Blossoming Path

The steam from the teapot spiraled upward, curling in delicate tendrils that caught the morning light. I poured carefully, the amber liquid filling the porcelain cups with a shaky flow, as a result of my unsteady hands. Across from me, Feng Wu tapped a single finger against the table, a small gesture of appreciation as he cradled his cup with both hands.

But the serenity didn’t last.

“The Black Tortoise Tribulation?” Feng Wu’s voice cut through the quiet, laced with disbelief. His brow furrowed as he leaned forward, his cup momentarily forgotten. “This isn't some joke, right?”

I nodded, setting the teapot down. “Nope. No joke.”

“One of the four mythical beasts. I suppose your claims of being special aren't so wrong after all,’” He shook his head, clearly still trying to process it.

“Well, here I am,” I said with a shrug, lifting my own cup. My eyes were baggy, and my entire body hurt. Even sleeping was a challenge with this tribulation, and I ended up spending half of my night cycling my qi. “Don't know whether to call this a blessing or a curse.”

Feng Wu didn’t laugh. Instead, he sighed, rubbing his temple. “The Heavenly Interface keeps throwing surprises. The Verdant Lotus Sect has been studying its quirks, and we’ve already adjusted the curriculum to account for the way it accelerates growth. How to trigger certain quests, and how to complete them... It’s made the younger disciples ambitious. Li Na and Han Wei especially. They’re growing steadily.”

"Ambitious, huh?" I leaned back, trying to picture the younger disciples clashing over who could outpace the other. “I bet they’re eager to try their skills, but I hope they’re not reckless. Or at least, I hope they’ve mastered bandaging their own scrapes. The only reason I refined my body this far was because of my hydrosol and other medicines.”

Feng Wu raised a brow. “You think we’d let disciples train without the basics? Every Verdant Lotus disciple is taught first aid.”

I snorted, setting my cup down. “Ah yes, I've seen it in action. You all carry medicinal wine in your satchels? So much for being a taoist.”

He rolled his eyes, his tone laced with exasperation. “You work with medicines, Kai. You know it’s rooted in practical application.”

“Oh, I agree,” I said, smirking. “But then why go out of your way to make it smell and taste good? I bet you add... let’s see... maybe star anise?”

Feng Wu stiffened, just barely, and I grinned. “So I’m right?”

“It's a sect secret,” he said firmly, though the faint twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed his amusement.

“Sure it is,” I teased. “It just seems like its less about wounds and more about giving these taoists an excuse to drink. But Li Na and Han Wei, huh? Good. I’ll look forward to sparring with them again.”

“Speaking of sparring... Jian Feng. I heard you beat him.”

I waved dismissively. “He wasn’t at his best. He was using a staff, which was clearly unfamiliar to him. If it had been hand-to-hand or with a weapon he actually trained with, I wouldn’t have.”

Feng Wu smirked. “And yet you still won. Convenient how you neglect to mention the fact that you were holding back, too.”

“What?” I blinked at him, caught off guard.

“Oh, don’t play coy,” Feng Wu said, leaning back with a knowing grin. “I heard you didn’t use Rooted Banyan Stance or Bamboo Reprisal Counter, all because Elder Ming asked you not to show your hand.”

I felt my face heat up. “That’s... different.”

“Different? How so?”

“It’s not chivalrous to flaunt that. I’m not arrogant enough to rub my opponent’s face in the fact that I was holding back.”

Feng Wu stifled a laugh. “Not arrogant, huh? I could’ve sworn you had a 'young master’ persona you liked to whip out now and then. What happened to that?”

I glared at him, though my blush probably ruined the effect. “Could you just tell me about what happened to the Whispering Wind sect? Weren't they supposed to come by now?”

Feng Wu’s smile faded, and his posture straightened, the air between us turning heavy.

“They’re delayed,” he said, his voice quieter now. “Because of the Silent Moon.”

My cup paused halfway to my lips. “What happened?”

Feng Wu exhaled, his expression grim. “There’s been a serious conflict in the east. A territory dispute turned into something much bigger. One of the Silent Moon elders, the ones from the mainland; they attacked and injured Tian Zhan.”

I nearly dropped my cup. “Tian Zhan? Injured? But he’s one of the Whispering Wind Sect’s strongest!”

“That’s exactly why this is so serious,” Feng Wu said. “Tian Zhan was leading the effort, and now the Whispering Wind Sect is mobilizing for a larger conflict. Their candidate for sect leader being injured is no small matter. The Silent Moon Sect knew what they were doing.”

I leaned back, the weight of his words sinking in. “So that’s why they haven’t sent anyone here yet. I’m thankful the Verdant Lotus Sect hasn’t withdrawn their support, then we’d be in a much worse position.”

Feng Wu nodded. “Now that Sect Leader has come out of seclusion, things are stabilizing.”

My head snapped up. “Sect Leader Shaotian Ye? He’s... out?”

“Not just out, he’s broken through to the Spirit Ascension stage.”

I blinked, stunned. I’d almost forgotten that the sect leader had gone into seclusion months ago.

“Spirit Ascension...” I repeated numbly. “That’s incredible. So he's as strong as the Wind Sage now?”

“Perhaps,” Feng Wu agreed. “We have no way of confirming it. The ambient qi levels are rising everywhere, and breakthroughs among elders and sect leaders who've plateaued for decades are becoming more common. The balance of power is shifting.”

I nodded slowly, my thoughts churning. The ramifications of such a change wasn't small. But for now, I had to focus on what I could control—like surviving this tribulation.

Through the window, I caught sight of Tianyi and Windy outside. They were in the snow, Windy darting through the drifts while Tianyi’s wings sparkled in the sunlight as she leapt and twisted in the air. What looked like playful antics was clearly training, the two of them honing their instincts and skills with every movement.

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Despite Windy's lower cultivation level, his insticts were first-rate, and allowed him to keep up against Tianyi in a way I never could.

The sunlight glinted off the snow outside, illuminating the sharp contrast of Tianyi’s glittering wings and Windy’s sleek, serpentine movements. She spun midair, her wings slicing through the crisp winter air with precision, while Windy whipped his tail in controlled arcs, carving small trenches into the snow. It was hard to tell if they were playing or sparring, but knowing those two, it was probably both.

I sipped my tea, savoring the warmth that seeped through the porcelain. Feng Wu followed my gaze, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Tianyi’s really something. That Qi Haven skill of hers... It’s no wonder you’ve made so much progress lately.”

I raised an eyebrow. “How do you know it wasn't a result of my heaven-defying talent?”

He rolled his eyes. “Fair. It's also one of the reasons why I came."

I leaned back slightly. “Ah, my genius has drawn you to this village, I see. Figured you'd learn more observing me than training at the sect?"

"PFFT!" He struggled to hold in his laughter. I didn't see what was so humorous. “No, I meant how long Tianyi’s Qi Haven skill lingers. The sect is curious about the rate of growth.”

My brows furrowed. “Study it how?”

Feng Wu reached into his robes and produced a slim talisman, its surface inscribed with delicate runes. “This is a qi-measuring talisman. It records the density and quality of qi in an area. I’ll use it today and then repeat the process next month to compare. It's not very precise though.”

My fingers drummed lightly against the table as I stared at the talisman. I frowned as a strange unease coiled in my chest, and I struggled to pinpoint its source.

Perhaps it was the reminder of how Tianyi’s abilities were now under scrutiny—not just by me, but by others.

Feng Wu looked up from the talisman, his gaze sharpening as he caught my expression.

“Kai,” he said, his tone firm, “you don’t need to worry. This information won’t leave me. The Verdant Lotus Sect won’t misuse it, on my honor.”

His sincerity was clear, but the knot in my chest didn’t loosen. I wasn’t so much worried about Feng Wu or even the Verdant Lotus Sect. It was the possibility of information spreading beyond their control, into hands that wouldn’t hesitate to exploit Tianyi or the village.

“It’s not that I don’t trust you,” I said slowly, choosing my words with care. “It’s just... this kind of thing could easily draw the wrong kind of attention. Tianyi’s Qi Haven skill is... unique. If others find out, it won’t be long before they come sniffing around.”

“I understand. That’s why I’m being as discreet as possible. No one else is involved in this.”

I raised an eyebrow. “How do you plan to compare this place to others? The whole province’s qi levels are rising; it’s not exactly subtle.”

“That’s the challenge,” he admitted. “Gentle Wind Village is the first location I’m testing. After this, I’ll repeat the experiment in areas with different influences—sect grounds, other villages, and places rumored to have high natural qi density. For now, I’ll focus on here.”

His explanation made sense, but it didn’t entirely soothe my concerns. “And they sent you alone for this?”

Feng Wu grinned. “I volunteered. No one else was better suited. Besides...” He gestured toward the window, where Tianyi and Windy continued their strange, synchronized dance. “I wanted to see this for myself.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “You’re a scholar now, huh? Sometimes, I forget you're not a martial sect. Most of what I’ve seen is that side; swords, fists, and a touch of alchemy.”

Feng Wu laughed. “Fair. Alchemy’s the closest you’ve seen to scholarship, I imagine. But the Verdant Lotus Sect values research as much as combat. Understanding how to adapt to the Heavenly Interface, the ambient qi changes—it’s all part of staying ahead. Even our martial techniques are improving because of it.”

He picked up the talisman again, turning it over in his hands. “I’ll start with the measurement shortly. Once we have a baseline, I can work on mapping Tianyi’s influence across the area. It’ll take time, but it’s worth it.”

I nodded, my fingers tightening slightly around my cup. “Just... keep it safe. I don’t want this place turning into a battleground because someone got greedy.”

Feng Wu met my gaze, his expression serious. “I promise. No one will know unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

That eased the tension a little, though the knot in my chest didn’t fully unravel. I forced a smile, trying to lighten the mood. “Well, since you’re here, maybe you can teach me some of those scholarly techniques. I might need them if the Heavenly Interface keeps throwing tribulations at me.”

As the warmth of the tea settled in, I set my cup down and glanced at Feng Wu. It was the perfect opportunity to bring up something that had been nagging at me for weeks.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you,” I started, keeping my tone casual.

“Oh?”

“It’s about the Interface. Have you heard of... technique tokens?” I asked, watching his expression closely.

He blinked, tilting his head slightly. “Technique tokens? I’ve never heard of those before.”

“Yeah, I’ve been getting them as quest rewards. The description says they can upgrade skills or techniques to the next level, even bypassing prerequisites. But...” I hesitated, tapping a finger against the table. “I’ve been too nervous to use them.”

Feng Wu leaned forward, his attention now laser-focused on the floating tokens. “Bypassing prerequisites to evolve a skill? That’s... fascinating. Why haven’t you tried them yet?”

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. “Because I don’t fully understand how they work. The system doesn’t exactly come with a manual, and Elder Ming couldn’t give me much advice either. He didn’t want to guide me on something he wasn’t familiar with, which I get.”

“That’s fair,” Feng Wu admitted, his gaze flicking between me and the Interface. “But it’s still surprising you haven’t experimented. Surely you’ve thought about which skills to use them on?”

“I have,” I said, exhaling slowly. “In fact, I’ve considered using one on my cultivation method, the Crimson Lotus Purification technique. It’s slow to gather energy, but it has a purification aspect that only allows pure qi into my dantian. Any impurities are filtered out, which makes my reserves more stable, although it's agonizingly slow. But... I’m not sure it would work.”

Feng Wu’s brow furrowed. “Why not?”

“No matter how much I cultivate, it hasn’t advanced. It's been stuck at level one. That’s why I was thinking of using a token to force it to the next level. But what if it destabilizes everything? What if it messes with the purification process and leaves me with polluted qi?”

Feng Wu put a hand to his chin, deep in thought.

“I think I have an answer,” he said after a moment. “Cultivation methods, especially ones with a purification aspect, are designed to be as precise as possible. Any deviation in the qi flow could cause serious problems. In fact, methods like that are probably never meant to evolve—they’re already optimized for what they’re supposed to do.”

My stomach sank at his words. “You’re saying it might not even be possible to upgrade it?”

“Not necessarily,” Feng Wu said quickly. “But it would explain why it hasn’t leveled up naturally. Most sects don’t develop new cultivation methods for a reason; there’s just too much risk involved. Even minor changes require decades of study and careful testing.”

I nodded slowly, letting his explanation sink in. It made sense, but it didn’t make the decision any easier. “So, if the token does work, it might bypass those risks entirely. Or it might just destroy everything.”

“That’s the gamble,” Feng Wu said, his tone measured. “But if it works, it could completely change how you handle this tribulation, right? An upgraded cultivation method would make a huge difference.”

I looked at the screen, ruminating my options. Feng Wu’s logic was sound, but the risks still loomed large in my mind. If this went wrong, it wouldn’t just be my cultivation that suffered—it could set me back in ways I couldn’t afford.

Still, the idea of overcoming the Black Tortoise Tribulation with a stronger foundation was tempting. Very tempting.

“Let’s see what happens,” I murmured, raising the menu.

Which skill would you like to apply the Technique Token?

Spiritual Herbalism - 6 (...)

Nature's Attunement - 6 (...)

Accelerated Reading - 9 (...)

Rooted Banyan Stance - 4 (...)

Crimson Lotus Purification - 1 (...)

Bamboo Reprisal Counter - 1 (...)

Memory Palace Technique - 1 (...)

Refinement Simulation Technique - 1 (...)

Heavenly Flame Mantra - 1(...)

I glanced back at Feng Wu, and he looked at me with a reassuring nod.

“Alright,” I muttered under my breath. “Here goes nothing.”

Are you sure you want to use a Technique Token on Crimson Lotus Purification? This action is irreversible.

The system’s confirmation window hovered before me, clear and final. And then, I confirmed.

The world vanished.

A flood of sensation and knowledge slammed into my mind like a tidal wave. I gasped as an intense warmth blossomed inside my chest, spreading outward in rapid pulses.

For a split second, I couldn’t feel my body at all, as though I’d been pulled out of myself and suspended in pure, unfiltered knowing.

Patterns. Rhythms. My mind swirled as diagrams and circuits of flowing qi painted themselves across my consciousness in vivid detail. I saw it—the Crimson Lotus Purification as I’d never seen it before. Every delicate cycle of qi moving through my meridians unfolded before me with clarity so sharp it burned. The breathing technique shifted; its cadence altering slightly, elongating my inhales, and smoothing my exhales.

The Lotus grows in harmony with breath and blood.

A voice—or perhaps just an impression—whispered into my mind. I couldn’t tell if it came from the system, from myself, or from the technique itself.

The flow of qi wasn’t just a steady stream anymore; it was a carefully choreographed dance. I felt the changes.

The purification process refined itself, no longer a slow, clunky effort but a precise weave of energy. The stagnant, sluggish feeling I’d struggled with for so long vanished like a mirage.

New pathways etched themselves into my awareness. Subtle twists and loops within my meridians I hadn’t realized were there before. I could adjust my qi flow on instinct now, nudging it into optimal patterns with a thought. It was as if someone had shown me a hidden map of my own body, one I never knew existed.

I blinked, my vision refocusing on the table in front of me. My entire body felt weightless yet grounded, as though I’d shed an invisible layer of exhaustion. A faint trail of drool was sliding down my chin, and I hastily wiped it away before Feng Wu could notice.

He did.

“You... drooled,” he said, a mixture of amusement and concern coloring his voice. “Are you okay? You blanked out for a moment.”

I stared at him, still reeling. Words failed me for a long beat before I managed to croak out, “I think... I think it worked.”

The system chimed softly, and a window appeared in front of me.

Crimson Lotus Purification has evolved to Vermilion Lotus Refinement - Level 1.

Remaining Tokens: 1

I swallowed hard, my hands trembling as I absorbed the words.

“What happened?” Feng Wu asked, leaning forward, his scholarly curiosity fully unleashed now.

I exhaled slowly, my breathing instinctively following the new rhythm etched into my mind. “It... changed. The Crimson Lotus Purification is gone, it evolved. It’s faster and smoother than before! It feels like it was always meant to be like this.”

Feng Wu’s brows shot up. “It actually evolved? The system adjusted a cultivation method?” His voice wavered between shock and awe. “Kai, do you realize how unheard of this is? Cultivation methods are sacred because tampering with them is dangerous—impossible, even! But the system... it just—”

“I know,” I muttered, my mind still buzzing from the knowledge. “It didn’t just force a level-up; it improved it. Perfectly. The system knew how to do it.”

Feng Wu rubbed his face, muttering something about needing to write a report for his sect. I leaned back in my chair, staring at the ceiling, my thoughts a tangle of awe, disbelief, and rising hope.

If the Heavenly Interface could do this... if it could refine techniques to such perfection... then what else was it capable of?

I glanced over at the second-class disciple with a grin.

"I know what I have to do."

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