Volume Two: Mountains and Rivers Bar the Way Chapter Fourteen: Heading South

"What in this world is love, that it binds life and death together? From north to south, faithful companions fly in pairs—how many seasons have their aged wings braved? Joyful moments, bitter partings, and above all, the foolishness of passionate youth. Surely you have words for this: across ten thousand miles of layered clouds, through a thousand mountains and evening snows, to whom does this lone shadow journey? Along Hengfen Road, the flutes and drums of yesteryear have fallen silent, the desolate mists still shroud the plains. Summoning the souls of the departed, what use is lament? Mountain specters weep quietly in the wind and rain. Even heaven feels envy—who would believe that both warblers and swallows must return to dust? For a thousand autumns and ten thousand ages, let this be left for poets—mad songs and bitter wine—who come to visit the Mound of Wild Geese."

Alone on the rooftop terrace of Donghua Pavilion, Zhuo Hua gently played the Yan Tian qin, singing the "Song of the Wild Geese Mound."

Lan Sheng, who had been meditating nearby, was drawn out of his trance by the haunting melody. With some resentment, he said, "If that wild goose wishes to fly away, let it go—why cling to sorrow? Stewing in your own misery won’t allow you to imagine another’s carefree happiness. In the end, you just can’t get past your own heart."

Zhuo Hua pressed his hands to the instrument, turning with interest. "By your reasoning, the longing in this song is nothing but groundless fussing, then?"

Lan Sheng stood, stretched by the railing, and replied, "Yes—and no."

Zhuo Hua’s curiosity was piqued. "Pray, explain further."

Bracing his hands on the railing, Lan Sheng gazed into the distance. Though he had spent more than ten days in this cloud palace, the boundless scenery still stirred his heart. He could scarcely believe he had entered the Celestial Palace atop the clouds, nor imagine that such majestic landscapes—rivers, mountains, and gorges—could exist within the dark monument of the Cloudsky Tablet.

Zhuo Hua coughed twice, reminding him that he had not yet answered the question.

Lan Sheng, realizing his lapse, gave an apologetic smile and continued, "The author of that song laments that true love in the world binds people to life and death, and yet also grieves that lovers cannot always be together. But feelings cannot be forced to last forever. We should cherish the moments and people before us, for who can know what the future holds, or whether a parting is not a final farewell? If we treasure the present, there will be no regrets or lingering sorrow after separation."

Zhuo Hua stood and clapped his hands in praise. "I did not expect someone so young to possess such understanding!"

Lan Sheng scratched his head in embarrassment. "Not really! I just feel that Lady Lanling’s departure should be left in the past, not treated as an unspoken taboo throughout the entire Void. The Lord should also move forward—our enemies are plotting already, and we cannot just sit and wait for doom!"

Though dissatisfied, Zhuo Hua betrayed nothing on his face. Turning to look at the distant horizon, hands clasped behind his back, he said, "Do you know the story behind the 'Song of the Wild Geese Mound'?"

Lan Sheng replied, "I don’t. But—"

He was cut off as Zhuo Hua began, "One year, in the Xuanhuang Void, I left the capital for a journey and came upon a group of wild goose hunters arguing noisily by the roadside. I inquired, and one told me that they had caught a wild goose that morning and killed it. Yet, the remaining wild geese did not flee but remained by their fallen companion, crying mournfully. Some even flew up and cast themselves to the ground in grief. I bought the dead geese from the hunters and buried them by the river, building a mound of stones—the Wild Geese Mound. My companions, all fond of poetry and prose, composed this 'Song of the Wild Geese Mound' together. I had not set it to music until recently, and only just now played it on the Yan Tian qin."

Lan Sheng nodded solemnly. "I see. I found the song sorrowful yet beautiful, not realizing it had such a tale behind it."

Zhuo Hua went on, "Many things are not as simple as they appear. You are still young and have not seen much. Not everyone who strikes another in the street is a villain—sometimes they seek justice. Don’t make hasty judgments before you know the whole story."

Lan Sheng, recognizing his earlier misstep, replied respectfully, "Your lesson is well taken. I will remember it."

Not wishing to make the moment awkward, Zhuo Hua changed the subject, "Lan Sheng, how is your recovery? Is your energy flowing smoothly?"

Lan Sheng smiled. "I practice the mind arts and recitations you taught me every day, and my body is much improved. My strength has mostly returned. Thank you for your guidance."

Turning to face him, Zhuo Hua clapped his shoulder. "You must train diligently. What you learned before entering the Auspicious Cloud Void was but basic. Though you escaped disaster this time, it was only by luck. Do not become complacent and think you have passed the Cloud Trial."

Lan Sheng bowed. "I will work hard and not disappoint your trust."

Zhuo Hua helped him up and sat him at the table. "By the way, I've not yet asked—why did you and Xiao Sui lead troops to attack the Sun-worshippers’ main altar that day?"

Lan Sheng replied, "We’ve long wished to eradicate those bandits, but the Chancellor always obstructed us. Three months ago, I received intelligence that Yuan Kang would secretly return to Huaxu State on the Lantern Festival to plot something major. General Xiao and I began to plan the purge. The report said the Sun-worshippers had entrenched themselves in Huaxu for over a decade, with tens of thousands of followers, and their headquarters was a fortress, guarded by thousands of armored warriors. So General Xiao suggested we use strategy instead of force."

Zhuo Hua interrupted, "But Xiao Sui was no longer in command. Where did you get so many troops?"

With a proud grin, Lan Sheng replied, "I am my father's crown prince, and he favors me most. While the Chancellor and Grand Preceptor were away, I pestered my father for two days until he agreed to reinstate General Xiao and let him lead three thousand Imperial Guards with me to suppress the rebels." At this, sorrow overtook him, and he sighed. "But, alas, General Xiao… he gave his life for the nation…" He choked with grief.

Zhuo Hua was also moved, rising to comfort him. "General Xiao was a true friend. Though we only met a few times and shared a meal, we both recognized each other as friends. Had I been a step faster and dealt with Yuan Kang before he struck, Xiao Sui might have lived. But, alas, there is no second chance."

Through tears, Lan Sheng said, "Lord, I understand. Some things are beyond even the gods. General Xiao died for the people, and the Sun-worshippers plagued the land for years—he cannot have died in vain. We must avenge him."

Zhuo Hua nodded. "You’re right. The Sun-worshippers’ main altar may be destroyed and Yuan Kang trapped in the Cloud Void, but as long as any survive, disaster may return. Lan Sheng, I need you to take on the task of eradicating their remnants. Will you accept?"

Lan Sheng wiped his tears, stood tall, and answered with resolve, "I swear not to fail."

Zhuo Hua, full of approval, handed him a scroll. "This is my edict to the seven chiefs of the immortal clans, commanding them to assist you. The Sun-worshippers still have many experts—I have assigned the Celestial Palace’s stars to accompany you. If any immortal clan refuses to cooperate or you face enemies too powerful, have the stars notify the palace."

On his knees, hands trembling, Lan Sheng received the scroll. "I vow to destroy the Sun-worshippers and avenge the innocent and General Xiao."

Zhuo Hua helped him up. "Lan Sheng, do you have a plan for this campaign?"

After a brief pause, Lan Sheng replied, "I’ve heard from the White Tiger Palace stars that the Sun-worshippers’ remnants have fled to South Flame Continent. I intend to prevent them from regrouping and will use a strategy of dividing and encircling them—defeating them piecemeal."

Zhuo Hua started inwardly and murmured, "So it is South Flame Continent after all! As expected, the pattern never changes. It seems another name will be added to the Cloudsky Tablet."