I sank under the water, a salty taste filling my mouth as I held onto the hilt of my sword. I dispersed the qi in the blade and swam up to the surface. I broke through, taking in a gulp of air. The salty water splashed against the gash across my back.
I gritted my teeth as I swam to shore, my upper body hitting the sand. I took a sharp breath, and then another until my nerves calmed down. Then I picked myself up, using my sword to steady my stand. I looked around, observing the nearby surroundings. Though I'm sure, that demonic cultivator won't be able to fight in the state she was in, but I can't be sure she isn't nearby.
After a look around and a scan of my spiritual sense, I finally exhaled in relief, letting my body relax. She didn't follow me. I thank the heavens for this blessing.
After making sure I was safe, I circulated my qi throughout my body to minimize the pain, and swallowed a mid-grade healing pill from my storage bag. When I felt my wounds were completely healed, I sheathed my sword. Time I find out which shore I swam to.
I walked along the shore, looking for any port or familiar structure. Fortunately, I found a few. There was a shack with a dock built on the shore, a ship docked at the port. It was there that I saw a flag pole posted atop the ship's crow's nest, waving a red flag with a flaming bird embroidered with golden thread.
With that, I smiled. Thankfully, I landed in Nánbù province, my journey has gotten shorter. The heavens are truly looking out for me!
Seeing the flag, I took out the compass artifact from my storage bag, sending spiritual energy through it. Then, qi flowed out of the artifact, making a trail toward the east. Based on the trail, it should take me half the time it would take by ship. I nodded in satisfaction and followed the trail of spiritual energy.
I walked into the port town of Nándiào, strolling past many fishermen and sailors on the way to the south entrance into Nánhǎi city. I perused around the local market for a bit, leaving with a bag of spicy grilled fish skewers. I took a bite of one of the skewers, the perfectly cooked fish meat melting in my mouth as the spicy seasonings burned my tongue in the best way. I took another few bites, the good food lighting up my mood.
It's not spiritual food, but it's tasty nonetheless! Definitely, nowhere does spicy food like Nánhǎi! Although, Master did say not to consume too much mortal food since it could damage my cultivation. Staring at the fish skewers, I sighed, before taking another bite. I'll worry about that later.
I walked through the city, yawn leaving my mouth. Continuing to nibble on my skewer as I let my mind wander. As I arrived at the northern gate I schooled my face, freezing my expression over the closer I got to the sect. I should be able to arrive in two incense time.
I passed through the gate and nodded to the guards stationed outside, walking down the beaten path ahead. After walking a few meters away, I slid the skewers into my storage bag, stretched my arms, and bolted into a sprint. The trees and grassy fields around me blurring as I ran past. Halfway through the journey, my brow twitched. Not fast enough.
I let out a frustrated breath as I picked up my feet to speed up even further. And by the time an incense and a half could burn, I stopped at a large gate embedded into a brick wall, well-dressed guards with expert-crafted weapons stationed at the front. I took out my jade plaque, showing it to the guards. After some examination, the guards flashed a flattering smile, bowing respectfully before stepping to the side. I nodded in acknowledgment at the familiar sight and strode passed.
A wave of spiritual energy crashed into me. I breathed in the qi-filled air, my face involuntarily loosening as the familiar surroundings filled me with comfort, a cozy warmth settling in my chest. I looked around, taking in the familiar sights of the bustling merchant district of Dōng province; unlit paper lanterns hung on ropes tied to the ledges of shop roofs, various stalls set up with colorful cloths as canopies to give shade to the enthusiastic sellers, and customers dressed in various styles of clothing, many wearing ornate silk and jewelry that showcased the wealth of this district and its people.
Then I looked at my own clothes. I hadn't changed from the simple white robe that I had taken from Xīngyún sect, the simplicity of the white robes a sharp difference to my usual light blue clothing. The quality was also very sad in comparison. The brow of my stern face twitched as I eyed the robes on me. I need a change of clothes.
As I looked up at the noisy scene in front of me, the tinge of annoyance in my heart grew faint as warm nostalgia surrounded it. Inhaling another gulp of the cool air, I stepped forward into the lively marketplace.
Walking through the crowds of chattering people, I spotted a group of mountain peaks in the distance, the tops seemingly glowing with spiritual energy. I eyed the tallest peak out of the gulp and took a deep breath. Not much longer now.
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I arrived at the entrance of Boshài sect, a thick fog covering the base with only a large archway made of fire spirit wood visible. A golden sign looming atop the entrance with the words, 'May you follow the azure dragon, and find your prosperity' carved into it. I stared at the sign for a few seconds, like I had for my whole life. I still can't get over the irony.
A sect that is widely known for its various fire element treasures and techniques, uses the azure dragon as its symbol. A spiritual beast that specializes in the wood element.
I never truly understood why the sect chose such a spiritual beast as its symbol, I still don't get it now either. Anytime I ask Master about it, he never gives me a straight answer. After a while, I just stopped asking altogether.
I walked passed the gates, the fog slower clearing as I entered deeper into the lush forest of the Boshài territory. Passing through the trees, I strolled through the flat training grounds at the bottom of the mountains, hands behind my back as I watched the junior disciples practicing their martial techniques. As I went past, some of the disciples stopped to greet me.
"This disciple greets Brother Wang Àiyù!"
"The disciple greets Senior brother!"
I nodded slightly at them, holding my head high as I tried to maintain the revered Senior brother image I had built up with these juniors. Despite my best efforts though, the corners of my mouth couldn't help but quirk up a bit at the sight of admiration in the junior disciple's eyes as they watched me pass by. Most of the new disciples here should be around ten to thirteen years old. Based on what I've seen so far, as expected, the sect picked up a talented batch.
As I walked out of the line of sight of the junior disciples, I let out a tired sigh, my expression relaxing. Having a reputation so reserved in sect like mine is such a hassle sometimes. Being a peerless genius truly isn't easy. With that thought, I stopped for a moment, a pang in my heart.
Thinking back to that scum, even when he was hiding his face, I could tell he was only a few years older than me. At most three or two years ahead. Despite that, he's already at the golden core realm, while I'm only at the foundation establishment realm. One major realm behind, a hard gap to bridge. Compared to him, could I really be considered a genius?
I shook my head, no. Compared to normal standards, to be able to reach the mid-foundation realm at my age cannot be seen as anything but an extreme talent. Demonic cultivation draws from the resentful energy of demons and the dead. That bastard must've done unspeakable things to gain such a level of power. Yes, definitely, he must've wronged countless people, killed hundreds, maybe thousands to gain such strength.
I clenched my fists. That must be it. If I dutifully follow the righteous path, I will surely succeed and surpass that deplorable piece of trash.
I gazed up at the long flight of stairs leading to the grand structure of the Jade Pavillion, where grandfather- I mean Sect leader should be residing in currently. I need to report my findings, as well as make due on my words to the old man back in Xīfānghǎi. I take another deep breath. It's been a while since I've seen grandfather, hopefully he won't be too mad about me sneaking out.
I began my hike up the stairs, passing by disciple residences and shops established by the lower-ranked elders, swiftly arriving at the top of the peak. Brushing off my robes, I walked to the entrance of the main hall of the Jade Pavillion. As I did, I spotted a middle-aged man walking out with a multitude of scrolls clutched in his arms, wearing a dark blue robe with black embroidery along the hem of the sleeves, looking quite disheveled and exhausted. I could recognize him by just his expression. I smiled, stopping a few feet away as I bowed in greeting.
"This disciple greets Elder Mo," I said, looking up at the elder's usual irritated face.
"Mm," he groaned, waving me away as he walked right past me toward the Inscriptions Pavillion.
But as he did, I noticed that he took a second glance at me, eyes filled with... pity? Why is he looking at me like that? Could it be grandfather? He did just come from the Jade Pavillion, perhaps grandfather is actually mad that I snuck out again. No, of all the times I snuck out, grandfather had only scolded me for a few hours before letting me go. Surely it will be the same this time. After meeting that scum and his equal scum of an elder sister, I've been having all sorts of doubts messing with my head. I can't let that cloud my judgment. When I report to grandfather about what I've discovered, surely he'll forget all about me sneaking out.
He, in fact, did not forget.
I stood at the threshold of the Jade Pavillion, my lungs tightening, my knees going weak as I was assaulted by the overwhelming pressure of a late-stage heaven-seeking cultivator. I only barely was able to lift my head up to stare at an old man with a full head of white hair and a beard that went down to the end of his waist, wearing a blue silk robe with embroidered dragons in golden thread coiling from the hem of the sleeves, glaring at me with the intensity of double my childhood years of discipline from him. I was only able to choke out a few words under such a glare.
"G-greeting, g-grandfather, d-did you miss me?"
A/N
Ello readers! It's been a while, I've decided on a schedule for future posting and here are my plans:
I'll only be posting once a week, Traveling Star, Wandering Chaos being posted on Saturdays and Flower Among Jade on sundays. In the future, I think I should stick to one novel at a time, solely to keep my workaholic self from breaking down in the future. Hope you understand, and best wishes to you all! ٩( ᐛ )و