Chapter 22: A Walk Through the Sect
After Ling Yue left, Bhoumik found himself wandering the peak. The silence of the Void Lotus Peak was both calming and isolating. He leaned against a tree, the Mystic Halberd resting beside him.
His mind drifted to memories of his little sister, Ubika, and his friends. Where were they now? Were they safe? The thought gnawed at him, but he quickly pushed it aside. I'll find them, he thought, clenching his fists. No matter what it takes.
While Bhoumik rested, Ling Yue entered the main hall of the Eternal Void Lotus Sect, where several elders had gathered for a routine meeting. She greeted them briefly but didn't stay long. Instead, she sought out Gui Xian, the peak master of the Pill Lotus Peak.
Gui Xian, with her silver hair flowing elegantly behind her, raised an eyebrow as Ling Yue approached. "Senior Sister, it's rare to see you outside of your peak," she teased.
"I need your assistance again," Ling Yue said bluntly. "Prepare a batch of Tier 4 Spirit-Refining Pills and a set of physical fortification elixirs. My disciple has made rapid progress, but his body and soul need support to handle the strain."
Gui Xian tilted her head curiously. "Your disciple again? You seem quite invested in him, Senior Sister. He must truly be extraordinary."
Ling Yue's expression softened for a moment. "He is… different. His talent and determination are unlike anything I've seen in centuries."
Gui Xian chuckled. "I'll prepare the pills. But one day, you'll have to let the rest of us meet this mysterious disciple of yours."
Ling Yue smirked. "In due time, Junior Sister. For now, his training must remain private."
As the day came to a close, Bhoumik stood on the edge of the Void Lotus Peak, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The fiery colors of the sunset painted the sky, and for a brief moment, he felt at peace.
He touched the Dark Lotus Pendant around his neck, feeling its faint warmth. Whatever lies ahead, he thought, I'll face it. For my sister. For my friends. And for myself.
The gentle rustling of the wind was his only companion as night fell over the Eternal Void Lotus Sect.
Next day,...
The Eternal Void Lotus Sect bustled with life as Bhoumik explored its grand expanse. The towering pagodas seemed to touch the skies, while floating pavilions defied gravity, casting serene reflections on the crystal-clear lakes below. Bridges intricately carved from jade connected the various peaks, creating a harmonious flow that both amazed and humbled him.
Walking with a measured pace, Bhoumik couldn't help but marvel at the architecture and vibrant life within the sect. His halberd, usually a source of weighty training, now rested securely in his storage ring. Though he appreciated the reprieve, the constant reminder of his physical weakness lingered in his mind.
As he approached the sect's marketplace, he found himself in a sprawling bazaar filled with lively chatter, shimmering artifacts, and the faint aroma of spiritual herbs. The place stretched endlessly, a vivid display of colors and energies.
at the Marketplace
As Bhoumik wandered through the bustling marketplace, he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. It wasn't paranoia; the gazes of countless disciples, drawn to his ethereal beauty, followed him like shadows.
"This little brother is so handsome!" whispered a passing disciple to her friend, giggling.
"He looks like someone straight out of an immortal painting," another murmured.
Bhoumik, unaffected by their admiration, focused on scanning the various stalls. Merchants loudly advertised their wares, from rare herbs to spirit-infused weapons, their cries blending into a symphony of salesmanship.
His eyes caught something a delicate phoenix hairpin crafted from shimmering crimson and gold. The craftsmanship was exquisite, the metalwork gleaming with a faint spiritual glow. It was a perfect gift. He reached out, only to be interrupted by a sharp voice.
"Don't touch anything unless you're buying it," barked a man in a white robe adorned with an intricate gray dragon motif. His long hair was tied back, and his piercing gaze reflected his confidence.
"Sorry, I didn't know," Bhoumik said calmly, withdrawing his hand. "Can you tell me the price of this item?"
The man smirked. "That phoenix hairpin costs five low-grade spiritual stones."
Bhoumik's heart sank. Spiritual stones? Is that the currency here? he thought, realizing how little he knew about this world. "I don't have any spiritual stones right now. Could I repay you tomorrow?" he asked sheepishly.
The merchant's smirk vanished. "Kid, this isn't a charity. If you can't pay, don't waste my time."
Disappointment flickered across Bhoumik's face. He had hoped to buy the hairpin for his master, Ling Yue, as a token of gratitude, but the unfamiliar currency left him empty-handed.
A Familiar Face
As he turned to leave, a sweet, familiar voice called out. "Bhoumik? Is that you?"
Turning around, he saw Qing Yan, the elegant disciple of Pill Lotus Peak. She looked just as dazzling as before, her flowing robes accentuating her refined demeanor. Her lips curved into a warm smile as she approached.
"Miss Qing Yan," Bhoumik greeted politely, bowing slightly.
Qing Yan chuckled. "No need to be so formal. Just call me Qing Yan."
Bhoumik hesitated, but nodded. "Alright… Qing Yan."
"Are you shopping for something?" she asked, tilting her head inquisitively.
"I wanted to buy something, but I don't have any spiritual stones," he admitted.
Her eyes sparkled with amusement. "Let me help you with that."
"No, I—" Bhoumik began, but Qing Yan interrupted him with a playful wave of her hand. "Consider it a favor. You can repay me later if it bothers you."
Qing Yan followed Bhoumik back to the stall. The merchant, Wei Lian, noticed their approach and frowned. "You again? I thought I told you—"
His words froze mid-sentence as his eyes landed on Qing Yan. "Senior Sister Qing Yan!" he exclaimed, bowing hastily.
"Junior Brother Wei Lian," Qing Yan greeted with a calm nod. "Let him buy what he wants. I'll cover the cost."
Wei Lian's jaw slackened in shock. "Senior Sister, if he's with you, there's no need to pay. Please, take the item as my gift."
Bhoumik stood there, confused by the sudden change in attitude. "Thank you," he said awkwardly as Wei Lian handed him the phoenix hairpin.
Qing Yan, however, wasn't so easily persuaded. She placed five low-grade spiritual stones on the counter. "Take these. I don't take favors lightly," she said firmly.
Wei Lian protested, but Qing Yan's gaze silenced him. He accepted the stones reluctantly, bowing deeply as they left.
Outside the marketplace, Qing Yan turned to Bhoumik with a smile. "So, what were you doing in the marketplace?"
"Master asked me to explore the sect and familiarize myself," Bhoumik replied.
Qing Yan chuckled softly. "You're lucky. If you tried exploring alone, you'd likely get lost. This sect is vast and confusing."
She glanced at the phoenix hairpin in his hand. "Who's the lucky person receiving that?" she teased lightly.
Bhoumik's expression remained neutral. "It's… a gift for someone important," he said, avoiding eye contact.
Qing Yan laughed but didn't press further. "Alright, keep your secrets. But if you plan to explore more, let me join you tomorrow. It'll save you the trouble of wandering aimlessly."
Bhoumik hesitated for a moment before nodding. "That would be… helpful. Thank you."
With a small smile, Qing Yan waved him off as he returned to the Void Lotus Peak.
The setting sun bathed Void Lotus Peak in hues of amber and gold as Bhoumik returned from the bustling marketplace. His steps carried him with quiet determination, the phoenix hairpin clutched tightly in his hand. Arriving at the main hall, he hesitated, his usually cold demeanor softening as he saw Ling Yue seated serenely, her posture regal and commanding.
As he entered, Ling Yue's sharp eyes caught his hesitance. "Disciple, what are you hiding behind your back?" she asked, her voice cold and precise.
Caught off guard, Bhoumik stepped forward and revealed the phoenix hairpin. "Master, I bought this for you as a token of gratitude. I didn't know what else to give, so I thought this might suit you."
Ling Yue took the hairpin, her fingers brushing its intricate design. Her expression remained unreadable as she examined it closely. Then, without warning, she said icily, "Where did you get the spiritual stones to buy this? I don't recall giving you any."
Bhoumik hesitated, his gaze briefly dropping. "Qing Yan helped me pay for it," he admitted, his voice tinged with embarrassment.
Ling Yue's eyes narrowed. "Do you think such ordinary trinkets can please me?" she asked sharply, sliding the hairpin into the folds of her robe.
Bhoumik's shoulders stiffened at her tone, and he silently berated himself. It seems my master doesn't appreciate simple gifts.
"Follow me," Ling Yue commanded, rising from her seat.
Ling Yue led Bhoumik deep into the mountain, where they entered a secluded chamber. At its center was a circular platform inscribed with intricate runes, surrounded by eight tall pillars carved with lightning motifs. The air buzzed faintly with static energy, and the space seemed alive with anticipation.
"This is the Soul Tempering Platform," Ling Yue explained. "When activated, each pillar emits a different form of lightning. The platform will test your mental strength, soul resilience, and your ability to overcome illusions. Your soul will be tempered by the power of these lightning strikes."
Bhoumik glanced at the platform, his expression cold but intrigued.
"Sit in the center and begin meditating," Ling Yue instructed. "Focus your mind. The illusions you encounter will test your resolve, and the number of lightning pillars you attract will reveal the strength of your soul. Be warned—this is not an ordinary test. Fail, and you may lose yourself entirely."
Bhoumik nodded without hesitation, stepping onto the platform. Crossing his legs into a lotus position, he closed his eyes, his breathing steadying as Ling Yue activated the formation.