The journey back from the Stone Forest was quieter than a library during finals week. Jian Chen's mind was racing like a chicken at a barbecue, replaying thoughts of the chessboard and the mysterious force it had unleashed. He had unlocked something—a tiny sliver of power that felt faint yet solid, like an ember waiting for its chance to ignite. The energy buzzed within him, syncing perfectly with the rhythm of his heartbeat, which, let's be honest, was probably just his anxiety over missing lunch.
But a spark wasn't enough. He needed a bonfire.
Upon returning to the village, he slipped into his routine like a ninja in slippers. He didn't mention the forest to anyone, not even Old Li—because, really, who needed more gossip? Less information meant less risk. Yet, Jian Chen felt like a cat in a room full of rocking chairs, suddenly more aware of the tiniest shifts around him.
Then came news that made the villagers buzz more than a bee at a flower festival: cultivators from a nearby sect were passing through on their way to a big competition in the city. Sure, the village was about as significant as a single speck of dust in the universe, but it was a stopover for those with fancy robes. For Jian Chen, the arrival of these cultivators meant one thing: opportunity, and maybe free snacks if he played his cards right.
---
They arrived at sunset, looking all dramatic against the orange sky. Five figures in robes emblazoned with a black phoenix on a crimson background strutted in like they owned the place. Their presence radiated power, forcing villagers to keep a respectful distance—some even bowing like they were at a royal wedding.
Jian Chen watched from the shadows, channeling his inner ninja. He studied their faces and movements like a chess master analyzing his next move. These kids were young but seasoned; they had the swagger of someone who'd never had to wait in line for anything.
Among them was a young man with a slight sneer—Yuan Fei, the group's self-appointed leader. His cultivation level was impressive, but Jian Chen couldn't help but notice the arrogance oozing from him like bad cologne. It was the kind of overconfidence that led to spectacular faceplants, and Jian Chen was ready to grab some popcorn.
From the whispers around him, Jian Chen learned that Yuan Fei was a rising star in the Phoenix Shadow Sect—probably because of his powerful family backing. The other four were either his followers or those too scared to break the news that their leader's hair looked ridiculous.
As Jian Chen continued to observe, a plan began to take shape in his mind like a poorly executed origami project. If he could approach them strategically and pick up some knowledge about cultivation, he could improve his own game. But walking up to them like a lost puppy was not an option—he needed a better approach.
---
That evening, the cultivators settled into the village's lone inn, commandeering the entire place like it was a buffet and they were the only guests. The villagers, eager to catch a glimpse of these "immortals," gathered outside, whispering and trying to peek through windows like they were watching a soap opera.
Jian Chen was right there with them, his face as impassive as a rock. He watched Yuan Fei bask in the attention, strutting around with all the grace of a peacock. The villagers fawned over him like he was some kind of celebrity. Jian Chen couldn't help but chuckle; the arrogance reminded him of certain powerful figures he'd read about back on Earth. You know, the ones who insist on using the last slice of pizza for a "ceremonial feast."
As the evening grew darker, Jian Chen spotted an opportunity. One of Yuan Fei's followers, a young woman named Lan Mei, had left the inn alone, looking more tired than a cat after a catnip party. Jian Chen noted her cultivation level was the lowest in the group, but her sharp gaze told him she was more than just a pretty face. Maybe she had ambitions lurking beneath Yuan Fei's shadow, just waiting to break free.
He followed her quietly, careful to avoid detection—because nothing screams "suspicious" like being caught creeping in the bushes. When she finally stopped by the river's edge, Jian Chen made his approach, hoping to catch her attention without looking like a total weirdo.
She turned, her expression wary, like she was deciding whether to run or throw him in the river. "Who are you?" she demanded, suspicion dripping from her voice.
"Just a villager," Jian Chen replied, trying to sound as chill as possible. "Saw you alone and thought I'd offer some company."
She raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "And why would I want your company?"
Jian Chen shrugged, a smirk creeping onto his lips. "Maybe you don't. But perhaps you're looking for something beyond the shadow of your 'great' leader, like a better hairstyle."
Her eyes narrowed, but Jian Chen could see a flicker of curiosity behind her wariness. "What would you know about it?" she shot back, her voice laced with challenge.
"More than you think," he replied smoothly, lowering his voice as if sharing state secrets. "I'm guessing you're the type to seek your own path instead of just following someone else's like a lost puppy."
She hesitated, weighing his words as if they were some kind of rare delicacy. Finally, she turned her gaze back to the river, where the water was as calm as her decision-making skills. Jian Chen could sense her struggle—the frustration of being in someone else's shadow, the desire to step out and claim her own worth. It was a vulnerability he could exploit like a secret weapon.
"Why would a mere villager like you know about cultivation?" she finally asked, skepticism thick in her voice.
Jian Chen's smirk widened. "You'd be surprised. The world has hidden paths, not all bound by sects or status. Some of us learn differently—like a survival game, but without the epic loot."
Lan Mei seemed to mull it over, her expression shifting from doubt to interest. Jian Chen noticed the spark of ambition flickering within her, overshadowed by her loyalty to the sect. She wasn't ready to trust him yet, but this conversation had planted a seed—one that might just grow into something fruitful.
"If you're so wise," she said, her voice dripping with skepticism, "then tell me: what would you do if you were in my place?"
"Simple," Jian Chen said, his tone as matter-of-fact as an instruction manual. "I'd learn everything I could from those stronger than me, then take my own path once I had enough power to stomp on their egos."
Her eyes flickered with interest, a glimmer of something sparking within her. Jian Chen saw it—the ambition waiting to be reignited. He left her by the river, allowing his parting words to linger like an annoying pop song. As he walked back to the village, he felt a surge of satisfaction. This was merely the opening move, a small nudge on the chessboard of life.
And as Jian Chen returned to his quarters, he could already see the faint outline of the road ahead—a path lined with power, cunning, and a whole lot of sass.