It had been a few days since Grandfather Daiten returned home, and Xianlu had taken it upon himself to care for him. He brewed teas infused with Veinroot powder to aid his recovery, even sneaking a few doses into his uncle Yuhen's tea when the opportunity arose. Meanwhile, Uncle Yuhen often left the Riverscale Academy, taking temporary residence at the family's Tea Shop to assist with its operation. Kai, the loyal follower, worked tirelessly at the shop, managing the physical labor that Yuhen could no longer handle. His presence brought a quiet strength to the shop, though his stoic demeanor often contrasted the bustling atmosphere around him.
The days were slow, filled with the comforting hum of the tea shop and the steady progress Daiten was making. Xianlu would often find his grandfather sitting quietly, staring into his tea or into the distance with a look of contemplation—a look that unsettled him at times. Daiten wasn't one to waste his thoughts on empty reflection, but lately, there was something different about him—a flicker of hope or perhaps uncertainty.
Xianlu knew better than to press. His grandfather's pride was as strong as his resilience, and when Daiten was ready to speak, he would do so. Until then, Xianlu continued to quietly tend to his needs, his sharp mind observing everything.
At evening, the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the Tea Shop. Inside, the four of them gathered around the wooden table for dinner.
Grandfather Daiten, seated at the head of the table, cleared his throat before making an unexpected announcement:
"I can cultivate again."
The room fell silent, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air.
Xianlu, seated quietly beside his grandfather, knew the reason but chose to feign ignorance. He stirred his tea slowly, watching the ripples spread across its surface.
Yuhen, sitting across from Daiten, leaned forward, his brow furrowed in surprise. "How is that possible?"
Daiten's expression wavered between pride and uncertainty. "After waking up from fainting, it's as if I can feel the World Qi again."
Yuhen's eyes lit up with relief, but he pressed on, questioning further. "But how can you be so sure?"
Daiten hesitated, his confidence tempered by uncertainty. "Slowly, I know I'm improving. Right now, I can only sense the World Qi, but I am certain I'll soon be able to convert it into Bloodline Qi."
Yuhen's thoughts immediately drifted to the pill that Madam Mayumi had refined—a pill enhanced with the vial of Veinroot Xianlu had provided.
Daiten's gaze softened as he looked down at his hands, then shifted toward the young culprit. "Xian-Xian," he said gently, addressing his grandson. It had come to his attention through Yuhen that Xianlu had provided the vial. Daiten paused, reflecting on the changes he had felt—not only in his body but also in his tea. The brew had taken on a richer, more spiritually-infused taste.
Yuhen's eyes flicked toward Xianlu, who gave a subtle nod of affirmation.
Xianlu met his grandfather's gaze briefly before turning back to his Uncle Yuhen. "It was indeed the Veinroot. I actually hid quite a few more vials. Madam Mayumi said it could help Father heal his internal injuries and strengthen the bridge between the Qi Veins and the Bloodline Core. Since then, I've been preparing teas infused with this herb for Grandpa. He's been recovering steadily. You should feel something as well, Uncle, since I've been giving you the same tea."
Yuhen's expression shifted as he absorbed the information. Surprised, he realized how much he had underestimated Xianlu's resources. He thought the vial had been a one-time aid, enough to aid Daiten back slightly. Yet now, it seemed Xianlu had been doing more—a greater investment in their recovery. Yuhen could recall subtle changes he hadn't been able to pinpoint in his mornings, days where he felt his strength subtly improving.
Daiten nodded in agreement with Xianlu's decision to keep the additional vials hidden. The value of the Veinroot was immense, and its secrecy ensured their safety.
Both Daiten and Yuhen began to look toward the future with renewed hope—a future where they could fully reclaim their former cultivation strength.
Their eyes turned toward Xianlu, who sat calmly, his expression charming. Though they could sense he was holding something back, neither Daiten nor Yuhen pressed the issue. As long as he was safe, they would respect his silence.
---
After dinner, once everyone had retired to their respective bedchambers, Xianlu sat cross-legged on his bed.
Suddenly, a pristine white Koi with jade eyes emerged from his body, gracefully moving toward him before merging seamlessly into his form. A surge of energy flowed through him, transforming his appearance in an instant. His long, raven-black hair turned an immaculate white, cascading down his back like a silken waterfall. A glowing jasmine flower imprint appeared on his forehead, radiating a soft, otherworldly light. White scales, resembling jasmine petals, emerged along his arms and neck, shimmering with an iridescent glow that reflected the light like moonlit dew. His onyx eyes brightened into vivid jade, gleaming with clarity and ancient wisdom.
In this new form, Xianlu began to "harvest" the scales from his body. At first, the process felt slightly painful, but after days of routine, he had grown accustomed to it. In fact, he began to notice subtle changes—his newly formed scales seemed tougher, perhaps larger, though he couldn't be entirely certain if it was his imagination playing tricks.
Upon returning to the Tea Shop several days ago, Xianlu had experimented extensively with his bloodlines. He discovered that he could shift between his two forms at will, though he could only maintain one at a time. He could not merge the two, only fully embrace one or the other.
Each time he shifted forms, he felt a distinct shift in his connection with the world around him. In his Koi form, Xianlu sensed the surrounding World Qi more clearly, as if the very essence of the world was embracing him. He could manipulate this World Qi at will, though he discovered that he couldn't generate conventional Bloodline Qi. Instead, he could only produce what he identified as Spiritual Qi—a purer, refined form of World Qi. This energy materialized through his scales; the more Spiritual Qi he generated, the more scales emerged along his arms.
He delved deeper into his studies, recalling knowledge from his time at the academy. There, he uncovered the truth about his Bloodline. Xianlu had awakened the rarest Tea Koi bloodline. It was regarded as rare because of its elusive nature, rarely recorded in the Academy Library—the Jasmine Tea Koi.
According to the ancient texts, Jasmine Tea Koi possessed a unique Bloodline Ability: Pure Scales. This Production-Type Bloodline ability was on par with cultivation types, considered rarer but equally valuable. Infused with Bloodline Qi, the scales could enhance a Vein Weaver's power and provide immense benefits.
However, Xianlu's scales were different. They contained Spiritual Qi instead of Bloodline Qi—a puzzling revelation that left him questioning why. With no clear answer, Xianlu chose to set that thought aside for now. The most important task, he reasoned, was to keep the existence of his scales a secret.
Each time he harvested the scales, he crushed them into a fine powder and stored them in vials. These vials were used to create teas, which he fed to his Grandfather and Uncle, enhancing their recovery with the infused energy.
Meanwhile, Xianlu knew very little about his second bloodline.
When the pristine white Koi retreated into the void, his form reverted to normal. Moments later, a doll-like figure emerged, floating toward him. As the pixie merged with him, another transformation took place. His hair turned a soft pink, streaked with shades of purple and blue, reminiscent of twilight skies. His eyes became bichromatic—one golden like a rising sun, the other fiery like a breaking dawn. Phantom dragonfly wings shimmered gently behind him, hovering with an otherworldly light.
In his second form, Xianlu delved into what he could discover. The only source of information was an old children's fantasy book. There, he learned that the doll-like form was a Pixie—a name he adopted for simplicity.
In this form, Xianlu discovered an unusual sensitivity to plants. Whenever he touched the rock—now revealed as a seed he had picked from the cave floor—or the seed from Rotthistle stored in his pocket, he felt a subtle, rhythmic beating—the seeds were alive. Beyond that, his Pixie form heightened his awareness of plants, enabling him to sense their emotions and delicate thoughts.
According to the children's book, Pixies had the ability to make flowers bloom during spring. However, Xianlu had yet to test this ability for himself, unsure if it held true for him.
For now, his focus remained fixed on another plan he had in mind. Returning to his normal appearance, Xianlu sat in front of a book titled:
A Creator's Guide.
---
The Essence of a Creator
The concept of a "Creator" is vast and multifaceted, encompassing individuals who have the unique ability to generate and manipulate Spiritual Qi. These individuals are revered not only for their mastery over energy but also for their ability to craft, enhance, and transform the world around them through their profound connection to the unseen forces that flow through all things. Across different professions, the path of a Creator is diverse yet united by a single, defining trait: the capacity to channel and shape Spiritual Qi. Whether as an alchemist, herbalist, pill refiner, forger, chef, or another discipline, each Creator's journey is deeply personal and filled with trials, discoveries, and mastery.
The Four Classes of Creators
Creators are categorized into four distinct classes, each representing a different stage of mastery over Spiritual Qi. These classifications are not solely based on ability but also on the level of resonance one achieves with their Bloodline—a crucial element in determining a Creator's potential and accomplishments.
Class 1: The Awakening of Potential
Class 1 Creators are those who have taken their first steps into the realm of Spiritual Qi. They are capable of generating this energy through various methods, including the synthesis of ingredients, the manipulation of alchemical formulas, or even the use of ancient techniques passed down through generations.
At the initial stage of their journey, Class 1 Creators begin with 0-25% Bloodline Resonance. This level allows them to access a limited pool of Spiritual Qi, often sufficient for basic tasks such as enhancing ingredients or boosting minor attributes of objects or food. However, their potential is vast, and with experience, they can expand this capacity significantly.
For instance, an alchemist operating at this level may be able to refine basic potions or enhance the potency of herbs but lacks the precision and control necessary to create powerful artifacts or complex concoctions. Similarly, a herbalist might use Spiritual Qi to accelerate growth or purify minor toxins, but their understanding is rudimentary compared to more advanced classes.
The essence of Class 1 lies in the beginning—building the foundation of their craft through practice, trial, and a growing resonance with their Bloodline. Each step forward requires deep meditation, learning ancient texts, and honing the connection with one's inner energies. The more Spiritual Qi they generate, the more profound their understanding of the world's natural order becomes.
Class 2: Mastery of Manipulation
As a Creator progresses to Class 2, their mastery deepens considerably. With 26-50% Bloodline Resonance, they begin to manipulate Spiritual Qi with greater ease and precision. This manipulation allows them to enhance not just individual objects or ingredients, but entire environments.
In this stage, a Class 2 Creator can not only strengthen materials or ingredients but also exert control over subtle aspects of their surroundings—altering temperatures, flows of energy, and even influencing the balance of ecosystems. For instance, a forger in this class could refine metals to such an extent that they become resistant to both natural and magical forces. A chef, on the other hand, could use Spiritual Qi to create meals that improve the well-being and vitality of those who consume them, not just enhancing flavor but embedding beneficial energies that aid in healing or stamina.
The ability to control Spiritual Qi grants them an understanding of its properties beyond just its raw use. They can shape and reshape the energy to their will, creating intricate patterns and flowing harmonies that amplify the properties of any item. However, with this power comes responsibility—an adept manipulation requires precision, focus, and mastery of subtle energies.
At this level, many Creators delve deeper into their chosen craft, spending countless hours perfecting their skills and discovering innovative applications. Their creations often take on a life of their own, blending artistry with functional prowess, and pushing the boundaries of what is considered achievable.
Class 3: Infusion and Transformation
The pinnacle of Creator abilities is reached at Class 3, where individuals master the infusion of Spiritual Qi into resources and objects with profound effect. With 51-90% Bloodline Resonance, Class 3 Creators possess the ability to transform the essence of materials—imbuing them with extraordinary qualities that defy ordinary understanding.
At this stage, their creations become more than mere enhancements—they become vessels of energy, guiding those who consume or interact with them to unlock deeper potential. A pill refiner, for instance, can craft elixirs that alter the very essence of the body, instilling healing and rejuvenation. A blacksmith can forge weapons and armor imbued with defensive auras or offensive powers. A chef could create meals that extend life, enhance intellect, or even awaken hidden talents in an individual.
The strength of a Class 3 Creator lies in the depth of their understanding. They can channel Spiritual Qi not just to empower a single entity but to bind it with layers of enchantments and protections. This level of mastery allows them to influence destiny itself through their creations. They are often sought after by nobility, academies, and guilds, not only for their expertise but for the ability to offer their clients an edge over the competition or adversaries.
However, with such power, the responsibility grows exponentially. Class 3 Creators are often seen as paragons of wisdom, guiding apprentices through their journeys while also protecting the balance of forces they command.
Class 4: The Rare and Unattainable
The rarest and most enigmatic of all classes, Class 4, remains shrouded in mystery. Only a handful of accounts and whispered legends speak of Creators who have surpassed the 90% resonance threshold with their Bloodline Awakener.
However, the knowledge of Class 4 is scarce, and those who achieve this level rarely remain in the mortal realm for long. It is said that their creations become so powerful, so vast, that they dissolve into the very energy they command—an eternal existence intertwined with the cosmos.
The Institution of Creation
The Institution of Creation stands as a bastion of neutrality, a sanctuary where the pursuit of mastery in creation is nurtured beyond the reach of political and territorial conflicts. Unlike other guilds or organizations, it remains untouched by the tides of power struggles and wars that sweep across kingdoms, dukedoms, and superclans. Its sole purpose is the cultivation of high-class Creators, individuals who harness and manipulate Spiritual Qi to bring forth their greatest creations. Through this, the Institution ensures that all who join are guided toward refining their talents to the highest levels of expertise.
This institution is expansive, with branches established in nearly every large territory—whether it be vast kingdoms or secluded superclans. Each branch serves as a hub for training, testing, and refining the abilities of Creators. It offers resources, mentorship, and the opportunity to progress from Class 1 to Class 3, depending on an individual's resonance with their Bloodline and Spiritual Qi manipulation. These branches are neutral territories, where disputes over politics or land are entirely outside the institution's scope. However, while the institution remains uninvolved in personal conflicts, it does provide a unique form of support: the ability to issue missions for protection.
Missions within the Institution of Creation are not handed out lightly. They require careful consideration and come at a price reflective of the complexity and danger involved. Only the most skilled Class 3 Creators are typically permitted to utilize this privilege. These missions are meticulously planned and executed, with the full resources of the institution backing them. Yet, even with such support, the Institution will not intervene unless the mission pertains to professional matters directly impacting the craft of creation.
At the highest level of the institution lies the governing body of Class 4 Creators—those who have ascended beyond the limits of mere manipulation and creation. These revered figures are the pinnacle of their craft, known for their wisdom, unparalleled mastery, and influence. Their role is not only to oversee the institution but to act as mentors and arbiters in disputes involving lower-tier Creators. The presence of Class 4 Creators adds an aura of prestige to the institution, drawing the attention and respect of even the most powerful factions and clans.
Within the Riverscale Clan, a prominent region for Creators, two figures have made their mark in recent years:
Madam Mayumi Koicha, a master Herbalist renowned for her expertise in Pill Refining and Alchemy. Her creations are infused with potent energies derived from both natural elements and ancient techniques, making her one of the most revered members of the institution. Serving as an elder of the Herb Farmer Faction, Mayumi's guidance has helped countless young Creators develop their skills while maintaining harmony with the natural world.
Rina Koicha, the current new Leader of the Herb Farmer Faction, is the successor to her mentor, Madam Mayumi. Though her focus differs slightly—leaning toward healing and the cultivation of medicinal remedies—Rina's abilities as a Creator are no less profound. Her dedication to blending her creations with the flow of Spiritual Qi for the betterment of others solidifies her position as a vital figure within the institution. Whether through healing techniques or refining complex alchemical formulas, Rina's craft resonates deeply with those who seek healing through creation.