Three Lives, Three Worlds: Jasmine's Fate [Hiatus]

Reminiscence 4 - "The Ancestor"

Today was like any other day at Kunlun: peaceful and quiet. In fact, the atmosphere here hadn't changed at all since their arrival. The disciples had their morning chores to complete and went about their tasks cheerfully and with diligence before attending lessons in the afternoon. Yan Zhi had asked if they needed any help, but unfortunately, they had declined her offer. She was their guest here, and propriety did not allow guests to assist the host during their stay. As a result, Yan Zhi was growing increasingly impatient with the lack of activity.

 She was not the type to laze around for long without occupation. Ghost Tribe members had missions, practiced their martial arts, or enhanced their dark magic to gain cultivation. Even while hiding in the mortal realm, she had worked at restaurants or opened her own dining facilities. Yan Zhi had always been someone who had a purpose, but now she felt like an unmanned ship floating aimlessly, without sail or wind for guidance.

It had been a few weeks now since their arrival on the Mountain and the disciples had taken it upon themselves to watch and entertain their "little dove". Even though Yan Zhi missed spending time with her, she didn't want to hurt Qiao Er's feelings by holding her back from adventures or by keeping her from spending time with her many shifus. Qiao Er had taken a special liking to 4th disciple, whom she followed around like a baby duckling with an abacus in her hand. They had bonded quickly and Qiao Er took his lessons very seriously. In the process of finding such a warm welcome, the girl's nightmares had ceased. It brought great comfort to Yan Zhi to know her daughter had finally found peace at Kunlun. However, she also knew they only had a limited amount of time remaining here. What would follow filled her with slight dread?

With a heavy sigh, Yan Zhi decided to take a stroll to a forest path on the west side of Kunlun Mountain to enjoy the serenity of the greenery and the waterfalls. The forest here was bright and lively, very unlike those in the Ghost Realms. There, the forests were thick with dark vegetation and the light from the sun never quite reached the forest floor. But when night fell, the twilight gave way to the most wonderful luminescent flowers and bugs that glowed within the dark passage, guiding lost souls to their designated paths. She missed her home, a place she hadn't returned to for hundreds of years. As things were, she wondered if she could ever return.

As Yan Zhi pondered with an ache in her heart, she suddenly became aware of a commotion ahead of her. It sounded like a battle, but she could hear two women's voices. That was very unusual here, so she started running towards the noise. What she found was shocking.

A tall unknown woman just ripped away the chain whip from the Demon Princess Li Ying - the momentum strong enough to pull the princess forward, and her throat landed in the hard grip of this vicious woman.

"This is all you got? Fight me!" the woman squeezed harder, choking the princess who was turning very red in the face.

"Li Ying!" Yan Zhi threw a dagger at the woman, but she turned and caught the weapon in mid-air, effortlessly. Still, it gave Yan Zhi the opportunity to jump in and pull Li Ying away from her attacker.

"Who is this?" the woman sneered at them.

"Stay away from her!" Yan Zhi shouted, shielding Li Ying with her body.

The mystery woman narrowed her eyes. Yan Zhi realized she was fighting with suppressed powers, but she was still very strong.

"Aaahhh, you must be that Ghost Princess, the one the injured disciple pines for."

"What do you want with Li Ying?" Yan Zhi asked, ignoring her taunt.

She gave them a laugh. "Little fool! You dare question me, the Demon Ancestor?"

Demon Ancestor? Bad! Their situation was incredibly dire! This woman with the ancient aura was the High Demon Ancestor who once ruled all of the Demon Kingdoms! Her powers were legendary throughout the realms and if only a tenth of what the ancient records and stories said was true, they were in deep trouble. They had to escape quickly before they were killed.

In desperation, Yan Zhi threw another dagger at her, but she dodged it just as effortlessly as before and came straight at them, using hands and feet, knees and elbows. Both Li Ying and Yan Zhi fought back, blocking, dodging, retreating, but even when they joined forces against the High Demon Goddess, they stood no chance. They soon found themselves flung to the ground, side by side, the Goddess' hands on their necks, now choking them both with considerable strength.

"Weak. You both don't practice close combat often, do you?" she scowled as they desperately gasped for air.

But then, surprisingly, she loosened her grip and let them catch their breath. "Ha! This was more entertaining than I thought." The Goddess smiled at them, her demeanor changed, her lovely features accentuated.

"Entertaining?" Yan Zhi glared at her as she pulled Li Ying off the ground.

"Yes, I am in much need of some sparring partners since those virgin doves won't come near me, most likely by that Bastard's order. I am incredibly bored." She shuddered and continued, "Since both of you seem accustomed to distant combat, I foresee much fun in teaching you and watching your progress."

Outraged, Yan Zhi had to question her motive. "You want us to train with you? You almost killed Li Ying!"

"Killed her? Why would I kill someone who wants to train with me? You quite rudely interrupted us," the High Goddess sneered.

What? Yan Zhi looked at Li Ying for confirmation.

"It's true," the Demon Princess said enthusiastically, "I wanted to train with the Demon High Goddess. She is one of the best! Imagine what she can teach us!"

Yan Zhi stared at her in disbelief. But Yan Zhi had come to know the Yellow Demon Princess and her eccentric personality a little since their stay here. She didn't lack intelligence, but unlike Yan Zhi, Li Ying didn't seem to be much aware of her surroundings. Naivete aside, she didn't seem to recognize danger and didn't have much of a self-preservation instinct either, given the current situation she had placed herself in.

Yan Zhi felt the need to clarify. "But .... she was choking you."

"One does not improve if one's life is not on the line," came the cheerful answer.

Yan Zhi narrowed her eyes at her, still in doubt.

The Demon Princess pulled Yan Zhi closer. "Despite her demeanor, she is generous with her teaching," Li Ying whispered into Yan Zhi's ears. "I think she likes you! It's the opportunity of a lifetime to train with the Demon High Goddess, you better take this chance to improve your martial skills."

"Are you two done whispering?" The Demon Goddess asked impatiently, rubbing her forehead in frustration.

"We..."

"You two lack skills, especially since your powers are suppressed here. Mark my words: I have recently learned that without one's powers, one has to depend on one's pure fighting skills. You can acquire these skills through diligent practice under me. This is my generous offer to you - if you are not interested, I suggest you go hide again in your rooms and die of boredom."

Yan Zhi stared at the Goddess, then looked back at Li Ying who was now nodding her head with encouragement and pushing her forward. Yan Zhi couldn't refute what either of them had said. Yes, she lacked training, due to her isolation. If she had devoted herself to regaining her cultivation rather than secluding herself in the mortal realms, assassins would not have been able to overtake them. She only had herself to blame. She didn't know if it was because of Li Ying, the Demon Ancestor, or just her own restless self, but Yan Zhi found herself signed up for something she knew was more than she bargained for.

Bowing properly, Yan Zhi paid her respects. "It will be a great privilege to study under you, High Goddess, Shifu."

The Demon Goddess's face contorted in anger. "Don't you dare call me that! It makes me sound old and boring like that Bastard. I already get a headache from those white virgins calling me Shimu."

"Then how should we address you, please, High Goddess?" Li Ying asked cautiously.

"Ancestor will do. And now ... get ready!"