Chapter Seventeen
Those eyes were clear and transparent, a fleeting flash of flame color transforming into a Sanskrit seal that vanished in an instant, finally settling deep within the pupils as a restrained and mysterious dark red.
The moment the Sanskrit seal entered his vision, Gu Jin faintly heard the most ancient and primordial Buddhist chant echoing across the Three Realms and Eight Wastelands.
A single sound entered his ears, as if lingering for ten thousand years.
Having lived for over a century, this was the first time Gu Jin had seen such eyes, and for a moment, he was stunned. By the time he regained his senses, the Buddhist chant had long since disappeared. Suppressing the absurdity in his heart, he looked down and finally saw clearly that what he held in his arms was not a round, plump Water Condensation Beast cub, but a five- or six-year-old girl. The little girl wore a bright red shirt, her hands as tender as lotus roots, her plump little face carrying an innocent, unworldly purity as she stared at him with wide eyes.
Gu Jin’s entire body stiffened, and ten thousand divine beasts roared through his heart—how could it be a little girl! Where is my brother? I’ve raised him for so long! Where did my brother go?
The two of them stared at each other, wide-eyed. The little girl probably sensed the collapse in Gu Jin’s eyes. She sighed silently in her heart, stretched out her hand, and, like the usual Water Condensation Beast, uttered a brief, soft sound to Gu Jin: “Here, A Jin, hold me.”
With just that one address and one action, the awkwardness brought by the Water Condensation Beast’s shape-shift into a little girl instantly vanished.
Gu Jin almost hugged her the moment she stretched out her hand. He raised an eyebrow, suddenly adopting a somewhat grown-up demeanor. “Are you my immortal beast?”
The Water Condensation Beast’s mouth twitched, wishing she could use her entire body to resist the term “my” in Gu Jin’s words, which made her feel utterly undignified. But she wasn’t foolish; she remembered the Drunken Jade Dew she had drained outside the bamboo hut. She nodded innocently, her soft little body rubbing against Gu Jin’s embrace as she began to act cute.
Gu Jin’s eyes revealed undisguised astonishment. Was this the same Water Condensation Beast that would give him the cold shoulder all day if he gave it even a sip less of Drunken Jade Dew? If not for the fact that the Forbidden Valley was devoid of birds, beasts, and any trace of human presence, he would have suspected this child had popped out from somewhere else.
“Alright, now that you’ve shape-shifted, it’s time to give you a name.” Gu Jin rubbed the little girl’s soft, jet-black hair, his mind involuntarily flashing back to that utterly absurd Buddhist chant. He lowered his eyes, lost in thought.
The Buddhist chant seemed natural and innate—could it be that this Water Condensation Beast was inherently connected to Buddhism?
After a long silence, Gu Jin suddenly spoke to the Water Condensation Beast: “Little one, from now on, you shall be called Ayin.”
“Ayin?” The Water Condensation Beast was taken aback, feeling an unexpected fondness for the name. Surprisingly, she didn’t roll her eyes at Gu Jin in her heart. She nodded slightly, accepting it.
Seeing her nod, an unexpected joy and satisfaction arose in Gu Jin’s heart. He pulled Ayin closer into his embrace, the corners of his mouth curving into a crescent shape.
Perhaps because Water Condensation Beasts were naturally endowed with healing abilities, Ayin’s soft body carried a sweet fragrance. After rubbing her little arms for a while, Gu Jin suddenly lifted her by the collar of her shirt, bringing her face level with his. His expression turned serious, carrying a hint of sternness. “From today onward, you have shape-shifted into human form and are no longer just an immortal beast. As your Spiritual Power grows, your appearance will also change. From now on, don’t just cling to and hug anyone you see.” The Water Condensation Beast had been raised by Gu Jin since hatching, and now that he knew she was a little girl, he naturally couldn’t let her roam freely anymore.Seeing the little girl's bewildered expression, Gu Jin gently pinched the back of her neck. "Ayin, remember this—starting today, you must learn to be human."
Ayin's face remained blank, but a flicker of mischief shone in her eyes. With nimble movements, she leaped from Gu Jin's grasp onto the bed, putting three steps between them, and replied with utmost sincerity, "Yes, A Jin, I remember."
The sudden emptiness in his arms stirred a faint, almost imperceptible discomfort in Gu Jin's heart. Awkwardly, he withdrew his hand from midair, glanced at the sky, and stepped out of the bamboo hut.
"It's getting late. Today's morning cultivation must still continue. Since you can shape-shift now, your Spiritual Power must have grown. Transform into your true form and let me see how much your Spiritual Power has increased."
As he spoke, Gu Jin beckoned to Ayin. However, the little girl on the bed rolled her eyes and began stealthily inching toward the window.
Sure enough, footsteps abruptly halted. The young man stared blankly at the empty wooden bucket beneath the phoenix tree, his expression cycling through a rainbow of colors before settling into an angry red. "You'd better explain to me exactly what happened here? A whole bucket of Drunken Jade Dew—even all the disciples of Great Marsh Mountain couldn't waste that much in half a year!"
Gu Jin practically spat the words out one by one. He turned and roared toward the bamboo hut, "Ayin…"
At that very moment, the child by the window transformed into a jade-green sphere and shot out through the window, soaring into the sky with a lightness never seen before, vanishing from Gu Jin's sight in an instant. She hid herself completely, leaving not a trace of her presence.
This was the first day this Water Condensation Beast had shape-shifted into human form in all the realms under heaven. From then on, the world gained an Ayin.
Many, many years later, when the female ghost Ayin stood on the Bridge of Helplessness, recalling her countless cycles of reincarnation and lifetimes across the centuries, she never once remembered that one of her lives had begun this way.
Since Dong Hua entered seclusion, Great Marsh Mountain had been entrusted to his first disciple, Xian Shan, and his second disciple, Xian Zhu.
In the Hall of Blessing and Grace, Xian Shan listened to his junior disciple's report, his usually unshakable composure showing a flicker of surprise.
"A Water Condensation Beast that hasn't yet shape-shifted? Did A Jin really say that?"
Of the two mountain masters, Xian Shan was stern and rigid, while Xian Zhu was amiable and playful. Xian Shan appeared transcendent and dignified, seemingly over forty, whereas Xian Zhu was handsome and elegant, looking like a refined young gentleman in his twenties. Both had become disciples of Dong Hua thirty thousand years ago and were the most senior High Lords in the Immortal Realm.
Under Xian Zhu's gaze, Qing Yi's legs trembled uncontrollably. Yet, coveting his young martial uncle's exquisite chessboard, he steeled himself and nodded resolutely. "Yes, Master. Young Martial Uncle said that Water Condensation Beasts possess innate healing abilities. Keeping one by his side can calm the spirit, soothe the mind, and aid in cultivating the immortal path and spiritual body. He humbly requests that Master make an exception and reserve a place for this Water Condensation Beast in the mountain registry."
Hearing the words "calm the spirit, soothe the mind, and cultivate the spiritual body," Xian Zhu's eyebrows twitched, and he shot a meaningful glance at Xian Shan beside him.
Xian Shan acted as if he hadn't noticed but waved a hand toward Qing Yi, who was bowing in the hall. "Go to the Archives and fetch the mountain registry."
Overjoyed, Qing Yi hurriedly bowed, turned, and scurried off to retrieve the registry."Junior Brother, for ten thousand years, Great Marsh Mountain has always been strict and cautious in accepting disciples, placing utmost importance on their innate talent and character. This Water Condensation Beast's origins are unknown. Isn't it too hasty to designate it as an inner sect disciple so casually?" Xian Shan, responsible for the safety of the entire mountain, was naturally more cautious than Xian Zhu.
Xian Zhu waved his hand dismissively. "Senior Brother, the Water Condensation Divine Beast is a famously gentle divine beast from ancient times. Although this Water Condensation Beast is not directly descended from that ancient lineage but rather from a branch, its character is likely pure, kind, and gentle. Qing Yi just said it hatched only recently and hasn't yet shape-shifted into human form. Since it will grow up beside A Jin, there's no need to worry about its character. A Jin has always been lazy; over the years, he hasn't made any breakthroughs in cultivating his Immortal Power. In the hundred years since he entered the sect, his Immortal Power growth hasn't even matched Qing Yi's, who has only been here for five years. This might be a good opportunity. Don't forget, before our master entered seclusion, he said that as long as it wasn't a matter threatening the mountain's survival, the most important task for Great Marsh Mountain in the next hundred years is to nurture A Jin."
Dong Hua is the most ancient Immortal Lord in the Three Realms, having existed since the time of Shang Gu. He has witnessed over sixty thousand years of changes across the Three Realms and the Eight Wastelands. Now possessing demi-god power, his status rivals that of the Celestial Emperor and the Demon Emperor, making him a towering figure in the Three Realms. For sixty thousand years, he had only two disciples: Xian Shan and Xian Zhu. Five thousand years ago, at the birthday banquet of the former Celestial Emperor Mu Guang, he even declined the request of the eldest prince, Jing Yang, to become his disciple, stating that he would focus solely on cultivating the Path of Divinity and would no longer accept personal disciples. Unexpectedly, a hundred years ago, Dong Hua broke his promise, bringing Gu Jin back to the mountain. Not only did he reopen the mountain to accept a disciple, but he also earnestly instructed his two senior disciples to prioritize cultivating Gu Jin's character and Immortal Power as the foremost matter for Great Marsh Mountain. Several years ago, when Gu Jin caused trouble on Phoenix Tree Island, Dong Hua, even while in the midst of Divine Attainment, did not hesitate to emerge from seclusion to plead and mediate on his behalf before the Celestial Emperor, which clearly shows Gu Jin's importance in his heart.
Having followed Dong Hua for tens of thousands of years, Xian Shan and Xian Zhu revered him deeply and would adhere to whatever he said. Moreover, Gu Jin's pure-hearted, lively, and amusing nature had also endeared him greatly to both of them.
Seeing Xian Zhu mention Dong Hua's instructions before entering seclusion, Xian Shan had no choice but to nod. "Since it was A Jin's choice, then let's make an exception and record this Water Condensation Beast in the register." He paused, hesitating. "But all inner sect disciples recorded in the register have a defined seniority and affiliation. Under whose name should this Water Condensation Beast be registered?"
This question stumped Xian Zhu as well. He stroked his chin, his eyes shifting thoughtfully before he smiled at Xian Shan. "Senior Brother, let's just record it in the register. That kid A Jin may seem gentle and honest on the surface, but he's actually very protective and petty. If you register this Water Condensation Beast under someone else's name as their disciple, won't he come out of the valley and make a fuss? Let's leave the matter of this Water Condensation Beast's seniority within our Great Marsh Mountain for A Jin himself to decide!"
After saying this, Xian Zhu unfurled his Black Gold Bone Fan and leisurely strolled out of Youze Hall to wander the mountain.
Inside the Forbidden Valley, unaware of the dilemma faced by the Xian Shan and Xian Zhu brothers, Gu Jin continued his secluded life with Ayin. After Ayin shape-shifted, she did not progress in cultivating Immortal Power as rapidly as Gu Jin had hoped. After all, Water Condensation Beasts have been famous since ancient times for their healing Divine Power, while their Immortal Power has always been mediocre. Gu Jin still vividly remembered Bi Bo, who would turn tail and run at the first sign of a fight. Although Ayin was a proud Water Condensation Beast, she was a lazy child. Ever since she shape-shifted into human form, she no longer bothered cultivating her Immortal Power, spending her days lying under the phoenix tree basking in the sun.However, after a hundred years of carefree living, Gu Xiao Jin suddenly found himself in the role of a guardian, faced with this stubborn immortal beast that refused to listen to reason. He had no choice but to worry endlessly. The Three Realms were not entirely peaceful; although the war between immortals and demons had ceased, the blood feud of ten thousand years meant conflicts never truly ended. Relying on this lazy beast to protect himself was likely harder than plucking stars from the sky. After staring helplessly at the little girl lying under the phoenix tree, unwilling to move, for half a month, Gu Jin finally resigned himself to cultivating his Immortal Power.
After all, she was his immortal beast—he couldn’t let Ayin suffer because of him. When traveling through the Three Realms in the future, with such a weak and fiery-tempered young beast by his side, he would need some solid skills to rely on.
Back then, on Rakshasa Land, Shang Gu had shown no mercy to the rulers of the Two Realms in front of both immortals and demons, all to protect her divine beast Feng Ran. While Gu Jin’s other virtues might be debatable, this protective nature was a true inheritance from his mother.
There are always people in this world whose mere existence can provoke resentment—like Gu Jin. Born from the heart’s blood of Shang Gu and Bai Jue, he possessed a divine status from birth and harbored the most ancient and pure Primordial Chaos Power within him. However, his temperament was still immature. Fearing that the Divine Power within him might cause trouble, Tian Qi sealed his Primordial Chaos Power from the moment he was born, allowing him to release only Immortal Power.
When Tian Qi sent Gu Jin to Great Marsh Mountain and handed him over to Dong Hua, he didn’t leave a single comforting word before turning and leaving, cold-hearted and indifferent. It was only when Gu Xiao Fatty, seeing himself on the verge of being utterly alone and pitiful, stubbornly tugged at his sleeve and asked:
“Purple-haired Uncle, when will the seal on my Primordial Chaos Power be lifted?”
When Gu Jin asked this, it was purely out of a child’s curiosity. After all, he couldn’t help but envy his mother’s domineering and unrestrained demeanor, which commanded awe across the Nine Provinces and Eight Wastelands.
But he never expected Tian Qi, who was always playful and irreverent, to fall into an unexpected silence. At that moment, the purple-haired uncle he believed to be omnipotent stood atop the Broken Stone Cliff of Great Marsh Mountain’s peak, his eyes, having witnessed the world’s vicissitudes, filled with the most profound desolation.
A long time later, Tian Qi finally turned around, unusually bending down to meet his gaze at eye level, and spoke to the still-childish Gu Jin:
“All beings in this world exist between heaven and earth. Whether gods, Buddhas, immortals, or demons, whatever they receive, they must return to the world. A Qi, when you encounter the unbearable weight in your life, the Primordial Chaos Power will naturally return to you.”
“I just hope that day comes a little later.”
From those words onward, for the next hundred years, Gu Jin remained alone on Great Marsh Mountain, and Tian Qi never appeared again.
Many years later, the now-grown Gu Jin still couldn’t fully understand the meaning behind Tian Qi’s words. But when Ayin, whose laziness was infuriating to both gods and mortals, appeared, he tragically realized that the unbearable weight in his life had finally arrived. Thus, his cultivation of Spiritual Power, neglected for a century, finally began.
Once Gu Jin seriously dedicated himself to cultivating Spiritual Power, no one in the Immortal Realm was more naturally gifted than he. Even the Spiritual Power Feng Yin had cultivated for a hundred years on Phoenix Tree Island, gathering the essence of the entire Phoenix Clan, was nothing more than a faint ripple in the face of his Primordial Chaos Power.The reason Tian Qi had Gu Jin undergo training at Great Marsh Mountain was not only because of Dong Hua's widely renowned benevolence, wisdom, and virtuous reputation, but also because the Sword Mound beneath Great Marsh Mountain was formed from the Ancient Emperor Sword when Shang Gu sacrificed herself for the world. There, the only remaining Primordial Chaos Power outside the Ancient Realm in the Lower Three Realms lingered. By cultivating at Great Marsh Mountain, Gu Jin could not only temper his mind but also achieve twice the result with half the effort. Unbeknownst to him, from the moment he began earnestly cultivating his Spiritual Power, the Primordial Chaos Power that had lain dormant in the Sword Mound beneath Great Marsh Mountain for tens of thousands of years silently surged toward the Forbidden Valley and seeped into his body.
The only one within Great Marsh Mountain who sensed these changes was Dong Hua, who was secluded in the mountain temple at the rear, cultivating Divine Power.
Thus, another three years passed in the blink of an eye. Amidst the withering and flourishing of plants, Gu Jin's Immortal Power officially broke through to the level of Lower Lord, while Ayin, due to the growth of Immortal Power within her, shape-shifted into a girl of about twelve or thirteen years old.
In the fourth year after Ayin hatched, on the day Gu Jin carried a large barrel of Drunken Jade Dew to celebrate his immortal beast's birthday, a surge of Divine Power erupted from the rear mountain of Great Marsh Mountain, tearing through the mountain gate and soaring straight into the sky. The majestic Divine Power blazed for half a day, shaking the Divine Power within a hundred-mile radius of Great Marsh Mountain as if a divine miracle had descended.
Half a day later, though no envoy was dispatched to announce it, the Three Realms still learned that Dong Hua, the old High Lord of Great Marsh Mountain, was finally on the verge of Divine Transformation after a century of seclusion.
Holding the Drunken Jade Dew to celebrate the birthday, Gu Jin and Ayin stared unblinkingly as the seal atop the Forbidden Valley gradually vanished into nothingness.
It was hard to describe the feelings in his heart. In the ninth year since Feng Yin's spiritual soul dissipated, Gu Jin and his immortal beast finally gained their freedom.
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