Chapter 114: Shared Strength, Shared Destiny

Chapter 114: Shared Strength, Shared Destiny

"Kai, have you been waiting here this entire time?"

The pre-dawn chill clung to my bones as Elder Zhu's concerned gaze met mine.

I pulled my robe tighter, a futile attempt to ward off the cold. "Just wanted to catch you early, Elder," I replied, trying to sound casual despite the shiver in my voice. "Before the pavilion opens. I have a favor to ask."

His weathered face softened into a warm smile. "Come in, come in. We can't have you freezing out here. Favors can wait until you've thawed a bit." for new novels

He ushered me into the pavilion, the warmth inside a stark contrast to the biting wind outside. Within minutes, we were seated in his office, steaming cups of tea cradled in our hands. The familiar scent of herbs and parchment filled the air, a comforting reminder of the countless hours I'd spent here.

"Now then," Elder Zhu began, taking a sip of his tea, "what brings you here at such an early hour? And don't tell me it's just for a friendly chat. I've heard about your performance in the Gauntlet."

I smiled, trying my best to hide the rising sense of embarrassment.

"Yes, Elder Zhu," I replied, my voice a bit hesitant. "I made it to the finals, but... I fell short."

The warmth from the teacup radiated into my hands, offering a small comfort against the chill that lingered from outside.

"I apologize," I continued, my gaze falling to the floor. "I know you had high hopes for me. I... I'm sorry I couldn't bring back a victory with me."

Elder Zhu chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Kai," he said, his tone warm and reassuring, "there's no need to apologize for giving your all. You made it further than any of us could have imagined. You represented the Verdant Lotus Sect with honor and skill, and that is something to be proud of."

He leaned forward, his gaze piercing through my facade of forced cheerfulness. "I know the loss stings but it's in these moments of defeat that we truly learn and grow. Remember, Kai, the Gauntlet is just one step on your journey. There are countless more challenges ahead, and I have no doubt that you will overcome them all."

His words, filled with unwavering belief in my abilities... it was all too much.

Sometimes, my heart wavered. I wondered if rejecting the opportunity to join the sect as his apprentice was the wrong choice.

I clasped my hands together and bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Elder."

"Now, what was it you'd like to talk about?"

My eyes sharpened. I brought out the two beast cores in my pocket, each brimming with latent power. One earned through grit and wit, the other a gilded insult. Together, they represented a turning point, a crossroads.

"I need your help in refining these into an elixir."

The ingredients were laid out, a small fortune in herbs and essence: two Wind Serpent cores, a Breezesong Fruit, ginseng, and white peony root.

I took a deep breath, recalling the guide for refining beast cores into elixirs. There was a general rule-of-thumb to follow, a method honed over centuries of trial and error by countless alchemists. The first step was to pair the beast core with a compatible qi ingredient. In this case, the Breezesong Fruit, of the same element, was the perfect match for the Wind Serpent core.

"Beast core first, paired with its elemental twin," I muttered, selecting the Breezesong Fruit. A bittersweet reminder of my reward, used so soon.

Next came the ginseng, a stabilizing force in the concoction. Renowned for its ability to ground and support the body's energies, it'd provide a stable base for the powerful qi released during the refining process.

Finally, the white peony root. This ingredient would make the elixir easier to assimilate into one's dantian, ensuring that the refined qi could be smoothly integrated into my cultivation. The white peony root's gentle properties were essential for creating a seamless blend, allowing the qi to flow effortlessly within me.

"The white peony root is added last, to make the elixir easier to assimilate into the dantian," I said, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. I knew the theory well, and now it was time to put it into practice.

"Are you ready?" Elder Zhu asked.

A pang of worry struck me. Had I made an error, despite all the failsafes and the Refinement Simulation Technique's guidance?

"Is that a problem, Elder Zhu?"

He placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, his gaze shifting to meet mine. "Not necessarily," he replied, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "In fact, it might be a sign of something quite extraordinary."

Before I could question his words, Elder Zhu's hand reached out, his fingers gently brushing against my wrist. A warm energy flowed through me, a gentle probing of my qi. His eyebrows rose in surprise, his eyes widening slightly. "Kai," he said, his voice filled with wonder, "the purity of your qi... it's remarkable. I've rarely encountered such a refined essence."

I blinked, my confusion mounting. "What does that have to do with the elixir, Elder?"

He withdrew his hand. "Your Qi, Kai, is exceptionally pure. It seems that during the refinement process, your own essence has influenced the elixir, purifying it beyond what is typically achievable."

A wave of realization washed over me. Elder Ming's teachings, the Crimson Lotus Purification's slow accumulation had borne fruit in the most unexpected way.

"My mentor taught me an important lesson on how to utilize qi to my advantage." I explained, a sense of pride swelling in my chest. "He recognized my limitations and encouraged me to focus on quality over quantity, refining my energy until only the purest essence remained."

Elder Zhu nodded, a genuine smile gracing his lips. "A wise approach," he said. "Your mentor's insight is evident in your accomplishments. This elixir, Kai, is a testament to your dedication and unwavering pursuit of excellence."

Excitement bubbled within me, a potent mix of anticipation and nervous energy. "Elder Zhu, may I consume the elixir now?" I asked, my voice barely containing the eagerness I felt.

He nodded, his smile widening. "Indeed, Kai. You have earned this moment."

With a newfound sense of purpose, I swiftly cleaned the workspace, my movements efficient and precise. The Two-Star Pagoda Pill Furnace vanished back into my storage ring, leaving the room bathed in the soft glow of the lantern. I turned to Elder Zhu, bowing deeply.

"Thank you, Elder. For everything."

"Go on, then," he chuckled, a warm light in his eyes. "Fulfill your potential."

As I made my way back to my quarters, the vial of elixir clutched tightly in my hand, my thoughts drifted back to the moment I first acquired the beast cores. I had known from that moment that they held the key to a significant breakthrough, not just for me, but for my companions as well. This goal had driven me, a beacon of hope and determination.

Tonight, I would finally accomplish it.

As I entered my room, I was greeted by the familiar sight of Windy and Tianyi waiting patiently for my arrival. Their presence, as always, brought a sense of comfort and purpose.

"Tianyi, Windy," I called softly, drawing their attention. "I have a special gift for us."

Their curiosity was palpable, Tianyi fluttering her wings excitedly while Windy slithered closer, his tongue flicking out to taste the air. I set down the beast core elixir and retrieved three bowls, carefully pouring the prized mixture into each one.

"I know I'm still weak," I confessed, my gaze sweeping over my two spirit companions. I remembered Xu Ziqing's words, and the night I was cornered by the Narrow Stone Peak disciples. I closed my eyes tightly, shaking off the memory.

"...And I'm determined to change that. Not just for myself, but for you, my friends. I want to ensure your safety, to give you the strength to protect yourselves—and, hopefully, to protect me as well."

Tianyi's emotional link pulsated with a warmth that melted away any lingering doubt. It was a wave of pure gratitude and unwavering trust. Windy nudged his snout against my hand, a silent acknowledgment of my words.

I picked up my bowl and held it out to them. "Cheers," I said, clinking my bowl with theirs before bringing it to my lips.

The elixir was cool and smooth, a rush of potent qi flooding my system as I drank. Tianyi unfurled her proboscis and WIndy placed his snout by the bowl, taking small gulps at a time.

The room filled with a soft, radiant light as the power of the elixir coursed through us, binding our fates even closer together.