Blossoming Path

Chapter 67: The Silent Moon's Arrival

The early morning air was cool and crisp, the kind that sends a slight shiver down your spine but somehow feels refreshing at the same time. I stood among the throng of disciples, all of us lined up in a semi-formal array as we awaited the arrival of the Silent Moon sect. Leaves, in their vibrant autumn attire, danced gently to the ground, adding a serene yet somber backdrop to the gathering.

I couldn't help but feel a knot of apprehension in my stomach, no matter how much I tried to reason with myself.

Its just another day, I kept telling myself like a mantra within my head, but the butterflies in my stomach seemed to disagree. Despite all my mental exercises and preparation, the anxiety was like a stubborn stain, refusing to be scrubbed away.

Elder Zhu, standing at the forefront, was the epitome of composure. His presence was always reassuring, like a steady rock amidst turbulent waters. As the Silent Moon disciples approached, led by their elder, Elder Jun, the atmosphere tensed, charged with an unspoken rivalry.

The meeting between Elder Zhu and Elder Jun was akin to watching two masters starting a game of Go. Their words were cordial, laced with the kind of politeness that had more layers than the most intricate pastry. Yet, beneath the surface, there was a subtle verbal spar, a battle of wits and veiled barbs.

Elder Jun's voice was smooth, almost too smooth, as he spoke, Elder Zhu, your hospitality is as renowned as the Verdant Lotus Sect's prowess in alchemy. We are eager to witness the fruits of such esteemed teachings.

Elder Zhu replied with a polite smile, but his eyes were sharp, And we are equally eager to see the talents that the Silent Moon sect is so proud of. I trust your journey here was comfortable.

The exchange was like watching a dance, each step measured and precise. Elder Jun nodded to one of the disciples, instructing them to lead the group to the dining hall for some refreshments before the main event. The air was filled with the subtle scent of jasmine tea and fresh pastries, a contrast to the undercurrents of competition.

I trailed alongside, part of the group but lost in my observations. My eyes scanned the Silent Moon disciples, trying to gauge who my opponent might be. Each one of them carried themselves with a confidence that bordered on arrogance, yet there was a disciplined sharpness to their movements. It was hard to pick who might step into the ring against me.

The feeling of apprehension lingered, much to my frustration. Why cant I shake this off? I thought, chastising myself. I should be stronger than this, more resolute.

But knowing and feeling are two different things, and as much as I knew I was prepared, my heart refused to listen.

I watched as the leaves continued to fall, a reminder of the ever-changing and unpredictable nature of life. Just like these leaves, today could mark a change, a shift in my journey. I just hoped it would be for the better.

As we entered the dining hall, a hush fell over the crowd, slicing through my contemplation like a blade. In my lapse of attention, I suddenly found myself face-to-face with Xu Ziqing. My heart skipped a beat, not out of fear, but an intense realization of the moment. Here stood the second-class disciple from Qingmu, the one who, according to Feng Wu, had inflicted the most damage to the Wind Serpents while I had passed out.

Xu Ziqing's presence was distinct, his demeanor like an unsheathed sword amongst the throng of disciples. My previous encounters with him flashed in my mind, a stark reminder of the chasm that once existed between us. And yet, standing here now, that chasm felt even wider. Even after all my training, nothing had changed.

"What do you want?" I asked, meeting his gaze with a defiance I didn't fully feel but refused to let go unseen.

Xu Ziqing's lips curled into a half-smile, a glimmer of respect flickering in his eyes. "I want to see the beast core," he said. "The prize of our sect's wager."

I hesitated for a moment before retrieving the core from my robe. As I handed it to him, I couldn't help but whisper, "Ironically, it seems the Silent Moon sect will get back what they lost, after all. So much for honor."

His jaw clenched at my words, but his voice was steady. "Elder Jun's magnanimity is the only thing that stopped us from taking it by force. You should be grateful for his mercy."

Before I could reply, Elder Jun stepped in, with a sardonic smile on his crooked face. "Enough, Xu Ziqing. There's no need to show such animosity towards a mere herbalist. It would be quite unfair to disrupt him before such an important trial." The jab was subtle but cutting, and Elder Jun's eyes twinkled with an unspoken challenge.

As Elder Jun turned away, I caught Xu Ziqing's gaze once more. Surprisingly, there was no malice there, only a complex web of emotions I couldn't quite decipher. It was as if his earlier words were just a faade, a performance for the sake of appearances. I shook my head. It wasn't the time to discern his actions.

Behind me, Feng Wu's presence was like a silent tower of strength, his aura subtly countering Xu Ziqing's intimidation. Li Na and Han Wei stood by me, shoulder to shoulder. They glared at the Azure Moon Marauder's back as he stepped away.

"Don't listen to him, Kai. They're just trying to provoke you." Han Wei said, giving me a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

After giving the core to Xu Ziqing, my mind raced with thoughts and strategies. I recounted every strategy I devised, every countermeasure, and every lesson. I gingerly touched the pouch by my hip, containing two vials the Celestial Mind Illuminating Elixir and the Ambrosia of Radiant Dawn. Just knowing they were there reassured me.

I watched as Xu Ziqing gave the beast core to Elder Jun, who examined it with the discerning eye of a seasoned cultivator. The core, a symbol of our wager, gleamed ominously in the morning light. Elder Jun then handed it over to Elder Zhu with a remark that dripped with insinuation, "We trust the honorable Verdant Lotus sect will judge this contest without bias?"

Elder Zhu, ever the embodiment of calm, simply nodded, accepting the responsibility without a hint of agitation. His cool demeanor in the face of Elder Jun's subtle provocation was something I aspired to emulate. I admired his ability to keep his composure under such thinly-veiled hostility.

As the Silent Moon disciples settled for their meal, I found myself alongside Feng Wu, away from the main gathering. He had heard about my spar with Lan Sheng and the performance-boosting potions I had concocted.

"Sticking to your strengths is important, Kai," Feng Wu said in his usual calm tone. "But knowing when to use them is crucial. I trust you understand this?"

I nodded, the weight of his words settling in. "I do, but I can't shake off this nervousness. It's like a shadow I can't outrun."

Feng Wu offered a reassuring smile. "Fear isn't inherently bad, Kai. Remember, 'A hundred refinings make pure steel.' Each trial you face is a step towards becoming stronger, more resilient. It's your ability to stand firm despite the fear that defines true courage."

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His words were a balm to my anxious mind. I wished Tianyi and Windy were here with me, their presence always brought a sense of peace. But I knew better than to bring them into the spotlight, especially with the Silent Moon sect around.

"Kai, remember the spar we had last week?" Li Na began, a small smile playing on her lips. "You managed to counter my Lotus Strike, something I didn't see coming at all. Your growth isn't just visible; it's impactful. You've come a long way, and you have the skills to prove it."

Her words, direct and sincere, cut through the fog of my anxiety. Li Na wasn't one to give empty praise; her acknowledgment of my progress was a testament to the efforts I'd put into my training.

Before I could fully soak in Li Na's words, Han Wei chimed in, his tone light and teasing. "And let's not forget the time you almost had me eating dirt with that sneaky move of yours," he said, rubbing the back of his neck as if remembering the moment all too well. "If you can keep me on my toes, I'm sure you'll give the Silent Moon sect more than just a run for their money."

"Thanks, you two," I managed, feeling the knot of apprehension in my stomach loosen slightly. "I'll make sure not to disappoint."

I glanced over at the Silent Moon disciples, trying to gauge my potential opponent. The order in which they sat was telling Elder Jun at the head of the table, flanked by Xu Ziqing and a bald, muscular senior disciple whose very presence commanded respect. Even with his back turned, I could tell all the other disciples were wary of him, aside from Xu Ziqing and Elder Jun. The hierarchy was clear, and the third-class disciples adhered to it with almost religious fervor.

It was quite different from what I was used to here in the Verdant Lotus sect. Although the disciples of each generation stuck to their respective groups, there was no strict hierarchy like this.

My gaze lingered on the third-class disciples. 'One of them will be stepping into the ring with me,' I thought. To ease my nerves, I began to pick apart their looks and traits in my mind, a sort of mental game to psych myself up.

'That one with the scar across his cheek, he looks like he's seen a few too many brawls. And the one with the hawk-like eyes, I bet he's quick.' My internal commentary brought a faint smile to my face. It was a silly exercise, but it helped to lighten the weight of the moment.

Feng Wu, noticing my gaze, leaned in slightly. "Don't underestimate them, Kai. Each one is a formidable opponent in their own right."

As I watched the third-class disciples of the Silent Moon sect, my mind raced, assessing them, trying to gauge their strengths and weaknesses. My gaze first fell on a tall, lean disciple with sharp, focused eyes. 'A quick one, probably relies on speed,' I thought, recalling Instructor Xia Ji's advice on countering swift opponents. 'Rooted Banyan Stance could offset his agility, keeping me grounded and stable.'

Another disciple caught my attention, this one broader and heavily muscled, he reminded me of Wang Jun if he turned to a life of banditry. 'Strength-based fighter,' I surmised. 'Likely to favor brute force over finesse.' I remembered Lan Sheng's teachings about unpredictability. 'I'll need to be agile, strike at the right moment, and avoid direct confrontations of strength.'

My eyes then drifted to a disciple with a calm, almost serene expression. 'A strategist, perhaps? Someone who thinks two steps ahead.' I recalled Feng Wu's words about the importance of adaptability. 'If he's a planner, I'll need to be erratic, less predictable. Throw him off his game.'

I noticed another, younger than the rest, who seemed slightly nervous. 'Inexperience could be his weakness, but overconfidence in facing him could be mine.' I thought of my potions, the Ambrosia of Radiant Dawn and the Celestial Mind Illuminating Elixir. It wasn't a shallow analysis. The potions truly were needed only if I was extremely out of my depth. The drawbacks and the relatively short duration would prove fatal if I used them too recklessly, after all. 'Maybe I won't need them against him, but I should be prepared nonetheless.'

Each observation, each mental note, built a strategy in my mind. I felt my confidence slowly returning as I applied the lessons I had learned. 'Know your opponent, know yourself,' I recollected Elder Zhu and Elder Ming's teachings.

This mental exercise, categorizing and strategizing, was more than just a distraction from my nerves; it was a reaffirmation of my growth and learning. I might not be the strongest or the fastest, but I had knowledge, cunning, and the element of surprise on my side.

As the Silent Moon sect finished their meal, Elder Jun, with a commanding presence, signaled for his disciples to prepare for the duel. "Lead the way," he said, his voice resonating with an air of authority. The Silent Moon sect's organization was indeed militaristic, each member moving with precision and discipline.

I followed the procession towards the alchemy pavilion, a place I had become all too familiar with. The memory of preparing the pavilion for their arrival flooded back.

Waking up before dawn, I took on most of the workload, feeling responsible as the catalyst for this entire situation. I couldn't let the other disciples bear the burden of my actions. Elder Zhu respected my wishes and I worked quietly under his command to move tables around the pavilion and prepare it for the Silent Moon sect's arrival.

To my surprise, Li Na, Han Wei, and even Feng Wu had arrived early to help set up. Their presence lightened the load and my spirits. We arranged tables and chairs in a circular manner, facing two identical alchemy stations that awaited the competitors.

As we entered the pavilion, I noticed it was already half-full. The practical arrangement of the room allowed for an unobstructed view for everyone. The alchemy pavilion members, along with Li Na, Han Wei, and Lan Sheng, were present among the audience. Their familiar faces brought a sense of encouragement.

Elder Zhu then took center stage, explaining the proceedings of the alchemy duel to the Silent Moon sect, now seated in the audience. The encirclement was a clean split of green and blue robes. "To ensure fairness," he began, "we will select the recipe for the contest from this bowl." He gestured towards a simple but elegant ceramic bowl containing scrolls of various recipes.

These were well-known formulations, standard across most sects, chosen for their widespread recognition and use in both cultivation and healing practices.

Xu Ziqing, from where he sat with the Silent Moon sect, raised an eyebrow and voiced a concern that mirrored the tension in the air. "Elder Zhu, how can we be assured that the recipe chosen will not be one tailored to the strengths of the Verdant Lotus sect, perhaps an obscure concoction unknown to us?"

Elder Zhu's response was calm and measured, reflecting the depth of his experience. "The recipes selected for this bowl," he explained, "are recognized and utilized by any sect with a dedicated alchemy pavilion. They are foundational concoctions that any trained alchemist should be familiar with, regardless of their sect's specific focus."

With the air of clarity restored, Elder Jun was invited to draw a scroll from the bowl. The room held its breath, the rustle of the parchment sounding unnaturally loud in the hushed anticipation. He narrowed his eyes, before opening his mouth.

"The contest will revolve around the crafting of the Soothing Spirit Pill," Elder Jun announced, unraveling the scroll to reveal the recipe.

A wave of relief washed over me as I recognized the name. The Soothing Spirit Pill, a basic yet vital concoction known for its effectiveness in aiding cultivation recovery and mending minor qi disruptions. It was a pill I had practiced with numerous times in my Pill Concoction class. Although I didn't need to use it or make it for myself, largely due to the effects of Tianyi's presence was superior to the pill in every way possible, it was definitely useful for the average cultivator without an awesome spirit beast companion like me.

Elder Zhu then proceeded to detail the criteria for the bout's judgment. "The outcome of each concoction will be evaluated based on its potency, quality, and purity. These are the pillars upon which the art of alchemy stands, and they shall guide us in determining the victor of this contest."

The atmosphere in the pavilion shifted as preparations for the contest began in earnest. The tables were set with an array of alchemy ingredients, each more vibrant and potent than the last, alongside the necessary tools and a pill furnace at each station.

The seating arrangement for the audience was circular, enveloping the contest area in a ring of eager anticipation. Luxurious seats were designated for the elders, while the rest of us found places among the simpler seating that fanned out from the center.

The alchemy pavilion members, including Li Na, Han Wei, and even Lan Sheng, were all present, their faces a mix of excitement and support. The sense of community was palpable, bolstering my spirits and injecting a dose of confidence into my veins.

Elder Zhu's voice cut through the murmurs of the crowd as he called me to step forward. I approached the center, the weight of the sect's expectations resting on my shoulders. Then, turning to Elder Jun, Elder Zhu asked, "And who shall represent the Silent Moon sect in this contest?"

Elder Jun stood, his presence commanding the room's attention as he spoke, "In the spirit of fairness, and not to crush a budding flower with a mountain's weight, we shall present our fledgling disciple to partake in both the alchemy and martial bouts." He gestured gracefully, "Ping Hai, please come forward."

The name Ping Hai, which sounded gentle and almost poetic, seemed out of place in the militaristic ambiance of the Silent Moon sect. I glanced towards the disciple I had pegged as the youngest and most nervous among them, half-expecting him to be the one called upon. He, however, remained still, his gaze fixated elsewhere, oblivious to Elder Jun's summons.

Confusion knotted my brow as I followed his line of sight, only for my eyes to widen in disbelief when the real Ping Hai began to rise from his seat. It wasn't the nervous-looking disciple I had mistaken for Ping Hai, but rather the bald, imposing figure who had been sitting across Xu Ziqing in the dining hall.

My jaw nearly hit the floor as Ping Hai stood, his towering form casting a shadow that felt like it extended across the entire pavilion. The ground didn't actually rumble as he walked towards me, but the sheer force of his presence made it feel as though it should. My earlier attempts at boosting my confidence quickly evaporated in the face of this unexpected development.

Ping Hai's muscles seemed to bulge against the fabric of his robes, straining the material as if threatening to burst free at any moment. His neck was so thick it looked like it could withstand a direct hit from a battering ram, and his height... By the heavens, he was so tall he even dwarfed Wang Jun and Master Qiang from back home, and those two were giants in their own right.

Were those scars along his knuckles? Or was the fear creating hallucinations within my mind?

As Ping Hai approached, he stared me down. My mind raced, trying to reconcile the gentle name of Ping Hai with the mountain of a man striding towards me.

'This is the Silent Moon sect's idea of grace?!'

I swallowed hard, my previous observations of the Silent Moon disciples now seeming trivial and naive in comparison to the reality standing before me.

"Greetings," he said, his voice steady and clear. "I am Ping Hai, a third-class disciple of the Silent Moon sect. It's an honor to meet you."

As Ping Hai greeted me, his voice rumbled like a distant thunderstorm, deep and resonant. It was the kind of voice that made you wonder if he wasn't secretly a dragon in disguise, practicing his human form. "I am Kai Liu, it is an honor..." I responded, trying not to look as startled as I felt.

With a voice like that, he could probably convince mountains to move.

And just like that, I received a notification from the Heavenly Interface, solidifying my death sentence.

Quest: Eclipse the Silent Moon

- Triumph over Ping Hai in an Alchemy Duel (0/1)

- Land one strike against Ping Hai in a Martial Contest (0/1)