Zeth's consciousness returned slowly, a dull ache spreading across his body. His vision was blurry, but as it cleared, he noticed a girl kneeling beside him. Her concerned expression softened slightly as she noticed his eyes flutter open, her delicate features framed by strands of jet-black hair.
"Ah, you're awake now," she said softly, a hint of relief in her voice. Turning her head, she called out, "Elder Zhang, can you carry him back to the sect?"
An older man with a steady, authoritative presence approached. His robes, bearing the insignia of an elder, swayed slightly in the breeze. His sharp eyes examined Zeth intently. "It should be fine to do so," he replied. As Elder Zhang placed a hand on Zeth's shoulder, his brow furrowed deeply. "Hmm… this boy's meridians are shattered. Who could have done such a cruel thing?"
Zeth's lips moved, but no sound escaped. His injuries had rendered him mute for the moment. The girl furrowed her brows, her voice tinged with both curiosity and anger. "Shattered? And left out here? Whoever did this must have truly despised him. To hate someone enough to destroy their cultivation path…"
Elder Zhang sighed deeply, his voice heavy with empathy. "Poor child. He's so young, just like you, young miss. From what I can tell, you're about the same age."
The girl nodded thoughtfully, her expression hardening with determination. "We'll find out more once we get him back to the sect."
The journey to the Heavenly Cloud Sect was a quiet one, broken only by the soft murmurs of conversation between the girl and Elder Zhang about Zeth's condition. The girl's name, Zhang Jingyi, was mentioned several times in passing. The steady motion of the Elder Zhang carrying them offered Zeth a fleeting sense of calm amidst his pain. Occasionally, Jingyi would glance back at Zeth, her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and compassion, as if trying to understand the story behind his battered body.
When they arrived, the grandeur of the sect was unmistakable. Towering structures adorned with intricate carvings reached into the sky, surrounded by lush gardens that exuded an aura of serenity and power. The soft hum of cultivation energy seemed to linger in the air, invigorating all who stepped within its boundaries.
"Let's head to the recovery room and treat him," Elder Zhang said.
Under the elder's skilled hands, Zeth's wounds were tended to. The potent medicinal salves burned slightly against his skin but brought a soothing coolness afterward. Hours later, as the evening sun cast its golden rays, Zeth's consciousness fully returned. He opened his eyes to find himself lying in a comfortable bed in a modestly decorated room. The air carried the faint aroma of medicinal herbs, soothing his senses.
"Where… am I?" he rasped, his voice barely a whisper.
Before Elder Zhang could respond, the girl from earlier stepped forward, her voice light yet commanding. "Don't worry about that right now. We found you near death. What happened to you?"
Zeth's gaze shifted to her, his voice still hoarse. "You are…?"
The girl smiled faintly, a polite yet warm expression. "My apologies, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Zhang Jingyi, a disciple of this sect."
"I see…" Zeth replied. "My name is Zeth Etheris."
Zhang Jingyi tilted her head, her red eyes filled with curiosity. "As I asked before, what happened to you? Why were you in such a state?"
Zeth's expression darkened, the weight of his memories pressing on him. "I was banished from my sect. They called me useless trash… said I didn't deserve to cultivate."
Both Elder Zhang and Zhang Jingyi looked taken aback, shock flashing across their faces.
"How can they be so cruel?" Zhang Jingyi muttered, her tone indignant.
Zeth's fists clenched weakly. "They always hated me because I wasn't originally from their sect. They sacrificed my parents in a conflict with another sect, and that damned elder destroyed my meridians. They wanted me dead."
Elder Zhang's eyes narrowed, his tone grave. "May I ask which sect this was?"
"The Pure Quartz Sect," Zeth spat, his voice dripping with anger.
Elder Zhang's expression darkened. "Hmph. Them. I'm not surprised. They act noble in public but are vile at heart."
Zeth looked at the two of them, his curiosity piqued. "What sect is this? Where am I?"
Elder Zhang chuckled softly, his demeanor lightening. "You can't tell?"
Zhang Jingyi smiled, her tone teasing. "This is the Heavenly Cloud Sect, run by the Zhang family."
Zeth's eyes widened, disbelief washing over him. "The Zhang Family? Wait… are you talking about the Heavenly Cloud Sect?"
Zhang Jingyi giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. "That's correct."
Zeth bowed his head, his voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for healing me. I… I'll leave now. I have no use, but I'm grateful for your kindness."
Zhang Jingyi's smile faded, replaced by a determined look. "What's with that? We're not the Pure Quartz Sect. You'll be staying here, of course. You'd die out there. Besides, I need someone to carry my things. My uncle here always complains."
Elder Zhang's brow twitched, his tone tinged with exasperation. "That's because I have sect matters to attend to, young miss." He turned to Zeth. "In any case, this isn't her decision to make. You'll meet the sect master, and he will decide."
The trio made their way to the sect's main hall. As they entered, Zhang Jingyi was greeted with deference by the disciples, many bowing respectfully. The grand corridors exuded an air of majesty, their walls adorned with celestial motifs that seemed to hum with hidden energy. Zeth couldn't help but notice the reverence in the eyes of those they passed, their gazes lingering on Zhang Jingyi with a mixture of awe and respect. It was clear her standing in the sect was significant.
They were soon led to a chamber with massive double doors, intricately carved with the sigil of the Zhang family. Inside, the Heavenly Cloud Sect Master sat upon a raised platform, exuding an air of calm authority. His white and light-blue robes shimmered subtly, and his piercing blue eyes assessed Zeth with quiet intensity. His aura, though restrained, radiated a profound strength that commanded respect.
"Jingyi," he began, his voice steady and commanding, "what is it this time?"
"Father," Zhang Jingyi said with a smile, "I want this boy to join the sect."
Zeth's mind raced. "Father?" he thought.
The sect master's gaze shifted to Zeth. "This boy… his meridians are shattered. Why would you suggest such a thing?"
Zhang Jingyi explained how they had found Zeth and the state he was in. The sect master listened intently, his expression inscrutable, before nodding slowly. "Very well. I will allow this exception. Elder Zhang, prepare a room for him."
Elder Zhang bowed and left to make arrangements.
Zhang Jingyi turned to Zeth, her smile returning. "Come on, let me show you around."
As Zhang Jingyi guided Zeth through the sect, he couldn't help but marvel at its beauty and the strength of its disciples. Towering pagodas seemed to reach the heavens, while courtyards buzzed with cultivators training diligently. The sect exuded a sense of purpose and unity, something Zeth had never felt in the Pure Quartz Sect. His eyes lingered on the sparring disciples, their movements sharp and precise, each strike resonating with cultivated energy.
When they reached the library, Zeth paused. "Senior Sister, may I go in?"
"Why?" Zhang Jingyi asked, curious.
"I don't want to be a burden. If I can learn about herbs and minerals, I can gather them to repay your kindness."
Her expression softened. "I see. Very well, but don't take too long. I need to register you with Elder Zhang."
Zeth bowed deeply. "Thank you, Senior Sister."
Inside the library, Zeth approached a male cultivator. "Excuse me, Senior Brother. Can you point me to books on herbs and minerals?"
The cultivator gestured to a section in the corner. "Over there."
"Thank you, Senior Brother," Zeth said, bowing respectfully.
As he delved into the texts, he absorbed as much knowledge as he could. His focus was unyielding, driven by a determination to repay the kindness he had received. Each page revealed a wealth of information about medicinal properties, gathering techniques, and cultivation-enhancing mixtures. Zeth's fingers traced diagrams of rare herbs, their intricate details sparking a glimmer of excitement despite his grim circumstances.
When Elder Zhang returned, he found Zeth deeply engrossed in a book.
"I see you're gaining knowledge already," Elder Zhang said with a chuckle. "Come, your room is ready."
Zeth followed the elder to a small cabin on the sect's outskirts. He frowned slightly but quickly masked his disappointment.
"This is it?" he asked.
"Sorry, sect rules. You don't have the strength for better accommodations," Elder Zhang explained. "But make the most of it."
Zeth nodded. "Thank you, Elder."
As Zeth lay on the bed, he stared at the ceiling, determination hardening his resolve. "I'll make the most of this second chance. Tomorrow, I'll start gathering herbs and minerals. I'll prove that I'm not useless."
With that thought, he closed his eyes, drifting into a restless sleep.