Liang Wu's return to the Shun Da Gua Sect with the miraculous Cola in tow sparked a flurry of reactions among the sect members. Some were eager to try this newfound elixir, their eyes filled with curiosity and hope for improved cultivation. Others, particularly the senior members who had dedicated years to perfecting the sect's traditional elixirs, viewed Cola with skepticism and concern.
On the very day of Liang Wu's return, a council of elders was convened to discuss the implications of Cola's introduction to the sect. This council, held within the sect's most sacred chamber, brought together the wisest and most influential minds of Shun Da Gua. Their robes flowed with a dignified air, and their expressions were a mix of intrigue and trepidation.
Elder Jiang, a respected figure known for his wisdom, took the floor. "Esteemed elders, disciples, we stand on the precipice of a significant moment in our sect's history. Cola, this elixir brought to us by Liang Wu, has the potential to revolutionize our cultivation practices. However, it also poses a challenge to our traditional methods."
Heads nodded in agreement, acknowledging the weight of the situation. The room was filled with murmurs as the council members exchanged cautious glances
Elder Wu (who is the first uncle of Liang Wu) another staunch traditionalist, nodded in agreement. "Our ancestors entrusted us with the sacred duty of preserving the ancient arts of cultivation. We must not forsake their wisdom for the allure of a fleeting trend."
The council chamber was filled with nods and murmurs of assent, and it seemed that the path of tradition was gaining momentum.
Elder Chen, however, had a different perspective. He was known for his practical thinking and willingness to explore new possibilities. "Elders," he began, "we cannot dismiss the potential benefits that Cola offers. It has the power to make our disciples stronger, to enhance our sect's reputation. But we must find a way to integrate it without compromising our core values."
The room fell into contemplative silence. Elder Chen's words offered a glimmer of hope for those who saw the value in Cola. Yet, the opposition remained steadfast.
Elder Jiang raised his hand, seeking to reinforce their position. "Our elixirs have stood the test of time," he declared. "They have guided countless generations of disciples on their paths to enlightenment. To jeopardize this legacy for a mere elixir is a betrayal of our ancestors."
"A wise man learns more from his enemies than a fool from his friends." Elder Chen leaned forward, his voice firm but respectful. "I understand and respect our traditions, but we must also adapt to the changing world. Cola offers benefits that we cannot ignore. Perhaps we can explore a compromise that allows us to preserve our heritage while benefiting from this elixir."
The debate grew increasingly intense, with elders on both sides presenting passionate arguments ,It was a respectful exchange, but the divide was evident. Elder Jiang and Elder Wu were resolute in their opposition to Cola, while Elder Chen sought a middle ground.
Amidst the clamour of arguments, Elder Li, known for his strategic thinking, raised a hand, signalling for silence. "Perhaps," he said thoughtfully, "we should consider ways to remove the store that store are we not one of the pillars of this city all we need to do is put a word to the castellan and watch as that shop vanishes ."
His suggestion hung heavily in the air. Underhanded tactics were frowned upon within the sect, but the threat posed by Cola had prompted a drastic consideration. Liang Wu, who had been observing the council's deliberations, couldn't remain silent any longer.
With determination in his voice, Liang Wu addressed the council. "Elders, I must speak my mind. I have encountered the girl who owns the small store that sells Cola. She possesses extraordinary power, including mastery over the law of space. She is not to be underestimated, and engaging in underhanded tactics could prove dangerous
The revelation sent shockwaves through the council. Several elders exchanged incredulous glances, their previous plans suddenly seeming reckless. Elder Wu spoke "Tell us more about this girl, Liang Wu. What do you know of her origins and intentions?"
Liang Wu recounted his encounter with the girl, emphasizing her power and the aura of mystery that surrounded her. "I regret that I forgot to ask her name," he admitted, "but her abilities are undeniable offending her might not be a good plan"
Elder Chen, who had previously been open to compromise, spoke up in support of Liang Wu's suggestion. "We must tread carefully perhaps whe can try to work with her."
Elder Jiang, however, remained skeptical. "We cannot be swayed by the allure of this elixir. Our ancestors have provided us with all the wisdom we need."
As the debate over the merits of pursuing the secrets of Cola continued in the council chamber, Liang Wu couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He knew that actions spoke louder than words, and if he wanted to convince the council of the elixir's potential, he needed to provide concrete evidence. With a determined look, he approached the council and addressed them.
"Elders," Liang Wu began, "I understand that there are differing opinions on the matter of Cola. Some of you have expressed skepticism, while others see its potential. To move forward, I propose a simple test to validate the elixir's effects."
The council members turned their attention to Liang Wu, curious about his proposal. Elder Chen, who had been advocating for research and innovation, nodded in agreement. "A test is a practical way to determine the truth of the matter. Please, continue."
Liang Wu explained his plan. "I have brought a bottle of Cola with me today. I suggest that we allow Elder Wu, my uncle, to be the one to test its effects. If the elixir truly has the power to enhance cultivation and grant breakthroughs, it will be evident through Elder Wu's experience."
Elder Wu, who had been listening intently to the debate, agreed to be the test subject. He felt a mixture of excitement and curiosity about the elixir. Liang Wu handed him the bottle of Cola, and Elder Wu took a sip.
Immediately, his senses were overwhelmed by the flavors that danced on his palate. He felt the slightly astringent caramelized sugar, with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon, and the lemony sweetness stimulate his taste buds. At the same time, he felt countless bubbles dancing on the tip of his tongue, giving him ultimate pleasure. The elixir's taste was unlike anything he had ever experienced.
But it was the effects that followed the first sip that truly shocked Elder Wu. As he swallowed, he felt a refreshing coolness shoot through his body, invigorating him from the inside out. It was as if a surge of vitality had been injected into his veins.
They were in the middle of summer, and even the mornings were hot and dry. However, this sip of Cola instantly made Elder Wu feel cooler than ever. It was as if he had stepped into a refreshing oasis on the hottest day of the year.
It was no secret to the council members, Elder Wu had been stuck at a bottleneck in his cultivation for the last sixteen years. Despite his dedication and practice, he had been unable to make a breakthrough but as he savoured the elixir's effects, he felt something remarkable happening within him.
A profound change was taking place. Elder Wu's Qi, which had stagnated for so long, began to flow with newfound vitality. It surged through his meridians, breaking through the barriers that had held him back for years. It was a breakthrough, a leap forward in his cultivation that he had never thought possible. Qi emerged from body his in the form a bright light which rose a meter high
Elder Wu's eyes widened in astonishment. He had been a practitioner for several decades, and yet, this simple elixir had achieved what sixteen years of effort had not. He felt rejuvenated, as if he had shed the weight of age and limitation.
Unable to contain his excitement, Elder Wu turned to the council and declared, "This elixir is unlike anything I've ever encountered. It has granted me a breakthrough that I thought was beyond my reach. We must learn its secrets and harness its power for the benefit of our sect."
The council members were left in awe, their scepticism replaced by a newfound sense of wonder and bafflement. Elder Chen and Elder Li exchanged amused glances, knowing that they had witnessed something truly extraordinary.
However, Elder Jiang and Elder Wu, who had been staunch traditionalists, were baffled by the sudden change in their colleague. Elder Wu had been the most sceptical, and now he was the one advocating for the elixir's secrets.
Elder Wu, still basking in the afterglow of his breakthrough quoted 'A wise man knows he knows nothing.' I wanted to test the elixir for myself, and now I see its potential. We should proceed with an open mind."
The council's focus had shifted once more, but this time, it was united in its pursuit of knowledge and understanding. The elixir had no reputation as a breakthrough elixir, but it had just delivered a breakthrough to one of the sect's elders.
Finally, the council reached a consensus: they would cautiously embrace Cola as a supplementary elixir while preserving their traditional practices. This compromise aimed to benefit the sect's growth without risking conflict with the enigmatic store owner.
It was late night when the last customer had left
the store owner a girl with pale skin and a cascade of intense, messy black hair. Her most striking feature was her heterochromia, with her right eye a yellowish-amber and her left eye a slightly deeper shade of ocean blue
She strolled through the back door of the store, and opened it on the other side she found herself in a world of wonders. The place she stood was a paradise, with lush green mountains, sparkling clear rivers, and vibrant forests that seemed perfect for a hermit to call home.
She glanced around and looked at the numerous other landscape – a peach forest, a bamboo forest, a pine forest, and even a cliff, an island, a wasteland, and a peaceful riverside. It was like a playground for her imagination.
In the midst of this breathtaking scenery, there stood a clean wooden house. Inside, was a big living room adorned with wooden chairs and a wooden desk. On that desk sat a boy who bore a striking resemblance to her, and next to him lay a massive white daikon.
"Welcome back " he smiled at her