Chapter 28: The First Day

Chapter 28: The First Day

The journey began just as the sun began to paint the horizon with hues of orange and red. Feng Wu and I led our horses at a leisurely pace, the load they carried light enough not to strain them but heavy enough to remind us of the purpose of our journey. The path to Crescent Bay City was well-trodden, a testament to the constant travel and trade that flowed between the village and the city. As we put the familiar sights and sounds of Gentle Wind Village behind us, the world began to unfurl with new landscapes that took my breath away.

Despite my mind spinning with fantasies of the grand adventures we might encounter, the first day of our journey was astonishingly mundane. I had envisaged bandit attacks, villages under siege, mythical Spirit Beasts emerging from the wilderness. Instead, all we came across were fellow travelers, rolling hills blanketed with verdant green, and quiet brooks babbling in the midday sun. The Tranquil Breeze Province, it seemed, lived up to its name.

By the time the sun began to dip, we'd made good progress. We set up camp by a gently murmuring stream, its water clear and cold, reflecting the first twinkling stars of the evening. The horses grazed nearby while Feng Wu and I unpacked our belongings. As we lit a small fire and the inviting aroma of our cooking dinner filled the air, I turned to Feng Wu.

"Who will take the first watch tonight?" I asked, my mind still filled with the thrilling prospect of a nighttime attack. A seasoned traveler and cultivator like Feng Wu must have come across some dangers during his journeys.

Feng Wu laughed, a sound as light and carefree as the wind rustling through the trees. "Kai, in all my years of traveling these roads, there has never been a need for a night watch. But nevertheless, I'll be alert in case there is one."

His words took me aback. I blinked, incredulous, as he continued.

"The Tranquil Breeze Province is named so for a reason. It's one of the most peaceful provinces in the whole empire. The most excitement we might come across could be a raccoon rummaging through our food supply."

His light-hearted tone, the twinkle in his eyes, and his nonchalant demeanor did much to reassure me. It was strange, but his words stirred a mixed sense of disappointment and relief within me. Tianyi's emotions rolled through our connection, and I could sense the curiosity from her as she explored the greenery around, her tiny wings contrasting with the various plants and herbs around.

Still, I chose to enjoy the serenity of the moment. The fire crackled and sparked, casting dancing shadows against the darkening landscape. The scent of roasting meat and herbs was mouthwatering, a pleasant reminder of the comforts I'd brought from home. As a taoist, Feng Wu turned down my meat skewers in exchange for a humble meal of rice and vegetables.

"Do not worry, Kai. Cultivators don't need as much food as a regular person."

That didn't seem very fun. Even if I was a cultivator, how could I abstain from delicious food? Just the thought made me wince. I would live life to its fullest! Experience the finest cuisine, charm the most beautiful women! Jade beauties!

We spent the rest of the evening in comfortable silence. We talked about regular topics. He mentioned visiting his village just prior to this and getting the chance to spend time with his parents. It seemed surreal, the fact that we came from such similar backgrounds. There was a small pang of bitterness when I remembered that despite our similarities, his parents were still alive.

I wondered how mine would've reacted to all these wonderful things I've accomplished since their passing.

As the night drew in, the darkness blanketing the sky, Feng Wu retreated to a quiet spot near the edge of our camp. He began to stretch, his movements slow and precise. I watched as he took up a martial stance, his palms extended in front of him as though holding an invisible sphere.

The Lotus Palm. The Verdant Lotus sect's hand to hand martial art.

His palms moved in a fluid, circular motion, a representation of the ever-changing and cyclical nature of life. His form was exquisite; every movement was smooth, like water flowing over smooth pebbles, strong and relentless yet incredibly gentle. Despite the darkness, a faint green aura seemed to emanate from him, giving him a mystical, otherworldly air. It was as sharp as I last remembered.

I watched in awe, the firelight reflecting in his eyes, his body moving like a dance to a silent tune. His every motion was a testament to years of dedication and rigorous training. It was fascinating and inspirational to see the raw power and control he demonstrated, a clear depiction of his high level of cultivation.

Emboldened by Feng Wu's movements, I decided to take initiative. Even without Elder Ming's guidance, I had a strong foundation. I had trained under his watchful eyes for over a month, practicing my stances and improving my physique.

I moved to a clear area away from Feng Wu, taking a deep breath as I focused on the exercises Elder Ming had ingrained in me. There were no advanced techniques or secret arts, just a series of grueling conditioning exercises to strengthen my body and discipline my mind.

My exercises consisted of relentless repetitions of various exercises, and the dreaded horse-stance. I remembered Elder Ming's stern face and harsh voice echoing in my mind, "A strong mind needs a strong body, Kai. A weak body will only hinder your progress."

Despite the sting of his words, I didn't falter. I reminded myself that this was not a defeat, but a lesson. With newfound determination, I straightened up and faced him again. The sensation of Feng Wu's strikes, light as they were, reminded me of the gaps in my defense, and not painfully but humbling instead.

Elder Ming didn't teach me any style. He called it the basics. Punch, kick, block, parry. It was too early into my training to deviate. But here, I slowly learned how to put them all together into a cohesive art.

Motivated by this realization, I decided to press on, breaking away from my defensive stance and launching an offensive attack. Feng Wu's movements remained as smooth as ever, each of his movements as elegant and efficient as a swan gliding across a lake. I charged forward with a series of strikes, yet every attack was deflected as if it were nothing more than a leaf caught in a gentle breeze.

Though my frustrations mounted, a newfound respect for Feng Wu swelled within me. His skill and control were leagues above my own, and I was beginning to understand the extent of the gap between us. Yet, instead of discouraging me, this only served to fan the flames of my determination.

"Can I start using techniques?" I asked, panting slightly as I prepared for another round. This was my first time sparring with a high-level cultivator, and I wanted to see how I would fare with my full capabilities.

Feng Wu nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Very well, Kai. Show me what you've got."

Emboldened by his words, I moved into my next attack. Drawing upon my qi, I executed a series of techniques, each move more powerful than the last. Yet, for every attack I launched, Feng Wu seemed to have an answer. His response was always swift and precise, a testament to his superior control over his qi. My boost was minute. I was a little stronger than before, and my strikes were being launched at higher velocities, but I couldn't utilize the flow of qi throughout my body like he could.

At every step, Feng Wu was one move ahead, his counterattacks highlighting the weaknesses in my techniques. Even my most powerful strikes were met with grace and fluidity, his evasion and deflection as smooth and seamless as the flow of water. It was as though he was dancing around my attacks, his movements a harmonious blend of strength and agility.

Yet, despite the gap between us, there was no hint of arrogance in Feng Wu. His approach was patient and understanding, as if he was guiding me rather than competing with me. Each light tap from his palm was not a mark of defeat, but a lesson, a sign of where I needed to improve.

The differences between us were apparent, not just in our skill levels, but in our approach to martial arts. Where I was impatient and aggressive, Feng Wu was calm and controlled. Where I was rigid and forceful, he was fluid and gentle. I was a roaring fire, unpredictable and fierce, while he was a calm river, steady and unyielding.

But I was learning. How he tended to shift left whenever he stepped backward. And whenever he did that, he'd draw himself back in and poke me in the chest as a reminder of the gap in my defense. I left it open, and watched him just as he leapt backward. I knew he would do it and left my guard open with the intent of luring him in.

Rooted Banyan Stance!

His knuckles brushed harmlessly off my chest as I activated the technique, hardening every inch of my body. Feng Wu wasn't expecting me to remain in my position, and I unleashed an upper cut from close proximity, knowing I had him.

For a moment, my heart pounded in my chest, the anticipation and exhilaration so strong it was almost tangible. But just as I was certain the blow would land, I felt it: the lightest brush against the skin of my knuckles.

Feng Wu had tilted his chin, the slightest movement that deflected the brunt of my attack. Instead of the satisfying impact I had been waiting for, my fist merely grazed the tip of his chin, the touch as soft as a feather. The shock of the near miss sent a jolt through me, leaving me standing there, my fist still raised and my breath caught in my chest.

I sighed, my shoulders dropping as I admitted defeat. The smirk on Feng Wu's face was both exasperating and amusing. But he remained quiet, his gaze thoughtful as he watched me.

"In the heart of a seed, an ancient tree lies.." He murmured. I tilted my head, but shook off my thoughts as I clasped my hands together and bowed.

"It was a good match. I learned well." Feng Wu said.

I responded the same, and we both sat down by the fire to recover. After a brief silence, I noticed that he entered a meditative state and had closed his eyes. As I placed a small bowl down and filled it with rice wine for Tianyi, I settled down across from the second-class disciple and began using the Crimson Lotus Purification Technique.

Even without bandit ambushes or spirit beast attacks, this journey would still hold incredible value for me; both as a martial artist and as an alchemist.

Under the moonlight's gaze, we each found solace in our cultivation. Two lone figures beneath the starlit sky, nurturing our potentials while waiting for dawn to arrive.