Blossoming Path

The journey began just as the sun began to paint the horizon with hues of orange and red. Feng Wu and I led our horses at a leisurely pace, the load they carried light enough not to strain them but heavy enough to remind us of the purpose of our journey. The path to Crescent Bay City was well-trodden, a testament to the constant travel and trade that flowed between the village and the city. As we put the familiar sights and sounds of Gentle Wind Village behind us, the world began to unfurl with new landscapes that took my breath away.

Despite my mind spinning with fantasies of the grand adventures we might encounter, the first day of our journey was astonishingly mundane. I had envisaged bandit attacks, villages under siege, mythical Spirit Beasts emerging from the wilderness. Instead, all we came across were fellow travelers, rolling hills blanketed with verdant green, and quiet brooks babbling in the midday sun. The Tranquil Breeze Province, it seemed, lived up to its name.

By the time the sun began to dip, we'd made good progress. We set up camp by a gently murmuring stream, its water clear and cold, reflecting the first twinkling stars of the evening. The horses grazed nearby while Feng Wu and I unpacked our belongings. As we lit a small fire and the inviting aroma of our cooking dinner filled the air, I turned to Feng Wu.

"Who will take the first watch tonight?" I asked, my mind still filled with the thrilling prospect of a nighttime attack. A seasoned traveler and cultivator like Feng Wu must have come across some dangers during his journeys.

Feng Wu laughed, a sound as light and carefree as the wind rustling through the trees. "Kai, in all my years of traveling these roads, there has never been a need for a night watch. But nevertheless, I'll be alert in case there is one."

His words took me aback. I blinked, incredulous, as he continued.

"The Tranquil Breeze Province is named so for a reason. It's one of the most peaceful provinces in the whole empire. The most excitement we might come across could be a raccoon rummaging through our food supply."

His light-hearted tone, the twinkle in his eyes, and his nonchalant demeanor did much to reassure me. It was strange, but his words stirred a mixed sense of disappointment and relief within me. Tianyi's emotions rolled through our connection, and I could sense the curiosity from her as she explored the greenery around, her tiny wings contrasting with the various plants and herbs around.

Still, I chose to enjoy the serenity of the moment. The fire crackled and sparked, casting dancing shadows against the darkening landscape. The scent of roasting meat and herbs was mouthwatering, a pleasant reminder of the comforts I'd brought from home. As a taoist, Feng Wu turned down my meat skewers in exchange for a humble meal of rice and vegetables.

"Do not worry, Kai. Cultivators don't need as much food as a regular person."

That didn't seem very fun. Even if I was a cultivator, how could I abstain from delicious food? Just the thought made me wince. I would live life to its fullest! Experience the finest cuisine, charm the most beautiful women! Jade beauties!

We spent the rest of the evening in comfortable silence. We talked about regular topics. He mentioned visiting his village just prior to this and getting the chance to spend time with his parents. It seemed surreal, the fact that we came from such similar backgrounds. There was a small pang of bitterness when I remembered that despite our similarities, his parents were still alive.

I wondered how mine would've reacted to all these wonderful things I've accomplished since their passing.

As the night drew in, the darkness blanketing the sky, Feng Wu retreated to a quiet spot near the edge of our camp. He began to stretch, his movements slow and precise. I watched as he took up a martial stance, his palms extended in front of him as though holding an invisible sphere.

The Lotus Palm. The Verdant Lotus sect's hand to hand martial art.

His palms moved in a fluid, circular motion, a representation of the ever-changing and cyclical nature of life. His form was exquisite; every movement was smooth, like water flowing over smooth pebbles, strong and relentless yet incredibly gentle. Despite the darkness, a faint green aura seemed to emanate from him, giving him a mystical, otherworldly air. It was as sharp as I last remembered.

I watched in awe, the firelight reflecting in his eyes, his body moving like a dance to a silent tune. His every motion was a testament to years of dedication and rigorous training. It was fascinating and inspirational to see the raw power and control he demonstrated, a clear depiction of his high level of cultivation.

Emboldened by Feng Wu's movements, I decided to take initiative. Even without Elder Ming's guidance, I had a strong foundation. I had trained under his watchful eyes for over a month, practicing my stances and improving my physique.

I moved to a clear area away from Feng Wu, taking a deep breath as I focused on the exercises Elder Ming had ingrained in me. There were no advanced techniques or secret arts, just a series of grueling conditioning exercises to strengthen my body and discipline my mind.

My exercises consisted of relentless repetitions of various exercises, and the dreaded horse-stance. I remembered Elder Ming's stern face and harsh voice echoing in my mind, "A strong mind needs a strong body, Kai. A weak body will only hinder your progress."

Sweat started to bead on my forehead, my muscles protesting against the sudden onslaught. Yet, I refused to slow down. Every drop of sweat, every twinge of pain, brought me closer to my goal. As I glanced off to the side, I could see Feng Wu going even faster without a single pause.

As I worked through my exercises, I noticed Feng Wu glancing in my direction. I could see a flicker of surprise and then a nod of approval on his face. He continued his practice, his eyes focusing back on his movements.

Inspired by his acknowledgment, I pressed on, my body falling into a rhythm. Each movement, each breath, was a step towards the strength I craved. The night air around me was cooling, soothing against my heated skin.

By the time I finished my routine, I was drenched in sweat, my muscles aching yet oddly invigorated. Panting slightly, I dropped onto the grass, allowing my body to rest. I looked up at the stars, their twinkling lights a silent testament to the hard work of the night.

Looking up at the star-studded sky, I felt my breath hitch at the ethereal sight. Each twinkling light was a world unto itself, distant yet familiar, echoing the very essence of my journey. I felt a strange connection with the earth. Faint, but there. It revitalized my body, the grass curling inward as if embracing me. The effect of Nature's Attunement wasn't as prominent, but it seemed as though I got stronger being in nature's presence.

The sounds of shuffling grass made me turn my head, my gaze landing on Feng Wu. He was standing nearby, a serene look on his face as he studied me. The glow of the firelight danced in his eyes, accentuating the depth of his gaze.

"That was quite impressive, Kai," he remarked, his voice calm, not even a hint of exertion apparent. Despite the difference in our cultivation, his words held genuine respect. The fact that he was not even winded, while I was gasping for breath, spoke volumes about the gap between us.

My lips curved into a grateful smile, my chest puffing up at his words. However, I knew I still had a long way to go. A sudden idea dawned on me, a spark lighting up in my mind.

"Feng Wu," I began, my voice firm, "Would you... Would you trade pointers with me?"

His eyebrows arched slightly in surprise. For a moment, he studied me, his gaze penetrating, as if he was trying to gauge my resolve. Then, a slow smile spread across his face, changing his aura from a calm brook to a playful breeze.

"You are relentless, Kai," he responded, his tone teasing. He reached into his satchel and pulled out a small flask. With a flourish, he handed it to me. "Here, take this. It's a revitalizing elixir. Rest for a while before we spar."

I gratefully took the flask, the cold touch of its surface soothing against my sweaty palm. As the liquid went down my throat, I paused and stared at the cultivator, who was smirking playfully.

"This is water." I deadpanned.

"It is quite revitalizing after your training, is it not?"

I barked out a laugh and returned it to Feng Wu. I leaned back against a tree, allowing the 'elixir' to do its work. As my heartbeat started to normalize, I watched Feng Wu prepare himself for our upcoming spar. His movements were fluid and effortless, a stark contrast to the rigorous training I had put myself through.

Just watching him was a lesson in itself, his mastery of the Verdant Lotus sect's Lotus Palm technique apparent in every gesture. His calm demeanor was the perfect testament to the tranquil life of a cultivator. Despite his formidable skills, there was a simplicity about him that was both intriguing and comforting.

The moonlight streamed down, casting a soft glow around us, and the air held a lingering scent of dewy grass and woodsmoke. My pulse quickened with anticipation as I squared off with Feng Wu.

Feng Wu took the first move. His form was like a ripple of water, as smooth and elusive as mist, as he deftly swirled around me. I tried my best to remember the essence of his movements to prepare myself mentally, but it was so hard to think in the midst of combat.

I attempted to parry his blows, using the techniques I'd learned from Elder Ming, yet they all fell short. It felt like my first time sparring with my master. My attempts were met with the equivalent of batting at smoke; each strike was easily deflected, slipping away with an effortless fluidity. The ease with which he evaded my blows, moving as though in a dance, was both frustrating and fascinating. His movements were an intricate weave of defense and attack, his body moving in harmony with the rhythm of his breath.

My panic was on full-display. It felt like there was a split-second delay between my body and mind. It felt disjointed and clumsy.

Feng Wu landed a gentle tap on my shoulder, his touch light and precise. It was enough to send me stumbling back, a clear sign of my inadequacy. My cheeks burned with embarrassment, yet he simply smiled. "Your moves are too rigid, Kai," he commented, his tone light, his eyes holding a soft glow under the moonlight. "Martial arts isn't just about strength or speed, but about flow and flexibility."

Despite the sting of his words, I didn't falter. I reminded myself that this was not a defeat, but a lesson. With newfound determination, I straightened up and faced him again. The sensation of Feng Wu's strikes, light as they were, reminded me of the gaps in my defense, and not painfully but humbling instead.

Elder Ming didn't teach me any style. He called it the basics. Punch, kick, block, parry. It was too early into my training to deviate. But here, I slowly learned how to put them all together into a cohesive art.

Motivated by this realization, I decided to press on, breaking away from my defensive stance and launching an offensive attack. Feng Wu's movements remained as smooth as ever, each of his movements as elegant and efficient as a swan gliding across a lake. I charged forward with a series of strikes, yet every attack was deflected as if it were nothing more than a leaf caught in a gentle breeze.

Though my frustrations mounted, a newfound respect for Feng Wu swelled within me. His skill and control were leagues above my own, and I was beginning to understand the extent of the gap between us. Yet, instead of discouraging me, this only served to fan the flames of my determination.

"Can I start using techniques?" I asked, panting slightly as I prepared for another round. This was my first time sparring with a high-level cultivator, and I wanted to see how I would fare with my full capabilities.

Feng Wu nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Very well, Kai. Show me what you've got."

Emboldened by his words, I moved into my next attack. Drawing upon my qi, I executed a series of techniques, each move more powerful than the last. Yet, for every attack I launched, Feng Wu seemed to have an answer. His response was always swift and precise, a testament to his superior control over his qi. My boost was minute. I was a little stronger than before, and my strikes were being launched at higher velocities, but I couldn't utilize the flow of qi throughout my body like he could.

At every step, Feng Wu was one move ahead, his counterattacks highlighting the weaknesses in my techniques. Even my most powerful strikes were met with grace and fluidity, his evasion and deflection as smooth and seamless as the flow of water. It was as though he was dancing around my attacks, his movements a harmonious blend of strength and agility.

Yet, despite the gap between us, there was no hint of arrogance in Feng Wu. His approach was patient and understanding, as if he was guiding me rather than competing with me. Each light tap from his palm was not a mark of defeat, but a lesson, a sign of where I needed to improve.

The differences between us were apparent, not just in our skill levels, but in our approach to martial arts. Where I was impatient and aggressive, Feng Wu was calm and controlled. Where I was rigid and forceful, he was fluid and gentle. I was a roaring fire, unpredictable and fierce, while he was a calm river, steady and unyielding.

But I was learning. How he tended to shift left whenever he stepped backward. And whenever he did that, he'd draw himself back in and poke me in the chest as a reminder of the gap in my defense. I left it open, and watched him just as he leapt backward. I knew he would do it and left my guard open with the intent of luring him in.

Rooted Banyan Stance!

His knuckles brushed harmlessly off my chest as I activated the technique, hardening every inch of my body. Feng Wu wasn't expecting me to remain in my position, and I unleashed an upper cut from close proximity, knowing I had him.

For a moment, my heart pounded in my chest, the anticipation and exhilaration so strong it was almost tangible. But just as I was certain the blow would land, I felt it: the lightest brush against the skin of my knuckles.

Feng Wu had tilted his chin, the slightest movement that deflected the brunt of my attack. Instead of the satisfying impact I had been waiting for, my fist merely grazed the tip of his chin, the touch as soft as a feather. The shock of the near miss sent a jolt through me, leaving me standing there, my fist still raised and my breath caught in my chest.

I sighed, my shoulders dropping as I admitted defeat. The smirk on Feng Wu's face was both exasperating and amusing. But he remained quiet, his gaze thoughtful as he watched me.

"In the heart of a seed, an ancient tree lies.." He murmured. I tilted my head, but shook off my thoughts as I clasped my hands together and bowed.

"It was a good match. I learned well." Feng Wu said.

I responded the same, and we both sat down by the fire to recover. After a brief silence, I noticed that he entered a meditative state and had closed his eyes. As I placed a small bowl down and filled it with rice wine for Tianyi, I settled down across from the second-class disciple and began using the Crimson Lotus Purification Technique.

Even without bandit ambushes or spirit beast attacks, this journey would still hold incredible value for me; both as a martial artist and as an alchemist.

Under the moonlight's gaze, we each found solace in our cultivation. Two lone figures beneath the starlit sky, nurturing our potentials while waiting for dawn to arrive.