Next, he moves to a platter of steamed dumplings, each bite releasing a burst of savoury filling. He pours himself a goblet of aged wine, the deep red liquid swirling in the glass before he takes a long, slow sip. The wine is rich and robust, warming him as it goes down.
Li Wei continues, sampling a variety of dishes laid out before him. He reaches for a plate of honey-glazed beef, the sweet and savoury combination melting in his mouth. There are platters of fresh fruit, their vibrant colours a feast for the eyes. He picks up a slice of juicy melon, its cool sweetness refreshing.
He doesn't stop there, grabbing handfuls of spiced nuts and dried fruits, the contrasting textures and flavours a distraction from his earlier disappointment. Each bite, each sip, helps to dull the edge of his irritation. He drinks deeply, the wine flowing freely, its effects gradually taking hold. The room begins to blur slightly, the edges softening as his mind grows hazy.
Despite the indulgence, a part of Li Wei remains restless. The food and drink offer temporary solace, but he knows they cannot fill the void he feels.
Li Wei slumps back in his chair, his stomach full from the feast. The table before him is littered with empty plates and half-finished bottles. His eyelids grow heavy, and he feels the pull of sleep. He sinks into the plush seat.
Hours later, he stirs. The room is dimly lit, and his mind feels surprisingly clear. He sits up slowly, pondering why the alcohol had such a limited effect on him. The answer comes quickly: it must be due to his cultivation.
Li Wei focuses on his breathing, sensing the steady flow of qi within him. The energy pulses through his body, burning away impurities and toxins, including the alcohol. His cultivation has fortified him, making him more resilient.
Standing up, he steadies himself, the room stabilising around him. He walks to the window, looking out at the moonlit courtyard. His body's resilience is a point of pride, but it also means that simple pleasures like drinking will never affect him.
He turns from the window.
Moving through the grand residence, the earlier frustrations fade.
Reaching his chambers, he prepares for rest. The room is dark and quiet, a sanctuary from the outside world. He lies down, feeling the firmness of the mattress beneath him. His mind begins to calm, the theories and plans settling into place.
Sleep overtakes him.
Li Wei wakes, his mind focused on the task at hand. He needs to reach the Foundation Establishment stage and decides to take all the pills in his sack to aid his cultivation.
"Lu Huan!" he shouts, his voice echoing through the grand residence. "Bring my sack."
Moments later, Lu Huan hurries in, carrying a large, worn sack. His face shows a mix of apprehension and determination as he approaches Li Wei.
"Here it is, master," Lu Huan says, offering the sack with both hands.
Sitting cross-legged on his bed, he begins consuming the pills, one by one, feeling the bitterness on his tongue. Hundreds of pills pass through his lips, but each brings only a slight flicker of energy. The expected surge of power remains elusive.
Hours pass, and the sack empties. Frustration gnaws at him as he realises that his progress is negligible. He turns his gaze to the bloodied pills, remnants of a past victory, hoping one might be a Grade 1 pill. He takes one, waits, but feels nothing. Another follows, then another, but still, there is no change. The last pill is consumed, and the sack lies empty at his side.
Li Wei's disappointment is palpable. The breakthrough he desires remains out of reach. His body feels heavy with the weight of unmet expectations. He stands, pacing the room, trying to quell his rising frustration.
A knock sounds at the door, breaking his thoughts. Li Wei calls out, and Lu Huan enters, carrying several chests. "Master, Zhang Wei sent these," Lu Huan says, placing the chests before him.
Li Wei opens the first chest, the sight of gold coins and bars gleaming under the light. He examines the contents, each chest filled with wealth.
Li Wei wakes, his mind still occupied with thoughts of cultivation. He stretches, shaking off the remnants of sleep. Gold is good, but it means nothing in the face of cultivation. There is nothing these mortals have that is truly interesting, he muses. Only their bones and their capacity as servants hold any value to the Bone Ash Sect.
Li Wei opens one of the chests, staring at the gleaming coins and bars inside. He takes a handful of gold, feeling its weight. The wealth amassed here is significant, yet it feels empty compared to the power he seeks. He hands it to Lu Huan. "Thank you, master," Lu Huan says, bowing deeply.
Li Wei nods, his mind turning over the concept of the carrot and the stick. Treating Lu Huan with a degree of kindness ensures his loyalty, but the threat of punishment always looms. It's a balance he must maintain to keep his servant obedient and efficient.
Li Wei announces. "I need a change of scenery, follow."
Lu Huan looks surprised but nods obediently.
Li Wei and Lu Huan leave the residence, stepping out into the bustling streets of the city. The morning sun casts a warm glow over everything, and the air is filled with the sounds of daily life. They walk along the main thoroughfare, where merchants call out their wares and people move about in a lively fashion.
The atmosphere in the Bone Ash Sect is often bleak and monotonous, but here in the city, there is a vibrancy and energy that contrasts sharply with his usual surroundings.
They walk through the bustling streets, the air filled with the sounds of merchants calling out their wares and the chatter of people going about their day. The market is alive with colour and activity, stalls overflowing with goods ranging from fresh produce to finely crafted items.
Li Wei stops at a stall displaying intricate jewellery. He picks up a beautifully crafted pendant, feeling its weight in his hand. The shopkeeper, a young girl, approaches with a respectful bow.
"Would you like to purchase this, young master?" she asks, her eyes filled with admiration.
Li Wei nods, enjoying the title. He hands over the coins, and she wraps the pendant carefully, handing it back to him with a smile. "Thank you, young master."
Li Wei and Lu Huan step out of their residence, entering the bustling city streets. Merchants call out their wares, children play in the alleys, and the air is filled with the scents of street food and spices.
As they walk, Li Wei's thoughts drift to the pendant he bought. He considers giving it to Lin Yue. Despite her being an insufferable bitch, she's the only female cultivator around. The thought of trying to fuck her makes him chuckle.
They pass various stalls, and Li Wei stops to purchase items that catch his eye. The market is alive with colour and sound, a refreshing distraction. At a food stall, the rich aromas draw him in. He buys a selection of delicacies, savouring each bite, and hands some to Lu Huan, who accepts them with gratitude.
Continuing their stroll, Li Wei enjoys the energy around him. Performers entertain the crowds, and music fills the air. He stops at another stall, examining finely crafted jewellery, and makes a few more purchases. The interactions are pleasant, a stark contrast to the stern environment of the sect.
As they move through the market, a young girl approaches Lu Huan, holding a tray of sugared treats. "Sir, would you like to buy some sweets?" she asks, her eyes hopeful.
Lu Huan looks at Li Wei. Li Wei nods slightly, amused by the girl's audacity. "Go ahead."
Lu Huan hands the girl a few coins and takes a handful of the sugared treats. "Thank you, sir!" she says, beaming as she runs off to find her next customer.
Li Wei watches her go, a small smile playing on his lips. The simple pleasures of the city, the interaction with mortals, and the bustling energy all contribute to the sense of satisfaction he feels.
They continue their exploration, moving from one stall to another. Li Wei purchases a variety of items, from exotic spices to finely woven fabrics. Each transaction is met with deference and respect, reinforcing his sense of authority.
At a bustling food stall, the rich aroma of freshly cooked dishes draws Li Wei's attention. He approaches the vendor, eyeing the variety of delicacies on display. The air is filled with the sizzling of meat, the sweet scent of pastries, and the spicy tang of sauces. Li Wei hands over a few coins and receives a selection of food in return, each item carefully wrapped and still warm.
Unwrapping the first delicacy, a skewer of grilled meat. As he takes a bite, the flavours explode on his palate—the perfect combination of smoky, savoury meat with a hint of sweetness from the marinade. He savours each bite, feeling the tension of the day begin to melt away.
Next, he tries a small pastry filled with spiced vegetables and meat. The flaky crust gives way to a rich, flavorful filling that leaves him wanting more. The textures and tastes are a refreshing change from the stark and often bland meals he is accustomed to at the sect.
Li Wei strolls through the city, enjoying the role of the young master. There's a charm in the deference and respect he receives from the mortals. However, as he continues to interact, a thought nags at him. The feelings of mortals and the unfeeling nature of immortals are worlds apart. The vibrant emotions and attachments of the secular world could poison a cultivator's heart, leading to stagnation.
He recalls an old shopkeeper from years ago who advised him to leave on a sect mission and start a family. The shopkeeper spoke of settling at Foundation Establishment. Li Wei wonders what the man knew that he didn't. What secret wisdom lay behind those words? Should he start a family, as suggested?
Li Wei quickly dismisses the thought. The near-fatal encounter with a mortal woman still fresh in his mind, he knows it's not feasible. Making love to a mortal almost killed her, highlighting the vast differences between their existences. The idea of starting a family with such incompatible beings seems impossible and impractical.
He reflects on his recent experiences, realising that there is nothing the mortal world can offer him now. No item, no encounter, can help him increase his cultivation. The trinkets and delicacies, while enjoyable, hold no true value for his path. The people, with their fleeting lives and limited understanding, cannot grasp the complexities of cultivation.
Musicians play lively tunes while acrobats and dancers entertain the crowd. He pauses to watch, captivated by their skill and the joy they bring to the onlookers. The energy and excitement in the air are infectious, lifting his spirits.