Blossoming Path

With the echoes of Feng Wu's words still ringing in my ears, I found myself meandering towards Elder Ming's quaint abode in the center of the village.

The mid-afternoon sun washed the pathway in a soft, warm light, casting long shadows that danced in the gentle breeze. It was a familiar and comforting sight. A reminder that, despite the monumental proposition placed in front of me, life still persisted in its ordinary rhythm.

As I stepped onto the cobbled path leading to Ming's house, the smell of potent herbs wafted into my nostrils, a comforting blend of ginseng, Mugwort, and a hint of something subtly sweet — Angelica root, perhaps.

Elder Ming sat outside his house, a gentle look on his face as he patiently ground herbs. He looked up at my approach after I gently opened the door. "Kai," he said warmly, the lines on his face deepening with his smile. "What brings you here?"

I took a deep breath, my mind swirling with thoughts and doubts. "I need some advice, Elder Ming. Feng Wu visited me today."

His eyebrows raised a fraction, the surprise reflected in his dark eyes. "Feng Wu? From the Verdant Lotus Sect?"

I nodded, taking a seat opposite him. "Yes. He brought a proposition. They want me to represent them in the Grand Alchemy Gauntlet. They're even willing to sponsor my entry and provide me with training."

His surprise gave way to contemplation, a deep furrow forming between his brows. "That's a considerable offer, Kai. The Grand Alchemy Gauntlet... it's a prestigious contest. A big step from being a village herbalist."

"Yes, and that's what worries me. Elder, I've never even stepped out of the village. I know nothing about what life is like out there."

A small, understanding smile tugged at his lips. "Yes, it will be your first time venturing out of Gentle Wind Village. It's only natural to feel apprehensive."

"I'm not just worried for myself," I confessed. "I've responsibilities here... I worry about what leaving would mean for all of it."

After so many years in the village, I grew accustomed to being the one people approached for medicine and salves. It was a natural process; after my parents passed, there was nobody who knew more about herbs and their effects aside from Elder Ming. Being absent for two months may not seem like much, but that's more than enough time for illness and disease to spread. Nothing on the level of Moonshadow Lung Rot had occurred since, but who knew when it would strike again?

Elder Ming paused his grinding, looking at me with a knowing gaze. "Change is a part of life, Kai," he began, his voice soft yet firm. "It's scary, often overwhelming. But it is also the path to growth. This opportunity... it's a chance for you to test your abilities, to push your boundaries."

He resumed his grinding, the rhythmic scraping sound echoing in the stillness. "The village will manage. It always has. Your shop will survive, and I can help maintain it, if need to be."

His words gave me comfort, but they also brought forth a surge of uncertainty. I had grown so comfortable with my life in the village, with the routine and familiarity. But I also yearned for more, for a chance to grow, to expand my knowledge and skills in herbalism and cultivation.

I didn't think I'd hesitate like this when my opportunity to experience the world was just a step away.

Elder Ming's voice broke my chain of thought. "Remember, Kai, this journey won't just be about alchemy or the contest. It will be a test of your convictions, your values. Outside the comfort of our village, you will face challenges that will question your principles. It's your actions in those moments that will define you, not the accolades or the accomplishments."

His gaze was stern, yet there was a softness to his words. It was a reminder of what lay ahead, of the daunting and exciting world beyond the confines of Gentle Wind Village. A world I was being offered a chance to explore.

"But in the end, it's your decision, Kai," he concluded, his eyes softening. "You need to decide what's right for you, what aligns with your heart's desires. No matter your choice, know that we will support you."

I nodded, a knot of emotions tightening in my chest. His words echoed my fears, my hopes, and my doubts. They were a mirror to my own thoughts, a reflection of the crossroads I stood at.

For a long moment, we sat in silence, the only sound was the gentle rustle of leaves and the rhythmic grinding of Elder Ming's pestle.

"Thank you, Elder Ming," I murmured, standing up from my seat. "I've got a lot to think about."

His smile returned, a touch of reassurance in his dark eyes. "Take your time, Kai. And remember, the path to wisdom often begins with a single question."

With a nod, I turned away from his house, stepping back onto the path that would lead me back home. As I walked away, Elder Ming's words rang in my ears, a testament to the difficult choice that lay ahead of me. An opportunity to compete in the Grand Alchemy Gauntlet and train with the Verdant Lotus Sect was alluring, but the road that led there was rife with uncertainties. And as much as I yearned to rise to the challenge, I was equally wary of what it would mean for my life in the village, for Tianyi and for me.

It was a long walk home, but it gave me the space to reflect. Reflect on my life in the village, my desires, and the daunting opportunity that lay before me. I felt a pull towards the unknown, a pull that was equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. The time had come for me to make a decision, and I knew I had to do it with my eyes open and my heart prepared to face the consequences, whatever they may be.

The clinking of metal on metal guided my steps toward a familiar part of the village; the forge. Like Elder Ming’s abode, this place was a sanctuary of another sort, filled with the sharp, intoxicating scent of iron and the rhythmic harmony of hammer meeting anvil.

My eyes landed on Wang Jun, his tall and burly figure hunched over a glowing piece of metal. Sweat poured down his face, dripping onto the sweltering coals, but his focus remained unbroken. This was the dedication of an apprentice blacksmith, my childhood friend who shared my journey from boyhood to the cusp of manhood.

"Wang Jun!" I called over the din of the forge, stepping towards him. "Master Qiang!"

The gruff, tall blacksmith turned away from his anvil and waved at me. "Y'here to bother my apprentice again, Kowtow Kai?"

Wang Jun looked up, the heat from the forge making his face glow. A broad grin spread across his face as he recognized me. "Kai! What brings you here in the middle of the day?"

I stepped closer, the heat of the forge washing over me. "I need your advice, Wang Jun. It's about an offer I received."

His eyebrows rose in surprise, curiosity burning bright in his eyes. He set down his hammer, gesturing for me to continue. Master Qiang shook his head, bemoaning the amount of orders but ultimately didn't stop his apprentice from listening to my woes.

I took a deep breath, explaining the proposition from Feng Wu and the Verdant Lotus Sect, the opportunity to compete in the Grand Alchemy Gauntlet, and my doubts about leaving the village.

Wang Jun listened attentively, his eyes reflecting a range of emotions — surprise, awe, and finally, excitement. "Kai, this is incredible! You've got the opportunity of a lifetime here," he said, a determined look on his face.

"I know, but I'm also afraid. They'll teach me as much as they can, but..." I started, my voice trailing off. "I'd be competing with people from all over the province. What if I disappoint them?"

He waved away my concerns with a broad sweep of his hand. "Kai, we've spent our entire lives in this village. There's nobody more qualified than you are to be an alchemist. It's only been a few months and I've watched you become someone incredible. Don't let fear hold you back."

He glanced back at the forge, his eyes reflecting the fiery glow. "When I was given the chance to apprentice under Master Qiang, I had my doubts too. But look at me now, learning and growing every day. It's an experience, Kai. When you're afraid to jump, that's exactly when you do it. Or so he says."

"Exactly!" Master Qiang exclaimed, raising his muscled arm and pumping his fist in agreement.

"What I'm trying to say is, don't be so ahrd on yourself. You're the Gentle WInd Village's herbal prodigy. Even if it's not a victory, I think you'll have a strong showing that can impress anybody down there in Crescent Bay!"

His words were like a balm, easing some of the unease in my heart. I smiled at him, feeling a spark of confidence rekindle within me. "Thank you, Wang Jun. You've given me a lot to think about."

He nodded, clapping me on the shoulder with a grin. "Just promise me one thing, Kai. When you go out there and win that Gauntlet, bring me back a souvenir, alright?"

I laughed, nodding in agreement. "That's a promise, Wang Jun. I'll be back with some cultivator artifacts for you!"

"I'm not a cultivator! Get me a new hammer or something!"

As I stepped away from the forge, the echo of Wang Jun's words stayed with me, igniting a sense of adventure within me. Maybe I could face the unknown, maybe I could embrace this challenge and emerge victorious. And so, with newfound confidence, I made my way back to the shop, ready to face what lay ahead.

I returned home and worked diligently. My mind was almost made up. But if I were to leave for two months, I wouldn't do it so callously. Preparations were necessary.

"Come, Tianyi! We're going to make some potions!"

With renewed enthusiasm, I delved back into my garden and moved before the sun went down.

I looked at my hands - hands that, after training so diligently, moved with a grace and precision that I once could only dream of. They were steady and precise. My newfound strength and speed were awe-inspiring, and I marveled at how cultivation had honed my skills, not just in alchemy, but in all aspects of life.

My fingers danced over the leaves of a Moonbeam Petal plant, each touch filled with respect for the life it held. A gentle tug was enough to free the flower from its stem, and it lay nestled in my hand, its ethereal glow pulsating softly. A quick glance was all it took to find the next one, and the next. In the past, it would have taken me an hour to harvest these delicate flowers, but now, it was a matter of minutes.

Next, I moved to the Misty Dew Grass, its slender stalks glistening with droplets that sparkled in the sunlight. The process of collecting the dew was intricate and slow, a test of patience and skill. But the water was vital to my potions - a natural essence imbued with the plant's unique healing properties.

I picked the Nightshade Flowers last, their dark beauty both captivating and intimidating. They were one of my subtle favorites, giving my garden a nice and vibrant touch of purple.

Between these uncommon herbs were the traditional ones - mint, goji berries, wormwood, and more. Each had its place in the vast tapestry of herbalism. As my hands deftly moved through the garden, I appreciated the balance between tradition and the mystical, how they intertwined to create the world I was a part of.

With my harvest complete, I headed back to my shop, each step echoing with a newfound purpose. It was time to extract the essence I needed.

Even from a glance, it was easy to tell my plants were much higher quality than anywhere else. Even Huan's herbs couldn't compare with how fresh mine were. The lavender's color had become so intense it looked as though it were glowing. The smell was extremely fragrant. My constant infusion of qi into my plants had borne fruit; even the most common ones growing in my garden looked magical.

With the harvested plants spread across my table, I took a moment to appreciate the sight before me. It was a beautiful array of nature's gifts, each with its unique properties. My gaze first landed on the lavender, its delicate, fragrant blossoms seeming to vibrate with energy. And so, I decided to start with it.

I reached out my hand, hovering it above the lavender. I concentrated on the feeling I'd had, that sense of drawing forth its essence, like pulling on a thread that was deeply woven within. I could feel the qi within me shifting, aligning with my intent.

A moment passed, and then I felt it – a steady pulse beneath my fingertips. I latched onto it, drawing it out. I saw a swirl of violet energy begin to rise from the lavender. It was a strange, beautiful sight, even more pronounced than my first time doing it. The essence swirled and twirled, finally coalescing into an orb in my palm.

With my other hand, I quickly found an empty vial, and gently guided the lavender's essence into it. It flowed like a stream of light, pooling at the bottom of the vial. The lavender plant on the table seemed to have lost some of its luster, its vibrant color faded, and its aroma diminished.

Next came the Misty Dew Grass. I focused again, drawing out the essence as I did before. This time, the energy emerged as a dewy, green orb, shimmering like morning dew under the sunlight. The process repeated for the willow bark, with a woody, earthy essence, and finally, the chamomile, its essence a soothing, golden glow.

Each extracted essence filled a vial, standing on my table like a testament to my newfound ability. The feeling of accomplishment washed over me, yet with it came a pang of sadness. The vibrant plants were now a shadow of their former selves. I knew I had to find a way to use them wisely, to honor the life that had been gifted to them.

My shop was filled with an array of scents - the calming lavender, the soothing chamomile, the fresh Misty Dew Grass, and the grounding willow bark. It was a symphony of fragrances, each note bringing comfort and healing. With my table filled with these precious essences, I felt a sense of awe. I had always been able to work with herbs, but never like this.

With these vials of pure, unadulterated plant essence, I could concoct potions and elixirs of unprecedented potency. The possibilities were endless, and for the first time in a long time, I felt excited for the future. If I were to leave the village, I wanted to leave something beneficial behind. The essences were my first step in doing so.

"Kai, sorry I'm late. What're you up to?" The door opened to reveal Lan-Yin. She seemed harried, although ultimately relieved to be here. I glanced outside. The hours had passed so quickly when I was engrossed in making potions, and the sun was alreay setting past the horizon. "Oh, essences! Need help sorting them out and labeling?"

"I'd greatly appreciate that. I also need your support, Lan-Yin." I said, puffing up my chest. "This young master will be participating in the Grand Alchemy Gauntlet!"

"Oh, I heard that from Wang Jun just before I came. Think you're up for the challenge, arrogant young master?" She teased.

"Indubitably! But alas, that will leave this village without my expertise. So I'd like to have you maintain my shop and garden during the time I'm away. You'll be compensated handsomely, of course."

Lan-Yin rolled up her sleeves and began collecting the essences piling up on my table. Over the past week, she'd been getting more and more familiar with the ingredients I used and what they were for. Although it was pretty simple, I wanted to educate her so if any illnesses arose while I was gone, she'd know what would be best suited for the task.

She accepted the fact I'd be going to the contest without much thought. For some reason, I expected more push-back from her when I mentioned the contest. But she seemed quite casual about the entire thing. Almost like it was a foregone conclusion that I'd go. She was always a bit of a mother-hen type out of our friend group. When I asked her why, all Lan-Yin responded with was:

"Well, you'll just win and come back after, right? Just make sure not to piss off any cultivators and I think you'll be alright."

I don't think she fully understood the extent of the contest. But that casual belief that I'd win the contest made me hold back from correcting her. I just swallowed my anxieties and grinned.

"Yes! Victory isn't something to be earned, it's a right! A right only given to me, Kai Liu!"

She rolled her eyes, putting away the neatly organized box of essences away into a shelf.

With further discussion being pushed back to a later date, I helped organize the shop and departed for the evening. I needed to do my afternoon training. For routine and peace of mind.

I went down to the sandy shores, going through the motions and let my mind focus on the task at hand. The constant effort and pushing of limits is exactly what I needed to keep me in my right mind. And after an hour of diligent training, I sat with Tianyi and began to cultivate.

The Crimson Lotus Purification technique. With Elder Ming's permission of practicing responsibly, I could do it in my own time. It'd be an opportunity for me, especially if I were to go to the Verdant Lotus sect and their training grounds. I'd be able to accumulate more and more qi.

The cyclical process of collecting and purifying the qi in the environment, with Tianyi's natural ability, made the process much easier. The energy in my body was infinitesimally small, but incredibly pure. Like a perfectly forged gem sitting within my dantian. After two hours, I opened my eyes to the moon shining overhead. Under it's light, Tianyi's presence seemed to intensify.

Once morning arrived, I'd have my answer for Feng Wu.