Fighting to be Kind in a Cultivation World

He Wen shifts uncomfortably with me, as I take him to one of the local dining areas.

There is a large cafeteria style dining hall, but that won’t be good for a private conversation. Even if the contract prevents others from sharing things outside the group, that doesn’t mean they can’t gossip within it.

Since he’s becoming even more nervous as enter the smaller one, I explain my thoughts.

“Hey, you don’t need to worry about anything. I just wanted to check in with you and offer something, if you’re interested.”

He falters a step at this news, causing me to slow down to match his pace, but he soon speeds back up to make up for it.

As we move over to a table, I can see some others in the room look up, before I wave at them and focus my attention back on He Wen. Giving them the sign that they don’t need to do anything special. Even so, they still look at each other and listen in.

Right as I do so, he looks up at me with determination.

“I am. Interested, I mean.”

He declares it with conviction. I can’t help but to raise an eyebrow at this, though, as it’s been more than a few minutes since I said my last words. He seems to realize this too, but I give a smile and answer him.

“Are you sure that you don’t want to ask what it is?”

He shakes his head.

“If you wish something of me, how could I refuse the person who has already done so much for us all?”

I can understand that, but I’ll have to make him feel a bit more comfortable.

“Well, my request is a bit of a strange one.

“I want you to become our Foundations of Heaven group’s Qi Artifact Creator.”

He freezes. Blinking a bit, before laughing in awkwardly.

“I’m sorry, Young Master James, I must still be a bit out of it from the clanging at the forge…”

“Oh, no worries. I said I want you to become a Qi Artifact Creator. And I’ll be bringing you with me when I travel to Monchon City to train you.”

His eyes wide, I can hear his heartbeat quicken from the rush of thoughts. Literally, with my senses and cultivation.

I give him some time to think about this, as this is big news. While he does this, one of the dining personnel brings me some tea, which I gratefully thank them for.

It’s quite delicious.

He's certainly the thinker type. It’ll be better to let him process the situation a bit. Which will be something I'll witness extensively in the future.

Though… it could always just be the culture of the world influencing his actions. After all, being too sporadic has many risks, as I’ve learned.

Either way, I stay silent and allow him time to think.

It takes a bit, but he finally seems to have considered his situation.

“Young Master… I’m sorry to question you, but are you sure you don’t want anyone else? You probably already know this, but there are many other people far more skilled than I am, that would be a better choice for this.”

While this could be viewed as a lack of self-confidence… he's actually very aware of his level of ability. There are many others here who would do this role better.

He also loses out that there are some who want that position even more than he does. But it’s not always about the talent. Or even the drive to succeed.

It’s the level of character.

He’s a normal guy, but with a good heart.

Some individuals align more closely with my way of thinking, but he, if given a leadership position, would grow to have the best understanding of all levels. Workers, management, and the organization.

His averageness would be a strength that lets him emphasize with everyone, guiding them to better choices and solutions.

But he doesn’t need to know this yet. So, I’ll focus on the other aspect.

“I understand that. But there’s another reason I wanted you instead of others. You seem like someone I’d like to get to know.”

His eyes widen, and I immediately clarify.

“Just so you know, I’m not in any way interested in guys. I mean this in that you seem like a good guy. Someone that I want to be friends with. Obviously, I know it’s not normal in this culture to be casual in situations like this, but I think you do an excellent job of treating everyone equally.

“… Something that I wish everyone in the group believed in. Hopefully, by us hanging out a bit, maybe that will change something.”

I’m quite glad to see that there is a bit of relief and not disappointment, that I’m not interested in him sexually. But in addition, he nodded his head discreetly at my comment about treating people equally.

As my scan hinted at, it’s something that he wishes for privately, but doesn’t really fit this culture.

He’s my best chance at finding a normal (for my culture) friend here. That’s a guy, to be specific.

I continue to put him at ease further.

“I know you’ve given your answer already and want to answer now, but really, take some time to really consider it. Let’s say in two more days, you give me your final answer?”

That’s when I’ll be leaving out.

I’d give him more time if I could, even though I pretty much already know his response. He’ll be leaving everything else behind. And potentially creating friction in some of his relationships.

He goes silent again, before nodding.

I think he might be taking my words to heart, though I hope he doesn't overthink it too much.

We finish up and part ways, leaving me to promptly get back to my now regular habit of working through my list of people to assist, as well as having my promised and dedicated one-on-one time with those who are training others.

One of whom is Shi Ji, the blonde-haired, red-eyed woman… who is unquestionably thirsty.

And I’m not talking about her needing water.

Like some of the other sessions, I’ve taken her over to the training area, to work with her on her breathing, body, and cultivation techniques. Part of the large training area is a series of private rooms that are setup for privacy. After heading into it, it’s just us in there.

There, we sit in the middle of the area, just practicing the different forms together and where necessary, I observe and correct her movements.

But I soon find a problem.

“A-ahem. Young Master, I seem to be having some trouble with the OCS and transferring between my method and that one. C-could you guide me through it again?”

I move closer to her and her breathing quickens just a fraction before she controls it. Giving me a normal smile. I can sense the anticipation wash over her.

She plainly doesn't need the help.

She could use it, of course, and I can help her improve her skills in it. But this practically screams, ‘I want you to get close to me’. It might be better to address this directly.

“Shi Ji. I know what you are trying to do here. Just so you know, I prefer more direct approaches from those interested in me. What are your thoughts?”

Let’s see how the noble lady handles this.