Xianlu remembered a poem his Uncle recited to him about the Jasmine Tea.
A Path of Jasmine
"Through whispers of the ancient breeze,
A path unfolds, steady and serene.
Jasmine Jade, the heart at peace,
A dance of balance, soft and keen."
"Stirred with moonlit dreams and grace,
Petals soft, yet roots run deep.
Each leaf a story, each sip a space,
Where strength and harmony meet."
"Through storms and stillness, paths align,
In every taste, a truth refined.
Jasmine Jade, the guiding light,
A balance found in shades of night."
"So blend the leaves, both bright and dark,
A brew of soul, a steady spark.
For in each sip, a path unfolds,
A journey where the self is whole."
Xianlu stood by the edge of the pristine pond, its surface calm and reflective under the soft glow of the moon. He held the teapot gently, the cool breeze brushing against his skin. With each step, he began to brew his Jasmine Tea, guided by the verses of A Path of Jasmine.
First stanza
"Through whispers of the ancient breeze,"
Xianlu drew in the stillness, his hands steady. The pond's water mirrored the serenity, a reflection of the path ahead. He added a handful of Jasmine Jade Tea Leaves, each delicate leaf curling like promises of balance and peace.
Second stanza
"Stirred with moonlit dreams and grace,"
Xianlu swirled the tea gently, letting the fragrance bloom. The leaves unfurled slowly, each petal soft yet deeply rooted in tradition. He imagined every leaf telling its story, each sip becoming a sanctuary where harmony took form.
Third stanza
"Through storms and stillness, paths align,"
Xianlu allowed the tea to steep, letting the balance settle within. Every moment was an expression of strength and calm. The pond's surface reflected the stillness of his soul, guiding him toward deeper understanding.
Fourth stanza
"So blend the leaves, both bright and dark,"
Xianlu poured the brew with care, blending the complexities of his own journey into a single, steady spark. Each sip became a voyage—a path forged through the trials of life, leading toward wholeness and enlightenment.
The pristine pond, the soft rustle of leaves, and the whispered verses of A Path of Jasmine guided Xianlu in his brewing process, transforming the simple act into a meditation of self-discovery.
All in all, the only ingredients Xianlu used were the Jasmine Jade Tea Leaves and the water from the pristine pond. Any other ingredients added to the tea would disrupt the delicate balance, making it chaotic—just like the complexities of his own nature.
Like himself, though he was an amalgamation of many things, deep down he was simple—rooted in balance, in harmony.
The dragon took the tea and sipped, a faint smile gracing her ethereal lips. She nodded in approval, her cerulean eyes glimmering with satisfaction.
And then, Xianlu realized—those plants that had appeared as if by magic were mere illusions. They bloomed with vibrant life, but they were deceptive. If he dared to pluck even a single leaf or petal from them, he would fall into the trap of avarice—an endless cycle of desire for more, for control, for dominance.
Xianlu breathed deeply, the weight of his relief washing over him. Facing a dragon, no matter how intelligent he was, was a challenge he couldn't win through cleverness alone. This test did not seek to measure his abilities, but his character.
Though he had passed the trial, it wasn't perfect. Still, Xianlu understood his path—flawed, yet his own. He would tread forward with the lessons learned, knowing that in simplicity lies strength, and in balance, a steady future.
The dragon's eyes sparkled with amusement as she regarded Xianlu, her gaze calm yet penetrating. Her form shimmered briefly, fading from her ethereal goddess appearance into a more human-like figure—elegant, radiant, and powerful. She spoke with a voice both soothing and commanding, the essence of centuries in her tone.
"Young Fry," she said, her lips curling into a faint smile. "You've done well to reach this point. A gift awaits you."
Xianlu stepped forward, his gaze steady. His thoughts were a whirlwind of excitement and caution, but his determination was clear. Before him, the dragon raised her hand, a single, jade-like drop of essence forming between her fingers—crystal clear, yet radiating a subtle glow that resonated with ancient power.
"One drop," she said softly, her voice like the gentle hum of the wind. "It will awaken your bloodline, and the Vein-Weaving will no longer be a struggle."
Xianlu didn't hesitate. Without a word, he nodded, a genuine smile lighting his face. He could hardly contain his excitement. Of course, he thought, who wouldn't be happy to receive such a gift?
The dragon's expression shifted slightly, her tone more serious. "Yet, there is more," she continued. "Within you lies another bloodline—a different essence, one distinct from mine. This jade essence may awaken it, or it may allow your own to consume it entirely."
Xianlu's smile faltered for a moment, the weight of her words sinking in. "You mean… another bloodline?" he asked, his voice a little uncertain. "What if it mutates?"
The dragon tilted her head, her eyes glinting with wisdom. "The choice is yours," she said gently. "You can merge, or you can devour. Either path will shape your future. But know this—there is no return once the decision is made."
Xianlu stared at the jade drop, his thoughts spinning with possibilities. He had already come so far; one more decision wouldn't stop him. Yet, the idea of consuming something foreign stirred a flicker of unease. Still, the power it offered—power beyond what he had known—was tempting.
"I'll take it," Xianlu said firmly after a pause, his voice steady as his gaze locked with the dragon's. "Whatever it awakens, I'll face it."
The dragon's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile.
"Good,"
She replied, her ethereal voice both commanding and soothing. From her flawless fingertips, a single drop of bloodline essence coalesced—a jade-like drop glowing faintly with an ethereal shimmer.
She raised her hand, and the droplet floated toward Xianlu. It hovered above his forehead for a moment before sinking into his skin and vanishing.
A pause.
...
...
...
Silence.
"…Hello?"
The dragon raised an elegant brow, confusion flashing across her face. Her human guise faltered slightly under the weight of her embarrassment. What's going on? she thought. Clearing her throat to mask her unease, she conjured another drop. "Your bloodline must be stronger than I anticipated," she murmured, carefully releasing the second drop onto Xianlu's forehead.
A pause.
...
...
...
Silence.
Again, nothing.
The dragon's composure cracked further, her cheeks tinged with an uncharacteristic blush. "You've got to be kidding me…" she muttered under her breath, her pride crumbling with each passing moment. Determined to salvage her dignity, she unleashed more drops in rapid succession.
Meanwhile, Xianlu remained still, his eyes closed in quiet concentration. He felt none of the dragon's growing exasperation; instead, he was completely absorbed in the sensation building within his body.
'This feeling…' he thought, his mind likening it to an empty jar being filled, drop by drop. Each essence carried a faint warmth, a presence that seeped into his veins and stirred something deep within.
Then, suddenly, it was as if the faucet had been opened. The gentle drip transformed into a rushing torrent, his body overwhelmed with energy that filled him to the brim. But just as the jar reached its limit, the flow stopped abruptly.
Xianlu's brows furrowed. He'd been expecting… more.
The dragon, now visibly agitated, scrutinized him. She had cut herself deeply to release her bloodline essence, and yet Xianlu remained unchanged. But then she noticed his expression—hopeful yet slightly bewildered—and decided to gamble one last time.
"This will be the last drop," she said firmly, summoning the final fragment of her bloodline essence. With deliberate care, she guided it to Xianlu's forehead.
At last, the transformation began. A soft, golden glow unfurled from Xianlu's forehead, and a faint jasmine flower imprint blossomed where the dragon's bloodline essence had touched him. The light was serene yet commanding, as if the heavens themselves acknowledged the profound change taking place. His body radiated with brilliance, illuminating the cavern in an otherworldly glow.
As the essence fused with him, Xianlu's cultivation surged, bypassing the stages that would have taken others years—or even decades—to achieve. The dormant potential within him awakened like a tempest, reshaping his very being.
Stage 1: Vein Awakening
Ordinarily, this would have been Xianlu's first arduous step into the path of cultivation: awakening his Qi Veins to sense and absorb the ethereal energy of the world. Most Vein-Weavers required rituals, careful meditation, or even external aids to achieve this, but for Xianlu, the dragon's essence acted as a divine catalyst.
His Qi Veins sprang to life in an instant, glowing faintly within him like golden threads woven through his body. He felt an immediate connection to the flow of Qi around him, as if the world itself whispered secrets into his soul.
Stage 2: Vein Purification
No sooner had his Qi Veins awakened than they began purifying themselves. Impurities that would normally require years of painstaking effort and rare resources were expelled with ease. His blood glowed faintly, burning away toxins and imperfections that had lingered in his body since birth. The purification was rapid but exact, leaving behind Qi Veins that shimmered with a flawless, crystalline clarity.
As the process completed, Xianlu's body began to hum with newfound efficiency. Every breath drew in Qi like a tidal wave, refined and potent, as though his body was made for this purpose alone.
Stage 3: Vein Expansion
Then came the most grueling phase of cultivation: Vein Expansion. Under normal circumstances, Vein-Weavers would push their Qi Veins to their limits, forcing them to grow stronger and wider through intense meditation, life-threatening battles, or consuming rare elixirs. For Xianlu, the dragon's essence accelerated this process to an unimaginable pace.
His Qi Veins surged, spreading throughout his body like rivers carving new paths.
• Initial Expansion: His veins expanded through his chest and arms, enabling him to harness Qi with strength and precision.
• Intermediate Expansion: The network spread to every corner of his body, enhancing his ability to absorb and circulate Qi seamlessly.
• Full Vein Expansion: Finally, his entire network of veins transformed into pure Qi Veins, glistening with an otherworldly light. His body became a vessel capable of channeling immense amounts of energy without breaking.
Despite the rapid pace, Xianlu's body endured the transformation flawlessly, a testament to the compatibility of his bloodlines and the dragon's essence.
Bloodline Awakening
The final and most critical stage arrived: Bloodline Awakening.
The faint jasmine flower on his forehead burned with light, resonating with the Qi Veins within him. His heart thudded loudly as it began to transform into a Bloodline Core, unlocking the dormant power inherited from his ancestry. This stage was unlike the others—it was deeply personal, tied not only to Xianlu's body but also to his soul.
His raven-black hair turned a luminous white, cascading down his back like rivers of silk beneath starlight. The onyx of his eyes melted into brilliant jade, gleaming with an otherworldly clarity. Across his arms and neck, pale scales unfurled like jasmine petals, delicate yet unbreakable. His skin shimmered faintly, as though kissed by the glow of a silver moon.
The dragon watched intently, her sharp gaze capturing every exquisite detail. But then her expression darkened, a subtle frown marking her face. Something was missing. Xianlu's transformation, though breathtaking, lacked completion—a melody still seeking its final note.
With a wave of her hand, the pristine pool stirred to life. Its waters rose like threads of liquid light, weaving through the air toward Xianlu. The streams cascaded over him, merging with his body, filling every gap in his awakening with the purity of its essence.
Not stopping there, the dragon summoned the Jasmine Jade Tea leaves and even the branches from the cavern. They dissolved into an ethereal mist of spiritual qi, swirling like a fragrant storm around Xianlu before sinking into him, their essence strengthening his form.
As the final threads of qi disappeared, Xianlu stood in radiant silence. The transformation was complete, and the dragon, who had lived countless lifetimes, found herself stunned—awed by the masterpiece that now stood before her.
Xianlu had not only awakened a Jasmine Tea Koi bloodline—he had awakened one of unparalleled quality. His white scales shimmered with a pristine brilliance, far more refined than those of any Jasmine Tea Koi she had ever seen. The jasmine flower imprint on his forehead was strikingly similar to her own, an unmistakable mark of extraordinary potential.
"This bloodline…" the dragon murmured, her voice trembling with awe and disbelief. "So that's why he remains a young mortal fry. His bloodline requires a specific condition to awaken—one so rare, so extraordinary, that even in the higher realms, it's practically unheard of."
Her sharp, piercing gaze fixed on Xianlu as the weight of her realization settled. A deep, ancient emotion flickered in her eyes. To encounter the first Highest Quality Jasmine Tea Koi bloodline here, in the lower realms… Such a miracle cannot be mere coincidence. It must be fate.
The name lingered in her mind like a whispered promise: Xianlu. Emotion swirled within her—pride, curiosity, and perhaps, a touch of reverence.
Her gaze softened as the significance of his transformation became clear. The awakening of a Tea Koi bloodline was always a deeply personal experience, a reflection of the bearer's innermost character and soul. No two awakenings were ever the same, for the bloodline adapted itself to the uniqueness of its host.
Yet as she looked at Xianlu, the dragon felt a strange, reverent astonishment. His transformation bore a striking resemblance to her own bloodline—the Jasmine Tea Koi. The delicate scales, the pure radiance, the unmistakable jasmine flower imprint—all pointed to a profound connection.
Still, she couldn't ignore a lingering question: Was this truly the natural awakening of his bloodline, or had the sheer amount of my bloodline essence shaped it into this form? After all, the Tea Koi bloodline didn't follow a single path; it was as varied and multifaceted as the people who bore it. Each awakening was unique, reflecting the bearer's identity like a mirror.
But Xianlu's bloodline… It was different. Higher. Purer. Unlike anything she had ever encountered in her long existence. It was far more better than her previous form.
And as she marveled at his transformation, something unexpected began to stir. A second change was unfolding.
A subtle ripple of energy coursed through the air, and Xianlu's form shifted once more. His white hair gradually turned to a soft pink, streaked with vibrant highlights of purple and blue. His jade eyes became bichromatic, one glowing with the hues of breaking dawn, the other reflecting the warmth of a rising sun. The jasmine-like scales vanished, replaced by phantom wings of translucent light that sprouted from his back, shimmering like gossamer.
The dragon's breath hitched as recognition dawned upon her. "Pixie bloodline…" she whispered, her words heavy with astonishment.
Pixies and Tea Kois were both bloodlines of exceptional potential, their paths capable of leading to immortality and godhood but start as one of the weakest bloodlines in the early days. Yet they were fundamentally different, their coexistence in a single body nearly unheard of.
As she delved deeper into the situation, the dragon began to piece it together. The Pixie bloodline within Xianlu had been nourishing his Jasmine Tea Koi bloodline all along, elevating it to its current sublime state. However, this nourishment came at a cost—the Pixie bloodline itself had diminished in quality, its essence willingly sacrificed to strengthen the other.
"A dual bloodline awakening…" the dragon murmured, her expression a mixture of admiration and pity. "This Young Fry is more extraordinary than I realized."
The dragon's human form flickered as she made a decision. Raising her hand, she condensed her remaining energy into a single drop—one imbued with the essence of her avatar body.
"This will stabilize both bloodlines," she said, her voice quieter now, almost wistful. The drop floated toward Xianlu and merged with him seamlessly, reigniting the Pixie bloodline to a level equal to the Jasmine Tea Koi bloodline.
Xianlu's transformation was complete. His dual bloodlines now coexisted in perfect harmony, their combined potential shining through every fiber of his being.
The dragon stepped back, her form beginning to fade as the last of her energy was expended. She cast one final look at Xianlu, her expression unreadable.
"May we meet again, if fate permits," she said, her voice soft yet enigmatic.
Her presence dissolved into the air, leaving the clearing empty save for Xianlu. The pristine pool and the Jasmine Jade Tea plants vanished with her, their energies spent. Only the faint glow of the blue mushrooms remained, casting an ethereal light over the cave as Xianlu stood alone, transformed and unshaken, ready to face the path ahead.
---
Xianlu drifted in a sea of unconsciousness, floating aimlessly in the void of his mind. Slowly, the world around him began to take form—a hazy, ethereal space lit by a soft glow. He stood in the middle of this strange place, bewildered but calm. Before him, two small beings hovered, their presence pulsing with a familiar energy.
The first was a pristine white koi, its scales shimmering like polished pearls. A delicate jasmine flower pattern adorned its forehead, glowing faintly. Its jade-like eyes regarded Xianlu with serene curiosity as it swam gracefully through the air, as though the very space was water.
The second being was a small, doll-like figure. Its oversized head and tiny body gave it an almost childlike appearance, its arms ending in smooth stubs instead of fingers. Its lower half was a skirt formed from jasmine petals, fluttering lightly with every motion. Jade-green leaves crowned its head, and behind it shimmered phantom crystal wings, delicate and intricate like a dragonfly's.
Both creatures circled Xianlu, their movements deliberate yet harmonious. He felt an unspoken connection to them, a bond deeper than words could describe. They were part of him, and he was part of them.
The koi moved first, gliding through the air toward him. Without hesitation, it merged with his body, and Xianlu felt a rush of energy flood through him. His body transformed almost instantly. His long, raven-black hair turned an immaculate white, flowing down his back like a silken waterfall. A glowing jasmine flower imprint appeared on his forehead, radiating a soft light. White scales resembling jasmine petals emerged along his arms and neck, their iridescence catching the light like moonlit dew. His onyx eyes brightened into vivid jade, gleaming with clarity and wisdom.
For a moment, he marveled at his reflection in the space around him. He felt different, stronger—complete. But just as quickly, the koi left his body, retreating into the void. His appearance reverted to normal, and the second being, the doll-like figure, floated toward him.
The moment the pixie merged with him, another transformation unfolded. His hair turned a soft pink, streaked with shades of purple and blue, like the colors of a twilight sky. His eyes became bichromatic—one the golden hue of a rising sun, the other the fiery brilliance of a breaking dawn. The scales disappeared, replaced by a pair of phantom dragonfly wings that shimmered with an otherworldly light, hovering gently behind him.
When the pixie withdrew, Xianlu returned to his original form. He stared at his hands, flexing his fingers as he processed what had just occurred. Slowly, understanding dawned. He realized he could control these transformations, choosing to remain in his normal appearance for now.
His mind raced with the implications of what he had just witnessed. Two bloodlines, each distinct yet equally powerful, coexisting within him. Xianlu recalled his studies—dual awakenings were exceedingly rare, almost unheard of. Typically, when two bloodlines existed within a single person, one would dominate and absorb the other. Yet his bloodlines weren't competing; they were working together, balancing each other like yin and yang.
"This balance… it's perfect," he murmured to himself, his voice filled with awe.
With newfound clarity, Xianlu opened his eyes and found himself back in the cavern. Or rather, what was left of it. The once-pristine pool and the lush Jasmine Jade Tea plants were gone, leaving behind a barren clearing lit only by the soft blue glow of bioluminescent mushrooms. He wandered the space, searching for any remnants of what had transpired.
His gaze landed on a peculiar rock nestled in the dirt. It glowed faintly, pulsing as though alive. He felt an inexplicable pull toward it, as if it were calling out to him. Without hesitation, he picked it up and tucked it into his pocket.
Satisfied there was nothing else to be found, Xianlu turned and made his way back to where Kai waited outside the cave.
"Master, did you find anything?" Kai asked, his tone curious but casual. "You were quick. I thought you'd spend more time in there."
Xianlu froze momentarily, confusion flickering across his face. Quick? To him, it had felt like hours, perhaps even days, had passed in that otherworldly dimension.
He forced a smile, brushing off the comment, but his mind churned with questions. Was I in a separate dimension created by the dragon? The events felt surreal, almost dreamlike, but the memory of the two beings in his mindscape assured him it was real.
"Tell me," Xianlu began, his voice calm but probing, "when you were here with your parents, what did they experience in the cave?"
Kai's expression darkened slightly as he recounted the memory. "My father couldn't even enter. The pressure at the entrance was too much for him. My mother got a little farther—maybe halfway—but she couldn't reach the veinroot. Only I made it to the inner part of the cave, but even then, the pressure was unbearable."
Xianlu nodded thoughtfully, piecing together the clues. The cave wasn't just a random place—it was a trial. The pressure seemed to discriminate, allowing only those with the Tea Koi bloodline to pass through unscathed. The dragon's presence, the pristine pool, and the Jasmine Jade Tea plants—everything pointed to this being a sacred ground tied to the Tea Koi bloodline.
And yet, it didn't explain everything. The aura of the Jasmine Jade Tea plants should have attracted countless beasts, yet the cave had been undisturbed. That, coupled with the time discrepancy he'd experienced, led him to a single conclusion: the inner sanctum of the cave existed in a separate dimension, sealed off from the outside world.
"Master?" Kai's voice pulled Xianlu from his thoughts.
"Did you manage to collect the veinroot?" Xianlu asked, changing the subject.
Kai grinned sheepishly. "I tried to get as much as I could."
Xianlu followed Kai's gaze to the cave walls and froze. Holes riddled the once-smooth surfaces, as though someone had taken a massive drill to the stone. He blinked, struggling to process what he was seeing.
"Kai," Xianlu said slowly, his tone somewhere between amused and exasperated, "you didn't just try—you ransacked the place."
Kai scratched the back of his head, grinning wider. "Well, I didn't want to waste the opportunity, Master."
Xianlu shook his head, suppressing a laugh. If anyone else saw the state of the cave, they might think it had been attacked by some feral beast. Still, he couldn't fault Kai's thoroughness.
"Let's leave," Xianlu said, his voice firm but kind. "We've taken enough."
As they exited the cave, Xianlu couldn't help but glance back one last time. The events that had transpired here would forever remain etched in his memory. The dragon, the transformations, the dual awakening—it was only the beginning of his journey. And yet, he felt more certain of his path than ever before.