Blossoming Path

Chapter 83: The Nail That Sticks Out

He narrowed his eyes at me, a flicker of rage as he realized the meaning behind my words.

A part of me, a small, cautious voice, urged me to backtrack, to apologize for the pointed insult. After all, wasn't it wiser to avoid making powerful enemies? The old adage whispered in my mind: 'the nail that sticks out gets hammered down'.

The thought of enduring more condescension, of accepting my place as a 'lesser' alchemist, filled me with a different sort of dread.

Hadn't I endured enough veiled insults, enough dismissive glances? These arrogant alchemists, with their prestigious lineages and their certainty of superiority, they saw me as an insignificant speck, a bit of chaff to be swept aside without a thought.

Duan Jian took a deliberate step forward, the cloud patterns on his robes swirling as if stirred by a sudden gust of wind. "You dare mock me, village boy? Do you know who I am? The prestige of my clan?"

"Oh?" I feigned innocence, tilting my head in mock curiosity. "Do enlighten me. Perhaps your esteemed clan specializes in growing chaff?"

The insult elicited a few laughs, and a low murmur of whispers rippled through the crowd. Duan Jian's face flushed an ugly shade of crimson.

"How dare you!" he snarled, his voice rising in anger. "You…you insignificant worm! Don't think your petty tricks will save you. I'll see you fail in the first round, and then you'll learn the price of disrespect!"

My hands clenched into fists, nails biting into my palms. A hot flush spread through me, mixing with the icy prickle of rage. "The only disrespect I see is yours," I countered, my voice rising to match his own. "Respect is not dictated by lineage or wealth, but by skill and character. And your character, it seems, is sorely lacking."

His eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought he might lunge at me. The other competitors shifted uneasily, some clearly enjoying the spectacle, others averting their gazes as if afraid to witness the inevitable downfall of an 'outsider'.

But then, a cold determination settled within me. I would not be cowed. With my chin held high, I met his gaze unflinchingly. "Perhaps," I continued, my voice edged with steel, "you should be more concerned with passing the competition. After all, empty threats won't enhance your skill."

His nostrils flared, and the muscles in his jaw twitched. But some of the fire seemed to drain from his eyes, replaced by a cold calculation. He eyed the rest of the crowd, gauging the reactions. For a long moment, he simply stared at me, a silent battle of wills unfolding in the space between us.

"You'll regret this, peasant."

Then, abruptly, he turned on his heel, the swirl of his robes a final display of disdain.

I watched him go, my hands clenched into fists at my sides. A victory, yes, but it tasted bittersweet. Duan Jian's smoldering glare left a prickling sensation on the back of my neck. Had I gotten too cocky? Provoking someone of his caliber likely connections could backfire spectacularly.

"Don't let him get to you, Kai," Bai Hua said, his voice low. "There are always those who measure worth by lineage and not by skill."

I knew I was gambling. Duan Jian and those like him held influence, they had connections that could make my path impossibly difficult. But as I fixed my gaze on his arrogant sneer, a different kind of fear gnawed at me – the fear of living a life forever on the sidelines, forever underestimated.

"Easy for you to say," I muttered, still tense. "You come from a renowned family, even if they aren't cultivators. They won't trash you like they do me and Tao Ren."

Tao Ren's booming laughter startled me. "They were insulting me? When did that ever happen?"

Despite my lingering annoyance, I couldn't help but smile. The blacksmith's obliviousness was something to behold.

As the remaining competitors trickled in, my gaze swept across the room, analyzing each face. Most I didn't recognize, but over half had been present at the sponsored registry, their robes and demeanors marking them as elite. A pang of insecurity wormed its way into my chest. To think that even with my Memory Palace technique, Accelerated Reading, and a mind-numbing amount of work, over ten people boasted a score higher than me.

The air crackled with anticipation as a new figure appeared in the entrance. A cascade of white hair shimmered under the arena lights, followed by eyes the color of winter ice. It was her, the girl from the Lian clan, representing the Whispering Winds Sect.

An almost reverent hush fell over the gathered alchemists. Even among this group of the best, she held an undeniable presence, her ethereal beauty adding to her mystique. The way others bowed in acknowledgment as she passed, her regal nod in return, it all screamed of her being far more important than I initially thought.

Then, with a confident strut, she walked straight towards me, Bai Hua, and Tao Ren.

Duan Juan seemed busy tidying himself, rearranging the bun on his head and fixing the wrinkles on his robes. As soon as she neared him, he spoke.

"This young master greets-"

She continued forward, not even sparing a glance his way. A shadow loomed over my head, as she finally stopped in front of me, Tao Ren, and Bai Hua.

Stopping directly in front of our small circle, her icy blue gaze landed on me. "So, Kai Liu, it seems you've managed to scrape through." There was no warmth in her voice, only a cold assessment.

I squared my shoulders, refusing to be intimidated. "Indeed, and may I have the honor of knowing your name? As fellow competitors, I believe that courtesy is due."

A chilling smile stretched across her lips, a predator sizing up its prey. It mirrored Lan-Yin's expression whenever she was about to unleash her fury on an unsuspecting Wang Jun. "Jingyu Lian," she finally replied.

A flicker of surprise coursed through me as I noticed the number two emblazoned on the token in her hand. With her imperious attitude and that declaration back when I first encountered her - 'this Gauntlet is no playground for amateurs' - I'd assumed she would easily snag the top score.

A wry smile tugged at the corner of my lips. I couldn't resist a small jab. "Quite the surprise, wouldn't you say, Lady Jingyu? Your words about amateurs ring a bit hollow when you couldn't secure the first-place spot." I deliberately played up the respectful title, letting a hint of mockery seep into my tone.

Her answering snort was as cold as her gaze. "I hardly expected someone to surpass me," she retorted, her voice sharp as a shard of ice. "Though I suppose it makes for a more interesting challenge."

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Before I could fire back a retort, my gaze flickered over her shoulder, seeing the final entrant who passed the preliminaries.

And there, framed by the entrance to the waiting room, stood a decidedly unassuming figure. He seemed to be in his mid-thirties, with a lackadaisical manner and unkempt appearance. His plain brown robes were wrinkled, his hair in disarray, and there was a smudge of what looked like ink across his cheek.

A collective murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd. No one seemed to know his name, and I couldn't recall him being present during the registry. Was he one of the non-sponsored competitors?

The newcomer blinked at the sudden attention, a look of mild confusion crossing his face. It seemed he hadn't even realized he'd caused such a stir.

My own shock mirrored that of the room. The person who secured the top score...was so ordinary-looking. Duan Jian, who'd been glaring at me moments ago, now wore an expression of utter disbelief. It was a strangely satisfying sight.

"It seems," she remarked, a touch of acid in her voice, "that the Grand Alchemy Gauntlet is truly full of surprises."

"Move along now," Ma Hualong chided from behind the man standing by the entrance. He inclined his head and moved to the nearest vacant seat not too far from where I was sitting. Jingyu Lian occupied another seat, two rows down from where we were.

I wanted to talk to the man who scored first place. He seemed approachable enough. But it would have to wait.

Ma Hualong and the other officials stepped past the contestants, going towards the raised platform.

"Welcome, honored competitors," he boomed, his voice echoing through the vast hall. "You stand before us, talented flames, flickering with the potential to become great alchemists." He swept his gaze across the room, his eyes lingering on a few faces, including Jingyu Lian's. "But remember, the art of alchemy transcends the limitations of youthful vigor."

Ma Hualong chuckled. "Fear not," he reassured us, his voice taking on a gentler tone. "As you may know, the Grand Alchemy Gauntlet is not a competition confined by age, but by cultivation level. Think of it as a way to ensure fairness. Most alchemists at the first stage of Qi Initiation haven't yet grasped the complexities needed to truly manipulate the alchemical process."

A wave of understanding washed over me. It made perfect sense. Elder Zhu had once told a similar story about how he found his calling for alchemy later in life. This Gauntlet wasn't just about raw talent, but about the dedication and refinement it takes to become a master alchemist.

"The cap on cultivation ensures what truly matters rises to the surface," Ma Hualong continued. "The strength of your spirit, the keenness of your mind, these are the tools needed for intricate alchemical processes. This allows those who find their passion later in life to compete on equal footing. That is how I began my alchemical journey, and achieved victory here in the Grand Alchemy Gauntlet many years ago. With that said, please line up. We will be testing your cultivation rank to ensure you're below the threshold."

We all shuffled quietly into a line. The test didn't take very long, evidenced by how quickly the contestants moved up along. Once it was my turn, they grabbed a golden slip. A talisman, of some sort, and placed it on my head.

It glowed for a split-second, before going inert. The official removed it from my forehead and nodded.

"Next!"

The test went by without any issue, so it meant everybody here was basically the same cultivation rank. From the snobby Duan Jian, to Jingyu Lian. It would be a level playing field.

Ma Hualong stood up once more, coughing to gather everyone's attention. "The best alchemists, the ones whose names echo through history," he said, his voice ringing with conviction, "are lifelong learners. Their pursuit of knowledge is unbound by age or early achievements. The flames of their curiosity burn eternally."

His words struck a chord within me. The enthusiasm and passion in his eyes mirrored Elder Zhu's. It was a philosophy that resonated deeply, especially knowing the struggles I'd faced as a new competitor in the world of alchemy. Unlike the regimented martial path, where youthful vigor was revered, alchemy seemed to offer a more forgiving path. Here, dedication and a thirst for knowledge could bridge the gap between age and experience. A talented cultivator might reach the first stage of Qi Initiation at fifteen, while another might stumble upon their alchemical calling in their thirties. Yet, within this Gauntlet, both could compete on a relatively even playing field.

Martial arts, on the other hand, were a different beast entirely. Instructor Xia Ji had drilled this into me from the beginning. The years between ten and thirty were a cultivator's golden age, the time when their bodies were most receptive to the foundational techniques. It was a period of explosive growth, where raw talent and rigorous training could lay the groundwork for a lifetime of martial prowess. Masters might refine their skills over decades, yes, but breakthroughs – the kind that propelled a cultivator to new heights – were measured in decades, not years. Missing those critical foundational years could leave an insurmountable gap, a truth I saw for myself.

The way Li Na and Han Wei moved, it was so fundamentally different to someone like me who started less than a year ago. But I didn't despair. If there's anything life has taught me, it's that hard work can bridge the chasms talent and experience creates.

Bit by bit, day by day, I would inch closer to their level. Whether it was pouring over ancient texts in the library, practicing stances and conditioning outside late at night, I was relentless. If I needed to analyze a move ten times to understand it compared to Li Na's three, so be it. If it took me twice as long to master a new form, then I would spend twice the time. I might not have been blessed with a strong affinity for martial arts, but I'd overcome challenges before through sheer grit and determination.

I may be seen as the underdog, a 'peasant' thrust into this high-stakes arena...but I would not yield. I had earned my place here, and I would prove myself worthy, regardless of my age or late start.

Ma Hualong continued his speech, bringing me back to the present.

"So with that, I hope that all of you, regardless of status, age, or background will push the limits of skill and knowledge. Let your spirits blaze with the fire of creation! Now, for the first round..."

He paused, building suspense before revealing the challenge. Come on! Get on with it!

"...Your knowledge was tested in the preliminaries." His voice boomed through the hall. "Now, your application and theory will be put to the test. Seek the ingredients around you to forge your path to the flag hidden in the abyss."

The cryptic clue had an immediate effect. A chorus of whispers erupting as alchemists strained to decipher its meaning. What abyss? What ingredients? My own mind raced, trying to make sense of it. 'Forge your path…' could it be a metaphor for creating an elixir?

"Quiet!" Ma Hualong's voice cut through the din. "There are no set ingredients, nor a single solution." A gleam appeared in his eye, a touch of sly amusement playing on his lips. "The abyss, however…" he paused, letting the suspense stretch taut, "...is quite literal."

He swept off with a final nod, leaving the room buzzing with energy.

My eyes swept the room, landing on the unassuming man who had caused such a stir. The top scorer – and now, seeing him in the context of Ma Hualong's speech, he was a testament to the power of perseverance.

A sudden urge to talk to him warred with the nerves coiling in my gut. What if he thought I was presumptuous? Yet, a curiosity about his journey burned within me. I glanced over at Bai Hua and Tao Ren.

"I think I'll introduce myself to… " I gestured towards the unassuming man, the one who reminded me that life wasn't about starting strong, but about finishing strong. "Be back in a bit."

Leaving them with barely a chance to reply, I made my way across the room, my heart thumping in my chest. It was just an introduction. But it also felt like a leap of faith, a reaffirmation of my resolve.

As I approached the unassuming man, a flicker of surprise crossed his face. He offered a shy smile. "Can I help you with something?"

"I wanted to introduce myself." I extended a hand in a shallow bow. "Kai Liu, Verdant Lotus sect. Congratulations on your impressive showing in the preliminaries."

His smile widened, a warmth entering his eyes. "Thank you. Zhi Ruo, from the Million Book Pavilion. It all feels a bit surreal, to be honest."

My eyebrows shot up. The Million Book Pavilion? That was the largest library in Crescent Bay City. "So, it's safe to assume you weren't always an alchemist?"

Zhi Ruo chuckled, a touch of self-deprecation in his voice. "Not exactly. I dabbled a bit, but…well, recent events changed that. I figured I'd enter the Gauntlet, see how far my newfound abilities could take me."

Intriguing. First a perfumer, then a blacksmith, and now a librarian. I suppose that I shouldn't have been so apprehensive of my background as a herbalist. There were plenty of people here that made it despite lacking the same pedigree as the other competitors, although I'm inclined to believe this year was much more of an exception rather than the norm. My inner scholar itched to know more, but I zeroed in on his score first. "Speaking of knowledge, any idea what your score was in the preliminaries?"

He shrugged, an air of nonchalance about him that seemed at odds with someone who'd topped the charts. "'Perfect', they said. Though I suppose that shouldn't be too surprising, considering my background. But I know knowledge is only half the battle; it's learning how to use it that's most important."

Perfect? My competitive spirit sparked. There was something I just couldn't put my finger on...I shook my head and decided to ask him my most burning question. "Say, do you recall that strange flower in the herb section? Spindly, red, pulsating slightly?"

It was the only one in the herb category that stumped me. But if he scored a perfect, then that means he correctly identified it.

Zhi Ruo's smile faltered slightly, replaced by a flicker of something akin to…apprehension? "Ah, yes. That…that would be a Bloodsoul Bloom," he said slowly. "Commonly known as the flesh flower. It was a tricky one, and I merely ventured out an educated guess based on its described appearance, so I'd understand why you didn't know."

A shiver ran down my spine. The name sent a chill through me, evoking something far more sinister than any mere plant. "Flesh flower?" I repeated, a sense of foreboding growing in the pit of my stomach.

"Yes." He lowered his voice, casting a furtive glance around as if checking we weren't overheard. "They're supposed to be extinct. Or, at least, that's what the records in the Pavilion claimed."

"Extinct? Do you know why?"

"Because they're relics of a far darker era," Zhi Ruo explained, his eyes shadowed. "They don't grow like normal herbs. They…subsist off blood. A constant, fresh supply. In centuries past, traces of them were found in the territory of demonic cultivators, those who practiced forbidden methods to increase their power. Horrific things," he shuddered.

Terrifying, and more so, impossible to identify. Demonic cultivators were a thing of the past, and haven't been a problem here for centuries. Records of them were sparse, even among the Verdant Lotus sect's records. I wonder if they put that in the preliminaries as a way to throw people off.

I lingered for a moment, absorbing Zhi Ruo's insights, then shifted the topic. "What are your thoughts about the first round? Ma Hualong’s words about forging our path in the abyss were rather cryptic."

Zhi Ruo pondered, his gaze turning inward. "The abyss, to me, signifies the unknown depths of alchemy, where theory meets practice in unexpected ways. I anticipate challenges that will require innovative application of our knowledge, not just recitation."

Intrigued by his perspective, I probed further. "And how do you plan to spend the rest of the day in preparation?"

With a decisive nod, he responded, "I’ll be at the Pavilion, studying. Despite the preliminary success, I can’t afford complacency. The true test is yet to come, and I must be ready."

His dedication sparked a realization in me. Being twelfth was an achievement, but it shouldn't be the pinnacle of my aspirations. Inspired, I made an impulsive request.

"Would you mind if I joined you at the Million Book Pavilion for study?"