When Xianlu and Kai stepped into the clearing at the break of dawn, a thick fog hung heavily in the air, shrouding everything in an ethereal mist. The silence was eerie, the only sound the distant rustling of leaves in the breeze.
The two exchanged a glance, their eyes meeting with unspoken determination. Ready once again to face the mysterious fog that had become a constant companion on their journey, especially Xianlu. He was no longer just a mortal—he had become a Vein-Weaver, and the opportunity to test his new powers was a challenge he eagerly embraced.
As they advanced, the fog seemed to move with them, swirling around their forms. They instinctively stepped back, alarmed as the mist pressed in closer, but no matter how far they retreated, the fog followed without touching them. They could breathe, but the sense of being trapped remained.
Confused, Kai scratched the back of his head, his brow furrowed in confusion. Xianlu, however, was deep in thought. His mind raced through theories—was this somehow connected to him? After all, it had been Xianlu who had awakened his bloodline in the depths of the dragon's realm. His musings were interrupted by the sight of a vine slowly manifesting before them.
Kai tensed immediately, recognizing the vine's dark, thorny form—Rotthistles. It was a dangerous plant, notorious for its toxic venom. He moved in front of Xianlu instinctively, preparing to defend him, but Xianlu didn't feel the same hostility. Instead, he felt… something else. A child-like presence, innocent and gentle.
Xianlu paused, his mind sharp and calculating as always. He remembered the teachings of his grandfather and uncle—the rituals of the Blood Oath. It was a sacred bond sworn to one's bloodline, a pact that demanded absolute loyalty. But Xianlu, as a mortal, had never been able to perform it. Until now.
Turning to Kai, Xianlu's voice was steady. "Take an oath to my Bloodline. You must swear you'll speak of nothing that happens here."
Kai's eyes widened, understanding the weight of the request. He knew what the Blood Oath entailed—a powerful promise that bound one's very essence to the will of another. Refusing or failing to fulfill the oath would leave scars on the bloodline, affecting one's potential forever. Only Bloodline Awakeners could perform and receive such a pledge.
With little hesitation, Kai bowed his head and whispered the sacred oath. Nothing immediate or superficial happened, but Kai felt something bind deeply within him—a tether that couldn't be broken easily.
Xianlu, grateful for his resolve, immediately embraced the transformation. A wave of energy surged through him, shifting his form. A small, doll-like figure shot out from his body, swiftly moving to reunite with him.
His hair turned a soft pink, streaked with shades of purple and blue, reminiscent of a twilight sky. His eyes shimmered—bichromatic, one golden like a rising sun, the other fiery like the breaking dawn. Two phantom dragonfly wings emerged behind him, shimmering with otherworldly light.
Kai watched in awe, his mouth slightly agape. "A fairy," he murmured, amazed by the beauty and elegance. Even more surprising was Xianlu's scent—sweet and intoxicating, an aura that made him seem almost otherworldly.
When Xianlu's transformation completed, the Rotthistle vine trembled, its presence almost jubilant. A deep, unspoken connection formed between them—a bond unlike any other, a connection that seemed to transcend mere understanding, more akin to the bond between parent and child. Xianlu felt the warmth of its presence, its essence mingling with his own, weaving their energies together in perfect harmony.
As they pressed forward, the fog began to recede, the oppressive mist parting to reveal a clear path ahead. Xianlu turned to Kai, offering a small, knowing smile. Together, they walked cautiously through the newly made route, their steps steady. They passed through the misty veil without fear, knowing that the Rotthistle's influence protected them from the lurking dangers.
They soon encountered the remnants of other beasts who had fallen prey to the unforgiving fog—carcasses of creatures left twisted and lifeless in the shadows. These were not ordinary predators; their lifeless forms were twisted in agony, frozen in moments of horror before the fog swallowed them whole. The sight of their lifeless bodies sent a shiver down Kai's spine, his protective instincts sharpening as his grip tightened on his weapon.
Yet, despite the eerie remains littering their path, the fog remained safe for Xianlu and Kai. The Rotthistle vine, with its ancient, nurturing presence, seemed to shield them from the malevolent forces lurking within. Nearby, a Fog Creeper—a slithering, serpentine predator with jagged fangs—emerged from the mist, its yellowed eyes gleaming with menace. But before it could strike, the Rotthistle swiftly coiled around it, holding the creature fast. Its thorny tendrils pierced through the predator's thick hide, rendering the beast immobile.
Xianlu watched with fascination, his connection to the vine deepening as it effortlessly subdued the threat. The vine's restrained power was awe-inspiring, its presence calming the tension that had built within the air.
After the beast was subdued, the fog continued to retreat, allowing them to see the way clearly once more. Xianlu glanced back at the Rotthistle vine, its form fading slowly into the mist, leaving behind a single seed—a small, shimmering pearl that glimmered faintly in his palm.
With care, Xianlu tucked the seed into his pocket, feeling its lifeforce pulse gently against his fingertips. The bond between them, though unseen, would remain strong.
As they emerged safely from the fog, Xianlu turned back, his gaze lingering on the spot where the vine once stood. It was gone, but its presence had left an indelible mark on their journey—a reminder of the unseen forces that watched over them.
Upon returning to the gates of the academy, nothing unusual happened. The morning sun rose, and the guard who had previously let them through remained at his post, offering no sign of suspicion, not even inspecting their belongings.
Xianlu decided to visit the old auntie, the mother of the guard, expressing his gratitude for her help during the stage accident. However, she smiled warmly, waving away his thanks. "I should be the one grateful, Xian-Xian," she said softly. "You saved my life."
Xianlu merely smiled and charmed her effortlessly. Kai shook his head beside him, amused by the smooth ease with which Xianlu handled the situation.
---
Xianlu and Kai returned to the Tea Shop in silence. The weight of the day's events hung heavily between them as they processed the dangers they had faced. For once, neither spoke immediately. The journey had been perilous at first—filled with shadows, shifting fogs, and harrowing encounters. Yet, as they progressed, the danger gave way to smooth transitions, each moment marked by a series of transformations.
Kai, ever practical, broke the silence first. He dumped the sack filled with Veinroot onto the worn wooden table in the shop. The roots spilled out, some small and slender, others thick and bulbous, their earthy aroma filling the room.
Xianlu's gaze softened as he stared at the collection. He knew what this meant—he could finally bring hope to his Grandfather's lingering injuries. And perhaps, through the power of these rare herbs, he could assist his Uncle Yuhen in reclaiming his strength.
The value of Veinroot was no secret. Madam Mayumi had mentioned—how even seasoned Vein-Weavers considered them precious and difficult to procure. Xianlu's thoughts turned dark as he considered what would happen if word spread about the cache they had found. His distant relatives were ambitious and ruthless, and the moment they learned of this treasure, Xianlu's life would be in serious danger.
He couldn't risk it. Recklessness would lead to unnecessary danger. Instead, Xianlu resolved to keep their discovery concealed, at least for now.
Taking a well-worn book from the shop's dusty shelf, Xianlu flipped through its pages, searching for ways to preserve the Veinroot without losing its potency.
Carefully, he cleaned the roots, slicing them into uniform, smaller pieces before drying them with the shop's makeshift herb-drying setup—a humble contraption that had served the shop well for years. Hours later, the roots had dried into thin, brittle slivers. Xianlu ground them into a fine powder, a process that preserved some of the medicinal properties, though not all. Still, it was enough to keep them safe.
A few roots he carefully kept aside in sealed glass jars, hidden in a dry, well-guarded corner of the shop. With this powdered form, their origins would be impossible to recognize immediately.
Satisfied, Xianlu placed a small handful of the powder into a delicate vial, sealing it tightly before placing it in his robe. He gave a nod of approval before turning his attention to the next step: visiting the clinic.
When they finally arrived at the clinic, the air was heavy with the scent of herbal medicine. Xianlu and Kai stepped through the wooden doors, their presence quieting the usual hum of activity. It wasn't long before they found themselves standing in the room where his Grandfather lay—his frail form resting beneath a canopy of white linens.
Madam Mayumi was already there, seated by his side. Her long grey hair with white streaks fell down like a waterfall, he matcha-hued scales shimmered softly in the dim light, exuding a calm, earthy presence. Her hands were folded neatly, and her expression was serene, as if the weight of the world didn't burden her.
Beside her, Xianlu's Uncle Yuhen sat quietly, his scholarly appearance still pristine despite his weakened state. His scales shimmered with golden chrysanthemums in the sunlight, but the tranquil serenity of his gaze hid a deep, hidden strength. Despite his frailty, Yuhen exuded a calm authority that commanded respect.
Yuhen's eyes opened slightly at their arrival. His voice was steady, though tired. "Xianlu," he murmured, his voice a gentle whisper. "You've returned."
His Uncle Yuhen and Madam Mayumi sat beside Grandfather Daiten's bed, their faces drawn with quiet desperation. The soft hum of the clinic was the only sound accompanying the heavy silence that filled the room. They spoke in hushed tones, their words measured and deliberate, like warriors navigating a battlefield of uncertainty.
"He won't improve," Madam Mayumi whispered, her voice steady but tinged with sorrow. "We can only prolong the state for as long as possible. Remedies, tinctures… they'll keep him stable, but not much more."
Yuhen nodded solemnly, his calm demeanor masking the profound sadness hidden beneath his tranquil expression. "He's been through so much… his body is holding on by a thread."
Xianlu sat quietly by the door, watching them with a heavy heart. His mind was spinning with thoughts of how to protect the Veinroot's secret. The implications were immense, and the risks were greater than he was willing to confront just yet. He couldn't bring himself to share this knowledge openly—not now, not when his grandfather's condition was so dire.
The weight of Madam Mayumi's sorrow was palpable. Xianlu had seen her interact with his grandfather before, but today, there was a depth to her sadness that made his heart ache. Her eyes held a longing, a regret that spoke of memories shared between her and Daiten—moments long gone, yet still etched deeply into her soul.
What history do they share? Xianlu wondered, the question lingering in his mind as he studied her. Her gaze was distant, filled with the weight of past conversations left unfinished. It was clear that whatever bond existed between them was not one easily mended by mere remedies or temporary solutions.
His thoughts were interrupted when he noticed Yuhen's gaze flicker toward him. Xianlu gathered his composure, reminding himself of the reason he was here—to ensure his grandfather's survival in any way he could.
"It's fortunate that Madam Mayumi is here," Xianlu thought, his voice steady but guarded. "I… stumbled upon this…" he said, presenting a vial filled with red powder. "I kept it a secret when I received it…"
Madam Mayumi instantly recognized it as Veinroot.
Her expression shifted slightly, her sharp gaze narrowing as she listened. "You've managed to keep it hidden well," she said softly, her voice measured.
Xianlu took a deep breath, preparing himself to continue. "I obtained a few vials of powdered Veinroot… from a merchant. A wandering merchant," he added carefully, stressing the detail. His words were chosen carefully, crafted to sound convincing.
Mayumi didn't respond immediately. Her silence stretched, her sharp eyes scrutinizing every word and movement. Yuhen observed quietly as well, his calm demeanor holding steady amidst the tension.
"You… how did you…" Mayumi finally spoke, her voice calm but with an undertone of concern.
Xianlu shook his head slightly, unwilling to reveal the full truth just yet.
Mayumi hummed softly, her fingers tracing invisible patterns through the air. She then extended her hand, pulling forth an object from her Spatial Ring—a small, elegant vessel. The contrast between her serene demeanor and the intricate spatial storage device she wielded was striking. Xianlu and Kai exchanged a glance, both awed by the sheer craftsmanship of the device, but neither dared speak out of respect for the elder's privacy.
Taking the vial from Xianlu, Mayumi's fingers shimmered with subtle energy as she began her work. Her touch was precise, skilled, and deliberate. Her bloodline qi wrapped around the powdered Veinroot, weaving a delicate layer of protection over it.
A potent, invigorating scent rose from the mixture, but Mayumi's sharp command quieted it, her aura suppressing the scent from escaping into the room. The herbal medicine concentrated into a singular point—a red pearl, veins pulsing softly beneath its surface.
"There," Mayumi said, her voice smooth and final. "A medicine fit for someone who clings to the very brink of life."
Xianlu watched in awe as the pearl-like pill was completed, its presence almost alive, as though imbued with the essence of the Veinroot itself. Madam Mayumi carefully fed it to his Grandfather.
At first, there were only subtle changes—faint shifts beneath Daiten's skin, a slight deepening of color to his pallid complexion. His breathing became steadier, and his pulse grew stronger, though still weak. It was enough to offer hope, but nothing earth-shattering.
Slowly, Daiten's eyes fluttered open. A slow, steady breath escaped his lips, a sound that had been absent for far too long. The weight of tension lifted from the room as Yuhen and Xianlu watched in relief.
Seeing his father stir, Yuhen stepped closer, his fingers trembling with emotion. Xianlu's chest ached with gratitude and sorrow mixed into one.
Madam Mayumi quietly excused herself, sensing the need for space. She moved with graceful purpose, leaving the room with an air of quiet dignity.
Kai also stepped back, his usual presence unwavering but respectful as he stationed himself outside, ensuring their safety.
---
A few hours passed in tense quiet, Xianlu and Yuhen keeping their secret about the Veinroot tightly locked away. They concocted a believable story, attributing Daiten's recovery to his Bloodline Ability, a tale easily accepted by the physician who seemed eager to believe it.
There was a calculated delay in the process. Xianlu was given a receipt to cover the exorbitant cost of the remedies provided for Daiten's care. Though the public clinic was supposed to be free, the fees for the specialized treatments were staggering—expensive enough to make Xianlu's stomach turn. He could sense the corruption beneath the surface once again, but he chose not to dwell on it. The less attention he drew, the better.
Paying swiftly, they ensured that Daiten's discharge process was expedited. The gold coins, earned painstakingly from the tea shop, were enough to cover the cost without hesitation. Xianlu still carried the weight of the transaction, knowing how thin the line between maintaining the illusion and being caught could be.
That night, they returned home. Daiten was guided to his bedchambers, where he would continue to recover in peace. His breathing had steadied, his color improved, but he was still far from fully healed.
In the dimly lit living room, Uncle Yuhen waited for Xianlu and Kai. His wheelchair was pushed into place as he stared at them, his calm demeanor deceptive, but his gaze intense.
"How did you get the herb?" Yuhen asked softly, his voice a gentle command rather than a question. His fingers rested lightly on the wheelchair's armrests, though there was a tension beneath his calm exterior.
Xianlu took a deep breath, recounting their journey without revealing the cave. "We were fortunate to find it," he began, carefully selecting his words. "It was near the periphery of the clan gates. We had to climb through some terrain—dangerous enough that only the desperate venture there. The herb was lying in a hidden cleavage of the rocky terrain, away from prying eyes. We were lucky to find it."
Yuhen listened intently, his brow furrowed in concentration. "And after you found it?"
Xianlu continued, "We returned as swiftly as we could. The moment we got back, I grounded the herb into powder. It's safer that way. Too risky to leave it intact, considering the danger it could pose if discovered."
Xianlu added, "We couldn't take any chances. Even the smallest trace could have led someone straight to us."
Yuhen's fingers drummed lightly on the armrest as he processed the information. His calm demeanor hid his growing concern, but Xianlu could see the subtle shifts in his expression—a flicker of relief and worry all at once.
"You did well," Yuhen finally said, his voice steady but his tone softer now. "But never do it again. You are a Mortal, Xian-Xian. And even with Kai, the Riverscale Valley is a lot more dangerous these days especially with the Beast Wave."
Xianlu's gaze was steady, though the weight of his transformation was not something he planned to disclose just yet. "We did what we had to. Grandpa's safety comes first."
Yuhen gave a small nod, his lips curving into a faint smile. "You've grown, Xian-Xian. But even with that strength, I worry. A mortal crossing these lines… it's not without consequence."
Xianlu swallowed hard, the weight of his uncle's words pressing down on him. "I understand, Uncle."
The room settled into a reflective silence. Yuhen's eyes held a calm, knowing gaze—acknowledging the truth that neither of them spoke aloud.