Entering a more upscale shop, Li Wei is greeted by a well-dressed attendant who immediately bows and welcomes him with a polished smile. The interior of the shop exudes luxury, with polished wooden floors, intricate tapestries, and softly glowing lanterns casting a warm light over the space. Shelves and display cases line the walls, filled with luxurious goods ranging from fine silks to ornate jewellery and intricately carved artefacts.
Li Wei moves slowly through the shop, his eyes scanning the opulent items on display. The richness of the surroundings contrasts sharply with the austere environment of the sect, making each item seem even more lavish. He stops at a display of exquisite silk robes, running his fingers over the smooth fabric, appreciating the craftsmanship.
"Young master, your taste is impeccable," the attendant says, bowing deeply. He moves to assist Li Wei, his manner respectful and attentive.
Li Wei selects a few expensive items—a silk robe with intricate embroidery, a jade pendant carved with meticulous detail, and a small, beautifully crafted dagger with a jewelled hilt. The attendant carefully wraps each item in fine paper, placing them gently in a polished wooden box.
"These are excellent choices, young master," the attendant continues. "Each piece is crafted by the finest artisans."
Li Wei nods, the praise adding to his enjoyment. He continues to play the role of the young master, finding amusement in the deference and admiration he receives. The day in the city provides a welcome diversion, a chance to experience life outside the rigid confines of cultivation.
By afternoon, they had accumulated a variety of purchases. Li Wei feels a sense of satisfaction from the day's activities. The interaction with the mortals, the bustling energy of the city, and the simple pleasures of food and entertainment have provided a refreshing break.
Li Wei heads back to his residence, the vibrant city slowly fading into the background as he retreats into his thoughts. The month passes in a blur, a routine of cultivation and minimal interactions. He meets with Dao Feng and Lin Yue a few times, but their discussions are brief and inconsequential. Each of them is engrossed in their own pursuits within the city.
The early morning is overcast as preparations begin for the first tax collection's transport from Xianyang to the Bone Ash Sect. Workers move with purpose, their actions efficient and deliberate. A hundred mortals, chosen as part of the tax, stand in a sombre line. Faces etched with fear and resignation, they are guided by guards onto large wooden wagons. Each step is reluctant, the weight of their fate heavy in the air.
The wagons creak under the combined weight of the mortals and the chests filled with bones. The bones, meticulously cleaned and prepared, are packed into large, reinforced crates. Their stark whiteness contrasts with the rough wood of the wagons. The guards ensure each crate is securely fastened. They move with precision, their eyes scanning for any sign of trouble.
The horses stomp their hooves, sensing the tension. Their harnesses are checked and rechecked, the leather straps pulled tight. The guards form a protective ring around the caravan.
As the caravan begins its journey, the city watches in a tense silence. The sound of wooden wheels on cobblestones and the clatter of hooves fills the air. The caravan moves through the city gates, heading towards the Bone Ash Sect.
"How did they select the mortals? Did they choose them for their strength, their age, or perhaps because they lacked family connections? And what about the bones?" He pictures gravediggers working under cover of darkness, quietly digging up graves. The thought lingers briefly, a flicker of curiosity.
"No, it doesn't matter. It has nothing to do with me. If it doesn't help my cultivation, then who cares? My focus must remain on my own progress, not on the methods or ethics of the sect."
The city continues its daily hustle, but Li Wei remains detached. He spends his days in meditation and training, pushing his limits and seeking the elusive breakthrough. The pendant he once considered giving to Lin Yue sits forgotten on a shelf, a relic of a fleeting thought. His interactions with Dao Feng and Lin Yue are minimal, each respecting the other's space.
As the days turn into weeks, Li Wei finds himself growing more introspective. The bustling city, with its noise and activity, becomes a distant echo. His residence is a place where he can focus solely on his cultivation. The distractions of the mortal world fade away, replaced by the relentless pursuit of power.
He sits in his quarters, the soft glow of candlelight casting shadows on the walls. The quiet is comforting, a stark contrast to the chaos outside. His mind is clear, his goals defined. The path ahead is long and fraught with obstacles, but he is prepared to face them with unwavering determination.
The month ends as it began, with Li Wei deep in contemplation. The city's vibrancy holds little allure. "My focus is inward, on the cultivation of my mind and body. The mundane concerns of the mortal world are but fleeting distractions, easily dismissed in the face of my ambition."
Li Wei sits at the dining table, slowly eating his meal. The food is simple, yet nourishing, and he takes his time, appreciating the quiet moment. Lu Huan stands by, attentive but silent. The peace is suddenly disrupted when Dao Feng's servant rushes in, breathless and wide-eyed.
"Master Li Wei, my master says other immortals have arrived in the city. I will lead you to Master Dao," the servant says quickly.
Li Wei pauses, his chopsticks hovering over his plate. He glances at Lu Huan, then back at the servant. His first thought is suspicion. Is this a trap? He considers the possibility but quickly dismisses it. Dao Feng and Lin Yue have no reason to kill him. They are allies, if uneasy ones. Moreover, the idea of another immortal controlling Dao Feng's servant seems too elaborate. Someone capable of killing Dao Feng wouldn't need to resort to such subterfuge.
He finishes his meal deliberately, pushing the plate away. "Very well," he says, standing up. "Lead the way."
The servant bows and turns, leading Li Wei and Lu Huan through the bustling streets of the city. The noise and activity seem distant as Li Wei focuses on his thoughts. Who are these new arrivals? The uncertainty gnaws at him, but he maintains a calm exterior.
They weave through the crowded market, past vendors shouting their wares and children playing. The servant moves quickly, and Li Wei keeps pace, his eyes scanning the surroundings. He senses no immediate danger, but his guard remains up.
They arrive at a large, well-appointed inn. The servant leads them inside, through a series of corridors until they reach a private room. Dao Feng and Lin Yue are already there, seated at a low table.
Dao Feng looks up as they enter. "Li Wei, please join us," he says, gesturing to an empty seat.
Li Wei sits, his gaze steady on Dao Feng and Lin Yue. "What is this about other immortals?" he asks.
Dao Feng leans forward, his expression serious. "They could be righteous or demonic cultivators. Neither is good for us. We need to ascertain their level. If there's a Foundation Establishment cultivator, we leave immediately. If the sect hears we fled from Qi cultivators, we'll be killed."
"How many are there?" Li Wei asks, narrowing his eyes. "And how do you know they are here?"
Dao Feng exchanges a glance with Lin Yue before answering. "We don't know exactly, they've made contact through a noble seeking an audience with the king. They practically announced their presence."
Lin Yue frowns, clearly uneasy. "I don't have a good feeling about this."
Dao Feng shoots her a frustrated look. "Great, that doesn't help. We'll see how many there are when they have an audience with the king. I'll get these mortals to attack them and act as meat shields. The only way to ascertain their level is through direct combat. We launch a few bone shots and go from there. If they're Qi cultivators, we fight them. If they are Foundation Establishment, we run for our lives."
Li Wei goes off into a corner of the inn, his mind racing. "This is so fucking suicidal. Is there no way to detect a cultivator's level beforehand? I need to hang back, no way I'm risking my life. Even if they are Qi cultivators, I'll only act when I know we can win. If it's Foundation Establishment, I'll be the first one out the door."