Chapter Seven: Do Not Leap Off the Cliff

“I never expected that even in the frozen wastes of Kunlun, there would be such a wonderfully soothing hot spring,” I sighed as I soaked in its warmth. My powers had been suppressed by the Kunlun dragon vein, leaving me unable to resist the cold. I had wandered lost in the vast snowy mountains for two days, starving and freezing, before finally stumbling upon this hot spring. Immersed in the steaming water, I felt warmth seep all the way to my heart.

The map I had bought in the town below, Xuhua Town, was so fake it was laughable. Following it led me hopelessly astray, and I soon lost my way entirely. I hadn’t seen any sign of Wulan or our other two companions along the journey, so I decided to abandon the map and trust my instincts instead. With the mountains sealed by snow, there was nothing to eat, and my stomach growled in protest.

I wondered if there might be small fish or shrimp in the hot spring to stave off my hunger, so I dove into the water. Sure enough, there were some tiny transparent creatures, but they were so small they wouldn’t even fill the gap between my teeth, and I was too weary to chase after them.

While searching, I spotted what seemed to be a large, sparkling white fish swimming near the bottom. I hurried over and grabbed it, but as I emerged from the water, I realized it was only a glittering hair ribbon. Disappointed, I noted that although it was beautifully woven with gems, no matter how valuable it might be, it couldn’t fill my stomach.

After bathing, I stuffed the ribbon into my robe. I decided it was wiser not to seek out the Jade Purity Realm just yet; I should descend the mountain first, then look for companions. So I began to follow the stream in search of a path downward. After a while, the water vanished and with it, the trail.

By now, midday had passed, and snowflakes began to fall from the sky. Two and a half days had gone by, and I was still wandering in circles within the vast Kunlun. I resolved that if I survived this, I would hunt down that swindler who sold me the fake map. I cursed the power of the Kunlun dragon vein’s seal; I couldn’t even fly, and now I was in this sorry state. Helpless, I pressed on, relying on my stamina and intuition to find my way, leaving my fate to the heavens.

Pushing through a pine forest, I caught the faint sound of running water. My spirits lifted—at last, I’d found open water again! Water flows downhill; if I followed it, I’d surely reach the valley. Energized, I fought my way through tangled grass and dead branches until I found a small path. As I walked, the sound of the river grew clearer, and the snowfall thickened.

I pulled my cloak tight, raised my hood, and pressed on against the wind and snow. When I finally looked up to take in my surroundings, I realized I’d reached a cliff’s edge. I had hoped the path would lead me down the mountain, but it seemed I was lost again.

Yet the view from the cliff was breathtaking. A slender river wound down from the clouds, snaking along the mountainside like a silver ribbon from the heavens. Its waters were a pale, crystalline blue, sparkling with silvery light like a sky full of stars. The falling snow here was unlike anywhere else—great clusters drifted down like a shower of blossoms, unhurried and gentle, interspersed with glittering ice crystals, as if the sky itself rained flowers and celestial treasures. It was like a dream of the divine—indescribably wondrous.

I reached out to catch a few snowflakes and tiny crystals in my palm, watching them melt, feeling as if I had found a priceless treasure.

I stood there, lost in the scene, then shook the snow from my cloak and surveyed the cliff. There, a figure appeared on the edge. My heart leapt—“Heavens, a savior! This little bird’s tribulation is over; at last, a fellow immortal!”

I rushed forward eagerly. The figure became clearer as I approached—a youthful immortal in a light blue robe, hair tied up with a purple-gold pin, standing tall and solitary in the wind and snow. Though he radiated an otherworldly grace, his lone figure against the landscape seemed achingly forlorn. He was standing at the very brink of the cliff, and I saw him slowly step closer to the edge...

His attire and melancholy bearing struck a chord of familiarity, and a pang of sorrow gripped me. Suddenly, I remembered the young immortal in blue from Xuhua Town who had tried and failed to take his own life, and the words of another immortal at the inn: “Go find some deserted place in Kunlun and jump off a cliff.” It was him—he had really come here to end his life!

“Don’t jump!” I shouted, rushing forward.

The falling snow swirled around, mingling with the sound of the river. The immortal seemed not to hear me and continued toward the edge, now only a step away. I panicked, gathering what little power I had left to sprint and grab him.

But I overestimated myself—my already limited powers had been sealed by eighty percent, and what little remained was nearly spent from two days of wandering in the cold and hunger. I slipped on the icy ground, my legs gave way, and I tumbled toward the cliff.

In that instant, I knew I was done for. Sealed by Kunlun’s dragon energy, I couldn’t transform into my true form as a cold crow and fly; I was no different from a mortal. Falling into this abyss would surely shatter my body. All I’d wanted was to be a witness here in Kunlun, to join in the excitement—not to lose my life trying to save someone else! This frozen abyss was to be the grave of two nameless little immortals, and if anyone ever found our remains, we’d probably be mistaken for doomed lovers, our names lost to history—what an injustice...

As these thoughts flashed through my mind, cold sweat soaking me, I suddenly realized I was being held steady by someone gripping the back of my robe. For once, instead of being tossed about, I had been caught.

I looked down, dazed, stamping the snow beneath my feet to make sure it was real. I whirled around in a panic and found myself face to face with a striking, handsome immortal whose expression was cold as frost. Hair tied with a purple-gold pin, clad in a thin blue robe—it was the very same blue-robed immortal who had sought to jump off the cliff.

I had no idea how he’d managed to pull me back so quickly, but I was sure his power far outstripped mine. Seeing his icy, desolate expression, I thought back to what the immortal at the inn had said: those with deeper roots and stronger powers are more prone to despair and misfortune. If he truly wished to die, there was no way I could stop him by force. If I wanted to save him, I’d need another approach.

“Thank you for saving me, fellow immortal!” I bowed deeply.

He gave a cold, solemn “Mm,” and immediately turned to head for the cliff edge again.

Such lofty, solitary pride, I thought.

“May I ask, what place is this?” I hurriedly called after him.

“Chasing Immortals Cliff,” came the curt reply.

“This mountain is freezing and treacherous. I’m lost—could you, out of kindness, guide me down the mountain?” I guessed that if he had come here to seek death, he must have scouted the route well, choosing a remote place to avoid gossip and ridicule. Surely, he knew the way down.

“Just follow the path and you’ll descend,” he answered, indeed knowing the way.

Feigning weakness, I grabbed his sleeve and pleaded faintly, “Could you help me all the way? I came here seeking the Jade Purity Realm, have been lost for two days, and my powers are exhausted... If you save me, I will be eternally grateful.”

He was willing to save me even as he sought his own end—proof of a kind heart. I would use this chance to lead him away from danger, and then try to persuade him to abandon his despair. If all else failed, once we reached the town, I could always tie him up.

The blue-robed immortal hesitated for a moment, so I clutched my stomach, groaning, “I haven’t eaten or drunk in two days… I truly can’t make it down Kunlun on my own. Once we’re safe, I’ll be sure to thank you properly.” With that, I leaned heavily against him.

“Come with me, then,” he finally relented with a sigh.

I hooked my arm through his and half-leaned on him as he supported me down the mountain. Ordinarily, I would never be so shameless, but with my powers so diminished, I had no other way to keep him from his fatal course. Like a stubborn plaster, I stuck to him—even if he changed his mind, he couldn't drag me to death alongside him. To keep him from jumping, I was willing to sacrifice my pride!

As we walked, I feigned weakness while stealing glances at him: a broad, luminous forehead, slightly furrowed sword-like brows, bright phoenix eyes—steady and deep—an aquiline nose, and clearly defined, thin lips. His bearing was severe but upright, exuding a powerful aura of righteousness.

Why was he dressed so thinly, his face cold as Kunlun’s ice and snow? I wondered.

Recalling his earlier lost and desolate state, I felt all the more sorry for such a gifted immortal, brought so low. I stopped, unclasped the belt of my fur cloak, and began to take it off.

“What are you doing?” he asked as he saw me undressing.

“I’m giving this to you. You’re dressed far too lightly!”

“I don’t need it,” he replied, brusque.

Without argument, I wrapped the cloak around his shoulders. “It’s too heavy for me to walk in anyway,” I offered as an excuse.

He didn’t protest further.

“I am Yu Fei, a humble immortal. May I know your name?” I gripped his arm tightly.

“Bai Hao,” came the short, cold reply.

“Once you’re down the mountain, don’t come back up,” Bai Hao said icily.

“Why not?” I asked, puzzled.

“The Jade Purity Realm won’t accept you. This place isn’t for you,” he declared.

“I’m not here to seek a master, so it’s up to them whether they accept me or not.”

“Then why are you here?”

“Not all immortals admire Lord Yunxiao. There are plenty of wise and valiant gods in the heavens to follow. I’m just here to find someone—to bear witness for him.”

“Bear witness?” Bai Hao frowned.

“There’s an immortal who wants to become a disciple. I accidentally ruined his letter of recommendation. If needed, I’ll explain everything to Lord Yunxiao on his behalf.”

“Do you think a letter of recommendation even matters?” His expression was so cold, he seemed utterly defeated.

“Whether it does or not, the sentiment is what counts. If it’s meant to be, it will be. If not, so be it.” The words were meant for Bai Hao as much as anyone.

“What’s his name?”

“Dongfang Mo.”

“What does he do? Where is he from?”

“I don’t know. I just met him on the street.” I thought, Dongfang Mo with his noble, unbending air had called me shameless and base—even if I’d had time to ask, he’d likely have ignored me.

“Ah-choo! Ah-choo!” I sneezed twice in quick succession. The wind and snow felt ever more piercingly cold. Shivers wracked my body, while my mouth and nose burned, my throat tightened and ached, and I felt sluggish and faint.

“Am I really getting sick? Of all times, why now? No matter what, I must see Bai Hao safely down the mountain. I can’t let him seek death again.” Determined, I pressed on. Fortunately, the path Bai Hao chose was straightforward, and by dusk we reached Xuhua Town at the mountain’s base. Freed from the suppression of the dragon vein, my legs grew weaker, my mind cloudier.

“We’re here,” Bai Hao said, gently pushing my arm away.

“Huh?” I stared at him in confusion.

He removed the cloak and handed it back to me. “Xuhua Town is just ahead. Put your cloak on and take care of yourself. Don’t climb the mountain again.” With that, he turned to leave.

I stood there, stunned, until I realized—he was going back to the cliff!

Panic seized me, and I rushed to grab his sleeve. In that instant, dizziness overwhelmed me, my legs gave way, and I collapsed…