceptions..."

Wang Yue's voice grew softer, as if a carousel of countless years was flickering through the depths of his eyes, passing by in decay.

"I abided by my master's agreement, guarding Jin Cheng Lake after he left and not being able to leave... I never expected this duty to last millions of years... The landscapes I saw in my youth... I have... I have never... seen them again in my remaining life..."

Slowly turning his head, he looked at Mo Ran with a pleading expression, his aged eyes shimmering with a gentle, moist glow.

In that instant, Mo Ran suddenly knew what he was about to say.

Sure enough, Wang Yue whispered gently, "Young Daoist, the plum blossoms on the mountain slope bloom brightly all year round. When I was young, I adored them. Now that you possess the Divine Weapon, would you... would you be willing to..."

Mo Ran was just about to say yes, that he would fetch one for him.

But before he could even utter the word 'good,' the light in Wang Yue's golden-brown eyes suddenly dimmed.

In southern China, I have nothing to offer but a branch of early spring blossoms.

In the distance, majestic snow-capped mountains loomed, while the lake shimmered with golden light. The rising sun cast its crimson glow upon the rippling water, which shattered into a myriad of poignant red dots amidst the surging waves.

Moongazer returned to stillness.

He had once been among the first dragons to emerge at the dawn of creation, a force of nature that could stir up storms and summon rain. He had bowed his head in servitude, carrying his lord on his back. People believed he was bound by an enchanted seal, preventing him from forsaking his former master. Little did they know that he held Great Conch in the highest esteem, honoring a promise that spanned millennia.

In this vast world, there were few living beings left who remembered the era of creation. Yet Moongazer knew that the true Great Conch Palace, though part demon by blood, had a mother coerced by the Demon Sovereign, not out of love. Filled with hatred for the demons, Great Conch pledged allegiance to Fu Xi and used his potent demonic blood to forge the first ever sharp sword in the universe. He aided Fu Xi in vanquishing demonic forces and unifying the Nine Provinces.

However, after the heavens and earth became one, Fu Xi harbored suspicion and mistrust towards Great Conch due to his half-demon blood. Not one to be foolish, Great Conch voluntarily left the divine realm a century later and descended to the mortal world.

Along the journey, he witnessed the suffering of mortals and the carnage wrought by weapons, realizing that he shouldn't have brought "swords" into existence. Filled with regret, he collected the numerous weapons he had left behind on earth, storing them in the Golden Success Lake's arsenal, and planted the Heart-Plucking Willows. He then informed the creatures living in the lake that anyone seeking a sword must harbor benevolence in their heart to be worthy of divine weaponry.

Now, the celestial entity Gouchen is no more, and the Moon Gazer has passed away.

Beneath Jin Chengchi, there would henceforth be no divine warriors nor aquatic demons. All sins, repentance, distortion, and obsession vanished like the Heart-Plucking Willows that crashed down in a thunderous rumble, reduced to ashes.

For a time, none spoke, as they stood amidst the swirling snow that engulfed the sky. By the edge of Jin Chengchi, the four bold characters etched in scarlet upon the stone tablet—“Nǐ Xíng Lù Nán”—remained unchanged from their first glimpse. The water's surface reflected a serene tranquility, betraying no hint of the upheaval and suffering that had once transpired beneath its depths.

Just as when they first ascended Xuying Peak, they were unaware that beneath the facade of this "Nixing Lu Nan" lay a tale of blood and flesh, raw and indelibly etched.

Mo Ran gazed at the sky, where a lone eagle soared above the snow-capped cliffs.

Suddenly, he thought: In my previous life, when Moonwatcher gave me the alien blade, it was a formidable weapon. But in this life, the blade I've seen is merely a counterfeit. The true sword that belonged to me might have already been destroyed amidst the Heart-Plucking Willows, forever out of my reach.

After a while, another memory resurfaced, inexplicably.

Back then, he had come to Golden Achievement Lake seeking a sword.

On that day, Moonwatcher emerged from the water, his golden eyes gentle and amiable as they looked upon him, before he said,

---

"Would you pluck a blooming plum blossom from the hillside and offer it to me?"

Mo Ran closed his eyes, his arm lightly shading his eyelids.

In his previous life, ignorant of the depths beneath the pond, he had foolishly assumed that Moonwatcher's request was nothing more than a pursuit of sophistication...

It was many days later when he finally returned to the Summit of Life and Death.

Chu Wanning's shoulder injury was severe, and the three teenagers were all exhausted. Thus, they spent several days resting in Dai City before setting off back to Shu.

Xue Meng didn't mention his quest for a sword to Xue Zhengyong or Madame Wang. Arrogant as he was, he couldn't bear the thought of his parents' disappointment or consolation, which would only add salt to his wounds. Chu Wanning noticed this and felt a deep sense of sympathy. He buried himself in scrolls day and night, hoping to find another way to obtain a divine weapon for Xue Meng. Or perhaps there existed another method in this world that could allow mortals to match up to divine weapons?

Moreover, who was the fake Gouchen, and where was the real one now? What was the hidden meaning behind the last words spoken by the fake Gouchen's "white piece" before its self-destruction?

There were too many worries on his mind. The candlelight in the Book Collection Pavilion of the Red Lotus Water Pavilion illuminated the space day and night, while the water dripping from a copper kettle and scattered bamboo scrolls cluttered the floor. Amidst the documents, Chu Wanning's slightly weary face was visible.

"Yu Heng, with your shoulder injured like this, don't take any chances," Xue Zhengyong said, holding a cup of warm tea beside him. "Elder Tu Lang is skilled in medicine. You should ask him to examine it when you have time."

"It's fine, it's already starting to heal."

Xue Zhengyong clicked his tongue. "No, no, look at you. Your complexion has been terrible since you returned. Nine out of ten people who see you say you look like you might faint at any moment. I think there might be something sinister about that wound – maybe poison. You should be more cautious."

Chu Wanning lifted his eyelids. "Do I look like I'm about to faint?" He paused and gave a cold smile. "Who said so?"

Xue Zhengyong: "…"

"Oh, Yu Heng, stop treating yourself like an iron man and others like paper dolls."

Chu Wanning replied, "I have a clear understanding of my own situation."

Xue Zhengyong muttered silently, his lips forming the words that seemed to be "you know nothing." Fortunately, Chu Wanning was engrossed in his book and didn't catch sight of Xue Zhengyong's gesture.

After chatting for a while, seeing that it was late, Xue Zhengyong got up, patting his buttocks, ready to return to accompany his wife. Before leaving, he didn't forget to remind Chu Wanning, "Yu Heng, get some rest early. If Meng-er found out about your condition, he would be consumed with guilt."

Chu Wanning completely ignored him.

Feeling a bit embarrassed after being rebuffed, Xue Zhengyong scratched his head and left.

After taking his medicine, Chu Wanning returned to his desk to continue examining the records. As he read on, he started to feel slightly dizzy. He propped his forehead on his hand, experiencing a mild sense of nausea.

However, this feeling of nausea quickly passed, and Chu Wanning assumed it was merely due to fatigue, so he paid no further attention to it.

As the night deepened, he finally felt extremely drowsy, and with furrowed brows, he fell asleep. His wide-sleeved robe draped over the mountain of documents, a scroll unfinished on his knees, and the hem of his robe pooling on the ground like waves.

That night, he had a dream.

Unlike ordinary dreams, this one was vivid and felt incredibly real.

He stood within the Heart of Pill Incarnation Hall at the Summit of Life and Death, but this hall was different from what he remembered. Many of its furnishings had been altered. Before he could examine them closely, the great doors of the hall suddenly opened, and deep red curtains billowed.

Someone entered.

"Master."

The newcomer had striking features, with purple-tinged black eyes. Despite his youthful appearance, there was a hint of childishness in the curve of his lips when he smiled.

"Mo Ran?"

Chu Wanning rose to his feet, intending to approach, only to find himself bound by four iron chains imbued with spiritual energy, restricting his movement.

After the initial shock came a towering rage. Chu Wanning stared in disbelief at the shackles around his ankles, his face contorted with fury. He was so choked with anger that it took him a while to lift his head and snap, "Mo Weiyu, are you rebelling? Unlock these chains!"

But the newcomer seemed to ignore his outburst, his face adorned with a leisurely smile and deep dimples. He strolled over and pinched Chu Wanning's chin.

Author's Note:

Here's Character Card Sticker No. 3 for your enjoyment.

Gou Chen Upper Palace (this is absolutely true, no kidding)

Title: Are you serious?

Occupation: Overseeing all weapons in the world, governing battles and strife, proficient in swordsmithing, and guarding the path of righteousness.

In simpler terms: Sharpening scissors, honing kitchen knives!

Social status: Ruler of all weaponry

Or put simply: The Chairman of the Divine Land's premier weapon manufacturing company.

Favorite pastime: Reciting poetry

Preferred food: Shennong's Five Grains

Dislikes: Wars and battles

Hates: Unemployment

Most Painful Thing: Being out of work when others aren't fighting

Height: The altitude of a divine being is a heavenly secret, not to be disclosed.