SWNOVELXO Chapter 136: The Purification Curtain; Ji Muba
Chapter 136: The Purification Curtain; Ji Muba
“Esteemed guests, there’s no need for formalities. I am but a common servant in the Jade Ring Pool, unworthy of being called an immortal master. Given your esteemed status, you may simply address me by my name, Yu Zhen.”
Yu Zhen walked ahead, his blue brocade robes billowing like the clear sky reflected on a lake.
“In the outside world, a cultivator at the Water Condensation Realm could establish their own sect. Yet here in the Jade Ring Pool, they are merely servants. Such is the grandeur of the Jade Ring Pool.”
Little Yu still appeared as a simple fisherwoman, her appearance unchanged. However, You Su couldn’t help but feel astonished. Though this woman wasn’t particularly tall compared to other women he knew, her demeanor exuded a noble and commanding aura.
“Your words flatter me, Immortal Maiden. In the Divine Mountain, even those at the Water Condensation Realm wouldn’t qualify as servants.” Yu Zhen smiled faintly, glancing back at You Su as if implying something deeper.
“Immortal Master Yu is too humble. Progress on the path of cultivation is judged by one’s advancement, not status. Your cultivation far surpasses mine, so it is only right that I address you as ‘Immortal Master.'” You Su spoke with courtesy and a warm smile.
Yu Zhen beamed. “People often say that the geniuses of Eternal Height Divine Mountain are arrogant and look down upon cultivators from outside the mountain. From what I see, such claims are mere fabrications.”
Yu Zhen’s speech was polished, seemingly lowering himself while subtly ensuring no one underestimated him. Conversing with him felt like basking in a gentle spring breeze.
The trio strolled leisurely into the green hills. Along their path lay ancient yet meticulously arranged spirit-wood planks, each intricately carved with elaborate lotus pond patterns. On either side of the pathway stood exotic flowers and jade-like trees emitting a serene fragrance, their branches stretching out without appearing disordered.
Even You Su, who could not see, sensed how elegantly this entrance had been constructed, reflecting the Jade Ring Pool’s respect for its visitors. Oddly enough, despite spending lavishly on such a road, the Jade Ring Pool had recently begun turning away guests.
After walking several hundred steps further, the sound of cascading water suddenly reached them from deep within the forested path. Little Yu furrowed her brows and looked ahead, spotting a curtain of water blocking their way.
The jagged rocks behind the water curtain were smoothed to a mirror-like finish. This waterfall originated from a crystal-clear stream flowing down the mountain, its droplets splashing onto the wooden path, creating a thin mist before condensing back into water and flowing into the streams on either side.
“This is the Purification Curtain,” Yu Zhen announced, pausing to turn and introduce it to You Su and Little Yu, who were visiting for the first time.
“Beyond this curtain lies the true territory of the Jade Ring Pool. Esteemed guests, worry not—this curtain will not soak you. It merely washes away worldly impurities, allowing you to return to your true self. Even someone emerging from a swamp would find their robes pristine after passing through.”
“How can there be water that does not wet clothing?”
Though dressed in coarse linen, Little Yu, being a woman, was naturally concerned about such matters.
“Immortal Maiden, you are unaware. The water of the Purification Curtain comes from the Unstained Spring atop the mountain. This spring possesses extraordinary properties unique to the Jade Ring Pool. It is understandable that you wouldn’t know of it.”
Yu Zhen took two steps forward, cupped some water from the pool beside the curtain, and sprinkled it onto the soil next to the wooden path. He said, “If you doubt me, observe. The water of the Unstained Spring not only avoids staining clothes but also fails to seep into the earth.”
Little Yu focused intently and indeed saw that the water remained spread across the surface of the soil, not a single drop sinking in. It shimmered like transparent gemstones resting amidst the dirt.
“The Jade Ring Pool, one of the five sacred lands of the Five Continents, may not seek fame, but that doesn’t mean it disregards reputation. What the Jade Ring Pool seeks is not overwhelming renown but a name associated with purity and nobility.” Yu Zhen straightened up, his tone calm yet tinged with innate pride as a member of the Jade Ring Pool.
“This Unstained Spring repels all things yet has the power to cleanse everything. Thus, passing through the Purification Curtain is a necessary ritual for entering the Jade Ring Pool. I hope you understand, Immortal Maiden.”
Little Yu hesitated for a moment. She realized that Yu Zhen had seen through her disguise, and his attitude made it clear that to enter the Jade Ring Pool, she must shed all pretenses and reveal her true identity.
The girl with yellowish skin composed herself, stepped forward without hesitation, and approached the Purification Curtain.
As she entered the curtain of water, droplets slid from the top of her head, traced her cheeks, and flowed over her entire body and garments.
To her surprise, Little Yu expected the water to be bone-chillingly cold, but instead, it felt warm like smooth jade.
When she emerged from the curtain, her coarse linen dress was transformed, looking brand new. More strikingly, her face had changed—
She was no longer the modestly attractive fisherwoman. Her new visage featured snow-white skin and exquisitely refined features. Yet hers was not a generic beauty; it was an extreme blend of coldness and allure, akin to a noble venomous snake lurking under moonlight.
Had You Su been able to see, he might have noticed that this face bore an uncanny resemblance to his long-missed Junior Sister, Ji Lingruo.
Ji Xueruo stood on the other side of the water curtain, glancing at the flowing water below. Seeing that it remained crystal clear, she relaxed and turned her gaze away.
She had gone to great lengths to disguise herself as Little Yu, and now the Purification Curtain had stripped away all traces of her disguise. If the water had turned murky and been seen by that You fellow, he might have mistakenly thought she was unclean.
Being meticulous about her purity and holding a prestigious position, she certainly didn’t want others to harbor such misconceptions.
“Lord You, please proceed,” Yu Zhen gestured politely.
You Su nodded and walked toward the water curtain without hesitation.
Watching You Su approach step by step, Ji Xueruo inwardly noted that this youth from the Divine Mountain indeed did not bear the surname Xu. She wondered if his handsome appearance was also a facade.
You Su soon answered her question. The Purification Curtain did not alter his appearance in the slightest, though his black robe seemed to deepen in hue. Gleaming droplets cascaded off his form, making him appear even more radiant.
“Lord You truly possesses remarkable talent and grace,” Yu Zhen praised sincerely.
Ji Xueruo remained indifferent, muttering silently to herself.
She glanced at Yu Zhen, who seemed to have appeared on this side of the curtain unnoticed. Surprisingly, she hadn’t seen him pass through the Purification Curtain. However, as a member of the Jade Ring Pool, perhaps it didn’t matter whether he crossed it or not.
“The esteemed guests have completed the purification. Please follow me, and I shall lead you to your resting quarters.”
You Su paused momentarily. Being taken directly to rest implied they might stay for an extended period.
“Immortal Master Yu, there’s no need for rest. I’ve come to the Jade Ring Pool on urgent business and hope you can arrange an introduction for me.”
“May I ask, Lord You, whom do you wish me to introduce you to?”
“I am here under orders from the Third Elder of the Mystic Firmament Sect, the Emerald Glorious Venerable, to pay respects to the honored masters of the Jade Ring Pool,” You Su replied respectfully.
Yu Zhen responded with a smile, saying, “Do not rush, Lord You. Even if the Third Elder were to arrive personally, meeting the heads of households isn’t easily done. However, you need not worry. The Jade Ring Pool hasn’t hosted a guest of your stature in a long time. Whoever you wish to meet and whatever you seek, the Jade Ring Pool will provide. All you need to do is wait patiently.”
You Su fell silent, understanding that haste would not yield results.
From Yu Zhen’s subtle display of pride earlier, it was evident that while the Divine Mountain might consider itself superior to the ten Spirit-Born Blessed Lands, those lands held different views.
Ultimately, he was merely a true disciple. Expecting to meet the head of a household immediately upon arrival was neither appropriate nor respectful.
For now, waiting seemed the only viable option.
“It was presumptuous of me, Immortal Master Yu. Please lead the way.”
“There’s no need to apologize, Lord You. As I said, you are a long-awaited esteemed guest of the Jade Ring Pool. You have requests for us, and we have requests for you as well. So, rest assured.”
“Requests for me?”
You Su was surprised, unsure what a place as vast and blessed as the Jade Ring Pool could possibly need from a novice like him. Moreover, he didn’t understand why he was considered a long-awaited esteemed guest.
Yu Zhen smiled and nodded, then moved to the front to continue leading the way.
Ji Xueruo walked with an air of superiority, her steps graceful and confident. Even her worn fisherman’s dress couldn’t conceal her noble bearing. She cast a glance at You Su and remarked, “How foolish.”
You Su knew the young woman was insulting him. He found it amusing how she had been warm at first, aloof later, and now sarcastic. She seemed ever-changing, leaving him unsure which version was her true self.
He gave her a puzzled look and asked, “Does Miss Little Yu have any insights?”
Ji Xueruo sneered, “The Jade Ring Pool is currently closed to outsiders. There’s much speculation about it in the outside world. You’re a rare visitor from the Divine Mountain, so naturally, the Jade Ring Pool will treat you with utmost respect to ensure you speak positively about them once you leave. Otherwise, why would they call someone at the middle stage of the Spirit Platform Realm an esteemed guest?”
You Su finally understood and bowed to Ji Xueruo in gratitude. “Thank you, Miss Little Yu, for enlightening me.”
Yu Zhen turned back to Ji Xueruo and chuckled, “Miss Ji shouldn’t forget that you, too, are a long-awaited esteemed guest of the Jade Ring Pool.”
“Miss Ji?!”
Ji Xueruo, about to nod slightly in acknowledgment, was startled by the exclamation. She glared at You Su and asked, “What’s so surprising?”
“My apologies for startling you. I merely have an acquaintance who also bears the surname Ji.”
Ji Xueruo scrutinized You Su’s refined features, her heart filled with suspicion. This youth claimed to hail from Chuyun City, had ties to the Mystic Firmament Sect, resembled the elegant sword-wielding youth her sister spoke of, and now mentioned a Ji acquaintance… Coincidentally, his surname was You.
Could it be that after searching high and low, the person before her was none other than her brother-in-law?!
“No matter. What is the full name of your Ji acquaintance? The Ji surname is rare; perhaps I know them.”
“She… is named Ji Lingruo.” You Su pronounced each word carefully, with solemnity.
At the mention of these three words, Ji Xueruo’s demeanor shifted dramatically. The previously cold, venomous snake revealed its fangs upon touching its inverse scale.
Unaware, You Su asked, “Does Miss Ji know her?”
Instead of answering, Ji Xueruo concealed her hostility, pretending the earlier tension was a misunderstanding.
Regardless of what kind of constitution You Su possessed or the benefits he might have bestowed upon Lingruo, he was still the villain who had taken her sister’s maidenhood without proper commitment.
Seeing that her identity remained undisclosed, Ji Xueruo devised a plan. Under the guise of a stranger, she could assess whether this youth was worthy of becoming a son-in-law to the Serpent Clan.
“I don’t know her.”
You Su blinked, wondering why the girl who moments ago appeared so familiar now feigned ignorance.
“May I inquire about Miss Ji’s full name?”
“To ask a woman’s name upon our first meeting—you seem quite skilled at this?” Ji Xueruo frowned slightly, her tone cold.
“Miss Ji misunderstands. I meant no offense.”
You Su offered an awkward apology, internally just as perplexed and wishing he could open his eyes to see her face.
Even if she wasn’t Junior Sister’s elder sister, she was undoubtedly someone close to her. You Su immediately straightened his posture, hoping to appear tall and impressive in her eyes.
“Perhaps you should introduce yourself first, Lord Xu.” Ji Xueruo shot another disdainful glance at You Su and scoffed, “Unless your name is You Haolong?”
“Traveling abroad often leaves one with little choice. I didn’t mean to deceive you, Miss Ji. My name is You Su. You may address me as such.”
“How dare I? Let’s stick to calling you Lord You, lest that ‘Su’ turns out to be fake as well.” Ji Xueruo withdrew her gaze, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
You Su felt utterly helpless, unable to argue against her double standards, especially since until moments ago at the Purification Curtain, she too had maintained a false identity.
“Then, Miss Ji…”
“Ji Muba.” Ji Xueruo blurted out a fabricated name.
You Su fell silent, realizing she had no intention of revealing her true identity. Despite having countless questions about Junior Sister, with Yu Zhen present, he couldn’t voice them. He hoped that after settling in, Miss Ji Muba might lower her guard slightly.
Yu Zhen, walking ahead, inwardly sighed at the absurdity of the Serpent Clan leader’s chosen alias. Turning back with a teasing smile, he remarked, “Miss Ji’s name truly exudes dominance.”
Ji Xueruo’s expression faltered slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed. Fortunately, Yu Zhen hadn’t outright exposed her disguise. She glanced at You Su’s blind eyes again, gaining confidence knowing he couldn’t see. As long as she denied it, he couldn’t make any definitive judgments.
“Are women not allowed to be dominant?” Ji Xueruo countered seriously.
“Not at all, Miss Ji. Both of you are exceptional individuals. In my eyes, both possess immense dominance.”
Ji Xueruo glanced at You Su, finding it hard to associate the “skinny monkey” with anything remotely dominant.
The trio walked in silence until the welcoming path finally came to an end.
Descending the mountain, a vast pool appeared in their view. From afar, the lake’s surface resembled fragments of the sky fallen to earth, forming a natural mirror reflecting emerald forests and celestial pavilions.
Despite it being autumn, thousands of lotus blossoms in five radiant colors bloomed extravagantly across the expansive lake. Towering green lotus leaves provided shade like umbrellas held by goddesses beneath the water.
You Su inhaled the sweet, ascending breeze from the lake. He knew—they had finally arrived at the Jade Ring Pool.
…
“Lord You, this is your residence. Outside, two maids await to serve you. For any needs or inquiries, you may call upon them.”
Yu Zhen poured half a cup of tea and handed it to You Su.
“Thank you, Immortal Master Yu. I am but an inexperienced youth, yet the Jade Ring Pool has prepared such a luxurious palace for me. I am humbled.”
You Su hesitated to accept the tea, having already scanned the residence prepared exclusively for him using his divine sense. Its scale rivaled that of the entire Mandarin Duck Sword Sect. More importantly, this residence wasn’t built among the carved towers on the surrounding mountains but rather as a waterside pavilion beside the Jade Ring Pool—a treatment far beyond what someone at the Spirit Platform Realm deserved.
“Please don’t be modest, Lord You. Even ordinary true disciples of the Mystic Firmament Sect receive no better treatment when visiting here. All of this is because you are the disciple of the Lotus Sword Venerable. Her relationship with the Jade Ring Pool runs deep, and the household heads have specifically instructed us to take good care of you.”
“Then, Immortal Master Yu, do you know when I might meet the household heads?”
Yu Zhen raised his head, meeting You Su’s clear yet sightless eyes, and reassured him, “Not long, Lord You. No need to be formal—consider this a visit to enjoy the Jade Ring Pool.”
Yu Zhen stood up, clapped his hands, and called out to the hall, “Yumeng, Yulong, come and assist Lord You with bathing and changing.”
At his command, a pair of stunningly beautiful sisters entered gracefully.
They shared remarkably similar beauty—one in a blue skirt, the other in green. Their attire left little to the imagination, revealing ample pale skin and long, slender legs…