The entrance to the city loomed ahead, a grand gate flanked by a towering, somber brick wall that enveloped it, shielding the populace from external threats. Clad in black cloaks reminiscent of Mai's own, men stood sentinel, their attire ranging from crimson leather armor to spear-bearing guards. This duty was reserved solely for men, deemed unfit for the delicate sensibilities of women. They vigilantly oversaw the ebb and flow of individuals traversing the city's threshold from their perches atop numerous lookout towers. An aura of menace enveloped them, yet they remained inert unless provoked by transgressions against the city's laws.
Approaching the entrance, Mai encountered a sizable contingent of guards, their gaze inquisitive as they scrutinized her. She half-expected to be detained, fearing their scrutiny of her canine companion might lead to accusations of harboring contagion. Yet, to her astonishment, they delved into her background, peppering her with questions about her origins and identity. Their keen interest unsettled her, bordering on intrusive. Mai felt discomfited, unease gnawing at her as she struggled to evade their inquiries, mindful of her father's admonition against divulging too much in unfamiliar environs. Attempting to disengage from their scrutiny proved futile; their unwavering gaze felt like an oppressive weight upon her.
Suddenly, one guard closed the distance, his proximity disconcerting as his breath assaulted her senses. Trapped in his gaze, Mai's discomfort heightened, averting her eyes to avoid his penetrating stare.
His words cut through the tension. "Miss, welcome to Sunny City. You don't seem to be from around here. There's an entrance fee to enter the city."
Panic gripped Mai; devoid of coinage, she fumbled nervously, her fingers slick with perspiration.
Before she could respond, another guard intervened, observing her distress, and proposing an alternative: accompanying them to bypass the queue.
Surveying the lengthy procession of camels snaking towards the city, Mai acquiesced reluctantly, wary of their ulterior motives.
"May I inquire, gentlemen, as to the nature of 'company' in this context?" Mai ventured, her curiosity piqued.
A guard bestowed upon her a benevolent smile, his tone gentle as he explained, "It simply entails joining us for tea at the Lotus Garden."
His reassurance resonated with Mai, prompting her to graciously accept the invitation. As they proceeded towards the city, she noted the presence of nine guards accompanying her, prompting speculation as to the reason for such numbers. Perhaps they sought camaraderie in their solitude, she mused empathetically.
Welcomed by a melange of spices and the tantalizing aroma of exotic fruits, Mai's senses were assailed by the sizzle of a wok, the fragrance of sautéed spring onions and garlic wafting through the air.
The guards momentarily left her to attend to their duties, granting her a moment to marvel at the towering edifices that adorned the cityscape, their majestic presence illuminated by the radiant sunlight. Horse-drawn carts, varying in design from simple to ornate, traversed the bustling streets, while men, women, and children garbed in vibrant robes bustled about. Persistent offers of dinner and city tours peppered Mai's surroundings, all of which she declined in deference to her prior engagement with the guards, mindful of the consequences of transgression.
Lost in observation, Mai was suddenly jolted by the appearance of bold golden script before her. Casting a wary glance around, she realized that the text remained unnoticed by others, their attention solely fixated upon her. Relief washed over her as she scrutinized the words, furrowing her brows at their significance.
"Help the Military Strategist's son, Li Sheng, achieve breakthrough."
In the realm of Xianxia, cultivators sought ascension through breakthroughs akin to surmounting impenetrable barriers. Qi, the mystical energy permeating the world, served as their conduit to strength and enlightenment, manifesting in the wind's caress, the sun's warmth, and the harmonious laughter of nature. Mastery of qi required adeptness in martial arts or the arcane arts, both paths promising empowerment through discipline and skill.
As cultivators honed their skills and ascended in strength, they traversed distinct stages of cultivation akin to nurturing a seed into a thriving plant. They laid the groundwork, akin to sowing the seed, then cultivated an inner core, a radiant beacon illuminating their path.
With each stage achieved, cultivators unlocked new abilities and profound insights. They moved with the swiftness of deer, struck with the fury of thunderstorms, and possessed the healing touch to mend wounds. Yet, paramount to their growth was their attunement to the natural world, safeguarding its balance and aiding those in need.
Despite poring over the text repeatedly, Mai realized her inability to cultivate, though her desire to learn remained fervent.
"Could the guards impart such knowledge?" she pondered.
Kind and inviting, the guards had extended an invitation for tea at the Lotus Garden, a prospect Mai eagerly anticipated. Fond of lotuses for their purity and innocence, though partial to lilies herself, she harbored excitement at the thought.
Upon their return, the guards donned pristine white robes, a stark departure from their earlier attire. Their collective allure exuded an aura of innocence and power, their unwavering gazes unsettling Mai, whose hunger manifested audibly. Though a succulent steak beckoned, the guards' offer extended only to tea, eliciting a resigned sigh as they embarked for the Lotus Garden.
One guard, sporting a charming smile, addressed her with a tinge of melancholy.
"Miss, you neglected to share your name earlier." he lamented.
Mai hesitated, wary of divulging her identity to strangers, recalling her badminton teacher's advice: names were earned, not freely given.
"Gentlemen, you may call me Ming if it is imperative." she replied, extending a genial smile.
Unbeknownst to her, this name would bear unforeseen consequences in the future.
In the guards' eyes, she embodied a fairytale princess—petite and winsome, radiating innocence and maturity simultaneously and enthralled, they found themselves unable to avert their gaze.
The Lotus Garden unfolded before them, a verdant pavilion nestled amidst a serene pond adorned with blooming lotuses. Resplendent flowers adorned every corner, their fragrant perfume permeating the air. Cherry trees, adorned with colossal blossoms resembling roses in a vibrant shade of pink tinged with purple, captivated Mai's gaze. Bewildered by their untimely bloom—reserved for spring—she pondered this anomaly, recalling the summer blooms of dandelions and poppies in the enchanted forest.
"This is truly enchanting, gentlemen." She remarked as they crossed the threshold into a grand red wooden edifice crowned with a sweeping black Chinese roof.
The interior boasted spacious chambers, each accommodating numerous guests ensconced in their own conversations, their laughter mingling with the ambient buzz. It was evidently a favored haunt for revelry, heightening Mai's anticipation for the forthcoming tea experience.
Seated in a lavishly adorned room, Mai found herself at a large round wooden table adorned with an array of intricately crafted pastries resembling delicate flowers—daisies, lotuses, and roses. A sizable black teapot accompanied by dainty porcelain cups adorned with lotus motifs awaited her touch. As she cradled a cup, she couldn't shake the sensation of holding a lotus, eliciting a smile of wonder.
Amidst casual conversation, the guards probed about Mai's background, though she skirted around divulging detailed information.
Amidst their inquiries, Mai's mind echoed with her mission: aiding Li Sheng in his breakthrough.
"Do any of you know a man named Li Sheng?" she ventured.
A guard's brow furrowed, casting a momentary hush over the room.
Mai's nerves intensified, her hand trembling as she inadvertently grasped her teacup, the scalding liquid searing her skin.
"There is but one Li Sheng among us. Master Li Sheng is renowned by all. Why do you inquire about him?" the guard queried, prompting Mai's attempt to alleviate suspicion by commenting on his reputed prowess.
As she set down her teacup, the sting of the scald persisted, her reddened hands betraying her discomfort.
A pang of longing for Kenta tugged at Mai's heart, his absence keenly felt in this moment of unease. Requesting a moment alone to collect herself, she hurriedly excused herself. Though met with skepticism, her plea was accepted, affording her a swift departure from the Lotus Garden.
Unbeknownst to her, she brushed past Li Sheng, who sat in a secluded alcove with his companions. His gaze lingered on her retreating form, a flicker of intrigue igniting within him.
Li Sheng, a striking and unmarried young man, dedicated his life to achieving unparalleled strength, driven by his singular ambition to claim the title of the world's strongest. His upbringing under the stern tutelage of his father instilled in him a sense of duty towards inheriting his father's esteemed position, a prospect he anticipated with fervor. Immersed in relentless training, he had long forsaken the allure of feminine beauty, until Mai's fleeting presence reignited his awareness.
Observing Mai's hurried passage, her perspiration glistening against fair skin flushed with exertion, Li Sheng found himself drawn to her aura of nervous excitement. A radiant smile graced his lips as he admired the subtle curve of her neck, noting the presence of a prominent mole—a distinctive feature reminiscent of a blossoming lotus, his favored flower.
Engrossed in his reverie, Li Sheng's best friend Yao interrupted, "Brother Sheng, are you even following our conversation?"
With a resigned sigh, Li Sheng gestured to summon a servant, intending to settle their bill. His friends, typically frugal, insisted on covering the expense, a departure from their usual behavior that piqued Li Sheng's curiosity. Accepting their generosity with a playful grin, he promised to reciprocate on their next visit to the Lotus Garden, a daily ritual they shared.
As Li Sheng hastened towards the exit, his friends exchanged knowing glances, their lips curling mischievously.
"Brother Yao, did you notice how Brother Sheng couldn't tear his eyes away from her?" one friend remarked, his tone laced with amusement.
Yao, however, remained contemplative, dismissing Mai's allure as inconsequential to Li Sheng's preferences.
"Brother Sheng finds amusement only in subservience. Pity for the woman." he mused, shaking his head before returning his attention to his tea.
Yet, his gaze lingered on the departing figure of Li Sheng, a wry smile playing on his lips.
"Will the cat chase the mouse?" he mused, chuckling softly at the thought.
In Hanzhong, the central continent, only one woman had managed to captivate Brother Sheng's attention—a fact that intrigued Yao as he contemplated the dynamics unfolding in the southern continent. Anticipation stirred within him as he awaited the outcome of this unexpected encounter.
"Perhaps the mouse will outwit the cat. Now that would be entertaining." He mused aloud, his gaze drifting to his friends as an idea took shape in his mind.
A mischievous gleam danced in his eyes as he proposed a wager.
"Brothers. Let's make a bet. The winner gets my best artifact. The loser gives me double."
His companions, drawn by the allure of competition, readily accepted the challenge, eager to test their fortunes.
Meanwhile, Mai found herself navigating the unfamiliar streets, her discomfort palpable amidst the curious gazes of onlookers. Struggling to comprehend their scrutiny, she questioned the source of their fascination—her attire, her perspiration, or perhaps both. A quick self-assessment revealed the source of her embarrassment: the pungent odor of sour sweat emanating from her underarm.
"I smell worse than a pig. Perhaps a bath is in order." she lamented, keenly aware of her predicament.
Armed only with her dagger, Kenta, and her Finger System, she attempted to conjure wealth to no avail, her fear of the dark further complicating matters.
Desperate for shelter, Mai canvassed the town for opportunities to lend her assistance, only to face rejection after rejection. Curiously, it was the women who spurned her aid, leaving Mai perplexed by their aversion. Struggling to understand the dynamics of this unfamiliar society, she resolved to avoid male-dominated environments, recognizing her discomfort in the presence of numerous guards.
Traditional occupations abounded, from blacksmiths to woodcarvers, each steeped in antiquity and shunning modernity. Despite possessing talents in creativity, music, and culinary arts, Mai encountered barriers to entry, thwarted by the prerequisite of recommendations or experience.
Undeterred by her setbacks, Mai persevered until the oppressive heat of the late afternoon weighed heavily upon her. With no refuge in sight, she contemplated the prospect of seeking shelter with the guards—an option she fervently hoped to avoid. Yet, her quest also entailed locating Li Sheng, a task she deemed feasible given his prominence in the community.
Entering a quaint street kitchen, Mai encountered immediate rejection from the proprietor, who dismissed her without a second thought. However, her fortunes shifted when the woman's husband intervened, extending a warm welcome and acknowledging the need for additional help in managing their bustling household.
Grateful for the opportunity despite her aversion to children, Mai agreed to assist with cooking, securing lodging in a secluded room on the premises. Though she opted to keep Kenta confined due to his apprehension around children, the secluded garden setting provided a sanctuary for both Mai and her faithful companion.
As dusk descended, Mai found herself contemplating her next steps in the garden. Suddenly, a golden hologram materialized before her, revealing a pouch containing intriguing green and white glass stones. Upon touching them, she discovered their true nature: jade stones imbued with mystical properties.
Fascinated by her discovery, Mai delved deeper, uncovering the essence of each stone—the Ying Stone, associated with vitality and healing, and its counterpart, the Yang Stone, renowned for enhancing martial prowess and cultivation techniques. Recognizing the inherent duality of Yin and Yang in Chinese culture, Mai pondered the implications of these newfound artifacts.
Experimenting with the stones, Mai harnessed their power to augment her magical staff, manipulating her Life Points with precision. Curiosity piqued, she entertained the notion of combining the Yin and Yang stones, eager to unlock their full potential and discern their applicability to her unique circumstances as a woman in a realm dominated by traditional gender roles.
Taking a Yang stone into her right hand, Mai marveled at its clarity and warmth, its surface reflecting her own image—a phenomenon she found perplexing yet captivating. As she rubbed the stone, it liquefied and permeated her palm, suffusing her with a comforting sensation that enveloped her entire being. Encouraged by this experience, she repeated the process with a Ying stone, eliciting a similar response.
A bold golden text materialized over her hand, detailing newfound abilities granted by the stones.
Littlefinger:
Skill: Clear Mind
Detoxify Activated: Can detoxify poison and impurities
Mai's excitement surged, her heart racing as she emptied the pouch, revealing a total of 97 stones. However, her elation was short-lived as the pouch inexplicably vanished, leaving her perplexed about how to transport the stones.
Undeterred, Mai entertained the notion of absorbing more stones to unlock additional skills.
Littlefinger:
Skill: Clear Mind
Detoxify Activated: Can detoxify poison and impurities
Purify Activated: Can purify malevolent spirits
Heal Activated: Can heal wounds
Yet, her enthusiasm quickly waned as she experienced sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing upon squeezing another pair of stones. Recoiling in fear, she released the stones, relieved as the pain subsided.
Haunted by the prospect of the stones posing a lethal threat, Mai grappled with fear and uncertainty. Wrapping the stones in layers of silk, she contemplated her next move, her little finger adorned with newfound abilities but overshadowed by trepidation.
Little finger:
Skill: Clear Mind
Detoxify Activated
Purify Activated
Heal Activated
Resolute yet wary, Mai acknowledged the gravity of her situation, realizing that the stones, once perceived as a blessing, now harbored potential danger. With a heavy heart, she confronted the unsettling reality that not all gifts were benevolent, leaving her to navigate the complexities of her newfound powers with caution and apprehension.
