In the morning light the qi rich mist, for which the sect was known, clung to the peaks of Silvermist Ravine. Curling around the jagged cliffs like a serpent in repose. Han Wei stood in the center of his martial arts courtyard, his hands clasped behind his back as he surveyed the progress of his disciples.

  Xiao Lan practiced her fan techniques with precision, her movements sharp and graceful, while Lan Feng ran through the extensive katas of his foundational art. Tie Zhu, as always, was in the corner, his spear flashing like a silver streak as he drilled through his forms with relentless determination.

  A month had passed since Han Wei had taken them under his wing, and though they were still raw and unpolished, he could see the potential in each of them. Yet, his own situation remained precarious. His lost cultivation was a constant weight on his mind, a ticking clock that threatened to unravel everything if he didn’t find a solution soon.

  It was in this state of quiet contemplation that a soft chime echoed through the courtyard. Han Wei turned to its source and saw a young disciple bowing at the entrance, holding a delicate scroll sealed with a wax emblem - a plum flower in bloom.

  “Elder Han,” the disciple said, “Elder Mei sends her regards and invites you to tea at her pavilion.”

  Han Wei’s brow furrowed. He had not forgotten about his planned tea with Elder Mei, but at her age and level of cultivation sending out an invitation only a month after suggesting it, was rushed to the precipice of rudeness.

  In the treacherous waters of sect politics, unexpected haste tended to signal hidden currents surging below the surface.

  “Thank you,” Han Wei said, accepting the scroll. “Inform Elder Mei that I will attend.”

  Even for an informal tea between elders Han Wei knew he would have to make an effort. Appearing as he did normally would be the equivalent of saying that he wasn’t even considering hearing what she had to say.

  When the appointed day came he dressed in fine emerald robes embroidered with subtle arrays that made the deep green embroidery flow like water across their surface. He even swapped his usual plain silver hair pin for an ornate jade one that was technically a refined treasure, even if all it did was prevent his hair and clothes from being affected by the wind.

  The Plum Blossom Pavilion was a towering testament to the status Elder Mei enjoyed. It was nestled deep within the sect’s inner grounds, surrounded by a grove of ancient plum trees - their branches twisted like dragon bones, their blossoms a soft pink against the verdant green of the undergrowth.

  As Han Wei approached, the scent of blooming flowers and medicinal herbs filled the air, a subtle reminder of Elder Mei’s expertise.

  She awaited him on a raised platform, seated at a low table adorned with a steaming teapot and two porcelain cups.

  She was a classic beauty, with skin like white jade and hair like rich ink, but no-one truly knew how old she was. A master of alchemy, the rumour was that she had extended her youth far beyond what her cultivation would allow.

  Elder Mei’s robes were a masterpiece of understated elegance, flowing around her like a soft mist. The fabric was a deep, muted indigo that seemed to shift subtly in the light, and along the hems and sleeves, faint embroidery of plum blossoms traced delicate patterns, their pale silver threads nearly invisible unless caught at the right angle.

  The blossoms, sparse yet artfully placed, seemed to bloom and fade as she moved, perhaps a subtle nod to the cycles of life and renewal she had witnessed over her long years. Though Han Wei couldn’t tell whether this was done through arrays or pure mastery of art, and indeed couldn’t decide which would be more impressive.

  Her eyes, sharp and calculating, softened as he approached, pleased by the face he was giving her by dressing so formally.

  “Elder Han,” she greeted, her voice as smooth as the tea she poured. “Thank you for accepting my invitation.”

  “Elder Mei,” Han Wei replied, bowing slightly before taking a seat across from her. “It’s not often I receive such a gracious invitation. I couldn’t refuse.”

  She smiled faintly, her gaze lingering on him as she slid a cup of tea toward him. A faint, almost imperceptible web of fine lines at the corners of her eyes and the deliberate, measured way she moved - each gesture precise, each step deliberate - were the only hints at the vast expanse of time she had lived.

  The liquid was a deep amber, its aroma rich and earthy, with a hint of something floral. Han Wei took a cautious sip, the warmth spreading through him as the tea’s qi subtly nourished his meridians.

  “This is excellent,” he said, his tone neutral, after finishing up the required pleasantries. “A blend of Goldenheart Chrysanthemum and Breathing Birch bark, if I’m not mistaken.”

  Elder Mei’s smile widened, though whether she was pleased or amused he couldn’t tell. “You have a discerning palate, Elder Han. I’m impressed.”

  “A fortunate guess,” Han Wei replied, noting that she hadn’t actually said whether he was correct and setting his cup down. “But I doubt you invited me here to discuss the tea.”

  Elder Mei’s expression grew more serious, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup. “You’re right. I have a proposition for you - one that could benefit us both.”

  Han Wei leaned back slightly, his guard rising. “I’m listening.”

  She paused, as if weighing her words carefully. “I’ve heard rumors,” she began, her voice low, “that you’ve been researching in the libraries. Extensively. To that point that someone might wonder if you had encountered a problem you were trying to solve.”

  Han Wei’s heart skipped a beat, but he kept his expression calm. “Rumors are often exaggerated,” he said evenly. “But I appreciate your concern for my reputation.”

  Elder Mei’s gaze sharpened. “I’m not here to pry, Elder Han. Nor am I here to judge. I’m here to offer my assistance - if you’re willing to accept it.”

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  Han Wei studied her for a long moment, searching for any hint of deception. Elder Mei was known for her alchemical prowess, but she was also a master of subtlety. Trusting her was a gamble, but in his current state, he couldn’t afford to turn away potential allies.

  “What do you propose?” he asked finally.

  Elder Mei’s lips curved into a small smile. “There is a place, hidden within the Verdant Sanctuary Canyons, where rare soul-nourishing herbs grow.” That caught Han Wei’s attention. How much does she know?

  “Growing there should be a mature Spiritroot Fern. The last recorded visitor to the place noted that there were several young specimens and enough time has since passed that at least one will have matured enough for harvesting.”

  Han Wei kept his greed in check, this was a highly suspicious lure. If she was sure of her information, then this was a potential treasure trove. Han Wei couldn’t think of why she was even considering sharing this.

  “If such a place exists, why haven’t you sent your own disciples to retrieve it?” Asking outright might be slightly rude, but he felt that the blatant lure warranted it.

  Her smile faltered ever so slightly, and for the first time, he saw a flicker of unease, or something like it, in her eyes. “The location is guarded by a powerful spirit guardian - a being of great strength and cunning. My disciples are skilled, but they lack the ability to face such a foe.

  “And I find myself in a position where I cannot risk injury by fighting such a thing.” Her expression went carefully blank at the admission, in a way that clearly conveyed that she would not be clarifying the statement, before continuing.

  “You, however, are a seasoned elder known for your martial exploits. I have full confidence in your capabilities even with your current diminished presence.”

  Han Wei’s jaw tightened, was that a reference to his lost cultivation? Or was it a comment on his disguise technique hiding his cultivation level?

  He pushed his fears aside and leaned forward, his voice low. “And in return for this Spiritroot Fern?”

  Elder Mei’s gaze met his, steady and unyielding. “Firstly, I will share the location with you. And if you succeed, I will owe you a favour - perhaps I can solve whatever the problem is that you may or may not have.”

  She raise an eyebrow meaningfully. “Alchemy has many, many, applications after all. Even in esoteric areas such as soul cultivation.”

  The unspoken implication hung heavy in the air. And as he was desperately trying to figure out what might have given away his injury, Han Wei suddenly remembered what he had been reading when she interrupted him in the library.

  He had been reading on soul cultivation. Yes, it was a topic he could easily explain away, but she might not care for explanations. She was old. She was very likely a traditionalist.

  Traditionalists often saw the hand of fate everywhere. The simple fact that she had stumbled upon him while reading on that particular topic could easily have convinced her that soul cultivation was at the root of his so-called ‘problem’.

  Han Wei hated that type of thinking, but given that her conclusion was essentially correct, he couldn’t exactly dismiss it out of hand. Fate did very much exist after all.

  Han Wei forced himself to focus and considered her offer carefully. The risks were undeniable, but so were the potential rewards - in that respect it was a fair deal.

  What he didn’t like was the unspoken threat to reveal what she knew to others in the sect if he didn’t play ball.

  Although, if he reframed the thought, it could just as easily be Elder Mei demonstrating that she had kept what she knew quiet to show her discretion. Han Wei hated sect politics and pushed his thoughts aside before they twisted him up in knots.

  “Very well,” he said at last. “I’ll retrieve the Spiritroot Fern for you.”

  Elder Mei’s smile returned, and this time Han Wei thought it was tinged with relief. “I knew you would see reason, Elder Han. The location is marked on this map.” She slid a small scroll across the table. “But be warned - the spirit guardian is not to be underestimated.”

  Han Wei took the map, his mind already racing with plans and contingencies. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  As he rose to leave, Elder Mei’s voice stopped him. “Elder Han,” she said, her tone softer now. “I appreciate your aid in this matter, and I hope it leads to closer collaboration between us. Though it might not be apparent, as you are new to the sect, the sect elders usually have a much more harmonious relationship.

  “These are turbulent times recently.”

  Han Wei glanced back at her, but she didn’t elaborate. “I’ll remember that.”

  With that, he left the Plum Blossom Pavilion, the weight of Elder Mei’s words and the map in his hand a reminder of the precarious balance he now walked. The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear to him, he couldn’t afford to falter.

  Han Wei decided to waste no time. Elder Mei was clearly in an unseemly rush and capitalising on this to gain her favour was an easy way to increase the benefits he might gain from the expedition.

  But why was she so desperate to obtain a Spiritroot Fern? He searched his memory and quickly came upon the entry for the plant in an almanac he had skimmed. He only had minimal access to the Alchemy Library, but they didn’t restrict knowledge of natural treasures - likely in the hope that more disciples would find them and bring them back for the alchemists.

  The entry for the Spiritroot Fern didn’t contain any information on what pills or elixirs it could be refined into, but it did explain its raw properties. On consumption, the herb was able to induce a person’s spirit body into growing temporary roots.Roots that would bind the physical body, spiritual body, and soul together.

  It could be used to reinforce a cultivator against curses, soul attacks, and some of the more insidious demonic techniques. But it only lasted a couple of days before the natural movements of the soul, body, and spirit began to tear the roots apart - after which they were absorbed by the primary cultivation method.

  Using that as a baseline, then it was clear that any pill refined from it would likely be made to treat some of the most sinister afflictions. And Elder Mei was rushing to obtain one.

  Han Wei was becoming more and more concerned about the politics of the sect. The waters clearly ran deep and he could not even begin to see what lay at the bottom. Should he change his mind about helping Elder Mei? Could he change his mind now he had accepted?

  But if a treatment was required, then that implied the existence of a victim. And even with the holes in his memories, he could remember the suffering that could be inflicted by these kind of demonic techniques.

  He would gather his disciples and leave as soon as humanly possible.

  The very next morning, Elder Han stood at the edge of the sect’s outer gates - his three disciples arrayed before him.

  Xiao Lan stood with her arms crossed, her bladed fans tucked neatly into her sleeves, her expression one of thinly veiled impatience. Lan Feng fidgeted with the handle of his sword, his eyes darting nervously to the dense forest beyond. Tie Zhu, as always, stood stoic and unmoving, his spear resting on his shoulder like a seasoned warrior.

  He had given them scant time to prepare for the journey and only bare-bones of information about where they were headed.

  “You will be going on a training expedition,” Elder Han had announced to them after returning from the Plum Blossom Pavilion, his voice calm but firm.

  “We will venture into the Verdant Sanctuary Canyons where you will be harvesting rare spiritual herbs. Along the way, we will certainly encounter spirit beasts that I expect you to deal with. Consider this an opportunity to test your skills and learn to work as a team.”

  Xiao Lan had raised an eyebrow. “And if we encounter something beyond our capabilities?”

  Elder Han’s gaze had hardened in response. “Then you’ll rely on each other. I won’t intervene unless absolutely necessary. This is your chance to prove yourselves.”

  Lan Feng had swallowed nervously, while Tie Zhu merely nodded, his expression unreadable.

  “Are you prepared?” Han Wei now asked his disciples, having given them most of yesterday to prepare but no guidance on what to bring. Only Lan Feng had been wise enough to ask him for help so he had no idea what the others might have packed.

  Just in case Han Wei had packed a spacial pouch with extra supplies such as fasting pills, medicine, and a few qi recovery elixirs suitable for his disciples cultivation level. But he resolved not to give any of these out unless absolutely necessary.

  A little discomfort would reinforce the lesson.