So Yun's words hung in the air, her chambers a cocoon of warmth amidst the Frostfort's chill. The incense burners exhaled delicate curls of sandalwood, and the tapestries of mythical beasts seemed to watch me, their embroidered eyes glinting in the lamplight. I sat across from her, the tea's lingering aroma grounding me as I weighed her offer. The Frost Plum Grove—Li's tales of its beauty, Ryu's cryptic spirits—beckoned, but my battered body and frayed meridians screamed caution.
"Why me?" I asked, my voice steady despite the ache in my core.
"I'm barely holding together."
"You're stronger than you think, little Kai," So Yun said, her blue eyes softening.
"Your breakthrough to peak Qi Condensation, your survival against impossible odds—it's remarkable. The Grove offers resources to speed your healing. Silver Plum Blossoms, Frostheart Sap—my pills could work miracles with them."
"And the risks?" I pressed, sensing an unspoken truth.
"Beasts, rival sects, the Grove's own mysteries," she admitted.
"But you've faced worse. I'll lead the expedition, and Aina's joining. You won't be alone."
I leaned back, the sofa creaking, my mind racing. The Grove was a chance to gather points, resources, perhaps secrets to mend my spirit. But Xu Xie's trial had nearly broken me, and the sect's politics—my clan's betrayal, Belozar's disdain—loomed like storm clouds. Could I trust So Yun's kindness, or was this another test?
"I'll think on it," I said, rising.
"I owe you that manual first."
"Don't dawdle, little Kai," she teased, but her gaze held weight.
"Meet me tomorrow with your decision."
Back in my cell, I meditated, Song of Pure Flame and So Yun's pills easing the pain in my meridians. The Book of Ash and Phoenix Blade sat in my ring, untapped power I couldn't yet wield. Sleep eluded me, so I reviewed my status:
Name: Kai Shen
Qi Reserve: 50/120
Rank: Mortal (12/12)
Techniques:
- Song of Pure Flame (Spiritual, Level 3/5)
- Dance of Embers (Mortal, Level 1)
- Black Blizzard (Spiritual, Level 1/5)
- Devourer (Heavenly, Level 1/7)
Talents:
- Shen Clan Bloodline
- Flame Tempering
Devourer's ability to absorb qi from enemies was a cheat, but my condition limited its use. I needed to heal before pushing further. The Grove might be my best shot.
Morning came, and I headed to the task board, ensuring my points stayed intact. The library called next, my remaining twenty points spent on a tome about spiritual nodes. The text was dense, hinting at complex rituals to open the nodes, but details were locked in a pricier volume. Frustration gnawed at me—knowledge was power, and I was poor.
Aina found me again, her grin infectious.
"Frostbite, you're the sect's favorite gossip. Grove rumors now—everyone thinks you're So Yun's pet."
"Let them talk," I said, shelving the book.
"She wants my answer?"
"Yup, and I'm your escort," she chirped.
"Let's move."
Her chatter filled the icy halls, tales of duels and breakthroughs. I listened, realizing how detached I'd become, my world narrowed to cultivation. At So Yun's door, she greeted me with a playful pout.
"Little Kai, decided yet? Or still dodging your future wife?"
"Sister So, I'm in," I said, meeting her gaze.
"But I need details—team, threats, goals."
Her smile widened.
"Smart boy. Me, Aina, three inner disciples, and ten outer like you. We seek Silver Plum Blossoms and Frostheart Sap. Beasts are the main threat—harugs, ice wraiths, maybe a frost drake. Rival sects might interfere. We leave in three days."
I nodded, my mind mapping the risks. Three days to prepare, to stabilize my qi. Back in my cell, I meditated, pushing Song of Pure Flame to its limits, the pills' qi weaving through my meridians. Pain flared, but progress was tangible, my spirit knitting faster than expected.
The third day dawned, and I joined the expedition at the gates, the Frostfort's spires stark against the snowy sky. Aina waved, her spear gleaming, while the inner disciples eyed me with cool appraisal. So Yun's presence was a beacon, her Core Formation aura calming the group. We trekked into the wasteland, the air biting, the snow crunching underfoot.
Hours in, a low growl echoed. Ice wraiths—ethereal, claw-wreathed spirits—emerged from the snow, their qi chilling the air. So Yun signaled, and we formed a circle, Aina at my side.
"Stay sharp, frostbite," she whispered.
I activated Dance of Embers, speed surging despite the qi drain. The wraiths lunged, their claws slashing. I dodged, my sword slicing through one, Devourer absorbing its qi. The boost was small but vital, easing my pain. Aina's spear danced, piercing wraiths, while the inner disciples unleashed ice techniques, frost shards flying.
The wraiths were relentless, their psychic wails echoing the worms' screeches. I used the terrain, luring them into snowdrifts to slow their advance, striking with precision. A wraith's claw grazed my arm, blood welling, but Flame of Life sealed it, pain searing but effective. I countered, my sword wreathed in fire, Devourer feeding me qi with each kill.
So Yun's voice cut through.
"Kai, Aina, flank left!"
We moved, Aina's spear covering me as I targeted a larger wraith, its qi pulsing. My sword struck true, qi flooding me, my reserves spiking. The wraiths faltered, and So Yun's technique—a wave of golden light—obliterated the rest. We regrouped, panting, the snow stained with fading qi.
"Impressive, little Kai," So Yun said, her eyes appraising.
"You're more than you seem."
The Grove loomed ahead, its silver trees shimmering under starlight. But a new presence stirred, a ripple of qi—hostile, human. Rival sect? What awaited in the Grove's heart, and would my secrets stay hidden?