"I cannot help you." Madam Mayumi's words hit Xianlu like a blade slicing through his thoughts, cold and unforgiving.
Kai, still new to the tea shop and unfamiliar with the emotional weight behind the conversation, watched quietly, his expression unreadable beneath his mask.
For Xianlu, however, the words were a devastating blow. Raised by his Grandfather, Daiten Koicha, every word from Madam Mayumi stung like a reminder of his limitations. Daiten's extensive network had always been a source of solutions, but now, even his influence couldn't breach this seemingly insurmountable barrier.
"I know what happened to your grandfather," Madam Mayumi continued, her voice steady, but her tone softened just enough to offer a trace of understanding.
"I'm sorry, Xian-Xian," she said gently. "My hands are tied right now. With the sudden Beast Wave, there are many Vein-Weavers who need the medicine you are seeking." Her words were pragmatic, almost apologetic, but the result was the same: hopelessness.
Xianlu's breath hitched as he processed her response. "Can we buy it? Maybe I can find a way to—"
"You cannot, Xian-Xian." Mayumi cut him off with quiet finality. "I know you've earned a lot these days, but even if I could sell it to you, you wouldn't be able to afford it. The herb you seek is a rare Cultivation type, highly prized for its effects on Qi-Veins. It's exceedingly expensive—beyond what most Vein-Weavers can afford."
The weight of her words crushed him. Xianlu had suspected this might be the case, but hearing it aloud felt like a nail in his resolve.
"Our Herb Farmer Faction does not produce it either," she added with a sigh, seeing his dismay deepen. "Even if we were willing to sell it, we simply don't have enough stock."
Xianlu's mind raced as he grasped for clarity amidst the overwhelming wave of desperation. He forced himself to focus, even as the weight of the situation threatened to crush him. "What's the name of the herb?" he asked, his voice steady despite the turmoil boiling beneath the surface.
Madam Mayumi paused for a moment, her keen gaze locked on him. "It's called Veinroot," she said slowly, each syllable slicing through the air like a dagger. Her voice was measured, deliberate, as though weighing the gravity of the information she was about to give.
Xianlu's breath hitched slightly at the name, a bitter taste of despair settling in his throat. Veinroot. A name imbued with promises of strength and renewal—an elusive herb said to strengthen both Qi and Veins, a gift for cultivators striving to reach the next level of mastery. But it came with a price too steep for most to afford, and even more perilous to obtain.
"The Veinroot only grows at the summit of the Riverscale Tallest Mountain," Mayumi continued, her voice soft but unyielding. "The conditions required for it to flourish are extreme—so specific that no one has been able to cultivate it successfully. The Herb Farmer Faction has tried for generations, but the mountain's harsh environment and volatile terrain make it impossible to replicate."
Xianlu felt his hands tighten into fists at his sides. Every word was a reminder of the impossible odds stacked against him. The mountain was notorious for its treacherous slopes, unpredictable weather, and the dangerous beasts that roamed its peak. Yet, Veinroot was the key—perhaps the only key—to saving his grandfather.
He inhaled sharply, forcing his mind to stay composed. "What makes it so valuable?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.
Mayumi's expression remained calm, but there was a flicker of acknowledgment in her eyes. "It enhances the connection between Qi and Veins, making breakthroughs possible even for those at the highest levels of cultivation. For Vein-Weavers, Veinroot is a catalyst and a medicine that can mend the connections of the Qi-Veins. However, its scarcity means those who seek it must pay in blood and sacrifice."
Kai shifted slightly at the mention of the herb, but his silence was palpable. Xianlu, ever observant, caught the subtle movement. His mind began weaving possibilities. If anyone knew how to reach such dangerous heights, it was Kai—his knowledge was deep, mysterious.
Kai, standing silently at his side, didn't speak, his mask concealing his expression. But Xianlu saw the way his gaze shifted ever so slightly when Veinroot was mentioned. There was knowledge in Kai's eyes—a deeper understanding of the peril that Xianlu could exploit.
Madam Mayumi continued, her tone firm, "Even with enough resources, the climb is not just difficult—it's deadly. The mountain's weather alone could kill a weaker soul, and the creatures that inhabit its peak are not ones to be trifled with. It's a fool's errand for most."
Xianlu absorbed her words, processing the reality of his situation. Yet, the desperation burned within him. His grandfather's life hung by a thread, and time was running out. If Veinroot was their only chance, then failure was not an option.
Mayumi noted the flicker of understanding in Xianlu's eyes and immediately interjected. "The Riverscale Valley is a perilous place, especially now with the Beast Wave. Many have attempted to traverse it, and few return."
Yet, despite her warnings, Xianlu's mind continued to calculate risks. He saw the dangers, yes, but desperation clouded his judgment. There had to be a way. He couldn't rely on the system. Not when lives were at stake.
Mayumi regarded him with a hint of disappointment. She had always seen Xianlu as gifted in brewing, but as a cultivator, he was far from where he should be. Still, she understood his determination, even if it bordered on recklessness.
With a calm, controlled expression, Xianlu thanked Madam Mayumi, and without another word, he turned and left the chamber.
Kai followed silently, his steps measured as always.
When the two left the main hall, Kai sensed Xianlu's gaze lingering on him. He let out a soft sigh before finally speaking.
"There's a way to get the Veinroot," Kai said quietly, his voice low, barely above a whisper. "I've been there before."
Xianlu's brows furrowed slightly, his mind racing with questions. "You've been there?" he repeated, disbelief etched in his voice.
Kai nodded, his expression neutral, but his tone carried a weight of familiarity. "When I was a child," he began, "I ate a few of them. At the time, I didn't understand what they were. It was only later, when my bloodline awakening began to stabilize, that I realized how crucial Veinroot was."
Xianlu's heart raced at the revelation. "A stable bloodline awakening… it's really that powerful?" He realized Kai's early awakening was aided by the Veinroot.
Kai gave a brief nod. "Yes. It kept my early awakening steady. Without it, I wouldn't have progressed as far as I have."
He paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts, before continuing. "The cave is deep within Riverscale Valley. I used to venture there as a child. The Veinroot was abundant—crimson, pulsing like veins of blood. There were other plants too—ones with jade-like leaves that could heal wounds, their scent filling the air with a calming fragrance."
Xianlu's breath hitched at the vivid description. "No one else knows about this cave?"
Kai shook his head. "No. Only my parents knew. I once told them I had eaten a root I found. They told me it was Veinroot, the same that's at the summit of Riverscale Valley."
Xianlu's mind raced. "Do you still remember the way?"
"Yes," Kai said firmly. "I remember every twist and turn. But right now… with the Beast Wave, it's dangerous. Far more than it used to be."
Xianlu frowned, understanding the weight of his friend's words. "Even without the Beast Wave, the valley was already perilous. What more now?"
Kai didn't need to answer. The danger was clear. The thought of navigating through that valley, through dangerous creatures and unstable terrain, was daunting enough on its own. But now, with the chaos of the Beast Wave sweeping across the lands, it was a gamble not even Kai was entirely certain they could win.
Xianlu fell silent, his mind racing. The Veinroot was the key, a lifeline for his grandfather's survival—but the cost of obtaining it was far greater than he'd anticipated. With every passing second, the weight of their decision pressed harder on him.
---
Xianlu returned to the clinic, his movements brisk yet silent, as if the weight of the night had robbed him of any words. The dim room smelled of herbs and faint antiseptic, the air heavy with unspoken dread. His grandfather, Daiten, lay motionless on the cot, his pale face a stark contrast to the colorful blanket draped over him. For now, the remedy administered by the physician was holding, but Xianlu knew better than to rest easy. Time was against them, and the temporary solution could fail at any moment, leaving Daiten's life hanging by a thread.
He approached the cot, standing vigil beside the man who had raised him with unyielding wisdom and quiet strength. Xianlu's mind churned with possibilities, each one fraught with risks, but no plan seemed entirely foolproof.
The sound of hurried wheels broke his thoughts. Xianlu turned toward the door just as his uncle Yuhen rolled in, his wheelchair moving with an urgency that betrayed his usual calm demeanor. Yuhen's face was pale, his hands trembling as he propelled himself forward.
"I… I just found out," Yuhen gasped, his voice uneven. "Why didn't anyone tell me sooner?"
Xianlu's throat tightened. He had never seen his uncle, always composed and measured, in such a state. Yuhen's eyes brimmed with tears that spilled over in torrents as he reached out to Daiten's hand.
"Uncle," Xianlu began softly, his voice laced with quiet sorrow.
Yuhen didn't respond immediately, his shoulders shaking as he let his emotions pour out. For a man who had always been the pillar of strength and intellect in their family, it was a humbling sight. Xianlu's heart ached at the vulnerability before him.
When Yuhen finally steadied himself, Xianlu recounted the events that had led them here. He explained Daiten's sudden collapse, the physician's prognosis, and the urgency of finding a cure. He spoke of his meeting with Madam Mayumi, though he carefully omitted any mention of the Veinroot. Some truths were best kept hidden.
As Yuhen absorbed the information, his trembling eased. Xianlu placed a comforting hand on his uncle's shoulder before excusing himself. There was no time to waste.
Back at the tea shop, Xianlu closed the door behind him with a soft click. The shop was eerily quiet, its haphazard state a stark reminder of the urgency with which they had left. Fortunately, their neighbors were kind enough to keep an eye on the place, ensuring nothing was amiss.
Kai stood by the counter, his arms crossed as he watched Xianlu with his ever-present calm.
"I have a plan," Xianlu said, exhaling deeply.
Kai tilted his head with a seriousness. "Yes, master."
Xianlu crossed the room, leaning against the counter. "I need you to stay here and make a map of the surrounding area. You're familiar with this region, and I'll need something reliable to guide me when I leave."
Kai's expression remained stoic, but his tone carried a hint of defiance. "I'm not staying, master. It's safer if I come with you. I know the terrain better than you do, and as a Bloodline Awakener, I can protect you if things go south."
Xianlu narrowed his eyes, already anticipating the pushback. "That's not the issue. The problem is the clan gates. The Riverscale Clan is heavily fortified, and it was a miracle you got in the first time—likely thanks to whoever carried you here. If you leave with me, getting back in will be nearly impossible without raising suspicion."
Kai frowned, but Xianlu continued before he could protest. "I have official identification as a Koicha. I can come and go without drawing attention. But if I vouch for you, it'll spark rumors. Even as someone from a weak branch family, whispers about harboring a Vein-Weaver could attract the wrong kind of attention."
Kai's gaze hardened, his black eyes like twin voids. "If we find the herb, we'll split up afterward. I'll figure out another way back in. You don't need to worry about me, master."
Xianlu met his gaze, searching for any sign of doubt. Instead, he found only resolve. Most people would be unsettled by Kai's abyssal eyes, but Xianlu had long since learned to see beyond appearances. Both of them had the same determination.
After a long pause, Xianlu sighed. "Fine. But you'll follow my lead. No unnecessary risks."
Kai nodded once, his respect for Xianlu evident in his unwavering gaze. "Understood."
With their plan settled, the two changed into plain, nondescript clothing. The goal was to blend in, to look like any other commoners heading out on business.
Night fell, casting a heavy darkness over the clan's towering gates. The area was sparsely lit by flickering torches, their dim glow highlighting the imposing structure. Xianlu's sharp eyes scanned the scene, searching for an opportunity.
Kai's eyes flickered toward the elderly woman shuffling toward the gate, her frail frame illuminated by the flickering torchlight. He didn't need Xianlu to explain; the sharp shift in Xianlu's gaze told him all he needed to know. The pieces of a plan fell into place in his mind as if guided by instinct.
"Kai," Xianlu murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Follow my lead."
Kai's brow arched slightly, but he said nothing, the unspoken understanding between them stronger than any words. He stood ready, his stance casual but his attention razor-sharp.
Xianlu moved with swift precision, his fingers loosening a precariously balanced wooden beam from the edge of a nearby awning. His movements were subtle, calculated—like a spider weaving an invisible thread into its web. The beam creaked and groaned, then toppled, aimed perfectly to strike the elderly woman just as she passed beneath.
Before the beam could crash down, Kai sprang into action. His reflexes were a blur, his hand snapping out to catch the heavy wood mid-air with an ease that belied its weight. The old woman froze, a gasp escaping her lips as she clutched her chest in shock.
"Oh, heavens! What just—thank you, young man!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling.
Kai offered her a faint nod, his dark eyes steady but wordless as he set the beam gently to the ground.
Xianlu stepped forward with an air of practiced calm, his charming smile cutting through the woman's lingering fear like sunlight after a storm. "Auntie, my servant has sharp eyes and quicker hands," he said, his tone soothing. "I'm just relieved you weren't harmed."
Recognition dawned in the old woman's eyes, her expression softening as she took in Xianlu's familiar face. "Oh, Xian-Xian! What a blessing you both are. I must repay this kindness somehow!"
Xianlu tilted his head slightly, the perfect balance of modesty and purpose in his expression. "There's no need for repayment, auntie. But… I heard your son is on duty tonight. I wonder if you could introduce us. I have an urgent matter to discuss with him."
The woman's gratitude blossomed into eagerness. "Of course, dear! Anything for you and your brave servant. Wait right here."
As she hobbled toward the gate to fetch her son, Kai turned his head to glance at Xianlu. His gaze lingered, a mix of intrigue and begrudging admiration flickering in his dark eyes.
'Master is disturbingly good at this,' he thought to himself, his mind lingering on the ruthlessness and precision with which Xianlu orchestrated the moment.
Xianlu caught his look, his expression as composed as ever, though a glimmer of mischief danced in his eyes. "You were quick to catch on," he said plainly, his voice light but laced with subtle approval.
Kai's lips pressed into a thin line, his widened eyes betraying a moment of disbelief at the audacity before he schooled his features back into stoicism.
Minutes later, the old woman returned with her son, a guard dressed in standard-issue armor and wielding a spear. His mother's effusive recounting of the incident—paired with her obvious trust in Xianlu—was enough to dissolve any suspicion.
"This is the young master I've told you about," she gushed. "Such a kind boy, and his servant is a hero!"
The guard nodded, barely sparing a glance at Kai before addressing Xianlu. "If there's anything you need, sir, please let me know."
Xianlu didn't hesitate, his charm and authority blending seamlessly. "Thank you, good sir. My servant and I need to step out briefly on an errand for the Koicha branch. I trust you'll keep this quiet for me?"
The guard straightened, his posture stiff with respect. "Of course, young master. Please, go ahead."
The gate creaked open, the path beyond cloaked in the cool shadows of the night. Xianlu led the way, his steps calm and unhurried, though the weight of their mission hung heavily in the air.
Kai followed without a word, his thoughts a whirl of calculations and silent respect. The sheer audacity of Xianlu's plan—and the grace with which he executed it—left an impression deeper than he cared to admit.
Kai trailed behind in silence, his expression a mask of neutrality that revealed nothing.
"You've been unusually quiet," Xianlu remarked, throwing a glance over his shoulder, his voice carrying a hint of teasing curiosity.
Kai's lips curved ever so slightly, the ghost of a smile breaking his otherwise stoic demeanor. "I didn't expect this side of you," he admitted, his tone even but edged with faint amusement. "You're far more cunning than you let on."
Xianlu chuckled softly, the sound almost lost in the night's cool breeze. "The moon has many phases," he replied, his voice light, though the tension of their situation still loomed in the air.
Kai didn't offer a reply, but his gaze lingered on Xianlu, thoughtful and steady, as though he were studying something both familiar and alien. There was a quiet awe in the way he looked—like one might gaze at the moon: distant, radiant, and ever-changing.
Without another word, they stepped into the waiting shadows, their mission a silent specter between them. The road ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but they had crossed the threshold, the first step etched into the fabric of their fateful journey.