Chapter 5: Introductions and Explanations
Han Wei stood outside the doors to his courtyard and viewed his disciples, determining what to say. He needed to obtain their respect, enough that they would keep any doubts they had about his odd behaviour to themselves at least.
And he could admit to himself that he didn't want to screw-up their training. The first few years of cultivation arguably could set the course for their entire lives if they stayed within the sect. Cultivators had long long memories, making a person's reputation more precious than any treasure.
If his actions damaged their reputation it was likely they would never forgive him.
Xiao Lan maintained her polite but distant demeanor but Han Wei sensed an arrogance beneath it. Her test scores were fairly impressive, spiritual roots that were worthy of the inner sect and a cultivation comprehension that was significantly above average. But she was not a genius and her family, while nobility, did not have the resources to support her cultivation.
She would have to work past her arrogance if she did not want to make enemies here that were far beyond her.
Lan Feng was fidgeting beneath Elder Han's scrutiny, still nervous - unsure of himself and his position. His spiritual roots were good, his comprehension acceptable, and he had a rare constitution that had potential. He had a Wild Fox Spirit bloodline that could provide huge benefits to his cultivation if nurtured correctly.
But his confidence was missing. And conviction in their path was crucial for a cultivator to be able to pass bottlenecks. Without it he could potentially be stuck in the Qi Gathering realm forever.
His last disciple was standing at attention before him, neither taking his new position for granted nor questioning whether he deserved to be there. Tie Zhu. His test scores were mediocre at best, and his performance in the trials had been mixed. But something about him caught Han Wei's eye.
The boy's determination was palpable, his will unyielding. In a world where strength of spirit could matter more than inborn talent, Tie Zhu's resolve had the potential to overcome his shortcomings. Or so Han Wei hoped.
"This is my courtyard," Han Wei began, his voice calm and measured. "Within it I have set up a cultivation space that I expect you to use for your cultivation at least once per day." With that he opened the doors to reveal the garden.
As he took in the lush greenery that filled his courtyard, he thought that he could be forgiven for his dramatic reveal. The naturally high qi of this area had been flowing through his unconventional living array since its creation and the garden had exploded in growth. Han Wei had already had to prune back the willow saplings to prevent the hedging from turning into full trees.
"This is a cultivation grotto," He said with more than a little pride. "An artificial recreation of a Spiritual Cave or Blessed Site, that should speed your cultivation while you are within it."
Xiao Lan raised an eyebrow, her tone polite. "Elder Wei, how exactly does this grotto differ from the standard cultivation chambers provided by the sect?"
Han Wei smiled faintly. "An excellent question. The grotto itself is a type of formation that harmonizes with the flow of spiritual energy.
"Instead of simply increasing the qi density this space is designed so that it makes qi easier to absorb through cultivation as well as allowing it to passively nourish your physical body. Something that can increase your potential for body refinement."
Lan Feng's eyes widened. "It feels... alive," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Precisely," Han Wei said, nodding approvingly. "The grotto is a living array, shaped by the interplay of nature and spiritual energy.
"You will have been cultivating in the outer sect courtyards until now, and so you may not be aware of the dangers of cultivation within areas of high qi density. Geniuses and those with high talent do so in the inner sect as they are expected to be able to avoid cultivation deviations or shattering their spiritual organs through qi overload.
"At your level, all except geniuses would be expected to cultivate in lower qi areas than exist this close to the Silvermist Ravine. My cultivation grotto bypassess this issue by taming the qi before it can be absorbed."
Even Xiao Lan looked impressed by that.
"Surely there must be a downside, master. Or wouldn't these be more well known?" She asked. And Had Wei smiled slightly.
"It does require constant upkeep to maintain the energy flows, and it is likely only an elder would have the spiritual sensitivity required to maintain it." Indeed without his divine sense and memories from being in the Core Refining stage it would have been impossible for him to balance the array.
He showed the three where their new quarters would be and then invited them to sit in his receiving room for a discussion.
"Before we proceed," He began, "I would like to know what type of cultivation each of you plan to focus on initially."
The disciples exchanged glances, uncertainty flickering in their eyes. Han Wei continued, "For the first few realms, it's crucial to focus on one primary cultivation type. Only once you've established a solid foundation, can you explore secondary cultivation paths to complement your primary focus."
Xiao Lan was the first to speak. "I wish to focus on wind-aspect techniques. My family has a long history of mastering the element, and I intend to continue that legacy and use them to support my martial arts."
Han Wei nodded. "Then I recommend you start with spiritual cultivation and choose a method that is wind based. I'd suggest finding one that leans towards the cutting wind rather than the raging storm or the gentle breeze." Xiao Lan nodded respectfully at the advice but he suspected from her expression that this wasn't anything new to her.
"Lan Feng, what about you?"
The boy hesitated, his fingers twisting the hem of his sleeve. "I... I don't know. I know I should refine my bloodline, and that a darkness or shadow based method would complement my roots." He hesitated for a moment before continuing.
"The testers said that I was born to be an assassin…" He looked incredibly unsure and Han Wei sighed.
"None can choose your cultivation path for you," He started, trying to be reassuring, "not even the heavens assign cultivators their daos. You must look within yourself to discover who you desire to be, only once you have a destination in mind can you begin to choose a road."
Without meaning to Han Wei fell into the lecturing cadence of his favourite professor from university. "Start by selecting a type of cultivation. It is perhaps the easiest step if you haven't yet set goals for yourself as there are only four options available in the sect.
"If you want to focus on your body, its strength, durability, and health, then you should choose body cultivation. They are the strongest cultivators in the lower realms and the weakest in the higher ones - but regardless of realm they are always the most durable and it is typically this type of cultivator that are the survivors of calamities.
"If you want to balance strength of the body with the power of spiritual techniques, then spiritual cultivation is best. Spiritual cultivation is the most common cultivation type as it provides reserves of qi in the spiritual body that can be used for techniques while also supporting the physical body.
"If you want to focus solely on spiritual techniques and do not care whether your body stays essentially mortal then you should choose aura cultivation. It is a rare choice, but not without benefits as aura cultivators can manipulate huge amounts of qi in their techniques giving them great power, though many look down on it as without a secondary cultivation method its users still age like mortals and are very vulnerable to sneak attacks.
"Soul cultivation is the last option available to you. Though the dao is infinite, the cultivation methods the sect has access to are not. Those who are primarily soul cultivators are even rarer than aura cultivators, and they are often feared, respected, and shunned all at once.
"This is because soul-aspected combat techniques are nearly impossible to block even if the damage they can do varies wildly depending on the soul defenses of the target. Soul cultivation does empower the spiritual body and physical body, similarly to how spiritual cultivation empowers the physical body, but at a vastly reduced rate.
"Soul cultivation also grants access to a wide range of esoteric techniques such as true divination, spirit surgery, possession, and more that can't be replicated by more typical cultivators. Soul cultivators are often either revered healers or assassins."
Lan Feng looked slightly overwhelmed by the information but he bowed in respect and promised to think on his choice.
"Tie Zhu, do you have a path yet for your cultivation?"
The boy frowned, clearly deep in thought. "I had heard that body cultivation is expensive, that it required treasures and that only the rich could be body cultivators. Is that true?"
"There is truth in it. But some body cultivation methods do not require many treasures or alchemical treatments, and a rare few don't require them at all. Consuming treasures is merely the easiest way to refine the body and is the method many use when body cultivation is not their main focus."
Tie Zhu still looked deep in thought, his brow furrowed, "And is it possible for someone's secondary cultivation method to become their primary one?"
"Yes. It is simply a matter of a person's focus. However it is not easy. Yes cultivating the early realms in a new cultivation type will go faster, but as once you are within two, sometimes three, major realms that advantage will stop and your cultivation will slow to its natural pace.
"Choosing where to spend your time is one of the biggest challenges of a cultivator and switching cultivation types without a good reason is generally considered a waste of that time."
Tie Zhu nodded in understanding. "I understand master. I think I will have to see what methods the sect has to offer before I can choose."
"Master." Xiao Lan broke in. "You didn't cover dharmic cultivation in your explanation. I had heard you were a dharmic cultivator and am unsure what that means."
Elder Han raised an eyebrow at the implied question. It was clear from Xiao Lan's test scores that she had studied cultivation for years in preparation for joining the sect. How could she not know what a dharmic cultivator was?
Dharmic cultivators were duty bound to teach their dharmic cultivation to any who asked. Were the local powers suppressing knowledge of dharmic cultivation for some reason? The only reasons he could think of for such a thing were too concerning to dwell on.
"Dharmic cultivation is not a type of cultivation, but a cultivation technique. The Dharma is one of the ways of living that has the approval and blessing of the heavens.
"A righteous soul can use a dharmic technique with their cultivation and if their beliefs and actions resonate truly with the Dharma they will pass through their bottlenecks far easier and will not suffer from cultivation deviations."
As Han Wei said this, pulling the information easily from Elder Han's memory, he was struck by the realisation of what his cultivation deviation meant.
Elder Han had been a virtuous man as far as he could remember. He had disdained excess, fought against demonic cultivators, always stood up for justice and stood against evil doers. How could he have strayed from the Dharma? What had he missed?
Tie Zhu perked up at the explanation, his reaction clearly showing that he was aware of the limitations of his spiritual roots.
"Master, will you be teaching us dharmic cultivation techniques then?" He asked eagerly.
"If any of you ask for it I will teach you how to use a dharmic technique to convert your cultivation method into a dharmic one. However I would request that you familiarise yourself with the Dharma before asking so that you can be sure you are willing to dedicate your life to its teachings.
"Dharmic cultivation methods are easy to take up at any point in your cultivation, but they are incredibly difficult to turn away from without dispelling your cultivation base entirely."
Xiao Lan spoke up once more. "Elder Wei, how do we know which cultivation methods to choose from the sect's library? There are so many options."
Han Wei's lips curved into a faint smile. "I encourage you to explore the library yourselves. Familiarity with the texts will deepen your understanding."
Lan Feng frowned. "But what if we choose the wrong method?"
"There's no such thing as a 'wrong' method," Han Wei replied. "Each path has its strengths and weaknesses. What matters is whether your choice will lead you towards the cultivator that you wish to be.
"Trust your instincts, don't be afraid to ask for guidance, and if you still cannot choose between cultivation methods," He smiled, "then trust in fate and the heavens will guide you."
The disciples nodded, their expressions thoughtful. Han Wei clapped his hands and stood up.
"Very well." Han Wei stood up to end their discussion. "Your first task is to collect your things, and settle into your new accommodations. Your second task is to cultivate in the courtyard to acclimatise yourself to the difference the grotto makes. Your third task is to visit the library and select a cultivation method and either a martial arts manual or a martial technique.
"Once you've made your choices, we'll begin your training."
With that he motioned to them in dismissal and they each bowed in respect. As the disciples turned to leave, Han Wei added, "Remember, cultivation is not just about strength. It's about understanding yourself and the world around you. Approach it with an open mind."
The disciples departed, leaving Han Wei alone with his thoughts. He exhaled slowly, the weight of his responsibilities pressing on him. His near-perfect memory was a blessing that was covering for his many flaws, but he was reminded of a saying from his past life 'You don't know what you don't know.'
Any single piece of common knowledge that he was missing could easily throw suspicion upon him that he could not afford. At least they have not yet unlocked their spiritual senses and can't yet sense my cultivation. That buys me some time.
Han Wei paused for a moment and, deciding that he was unwilling to be idle and that he was not in the mood to continue reading, decided to adjust the flow of spiritual energy within the grotto to make sure it was perfect for when his disciples returned.
Just as he was considering the merits of hanging talismans from some of the taller greenery, he felt a faint ripple against the veil of his disguise technique - a telltale sign of someone attempting to scan his cultivation with their spiritual senses.
He straightened, schooled his expression to the stern countenance of Elder Han, and strained his senses to detect the intruder.
Despite his heavyset form, Elder Liu's footsteps were soft, almost imperceptible, as he neared the courtyard. Even with his enhanced senses he wouldn't have been able to hear him approaching without being alerted first by the probe.
"Elder Wei," Elder Liu called out from the courtyard entrance, his voice smooth and amiable. "What an impressive garden you've created. I must say, your dedication to your disciples is commendable."
Han Wei turned, offering a polite bow. "Elder Liu. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
Elder Liu's sharp eyes scanned the grotto, taking in every detail. "I heard a rumour that the disciples you took were the first students you had ever taken. And Elder Zhang suggested that I should drop by to make sure you were handling it well. He's always been... concerned about the well-being of our fellow elders."
Han Wei's eyes tightened imperceptibly, though he kept his face a polite blank. "Elder Zhang is too kind. But there is no need to worry, I am confident in my ability to guide my disciples."
Elder Liu's gaze lingered on the courtyard. "Your methods are... unconventional. But then again, you've always been full of surprises.
"Your grotto is quite remarkable," Elder Liu continued, his tone casual but his gaze piercing. "It must have taken considerable effort to create.
The question was phrased casually, but as Elder Liu spoke, Han Wei felt a subtle pressure against the veil of his disguise technique - a probing technique this time, one actively trying to pierce his defenses.
Probing at one another with their spiritual senses was a common enough tactic among elders, a way to assert dominance or uncover weaknesses. But using a scanning technique was downright rude.
Han Wei nodded formally, allowing a frown to form on his face. "It was indeed a challenge, but one I welcomed. Engaging in new endeavors has been... informative."
"I see. Tell me, how is your spirit tempering going?"
Elder Liu's eyes narrowed slightly, his probing technique intensifying. Han Wei felt the pressure increase, like a needle trying to pierce through a veil. But his disguise technique was designed to withstand scrutiny by much worse than an inquisitive elder and held firm.
"Slowly," he replied, his tone flat. "But then that is true of anything worth doing is it not?"
Elder Liu's probing technique faltered for a moment, and then pulled away. He frowned almost imperceptibly, then smiled. "Humility is a rare virtue among cultivators. It's refreshing to see someone of your standing embrace it."
Han Wei inclined his head. "We all have much to learn, no matter our level of cultivation."
The two elders stood in silence for a moment, the tension between them palpable. Elder Liu was the first to break, though his sharp gaze lingered. "Well, I won't keep you. I'm sure you have much to do. Do let me know if you want any advice about training disciples."
"Thank you, Elder Liu. I'll keep that in mind."
As Elder Liu walked away, Han Wei's unease grew. The elder's probing had been more aggressive than he would have expected. What exactly did Elder Zhang suggest about me that raised his suspicions like that?
He would need to tread carefully, both for his sake and that of his disciples.
Once Elder Liu was out of sight, Han Wei exhaled slowly, releasing the tension in his shoulders. He glanced at the grotto, its serene beauty a stark contrast to the turmoil within him. Han Wei took a deep breath, drawing strength from the tranquil energy of the space. He had chosen his path, and he would see it through - no matter the challenges ahead.
Chapter 6: Students of the Great Elder
The air was crisp, carrying with it the faint scent of spirit herbs. Xiao Lan, Lan Feng, and Tie Zhu stood at the entrance of Elder Han's courtyard, their hearts pounding with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.
Today marked the beginning of their journey as disciples of Elder Han, a man shrouded in rumour - supposedly he was overbearing and uncompromising in his outlook, a martial focused cultivator who was known for hunting demonic cultivators in his prime.
Elder Han pushed open the heavy wooden gates, revealing a sight that left the three disciples momentarily speechless.
Instead of the empty courtyard prepared for martial arts practice that they were expecting, there was a lush garden unlike anything they had seen in the sect so far. Spirit herbs of various hues grew in wild chaos, their leaves shimmering with faint spiritual energy.
Paths meandered gently through the garden's lush verdant undergrowth. It was a place brimming with life so unlike the carefully ordered garden they had seen in the disciple selection trials. The thick qi in the air itself seemed to hum with potential, as though it was eager for them to enter.
"This is a cultivation grotto," Elder Han announced with a stern glare as if warning them not to damage this treasure. "An artificial recreation of a Spiritual Cave or Blessed Site, that should speed your cultivation while you are within it."
This… this is incredible. Xiao Lan thought to herself, her sharp eyes scanning the grotto with a mix of awe and envy. She had grown up in a noble family, studying cultivation as expected of the daughter of cultivators - but she had never heard of someone being able to recreate a Blessed Site.
Blessed Sites were supposedly bestowed as rewards by the heavens to brave cultivators exploring the wilderness; she had no idea how Elder Han had managed to transpose one into his own dwelling.
However she was a noble scion and now Elder Han's direct disciple so she carefully kept her demeanour cold as she asked how it worked.
Lan Feng looked about in wonder as the qi pressed against his spirit. "It feels... alive." he murmured. It's so peaceful here. I've never felt so… connected to the world. He couldn't wait to wander its pathways and see if it held any secrets.
Tie Zhu merely nodded as his new master explained the cultivation grotto to them. His spirit was not as sensitive as the others and he couldn't feel the surging vitality in the qi around them, but he understood what this would mean for his cultivation. And he felt a swell of gratitude that his master had gone to so much effort on their behalf.
After briefly showing them to the suite of rooms where the disciples would be staying Elder Han took them to his reception hall and sat formally in the center of the room as etiquette dictated.
The three disciples hurriedly sat around him, Xiao Lan furious that Tie Zhu had sat in the position of primary disciple before she could get there - and worse didn't seem to understand what it meant.
Xiao Lan tensed slightly when Elder Han didn't bring out a tea set as etiquette demanded. Have we already done something to offend him? Is this a test?
She tried to calm herself as Elder Han began to speak, trying to focus on his words.
Elder Han began to lecture them on the basics of cultivation, his demeanour thawing slightly to merely stern. Yet, the three disciples could sense an undeniable aura of authority about him, a quiet intensity that commanded respect.
Nervous that their new master was testing their dedication, Xiao Lan found herself interrupting with questions as they occurred to her. She hoped that she was displaying how seriously she was taking the lecture, but couldn't help but worry that she was coming across as desperate.
Before she knew it, the lecture was over and Elder Han was walking away, leaving the disciples to retrieve their belongings and settle into their new home.
The disciples' new accommodations were modest but comfortable, nestled within Elder Han's sprawling courtyard. Each of them had been assigned a small room in a shared building, its walls made of polished cedar and its roof tiled with dark ceramic tiles.
The rooms were sparsely furnished - a wooden bed, a desk, and a small shelf for personal belongings - but they were clean and imbued with a faint spiritual energy to soothe and comfort the occupants.
A shared common area connected the rooms, complete with a low table and cushions for meditation or casual conversation.
Xiao Lan was the first to claim her space, arranging her belongings with the precision of someone accustomed to order. She hung her bladed fans on the wall, their edges glinting in the soft light filtering through the paper windows.
Lan Feng quietly placed his few possessions around his assigned room, his movements hesitant as if he were afraid to disturb its tranquility. Tie Zhu, on the other hand, tossed his bag onto the bed and immediately went out to explore their new home.
The true marvel of their new home, however, was the cultivation grotto.
The first time they attempted to cultivate within its confines, the difference was palpable. The Hollow Breathing method that they had initially been given by the sect was a simple foundational method, but in the grotto it felt like a true cultivation path. The spiritual energy in the grotto was far more responsive than anything they had experienced in the sect's general training areas.
Xiao Lan was the first to notice. As she settled into meditation in a convenient spot by a lush fern, she felt the energy around her coalesce like a gentle breeze, swirling around her body as though it were alive. Her breaths deepened, each inhalation drawing in a flood of spiritual energy that flowed through her meridians with ease.
"This… this is incredible," she murmured, her eyes still closed and barely aware she was speaking aloud. "The energy here is so much more refined. It's like the difference between drinking from a muddy stream and a crystal-clear spring."
Tie Zhu, seated on a flat stone not far away, grunted in agreement. Each breath seemed to do more than fill his dantian, he could feel the energy seeping into his bones and muscles, reinforcing them in ways he hadn't thought possible.
"I feel like I could punch through a mountain," he said, his voice tinged with awe. "This place is a treasure."
Lan Feng, sitting cross-legged on a patch of soft moss, was the most affected. His connection to the spiritual energy was different, more intimate. The grotto's energy felt like a comforting embrace, soothing his anxieties and sharpening his focus. For the first time since he joined the sect, he felt a sense of belonging, as though the grotto had been waiting for him all along.
"It's like… the grotto is breathing with me," he said softly, his voice barely audible.
They cultivated until evening and retired back to their rooms - exhausted from the long cultivation session and yet too energised by the influx of qi to go to sleep.
Xiao Lan ended up making a pot of spirit tea for them to share, choosing a blend known for its calming and soothing properties.
Tie Zhu broke the ice with a question. "So, Xiao Lan," he started, leaning back on his cushion, "why'd you join the sect? You're from a noble family, right? Couldn't you have just stayed home and lived the easy life?"
Xiao Lan raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. "You should refer to me as 'senior sister' if you are going to ask such personal questions." she replied, her tone sharp. "And there is nothing easy about being a noble. Every move is scrutinized, every decision weighed against the family's reputation.
"This is especially true when you are from a cultivation family as I am." She took a calming sip of her tea before continuing.
"I joined the sect because the sect is my best chance to become strong enough to elevate my family to a recognised cultivation clan." She let herself answer truthfully as these two would likely be her martial brothers for years now. And besides, it was information that anyone could find out if they had cause to go digging.
Tie Zhu whistled, impressed. "Fair enough. What about you, Lan Feng? No offense, but you don't seem the ambitious type."
Lan Feng fidgeted with the hem of his sleeve, his gaze fixed on the floor. "My family are merchants, and it was only by luck that I had the chance to be tested for potential. It could change the fortune of my entire family to have a cultivator supporting them."
Unlike Xiao Lan it was clear that carrying the future of his entire family was a heavy weight for him.
"And you Tie Zhu?"
"I had nowhere else to go." Tie Zhu replied easily. "I didn't expect to get in to be honest, and once I did I vowed to make it as far as I could - no regrets."
The room fell silent, the weight of Tie Zhu's words settling over them. Lan Feng, wishing that he could have even half of the confidence of Tie Zhu and Xiao Lan.
The next day, the disciples stood together before the imposing structure of the Technique Pavilion. Its towering walls were adorned with intricate carvings of mythical beasts and ancient symbols, each one radiating a faint spiritual pressure.
As the most important repository in the sect no expense had been spared in its creation, each section lined in spiritual silver down to the myriad ornamental roof guardians.
Xiao Lan was the first to step inside, her steps confident and purposeful. She had always known what she wanted - a cultivation method that would complement her wind-aspect spiritual roots and enhance her family's martial arts.
She knew her sect-oaths would prevent her from passing the method along to her family. But if she could advance far enough to create her own method based on it, then her family's future would be set.
She quickly found one titled Zephyr's Edge Meditation Scripture, a spiritual cultivation technique that claimed to use wind aspected qi to boost the users mobility and compatibility with wind cutting arts.
Since she was happy with her family's traditional martial arts, she chose a spiritual technique for her second scripture called the Whirlwind Fan Dance. A technique that should allow her to create whirlwinds of cutting wind by channelling her spiritual energy into her bladed fans.
Tie Zhu, on the other hand, found himself torn. He knew that he didn't have the advantages of his fellow disciples in terms of raw talent, so he knew that he would quickly fall behind unless he found a method that sacrificed something for speed.
He had initially wanted to focus on body cultivation, if there was one thing he knew he could rely on it was his martial strength. But after Elder Han had explained some of the drawbacks, he couldn't help but think that spiritual cultivation might be the better option.
He spent a long time looking through the spiritual cultivation options looking for the perfect method that would be the solution to all his problems. After what felt like hours of deliberation, he turned aways from them all decisively and went to look at the body cultivation methods.
He found the right one for him nearly instantly.
It was called the Unbreakable Bastion Ironblood Forging Method and it didn't require expensive treasures or complex alchemical treatments, just metal aspect spiritual roots and the ability to endure pain.
The method tried to claim that the pain experienced when breaking through both minor and major stages was actually a benefit - a way to temper your will. But Tie Zhu knew that pain was just pain and had experienced enough to know that there was no nobility in suffering.
Still, he was willing to suffer for a method that promised faster and smoother cultivation if he could endure it. He didn't spend nearly as long choosing a martial art, simply selecting the Thundering Spear manual as matching everything he was looking for - a straightforward martial art that focused on strength and precision.
Lan Feng's decision was the most difficult. He had been told that his darkness-aspect spiritual roots made him suited for assassination techniques, but the thought of becoming an assassin filled him with unease.
Not following a path that he was uniquely suited for seemed stupid - a choice that would be failing the expectations his family had for him. But at the same time he just could not see himself as an assassin.
The image didn't fit in his head at all. Even the fearful image he had seen in the Mirror of False Reflection didn't help exactly - bloodstained as it was.
He couldn't decide, and couldn't trust himself to decide. But remembering Elder Han's words about trusting fate, he selected a number of appropriate methods that would suit his spiritual roots and drew some I-Ching sticks from his robes.
He didn't have a copy of the I-Ching with him to interpret a true divination (and wouldn't really know how to on his own even if he did), so he simply assigned the names of the methods to the five cardinal directions and let the sticks fall.
He ended up with a soul cultivation method called the Flickering Shadowveil Mantra. Elder Han did say that soul cultivators were known as feared assassins. He thought, resigned. I suppose this is my destiny.
Dispirited, he simply asked the library elder for advice on choosing a martial arts manual as he didn't know how to fight or what he wanted to specialise in. He took the Myriad Sword Foundations manual without even reading the slip explaining its nature and tried not to think about what his future might be.
The disciples returned to the Elder Han's courtyard one by one, their chosen scrolls in hand. Elder Han listened as each of them explained their choices, his expression unreadable. To each one he nodded slightly.
"You have chosen well," their master said. "But remember, a cultivation method is only as strong as the cultivator who wields it. Study your cultivation method carefully and try to understand the principles behind it.
"This evening, at sundown, wait for me in the grotto and I will supervise as you make your first attempts."
As the last of his disciples retreated to their quarters to begin their studies, Elder Han remained in his receiving room overlooking the grotto, his eyes narrowing in thought.
Once he was certain they were all distracted by their study, he made all haste to the Technique Pavillion to read the full versions of their techniques. Frantically racing through them until he was reassured that he would be at least a few steps ahead of his students.
That evening, as the sun disappeared over the horizon, the three disciples gathered in the cultivation grotto with varying degrees of excitement and trepidation. As they stood waiting for their master they felt a shit in the qi pressing against them - suddenly it was growing denser and more powerful.
Before they could process what was happening, their master was standing before them. The same stern presence as before, but now his cold gaze seemed to look right into their souls.
Han Wei had activated the gathering array on his compound and unleashed his divine sense. Even the undeveloped senses of his disciples could tell that something had changed.
"When you are ready, begin." Hearing a note of reprimand in his voice the three scrambled to their meditation spots and tried to settle into the correct mindset to cultivate their new methods.
Xiao Lan was the first to begin, sinking into meditation with the ease of years of practice, and focused on corralling the powerful qi that now filled the grotto. Just as she was struggling with the circulation pattern she felt something - alien qi darted into her dantian. Somehow it was cold but also searing hot, made of light but somehow sharp as a razor.
Before her concentration could collapse completely the strange qi nudged her own qi, somehow shifting the path her qi was taking. In the instant before she was jolted out of her cultivation meditation she could feel how much more stable the new path was, and how much easier it was then when she was forcing it.
She quickly dived back into meditation to apply the change to her cultivation.
Lan Feng found his cultivation method terrifyingly easy. It seemed to fit him like a glove as he easily aspected the qi surrounding him into shadow qi - but that very ease unnerved him. He could feel himself fighting with the cultivation method even as it was working.
"Your cultivation is a part of you Lan Feng. It is wholly under your control." Elder Han's voice was quiet, but also as if it was directly in his ear and instinctively he knew that he was the only one who could hear him.
"To fear it is to fear yourself, and to fear yourself is a fool's errand. Focus on the moment, who are you right now? Is that person a person to fear?" There was something almost hypnotic about the words and Lan Feng found his cultivation smoothing out. "Good."
Tie Zhu experienced a tiny burst of pain - like a brief full body cramp - as he started his cultivation and stepped into the early Qi Gathering realm with body cultivation. And then it mellowed into a comforting buzz as the qi pouring into his flesh began to feel strangely pleasant
It was a deep relaxing feeling completely at odds with the discomfort he was expecting. Though he supposed that the lack of discomfort would be more than made up by the pain of advancement that it warned about.
Tie Zhu suddenly felt the amount of qi that he was guiding into his body decrease, throttled at the source. Before he could figure out why Elder Han's voice rang in his ear.
"Do not force it. More qi is not better if you cannot integrate it all. The path of cultivation is slow and steady, do not try to sprint when running a marathon." Nodding to himself he continued pulling in the lowered amount of qi and making sure that everything that he pulled in was able to be absorbed by his body.
Watching the three disciples all succeeding on their very first attempt Han Wei couldn't keep the smile off his face.
"They have potential," he murmured to himself. "I wonder how far they can go."
As the sun set over the Silvermist Ravine Sect, the grotto was silent save for the hum of spiritual energy and the quiet breaths of three disciples taking their first steps on the path to greatness.
And in the shadows, their master watched, his own path of redemption and growth now inextricably intertwined with theirs.
Chapter 7: Learning How to Teach
Han Wei had set a punishing schedule for himself again now that he was training disciples.
His morning began with training his disciples in martial arts. He started the training in the grotto, running them through body strengthening drills, stretches and flexibility exercises both inspired by his previous life as well as ones he could remember from the small flashes he had of his own training.
The energies in the grotto passively seeped into all of their bodies during this practice, and Han Wei intended to capitalise on this as much as possible.
After this warm-up he moved them to a smaller courtyard that had enough open space to let them train their martial arts. He had thoroughly studied the martial manuals that Tie Zhu and Lan Feng had chosen and was confident in his ability to correct their stances and movements even if he wasn't confident in performing them himself.
However Xiao Lan used her family's personal style and it was one he was not familiar with. Not being able to tell the difference between flaws in her practice and quirks of the style that would only make sense in later realms, he was forced to let her mostly practice by herself.
After a few hours of this he dismissed his disciples to rest and recover, and spent some time running through his own personal martial arts.
He knew that he couldn't rely on his muscle memory or instinct if he ever got into a fight, any instinct that he had would be relying on him being faster, stronger, and tougher than he was now his cultivation was lowered.
He initially hadn't expected that his cultivation losses would also impact his martial skill, but he was determined to make up for the change.
His afternoons he spent in the various sect libraries, alternating between shoring up his basic knowledge of cultivation practices, disciplines, and crafts, with searching for anything that could help him recover his cultivation.
In the late afternoons he activated the gathering arrays on his compound and supervised the cultivation of his disciples. He made sure that they were always improving in their comprehension or application of their methods and offered guidance on ways they could improve.
Then he had his own cultivation. First spiritual, then soul. Ever since his soul had recovered as far as it would with the Whispering Willow Soul Blossoming Sutra, the toll it took on him was lessened significantly.
He still had to spend a few precious hours sleeping to recover afterwards, but thankfully he was no longer forced to waste the entire night in sleep.
The night hours he had claimed back were then used to train martial arts again, but this time practicing his student's styles. He was managing to train them now with simple correction from the manuals, but as their realms advanced he would need much deeper insight - insight that would only come through learning the arts himself.
The morning would come and his routine would begin again.
The days passed like this and Han Wei could feel himself being worn down. His cultivation base was strong enough to support this level of activity, but the sheer mental energy involved was intense. He knew that it wasn't sustainable, but what could he cut back?
If anything he was worried that he wasn't doing enough.
One afternoon found Han Wei back in the Technique Pavilion, a place he loved for its quiet reverence, towering shelves filled with scrolls, manuals, and ancient tomes, and air thick with the scent of aged parchment and spiritual energy. He was beginning to hate it there.
He stood in the dimly lit hall, his fingers tracing the spines of the scrolls as he searched for something - anything - that could help him understand Xiao Lan's martial art.
He had spent the better part of the morning scouring the sect's collection of bladed fan arts, but the manuals were sparse and rudimentary. The Silvermist Ravine Sect was not known for its expertise in such niche weapons, and the few manuals they had were little more than basic forms and crude diagrams. None of them came close to the elegance and complexity of Xiao Lan's family techniques.
Frustrated, Han Wei moved to the section on wind-based martial arts. If he couldn't find a direct match for her style, perhaps he could piece together something from the broader principles that underlay it.
"Too rigid," he muttered after skimming the first one, he set the scroll aside and reached for another. This one focused on speed and evasion, its movements light and unpredictable. It was closer to what he needed, but still not quite right.
Han Wei sighed, running a hand through his hair in a way that was fast becoming a habit. How am I supposed to train her if I don't even understand her art?
He sat down at a nearby table, spreading out the scrolls he had gathered. The bladed fan manuals were laid out on one side, their crude diagrams a stark contrast to the precise strikes and swift cuts that they were attempting to display. The other side was the wind-based martial arts, their flowing forms and powerful strikes a world apart from the precision of the fans.
As he studied the scrolls, he began to notice small similarities with Xiao Fan's arts. The spinning strikes of the fan techniques shared a common ancestor with the cutting movements she used and circular motions of the wind arts sometimes echoed her footwork. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
He grabbed a blank scroll and began to sketch out his ideas, his brush moving quickly as he mapped out the movements. The spinning fan strikes became chaotic gusts of wind, their arcs flowing across and through the circular motions of the wind arts. The sweeping slashes of the fans were adapted to mimic the sudden bursts of speed and changes in direction that characterized the wind.
It was rough and unpolished, but Han Wei could see the potential in it. If he could refine the movements, he might be able to create a style that was both elegant and powerful. It wouldn't be exactly the same as Xiao Lan's art, but if it was close enough he would be able to guide her through the lower realms.
As the hours passed, the pile of scrolls on the table grew, and Han Wei's sketches became more detailed. He experimented with different combinations, testing the movements in his mind and adjusting them as needed.
That night, as he stood in the grotto practicing the new style, Han Wei felt a flicker of excitement. The movements were still rough, but they had potential. Even if he didn't recreate Xiao Lan's style, he could still be creating a whole new art here.
Han Wei's muscles moved swiftly and surely, energised by his brief rest after his cultivation practice. He pushed himself to learn these new movements, if he could master them in a night then he could refine them during his next trip to the library.
Hours passed, and the moon began its descent. As dawn approached, he finally allowed himself a moment of rest.
He retreated to his grotto and sat cross-legged on one of the larger stones that dotted the courtyard. It was quiet, save for the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds, the only sound was his breath. His thoughts turned to Lan Feng.
The boy had struggled during their meditation session earlier that day. His shadow cultivation required a deep connection to his spiritual roots, but Lan Feng's self-doubt held him back. Han Wei had seen the hesitation in his eyes, the way his hands still tightened as he tried to channel qi.
He needs more than just techniques, Han Wei thought, he needs confidence.
The memory of their conversation lingered in his mind. Han Wei had knelt beside Lan Feng, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Meditation isn't about forcing the energy to flow," he had said. "It's about finding the stillness within yourself and guiding it. The qi is already a part of you. You just need to trust it."
Lan Feng had nodded, but his eyes remained uncertain. Han Wei knew it would take time, but he was determined to help the boy find his footing.
The sound of footsteps pulled Han Wei from his thoughts. He turned and was surprised to see Lan Feng standing at the edge of the grotto, as if summoned by his thoughts.
"Sorry master," the boy said, bowing deeply. "I didn't mean to disturb your cultivation. I just woke early and thought I might… practice."
Han Wei nodded, gesturing for him to join. "Come. Sit."
Lan Feng obeyed, settling onto a patch of ground nearby his master. The two sat in silence for a moment, the cool night air wrapping around them like a blanket.
"Do you remember what I told you earlier?" Han Wei asked.
Lan Feng nodded. "About finding the stillness."
"Good. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Feel the qi around you and feel the qi inside you."
The boy obeyed, his breathing slow and steady.
"Take in qi now, slowly, and feel it change. Don't focus on truly cultivating for now, just draw in the qi and observe." Han Wei watched as Lan Feng drew in qi for a time. He wished he could use his divine senses to see what the qi was doing, but activating the gathering array now would be detrimental.
"What do you see, Lan Feng? What is the change that is happening to the qi as you draw it in?"
"It is… becoming mine." Lan Feng seemed astounded by this simple concept.
"Good," Han Wei said softly and waited until the boy was finished processing this revelation until he continued. "Remember, cultivation is as much about the self as it is about qi. Doubt is natural, but it doesn't define you."
Lan Feng looked up at Elder Han, and for the first time, Han Wei saw a glimmer of determination in them. "Thank you, master."
Han Wei placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, remembering the fears revealed by the Mirror of False Reflection. "Cultivation may be called a lonely climb, but you are not alone. You can rely on me for help for as long as I am your master."
As the first rays of sunlight broke through the trees, Han Wei felt a sense of hope. His disciples were growing, and so was he.
He stood, stretching out the slight stiffness in his muscles. His other disciples would be waking soon and the day ahead would be long, but he felt ready to face it with newfound energy.
Later, when the sun was high enough to cast golden light over the walls of his dwelling. Han Wei watched as Tie Zhu stood in the center of the training yard, his spear gripped tightly in his hands.
The boy's movements were stiff, his strikes lacking the fluidity and precision that came with natural talent. Sweat dripped from his brow as he repeated the same basic thrust over and over, his frustration evident in the set of his jaw.
Han Wei approached quietly, observing for a moment before speaking. "Tie Zhu," he said, his voice calm but firm.
The boy froze mid-thrust, lowering his spear and turning to face his master. "Master Han," he said, bowing slightly. His face was flushed, a mix of exertion and embarrassment at the reprimand he heard in Elder Han's tone.
"You're pushing yourself too hard," Han Wei said. "You need to allow yourself time to rest and recover before you train more. Cultivation and martial arts are not about speed, but perseverance. Talent can take a person far, but it is discipline that will carry you to the peak."
Tie Zhu's grip on his spear tightened. "But the others… Xiao Lan is so far ahead and Lan Feng is progressing so fast. I can't even get this basic form right."
Tie Zhu looked down, his expression conflicted. "I just… I don't want to fall behind."
"Comparing yourself to others will only ever bring you pain - even if you are comparing yourself favourably." Han Wei said firmly. "Sabotaging yourself by reinforcing the mistakes caused by tiredness is not the path to success."
The boy nodded, though his eyes still held a flicker of doubt. Han Wei could see the determination burning within him, but also the fear of failure. It was a familiar feeling - one Han Wei himself had wrestled with since his rebirth.
Over the next few days, Han Wei noticed Tie Zhu's relentless drive had not dimmed, but he was at least pacing himself better. The boy trained twice as much as the others, rising with the dawn to cultivate before martial training and staying late into the night to practice his spear forms after cultivation practice.
Han Wei often found him in the grotto in the early morning hours, his face resolute as he channeled spiritual energy through his body.
One morning, as the first light of dawn filtered through the trees, Tie Zhu's cultivation reached a critical point. A sharp, metallic tang filled the air causing Han Wei to look over in concern.
Concern that increased when Tie Zhu's body stiffened in obvious agony.
Han Wei quickly realised that this was the side effects of the Unbreakable Bastion Ironblood Forging Method kicking in and that it signaled the boy's advancement into the mid Qi Gathering realm.
Tie Zhu focused on breaking through, aware that faltering now would be failing at the first step. The pain was excruciating, far beyond the discomfort he had felt when first starting the method. His veins bulged, and a low groan escaped his lips, but he didn't let up. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as he endured.
Han Wei watched from a distance, his heart heavy but proud. He knew the pain Tie Zhu was experiencing was the price paid for the speed of cultivation in the steel body method. Few could endure it, but Tie Zhu refused to give up as he reforged the body through sheer willpower.
When the pain finally subsided, Tie Zhu collapsed onto his side, his breathing ragged and his body drenched in the foul contaminants his body had expelled.
Han Wei approached, ignoring the stench. "You did well," he said quietly. "That pain is a testament to your strength. Remember it."
Tie Zhu looked up, his eyes bloodshot but filled with determination. "I won't stop," he said hoarsely. "I'll keep going, no matter what."
Han Wei nodded, a flicker of respect in his eyes. "I know you will. Now go clean up."
Meanwhile, Xiao Lan's frustration was growing as the days passed. Her cultivation was progressing, but her martial arts felt stagnant. She couldn't trade pointers with Tie Zhu or Lan Feng - they were too far behind. And Elder Han… he seemed to spend all his time with the other two, leaving her to practice alone.
She had always been ahead of her peers, something that was simply expected of her throughout her noble upbringing, but she had always had tutors and trainers to support her. She was suddenly being left to learn on her own while she saw her fellow disciples getting the training that she needed too.
One morning, as Han Wei was guiding Lan Feng through his sword forms once more, Xiao Lan approached, her bladed fans clenched tightly in her hands.
"Master Han," she said, her voice tight. "Will you guide me in my arts next? Sparring with Lan Feng and Tie Zhu is not teaching me anything."
Han Wei turned to her, his expression calm but assessing. "Patience, Xiao Lan. Mastery takes time."
"Master," She paused trying to find the words. "I feel as if I'm no longer improving."
Han Wei studied her for a moment, then nodded. He knew he was failing her, but he wasn't confident in his ability to critique her martial arts yet. He would have to do something drastic to delay her.
"Very well. If you're so eager to improve, we shall spar. I'll restrict myself to your level of cultivation and only defend. If you can land a single hit on me, I'll increase your training."
Xiao Lan's eyes lit up with determination. "Thank you master." She didn't have any delusions about being able to win against an elder of the sect, even when they were purposefully suppressing their cultivation, but landing a single hit?
She had trained in her family style since she was six and if she wasn't limiting herself with defense then she was certain that she could at least graze her master.
Han Wei meanwhile had no intention of suppressing his cultivation fully - he'd suppress himself down to the peak of Qi Refining and deliberately slow his movements. The deception grated on him, but there was no way his disciples would be able to tell, and losing the spar instantly because he couldn't react in time would end badly for everyone.
The two moved to the center of the grotto, the other disciples eagerly watching from the sidelines. Xiao Lan wasted no time, her fans slicing through the air with precision and speed.
Han Wei moved easily out of the way, his steps light and fluid - purposefully slowed to appear in a lower realm. His preferred martial arts focused on fast offence and counter attacks on defending - a style that didn't fit at all with his needs for this spar.
He decided to try out the new movements he had been working on as he attempted to recreate Xiao Lan's style.
The combined movements from the bladed fan manuals and the wind-inspired martial arts were now the beginnings of a whole new style that was unpredictable and elusive.
At first, it was a little awkward and he had to use his higher cultivation level to smooth over the errors. The style was still rough around the edges, and there were moments when his movements felt disjointed. But as the fight progressed, he began to refine it, adapting to Xiao Lan's attacks and finding ways to make the style more cohesive.
When she lunged at him with a spinning strike, he shifted his weight, letting the momentum carry him out of harm's way. When she tried to trap him with a series of rapid slashes, he used the flowing movements to create distance, his body moving like a leaf caught in a gust.
Han Wei suppressed his cultivation further, down to early Qi Refining. He was still able to react easily to her movements, able to dodge out of the way, and this would be fairer after all.
It wasn't because he was having fun.
An idea began to form in his mind. What if he treated the movements like the wind itself instead of simply inspired by it? The wind was never constant - it shifted, changed direction, and flowed around obstacles. It could be gentle one moment and fierce the next.
The key is to be unpredictable, he thought, his body moving almost instinctively. Like the wind, I need to flow around her attacks, not simply avoid them.
He suppressed his cultivation further down to the peak of Qi Gathering, at last on par with Xiao Lan.
Xiao Lan pressed the attack, her movements growing more aggressive, her speed pushed to her limit. But no matter how fast or clever her strikes, Han Wei was just out of reach. His movements looked almost effortless, his body drifting like a leaf on the breeze.
Xiao Lan's frustration grew with each missed strike. She was fast and precise, but Han Wei was always moving exactly the wrong way for her attacks to land. His movements were unpredictable, shifting from slow and deliberate to fast and explosive in an instant. It was like trying to catch smoke with her hands.
As the fight dragged on, Han Wei began to see more flaws in his style. There were moments when his movements were too rigid, too reliant on the wind arts, and others when they were too delicate, too focused on the fan techniques. He adjusted on the fly, blending the two styles more seamlessly.
By the time Xiao Lan was exhausted, her breathing ragged and her movements sluggish, Han Wei felt he had refined the style into something almost cohesive. It was still unfinished, but it had potential - a movement art that was as unpredictable and elusive as the wind itself.
He stopped, holding up a hand to signal the end of the spar. "Enough," he said, his voice calm but firm.
Xiao Lan lowered her fans, her chest heaving. "I… I couldn't hit you," she said, her voice tinged with frustration.
Han Wei nodded. "You relied too much on what you already know. You tried to force the fight, to control it. But the wind cannot be controlled - it can only be followed."
Xiao Lan frowned in confusion. "What should I do, master?"
"Meditate on being the wind," Han Wei said improvising. "Uncatchable and ever-present. When you understand that, you'll find a way forward."
Xiao Lan nodded, still frowning, but there was a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. She nodded again slowly, her frustration giving way to contemplation. Han Wei hoped fervently that this would be enough to stall her while he finished reverse engineering her style.
As the day drew to a close once again, Han Wei stood at the edge of the grotto, watching his disciples. Tie Zhu was practicing his spear forms, his movements more fluid than before. Lan Feng sat in meditation, deepening his connection to his qi.
And Xiao Lan stood alone, her fans resting at her sides as she stared at the horizon deep in thought.
Chapter 8: A Simple Fetch Quest
In the morning light the qi rich mist, for which the sect was known, clung to the peaks of Silvermist Ravine. Curling around the jagged cliffs like a serpent in repose. Han Wei stood in the center of his martial arts courtyard, his hands clasped behind his back as he surveyed the progress of his disciples.
Xiao Lan practiced her fan techniques with precision, her movements sharp and graceful, while Lan Feng ran through the extensive katas of his foundational art. Tie Zhu, as always, was in the corner, his spear flashing like a silver streak as he drilled through his forms with relentless determination.
A month had passed since Han Wei had taken them under his wing, and though they were still raw and unpolished, he could see the potential in each of them. Yet, his own situation remained precarious. His lost cultivation was a constant weight on his mind, a ticking clock that threatened to unravel everything if he didn't find a solution soon.
It was in this state of quiet contemplation that a soft chime echoed through the courtyard. Han Wei turned to its source and saw a young disciple bowing at the entrance, holding a delicate scroll sealed with a wax emblem - a plum flower in bloom.
"Elder Han," the disciple said, "Elder Mei sends her regards and invites you to tea at her pavilion."
Han Wei's brow furrowed. He had not forgotten about his planned tea with Elder Mei, but at her age and level of cultivation sending out an invitation only a month after suggesting it, was rushed to the precipice of rudeness.
In the treacherous waters of sect politics, unexpected haste tended to signal hidden currents surging below the surface.
"Thank you," Han Wei said, accepting the scroll. "Inform Elder Mei that I will attend."
Even for an informal tea between elders Han Wei knew he would have to make an effort. Appearing as he did normally would be the equivalent of saying that he wasn't even considering hearing what she had to say.
When the appointed day came he dressed in fine emerald robes embroidered with subtle arrays that made the deep green embroidery flow like water across their surface. He even swapped his usual plain silver hair pin for an ornate jade one that was technically a refined treasure, even if all it did was prevent his hair and clothes from being affected by the wind.
The Plum Blossom Pavilion was a towering testament to the status Elder Mei enjoyed. It was nestled deep within the sect's inner grounds, surrounded by a grove of ancient plum trees - their branches twisted like dragon bones, their blossoms a soft pink against the verdant green of the undergrowth.
As Han Wei approached, the scent of blooming flowers and medicinal herbs filled the air, a subtle reminder of Elder Mei's expertise.
She awaited him on a raised platform, seated at a low table adorned with a steaming teapot and two porcelain cups.
She was a classic beauty, with skin like white jade and hair like rich ink, but no-one truly knew how old she was. A master of alchemy, the rumour was that she had extended her youth far beyond what her cultivation would allow.
Elder Mei's robes were a masterpiece of understated elegance, flowing around her like a soft mist. The fabric was a deep, muted indigo that seemed to shift subtly in the light, and along the hems and sleeves, faint embroidery of plum blossoms traced delicate patterns, their pale silver threads nearly invisible unless caught at the right angle.
The blossoms, sparse yet artfully placed, seemed to bloom and fade as she moved, perhaps a subtle nod to the cycles of life and renewal she had witnessed over her long years. Though Han Wei couldn't tell whether this was done through arrays or pure mastery of art, and indeed couldn't decide which would be more impressive.
Her eyes, sharp and calculating, softened as he approached, pleased by the face he was giving her by dressing so formally.
"Elder Han," she greeted, her voice as smooth as the tea she poured. "Thank you for accepting my invitation."
"Elder Mei," Han Wei replied, bowing slightly before taking a seat across from her. "It's not often I receive such a gracious invitation. I couldn't refuse."
She smiled faintly, her gaze lingering on him as she slid a cup of tea toward him. A faint, almost imperceptible web of fine lines at the corners of her eyes and the deliberate, measured way she moved - each gesture precise, each step deliberate - were the only hints at the vast expanse of time she had lived.
The liquid was a deep amber, its aroma rich and earthy, with a hint of something floral. Han Wei took a cautious sip, the warmth spreading through him as the tea's qi subtly nourished his meridians.
"This is excellent," he said, his tone neutral, after finishing up the required pleasantries. "A blend of Goldenheart Chrysanthemum and Breathing Birch bark, if I'm not mistaken."
Elder Mei's smile widened, though whether she was pleased or amused he couldn't tell. "You have a discerning palate, Elder Han. I'm impressed."
"A fortunate guess," Han Wei replied, noting that she hadn't actually said whether he was correct and setting his cup down. "But I doubt you invited me here to discuss the tea."
Elder Mei's expression grew more serious, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup. "You're right. I have a proposition for you - one that could benefit us both."
Han Wei leaned back slightly, his guard rising. "I'm listening."
She paused, as if weighing her words carefully. "I've heard rumors," she began, her voice low, "that you've been researching in the libraries. Extensively. To that point that someone might wonder if you had encountered a problem you were trying to solve."
Han Wei's heart skipped a beat, but he kept his expression calm. "Rumors are often exaggerated," he said evenly. "But I appreciate your concern for my reputation."
Elder Mei's gaze sharpened. "I'm not here to pry, Elder Han. Nor am I here to judge. I'm here to offer my assistance - if you're willing to accept it."
Han Wei studied her for a long moment, searching for any hint of deception. Elder Mei was known for her alchemical prowess, but she was also a master of subtlety. Trusting her was a gamble, but in his current state, he couldn't afford to turn away potential allies.
"What do you propose?" he asked finally.
Elder Mei's lips curved into a small smile. "There is a place, hidden within the Verdant Sanctuary Canyons, where rare soul-nourishing herbs grow." That caught Han Wei's attention. How much does she know?
"Growing there should be a mature Spiritroot Fern. The last recorded visitor to the place noted that there were several young specimens and enough time has since passed that at least one will have matured enough for harvesting."
Han Wei kept his greed in check, this was a highly suspicious lure. If she was sure of her information, then this was a potential treasure trove. Han Wei couldn't think of why she was even considering sharing this.
"If such a place exists, why haven't you sent your own disciples to retrieve it?" Asking outright might be slightly rude, but he felt that the blatant lure warranted it.
Her smile faltered ever so slightly, and for the first time, he saw a flicker of unease, or something like it, in her eyes. "The location is guarded by a powerful spirit guardian - a being of great strength and cunning. My disciples are skilled, but they lack the ability to face such a foe.
"And I find myself in a position where I cannot risk injury by fighting such a thing." Her expression went carefully blank at the admission, in a way that clearly conveyed that she would not be clarifying the statement, before continuing.
"You, however, are a seasoned elder known for your martial exploits. I have full confidence in your capabilities even with your current diminished presence."
Han Wei's jaw tightened, was that a reference to his lost cultivation? Or was it a comment on his disguise technique hiding his cultivation level?
He pushed his fears aside and leaned forward, his voice low. "And in return for this Spiritroot Fern?"
Elder Mei's gaze met his, steady and unyielding. "Firstly, I will share the location with you. And if you succeed, I will owe you a favour - perhaps I can solve whatever the problem is that you may or may not have."
She raise an eyebrow meaningfully. "Alchemy has many, many, applications after all. Even in esoteric areas such as soul cultivation."
The unspoken implication hung heavy in the air. And as he was desperately trying to figure out what might have given away his injury, Han Wei suddenly remembered what he had been reading when she interrupted him in the library.
He had been reading on soul cultivation. Yes, it was a topic he could easily explain away, but she might not care for explanations. She was old. She was very likely a traditionalist.
Traditionalists often saw the hand of fate everywhere. The simple fact that she had stumbled upon him while reading on that particular topic could easily have convinced her that soul cultivation was at the root of his so-called 'problem'.
Han Wei hated that type of thinking, but given that her conclusion was essentially correct, he couldn't exactly dismiss it out of hand. Fate did very much exist after all.
Han Wei forced himself to focus and considered her offer carefully. The risks were undeniable, but so were the potential rewards - in that respect it was a fair deal.
What he didn't like was the unspoken threat to reveal what she knew to others in the sect if he didn't play ball.
Although, if he reframed the thought, it could just as easily be Elder Mei demonstrating that she had kept what she knew quiet to show her discretion. Han Wei hated sect politics and pushed his thoughts aside before they twisted him up in knots.
"Very well," he said at last. "I'll retrieve the Spiritroot Fern for you."
Elder Mei's smile returned, and this time Han Wei thought it was tinged with relief. "I knew you would see reason, Elder Han. The location is marked on this map." She slid a small scroll across the table. "But be warned - the spirit guardian is not to be underestimated."
Han Wei took the map, his mind already racing with plans and contingencies. "I'll keep that in mind."
As he rose to leave, Elder Mei's voice stopped him. "Elder Han," she said, her tone softer now. "I appreciate your aid in this matter, and I hope it leads to closer collaboration between us. Though it might not be apparent, as you are new to the sect, the sect elders usually have a much more harmonious relationship.
"These are turbulent times recently."
Han Wei glanced back at her, but she didn't elaborate. "I'll remember that."
With that, he left the Plum Blossom Pavilion, the weight of Elder Mei's words and the map in his hand a reminder of the precarious balance he now walked. The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear to him, he couldn't afford to falter.
Han Wei decided to waste no time. Elder Mei was clearly in an unseemly rush and capitalising on this to gain her favour was an easy way to increase the benefits he might gain from the expedition.
But why was she so desperate to obtain a Spiritroot Fern? He searched his memory and quickly came upon the entry for the plant in an almanac he had skimmed. He only had minimal access to the Alchemy Library, but they didn't restrict knowledge of natural treasures - likely in the hope that more disciples would find them and bring them back for the alchemists.
The entry for the Spiritroot Fern didn't contain any information on what pills or elixirs it could be refined into, but it did explain its raw properties. On consumption, the herb was able to induce a person's spirit body into growing temporary roots.Roots that would bind the physical body, spiritual body, and soul together.
It could be used to reinforce a cultivator against curses, soul attacks, and some of the more insidious demonic techniques. But it only lasted a couple of days before the natural movements of the soul, body, and spirit began to tear the roots apart - after which they were absorbed by the primary cultivation method.
Using that as a baseline, then it was clear that any pill refined from it would likely be made to treat some of the most sinister afflictions. And Elder Mei was rushing to obtain one.
Han Wei was becoming more and more concerned about the politics of the sect. The waters clearly ran deep and he could not even begin to see what lay at the bottom. Should he change his mind about helping Elder Mei? Could he change his mind now he had accepted?
But if a treatment was required, then that implied the existence of a victim. And even with the holes in his memories, he could remember the suffering that could be inflicted by these kind of demonic techniques.
He would gather his disciples and leave as soon as humanly possible.
The very next morning, Elder Han stood at the edge of the sect's outer gates - his three disciples arrayed before him.
Xiao Lan stood with her arms crossed, her bladed fans tucked neatly into her sleeves, her expression one of thinly veiled impatience. Lan Feng fidgeted with the handle of his sword, his eyes darting nervously to the dense forest beyond. Tie Zhu, as always, stood stoic and unmoving, his spear resting on his shoulder like a seasoned warrior.
He had given them scant time to prepare for the journey and only bare-bones of information about where they were headed.
"You will be going on a training expedition," Elder Han had announced to them after returning from the Plum Blossom Pavilion, his voice calm but firm.
"We will venture into the Verdant Sanctuary Canyons where you will be harvesting rare spiritual herbs. Along the way, we will certainly encounter spirit beasts that I expect you to deal with. Consider this an opportunity to test your skills and learn to work as a team."
Xiao Lan had raised an eyebrow. "And if we encounter something beyond our capabilities?"
Elder Han's gaze had hardened in response. "Then you'll rely on each other. I won't intervene unless absolutely necessary. This is your chance to prove yourselves."
Lan Feng had swallowed nervously, while Tie Zhu merely nodded, his expression unreadable.
"Are you prepared?" Han Wei now asked his disciples, having given them most of yesterday to prepare but no guidance on what to bring. Only Lan Feng had been wise enough to ask him for help so he had no idea what the others might have packed.
Just in case Han Wei had packed a spacial pouch with extra supplies such as fasting pills, medicine, and a few qi recovery elixirs suitable for his disciples cultivation level. But he resolved not to give any of these out unless absolutely necessary.
A little discomfort would reinforce the lesson.