The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across Ye Xiaotian's study as he slowly closed the thick alchemy book, his mind overwhelmed with the vast knowledge he had just absorbed.
The ancient pages meticulously detailed the intricacies of alchemist rankings, the mysteries of Heavenly Flames, and even the hierarchy of cauldrons. Yet, as he glanced at the next book, the one detailing spirit herbs, he realized it was nearly twice as thick as the first.
A sigh escaped his lips.
Alchemy was truly a world of endless complexity.
He rose from his desk, stretching his limbs with a satisfying crack. Walking towards the window, he gazed out at the moonlit landscape. The sun had long since dipped below the horizon, leaving a sky awash in the soft, silvery glow of the moon. The world outside seemed bathed in an ethereal luminescence, the familiar sights of the Vermillion Flame Sect transformed into something magical.
The sight was breathtaking.
The Vermillion Flame Sect, nestled within the towering peaks of the Scarlet Cloud Mountains, transformed under the moonlight.
The once fiery-red pagodas, adorned with intricate golden carvings, now appeared soft and luminous, their vibrant hues dulled by the gentle silver glow. The winding stone pathways, lined with delicate spirit flowers, shimmered faintly beneath the celestial light.
Streams of mist drifted between the mountain peaks, moving like a slow, slumbering dragon, while the occasional flicker of a firefly added a touch of quiet magic to the night.
For a moment, Ye Xiaotian simply stood there, taking in the tranquility.
Then, he remembered.
"Qin Lian…"
The memory of Qin Lian's invitation to dinner surfaced in his mind. "Ah, almost forgot," he muttered, a hint of warmth spreading through his chest. He quickly exited his pavilion, stepping out into the cool night air.
The Sect Master's Courtyard was unlike any other within the Vermillion Flame Sect.
Nestled atop the highest peak, it overlooked the entirety of the sect, offering a panoramic view of the vast mountain range.
Under the moon's soft glow, it exuded an air of elegance and authority.
The main courtyard was paved with white jade tiles that shimmered like crystals beneath the night sky. Ancient vermilion trees, their leaves turning a soft red, swayed gently with the evening breeze, their fragrant petals dancing in the air like drifting embers.
A pristine lotus pond, filled with rare Moonlight Lotuses, stretched along the eastern side, their translucent petals glowing faintly under the starlit sky. The gentle ripples in the water reflected the celestial lights, creating a mesmerizing illusion of stars floating upon the surface.
Near the entrance, lanterns hung from curved wooden arches, their flames flickering softly within intricately designed casings, adding a warm, golden contrast to the cool silver moonlight.
The Sect Master's pavilion, nestled amidst a grove of ancient willow trees, was a picture of serene elegance. The moonlight filtered through the delicate leaves, creating intricate patterns of light and shadow on the ground. A small waterfall cascaded down a rocky outcrop, its gentle music adding to the tranquil atmosphere. The air here was thick with the scent of orchids, their delicate fragrance mingling with the fresh, earthy aroma of the surrounding forest.
Everything about the pavilion was refined yet imposing just like Qin Lian herself.
As Ye Xiaotian approached the pavilion, he could hear the faint sound of laughter and conversation from within. A warm feeling spread through him, a sense of belonging that he had rarely felt before. He paused for a moment, savoring the tranquility of the scene, before stepping across the threshold.
A warm smile spread across Ye Xiaotian's face as he stepped into the Sect Master's pavilion. The atmosphere was a stark contrast to the usual formality and subtle tension that permeated the Vermillion Flame Sect. Here, in Qin Lian's personal space, a sense of tranquility and warmth enveloped him.
The gentle moonlight bathed the courtyard in a soft, ethereal glow, highlighting the intricate details of the meticulously manicured gardens. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of night-blooming jasmine and the subtle, earthy aroma of the surrounding forest. A small waterfall cascaded down a rocky outcrop, its gentle music adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
Ye Xiaotian's gaze was drawn to the open-air dining area, where a table laden with steaming dishes awaited him.
A full-course meal was arranged before him steamed spirit beast meat, golden lotus soup, fiery stir-fried vegetables, and even a delicate plate of jade dumplings. The aroma was rich, flavorful, and seemingly well-prepared.
The aroma of freshly prepared food, a tantalizing blend of savory and sweet, wafted through the air, making his mouth water. He had spent the past few days in deep cultivation and had not eaten a proper meal. The sight of the food, prepared with such care and attention, filled him with a sense of anticipation.
As he approached the table, he saw Qin Lian and Qin Mei already seated, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of the lanterns hanging overhead. Qin Lian, dressed in a flowing crimson robe, looked more relaxed than usual, her stern features softened by the warm light. Qin Mei, her silver-white robes shimmering in the moonlight, tapped her chopsticks impatiently against the table, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Look who finally decided to show up," she teased, leaning back slightly. "I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about us."
Ye Xiaotian chuckled, taking his seat. "I was studying," he replied calmly. "You could have started without me."
Qin Lian, who had been silently watching him, raised an eyebrow. "It's only right to wait for family before eating," she said, her voice firm but gentle.
A warmth spread through Ye Xiaotian's chest at her words. Family. It was a word that had held little meaning for him in the past. But here, in the Vermillion Flame Sect, surrounded by Qin Lian, Qin Mei, and the other disciples, he had found a sense of belonging, a sense of camaraderie that he had never experienced before.
"Thank you, Big Sister," he said, his voice sincere.
Qin Lian smiled, a genuine warmth radiating from her eyes. "You're welcome, Xiaotian."
The three of them began to eat, the atmosphere filled with laughter and conversation. They talked about Ye Xiaotian's progress in his studies, the challenges he faced, and the insights he had gained. Qin Lian and Qin Mei offered him words of encouragement and advice, sharing their own experiences and knowledge.
The gentle murmur of the waterfall and the soft rustling of leaves filled the air as the three companions sat in comfortable silence. The moon, high in the sky, cast long, ethereal shadows across the courtyard, painting the scene in shades of silver and grey. A gentle breeze carried the sweet fragrance of night-blooming jasmine, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and peace.
Qin Lian, her gaze soft and curious, broke the silence. "So," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "how is alchemy going for you?"
Ye Xiaotian, who had been idly sipping his tea, set down his cup and exhaled lightly. "It's… a vast world," he admitted a hint of awe in his voice. "I thought I had a general understanding, but after today, I realized how deep and complex it truly is. There's so much more to learn."
Qin Mei, sitting across from them, smirked and leaned in slightly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, trust me, Big Sister, you won't believe what Master Han Zhen did today."
Qin Lian arched a brow, intrigued. "What do you mean?"Qin Mei crossed her arms, feigning indignation. "Master Han Zhen has ridiculously high expectations for him. He gave him an insane challenge he has only one week to completely study both the 'Basics of Alchemy' and the 'Comprehensive Guide to Spiritual Herbs.' Do you know how long it took me to finish just those two books? Two. Whole. Months!"
Ye Xiaotian chuckled softly at her exaggerated reaction, but Qin Lian's expression turned serious.
Her eyes widened, a flicker of concern passing through them. Even though she had never studied alchemy herself, she understood its complexities. The 'Basics of Alchemy' was manageable it covered theory, flame control, and pill refinement principles. However, the 'Comprehensive Guide to Spiritual Herbs' was an entirely different beast.
With thousands of herbs in existence, each with unique properties, interactions, and applications, it wasn't something that could be memorized in just a few days let alone fully understood.
She turned to Ye Xiaotian, her expression etched with worry. "Little brother… are you sure about this? If it's too much, I can speak to Master Han Zhen and ask him to extend your time limit."Her voice carried genuine concern, no doubt. She wasn't underestimating him, but she also didn't want him to push himself unnecessarily.
Ye Xiaotian, however, simply smiled. "There's no need, Big Sister."Qin Mei turned to him, still somewhat grumbling about the unfairness of it all. "Are you sure? Even if you're a genius, a week is just"
Ye Xiaotian interrupted her with a calm nod. "It's fine." His gaze was unwavering, filled with quiet confidence. "Alchemy may be difficult, but it's not impossible. As long as I focus, I'll manage."
Qin Lian observed him, then sighed softly. "I should've known you'd say that."
She reached forward, pouring him another cup of tea, her voice carrying a hint of pride. "Then I won't interfere. But promise me one thing don't neglect your rest. If you collapse from exhaustion, I'll personally drag you out of that study and make you sleep."
Ye Xiaotian smiled and took the tea she offered. "I promise."
Qin Mei muttered something under her breath but eventually shrugged. "Hmph. Fine. But if you pull this off, even I'll have to admit you're a monster."
Ye Xiaotian chuckled, sipping his tea as the night deepened, the conversation shifting to lighter topics. They talked about the sect, the upcoming challenges, and the future. Qin Lian shared stories of her own experiences as Sect Master, the difficult decisions she had to make, and the burden of responsibility she carried. Qin Mei, in turn, talked about her passion for alchemy, the joy of discovery, and the satisfaction of creating something new and beneficial.
The gentle murmur of the waterfall and the soft rustling of leaves filled the air as the three companions enjoyed a moment of quiet companionship. The moon, high in the sky, cast long, ethereal shadows across the courtyard, painting the scene in shades of silver and grey. A gentle breeze carried the sweet fragrance of night-blooming jasmine, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and peace.
Qin Lia, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, broke the silence. "So, Little Brother," she began, her voice carrying a playful lilt, "since you've started studying alchemy, do you have a particular interest? Pills? Poisons? Elixirs?"
Ye Xiaotian, who had been savoring the lingering taste of the delicious meal, pondered her question for a moment. "Right now, I'm focusing on the fundamentals," he replied, "but I'm most interested in pill refinement. Pills can be game-changers in cultivation battles, and a well-crafted pill can mean the difference between life and death."
Qin Mei on the side nodded approvingly. "A good choice. But be warned pills are far more complicated than pastes or powders. If you don't refine them properly, they'll either be useless… or explode in your face."
Ye Xiaotian chuckled at her exaggerated warning, but before he could respond, Qin Lian suddenly spoke, her voice tinged with a hint of mystery."
That reminds me," she said, her gaze turning distant, "back when I was first appointed as Sect Master, Master Han Zhen once mentioned a rare alchemical legacy hidden deep within the Vermillion Flame Sect's archives. It's a manual left behind by one of our sect's ancient ancestors, a Grandmaster Alchemist from centuries ago."
Qin Mei's eyes widened slightly. "Big Sister, are you talking about the 'Crimson Jade Pill Codex'?"
Qin Lian nodded. "That's the one." She turned to Ye Xiaotian, her eyes sparkling with a hint of excitement. "It's been sealed away for a long time, as no disciple in the past few hundred years has met the qualifications to study it. But if you truly want to excel in alchemy, I can request permission for you to access it after your test with Master Han Zhen."
Ye Xiaotian's eyes flickered with intrigue. A forgotten alchemical manual from the sect's ancestors? If it had been locked away for centuries, then it must contain something extraordinary." I'd appreciate that, Big Sister," he said with a slight bow of his head.
Qin Lian smiled. "Then focus on your test for now. Once you prove yourself, we'll see about unlocking that legacy for you."Q
in Mei, ever the playful one stretched her arms and let out a small yawn. "That's all well and good, but for now, let's focus on something important what kind of dessert should we have next time?"
Ye Xiaotian and Qin Lian glanced at her in amusement as she grinned. "What? Just because we're cultivators doesn't mean we can't enjoy food."
As the night deepened and their conversation shifted to lighter topics, a subtle tension crept into the air. Qin Lian, her senses sharp, felt a faint disturbance in the distance. Her brows furrowed slightly as she glanced towards the outer borders of the sect.
For a fleeting moment, she thought she sensed an ominous presence, like a shadow lurking just beyond the veil of darkness. It was faint almost imperceptible but it sent a chill down her spine.
Was it just her imagination… or was someone watching them? She shook her head, pushing the thought aside for now. The Black Serpent Sect had yet to make a move, but she had no doubt they were preparing something. It was only a matter of time before the storm broke.