Chapter 2: The Path to Survival
Xiao Chen followed Lin Ruoxi through the dense forest, his mind working overtime to assess his situation. His first interaction with Lin Ruoxi had been brief and enigmatic, but he could sense there was more to her than just the cold exterior she displayed. Her posture, the way she carried herself—it all spoke of someone trained to handle more than just political squabbles. He wasn't sure whether this was an opportunity or another trap, but for now, his best move was to go along with it.
As they approached the Liu Clan estate, the towering structures of Qingyuan City came into view. The city seemed like a living organism, its streets winding and twisting, leading to various districts that catered to the wealthy, the poor, and everything in between. The buildings of the city were crafted from a mixture of stone and wood, their architectural styles a blend of practicality and elegance, adorned with delicate carvings and symbols that signified power.
Qingyuan City was divided into districts, with the Liu Clan's mansion situated in the heart of the city. Streets were wide and lined with tall stone lanterns, their lights flickering in the evening breeze. The sound of merchants hawking their wares could be heard from every corner, while children played in the narrow alleys, their laughter echoing off the stone walls. The city had a bustling energy to it, a constant hum of life that made Xiao Chen feel both overwhelmed and intrigued.
As they walked down the main road toward the Liu Clan's estate, Xiao Chen observed the buildings lining the streets. Shops selling rare herbs, powerful artifacts, and exotic foods were scattered along the bustling avenues, and the scent of incense mixed with the rich aroma of food being cooked in nearby stalls. The streets were busy, filled with people from all walks of life—cultivators, merchants, and commoners alike—moving in a rhythm as if each person knew their place in the grand scheme of the city.
Xiao Chen couldn't help but glance at the various figures he passed. Some were dressed in simple robes, others in grand outfits adorned with jewelry and weapons. The city was a mix of opulence and struggle, and Xiao Chen felt like an outsider. But that was something he could use to his advantage. If no one knew who he truly was, he could navigate these unfamiliar streets with a certain level of anonymity.
They arrived at the Liu Clan estate—a massive compound with towering gates and a large courtyard filled with fragrant flowers and towering trees. The sight of it was overwhelming; it was far grander than anything Xiao Chen had ever seen. The buildings themselves seemed to touch the sky, their ornate roofs adorned with dragon motifs and intricate patterns that reflected the wealth and power of the Liu Clan.
Inside the gates, the architecture was nothing short of magnificent. Tall columns lined the halls, each one intricately carved with scenes of mythical beasts and powerful cultivators. Massive pavilions surrounded the central mansion, where a large stone statue of a lion stood proudly at the entrance. This was a place where power, history, and tradition merged into something almost sacred.
Lin Ruoxi led him toward the mansion, and as they passed through the grand entrance, the atmosphere shifted from bustling energy to one of quiet, calculated authority. The servants bowed as they passed, but no one spoke. The clan members moved like shadows, their eyes trained forward, with no hint of curiosity about the newcomer. Xiao Chen felt the weight of their gaze, but he didn't let it show. He kept his head down, following Lin Ruoxi until they arrived at the heart of the estate—the clan leader's private chamber.
Inside the chamber, Liu Xian, the leader of the Liu Clan, sat in a high-backed chair, his hands folded in front of him. His presence was commanding, and his gaze was sharp as a blade. He didn't look up as they entered, but his voice was as deep and resonant as the sound of thunder.
"Ruoxi," Liu Xian said, his voice carrying an unmistakable authority. "Who is this?"
"This is Chen," Lin Ruoxi replied, her tone measured and formal. "He was found in the forest near our estate. He claims to be an orphan, banished from his clan."
Liu Xian looked up then, his eyes narrowing as they studied Xiao Chen with a calculating gaze. His sharp features softened slightly, but his demeanor remained one of quiet power.
"You claim to be banished from your clan, but I sense you are hiding something," Liu Xian said, his voice calm but carrying an unspoken threat. "Who are you really?"
Xiao Chen kept his expression neutral, suppressing the instinct to reveal his true identity. "I am merely a wanderer," he said smoothly, "cast out and left to fend for myself."
Liu Xian studied him for a long while, his eyes piercing through Xiao Chen's words like an invisible force. "I don't believe you," he said finally. "But I don't need to. The truth will reveal itself in time. For now, tell me: what are your skills? What use are you to my clan?"
Xiao Chen's mind raced. The best course of action was to remain non-threatening, while still making himself useful. "I have experience with herbal medicine," he said, keeping his tone humble. "I've spent time in the wilderness gathering herbs, and I know how to identify rare plants. I may be of use to your clan's medicine farm."
Liu Xian's gaze flickered for a moment, his interest piqued. "A herb gatherer, huh? How interesting. I'm sure you've seen your fair share of rare and potent plants. But the medicine farm isn't a place for those who aren't willing to work hard."
"I understand," Xiao Chen said, bowing his head slightly. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes."
Liu Xian leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he considered Xiao Chen's words. For a long moment, the only sound in the room was the soft rustling of the wind outside, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers. Then, Liu Xian spoke again.
"Very well, Chen. I'll give you a position in the medicine farm. But understand this: you are being watched. Perform well, and you may find a place here. Fail, and you'll be cast aside as easily as a discarded tool."
Xiao Chen's heart raced, but he kept his composure. "Thank you, Clan Leader. I will not disappoint you."
Liu Xian's eyes softened, and for the first time, a hint of approval flickered in his gaze. "We shall see, Chen. We shall see."
With that, the steward, an elderly man with a kind face, stepped forward and gestured for Xiao Chen to follow him. The rest of the clan leader's attention was already turning back to other matters, dismissing him without a second glance. Xiao Chen nodded respectfully to Liu Xian and followed the steward out of the room.
The steward's name was Zhang Hu, and as they walked through the estate toward the herbal medicine farm, he explained the ins and outs of the work Xiao Chen would be doing.
"The medicine farm is crucial to the Liu Clan," Zhang Hu said, his voice low but warm. "The herbs we cultivate are used in our medicines, as well as traded for resources. It's hard work, but it's honest work."
Xiao Chen nodded, his thoughts already focused on what lay ahead. He would do whatever it took to survive in this world—and perhaps even thrive. His journey was only beginning, but the first steps had been taken.
When they arrived at the medicine farm, Xiao Chen was taken aback by its size. The farm stretched out before him, rows upon rows of plants in every stage of growth. Some plants glowed faintly with an ethereal light, while others were more ordinary but no less important. The air was thick with the scent of herbs—some sweet, some bitter. It was both overwhelming and calming, a strange mix of nature and purpose.
Zhang Hu introduced Xiao Chen to the other workers—a mix of young men and women, all focused on their tasks. An elderly woman with a gentle face, who was busy trimming plants, smiled at him. "You must be the new recruit. Welcome to the farm. Don't worry, it's not so bad once you get used to it."
Xiao Chen smiled back, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thank you. I'll do my best."
As the days passed, Xiao Chen worked tirelessly, learning about the different herbs and refining his skills. His mind was sharp, and he quickly gained the respect of the other workers for his dedication. But he knew that this was just the beginning. Every task he completed, every plant he tended, was just one step closer to the cultivation path that would lead him to power.
On the seventh day of his work, after completing the final task for the day, Xiao Chen felt a strange pulse within him—something deep inside his body resonating with the energy of the earth. It was a subtle sensation, but powerful nonetheless.
[Ding! Quest Complete: Survival in the Wilderness]
Reward: Five Elements Harmonization Technique (High Level, Heaven Grade)
The moment the system notification sounded in his mind, Xiao Chen felt a surge of power. It was as though the energy of the world had been unlocked within him, and for the first time, he could feel the potential that lay dormant in his body.
His journey was only beginning, but now, with the Five Elements Harmonization Technique, he could finally begin his true path to cultivation.
To be continued...