Blossoming Path

Stupid, stupid, stupid!

I should've known. I just decided to ignore the signs; and now I owe a debt to Xu Ziqing. Who knows what he'll do with it?

Carrying Windy on my arm and Tianyi keeping pace with ease, I made my way back to Jade Harmony Inn as fast as I possibly could. Every shadow in the dark felt like a potential enemy, just waiting for me to drop my guard.

When I finally reached the inn, I burst through the door of our room, startling Feng Wu. His calm, steady presence was a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me.

“Kai, what happened?” Feng Wu asked, his voice filled with concern.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “I... I got into some trouble. Duan Jian and a few of his lackeys ambushed me. You remember those guys from Spirited Noodle? They said they were out for revenge because I won the Gauntlet round or something, drunk off their minds...I managed to fight them off, but then Xu Ziqing showed up. He saved me, sort of. But now I owe him.”

The words flowed out of me like a waterfall, trying to get every detail I could.

Feng Wu’s expression hardened. “This is serious. Attacking you is tantamount to attacking the Verdant Lotus sect. Elder Zhu needs to be informed. We won’t take this lightly.”

I nodded, feeling a wave of guilt wash over me. “I’m sorry, Feng Wu. I should’ve known better. I put myself in danger and now I’ve dragged the sect into it.”

He shook his head, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “You can’t blame yourself, Kai. Your entry into the Jianghu was recent. You’re still learning. But from now on, you need to be more cautious. Avoid leaving the inn unless you’re in a group or it’s broad daylight. It’s much harder to be attacked under those conditions. I should've known better as well, letting you out on your own.”

His words were a balm to my guilt, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of stupidity that lingered. “I’ll be more careful. I promise. But why was Xu Ziqing there? Didn't you mention the Silent Moon sect has been laying low since the duel against Ping Hai.”

“That’s another concern,” Feng Wu admitted. “The Silent Moon sect’s reappearance could mean they’re planning something. We’ll need to keep our eyes open.”

I cursed myself again. “I should have known. I was so stupid to wander off alone.”

“Kai, don’t be so hard on yourself,” Feng Wu said firmly. “What matters is that you learn from this.There are people who might want to sabotage you to affect the Gauntlet’s outcome.”

I nodded, the reality of his words sinking in. “I understand. I’ll be more careful from now on.”

“Good,” he said, his expression softening slightly. “Now, get some rest. I’ll keep an eye out tonight.”

As I lay down, the events of the night replayed in my mind. Windy and Tianyi didn't seem to react much to the day's events. The snake slithered down to the corner, seemingly more concerned with resting. Perhaps I should learn a thing or two from him, seeing how lax he was after today's events. Time passed, as much as I tried, I wasn't any closer to being able to sleep than an hour ago.

The image of Tianyi being crushed underfoot by the Narrow Stone Peak disciples and Windy being taken away haunted my vision. My hands trembled, and I curled up in my bed trying to erase that thought/.

As the unsettling images replayed in my mind, I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep. I needed to address my worries directly. Taking a deep—albeit shaky breath, I closed my eyes and focused, diving into my memory palace.

The familiar surroundings of my memory palace materialized around me, a tranquil garden filled with vibrant plants and towering trees. Each tree, representing various disciplines and knowledge I had accumulated throughout my life, their leaves rustling softly in the imaginary breeze. This place was my sanctuary, a space where I could reflect and learn.

I walked through the garden, the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of birdsong soothing my nerves. I found the tree tied directly to my memories, its branches heavy with fruit representing my experiences. Reaching up, I picked a fruit and split it open, revealing the vivid details of the day's events inside.

I began to review the experience of wandering around Crescent Bay City. The sights and sounds came back to me in vivid detail. I walked through the events again, trying to pinpoint the exact moment when Duan Jian and his goons started following me. Although I had a gut feeling, it wasn't based on any real logic. Just a small, niggling sensation at the back of my head.

The marketplace... the shrine... the courtyard... I paused, zooming in on each memory, analyzing the background for any signs of my pursuers. There—just a glimpse of a familiar face in the crowd. I traced it back further, cataloging each sighting meticulously. They had been following me for longer than I realized. Probably when I passed that bar.

How could I have missed it? I needed to train my sensitivity and vigilance better. I replayed the events again, noting every potential warning sign I had overlooked. Each alley, each turn—what should I have done differently?

When I passed the market stall, I should have noticed the way one of the men lingered a bit too long by the vendor. In the courtyard, the way another had pretended to adjust his boot but had really been watching me. These details had seemed insignificant at the time, but now I saw them for what they were—missed opportunities to avoid danger.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

I continued this mental exercise, reviewing and cataloging my mistakes. It was a way to learn, to ensure I wouldn't make the same errors again. The process was soothing, allowing me to confront my anxieties head-on. The more I went over the events, the more I felt a sense of control returning. I couldn't change what had happened, but I could prepare better for the future.

SCENE BREAK

I woke early, determined to make the most of the day. After a quick breakfast, I left Tianyi and Windy behind in the room. Today, I was going to collect my reward from the vault-keeper at the Alchemy Association.

The streets of Crescent Bay City were already bustling with activity, merchants setting up their stalls and vendors calling out their wares. I walked briskly, my mind focused on the task at hand. I knew exactly what I wanted to get.

Approaching the Alchemy Association's towering building, I felt a feeling of readiness. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting long shadows from the spire.

The clerk recognized me immediately, taking my entry token and quickly guiding me to where the vault was. We passed through the layers of security with ease. Through every door, guarded by cultivators, I wondered how someone would even begin with a break-in. Unless they brought three sect elders, I don't think it was possible to do such a thing.

The vault-keeper stared at me with an appraising eye, and the clerk excused herself, leaving me alone with the old man.

He was dressed in robes of sky blue, their dignified appearance lending an air of authority to the room. His hair was a pristine white, and his eyes, though clouded with age, sparkled with a sharp intelligence.

I greeted him respectfully, bowing slightly. "Good morning, sir."

He inclined his head in response. "Ah... Kai Liu, correct? It's good to see you again. Have you had any success in reviving the Golden Bamboo yet?"

I smiled sheepishly. "Not yet, sir. It's only been a few days since we last spoke. These things take time."

I suppose it was quite telling if he expected me to revive a nigh-extinct species in just three days. I always gave off that genius vibe, after all.

He chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "Of course, of course. Forgive an old man his impatience. My memory isn't what it used to be, especially when I spend most of my days down here. Time tends to blur."

Oh. He was just senile.

I nodded, wondering who this man truly was. His demeanor and knowledge suggested someone of great importance, yet his humility was striking. Before I could ponder further, he gestured towards the vault.

"Now then, where would you like to start?"

"I think I'd like to look around first, if that's alright," I said. "I'd like to consider all the options before making a decision."

The vault-keeper smiled, a hint of pride in his expression. "Very well. Follow me."

As we walked through the vault, he provided information about every item we passed. The depth of his knowledge was astounding. Each artifact had a story, each ingredient a history. The vault was filled with treasures, some I had only read about in ancient texts.

"This here is the Cinnabar Rock Crystal," he said, pointing to a crystalline object encased in glass. "When processed carefully, can help you cultivate yang-based martial arts."

"And this," he continued, moving to a shelf lined with small vials, "is the Deep Sea Kelp Heart. it has been dehydrated for preservation and concentration of its properties, used mainly in products to raise resistance against cold and yin energies."

I listened, fascinated, as he described each item. His passion for alchemy was evident in every word, and I couldn't help but feel inspired. It didn't feel like knowledge from a book, but one gained from firsthand experience. Something about the way he talked, and explained each item, its as though he had personal history with them.

"Who are you?" I finally asked, unable to contain my curiosity any longer. "You know so much about all of these obscure ingredients, and extensively at that. It's incredible."

The vault-keeper paused, a wistful smile on his lips. "My name is Guowei Wang. I...I am merely a custodian of these treasures, ensuring they are preserved and protected for future generations."

The name didn't ring a bell, but his humility and knowledge were impressive. But with all that in mind, it only solidified my decision. "Thank you, Guowei Wang. Your guidance has been invaluable. I've made my decision. I'd like to select the Breezesong Fruit."

He nodded approvingly. "A wise choice. Although the vault contains many treasures that are never seen in the public light, it doesn't necessarily mean they are better. The Breezesong Fruit is still an incredible ingredient. I hope it serves you well."

I bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master Guowei. Your guidance has been invaluable. Perhaps I could visit you again sometime to hear more of your stories?"

The vault-keeper's cloudy eyes looked at me in surprise. For a moment, he looked down before bursting out in laughter.

"Ah, it's been a long time since anyone's shown interest in an old man's tales. I'd be delighted, young man. Visit whenever you feel like it," Guowei Wang said with a gracious smile. To facilitate this, he grabbed a slip of paper from his desk and began scrawling symbols on it. They didn't make much sense to me, but I knew better than to question an alchemical master.

"Show this to the clerk outside," he explained. "It will allow you to meet me whenever you please."

"Thank you, sir," I said, accepting the paper with a deep bow.

"Now, how would you like to receive the Breezesong Fruit?" Guowei Wang asked.

"I'd like to have it delivered to the Verdant Lotus sect," I replied. "It's difficult to keep it safe at this point in time."

The vault-keeper nodded in understanding. "Very well. It will be sent out shortly."

With my request fulfilled, I left the vault-keeper and ascended up to the main floor, my thoughts heavy on the Breezesong Fruit. Its instrumental role in my plans loomed large in my mind, especially in conjunction with the Wind Serpent beast core I had yet to utilize. I'd make an elixir, one that would ensure I'd grow strong enough to defend against any threats that came my way. The two ingredients together promised unparalleled potential. And with the Breezesong Fruit seeds, I could cultivate more in the future, ensuring a steady supply.

As I made my way out, lost in thought, a boisterous voice jolted me back to reality, my heart leaping in my chest.

"KAI! OVER HERE!"

I turned to see Tao Ren, looking slightly worse for wear but decidedly more refined in a distinguished robe. His short, unruly hair had been slicked back, transforming his appearance from the crazed smith I knew to a dignified noble. It was the first time I'd seen him since his father had dragged him out of the arena.

"Tao Ren? What happened to you?"

He sagged his shoulders, glancing around as if worried someone might overhear. "That geezer of mine's been harping on me about image and face, or whatever. He wants me to meet some of his buddies from the association, make connections and all that."

The blacksmith jabbed his thumb to where the clerk was, and I could see his father having an animated discussion with her. She seemed flustered by his appearance.

I couldn't resist a teasing jab. "Tch. I can't believe you were hiding such a thing from your friends. You were secretly a noble! Just like those snobbish contestants looking down on us." I wiped a fake tear from my eye with my sleeve. To think that Bai Hua and Tao Ren came from such outstanding backgrounds. What's next, Zhi Ruo being the long-lost descendant of the Imperial Emperor?

He rolled his eyes and slung his arm around my neck as we walked together. "Come on, don't be like that! I knew my geezer was an alchemist too, but not at that scale. He never said he was a bigshot with the Alchemy Association."

I looked at him incredulously. Was he really that obtuse, having never picked up on such a detail? "So you're still going to meet with them?"

"Of course! I may have been eliminated from the Gauntlet, but if I get buddy-buddy with some of these powerful people, won't it make starting my own smithing business a breeze? Acquiring a permit to set up shop here's the next step, after all!"

I sighed. It seemed that despite everything, Tao Ren was still the same; that sheer determination would get him somewhere in life, without a doubt. And judging by his father, it was clear to see where he got it from.

"Hey, how about after this, we go grab a meal together? This meeting shouldn't take too long."

I hesitated for a moment, remembering Feng Wu's words. But it was still daytime, and as long as I was accompanied by others and stayed in crowded areas, it should be fine.

"Sure, where do you think would be good?"

"The Cloudrift Pavilion was good according to Bai Hua. Ever heard of it?"

I nodded, recalling my previous visit and the day I had met Jingyu Lian again. "I went there before. It's really good. I'll go if it's on your tab, young master Tao Ren."

He waved me off. "Of course, of course! Anything for my juniors." He said with a cheeky grin. To be fair, this dignified look suited him. With his towering physique, I noticed many women around us glancing at him with flushed faces. How ironic, to think that the one Duan Jian despised as a peasant would be related to someone so important.

"I'll go grab a seat then, I know how busy it gets. Don't take too long, okay?"

With our plans confirmed, I looked over to the Cloudrift Pavilion, visible from where we stood. It was situated in a prime location, one of the most popular spots in the city. Coupled with its proximity to the Whispering Wind sect, I was confident there'd be no place to stage an ambush like in the alleys. I wouldn't take Windy or Tianyi out with me anymore, not unless I had Feng Wu to accompany me. Until I could protect them and myself, flaunting them around would be impossible.

I just have to be careful.

With that mantra repeating in my head, I began my trek towards the restaurant.