Blossoming Path

Ma Hualong, dressed in his blue robes, looked almost regal under the sunlight pouring through the high ceiling. Three stations each filled with hundreds of competitors! From where l could see, a symbol manifested on the epicenter of each station: a jagged rock in my station, a twisty stalk to the far right, and a paw print to my left.

"There are three sections. Minerals, herbs, and animal components. Each section will have a hundred ingredients assigned to them."

His crisp voice snapped my attention back to the present. With a flash worthy of an alchemist, he conjured a whirlwind of levitating plates into the air with a flick of his fingers. It seemed he was a formidable cultivator in his own right.

From my perspective, I could see the contents of each plate, a flicker of color and sparkle appearing upon each one. My heart did a flip. Amethyst? Beetle wings? A clump of...tree bark?

The hourglass on the podium lit up like a beacon, sand shimmering as it began its descent. "The first challenge: identification! You have one incense stick's worth of time to identify as many ingredients in your assigned section as possible. Remember, contestants, after the hourglass runs dry," Ma Hualong paused for emphasis, "the plates will rotate, but you won't. Only the top hundred scores will make it to the first round. Good luck, contestants!"

And with that, dozens of plates shot out from where he was and coalesced at our station. All of them gathered in a neat circular formation right above the jagged rock symbol, before settling in a paced orbit. I grabbed my brush and dipped it into the inkpot.

The noise of hundreds of pages being turned occurred simultaneously throughout the Marble Jade Arena. I could hear curses and mutters from the people closest to me, despite their faces being obscured by the walls of the booth.

Okay Kai, you got this. Think. I let out a sharp breath.

Eyes flitting from plate to plate what was that black, spiky crystal? That fist-sized stone was cinnabar that was easy enough. But the golden liquid... mercury? It looked too thick.

As the minutes passed, my brush moved faster and faster. Mostly standard ingredients, true, but a few were slipping through my grasp. That bluish-green rock... nothing in my recipe knowledge matched it. Jade, maybe, but the color was too vibrant, the luster too...off.

Jade? Wait a minute.

My mind raced through the Memory Palace, searching for an image, a snippet of a forgotten conversation. Then it hit me, a bolt from the blue. That's not an ingredient at all! That's Qinglian Jadeite!

"I should've known..." I muttered to myself, filling in the page before I forgot what it was.

The memory unfolded Elder Zhu lecturing about the Jade Alchemic Flame, the sect's prized treasure. This was the base material used to create it, the same prize the Silent Moon sect had demanded! A rush of excitement washed over the panic. So, it wasn't just identifying recipe ingredients. It was recognizing any material with alchemical potential, even those used indirectly!

This realization was a game-changer. My eyes swept across the plates with newfound purpose. Not just the potions, but the tools, the processes... What else was here that wasn't in a standard alchemist's toolkit?

There! Not some obscure ore, but a simple clay bowl. Yet, the texture... a touch of glimmer I'd seen only once, helping Elder Ming prepare a heat-resistant crucible back as a child. This wasn't ordinary clay, but a blend infused with refractory minerals. My brush scratched along the page: Refractory Clay Mix.

And that strange vial? Not an exotic liquid metal, but a simple jar of oil except it had the subtle sheen of firefly luminescence. Not some potion base, but the fuel for alchemical lamps! The ones with that barely-there, flickering light that wouldn't disturb sensitive reactions. My hand wrote swiftly: Alchemical Lamp Oil.

A sense of power filled me. This wasn't a test of rote memorization. It was a challenge to see beyond the obvious, to understand the wider world of alchemical practice. It was the difference between a recipe-follower and a true alchemist. This, this I could do!

"Time's up!" Ma Hualong declared, his voice reverberating throughout the venue. "Remember, contestants, the plates will now rotate. You have another incense stick's worth of time to identify the ingredients in your new section!"

I let out a defeated sigh. Seventy, maybe eighty identifications. Not bad, considering I was completely lost with the last thirty or so. Still, a gnawing frustration bubbled in my gut. Those last unknown minerals troubled me.

The world blurred as the plates whirred. One moment they were filled with gleaming stones and curious vials, the next a kaleidoscope of greens, browns, and vibrant reds filled my vision. Herbs and plants! Relief washed over me, followed by a surge of exhilaration.

This was my territoryyears spent scouring the forests, compounded by my experience at the Verdant Lotus sect, I had complete confidence here.

No time to waste. I dipped my brush before the plates even settled, my mind already racing. Moonlit Grace Lily, Breezesong Fruit, the rarest ingredients in the entire province! The Grand Alchemy Gauntlet was an opulent competition. It must've cost a generational fortune to procure all these items. Just the herbs alone must be astronomical.

My hand flew across the page, barely keeping pace with the frantic recognition flooding my mind. Skyreach Flower, Nightshade, Dragon's Breath Pepper, Mystic Mindroot...each name a familiar friend from countless concoctions. Only one remained unidentified as the sand in the hourglass dwindled to its final grains. A spindly, crimson flower with an unsettlingly pulsating core.

"The plates will now rotate once more!"

The plates whirred into place, and my eyes widened. A flash of grey, Wind Serpent scales! A rush of affection surged through me. I'd never forget the day I'd found Windy. Although his scales were pure white, the ones of his parents were a greyish-silver hue, and the size of my fist.

Beside the scales, a mound of shimmering white fur Snow Hare, no doubt. But that curled, iridescent horn...? Likely an antelope variant from the far north with medicinal properties. My mind searched the depths of my Memory Palace, grasping for a name. It came to me like a spark: Frostbreath Antelope Horn.

The plates were a whirlwind of claws, feathers, and glistening vials of unidentified fluids. It was overwhelming, a stark contrast to the familiarity of the herbs. But I pushed on.

Claw of the Mountain Drake, Feather of the Azure Sunbird... With each name, I recalled fragments of animal lore, their habitats, their uses. My brush raced against the draining hourglass, leaving smudges of ink as I tried to match my memories to the bizarre specimens before me. Some of these weren't even from our province! How'd they get these?

Despite my efforts, I couldn't name them all. I was sure I did worse here compared to any of the other sections; maybe only half of which I identified correctly.

"And that concludes it! Don't move from your seats, officials will be picking up your papers, ensure it is labeled properly with the number on your entry token and your name. If you don't adhere to these instructions, your papers will be thrown out and you'll be automatically disqualified!"

I swallowed, double-checking and turning over every page to do so. The venue was silent, save for the turning of pages. Slowly but surely, officials came by and collected my work.

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With a relieved sigh, I leaned back in my chair. It was done. Regardless of the outcome, I'd given it my all. A quick mental calculation reassured me I was confident at least two hundred of my identifications were correct, likely more in herbs. Even with the lackluster animal component round, that should place me comfortably within the top hundred.

The tension bled from my shoulders as I watched other contestants anxiously awaiting the collection of their papers. Sighs, groans, and even a few muffled sobs echoed through the booths. The Grand Alchemy Gauntlet, it seemed, wasn't for the faint of heart.

"I NEARLY FAILED!" A man shouted from the animal component section, being immediately shushed by the official picking up his paper. Wasn't that the blacksmith I saw waiting outside in the line? They actually let him participate?

The lull in activity gave me a chance to stretch and survey the cavernous space of the Marble Jade Arena. It had been a blur during the test, but now I could fully appreciate the scale and grandeur. Sunlight streamed through massive windows, casting a web of light and shadow across the floor.

The preliminary was done.

My gaze snagged on a familiar figure in the swirling crowd. A burst of vibrant silks and perfume marked Bai Hua's presence. Curiosity piqued, I made my way towards him, weaving through the dispersing competitors.

"Bai Hua," I called out, a hint of a smile playing on my lips.

He turned, offering me one of his theatrical flourishes. "Ah, Kai Liu! And here I thought fate had separated us after our delightful encounter yesterday."

I chuckled. "The Gauntlet is unpredictable, I suppose. So, how did the preliminaries go for you?"

Bai Hua's eyes gleamed with undeniable confidence. "Splendidly! My nose never betrays me, you see."

I blinked, puzzled. There was no way he could've used it here. "Your nose? I don't quite follow."

A playful grin spread across his face. "Why, each ingredient has its distinct scent, Kai Liu! Even when its appearance confounds, the aroma always reveals the truth. Years of experience have made me quite the expert on olfactory identification."

My mouth opened to ask how he could have smelled the ingredients from such a distance, but then it clicked. Bai Hua had been assigned one of the closer booths, right near the center of the arena where the ingredients rotated. That gave him a distinct advantage, one I hadn't even considered.

Before I could dwell on the unfairness of it, he continued, "However, even without my gifted nose, I am well versed in the properties of countless ingredients. My family's business extends far beyond the world of perfumes. We dabble in a wide range of industries, all of which intersect with alchemy in some way or another."

I nodded, impressed despite myself. Of course, the Summer Sun Cosmetics empire wouldn't be built purely on floral scents. Suddenly, the man's earlier interest in my Invigorating Dawn Tonic made sense. He'd probably been assessing not just the product, but the skill behind it. Heh, of course! The profundities of my work would leave a lesser man driven insane from the intricacy!

"Well," I said, extending my hand, "I'm eager to see how you fare in the next stage. Until then, I bid you farewell."

A genuine warmth entered his eyes as he shook my hand. "The feeling is mutual, Kai Liu. If you ever find yourself nearby, do visit our shop."

Releasing his hand, I turned to spot a familiar figure weaving through the crowd. "Feng Wu!" I called out, a wave of relief washing over me.

As my friend approached, a sense of accomplishment settled upon me. The odds might be stacked against me, a village herbalist facing off against renowned alchemists from across the empire. But I knew genius and hard work would triumph over them all!

We were nearing the exit when a booming voice echoed across the arena. It was Ma Hualong, still standing upon his elevated platform. "Contestants! The results of your preliminary examinations will be announced here tonight," he declared, his voice carrying an unmistakable note of excitement. "It would be wise for all of you to return and discover whether you have the honor of proceeding to the competition proper."

There were hundreds of people here. Each one had submitted a small stack of papers just like me. Getting us all sorted out; how would that be possible?

My heart skipped a beat. Tonight. The waiting wouldn't be long, but the uncertainty was suddenly unbearable. Beside me, Feng Wu chuckled.

"Well," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye, "it seems our evening plans have just been determined for us."

Feng Wu's smile eased, as we walked out of the venue. "So, what now, Kowtow Kai? Ready to explore the delights of Crescent Bay City?"

I playfully nudged him. "Hold on there, who appointed you my tour guide? This young master requires the finest of jade beauties to escort him!"

He winked. "Well, you wouldn't want to get lost in this labyrinth of alchemical shops and bustling markets, would you? Unless you'd like me to procure a certain white-haired cultivator to be your guide."

I rolled my eyes. My curiosity, however, was piqued. Crescent Bay City was a world away from my quiet village life. "Actually," I admitted, a hint of excitement creeping into my voice, "tell me more about the city. You, as a second-class disciple with more freedom, must've seen quite a bit."

A nostalgic smile touched Feng Wu's lips. "The first time I stepped out here, I was overwhelmed. So many people, so many sights, so manysmells." He wrinkled his nose playfully. "Not all of them pleasant, mind you, but it's a city that assaults all your senses in the best way possible."

He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Unlike third-class disciples, who are rarely allowed on missions alone, or without a senior guiding them, we seconds have a bit more freedom. It took me years within the sect before I could explore Crescent Bay City."

A flicker of resentment bubbled within me. Years? Being confined for so long the very thought made me wince. It was another mark against the rigid structure of sects in my mind. Here I was, a free spirit who thrived on exploration, versus the years Feng Wu had spent yearning for just a taste of the outside world.

"I can't imagine being holed away like that," I confessed, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. "The village may not be bustling, but at least I had the freedom to roam the mountains, to breathe the fresh air."

"I understand," Feng Wu said gently, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Your village life may seem simple to some, but there's a beauty in its very simplicity. Something the sect can sometimes overlook."

He grinned. "But for now, let's experience the organized chaos of Crescent Bay City. Who knows, maybe you'll find some hidden gem of an alchemist shop tucked away in a back alley. Where to, young master?"

The prospect of uncovering hidden treasures in a bustling metropolis was certainly more appealing than stewing in my own uncertainty until the results were announced. With a newfound determination, I squared my shoulders and met Feng Wu's gaze.

"Lead the way," I declared, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Let's see what Crescent Bay City has to offer."

Our first stop was the library. I wanted to see what they had to offer here; perhaps something that would satisfy both me and Elder Ming's desire to read and be entertained? I wouldn't accept anything other than the finest, after all.

The sheer scale of Crescent Bay City continued to amaze me. Vendors hawked their wares - glistening gemstones, exotic spices, and contraptions that defied easy description. The air buzzed with a cacophony of shouts, laughter, and the rhythmic clang of a blacksmith's hammer.

"Feng Wu," I asked, trying to be heard over the din, "Do they have any bookstores in the city? I remember Elder Ming had a few novels written by an author named Liang Feng in his collection."

A puzzled look crossed his face. "Bookstores? Certainly. But Liang Feng? Never heard of him." He shrugged. "Perhaps a regional author from your area?"

My disappointment was clear. So my favorite writer wasn't a renowned author. Maybe I could still find his works somewhere...

As we turned down a narrower street, a sign caught my eye The Scroll and Tome, it proclaimed in elegant calligraphy. "Feng Wu, wait! Let's check this place out first. Maybe they have what I'm looking for."

Feng Wu hesitated, avoiding eye contact with me. "Kai, about that... it's mostly...well..." He trailed off.

I tilted my head, utterly confused. It was rare to see the usually eloquent man at a loss for words.

"Mostly what? That's nonsense! I can see all the books in there! There'll be something in there."

Before he could answer, my curiosity propelled me into the store. Immediately, the change in atmosphere became apparent. The air hummed with an almost tangible feminine energy, and the scent of floral perfumes, much like the one Bai Hua wore, hung heavy in the air.

And the clientele were almost exclusively women, their gazes flitting over the vibrant covers of the books that lined the shelves.

My eyes landed on a particularly flamboyant title, The Dragon Tamer and His Feisty Concubine.

"...Huh."

Below was another - The CEO of the Immortal Sect Falls for Me!

Such unique titles...I don't think I've seen anything quite like them.

Something in my brain was warning me, screaming at me that something was off. But the titles...they were so grand, so full of promise and intrigue. Perhaps, just perhaps, there was more to them than met the eye?

"One peek wouldn't hurt" I muttered, reaching out to a book whose title practically screamed adventure: The Peasant Who Stole the Demonic Senior Disciple's Heart. A romance! No wonder there were so many women, I suppose it didn't hurt to broaden my horizons!

As I flipped open the book, realization struck me like a lightning bolt.

It wasn't just an adventure.

It wasn't just a romance.

And this romancewas between two men.

A flicker of curiosity pierced through my frantic attempts to compose myself. Surely thisthis wasn't just some tale of forbidden passion? No, it must be a heroic tale of adventure! With shaking hands, I cracked the book open, my eyes skimming the first few paragraphs.

"Li Wei, the humble tea seller, shivered as rain lashed his meager stall. The mountain pass was deserted, the usual flow of travelers halted by the torrential downpour. A bolt of lightning rent the sky, illuminating a figure standing amidst the storm."

My heart skipped a beat. This sounded more promising already! It was an adventure!

"The stranger's robes, a vibrant crimson against the backdrop of the tempest, bespoke membership in the illustrious Crimson Lotus Sect. His eyes, pools of molten rubies, held an unreadable intensity. A sword of exquisite craftsmanship gleamed at his hip, promising prowess in the martial arts."

Interesting. So, this was a cultivator, a member of a renowned sect meeting a humble villager? Why did it sound so familiar?

I dared a glance upwards, my gaze landing on the chapter title:

The Crimson Demon and His Captivating Tea Merchant

My jaw hung open in astonishment. Captivating? Oh my. This was definitely not Elder Ming's sort of reading material. He would undergo Qi Deviation on the spot if I bought this for him!

"I seek shelter," the cultivator's voice boomed, deep and resonant like distant thunder. "What price for your tea?"

Li Wei, though intimidated, found his voice. "For a cultivator of your stature, this humble one offers his finest brew as a gift."

The man paused, a flicker of surprise crossing his handsome features. "A gift? You understand the implications, mortal?"

A defiant spark ignited within Li Wei's eyes. "Of course, my lord. But kindness knows no cultivation level. A simple cup of tea is the least I can offer to one who braves the storm."

The demon lords gaze softened, the barest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "Very well. Your courage intrigues me, tea merchant. I shall accept your offering."

And so, the demon lord's blood-red lips neared closer and closer, until

Panic flooded my veins. I slammed the book shut and whirled around, scanning the room frantically for an escape route. My eyes met those of an elderly woman adorned in jewels. Her expression was unreadable. I left the store as fast as my legs could take me. Unable to meet Feng Wu's gaze, I could make out the faint tremors wracking his body, as well as the faint sound of snickering.

"Ahem, I was just...I think I must be feeling ill, Feng Wu." I stammered, my voice reaching a fever pitch. "The forbidden scriptures. They've given me some sort of...heart demon? Qi deviation?"

Feng Wu didn't even try to hide his laughter. His shoulders shook as he grabbed my arm and all but dragged me to the next stop.

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