《Learning To Live As A Cultivator》


 Chapter 1 - - I didn’t know I had died

    Leon Van Michaels left his apartment an hour before the gas explosion ripped through the top two floors of the building, although his was on the ground floor. So it was not this accident which killed him.


    The young man, who had lived alone for almost two years while studying at University, crossed the road towards his part-time job, as a large truck came speeding down the street. It stopped barely in time for the red light, so it was not this which killed him.


    After he finished for the night, he returned home as the heavens opened and a full storm swept across this sky. Lightening struck a tree half a mile south of him, tearing it in two, but clearly this would not kill him.


    Soaked and suddenly finding out that he could not return to his apartment, neither the landlord nor neighbouring tenants thought to inform him, he was forced to find a very cheap motel for the night. It was there that he died. The owner was arrested the next day for manslaughter and failure to comply with basic building regulations to name but a few of his crimes. But that would not comfort the man who had suffocated due to carbon monoxide poisoning, his soul had already moved on.


    *****


    Leon awoke from sleep due to eruption of agony. The worst source emanated from his gut, but his face, arms and legs felt great pain and hurt to the point he would wish to die. He could not open his swollen eyes to discover why he felt so bad, but he knew from the hard wood beneath his side that he no longer lie upon a bed. As he writhed in warm wetness, he felt something being shoved between his cracked lips and he instinctively swallowed it. The throbbing pain and loud beating of his heart that drowned out all other sound eased enough as words began to reach his mind.


    "You are too kind, Tor," a smug voice drawled. "That trash doesn''t deserve your pity!"


    "No, I think you are too harsh, Caprian," came a cold response. "Sure beat him for not complying, but do not kill him. Even your money might not cover up his death by your hands."


    "Of course it would," the first male replied, haughtily.


    "Psst! Do we have the pills yet?" A nervous voice came from a distance, behind a door perhaps?


    "Grab what we need," came the instruction, followed by a swift kick causing an additional burst of pain. "Should you live, you shan''t be so foolish as to defy me next time, fool." The metallic taste of blood shot from his throat into his mouth, which he instinctively spewed out. "Ugh, mind my boots, do you know their worth?!"


    "Caprian,"the cold voice warned. There was the sound of a door opening and shutting and then nothing.


    Leon could do nothing, but softly groan as the pain overcame his senses and plunged him into darkness

 Chapter 2 - - I come to realise that this is not my body

    Leon did not know how long he spent unconscious, he only knew that when he awoke, the pain he was feeling had lessened slightly. He was able to rise from where he lay upon the floor, though every part of his body protested the movement. He was able to narrowly open his eyes, but what he viewed was fuzzy and unclear. Instead he had to rely upon what little sense of touch he had to feel out what was before him.


    Despite the scratches upon his fingers confusing him, he felt that there was a low table close to him and a narrow wooden bed with a mattress filled with grasses behind him. The wooden floor was also gritty with dirt. Of course this did not make any sense to him. The motel had been cheap for sure, but the lumpy mattress had springs and cotton sheets covering it. The floor had been carpeted and he could not recall a table anywhere. Clearly, he was not in that room anymore. So the question remained, where was he and how did he get here?


    Rising upon tender legs and wobbling from the strain, he cautiously crept around the table, arms outstretched until his fingers touched a wall. Upon that wall, he felt that there were shelves and on them a potted plant, it''s soil too dry. There were other things, but he couldn''t tell what they were.. an ornament perhaps? He shuffled away from where he knew the bed was and felt his fingers touch the cold glass of a small window. It would not let much light in, he thought, considering it''s size, though he was sure the room was light judging from what little he could see.


    Continuing his exploration, he found a door. It was of a rough wood and it''s handle, which felt loose was of unpolished metal. He tested the door, to open it, he needed to pull it inward. A rush of cold, fresh air and scents of wet wood and damp earth assaulted his nose. Tiny droplets hitting wide leaves and wood made him realise it was raining. His hand reached out of the doorway, few raindrops hit his skin, so he ventured further, though walked in a straight line forward.


    He came to a point where the rain could wet him and he stood in the cold falling waters, turning his face to greet them. He shuddered as they ran down his face, easing the tightness upon his skin, wincing as they brushed over cuts and abrasions. Eventually, he turned around, making sure he was in line to return to the doorway before slowly returning.


    Feeling the door, he shut out the wet and cold and stripped off the soaked garments on his body, using them to clean away what crusted blood still lingered on his face, with great care. Then he took his weary body to that bed and slipped inside the rough linen sheets before sleep took over once more.


    *****


    His stomach awoke him loudly. The pain had receded more and the swelling of his eyes was reduced, but his vision was still cloudy and he could not understand why. He could see that it was darker now, though there appeared to be a soft source of light emanating from the side of the room that he had not yet explored. He carefully wandered over to it. There was no heat coming from the light and it did not flicker, so he reached for it to find it was in sphere form. It did not help him with the problem of his vision, so he left it alone.


    There was more shelves this side, a bookshelf? Small, cold glass shapes were stacked upon it, though some were knocked over upon their sides. There were more dry soiled potted plants as well, but he had not yet found a source of water to sate his own thirst let alone a plant. However to the left of this was another place with shelves, beneath them two cupboards and a wooden surface which held a wide bowl containing water.


    Though stale and warm, it tasted as if it was the sweetest source of water on Earth. It did not completely quench his thirst as he scooped it out with his palm, but it eased the furriness of his tongue and the dryness of his throat. Calmer, he crept back to the bed, before sitting at the low table. He recalled that he had touched something on its surface, but had been too deep in his questioning of it to wonder what that was.


    Now he discovered another bowl of hardened clay, though it had been broken, it''s contents spilled, but what was in those shards were two roundish shapes. As he touched them, bringing them to his useless eyes, his nose scented their fragrance and his mouth watered. Fruit! He didn''t know what type and frankly he did not care, each delicious mouthful could not be savoured as his stomach cried for more. Spitting out only the seeds, he consumed all of the sweet flesh, pining when there was nothing left.


    He sighed and then decided to clear up the broken pottery, less he have an accident in this state. Piece by piece was collected and placed to one side outside. As he did this, he found a length of thin metal shaped about two thick glass circles. Almost sheepishly, he placed them over his weary eyes and the world suddenly came into focus.


    The single roomed hut that he had awoken in, the unfamiliar surroundings and large woodland outside it became so much clearer when he came to realise that he was inside a body that was not his own.

 Chapter 3 - - I carve charms from my old world in my new one

    A little more healed, a little less blind, Leon explored his new environment as best he could. The single room contained a bed, a bookshelf, a cabinet with a work surface, a table and shelves. He had also discovered a heavy wooden chest beneath his bed, which his weakened arms could not yet drag out. Potted bowls and plates sat on the shelves and lots of little, empty glass bottles. Of the three potted plants, one had died, but he managed to water the others with rainwater collected in a bucket outside.


    His little hut was in the middle of the forest, trees visible in every direction, though there was a large lake and rocky outcropping just two hundred steps from his home. There were no other huts visible from where his stood, so he did not know where those people who beat him came from and could not keep an eye out for them in case they came back. This made him nervous.


    When Leon was nervous, he had a tendency to carve doodles upon pieces of old wood. This was obviously an unusual habit for a modern man studying Social Sciences at University, but it was something ingrained since childhood.


    His mother had been unmarried, his father had left the moment the word ''pregnant'' had slipped from her mouth. She had raised him with love, discipline and money she had earned from working two jobs. And so while she had worked, he had stayed with Grandma. Grandma was a slightly batty old woman who lived two doors down and was very superstitious. To ward off all of the evils of the world, she would carve wooden charms and place them about her neck and her home. She had made him wear them too, his mother had a collection of them over the handful of years she relied on the old woman and as soon as he took an interest, she had taught him to carve them too.


    The patterns varied, the size and shapes all differed, but they all had one thing in common; they didn''t really do anything. The old woman was burgled one day while she was out at the grocery store and had had a minor heart attack in shock. Social Services decided that she would be better suited to living in sheltered accommodation, seeing as she refused to return home, claiming evil spirits had invaded it. So the eight year old him, with all the knowledge of carving talismans, waved her goodbye and never saw her again.


    The knife that appeared to be all purpose, as it was the only one in the room, though there was a grinding stone for it, began to carve wood. Firstly he carved small flat pieces, thick enough to take the carving but smooth enough not to pierce his skin with splinters as he held them.


    The first pattern that began to form in scrolling shape and design was meant for protection, the second, a swirling pattern for hiding things in plain sight. Shavings built up about his feet as he worked his nervous energy into the carvings. As he finally calmed, he felt a sudden weariness and rumbling began in his belly.


    He took the purple fruit, which he had found plentiful in a barrel beside his house, from the table and began to eat. As delicious as it was, it was a meal that was beginning to lose favour, he had eaten plenty of them as he had recovered, but his body was craving something different. Perhaps he would venture back to the lake and see if he could find any fish.

 Chapter 4 - - I wash my hair in the lake

    The chest beneath the bed creaked in protest as it was dragged along the wooden floor until it lost its shelter. Leon had not yet discovered its contents, waiting until he was fully healed before straining his muscles to recover it. He hoped there would be clothes for this body had just two sets and the first had been mostly lost to the mess of blood upon them. What little was left was used to scrub his blood from the floor, though a large stain still remained, soaked into the boards.


    Unfortunately, there were no clothes inside, just books, a small, ornate looking cauldron and an odd metal thing. With a sigh, he stared at the possessions of the former owner of his body and closed the chest. He would just have to bathe as best he could without a second clothing set.


    With a clay jar of what smelled like soap and looked like sand, he made his way to the lake. He came across no animals or people, but he could hear bird and their strange songs in the trees above him. He stripped the robe from his body, noting his frame was more slender now. Though he''d never been muscular to begin with, the growing flesh around his middle was no longer there. His hair was longer too, but tied at the nape of his neck. It was still matted with blood, so he had not taken the time to touch nor examine it, with the exception of scratching his scalp. He''d longed to wash it, but with his body in its condition, he may have made things worse by bathing too soon.


    The cord was stuck within his matted hair, he did not attempt to remove it, but decided to cut his hair if he could not untangle it. After placing his spectacles in safe place, he stepped into the lake. The water was cold, he had to force himself to take each step forward into its depths. As it reached chest height, he took a deep breath and ducked under it for a heartbeat. The temperature took his breath away and he rose gasping for air. Wading quickly over to the jar he hoped was some sort of soap, he tentatively poured a little of its contents upon his palm and rubbed it onto his shoulder. It kept its grainy texture for a moment before dissolving in the water taking the dirt with it. Joyfully, he rubbed more over his body, wading back to deeper waters to wash it all away.


    Then, he used a generous amount upon his hair and scalp. The water turned murky as the remaining dry blood began to wash out of his hair. The tangles loosened somewhat, so after rising the soap away, he washed it once more for good measure. It was much longer than he had imagined, reaching down until his tailbone and now wet it was very heavy. What he could see was mostly black, but there was several strands that seemed to be silvery white. Did that indicate that this body had some age to it? But despite the healing yellow marks upon his skin, it seemed smooth and healthy. He decided to worry about it after he had discovered a mirror. He could not see clearly enough in the rippling waters, even with his glasses on.


    Draining as much water as he could from his hair, he realised he had lost the cord that tied it, so braided it loosely just to lift it as he used the soap upon his clothes. He did not wish to return through the woods naked, so squeezed out the water from the cloth until they were wet rather than soaking and tossed the robe over himself, carrying the undergarments and jar as he returned home. It was a very uncomfortable walk.


    There was no fire to warm himself beside, so after hanging the wet clothes on a quick hanging arrangement using fallen branches, he went inside briefly and wrapped his linen blanket about him, before stepping back out. His hair was still very wet, but he made some attempt to comb it. The water made it too hard, so he would simply have to let it dry in the wind. He sat upon a nearby stump in thought, but was quickly bored of the scenery so decided to grab one of the many books in his possession to read as his hair dried.


    What he read in those pages surprised him greatly.

 Chapter 5 - - I read a book and learn what the cauldron is for

    It was not just any book, it was a diary, a notebook and had descriptions of various things with small painted illustrations. The author had unique penmanship, not cursive nor simple, a sort of mix of the two and something unlike both. It was a miracle that he could understand the words at all, though formed as they were into sentences, the writing itself did not make clear sense.


    He had picked up the book randomly, but it seemed to him that the author had not begun to write in this book first. He wondered if that particular book was part of the collection in the chest and if it was, did that mean that the author was the previous owner of his body?


    Scanning through the pages, he noticed that most of the notes and illustrations were of various plants, none of which he had ever heard of. This, perhaps, was not too unusual considering his knowledge of plants did not stem much beyond trees and the types of wood they produced. But he was definitely certain that he had never heard of five-petalled ghostwort or silvertongue nightshade.


    The first produced tiny flowers that had an intoxicating scent. It''s leaves, when crushed, could nullify that same scent, should it get on a person''s skin and the large root had nutritional value, but were tough and tasted as floral as the flowers scent if over boiled.


    The latter was poisonous if handled unwisely. It''s stems and roots were deadly upon consumption. It''s silver leaves also, if eaten in too high a dose, otherwise they could produce a slight immunity over time. However the side effect and the reason that they were valued despite their nature was that eating silver leaves would make the consumer talk nonstop for a while and without falsehood.


    Leon put the book down and concentrated on moving the comb through his damp hair. He wondered why the author had such an interest in plants. It was clearly not all he wrote about, after all there was a rather poetic passage before those descriptions about a particular morning, when the low mists swirled about the tree trunks and seemed to hang loose like oversized cloaks draped over saplings and bushes. The sun had seemed like a bright moon held in the hazy sky rather than its usually fiery self.


    Taking himself and the blanket still wrapped about him into the small hut, he opened up the other books, a couple of which were empty of all words and found the one he believed was the first of the books to have been written.


    The words used seemed simple and youthful and the brushwork inexperienced, but the author spoke with much joy about how he had been chosen to attend the learning academy and how his grandfather had gifted him with a number of blank pages books, that the old man had crafted by hand. It was his craft, to make these books to be filled with the words of scholars, but he wished more for his only grandchild. The man had come late in life to the skills of reading and writing, but had diligently taught the author what he knew and the child had been receptive and eager to learn. The grandfather had sent him to the nearby town where recruiting had begun for the academy with a small purse of coins to apply and the boy had been successful.


    He later wrote about his journey to the school which was located upon a mountainous hill coated in a thick forest. How he shared a large hut with many other boys, most aged 16 or 17, though a few were a little older, but they were all new to the school and would study together. Then the boys were tested, things like fighting skills, aptitude for calligraphy, standard of knowledge for things like wildlife and magic..


    Leon put the book down. Magic?


    *****


    The academy was known by one name; The Ascending Mountain Institute, but it was divided into five schools. The first was the school of martial arts, specialising in all forms of fighting, armed and unarmed. The second was the school of beast-taming, those who attended there had great knowledge about the beasts of this world, their fighting capabilities, how to kill them, how to tame them, how to train them. The third school was the school of magic, naturally specialising in the using the elements and bending them to their will. The fourth school was the scholars school, for students with a insatiable thirst for knowledge, divination, cultivation methods. The fifth school was the school of alchemy, who focused on flora, creating pills and potions.


    As the writer was not physically strong, lacked strong spiritual roots and whose knowledge and writing skills were still very lacking, he ended up in the school of alchemy almost by default. In fact, he was fortunate that he was accepted at all, but rumour had it that those willing to focus on alchemy were few these days, people more obsessed with learning to cultivate and fight.


    The boy had not minded, he was just pleased to have a place at the academy. He had moved into a single room hut on the forested mountain the school was located and given a cauldron to use to produce pills and potions. He was also given herb seeds to practice growing common herbs. Despite his lack of talent, he had strong ethics towards learning; he placed every word told to him by his seniors in his diaries, filling them up with the most detailed knowledge of herbs and the best methods to produce basic pills and potions as he was taught them. Slowly, his hard work began to pay off and he became reliable in reproducing pills and potions and identifying herbs. His pills and potions were of average quality, he never produced poor products, but when asked to create something specific, he always came through.


    Naturally, he became noticed by his seniors. Unfortunately, he also became noticed by a handful of classmates, who envied him this attention. When rumours began to develop that he might be moved to the inner school(for higher learning and better teachers), a person known as Caprian came to find him.


    Caprian was different to the other students, he was from a wealthy background. Not only that, he was from an alchemy family. The trouble was, the boy lacked talent and was lazy. The family purchased his place into the academy, hoping for him to learn and work. But Caprian saw no reason to change, he was spoiled, used to having everything he wanted. He was disgusted by the poor conditions of the outer school, but didn''t like the conditions required to move into the inner school (aka work). So he bullied other students into giving him their pills.


    The writer didn''t want to give him his pills, he had worked hard producing them and had begun to experiment secretly with the recipes, so he needed his pills to fill school quotas. There was no real fixed amount for the quotas, he needed to prove his value by exchanging created pills for more herbs, but the seniors kept records of how successful students were in making their pills. His success was just over 70% for basic level one pills and potions and 50% for basic level two. Half of what he produced was given to the school and half he could keep. It was this half that he had hoarded so he could waste herbs when experimenting.


    One of Caprian''s lackeys caught wind of the boy''s stock, for it wasn''t exactly hidden from site and his hoard was raided when he was busy in the library. Such actions were frowned on and of course the seniors promised to search for the culprit, but the boy was unaware until later that they had been paid off. The seniors also recommended that the writer move to a new room as the lock on his door had been damaged and who knew when it might be fixed. They had move him to a hut that was far away from the central compound and isolated from the other accommodation, as instructed by Caprian. But the boy did not argue, thinking it was better to experiment here, however he was more cautious to hide his books, cauldron and successful experiments and other pills and potions.


    The diary ended there, leaving Leon to fill in the gaps. Caprian must have come looking for more pills and clearly found them in this hut, but beat the boy to death in order to get what he wanted. Leon, for whatever reason, had taken over the boy''s body not long after!


    Leon placed the diary back into the chest and looked thoughtful as he finished combing his black hair. Though he was not clear on the age of the lad, clearly he had not been old enough to silver if he was a student for the time that seemed to be no more than two years, so perhaps it was the shock that caused the pale locks that striped his black hair. Leon sighed. He was in a different world and in a school with seniors paid to forget about him, but without knowledge to survive, he was little more that waiting for a second death.


    Therefore he ought to just begin where the boy left off. The problem was, how was he to get the herbs needed to make the pills and potions?

 Chapter 6 - - I harvest wild herbs

    Carving a rod for fishing turned out fairly simple and using plaited thread from the discarded, bloodstained robes for string meant he had the bones of a fishing rod. Creating a hook proved more difficult, but in the end he found a simple hair pin hidden in the corner of the chest and bent it to an acceptable shape. It was a bit light, but he added a couple of charms for good fortune to add a small amount of weight. He tried not to hurl as he pierced a small beetle onto the hook and made an attempt at cooking.


    The first two fish got away and the third was so small he felt guilty for capturing it and let it go, hoping it survived. The fourth and fifth fish were not particularly well sized, but enough to provide something different for his stomach. He felt this whole thing had taken far too long so gave up trying anymore, instead taking his booty home to cook.


    As he walked home, he noticed a large patch of small flowering plants that seemed familiar, but he couldn''t think why, so didn''t dwell on it. Instead, he gathered an amount of wood that he knew would burn on route. He swept away an area of dead leaves and dug a small hole, which he lined with stones and pottery shards, creating a fire pit that hopefully would contain the fire he needed. There was no kitchen in the hut or fireplace. It seemed students usually ate in a large hall at the central compound and used furs and blankets to keep warm in cooler months.


    Leon didn''t feel like returning to a place that had turned on the original student, so had been seeking edible plants and things in the forest. It seemed the original student had made notes of things he had found that could be eaten when he moved out here, in case he need food to hand when he was creating large batches of pills. The fruit in the barrel was from a harvest made just two days before he died. Leon had found some tubers and large roots both edible and poisonous and a patch of delicious wild berries. He also had seen some wild fowl, but he had nothing to hunt with. He did notice that the season was beginning to change, so he needed to increase his supplies soon, even if it meant returning to the compound sooner than he wished.


    Using a flint and tinder, he carefully watched the fire spark, feeding it dry grasses and wood shavings until the firewood caught nicely. Then he slowly added some more wood, before skewering his catch and slowly roasting it over the fire. When he was sure it was done, he let the fire die down and tossed a tuber into its embers to slowly roast.


    While he ate his well deserved meal, he slowly reread one of the diaries; there wasn''t exactly much entertainment out here after all.


    He had lived here now for a week, or rather seven days, he wasn''t entirely sure how time was divided here, except that people still aged in years. His injuries had healed quickly, too quickly making him realise he had been fed a basic level two blood pill. This pill aided the healing of internal injuries and helped strengthen the flow of blood. Normally, it would only do this for an hour or two, but it was enough for this body to jumpstart it''s own processes. The writer had made a lot of these and had even begun speculations of how to improve the recipe.


    Leon turned the page and took a close look at the herb drawn on it. It looked the same as the wild plants he saw earlier! According to the description, it was sweet sunclover, a very common plant that grew fairly fast and quickly spread. It was used in many basic recipes as it had detoxifying qualities in the leaves meaning that impurities in the pills that could build within the body due to the overuse, were lessened. It was also the main ingredient, when flowering, for the basic purifying potion. This potion could break down those some of the impurities in the body, but drinking more than one of these potions a week could be harmful. Still, it was a very common potion of choice amongst the martial artists, who often relied on various pills.


    Seeing as there was still some time until dusk, Leon picked up an old pot, a basket and a shovel and wandered back over to where he had seen the herbs. If he was fortunate to find these growing wild, what else could he find here? He would have to investigate both the surrounding woods and the diaries again, sure that the writer would not have left out details such as where the plants grew.


    Leon had never harvested anything before, he had never had a garden, so he could only hope that he didn''t kill the whole patch. Fortunately for him, sweet sunclover was a known weed, hardy and self seeding. It would take a lot more than an ignorant gardener to kill it off! He dug up one batch of clover, dirt, roots and all and ''plonked'' it into the pot. He then harvested half of the flowering plant, leaving the roots in the ground. Upon the wild patch, he felt compelled to leave behind a talisman of good health behind, before scooping up the basket, tool and pot and returning home.

 Chapter 7 - - I receive some unwelcome guests

    Leon spent the following day creating an area beside his home to become a garden. He tilled the soil until loose then used scrap pieces of wood, from the small open shed beside the hut, to border several patches. In one of these patches, he transplanted the wild herb and in another he planted seeds he had obtained from wild berries. He could not do much beyond this at that point for he lacked what he needed to create a garden of substance. He decided that he should probably visit the library soon. One of the early diaries contained a map and he had already identified a route that he could take and not be spotted by others.


    Sadly, even if he wished to avoid other students, it seemed other students did not wish to avoid him.


    "I don''t remember it being so difficult to find," a boy with a substantial girth complained, as he approached. Leon found his body beginning to shake and could only assume that it had memory of this fellow, even if Leon himself did not.


    "We have not been here in awhile," a tall, blond haired boy reminded him. There was a third boy, short and sly following the pair.


    Was eight days really so short a time, Leon wondered, his body still paralysed, even though his mind had quickly identified the trio. They were those who had left this body near to death. He assumed the fat boy, who wore robes not much different from his own, but cut from better cloth and pristine not a speck of dirt upon them, was Caprian. He also had an elegant hair pin and crown securing his dark hair into a topknot upon his round head. That would make the tall one Tor, he may have saved Leon by feeding him the pill, but his demeanor seemed as if he was cut from ice. Though he had not caught the name of the third, the diary had mentioned the short lackey as being called Virgal. He was a bootlicker and underhanded. He had probably acted as lookout that day, so he could claim his hands were clean.


    "Ah, Leo, you still live then,"Virgal snickered as he saw Leon watering the transplanted herb. Leon felt his muscles unfurl and placed the bucket and ladle down, less he drown the plant before it could grow. He stored the fact that this body held a name similar to his own to the back of his mind.


    "Why are y-you h-here," he found himself stuttering. He could not tell whether this was from fear or a physical quirk. He had not spoken a word since arriving in this body.


    Caprian frowned. "Did the last beating ruin your brains?" He sneered. "You know why we are here!" Leon shook his head though he could guess. They were after more pills and potions. His fingers nervously grasped and pulled at each other, his bones cracking. "Don''t just stand there, hand over the pills you''ve made this week!"


    "C-c-can''t," Leon said, honestly. Caprian took great strides over to him and grabbed his collar. Leon squealed and instantly felt ashamed by his reaction. He was a grown man, surely he should not be so fearful of this brat! But his body did not agree and began to tremble. "D-don''t have any! I have n-no m-m-more herbs!"


    "Pfft, what a joke," Virgal laughed. "Poor excuse, you would have restocked from the seniors by now!"


    Leon shook his head. "N-needed to heal!" He said, not pointing out that such was their fault. "B-besides, I h-have no more p-pills to swap for h-herbs."


    Tor placed his hand on Caprian''s shoulder. "We did take all of his pills, so that is probably not a lie."


    The fat boy tossed Leon backwards, causing him to trip over his bucket and spill its contents over the skirt of his robes. He then turned to look at Virgal. "Go get him some herbs!" He demanded of the boy.


    "Hey, why mine?" The sly boy argued, but scampered off when he saw the angered look upon Caprian''s face.


    "I will be back in three days!" The bully said, before he and Tor walked back towards the compound.


    A large bundle of herbs were thrust into Leon''s arms later that day. But Leon did not attempt to create pills, for one thing, he did not know how. Instead he spent the whole night making talismans and charms in order to calm his frazzled nerves.

 Chapter 8 - - I cultivate for the first time

    The bundle of herbs were not fresh, many had withered and some had begun to crumble. A few scattered speckled seeds onto the wood floor of his hut, which he carefully swept up using a wooden broom, with flecks of dead leaves and dirt and added to a patch in his not yet garden. He did not know if the seeds would take, but it seemed a waste to just bin them.


    He separated the herbs into what he could identify using the knowledge contained in the diaries and what he could not. He did not think that these herbs were not mentioned somewhere in the carefully written pages, but they were so beyond life, he couldn''t match their dying form to the pretty, living form held in pictures.


    Most of the herbs, however, seemed to be the same; purple spirit grass. There was also some marsh moth tails and a couple stalks of dark honeyvine. With his own gathered sweet sunclover, he could attempt to make either clear spirit pills or burning energy pills. Clear spirit pills could help a new cultivator focus, boosting their clarity of thought and helping them during the Primary Cultivation phase, however it was not good to rely on them and they could prevent a cultivator breaking through the the secondary stage should they not overcome their own distractions. Burning Energy pills had a boosting effect that could help a Primary Cultivator during combat, but again they came with a cost and the user might feel severely weakened after they wore off.


    Leon shook his head and could not help but wonder if the many side effects of the pills were worth using them. His predecessor had not thought so and had made notes of experiments for the latter in order to improve it. Clearly he didn''t consider the former worthy of such attention.


    Starting with the Clear Spirit Pills, Leon required the roots of the moth tails, the whole of the grass and a small piece of honeyvine. He placed some clover leaves beside his carefully measured herbs and took the cauldron from its hiding place. He read the instructions; he needed to place the cauldron over a fire controlling the temperature of the fire using his spirit energy. From the moment he read this, he automatically paused in thought, before skimming through the first diary.


    Ah, it seemed that alchemists were cultivators as well. That proved problematic for he had never cultivated before. He took a lotus position beside his unlit fireplace and took a deep breath before closing his eyes. A minute later he opened them again, totally unable to figure out what he needed to do next. Fortunately, the writer, Leo, was nothing if not meticulous and had left him instructions.


    Closing his eyes again, he focused his mind and inwardly sensed his physical body; the curling of his toes, the mild discomfort in his legs, the tautness of his spine, the breeze caressing his skin, the touch of fingertip upon thumb... his mind slipped into a slight trance and he began to utter the chant that was written. The air that filled his lungs, which was pushed back through his throat and nose, the dryness of his lips and moistness within his mouth, the tickle caused by hair brushing loosely against his cheeks... the slight warmth within his stomach that seemed small and bright.


    The internal light drew his attention as it swirled lazily inside him, sometimes leaking into patterned lines that seemed to surround it. He mentally poked the light within the lines and found he could move it along them and when he did this, more of the energy was drawn into them. Slowly and painstakingly, he moved the light into the patterns until they were all lit. It seemed as if the light was flowing through them now, like blood through his veins with the small bright warmth as the heart. It swirled slightly swifter now to keep the flow moving around the patterns, his meridens, his skins tingled and the warmth moved through his entire being as it circulated. This was his spirit, he came to realise.


    It was already dark when he awoke from his trance, he had spent another day not making pills so now had only two remaining.

 Chapter 9 - - I temper the fire and ruin the herbs

    He awoke to the sounds of wind chimes. Ah that was right, when he had begun to carve talismans the other night in a panic, he had also created a set of wind chimes and had set a few talismans as clappers; protection, tranquility, and harmony. He knew it didn''t mean much, but hearing them now set his mind in the right frame for this day. This day, he was going to attempt to control fire with his spirit energy.


    It was a slightly blustery morning, but not so much that it would affect the sunken fire pit too much. He poked a stick into the ash remnants of the previous day and dug out a tuber he had set to cook in the embers. It was cold, naturally, but containing soft and tender flavour. After breaking his fast, he began to pile firewood into the pit with a small amount of tinder and rubbed two flints together until the sparks from the friction set the dry grass alight. Seeing the wood begin to steadily burn, he sat beside it and contemplated on what he should do next.


    The book had mentioned setting his spirit forth, but that didn''t help too much. He could only assume that if the writer could not explain it in words, then it must not be something that can be explained using words. That usually meant, he felt, that there was instinct or feelings involved. In truth, since he had first cultivated the day prior, he could feel the small warm spot above his navel still, even without using his mind''s eye. He focused on it now. As he was not cultivating, it swirled about lazily, so he stirred it up a little, though did not send it towards his meridians. The light spiralled in greater and greater circles until the edge became misty and more fluid.


    Like a conductor sweeping his fingers to instruct his orchestra, he motioned and the mist seemed to follow. He directed it towards the fire and began to experiment for a while. Aiming the stream towards the heart of the fire inflamed it. The flames burned brighter and hotter and more wild. Swirling it about the fire gave him more control, but the flames slowly began to die away.


    His breathing became heavy for a moment as he realised using his spirit energy was actually taxing. The former him must have had much greater spirit and endurance than the current feeble him! Letting go of control, the spirit energy within him snapped back into place and slowed until it regained its lazy pace, while the energy outside of him dispersed into the air. The inner pool was slightly smaller, so he took a deep breath and cultivated for a while until it regained some of its former vigour. He wondered if he should have not guided the outer energy back into his body rather than releasing and losing it?


    After eating a little fruit, he added wood to his fire and placed his cauldron above it and herbs beside it. He reread the instructions within the book once more, ignoring the confusing side notes for the moment, then began to add the measured leaves and roots. He tempered his energies in order to control the fire, choosing to maintain a steady heat for the time being and then he watched the herbs begin to melt. Melt? He did not expect to see them begin to form liquid at the base of the cauldron! He felt excited by the notion.


    Unfortunately said excitement gave his spirit an injection of chicken blood and for a moment he could not control it. A moment was all it took. The roots sizzled and sparked as they soaked the liquidised leaves into themselves and the whole mess turned to black slag. Using folded rags to remove the heated cauldron, he placed it to one side before inspecting the mess. Wah! He''d wasted the herbs, they were of no use now! And worse, he had forgotten his former thoughts about recapturing flowing spirit energy and already it had dispersed into the air.


    With a sigh, Leon began to clean his cauldron, ready to begin again.

 Chapter 10 - - Did I mention that I am gay?

    He made three more attempts to create the Clear Spiritual Pill that afternoon, before he finally succeeding in creating one pill. Had he read the little additional notes, he might have succeeded much sooner. These notes were from experiments that the writer had performed. As well as suggesting the moth tail roots be added later in the creation of the pill, it also mentioned that this pill formed best when set over a low heat. In fact, it was not even necessary that spirit energy be used to temper the fire; using the embers of the fire would do just as well. In contrast, the Burning Energy pills would require the flames to be extremely hot and the writer recommended adding a little extra juice from purple spirit grass to help form the pill as the ingredients were known to burn up faster than the average pill maker could work!


    With a satisfied grin, like a feline who had just stolen a fish, he played with the Clear Spiritual Pill between his fingers for a while before placing it into a clear jade pot. With a yawn, he noticed that the warm spot above his navel had cooled considerably and thought he best leave the making of pills for the next day. Not only was his energy required to temper fires when pills making, he then had to use it to ensure the ingredients within the cauldron merged together and shaped into a pill. Now he had made one, he hopefully could create more. For now, all he wanted was a bath and his dinner.


    He didn''t linger for long in the cold lake water and fortune favoured him for his was quick to catch a fish. Better yet, he found a growth of mushrooms. He wasn''t sure if they were edible, but he took a few to see if they were recorded in the diaries before noting where the rotten stump was, so he could later collect more if they were of some use.


    He cooked the fish and threw another tuber into the embers, before watering the flower beds. There was the odd tiny shoot growing in the dirt, but he wasn''t sure if these were herbs or weeds! He researched the mushrooms, but couldn''t find details on them and didn''t want to take the risk, so for now he left them in the tiny open shed beside the hut. He could always check the library.


    As his spiritual energy still felt weak, he settled down to cultivate for a while until the heat rose happily throughout his body, before curling back into his stomach. Yawning, he checked the fire to make sure that the embers were secure in the pit (he didn''t want to burn down the forest due to a petty mistake!) before returning to his bed and soundlessly sleeping the night away.


    ****


    Leon created a total of ten Clear Spiritual Pills and two Burning Energy Pills before he ran out of Moth Tails and was unable to create any more. Actually he could have made four Burning Energy Pills, but the first attempt had ended up in much the same way as the Clear Spiritual Pill and the last pill, he had become too overconfident and poured too much of his spiritual power in both fire and cauldron and lost control. The resulting explosion had sent the cauldron flying ten feet and its contents poured out onto the ground.


    He carefully placed the pills into clear jade jars, five Clear Spiritual Pills in each of the first two jars and the two Burning Energy Pills into a third. He couldn''t help but wonder if it would be enough. With a sigh, he reached for his knife and found himself nervously carving a new talisman.


    It''s not that he hadn''t experienced bullying in his past life, he had. He had always been a bit of a soft touch, paying for snacks and not getting compensated, helping with others homework until he might as well have placed his own name on the work... he had especially put up with such antics from his ex-boyfriend. But he had never been beaten. Though if you looked at it another way, Leo had been the one to suffer the beating, Leon had simply suffered the aftermath.


    Ah, he hadn''t thought about his ex for years, though it was debatable if you could really claim that their relationship was as boyfriends. Eddie had asked him out not long after his classmates had found out he was gay. It was a girl who had found him out; "I mean, seriously, are you gay or something?" were her actual words and he had not answered, instead turning red. Before they had become a ''couple'', there had been taunts, words of disgust and naive assumptions, but Eddie was popular, not to mention rich. No one dared say anything about his sexuality.


    But as for them.. well they maybe held hands once? By the time Eddie had graduated, Leon had already realised that there was nothing more between them than a guy close to failing grades and naive boy willing to make study guides, do homework, even go through loads of test papers in order to predict the most likely exam questions.... Eddie had passed, maybe not with flying colours, but either way, Leon had received a ''thanks'' and ''I''ll call you later.'' The later never came and he''d already lost hope that it ever would.


    "Ah Leo," he muttered to the former owner of his body. "W-We were destined to be someone else''s s-stepping stone."

 Chapter 11 - - I go and visit the Library

    His bullies did not appear the following day, when they said they would. He spent the day carving, but his crude talisman''s were more often than not shaped into silhouettes of animals or emblems before the scrolling symbol was cut into the wood. In between creations, he would pause to glance into the woods in the direction he was expecting them to come from. He even walked towards that place, but he collapsed failing to realise how exhausted he was, he assumed from the stress of nervous anticipation.


    He waited for another day, relying on his fruit and tuber supplies for sustenance, watering the rapidly growing plants and tying charms to trees and his belt. But the boys did not appear.


    He relaxed his guard on the third day, taking a quick bath in the lake, washing his outer robes, fishing and foraging before returning home to practice cultivating, less he forget how. Still no one came to steal his treasured pills. As they seemed to have forgotten about him, he decided to forget about them as well. He decided that he would visit the library and perhaps trade the pills for fresh herbs.


    The library was higher up on the mountain than his small hut and it took well over an hour for him to walk through the numerous trees to the place it was located. For whatever reason, the architects of the library had built the tower on a hidden plateau attached on the mountains side no more than half mile across and quarter long. The drop was several stories deep, the tips of softwood trees peaked a little over the cliff face and apart from the sky and the tower itself were all that could be seen from the path. Clearly students could not descend safely this drop, so a bridge was built from the forested mountain path to the midsection of the library.


    Inside, the library had levels reaching skyward and levels descending, but the only level a student like Leon could reach was this middle one and one above. The middle level contained basic, general knowledge books. Fortunately, there consisted the books Leon was looking for; history, geography and culture. The most basic of pill and potion recipes were on the next floor, in a room accessible to the students of the alchemy school. The library was open to all students, but only a few books, such as the most basic cultivation books and the books on the entry level were available for all students to read.


    On arrival, Leon had been greeted by an older student, whose robes indicated they were from the inner school of the Scholars department. He didn''t recognise Leon and didn''t seem to care enough to know him, simply recited the library''s rules and let him pass. Leon strolled around the library to get him bearings. There had been no floor plan in the diary''s, Leon could only assume that Leo did not visit here often enough to bother making one. That boy had seemed rather obsessed with herbs, pills and potions once he had been enrolled into the alchemy section of the school to exclusion of almost everything else.


    Leon found a place he could jot notes and was flabbergasted when he found that all he could write with was ink and brush. Leon was from an era that wrote in biro and used an alphabet. Though he could read this world''s words (he assumed thanks to Leo), they were something like Chinese or Japanese kanji and he had never practiced this type of calligraphy in his two lives! However, he was blessed with steady hands, thanks to years of carving, so he very, very slowly drew upon parchment, the lay of the library before grabbing a very thick book on general history and reading it... also very slowly.


    This world was known as Xulaphrey and it was made up of two land masses and two large oceans which separated them. The land masses were simply named West Xulaphrey and East Xulaphrey, which naturally had Leon wondering how they had concluded which was in the east and which was in the west? He shrugged, dismissing the question in his mind. The Academy was located in the Sky-Reaching Mountains in the northeast of East Xulaphrey.


    Xulaphrey was considered a middle realm world. Leon did not understand what this meant, but jotted it down, carefully, as it seemed important, before he became completely immersed in reading the history of the world. It was a pretty bloody history.


    The strong ruled and suppressed the weak, the weak were mere cannon fodder in battles, mercilessly killed simply as they were in the way when supreme powers fought. Leon shuddered. He truly understood now why his bullies ran roughshod over him. With no backing and no real talents, he had no one that would support him or protect him when things got difficult. He had only himself to rely on and by all accounts, he was weak. The school gave a chance that could not be found in this world in general, a chance for those without to become strong and survive the cruelties of the world. If Leo had not managed to secure a place here, then he, Leon, would have one fate; to be crushed along with the rest of the weak commoners.

 Chapter 12 - - I finally get to eat a lot of food!

    Leon read in the library for a few hours, before the gurgling in his stomach insisted he found sustenance. Returning home seemed to great a distance, so he decided to check out the Food Hall that the outer students of the alchemy sect used. He ignored the odd glances of the other students, his mind still dealing with the information he had read in the book. He was wondering what he needed to do to survive in this world. While he was a student, he had some protection from the school, even if he had lost the comfort of it thanks to Caprian blocking his way with silver. But he wouldn''t be a student forever and would have to make his way in the real world at some point. His was a logical mind, even if it was slow at times, so he could only conclude that he should learn everything he could while here and figure the rest out later.


    With that sorted in his mind, he entered the Food Hall and was surprised to find that he was mostly ignored. Not that this bothered him, though he found it weird that the older student serving the food nearly jumped out of his skin when he stepped in front of him. With several bowls of rice and side dishes, Leon sat in a corner and slowly ate, using a spoon he had carved himself (cutlery was not provided) until he was bursting. The food was not particularly interesting, the seasoning was bland, but as this was the first time in nearly two weeks that he had access to a lot of food to sate his hunger, he took full advantage. He couldn''t even regret his greed despite wobbling over to the Herb Hall with a slightly rounded stomach.


    The Herb Hall was not like the Food Hall, the latter was in fact three attached buildings around a courtyard, the middle building being the kitchens and students could eat in either of the winged buildings or in the courtyard. The Herb Hall was one building that stood in front of large walled gardens. Those gardens were not for show, but grew a wealth of common and quick growing herbs. Also, unlike other places, this one was ran by an adult, one of the teachers rather than senior students. However, he was rarely at the hall, being expected to provide lectures in parts of the inner and outer schools.


    Teacher Sagi was a brisk, older man, with a gruff attitude, but what he did not know about herbs could be written on a postage stamp. He looked over Leon with a sharp eye before glaring down at the few pills in his possession.


    "This is unlike you, Leo," the man stated. This was true. While Leon did not know how many herbs that Leo last collected, he knew that the pills he had made could not have possibly reflected Leo''s success rate, even though he was handing over every single pill.


    "There were p-p-pr¡­ circumstances," Leon stuttered. He still struggled to form clear words, even when not frightened by his bullies.


    The old man stared at the skunk stripes in Leon''s hair. "Cultivation deviation?" He muttered aloud, before grabbing Leon''s wrist and checking his pulse points. Leon didn''t understand what this was about, so said nothing and just held still. Eventually, Teacher Sagi let go. "And you were close to breaking through to the Secondary stage," he grunted. "Well, there''s been no serious damage. Just be more careful next time."


    Leon nodded his assent and took the offered herbs in exchange for his few pills. There were a lot of herbs and they looked fresh and healthy. He was really looking forward to using them. He smiled, perhaps he had inherited some of Leo''s enthusiasm for this type of thing.

 Chapter 13 - - I find out about the request system

    Leon spent a week melting and refining those herbs into pills. Naturally, he created a fair few Clear Spiritual Pills and Burning Essence Pills, before attempting anything else. He wanted to make a pill called One Heart Pill. It was the lesser cousin of the Blood Pill, easier to create and using less herbs. It was a common pill amongst apothecary''s that served commoners more so than the Blood Pill. Leon felt that if he had a stock of healing type pills, he would have greater chances of survival. Leo had also experimented with ways to make this pills side effects less, for as well as being high in impurities, it could damage the meridens if too many were taken in a short space of time. These experiments had created some success.


    The usual way to make them were to brew silver nettle leaves into a tea, before melting a wilted lily flower in this tea and then adding purple spirit grass seeds to soak in the mixture as the tea was boiled away using a constant heat. Leon practiced this method for a while, only failing once when a moment''s inattention burnt the seeds as it boiled dry far faster than he had assumed it would. Once he had ten pills, he tried Leo''s method.


    That was to soak the seeds in the half the tea mixture, then crush the seeds into powder, add the rest of the tea then boil this mixture under the same heat, forming the pills with spiritual energy before the tea boiled dry. It was more difficult, Leon threw away several attempts before he managed to figure out the timing. The resulting pill looked more vibrant and pure than it''s dull, speckled counterpart. He stored the new pill away for his own use in the chest beneath his bed.


    It seemed that while Leo''s experiments were better in the long run, they were not the easiest of recipes to follow. So Leon decided to stick with the basic recipes for now until he was more versed with the creation of pills.


    As he now had the rest of the ingredients to hand, he made an attempt to create the basic purifying potion. The recipe was fairly easy to follow and he simply had to add his spiritual energy to the liquid to ensure that opposing ingredients bonded. He crushed dried nettle roots into a powder and dissolved it in boiling lake water. Flowering sweet sunclover was soaked in the water over night, once removed from the heat. The liquid was then drained and all leftover herbs removed before being boiled for a second time then poured directly into bottles.


    Despite potions being easier, they took longer to make and were not as easily carried by practitioners and cultivators so were not as in demand as pills. A lot of alchemists did not bother making too many. That and there was still the chance of failure, as Leon proved as his second batch turned murky overnight and thickened, when he reboiled it, into mud. He wasn''t sure where he had gone wrong, so was overly cautious on his third attempt. However this potion came out as clear and refined as the first batch, so his worries were unfounded.


    Once the week was out, he separated his pills into those he wished to keep and those he would hand in. He had no real use for the either the spiritual nor energy pills, so he decided to stockpile a few, as Leo had done, but hand most of the rest in. He kept half of the potions and most of the one heart pills. Once done, he wandered over to the central compound. He was looking forward to eating rice again.


    There seemed to be more students around this time, perhaps as it was not yet lunch time and he had not taken the long way around via the library. He also learnt that gossip was not just something found in his first life.


    "Did you hear? Some outer students were picked to become inner students!"


    "Was it true that Caprian was taken?"


    "Hope so, some of us wanted to actually keep our pills!"


    "I got a fair bit of silver out of him though!"


    "And where exactly are you going to spend that around here?"


    "I heard Aries was also chosen."


    "That''s not a surprise though, is it? He was very talented after all."


    Leon exhaled a small sigh of relief. That must have been the reason the Caprian had not come to his hut for the pills. This was a good thing for him. Now he only need concentrate on worrying about himself.


    He handed in his pills and potions and was surprised to see Teacher Sagi there again. He allowed the old man to check his pulse again, he thought maybe this was normal? The teacher gave him a nod, seemingly satisfied.


    "Have you taken any requests recently?" The man suddenly asked. Leon had to rake through his memories to figure out what he meant and then recalled that students and teachers from all over the various schools would ask for things in exchange for other things. It was a good way of obtaining things not available from the basic stores like the Herb Hall. He shook his head. "Teacher Corne of the Warrior sect requested a high amount of Blood pills and I thought of you. You have always been reliable. I didn''t mention it first due to the deviation, but you seem on track now. If want it, go take it off of the board."


    "T-thank you Teacher," Leon bowed slightly, his glasses slipping on his nose, before wandering over to the notice board hanging on the side wall. Fifty pills was a large number, but it was in exchange of a set of knives. This was good for him, he only had one and partially due to the amount of carving he had done, the blade was showing signs of wear, despite his maintenance. He also took one other requests; one seeking a type of mushroom that could be harvested in the woods in exchange for a bag of rice. He hoped he already had this type of mushroom, he would go to the library and look it up.

 Chapter 14 - - I create fifty Blood Pills

    The Blood Pill, being a step better healing pill than the one heart pill, was naturally more difficult to produce. It required silver nettle tea leaves, red lantern flowers, red lantern seeds and purple spirit grass. Just as the one heart pill, it required the brewing of the nettle leaves into tea, but the purple spirit grass should be boiled in this tea before the flower was added.


    The improved method of the one heart pill would actually turn this pill into a poison, congealing the blood inside the body. Leo had found this out when he had fed the experimental pill to a dying bird only to accelerate its death by mistake. He was quite remorseful and realised how dangerous his experiments could be¡­ that did not stop him entirely though, just that he became more cautious learning as many details as he could about each herb and pill to lessen accidents.


    Instead, he had found that this one improved with the quality of the red lantern ingredients; the flower should be at its peak, no disease nor wilting and the seeds were actually better if very old and dry. These old seeds minimized the risks of turning the pills into poison as it was the liquid content in fresh seeds that caused problems and the amount of healing tea old seeds could soak up was maximised.


    Leon used the traditional method first, but picked out the driest seeds that he had received from the Herb bundle he had received from Herb Hall for later experiments. As it turned out, a lot of them were dry. Unfortunately, the flowers were not in peak condition either. After a few failures, he managed to get the hang of creating this pill and successfully made ten pills before he was unable to continue.


    The following day he created five and lost two. He was upset about the losses, especially as he would have to go and collect more herbs for these pills. So he created some other pills that he had made before so that he could get more herbs. He spent the rest of the evening yawning as well as carving decorative pieces for the hut. He was living there, he might as well improve it.


    In the end, he took two weeks to create fifty Blood pills and three Improved Blood Pills, the latter ones he carefully hid away.


    Leon visited the Herb Hall to hand in the completed request, he wasn''t sure if this right or not, but had not noticed any other way in the diaries. The seniors were surprised to see him when he last visited the hall to grab more herbs, as if they were not expecting him or had forgotten about him, but now they did not bat an eyelid. They did not need to concern themselves about this one, Caprian was no longer paying them to cause trouble.


    As the request was from teachers of the inner school of the warriors, however, the seniors did not take the items from him summoning Teacher Sagi instead. Leon waited quietly for the teacher and was surprised to see that the man had brought with him an inner school warrior.


    "Leo, this is Pike, one of Teacher Corne''s students," Teacher Sagi introduced. Leo had written that if a teacher took a liking to a student, they would receive much more comprehensive tutoring than other students, who could just show up for lectures when they felt like it. "Pike, this is Leo, one of the more reliable students in the alchemy school. If Teacher Corne wants items in bulk in the future, best simply find Leo."


    Pike nodded and bowed to Leon, who flushed slightly red and bowed awkwardly back. Pike clearly had the shape of a warrior from stories, broad of back and muscular and with golden skin. Unlike most of the students, the length of his chocolate brown hair barely reached past his shoulders. "Nice to meet you," Pike greeted.


    "N-nice to meet you too," Leon replied quickly, but Pike did not react to his stutter. "Oh, th-the Pills!" He took the blanket from the basket, the only thing he had to hold the jade bottles in and revealed the fifty blood pills, five pills to a bottle.


    Teacher Sagi looked a little flabbergasted. "Do you not have an interspatial pouch?"


    Leon helplessly wondered what that was so could only reply no. Pike covered his mouth to prevent himself from laughing, his bright eyes sparkling, and took something from his belt. It was a pouch no bigger than his fist. "Here, I stored the knives in here. You can keep the pouch, I don''t need it." Leon took the bag curiously and opened it up thinking that a set of knives could never fit in such a small space. His eyebrows almost disappeared into his hairline as he saw that the inside space of the little bag was many, many times bigger than the outside. Pike tried not to snicker over the boy''s innocent reaction. What sort of country bumpkin was this? He took another pouch from his belt and placed the jade bottles into it. He then turned to Teacher Sagi and begged his leave.

 Chapter 15 - - I can’t find the right mushrooms

    Leon held the map in hand and added another line on it using the burnt end of a stick, he had found more mushrooms, but they were still not the type he was looking for. The book he had read had stated that the type of mushroom he was searching for had a blue hue in day light, no spots and a flat, circular top. These were brown with black speckles, definitely not the ones.


    With a sigh, he glanced at the roughly drawn map he had created. His small hut was at the centre of it. To the west and slightly north was the lake and in between this was the wild sunclover patch and the mushroom log. To the south of this he had found another wild sunclover patch, a whole mess of wild onions in a sunny, clearing, and a few small gatherings of different mushrooms. He tapped his chin with the dry end of the stick before deciding to head west from here. In this direction, he found a river that seemed to head northwards, perhaps towards his lake. It was just deep enough to contain small fish and small crustaceans. His mouth watered, wondering if the latter tasted like the shellfish he had eaten sometimes back home. He would come and check this place out again.


    Continuing west, he noted down a few other features, such as a tree that was easily five times the size of most of the aging trees in the woodland, a steep decline, heading south down the mountain and the wall of an attached mountain to the furthest point west that he could walk. This, he estimated, was at least two and a half hours walk from his hut. It was also riddled with caves and would require a longer time to explore. For now, the sun was already declining, there would likely only be enough light to see him home, so he left the western edge and headed roughly in the direction of home, only stopping to take a fruit from his pouch and ease his hunger.


    Ah, he should have had breakfast at the food hall that morning, he mused, but it was an hour away in the opposite direction of this land, so he had settled for finishing his last couple of tubers. He would have to find more once he was able.


    With this thought still in mind, when he left for the west cliff caves very early the following morning, he took his basket in order to gather any foodstuffs he could find. He didn''t want to soil the inside of his spatial bag with mud or bugs. Before he had even reached the caves, he had gathered onions and roots. He had not found any large crustaceans, but that was alright, he didn''t want them to flee or go bad while he explored anyway. After picking some mushrooms that he knew were okay to eat, he finally reached the caves. He took out his glowing sphere that he''d taken from home and very cautiously peered inside the first one.


    It was a bit disappointing. Really. It was just a small cave, no hidden tunnels or anything, with a dusty floor, rock for walls and ceiling. It was very dry, no moss nor fungus could thrive here. This was the case for many of these caverns, though one led to a larger cave that had sparkling crystal veins embedded into its walls. It was a mesmerising sight. Leon made a note of this cave.


    As he followed the mountain side south, he noticed the amount of moisture increase within the caves, one that dipped below the ground level he was used to, even had a small, slightly salty spring. Naturally, weeds were peeking out in places where the light from the entrance touched the ground and mould lined the inner walls of this cave, but it still lacked any mushrooms.


    Just as he was about to leave, he noticed a dark alcove to one side. It had been so drenched in shadows, he failed to notice it at first. He ducked inside finding it led to a narrow tunnel that he had to crawl through. Inside was an impressive sized pond, though like the spring, the water had a salty residue. To one side of the pond were mushrooms! It was too dark to see their colour, so he harvested a few, before turning to leave.


    As he did so, he suddenly heard a shuddering breath. He froze and scanned the cave with the light from his sphere. In a corner, near to the small tunnel, there was the body of a man. There were wounds littering his body and his face was very bruised. Was he alive? His chest heaved once more. Yes, he lived but was unconscious.


    Leon withdrew two jade bottles of pills from the spatial bag. He mostly had the one heart pills and they were weak at best. With a heavy sigh, he withdrew one of the improved blood pills he had made from Leo''s recipe. It was the strongest pill he had on him, it would have to do. He took the pill from the bottle, then took out the bottle of water he had brought with him. He knelt beside the man and pushed the pill into his mouth before teasing his tongue with drops of water, his instincts forcing him to swallow.


    Leon placed his basket upon the ground before slipping out of the cave to gather firewood. He could not leave the man as he was and he did not think the willowy frame of his current body would be able to carry him out, so he would make do and leave when the man was able to fend for himself. With such thoughts in mind, he returned to the cave to cook mushrooms.

 Chapter 16 - - I feel true fear for the first time

    The floor of the first cave was soft near the entrance and Leon was able to dig a hole for his campfire positioning it in a slightly sheltered place so that the wind from outside would not blow the smoke into the cave and suffocate its inhabitants. By the time his fire was burning quietly, it had started to rain outside, so he would not find it easy to find anymore dry firewood. Looking around the loose stone in and around the entrance of the cave, he managed to find a fairly flat rock and placed it partially over his fire before placing carefully cut pieces of onion and the edible mushrooms from the forest.


    Leon poured a little spiritual energy into the fire, raising the temperature of the flames so that it was not long before the rock heated and the vegetables began to sizzle upon its surface. As they cooked, he withdrew the knife he had set aside for carving wood and began to create a set of chopsticks. Leon had never used chopsticks in his former life, but that was all that was available to him in Leo''s hut. He had carved a couple of spoons, but the wood that was easy to obtain was mostly a type of soft wood that dried brittle. Chopsticks were frankly quicker to make and he felt less about them when they broke and thus became firewood.


    Chopsticks made, he held them carefully, for he still needed much practice to become proficient in using them, before reaching to pick up a cooked mushroom. First time, he smiled, gently.


    Cold metal touched his throat, his smile vanished and his body began to tremble. The mushroom escaped and fell to the ground. "Who are you and where is this place?" Came the angry questions of the one threatening him from behind.


    "L-L-Leon," his stammer worsening under the stress. "M-m-my n-name is L-Leon." His eyes filled, blurring his vision and his breath caught in his throat. Perhaps realising that this terrified man was not a threat to him, the blade at his neck was removed and he gasped for air, loathing the weakness of his body. He heard his attacker retreat a step allowing him a little space. Leon peeked over his shoulder.


    The man standing there was tall, had very white skin and carried himself arrogantly. His lips were thin and his eyes were shaped like bay leaves with small stems curved upward a touch. His hair was jet black and long strands had fallen loose from the knot upon his head, framing his face and somehow not looking as if he had experienced something rough. His elegant cut outer robes were frayed in several places, but there were still hints that these were tailored for wealth. They were mostly red, cut to the knee and set over wide leg red trousers. Koi fish of red and black were embroidered upon the robes, but whatever had ruined the cloth had also ruined their exquisite shape. He glared at Leon coldly, his sword still unsheathed. Though held loosely, it seemed to Leon that he would strike without warning at any given moment.


    "How did I come to be here?" He asked, there was slightly less ire in his tone, but it was far from being warm.


    "I d-don''t know," Leon answered. "I f-found you in th-there. Y-you w-were hurt, badly." The man''s eyes narrowed as he glanced over his body. With the exception of a few scratches and the odd bruise, he could hardly see this as being hurt badly. Leon sensed his distrust and answered the unspoken question. "P-pill."


    "Oh? What sort of pill?" His sword seemed to glow with an aura of bloodthirst, causing Leon to gulp, nervously.


    "Blood pill," Leon murmured.


    The man suddenly began to laugh, but there was no mirth in his chuckles. His strong baritone was the sort that Leon had always liked to listen to, but with such an icy edge, it did nothing but cut into him, making him shiver. "You think such a basic pill would provide any sort of healing to this Lord?" He said, harshly. "What an absurd notion!"


    Leon said nothing. He could not prove nor disprove his words, so he felt it was better to say nothing at all. He really wished he could return to his little hut and curl up under his blankets. Those bullies had instilled fear into his body, remnant memories carved into his flesh from when it belonged to Leo. But this man burned his brand into Leon''s soul making him wish to put several mountains in between them before he might feel safe once more.

 Chapter 17 - - I win over the man via his stomach

    The scent of burnt vegetables brought distracted him for a moment and his stomach whimpered in protest. At that same point in time, the stomach of the man who he feared deeply, growled hungrily. His white skin was suddenly tainted red. Leon''s lips curved slightly at the absurdity situation. As frightening as this man was, he was still a man it seemed and he was hungry.


    "You have food?" The man inquired, his nose wrinkling in distaste as he observed the burnt mess upon the heated rock.


    "N-not much," Leon sighed as he used his chopsticks to sweep the remnants aside. "J-just some v-vegetables."


    "Then you may cook for this Lord," the man declared arrogantly.


    Leon glanced at the cold man. Now his aura had slightly dimmed, he no longer seemed as frightening. This did not mean that Leon did not find him as less dangerous to his person, nor that he was any less wary of him, only that he felt his first impression was not the whole picture of this man. Carefully withdrawing his knife, he held his hands upward showing he meant no harm before using it to cut up more onions and mushrooms to place upon the rock. He also passed the man one of the fruits he had brought with him.


    The man pierced it with his sword, before bringing it to hand and biting into it. He watched silently as Leon carved a second set of chopsticks from the few pieces of wood he had left. He handed over the newly carved chopsticks then shuffled around the fire to place it between him and the man, who did not hesitate to approach and swiftly grab some food. He held the chopstick with a refined elegance and ate as if he were at a banquet rather than by a campfire inside a damp cave. As Leon observed him, he also observed Leon, who struggled to pinch a piece of onion with his chopsticks and bring it to his mouth intact. This seemed to greatly amuse the man, but his fine lips did little more than twitch.


    The humble meal was quickly finished, with the man eating far more than Leon could as he was swifter and more practiced with those chopsticks. Leon felt more than a little resentful, but did not show it.


    "You did not answer my question," the man said, suddenly. His tone was no less cold, but there was no more anger and his distrust had clearly eased somewhat. Seeing Leon''s confused expression, he added; "Where is this place?"


    "Th-this is p-part of the Ascending M-Mountain Institute," Leon said carefully, trying to calmly speak through his stutter. "It''s in th-the Sky-Reaching Mountains."


    The man waved his hand dismissively. "I have not heard of this place. Is it in the higher realm or a middle or lower realm?" When he spoke the latter words it was with some distaste.


    Fortunately, Leon had a read something about this so could answer; "Middle realm."


    The man scowled and became lost in thought for a moment. Leon took this time to put out the fire and rise to his feet. He reached for his basket, which only had a few onions remaining and the mushrooms from beside the pool within the dark cave. Lucky for him that they were the ones he had been looking for. He turned to leave the cave, the rain still drizzled softly, but if he stuck beneath the canopy, he would remain mostly dry.


    "Where are going?" The man demanded.


    Leon flinched, but turned to face him. He was a head taller than himself and somewhat broader. Quite imposing. "H-h-home," he answered.


    "You must take this Lord to this lands city," the man told him. "This one requires the use of a Transport Portal."


    Leon tilted his head slightly, wondering what a Transport Portal was. "I d-don''t know h-how to," he replied, honestly. "I d-don''t know w-where the cities are. N-never b-b-been off of the m-mountain." He muttered this last part more to himself, but the man was quick to catch his words.


    "Then this Lord will follow you for now," he said after a moment''s pause, "Until you find where the cities are of this realm, I will allow you to serve me well."


    Leon glanced upward and noticed a smug look in the usually cold black eyes. Suddenly he felt an odd premonition sweep over him and he decided he did not care for it.

 Chapter 18 - - I have ended up with a room mate?

    As they were approaching Leon''s small hut, Leon felt that he was beginning to grasp this man''s character. He was a child in a man''s body, unlike himself. Well, strictly speaking this body was about eighteen or nineteen, but still a few years younger than his former self.


    "This Lord feels as if we have walked far enough," the man complained. He seemed to have lost much of his grace as they trudged onward, but none of his arrogance. "Take out your flying sword and transport us to your abode."


    "I d-don''t have a flying s-sword," Leon replied, with a sigh. He might not know what one was nor have seen one, but he could tell from the man''s words what it was for. If he actually had a flying sword, he would have long since left this man behind. "W-w-what about you?" If he could speak so freely about such a thing, surely he had his own.


    "This Lord is weary, does not feel like taking his sword to the skies," he evaded. "And I do not know where it is you are leading us." Leon rolled his eyes, not convinced by the man''s explanation. And then he noticed the wind chimes, the first sign that indicated they were almost to his clearing. He touched the bark of the tree that held them aloft, before stepping onward.


    The little hut was exactly as it was when he had left it the day before and the shed beside it was as much undisturbed. He watched as the man approached his small territory with a mix of interest and horror in his dark eyes. The man glanced at the hut made of wood and clay and the creaking shed and the strange little pieces of wood attached to both. He noted the small garden, which was now covered in various common herbs and the fire pit that was nothing but ashes.


    "You jest right?" The man said, suddenly. "No man would live like this!"


    No Lord perhaps, Leon thought, but welcome to the world of the commoners!


    "Y-you don''t have t-to stay!" Leon replied, in the loudest voice he had spoken yet. The man even rose his eyebrows in surprise, causing Leon to tremble slightly, the fear rising in his chest. He swallowed it down and walked past the man to unlock the door to his home. Relief of familiarity relaxed him as he entered and he placed the basket upon the countertop as the man entered.


    "I have decided that this Lord will stay here," the man said, shucking his boots and sitting upon the bed. Leon quickly grabbed the fallen boots and placed them beside the door with a sigh. The light was fading beyond the horizon and his food supplies were now scarce. It looked like tonight''s meal would consist of just fruit. The roots would need to soak a while before he could cook them and he did not fancy a meal of just onions.


    As he grabbed a few fruit from the bottom of the barrel, he realised that this source was almost redundant as well. Well, they would not last much longer even if there were many, he mused, they were no longer so sweet and fresh. It was harder and harder to swallow their flesh. He took the fruit into his hut and saw that the man had fallen asleep upon his bed, taking up the majority of it. He frowned, then sighed and simply resigned to his fate, taking to sitting upon the floor, where he consumed one of the fruits before settling to meditate.


    ****


    Leon roused much sooner than his house guest, whose name had not yet been shared. He decided for now to call him Little Lord sarcastically in his heart as he potted around the hut, placing the onions outside to dry out less they rot and washing the mushrooms so he could take them to claim the bag of rice. His mouth drooled at the thought of being able to eat rice daily¡­ until he realised that he didn''t own a pot.


    Perhaps he could enquire at the kitchens how to get one for his rice when he took them the mushrooms. It was they who had placed the request and asked for them to be delivered directly.


    In the meantime, he decided he would go fishing and wash his inner robes and self. Seeing that the Little Lord had removed his outer robe, he took that also, before leaving a note that in carefully styled calligraphy, that he would be at the lake and indicated where it was.


    At the lake, he fished for a while, his luck providing a couple of reasonable sized fish, before scrubbing the clothes and himself in the cold lake water. He felt that it was somehow warmer than usual, but he was not certain. The weather had never seemed warmer than mild and the rain was yet to form a storm. The wind, no matter how it howled was not cold either. Overall, the season could be considered pleasant. Shrugging off his thoughts, he ducked under the water to rinse the sand soap from his long hair, before rising to the surface and swimming lightly through the water.


    This was how the Little Lord found him.


    The wet clothes had been rung until damp and dripped quietly over the branches of trees, the two fish were pierced with sticks and placed at the base of the tree, for Leon had yet to come across large animals so he did not fear them being stolen. His interspatial bag also hung from the tree, his glasses safely tucked inside and his outer robes folded and placed on a rock near the lake. Naturally, without his glasses, he did not see the other man approaching.


    The Little Lord had initially been angry, how dare that peasant steal his outer robes leaving him in a state of undress! The note did not exactly modify him. He was slightly pacified to see that the boy had at least attempted to serve him and clean his robes, so he would forgive him this once. He paused when he caught sight of the boy swimming in the lake. What girly arms that fellow had! Was he really male or actually a girl with an unfortunate voice and appearance. He answer was met when the boy stood up in the water as he neared the edge of the lake.

 Chapter 19 - - I learn the Little Lord’s name

    "So skinny."


    Leon winced but squeezing his lids together did little to improve his fuzzy vision. He sighed, it''s not like he couldn''t recognise the poisonous voice. He waded out of the lake, his cheeks turning a slight shade of red as he thought of his nakedness being exposed. Not that he could do much about it. He couldn''t cover those parts and drag his feet through the muddy basin of the lake and he didn''t want to tell the Little Lord to turn around as he couldn''t be sure that he was even bothering to look at him.


    His dual coloured hair coated his back like a soaked cloak, shielding him to some extent as he stretched his arms out to locate the tree where he had placed his things. Its rough bark appeared at his fingertips as a thick line of darkness altered the brown and green mess in his vision.


    "What are you doing?" That man asked as Leon recalled the position of his interspatial bag and reached towards it.


    "I can''t s-see," Leon replied. "I n-need my glasses." He frowned. Where was the bag? This was the correct tree¡­ wasn''t it?


    "You mean these?" Leon turned toward the sound of his voice. Again, he futilely squinted, barely making out where the little Lord was by the splash of red in his vision.


    "P-please give them t-to me," Leon said, his body shivering as the cold water mixed with the breeze upon his naked skin. He reached out with one hand, even as his other became tucked against his body, curling further beneath his hair as he stood. It was wet and heavy, yet so thick to provide some shelter from the wind.


    As if bored of trying to tease him, the glasses were thrust upon his face. His vision focused immediately and he could see the man standing in front of him, arms crossed and looking displeased. Leon thanked him but this only caused this displeasure to increase for some reason. "Yes, well," he said. "You should put clothes on." Leon silently agreed and put his outer robes straight over his wet form, before straining water from his hair as best he could.


    ****


    Leon lit the fire and began to roast the fish over the flames. He hummed contentedly as he sorted out a few pills that he would take to the Herb Hall when he took the mushrooms to the kitchens of the Food Hall. The Little Lord was rummaging through his small possessions. "Have you no spare clothes?!" He seemed incensed when his search revealed nothing.


    "No, I h-had to get r-rid of them," Leon replied.


    "Why?"


    "B-b-blood stains w-wouldn''t c-come out," a pained expression fell over Leon''s face as he spoke. The Little Lord stared at him, but did not pester him further. Instead he chose to complain about something else.


    "Ah, I am hungry."


    "B-breakfast w-will be ready s-soon," Leon advised him and went outside to check how the fish were cooking. He sat upon the weathered stump beside the fire and turned the fish, before withdrawing his carving knife. Without thought, he took a larger piece of wood from the pile and began to carve away the bark. He began to hum again as he did so, not noticing that the Little Lord had sat cross legged upon the ground close to him. His elbow rested upon his knee and hand clenched in a fist supported his chin as he glared at Leon with impatience. Leon sighed, inwardly. "What is your n-name?" Leon suddenly asked him.


    The man looked slightly startled, but hid it swiftly. "Since you have served me well, so far, this Lord will honour you with my name. I am called Jin Li."


    "Jin Li," Leon echoed as he picked up one of the cooked fish from the spit. "B-breakfast is ready."

 Chapter 20 - - I learn the value of blue mushrooms

    After breakfast, Jin Li was disgruntled to find out that his only option for a bath was the lake; his new servant did not have a tub to hold hot water, even should he demand that he heat water up. Leon continued to carve the small talisman idly as he waited for the man to return. He was in a foul mood when he did, obviously not enjoying the cold lake. Leon decided not to remain around him as he let loose his potent aura and after dressing properly in both inner and outer robes, he collected his things in order to head for the central pavilion of this school.


    "Where are you going?" Jin Li demanded to know, leaning against the inside frame of the door as he asked.


    "S-s-school," was all Leon could manage to say.


    "School?" The man''s nose wrinkled in distaste. "This Lord is too well learned for such a common place. I will remain here. Although this place lacks decent spiritual energy, I will cultivate. Do not disturb me." With that he close the door behind him, shutting a startled Leon out. Leon stood there for a few moments before sighing and making his way to the halls.


    As he walked, he swiftly forgot all of his grievances and with each step he was calmer of heart. He was looking forward to being able to cook rice at the hut, if he could obtain something to cook it in.


    *****


    "Eh? You want cooking equipment?" The lady in charge of the kitchens echoed. She was a grey haired old woman, but retained much vitality despite her advancing years. Leon nodded. "Why? We cook all of the meals here for you brats!"


    "B-but then," Leon stuttered, feeling slightly cowered by her, "h-how w-w-will I c-cook th-the rice?" She raised one eyebrow, so he handed her the request form and showed her the mushrooms he carried in his basket. Her eyebrows knitted together and she turned to glare at a young man, who had sidled over in the fuss.


    "But mam!" The man said, surprising Leon, "I needed to promise summin'' in trade or ''ow else would I get th'' shrooms?"


    "Wantin'' rare shrooms and payin'' a pittance! Fool!" She smacked him about the ear then turned to Leon and said; "and more fool for you for botherin''." Leon flushed brightly, how was he to know these mushrooms were valuable? Well, it did say in the library book that they were considered somewhat of a delicacy, but it never spoke in monetary terms. "Tell you what, seein'' as what''s done is done, how ''bout I get my fool of a son to take you down to the town tomorrow. He''s headin'' there to collect some supplies for the school. He can introduce you to some who owe me favours, get you some stuff cheap like."


    "I d-don''t really h-have any money," Leon admitted.


    "But you''re an alchemist student, so surely you ''ave some pills and the like to trade," she pointed out. Leon nodded in agreement and a small smile appeared upon his face.


    "Thank you," Leon said, brightly.


    "You''re welcome," the woman answered automatically, before her lips curved into a generous smile. She had taken a liking to this polite young man, so refreshing after dealing with so many sour, stuck up youths. "Wait here." She ducked back into the kitchen, before reappearing with a warm loaf of bread, a bowl of fresh vegetables, sliced meats and a piping hot roast tuber. Leon blinked and gratefully swapped them for the mushrooms, which her son greedily stole away. "Come back here at dawn," she advised him. "We''ll sort out the rice later."


    Leon agreed, before taking the food back to his hut, only for much of it to be wolfed down by his forgotten guest.

 Chapter 21 - One - I visit Julip town

    The cook''s son, Mino led them from the foodhall down a path that connected with several others some way down the forested mountainside. Them. For Jin Li had decided to join this journey.


    After returning home and losing half his fair to the man, he had begun to refine a few healing pills in order to have something of value to trade with in town. Having become bored of cultivating, Jin Li took it upon himself to interrupt Leon''s concentration, which resulted in another miniature explosion within the cauldron''s depths and the loss of the herbs there in.


    "D-do you have to do such things!" Leon had yelled.


    "Yes," Jin Li had admitted. "This Lord is still waiting for you to take one to a town or city, but you are playing around with pill making instead." Leon had scowled at him, which simply amused the man. This little mouse dares to act brave in front of his almighty self! He had watched as Leon cleaned out his cauldron.


    "N-not p-playing," Leon had muttered. "N-need Pills for tr-trade."


    "Trade?" Jin Li''s eye''s had narrowed.


    "Being t-t-t.. guided to t-town tomorrow," Leon had admitted.


    "This is good news! When do we leave?"


    Mino turned out to be quite the chatterbox, but this was not necessarily a bad thing, for quite a lot of interesting information spilled from his lips. It was just that Jin Li, who Leon had pretended was a student from the outer school for warriors and an old friend, was becoming increasingly irritable.


    "Normally, students go t'' Julip town on griffins, with teachers," he rambled on as he guided the oxen drawn wagon along the track. They had boarded it on the outskirts of the outer school, where the land became flatter and more open. Although they were still some way above sea level, the forest trees had been left behind for grassy hills, the track snaking around the greater inclines. "But the griffins take ''em to the heart of town. They ne''er get t''see the best shops n folk."


    "What do you mean?" Leon asked, despite the jolting of his bones on this rough ride, he was enjoying the change of landscape immensely.


    "Like, the town is a coin," Mino said. "Wha'' most folk see is the bit that is for them fancy folk an'' top cul-tea-vators." Leon''s lips twitched as he heard Mino''s version of the word. "So they see pretty store fronts an'' shops and think like the wares are all top notch too, right?" Leon nodded, feeling he understood what Mino was trying to say. In new town developments in his old world, the shops would look clean and spacious and tended to attract crowds of shoppers away from older or more run down areas. Chain stores tended to fill these areas. However that just meant there were unseen treasures, smaller, more unique shops hidden away from view and waiting to be discovered. Mino claimed he would show them around an area just like this.


    The houses they first came to were made of a mix of wood and stone and were huddled together. A maze of pathways both wide and narrow wove around the clustered buildings. The roads were made of loose and chipped stone, much like the track they rode along for the past few hours and everywhere was slightly stained with soot. Children played happily in the street without care, all wearing hard-wearing hemp cloth sewn into plain dresses and trousers. Adults chatted as they kept one eye on them and another on travellers.


    Mino first took them to an apothecary. The shops were scattered in amongst the houses, thus were unlikely to be found if you did not already know they were there. Leon asked why there first; he had planned to trade the pills directly for the items he wanted.


    "Ah, Mr Clawse says all pills need come through ''im," Mino advised him. "Summin'' ''bout side effects n takin'' the wrong amounts?"


    "Oh," Leon replied. That made sense. If a person was to take too many of a pill in to short a time, they could do serious damage to themselves. The apothecary was probably concerned about this. Mino led them into the shop to trade.

 Chapter 22 - Two - I earn my first silver

    According to the diaries, Apothecaries are both simple chemists and doctors, administering basic medicines and first aid. Indeed the shelves in the shop had many jade bottles containing pills upon them as well as dried herbs and potions. There were also simple cauldrons for sale as well as other items that Leon did not recognise.


    A little bell rang at the door as they entered the shop, announcing their presence.


    Mr Clawse was a man dressed in dark hemp robes, with long, blue-black hair and a rather long nose. He was tall, his height being on par with Jin Li. Leon had to look up to view his face.


    "Mr Clawse," Mino greeted. "I brought customers. Mam asks if you would treat ''em well." He bowed then indicated that he would wait outside for them.


    "H-h-hi," Leon greeted and bowed belatedly. Clawse looked at the student before him, examining him from top to toe.


    "Well, what is it you wish to sell?" He asked, his tone slightly wane. A few students, who happened to be educated on the mountains but came from this town, visited him frequently. He doubted this youth''s wares would differ much in quality from their products. Did students of the outer school all think him as a charity?


    "Oh," Leon replied and began to place numerous bottles upon the counter. As Clawse expected, these were One Heart Pills and of very average quality. The only surprising fact, perhaps, was that the quality did not differ whatsoever amongst the pills¡­ until¡­ "Ah, I p-packed these b-by m-mistake," Leon murmured aloud and reached for the Jade bottle, but Clawse stopped him, placing his bony, long fingers over Leon''s pale hand.


    "May I see?" He enquired. Leon removed his hold and Clawse examined the pure coloured pills within the bottle. He frowned, he had thought that these were also One Heart Pills, but they seemed quite different. He unplugged the bottle. The fragrance was that of the basic healing pill as he expected, but it was cleaner and fresher. There were five in the bottle. "I will be honest with you," Clawse said. "I have much stock on One Heart Pills such as these." He indicated the average quality pills. "I sell them cheaply, in fact were you to buy the ingredients, it is unlikely there is any profit in them after refining."


    "Oh," Leon wasn''t aware of their worth. Leo had not visited any town since he had left his village, enjoying too much his experiments to leave school.


    "If you were to provide higher quality ones, I would consider purchasing them. However, I am interested in these," Clawse shook the bottle slightly. "I''m curious to know why these One Heart Pills are so different."


    "Um¡­" Leon wasn''t sure how to explain it.


    "Trade secret," Jin Li said suddenly, realising that the boy would willingly give away the recipe if asked. His eyes narrowed, if the boy could produce a pill of this ilk, perhaps he was not lying about the Blood pill he had used to heal him. There was more to this boy than met the eye. Ha, consider yourself fortunate, he thought. Until I am able to leave for home, this Lord has decided to protect you from unscrupulous men and women.


    Leon looked at Jin Li with a slight frown, before realising that the man was right. He should hide the method for now. If others were to find out that he had a better recipe for the pill, he might be targeted. So he nodded in agreement with Jin Li.


    "B-b-but, th-they are o-only slightly b-better than average," Leon tried to explain, after all the ingredients he used were not any different. "Th-the imp-purities are m-much less a-and s-side effects gr-greatly r-reduced. E-effect-tiveness n-not changed."


    "How much less impurities?" Clawse asked.


    "50%" Leon managed to answer clearly.


    "You used sunclover," this was a statement rather than a question and Leon nodded his head in agreement. The sunclover leaves were chopped up with the silver nettle leaves to brew the tea, but many alchemists knew this and the impurities usually only reduced by 20%. "And the side effects?"


    "H-h-haven''t t-totally tested," Leon admitted, "b-but tightening of th-the m-m-Meridens 70% l-less."


    Clawse eyes widened. "If that''s all true, then a non-practioner could take these several times a week instead of no more than twice and a Cultivator could take one a day¡­ not that they should need to, of course." He looked at Leon with calculating eyes. "Do you have more of these?" Leon shook his head. "Any other improved pills that you are willing to let go of?" Leon thought about it for a moment, before reluctantly taking out his remaining two Blood pills. Clawse took in the scent of these pills which again produced a more potent and fragrant scent than their counterparts. "You are full of surprises."


    Jin Li had to agree with him. This had to have been the same as the pill he had partaken. Admittedly, he was not an expert in pills, but he had taken them before to improve his cultivation and heal wounds. None had quite the clear and untainted scent as these.


    Clawse asked several questions about these two pills and calmly allowed Leon, who was struggling with his stutter again, to answer fully. Once satisfied, he named his prices. "An ordinary One Heart Pill I purchase for 30 brass, sell for 50, with a 10% increase should the pill be of good quality. However for these five pills, I will offer you 1 silver for all five. And 2 silvers each for the Blood Pills. That is a total of 5 silver."


    "What do you normally pay for average Blood Pills?" Jin Li asked.


    "About 500 brass coins for each," Clawse replied. "Internal wounds are, after all, harder to treat than external ones and if one does not wish to purchase a One Heart Pill, one can easily wrap a light wound and let it heal naturally at no cost." Jin Li agreed with this. Although natural healing left scars, scratches and light wounds were not so urgent that pills were absolutely necessary. "If you have more pills in the future, I will be willing to purchase them and we can discuss prices then."


    Leon thanked him and sold him all seven pills, happy to pocket the 5 silver, even though he could not be totally certain of its value. Again, Leo really hadn''t cared about the price of things once three meals were fed to him a day, a roof over his head and lots of herbs to play were provided by the school. They left the Apothecary and Leon thanked Jin Li for his help. Jin Li gently slapped the back of his head. "Don''t be so open next time," Jin Li told him. "You will end up fodder for beasts." Leon rubbed the back of his head, tears unbidden in his eyes, but he offered Jin Li a watery smile, knowing the man was right.

 Chapter 23 - Three - And I spend my first silver

    "Where d''ya wish t''go next?" Mino asked as they came back out onto the street. Leon''s plan for this visit was to purchase kitchen pots to cook in. He also could do with new pottery, seeing as he had to share his eating bowl with Jin Li at the moment. Jin Li had only one destination in mind at first.


    "This Lord wishes to go to the Transport Portals."


    Mino tilted his head staring at the man as if he had grown two heads. "You won'' find a portal here," he said finally. "Those sor'' of things is in the city." Jin Li deflated slightly, before regaining his proud posture and suggesting a different place to go.


    "A clothing store," Jin Li decided.


    "Hmm?" Mino was startled by the turnabout. "Ah, wha'' kind?" It was Jin Li''s turn to glare at him. What did he mean what kind? Surely there was only one kind, a place that could provide him with quality garments that suited his taste and were tailored to his body, of course.


    "What is this?" Jin Li pointed in disdain as he saw the very plain, one size fits all robes on display.


    "Clothes," Mino replied, giving him a similar expression as Leon was also. Leon had been checking the workmanship of the clothes rather than the style. As long as it was well made and he could wear it frequently without needing to replace it, that was enough for him. He''d never been one for fashion, usually sticking to cheap, but hard wearing jeans and plain T-shirts.


    The seamstress came over and chatted to Leon, who became so comfortable in her presence, his stutter lessened considerably. This irritated Jin Li for some reason, almost as much as the boring outer robes he was examining.


    "So plain!" He complained and touched the garment in Leon''s hold, surprised by how rough it was. "What sort of material is this?"


    "Hemp," the woman told him. "All of the clothes here be made of hemp. ''''Tis hard wearin'' and cheap. If you be wantin'' silk, you be wantin'' to go to where the rich folk shop. Nought like that here."


    "Ah, s-silk is too expensive f-for me," Leon said with a slight chuckle. His small laugh gave Jin Li pause, but he dismissed whatever was going through his mind instead he contemplating trying to wear this awful stuff. Leon began to negotiate a price with the woman, though it was a half-hearted barter. The woman did not seem to wish to take advantage of the boy, so the price was fair. "And f-for him." Leon added to the order.


    "Forget me," Jin Li interrupted him. He refused to wear it.


    "Y-you n-need it too!" Leon argued. "Or d-d-do you wish t-to w-walk around the w-woods n-naked when I w-w-wash your clothes?" The woman''s eyebrows rose upward upon her forehead as she stared at one man then the other. She blinked a few times as they bickered and thought; well, well!


    "I have somethin'' that might suit your taste," she murmured, before slipping into her back room. She retrieved a long, dark blue robe with simple patterns embroidered about the hem. "It''s still hemp, it was mean'' for a wedding, but the groom.. well it was called off anyhow." The three men looked at the robe and glanced at each other with varying expressions. "He ain''t dead! And the bride found ''erself another fella, so¡­" please don''t look at it as if it is cursed!


    "Alright," Leon agreed. In the end, he spent a couple hundred brass shy of 2 silver in the store, making sure that he had a full set of robes for himself and new inner garments for Jin Li along with the embroidered robe. The man might protest, but that was over the issue with the cloth rather than the fact money was being spent on him.


    Leon spent just over a silver purchasing a cooking pot, kettle, cups, a plate and bowl for Jin Li and a pestle and mortar (he currently pounded herbs and seeds between a flat stone and a rock)in a shop selling random housewares. He noticed a metal tripod, to place over a fire and stand a cooking pot on it and realised he already had one in the chest. He had wondered for a while what it was for! Before he could leave, Jin Li began to barter for a large tub, just big enough for a grown man to sit in and take a cramped bath. He had to part with another two silvers as the man never wished to bathe in cold lake water again.

 Chapter 24 - Four - I share a bed with a man for the first time

    With his earnings nearly spent, Leon carefully considered what else he should purchase before they left town. He chose to look at dry goods, such as dried peas, fruits and large edible seeds. Purchasing a pound of dried peas, black tea and moonflower seeds, he was down to just a 10 brass. They could not afford an inn for the night, but as it happened, Mino was planning to let them stay at his folks home for the night¡­ though they would have to share a bed.


    Leon had spent the last two nights on the floor and was unwilling to spend a third night on it, but he had always assumed that he would only ever share a bed with his future lover. Perhaps if Jin Li was a girl or perhaps if Leon was not a homosexual, he might have felt less strongly about this matter, but...


    Jin Li was not about to lower himself to sleeping anywhere other than a bed. However, he was also unwilling to share. He had never shared a bed with anyone in his life! Not with his elder brothers nor with his parents! The idea was absurd!


    Stuck in a small room with a single bed, the two men stared at each other, unwilling to compromise. However, it was Leon, in the end who caved first. "Th-th-there is only one b-blanket," he mentioned.


    "This did not bother you the past two nights," Jin Li pointed out.


    "I-I c-cultivated," Leon replied.


    "Hmm, your rank is low, you should continue," Jin Li shook his head in false pity. "I will sleep while you do so."


    "I-I need sl-sleep too!" Leon cried. Cultivating did refresh his mind, but his body was really weary after this long day. He didn''t feel like he could concentrate in this state.


    "And you will," Jin Li agreed. "The wagon is large enough to lie in." Infuriated, Leon hit his chest with his fist. It was like hitting an iron wall rather than flesh.


    "Ow!" Leon complained bitterly and nursed his hand and flopped to the floor, defeated.


    "See, if you increase your cultivation level," Jin Lin delightedly advised him, "you would not be so weak. You might even be able to mark me!" Feeling as if he had won the argument, he proceeded to remove his boots and lie down on the bed. He soon began to snore softly.


    After a moment, Leon looked over Jin Li''s prone form. He had not quite spread over the entire bed as he normally did. There was a slither of space against the wall. Leon looked down over his own skinny body. Perhaps¡­ For almost an hour, he debated whether he should just try to sleep on the floor, definitely unable to cultivate. He removed his glasses, resigned. However, despite the house appearing to be better made and larger than his small hut, there was an unpleasant draft that wrapped around his body and teased his exposed skin. Stubbornly, he tried to find a warmer spot, but to no avail.


    Hoping Jin Li had not moved since falling asleep, Leon eventually crept carefully over him, his face beginning to heat as the man''s scent drifted over his senses. It was a mix of masculinity with just a hint of soap sand and fresh lake water. Swallowing hard, Leon slipped into the small space with a soft sigh. It was infinitely warmer here without the draft and with the heat emanating off of Jin Li''s body. Within moments, Leon had been lulled into sleep.

 Chapter 25 - Five - I argue with Jin Li

    On the journey back to the mountain on which the alchemy section of the school resided, Jin Li refused to acknowledge Leon. In fact he had not spoken a word since finding Leon curled up in the bed beside him. Not that this particularly bothered the boy, he rather hoped that Jin Li would simply go on his way back to wherever he came from now that he was unhappy with him. But Jin Li was not such a straightforward person.


    With a sigh, Leon returned his attention to the diary in hand. He had tucked the books away in his small interspatial bag, seeing as there was sufficient space to carry them about, rather than leave them unattended in the hut. They would give him something to read when he had nothing else to do on the journey or in the evening, he''d thought. He was scanning through the pages searching for other potions or pills that the apothecary might be interested in, in the future. He was interested in creating the Soft Ice pill, which could reduce fevers, thus be good for commoner children, but he wasn''t sure if he had the ingredients.


    He turned the page carefully and looked at the herb drawn in careful detail upon it. The herb had leaves with edges shaped like a gentle wave and ended with pointed tips. The flower was large, only a single blue blossom for each plant. It''s petals were thin, but plentiful and the flower resembled a spiked cone. Even the roots had some character for the thick main root sprouted fine like hairs to seek nutrients and water. But the most interesting part was the herb was dancing in the wind all about them.


    Leon tugged on Mino''s shirt. "S-stop for a m-minute?" Mino looked confused but complied and watched as the short youth jumped off of the wagon and examined the herb, in particular, a bulbous part of the stem just below the flower head. Not all of the plants had this feature, those that did usually had dying flowers, their petals withered and more black than blue. Leon selected three plants in total, not planning on disturbing the existing herb, but taking these rounded stems. They would contain seeds.


    "You are not going to dig up the plant?" Jin Li asked, his curiosity overcoming his temper.


    Leon looked slightly startled, but shook his head. "I c-can''t m-make the p-pills needing this herb y-yet," he mentioned. "The s-seeds will b-be enough." Leon climbed back on the wagon and Mino continued onward.


    He left them at the road junction, where he assumed Jin Li would return to the outer warrior school from. He did offer Leon, though, a ride back to the school, but the boy gently refused saying his hut was a little way from the Food Hall and would be easier if he walked direct from here. This was not completely untrue and Mino was good enough not to question him.


    The pair waited until Mino''s wagon was out of sight amongst the trees before Leon guessed roughly which direction his hut should lie in and began the long walk towards it. Jin Li followed from behind. They walked quietly along the uphill slope for sometime in silence, listening only to the wind rustling the leaves and the sounds of snapping twigs beneath foot. Leon made note of a few sights, such as wild herbs he did not already have and a tree with early signs of bearing some type of fruit.


    Eventually, Jin Li broke his pact once more. "So just when will you apologise to this Lord?"


    Leon stumbled over his own feet at these words. After righting himself he replied; "Wh-what for?"


    "You clearly defied this Lord and dared to share my sleeping space!" Jin Li accused with narrowed eyes.


    "Th-the fl-fl-floor was cold," Leon tried to explain.


    "And what has that to do with this Lord?" Jin Li sneered.


    "It was cold! I-I c-could have f-fallen sick!" Leon replied. "I c-could n-not sleep. Th-there was space on the b-bed!"


    "So you deemed yourself worthy to sleep beside me?" Jin Li asked. "This Lord has given you enough honour by allowing you to stand near this one. You are pressing upon my patience demanding more. You should learn your place."


    Leon''s face reddened, Jin Li was making him so mad! He tried express his anger, but he simply ended up gaping like a stunning goldfish. Jin Li looked down at him with a slight smirk. "S-s-screw you!" Leon forced out finally, before stomping off quickly, releasing his ire into each heavy step.


    Jin Li frowned. He did not know what Leon had said to him, but he believed that it must be something unpleasant, insulting even. He raced after the angered boy and grabbed his wrist, forcing him to turn and face him. He was about to chastise him, when something else caught his attention, causing his eyebrows to furrow deeper.


    Leon had braced himself for whatever Jin Li had to say only for him to say nothing, not even look at him. Instinctively, his eyes followed Jin Li''s gaze. "Oh." The dangling wind chimes no longer sang in the breeze, instead sadly hung, broken, only one charm and a single pipe remained. The remainder of his ornament was upon the ground, scattered and broken as if heavily stepped upon. The two youths looked in the direction of the small hut, hurrying quickly towards it. "Oh," was all Leon could repeat.

 Chapter 26 - Six - My home has been ransacked

    It was a pitiful sight that they returned to. The door of the hut hung on one hinge, the shed half collapsed, even the garden that he had carefully cultivated uprooted and left to wither. The three bowls within the hut had been thrown out into the ''yard,'' smashed as they hit the dirt. Inside was no better, jade bottles were scattered everywhere. Though they were stronger than glass from his home world, some had chipped and cracked. The chest was no longer under his bed, the empty books that it held were ripped to shreds and the cauldron had been tossed to one side. Even his cheap bedding had not been saved from the culprits wrath. His charms had been torn down, the more fragile ones snapped in two, their splinters covering the floor. "Oh."


    Jin Li glanced over at the boy, who was so dumbfounded he could only sound out that lone word. Even he was not so hard hearted to notice the upset the break in had caused. He said nothing for a moment and glanced around to see what could be saved, but Leon had had little to begin with, he had even ridiculed him for it. He picked up one of the few jade bottles to survive the devastation and placed it upon the shelf, only to find that that shelf loose, unable to support anything.


    His brows furrowed and he sounded a click of irritation. Who was the fool to tamper with the belongings of his servant? He would cut them down at once! With this thought in mind, he turned to face Leon, who was picking up the torn shreds of paper. Droplets of water dripped down upon them.


    "You are crying," Jin Li stated, frozen in mid step.


    Leon brought his hand to his cheeks in surprise. "I am," he agreed. He turned his attentions back to the books. "M-my grandfather m-made these b-b-books for me," he whispered. Leon understood, it was the remnants of Leo sorrowful for the loss of the gift that was the reason for his tears.


    Jin Li felt his anger rising once more. Disrespecting an elder, he thought, how crass. He had some affection for his own old grandfather, thought the man was nearing a thousand years and was full of mischief enough to make his father and brothers despair on many occasions. "Who did this?" He demanded to know.


    But Leon could only shake his head. He could only think of those bullies, but Caprian had moved to the inner school and he did not believe this was the work of Tor, it would not be that black hearted person''s style, he seemed to be the observing time, enjoying the pain of others without getting his hands dirty. Virgal was likely, but he was also physically weak and a minion, would not have the strength the tear down the door. Leon could not accuse any of them without evidence, who knew who else might be involved?


    "I w-will g-g-go t-to the school," Leon as he picked up his cauldron, which had also cracked noticeably. "I n-need a n-new c-c-c..." his stutter had worsened to the point he could no longer force the words out, so gave up.


    "I will go with you," Jin Li stated, but Leon shook his head. "Why not?"


    "C-c-can''t know y-you are h-h-here." Jin Li began to grumble beneath his breath. "P-p-please!" Leon did not wish to risk being kicked out. He may have lived in this world for several months, but he knew he would not survive easily outside of the little protection that being in the school provided.


    "This Lord believes that you are not worth this Lord''s patience," he said bitterly and walked outside and left him alone to deal with the mess.

 Chapter 27 - Seven - Im not sure what to say

    Leon could not see hide nor hair of Jin Li once he stepped out of his broken hut. Had he finally decided to part with him? The boy simply sighed and made his way to the pavilion and to the Herb Hall. Each step felt heavier than the last as he wondered where best to sleep tonight; he did not wish to return to the mess, not ready to deal with it yet. He was also uncertain on how to deal with the matter.


    The last time he... or rather Leo had suffered a break in, he had been moved to that isolated place and then forgotten. If he reported that there had been another break in, though nothing was stolen, would he have to move again? He did not want to. The small hut being far removed was beneficial to him, the outsider who was trying his best to fit in. He could hide there, learn to be a Cultivator without the distraction of trying to be someone else or live to expectations that others had for the person who was not him. He sighed, undecided until he reached the Halls.


    Teacher Sagi happened to be there this time. "Leo! I have not seen you in a while!"


    "I-I went d-d-down the m-mountain," Leon said, "for n-n-new cl-clothes."


    The man frowned, noting that Leon''s stutter was much worse than when they last spoke. "What is wrong?" He demanded. "Have you suffered another deviation?" He grabbed Leon''s wrist to check his pulse point, but realised with relief that there was nothing wrong. In fact there were clear signs of improvement.


    "N-no," Leon flushed, slightly, fidgeting under the scrutiny. "S-s-something h-h-happened a-and m-my c-c-cauldron c-cracked." His eyes glanced at the small cauldron in hand, not willing to look at the teacher in case he pushed him to speak further.


    The man gently took the cauldron from him and saw the crack. It was clearly made by the use of force against it. His eyes narrowed, he knew it was not in Leo''s nature to abuse his tools. In fact, he had witnessed the care the boy had given the small, cheap pot once in the past. The boy had sat and cleaned and polished it outside his hut for an hour, while others tossed it to one side once finished with it. "I will get you a new one," Teacher Sagi told him. "You are too thin! Go get something to eat in the meantime!"


    Leon did as he was instructed, wandering into the near empty Food Hall without thought. The grey haired kitchen woman saw him enter and called over to him. "Hey, there boy!" She waved cheerfully. "''Ere to eat? You be forgettin'' yer rice from last time!"


    "Oh, yeah," he replied, recalling the whole thing with the mushrooms. How could he forget? It was where he found Jin Li after all.


    "I''ll getcha summin to eat," she stated. "You look like a fresh breeze could whisk you away!" She slipped back into the kitchen and brought back a tray of hot rice porridge filled with beans and peas, a plate of sliced rabbit meat in some brown sauce and fresh hot bread. His mouth instantly watered. He felt a little guilty that he could not share this with Jin Li, before remembering that the man had left him now. It would be quiet without him, he thought, but at least he could sleep in his own bed... once he fixed it.


    His stomach was round like a ball by the time he had finished and he also store away the remaining bread into his pouch, noticing that he had yet to empty it of the purchases he carried. There was barely room to squeeze in the bread, but he dare not leave his things in the house. He would have to think of how to protect his things, he decided as his hands became occupied.


    The grey haired woman came to take his tray away and noticed the little wooden rabbit charm just carved by his hands. "How cute," she commented and he blushed as he realised he had fallen on old habits to settle his nerves again.


    "Here," he said, handing it to her. The little shape had been carved with a symbol for good health, though she was not aware of this. She was startled, but took it with good grace, before indicating the large sack of rice. He did not think it would fit in his pouch, so she let him borrow one that her son used.


    "Tha'' boy! No sooner did he drop off th'' supplies, he be runnin'' off somewhere else! Don'' he think I know he be jus'' tryin'' to get outta chores!" She muttered as she made her way back into the kitchens.

 Chapter 28 - Eight - What I think about Jin Li

    With the two pouches, one loaned and new cauldron and a whole mess of herbs to hand, Leon felt that he really should not procrastinate and attempt to fix some of the mess his home was in. Admittedly, he felt uncomfortable returning, but he would simply have to make do. He had survived through a beating (well partially), hunger and Jin Li, this would simply be another trial to him.


    As his thoughts turned to his difficult house guest, he wondered if Jin Li had returned or if he had finally gone on his way. He also wondered how he felt about that. Just this morning, he wished him away as Jin Li was arrogant, rude, spoilt and enjoyed tormenting him. But he could not deny that there were a few brief moments where the man had his interests in mind, such as at the apothecary and ensuring he purchased clothes (for he likely would not have bothered and placed food and utensils above all else). He was also very angry about the destruction of Leon''s property on Leon''s behalf, even though he had made it blatantly clear that he did not care for it. And deep down, Leon quietly admitted to himself, when he glanced at Jin Li during those brief moments that he was not being his horrible self, Leon did find him attractive. His own thoughts caused him to blush.


    Ah, had it really only been a few days since Jin Li came into his life like an angry tornado? It felt like so much longer! Leon found himself sniggering, his quiet laughter lightening the heavy burden he had felt upon his shoulders since first transmigrating here, the burden he hadn''t even realised he had been carrying. But then, he supposed, trying to survive in an unfamiliar environment with the odds stacked against you since the beginning was a burden to even the hardest of men. And let''s face it, in this world or the last, Leon had such small shoulders.


    As he neared the clearing, he collected the broken talismans, saving them for the fire. It would not do to waste wood and these silly charms were just pitiful decorations. He could create more, better ones too since he had improved over the weeks. As he pottered along, feeling more cheerful, he came to see the hut in the distance. From this angle, it appeared as it normally did, it would not be until he moved to the front of his little home that he would be reminded. With a sigh, he took those steps.


    Only... his garden was not quite the wreck it had become. Granted, the plants still looked rather pitiful, as if they had been thrust into the ground with some tremendous force, then soaked under a bucketful of water. Leon glanced around to see a heaped pile of pottery, jade glass and wood splinters to one side of the door, which while it still had one less hinge, had been placed shut into the door frame. He knocked upon it, knowing if he opened it himself, it would simply fall to one side once more. Instead, Jin Li, who occupied the small hut, caused this to occur instead.


    The man looked disgruntled as the door fell, but stepped to the side to allow Leon entry. Inside had been somewhat tidied, though he could still see sparkling fragments missed from the haphazard cleaning in the corners and beneath the bed. The few jade bottles had been placed upon the shelf that was still fixed to the wall and upon the table lie a pile of shredded paper and the remnant cheap leather bindings.


    Leon turned to Jin Lin and glanced up into a face that seemed to declare that he didn''t want any acknowledgement while his eyes flickered about Leon''s, seeking something. Leon did not let him down. "Thank you," he said with a genuine smile.


    "Well, it''s not like this Lord did this for you," Jin Li muttered, despite seeming quite pleased by Leon''s words. "I simply did not wish to sleep in such a sty." His stomach loudly rumbled. Leon swallowed any laughter and handed him the large piece of bread he had retained from lunch.


    "I''ll g-go ahead and m-make s-something to eat," Leon said, softly.

 Chapter 29 - Nine - I wonder if this has changed things

    Leon made a something like a mushroom risotto, but without oil nor seasoning as he had neither. He did, however, have an edible herb with a slightly peppery tang to it, so chopped a couple of leaves finely to give the rice more flavour. Jin Li did not compliment it, in fact he claimed it was "just about edible," but he ate every mouthful, even seeking a second helping from the pot.


    After the sunset beyond the horizon, Leon settled down to cultivate, placing his glasses onto the table, assuming that he would not gain access to the bed, not that the mattress had covers anymore and the rushes that filled it were spilling out of one side as it had been slashed with the covers. Jin Li glanced at him for a moment as he lay upon the bed.


    "What are you doing?" He asked.


    "Oh," Leon replied, "I d-didn''t want t-to disturb your r-rest, so I sh-should c-cultivate tonight."


    "Tch," Jin Li muttered, then said aloud; "This bed is far too large for one person, I don''t like this much... space." Leon stared at him wide eyed for a moment. He was certain that his bed was actually narrower than that which they had slept in at Mino''s place. "And you should not cultivate when your mind is so unbalanced. Or do you wish for an entirely white head."


    "Wh-what unbalance?" Leon wondered aloud, but was pulled to his feet and thrown onto the bed. A few dry grasses from the mattress fell out onto the floor.


    Satisfied, Jin Li settled beside him. "Don''t fidget," he told him, sternly, before falling asleep with a snore. Leon lie still upon his back, his face flushed red for a long while before his eyes grew heavy and he too drifted into his dreams.


    While wrestling with the door, the following day, both men knew that fixing this would need to be a priority, however while Leon could carve ornamental things, his skills were not practical and Jin Li was a ''noble'' warrior of great lineage, not a common blacksmith. For a blacksmith, they required money. Granted, Leon had the option of turning to the school, but he did not wish for them to know of his current circumstances and who knew how long it might take? Even then, they might just move him to a hut like Leo''s first place, close to the main alchemy pavilion and surrounded by neighbours.


    Leon, however, first decided to treat Jin Li, who had decided to cultivate for a while, to a warm bath. It took several trips to the lake, carrying a lone filled barrel to the large cooking pot, kettle and even his cauldron over three separate fires before the bath was filled with steaming water. Jin Li timed his emergence well as Leon shyly indicated the tub. Jin Li appeared startled at first, a warm smile even crept upon his face for a moment, stunning Leon that he could look so handsome. But naturally, this fell to an expression that seemed to say that it was clearly his due. As he stripped, he threw both outer and inner robes over Leon''s head, but that did not stop him from viewing Jin Li in all his glory causing him to redden greatly and look away. Did they really come in that size? He had been a bit of a loner after his one relationship ended, so how would he compare? Or was his own in both lives less than the average he had always assumed.


    He thought it best to not deliberate further on the subject and took the silk robes to clean, leaving the new hemp robes for Jin Li to wear.


    While he was at the lake, he set up the fishing rod, but still there were no bites. He failed to attract a single fish despite washing the clothes some way down current. He decided to dig up a few tubers and edible roots on route back to the hut and came back to notice that Jin Li was no longer in the tub, in fact he was no where to be seen.


    Leon placed the vegetables to one side before throwing off his own robes and sinking into the tub. The water was tepid now, but still a few degrees above what he had become accustomed to. He sighed as he pulled his knees closer to his chest trying to get comfortable before washing away the any dirt from his skin.


    "So brazen, sneaking into my tub," Jin Li teased from behind him, enjoying as Leon visibly flinched in surprise. Leon did not think it was worth pointing out that he had paid for it and continued splashing about for a moment, before getting out of the tub. He didn''t care that Jin Li saw him undressed, he had likely seen it all before at the lake and his body was not that interesting to look at unlike the other man.


    He used his old robes to wipe away the excess water before wrapping over his body with the newly purchased ones. They swamped his frame a little, but they were warm, so he had no real complaints. Jin Li was wearing the blue, once-marital robe over his new under robes and trousers. The colour suited him very well, more regal than rogue, unlike his slightly tattered silks. Leon blushed to look upon him, before complimenting him. "You w-w-wear those r-robes well," he offered, shyly.


    Jin Li raised a lone eyebrow, wondering what Leon''s reaction meant, before responding; "but the fabric is still harsh and itchy."

 Chapter 30 - - He dances about the glade

    Before attempting to refine a number of pills, Leon sliced the roots and tubers and the last of the onions and mushrooms into the cooking pot with edible herbs and water and left it sitting over a gentle fire to simmer the day away. Jin Li had decided not to watch Leon''s tedious tasks and went to a clearer space amongst the surrounding woodlands to practice his swordplay.


    He moved with fluid and deadly grace, swinging his sword, slicing the air and imagining his foe dance before him. The familiar movements gave clarity to his mind and body as united they performed the bladeplay that had defined his formative years. Memories flashed behind his eyes of how his father would look down upon him as he practiced under the watchful eye of the Blade Master; his face would be stern, his expression emotionless, but if Jin Li pleased him, there would be a small nod of acknowledgement.


    The man performed move after move in swift succession until his arms ached and sweat coated his skin. He cursed inwardly. If the Blade Master and his father saw him now there would a be little more than harsh scoldings. He felt his movement was slightly stiff and his endurance lacking. Surely, his dance had lasted barely an hour and his body was already protesting the exercise as excessive. He ignored his burning muscles for a length of time until his fingers twitched irritably and the blade was little more than dead weight in his grip.


    The sword fell to the ground as he lamented his weakness. Whatever had occurred in order to bring him to this accursed middle realm had not only set back his physical abilities but his cultivation as well. Although he still felt that he was better, stronger than of many of his age in this realm, he certainly could no longer compare to his older brothers! He would bring his family shame should they see him now! He had been in a hurry to return to the higher realm, however in his haste he had neglected to understand this, so perhaps it was fate that he was stranded upon this lacklustre mountain under the shelter of a weak and moneyless boy.


    He sat upon the ground and took the lotus position before turning his eye inward to observe his soul sea. It swirled lazily about his shimmering core. With a soft sigh he stirred the sea with his mind and began to direct the spirit energy along his meridians in a specific pattern, chanting well spoken words beneath his breath. The energy warmed his body as it circled, easing the aches in his muscles, calming the tremors within his hands and legs. He sighed, expelling a small percentage of bodily impurities as he did.


    Rising to his feet, he gathered his sword, wiping the sweat and moisture from its blade upon a brush of scrub grass before sheathing it. Then he returned to the small hut of the boy. He was somewhat in two minds about that boy, for instance, he had his uses; he acquired food and shared it with him, though the fair was simple and lacked meat. Yet he was somewhat of an annoyance, useless and weak and clearly easy to take advantage of. While it was fine, he felt, when he was the one taking advantage of the boy, he felt irritated when he considered others would also do the same. Considering what he knew about the boy''s improved pills, he would not be surprised if the break in had something to do with them. For the ancestors sake, he was well aware that the boy had nothing else that would be worth stealing.


    Of course it could have been just a malicious attack, but Jin Li felt that this was too simple. The hut was too far removed from what he had gathered when they had left to meet that villager at the Food Hall. Admittedly, jealousy was not a logical emotion, it was still possible that the break in was just a pathetic attempt of bullying.


    When he returned to the front of the house, he found that the boy was not there, though interesting aroma''s were oozing out of the cooking pot now sitting above a cold fire pit. It was tempting him to taste it, but he refrained for the moment, entering the hut by removing the door from its frame before stepping through. There was a note upon the table, Jin Li realised as he placed his sword and belt upon it.


    "Ran out of herbs. Don''t eat from the pot, it is not quite cooked yet."


    Jin Li grumbled and decided that he would be the judge of that as he took a pair of chopsticks from the work surface and moved to the lidded pot. He used the rag to lift the hot lid and withdrew a small piece of purple root before placing it in his mouth. Dammit, he was right. It wasn''t cooked yet.

 Chapter 31 - One - I cook, clean and create pills

    Leon returned to the hut not too long after Jin Li failed to steal from the stewing vegetables in the pot. The older man said nothing, simply glanced at the boy with an unhappy expression. Leon tilted his head, wondering why Jin Li was upset, but shook the thought aside. As if he could ever fathom what was running through that man''s mind.


    He placed the herbs onto the work surface in the hut before moving to the fire pit to relight the fire and continue cooking the vegetables. He sneaked in an additional ingredient, which he had obtained when visiting Mino to ask for his help to return to town. The young man had agreed on condition that he receive more mushrooms once they returned to the school. Leon had paused, now knowing the value of those mushrooms, he had thought to keep them for emergencies, so Mino had convinced him by giving him several extra incentives. Leon thought that he must really love those mushrooms.


    Leon sorted the herbs in order to make best use of what he had and settled down to make more improved one heart pills. He had so far made ten of these and five improved blood pills. The latter required more ingredients and the Herb Hall were less free with these hence why he could only make so many. He also needed to make more stock of ordinary pills to exchange for more herbs once they had returned to the school. He created two more one heart pills, before the scent of the food tantalised his nose and caused his stomach to grumble.


    Jin Li also was quick to notice that change in the smell, his mouth watered and he sidled up behind Leon as the boy used the rag to lift the lid. The aromatic steam hit them both and soft moans spilled from both their hungry throats. Jin Li did not need to be asked to grab bowls and spoons as he hurried into the hut for them, before greedily thrusting one into Leon''s view. The boy bit down upon a growing smile and dished his suddenly ravenous roommate a hearty portion.


    "What is this?" the man prodded the unknown ingredient hopefully.


    "S-Smoked b-boar meat," Leon advised him, no sooner had he did the man begin to sweep the food with his chopsticks into his mouth, groaning as the fatty meat''s flavour burst onto his tongue. Mino had bribed him with a whole half belly of a boar who must have been a sizeable beast. Only a small portion had been added to the pot, the rest packet in linen and tucked away in his interspatial bag. Leon had just dished his own bowl full and moved to sit down, when Jin Li shamelessly asked for more. Quietly, Leon provided him with a second serving before enjoying his own stew.


    Following their meal, Leon set a kettle above the fire to brew tea to drink and took the dirty dishes to the bucket to wash them in. Jin Li had eaten a third portion before he was satisfied and now lazed about the fire. "W-will you b-be returning to town w-w-with me, t-tomorrow?" Leon asked him.


    "Mmm," Jin Li returned with a slight nod. Leon smiled to himself and set the plates to dry upon another rag, thinking he should get some more cloth to patch things when necessary or turn into rags. Admittedly, he had never sewn before, but how hard could it be?


    Speaking of things he had never done before, he withdrew a diary and skimmed through it to find the Soft Ice Pill. He had managed to obtain a small amount of the two main ingredients, so he wished to try the formula. This one would take a little longer to create, for he needed to slowly dry the leafy herbs in his cauldron until they crumbled into a powder before adding crushed snow berries. These were sticky and would help form the pills with a small but consistent stream of spiritual energy. Leo had recommended adding the crushed seed of a herb that he happened to be growing, the edible one with the peppery taste. It was aptly named the Winter Warming herb, however it was not flowering so there were no seeds for the improved form. Leon hoped that he could still sell them when it came to it.


    Having practiced making pills on low heats before, Leon caught the gist of the first step with ease. The three-leaf ice fern and the silver nettle tea leaves dried and crumbled nicely. Adding the berries, which he had crushed with use of the pestle and mortar, caused the powder to stick together, but knowing the correct amounts of spiritual energy to use was far more difficult. Too much and the resulting pills crumbled on touch, too little and the pot held nothing but a sticky mess. On his third attempt, he was successful. But he ran out of energy, so could not create any more that day.


    Tomorrow, they would leave for town, so Leon had to make do with his small number of pills. Both men decided to spend the night cultivating, both feeling a lack within themselves and wanting to change that.

 Chapter 32 - Two - I gain a new recipe

    The first stop made in town was naturally to the apothecary, who was most pleased to see them. He had already tested the pills that Leon had previously sold to him and had been beyond delighted by the results. So he was anxious to get his hands on more of these pills and hoped to coax other improved pills from him as well. Of course, having the recipe would be great as well, but the man was not talented in making pills. Instead, he had great knowledge and could identify type and quality with just a quick sniff of his sensitive nose. Of course, if the recipe became common knowledge, the pills value would reduce overall and that would not be so good from a business perspective.


    The twelve one heart pills and five blood pills provided him with 12 silver and 400 brass, enough to see a single commoner through around quarter of a year should he be wise with his spending. But Leon was not quite through surprising Mr Clawse. The Soft Ice pill was an ordinary pill, admittedly, nothing special about it and it was perfectly average in its quality. However, it was not a commonly made pill in so far that apprentices saw no value in practicing making it. He understood clearly that Leon had been thinking of Mr Clawse as his purchaser when deciding to make it.


    Its value was not great, just 200 brass was offered, but the apothecary said he would be happy to purchase more of these whether standard or he dare say improved. The wheels were turning in his head as he suddenly asked; "Are you happy to also make potions?"


    Leon tilted his head in question before nodding. He guessed the question was not too odd, potion making was time consuming, not always as productive in the long term, though there were some potions that were worth the time. Potions were also bulky and not so sought after by practitioners and cultivators. Leon, himself, had not made any since creating the basic purifying potions.


    Mr Clawse rummaged around for a dusty scroll almost forgotten upon a shelf behind him. "This is for the White Warming Potion," he told him. "It''s an aid in curing common illnesses, though naturally it has its down side. It''s not a recipe that is generally taught to apprentices as cultivators do not tend to get sick, thus you likely will not know of it. I am actually surprised you knew of the Soft Ice pill for the same reason!"


    "I-I can try," Leon offered him a small smile, not able to say where he obtained the other recipe, Leo did not make note of it. He could only assume it was from the library if these sorts of things were not taught. Ah, perhaps he should attend some lessons and lectures soon, he could only learn so much from Leo''s diaries after all.


    "Would you happen to be able to have an improved potion recipe for the basic purifying potion?" Mr Clawse asked as he gave Leon the scroll.


    Leon shook his head. "N-not sure." He hadn''t looked too in depth at the potion recipes at all.


    "Well, if it so happens..." Mr Clawse mentioned. "Ah do you have kegs for potion making?"


    "I j-j-just used the c-cauldron," Leon said, slightly confused.


    "That is no good," The man shook his head. What were apprentice alchemists taught these days! "Leaving the potion open to the air can cause it to turn and become nothing but a waste product." Leon thought of his failed brew and felt enlightened. Ah so that was what happened! "Better to use this."


    The keg was made of a similar metal to the cauldron, it offered the same tingle to the touch as fingers were ran over its surface. It was shaped similar to a barrel and came with a lid that needed spiritual energy to seal and unseal it. Mr Clawse showed him what he needed to know about it''s usage, convincing him that it would be a good idea to purchase one.


    "How m-much?" Leon asked.


    But Mr Clawse refused to take payment of it. "Call it an investment, if you will," he said as Leon protested. Jin Li placed his hand upon Leon''s shoulder, understanding that the boy was not entirely convinced. Leon was uncertain about owing favours, but Jin Li saw that Mr Clawse had no malicious intention so thought Leon should take it rather than waste his silver. They still did not know how much the blacksmith would charge when fixing their door!


    "T-thank you," Leon murmured, hugging both keg and scroll to his chest. The former was heavy, so it was soon deposited into the magic bag he had still not returned to Mino. His other bag was filled with all of his other things. He had not wished to risk them in case his home was ransacked again.


    "Now, I understand from Mino that you are seeking the blacksmith?" Leon nodded his agreement. "Then I will come with you and introduce you. He, Mr Mars, has recently been in my care so I wished to check up on him any how."


    "Oh, is he well?" Jin Li asked. If he was not, would it not be better for them to seek assistance elsewhere.


    "Mmm," Mr Clawse replied. "He had a slight run in with an unhappy practitioner, but he is fine now. Your improved blood pill was very effective in fixing his internal injuries." The man locked his shop securely and told Mino where to drive them. The boy agreed without question.

 Chapter 33 - Three - I meet the Blacksmith

    Unlike most of the shops in the ramshackled maze of a town, the blacksmiths stood alone and obvious. It was situated to one side of an open plaza, it''s own weapon and armour shop built next door. It was not the only blacksmiths in Julip town, there was another located in what Mino dubbed as the ''new'' town, the showy side of the town that outsiders were more apt to visit and tour. That blacksmith was hidden behind the facade of its own large shop front, which displayed all of its expensive wares in all of their glory and had to be paid a small fortune for custom goods. It would never lower itself for common goods such as horse shoes and door hinges.


    Mars'' blacksmith displayed his common swords in a barrel near the entrance and had a few pieces of chain mail armour displayed on a wooden mannequin. There were a few odd ornaments on a table, probably just to show what else was produced there. However, on one wall, just behind the counter, were set a display of exquisite swords that had Jin Li practically drooling over like a child in a pastry shop.


    The boy behind the counter, who had been polishing a small piece in hand, looked startled by his appearance then somewhat wary. Jin Li ignored the clear distrust upon his face, too busy examining the swords with a fairly well trained eye.


    "Ah Aren," Mr Clawse called to the boy as he and Leon followed Jin Li into the store. The boy visibly relaxed upon seeing the apothecary. "Is your Master available for a few minutes." The boy nodded and ran out of the side door to find him.


    Mr Mars was stout, though there was not an ounce of fat on his muscular body. His height or there of lack of and his huge biceps and shoulders and chest simply made him look stout. His skin was bronze in tone and his hair untamed. He had a puckered scar running down the side of one arm and he observed them with a sharp eye. He welcomed Mr Clawse with great warmth, slapping the taller man on his back, to which Mr Clawse was thrust forward with every large tap.


    "What can I do for you, Clawse?" his voice was as rough and as grizzly as his looks.


    "I came to see how you were faring," Mr Clawse told him. "And also to introduce you to someone. This is Leon. He requires your assistance." Leon blushed immediately beneath the scrutiny.


    "N-nice to m-m-meet you," Leon greeted nervously. Jin Li tore his gaze away from the interesting swords and moved so that he was standing directly behind the boy.


    "Huh," Mr Mars thoroughly scrutinised the skinny lad. "And what exactly is it that you want?" He hoped it wouldn''t be for an apprenticeship or something. He had no time for a weak kid like this.


    "D-d-door hinge," Leon blurted under the intense gaze.


    "Speak clearly boy!" Mr Mars growled loudly.


    "Mars.." Mr Clawse attempted to calm the man, he had forgotten that the blacksmith lacked patience and social skills. This was why he had gotten into trouble with the practioner in the first place.


    Leon shivered, getting more and more flustered and simply unable to speak. Jin Li placed a hand upon the boy''s shoulder, his body stilled instantly. "Our hut was broken into," Jin Li said, shortly. "The door needs a new hinge."


    "Why didn''t you say so in the first place?" Mr Mars'' voice boomed through his shop and Leon let loose an almost inaudiable squeak.


    "It''s not as if you gave him a chance to," Mr Clawse sighed. He paused, before questioning them further; "Wait, I thought you were an alchemist student of Ascending Mountain Academy." Leon nodded to confirm that he was. "So why is the school not assisting you, at the very least they should be investigating this!"


    Leon shuffled on the spot for a moment. "D-d-don''t w-want to m-move again," he said finally. "And... um... th-there w-w-were b-bribes in-involved l-last time?" Mr Clawse sighed loudly and pinched the bridge of his nose. Of course he had heard of this sort of thing occurring. He''d heard many a student complain of bullying and wealthier students using money as a solution to everything. He could clearly tell that Leon was a tiny fish in a large pond when it came to his behaviour. But surely his talents would have him stand out and protect him somewhat?


    "Aye, I can have one of my own deal with that," the blacksmith dismissed the whole matter with a wave of his hand. "I''ll send one back with you. I don''t see why I had to deal with this personally." This last sentence was said directly to Mr Clawse, who in turn offered a small smile and replied;


    "Oh, I thought you might like to meet the one that created the improved pill that saved your life," Mr Clawse said offhandedly. Mr Mars'' jaw dropped.

 Chapter 34 - Four - I discover new Julip town

    Right then, I''ll be off," Mr Clawse informed them, with a slight bow. "I don''t like to leave my store unattended for too long."


    Leon and Jin Li had negotiated a price for one of the apprentices to fix the door for 2 silver, parts and labour. It was not cheap, but it was quite the trip to the hut up on the mountain. Leon had also purchased some nails and a hammer, in order to fix his shed, but the hammer was unwieldy, not sure how great a job he could do with it. Mr Mars had also agreed not to spread word of who exactly created the special pill, not that anyone would believe him, he reckoned. The kid was just a student!


    "Ye wantin'' t'' go back now?" Mino asked them once they had completed their business. The apprentice would meet them at Mino''s place first thing in the morning.


    "A-actually," Leon had thought about this for a while, "I-I was w-wondering where I c-can b-buy seeds."


    "Seeds?" Mino echoed. "Like ''erb or vege-tables?"


    "Erb..I-I m-mean herbs," Leon blushed at his mistaken pronounciation, while Jin Li smirked into his fist. "B-but I sh-should get v-v-vegetables to."


    "Well ''erbs and the like are usually sold in tha'' there new town," Mino told them. Herbs could be bought in their neighbourhood as well, but they were mostly for cooking and he didn''t think that was what Leon was looking for. "Come on, I''ll be ''avin'' you there in a jiffy."


    The ''new'' town section of Julip town was located across a wide, fast flowing river, effectively separating it from the ramshackled townhouses where Mino lived. They had to cross an arched stone bridge to enter that half of the town and from the moment that they crossed it, looks of disdain came their way. Mino nervously guided the wagon over the brick paved streets, the people were clearly unimpressed with the Ox beast moving down their roads. Several arrogant youths even blocked their way, making their journey more difficult than it need be. They only moved along when Jin Li stood up and released that potent aura of his. Leon had forgotten how effective it could be and was soon quaking in his boots along with Mino and the foolish young men.


    Jin Li slumped back down in the wagon and Mino muttered to him; "Oi, oi! What sor''a level you be a''? Seriously!"


    This made the man insufferably smug.


    The buildings in this part of town were at first, simply larger versions of those in the old town, just cleaner and the streets twice the width. As they trailed to the heart of this area, the shops and houses became less clustered, less detached and more individual of build. The shops had large glass windows in which to display their wares, reminding him of his previous world.


    Leon nudged his glasses upon his nose, removed a diary from his interspacial bag and flicked through it, trying to memorise some of the seeds that he required. He didn''t want to purchase too much, especially of seeds that he was unlikely to use anytime soon, but he also did not want to grab seeds of very common, quick growing herbs that he could get from the Herb Hall easily.


    By the time that they arrived at the shop, he had a rough list in his mind and hoped they had what he required. The seeds that he had picked were not overly expensive, with the exception of the red lantern seeds; he wanted to plant these to obtain fresh red lantern flowers and make his blood pills better and the Marsh Devil Ivy, which was a difficult plant to grow, but extremely hardy once it took root and it was used in a number of pills. He spent a little more than a silver and 800 brass on these seeds. He also bought a few clay pots as the ones he had had all been broken. They cost just a couple hundred brass.


    As they left the shop, they noticed a crowd gathering further up the street, where the large shops parted to reveal a large open space, much bigger than the old town''s pavilion. "Wh-what''s g-going on?" Leon asked.


    "Ah be the skool," Mino said dismissively. "Tis recruitin'' time agin."


    "Oh," he said aloud, but then a thought popped into his mind and he tugged at Jin Li''s sleeve.


    "Do you want to go and look?" Jin Li asked him, his eyes narrowed slightly when Leon nodded. "Alright." Mino declared that he would wait with the wagon as the pair approached the crowd. People parted for Jin Li. They did not for small Leon. With a ''tsk'', Jin Li grabbed Leon by the hand and pulled him through the mass of gathering people, causing Leon to blush over the physical contact between them.

 Chapter 35 - Five - I am sorry, you are how old?

    Set up in the middle of the open street was a few tables and benches and at those tables were men in various styles of robes with one common theme; they were all coloured green and blue. Lines of teenagers, several in tattered attire, waited to be seen by the men. The clearly poorer youths were hustled to the back each time a pompous, over indulged and overbearing individual came along with their bodyguards and servants.


    "I see a few of the commoner offspring are attempting to join the school again," one man with silken attire mused as he aired his painted face with a paper fan.


    "Well the school does unfortunately encourage the poor dears," a woman with several ornate combs in her pinned hair mused.


    "I guess at least they can make themselves useful fetching water," the boy with them muttered, before waltzing forward, to bully the commoners to retreat further in line.


    Neither Jin Li nor Leon said anything about the arrogant behaviour of the wealthy; it was nothing that neither of them had not experienced... albeit on different sides of the playing field. There was also no guarantee that the school would admit the wealthy children into it anymore than the poor ones. Unless a back door was opened with a huge bribe. Of course if that was the case, the person walking through it, would not be waiting here.


    Leon glanced over the men interviewing the candidates and noticed a familiar face. He was also startled to notice that he too had been seen.


    The golden skinned youth approached him with a wide grin. Leon noticed that his height compared to Jin Li, but in terms of physical appearance, Leon would say that Pike was an unmovable mountain and Jin Li a tall, flexible pine tree. "Little Leo!" Pike called out, causing Jin Li''s eyesbrows to rise. Leon placed his finger to his lips, hoping Jin Li would understand this term. Jin Li rolled his eyes heavenward, but glared a second message through his eyes; you will explain later.


    "Senior P-Pike," Leon bowed slightly.


    "I was planning on requesting for you soon," Pike admitted, sheepishly. "My Master favoured your pills for their consistency, despite the number being fairly great and hoped to gain more."


    "J-j-just b-blood p-pills?" Leon asked.


    "I will check with my Master what he seeks," Pike said, after a moment''s thought. "I didn''t expect you to be in town."


    "J-just p-purchasing n-n-ne.. stuff," Leon replied, with a slight shrug. "G-got curious."


    "Ah yes, this years... applicants," Pike did not look too impressed with any of them, whether rich, poor or somewhere in the middle. "Well there might be some talent lurking. I probably should not judge from just appearances."


    "H-how o-o-old," Leon''s throat was suddenly feeling dry and he struggled to finish the sentence.


    "How old should the applicants be?" Pike finished for him and he nodded that this was what he meant. "Well, we usually take new students between 15 to 20 years of age; some study in sects or under private tutors before coming to us hence the range in age. Why do you ask?"


    Leon had glanced up at Jin Li, but hearing the upper range felt disheartened. Although he had never enquiries, surely Jin Li was older than this. Jin Li tutted and leaned down to say with all seriousness. "I am seventeen years old."


    Leon blinked a few times. "W-what?" Surely there was no way Jin Li was his junior in age, he must have heard him incorrectly!


    I said..." Jin Li began to repeat his words.


    "Who''s this?" Pike asked Leon.


    "M-m-my friend, J-Jin Li," Leon told him.


    "Oh, he is looking to apply to the institute?" Pike asked.


    "No," Jin Li said firmly, but Leon managed to squeak out a slightly louder affirmative, causing Jin Li to glare at him once more. "I don''t need to."


    "It''s a g-g-good i-idea," Leon pressed him. "B-b-better f-facilities." Jin Li narrowed his eyes, but did not continue to deny or confirm his application.


    Pike looked slightly confused regarding the interaction between the two, but thought it better not to question it. "Why don''t I take you to speak with one of the Teacher''s now," he suggested. "It doesn''t hurt to apply. You won''t necessarily be assigned to any school within the institute anyway."


    Jin Li suddenly felt as if this boy was mocking him. Not get into what school? They would all beg for him to attend to their schools. "Fine," he agreed.

 Chapter 36 - Six - I see an old foe

    "Confirmed, seventeen years of age, tertiary stage."


    The Teacher That Pike introduced them too was named Reece. There were two tests that Jin Li was required to perform; the bone test, which calculated his age and the spirit test, which calculated his cultivation level. These two tests were the minimal required tests, however if the person had no cultivation, but the potential for it, then they could still take the latter entry tests.


    The Teacher was polite to Jin Li seeing as he had somehow earned Pike''s approval, however, he was not expecting much of the man, who from his posture, was clearly an arrogant young master. His eyebrows raised slightly, even more so when the youth appeared dissatisfied with his results. Why? He could not fathom. Breaking through to tertiary level at his young age, what sort of pills and teachings had he had to be able to reach this level. Was he not concerned that his cultivation might be unstable?


    "Y-you r-really are s-seventeen?" The small youth beside the young master questioned.


    "I just told you so, did I not?" Jin Li scowled.


    "D-didn''t think y-you were younger th-than m-me," the boy muttered.


    "Oh?" Came the response.


    "W-well y-your s-s-so m-much b-bigger than m-me!" There was a hint of complaint behind his worlds.


    "You are just small," Jin Li stated, causing the boy to pout a little, his arms crossed about his chest. Pike muffled a chuckle with his fist. As always, this country bumpkin amused him.


    "And would this young boy also be applying today," the Teacher interrupted them, causing Pike to chuckle just a little more.


    "I''m a-a-already e-enrolled, s-sir," Leon replied with a slight squeak. "Um.. a-a-alchem-mist s-school."


    "I see," the Teacher gave him a long stare, which caused him to flush under the scrutiny. He turned back to his companion. "Well, there are nothing wrong with your initial tests. Pike, would you show this young man where the secondary tests take place."


    "Yes, Teacher Reese," Pike agreed and indicated that Jin Li ought to follow him.


    "I-I sh-should go then?" Leon turned around, thinking in some dismay that the crowd about them had thickened. Jin Li grabbed him by the wrist and dragged him back to his side. Pike raised an eyebrow at this, but moved to the rear of the plaza, away from the crowd and towards a number of tents that had been set up.


    They entered the tents, only to find that the internal space had been distorted and was very much larger on the inside, like the interspacial bag but on a bigger scale, came Leon''s first thought. Five areas had been formed within the tent representing the five schools of the institute. The martial arts school had set up a fair sized platform where potential warriors could challenge their seniors and display their skills. Currently, one senior had just finished knocking the some of the arrogance out of his opponent, who was now attempting to bluster with excuses.


    "I wasn''t ready!" The young master complained.


    "Oh?" Came the response. "Well perhaps you ought to return once you are." Anyone who was listening could hear the implication of his words. The young master bowed his head to one side and allowed his servants to attend him.


    The beast-taming school had a number of minor beasts with them, not strong enough to cause too much harm to new students, but not tame enough to be considered pets. One young girl had already made the mistake of thinking otherwise and her elaborate braids were ruined as the ''cute kitty'' swiped its golden claws through them. She was screaming to an attendant to ''get it off'', but the girl servant looked more terrified than her mistress.


    The magic school had set a barrier around their area and youths were attempting to use whatever ability to produce something wonderous. One young man in silken robes produced a handful of blue flames, while the nervous youth next to him accidentally produced a small geyser of water and put out the fire. There were muffled laughs, but the victim simply brushed it off and kindly congratulated the other on his talent.


    The scholars were quieter, a smattering of books and parchment about them, cheap inks and brushes. The few students that they had attracted were testing their hand at scribing or attempting to impress the seniors with their knowledge.


    And then there was the alchemist school.


    Unlike Leon, who stepped quickly into the shadow of Jin Li, Caprian could not hide his obese form and sour face. He clearly did not want to be here attempting to encourage youths to their school. He sat beside an unlit cauldron, with a smattering of various herbs, perhaps preparing for a demonstration. He was not the only alchemist student there, but Leon couldn''t help but wonder how his pill would come out, considering, if rumours were true, he rarely produced pills by himself.


    Jin Li did not know about Caprian, not that he would care either, so simply questioned the boy trying to hide using his taller form. "What are you doing?" He scowled, looking down at him.


    "N-nothing," Leon replied, nervously.


    Pike did not notice Leon''s behaviour and instead suggested that Jin Li''s skills be analysed.

 Chapter 37 - Seven - Jin Li is accepted into school

    Jin Li quickly stole the attention of the Teachers, senior students and applicants after he stepped up upon the platform for the martial arts students. The man... youth (Leon still had trouble accepting that he was younger than him) favoured the sword, so a senior who was skilled in this proficiency was selected to greet him.


    Their stances differed, but both warily eyed the other, attempting to evaluate the person before them. This surprised Leon, he had always viewed Jin Li as impulse and without hold upon his temper. Clearly, his opinion had been too narrow, but then, he had never actually seen Jin Li do much but bluster and eat. He placed his thoughts aside and watched with new eyes as Jin Li easily blocked the tentative slice of the sword that came his way.


    As if that slash was an invitation to duel, the pair swiftly engaged in a more frantic battle that even more quickly evolved into a deadly dance. As neither was attempting to hurt the other, Leon began to find the duel between the pair mesmerising. Others crowded beside him, some enjoying the entertainment as much as he, others still sneering in clear jealousy or baying for blood.


    "I could do such moves if I had half the chance," muttered one fellow. These words were spoken by the young master who had fallen as Leon, Jin Li and Pike had entered the pavilion. Leon did not hear him speak these words as he was too caught up in watching Jin Li thrive in his element. Pike, however, turned to eye the young master and clearly found him lacking. He suspected that the boy had never lost a fight before as his opponents had always had to lose or surrender, not because of his skills, but because of his background. Such false ego would only be his downfall in the long run. But who was he to judge, he had been much the same, until a senior had beaten the snot out of him. Fortunately, Pike had not been one to snivel and whinge for long and had risen through hard work and unexpected talent to be where he was; a part of the inner school and under the apprenticeship of a Master.


    After ten minutes, the Teacher who was standing in judgement, used his own sword to end their battle. Jin Li looked a little frustrated, but Leon could clearly see this was not directed at his opponent. Jin Li and the senior gracefully bowed in expressed appreciation of the other, the senior added that he would look forward to sparring with Jin Li again in the future. Jin Li nodded in agreement.


    "Your friend is very good," Pike complimented.


    "Y-yeah," Leon replied, just coming out of the daze that had trapped him, his face a little flustered as the swell of unfamiliar feelings slowly dissipated.


    "I hope he joins our school of marital arts," Pike mused. Actually, this was practically a given. The small beasts of the taming school were either intimidated by him or simply loathed him, either way, none would interact with him and Jin Li had no patience for them. His spiritual root was Lightning, considered a minor root, despite its offensive strength, but mages tended to favour long distance combat and Jin Li felt this was weak, although he would begrudgingly admit that a strong Mage of similar level to his could easily challenge him and win. He would not choose to join the magic school. Both the other schools taught non-combative skills, he was not interested in either.


    Jin Li was temporarily admitted to the outer circle of the martial arts school. This was due to questions over his cultivation level. An ordinary seventeen year old Cultivator might at most be at the peak of the primary level, those who had broken through to secondary level at his age considered talented even prodigies. But even prodigies seldom reached tertiary level until the age of 30, the youngest known was thought to have been 27. Of course, this was the common knowledge of cultivators in the middle realms.


    Leon left him in Pike''s care, for which the seventeen year old was less than pleased with, before returning to Mino and apologising for the wait. Leon still had more shopping to do; fabrics, needles and more dried food stuffs were on his list as well as vegetable seeds. And then, he was looking forward to being able to sleep on a bed by himself.

 Chapter 38 - Eight - I commission a small stove?

    "Wow, looks like a ''ammer woz takin'' to i''," the apprentice exclaimed as he sought to remove the nails that fixed the broken hinge to the door. "Don'' worry like, I''ll ''ave this dun in a jiffy."


    The apprentice had met with Leon and Mino in the morning as promised and the student had guided them both to his set apart little hut in the woods. He had offered them both tea, wanting to try the dried herb blend he had purchased the day before. Mino had declined, but cheekily suggested that he was looking forward to obtaining a fresh batch of mushrooms. He had left them not long after, once Leon had showed him which direction he needed to take in order to get back to the heart of the school.


    Leon lit a little tinder and carefully tempered the fire in the pit until it was burning away nicely. And then he placed the tripod over the fire and balanced the kettle on it in order to heat the water and stew the leaves. The apprentice watched him for a moment before returning his attentions back onto the door. After finally prying off the broken hinge without too much damage to the wood, he began to hammer the new one into its place. By the time the tea had been brewed and seeped through a cut of linen, he had completely fixed both door and frame to the new hinge. He tested his workmanship a few times before carefully shutting the door of the hut and joining Leon, who placed a cup before him.


    The tea was fragrant and fresh to taste, with just a hint of sweetness. "''oney?" The apprentice questioned. "You added ''oney t''the tea."


    "Y-y-Yeah," Leon replied. "D-do you n-not l-l-like it?"


    "Na, it be good," the apprentice told him. "People don'' norm-a-ly. ''Oney ain''t cheap." Leon agreed with that statement. The small jar of honey was a whole silver, but he had always loved the sticky, sweet product and had decided to splurge. The apprentice passed Leon his empty cup. "I no''iced tha'' you don'' ''ave a fireplace in ya hut."


    "N-no," Leon agreed.


    The apprentice scratched his head. "I'' be jus'' tha''... well I fancied makin'' this me''al box with i''s own chimney for hea'' and cookin'' like. But me Master thought like i'' be a to''al waste o''time like, seein'' as peeple use a fireplace. I was tryin'' to come up with a way t''get porridge withou'' ash innit!"


    Oh, it sounds like he wants to make some sort of stove. Leon was intrigued. "That s-sounds a-m-mazing," he said honestly, causing the young man to beam. He was missing a tooth in front. They discussed it a little more and when Leon was convinced it would work for him, he gave him 2 silver to help begin his personal project and agreed to pay for any additional costs of materials and labour once it was completed and installed.


    After the apprentice left, Leon examined what herbs he had in his inventory, noticing that they seemed to remain fresher for longer within the interspacial bag. Perhaps he ought to invest in another one once he made his next trip down the mountain. He was looking forward to testing the keg.


    There were enough ingredients for a handful of pills as well as others that could be turned into potions. Namely, the only potion that he knew how to create; the basic purifying potion. Unfortunately, Leo had not created an improved version of the potion. He had not created any improved versions of any potions, so perhaps he hadn''t gotten around to it or was just more interested in pills. Leon was curious to wonder how the boy had come to the conclusion that he could make tiny adjustments to the recipes and improve them. Leo had made some comments about the herbs themselves in his diaries, perhaps he had gained some clues from his learnings. If that was so, it would not hurt Leon to follow suit at some point.


    Leon began the process of making the potion, using his cauldron to boil the water and not pouring it into the keg until the powered nettle roots were completely dissolved. After adding the sunclover, he slowly added his spiritual energy to the lid until it was sealed. He hadn''t been sure just how much energy to use, but the lid sealed with a satisfying clunk and he could not pry it loose with his hands. Now he could leave the potion to itself.


    Seeing as his spiritual energy remained plentiful, he decided to create normal pills for the remainder of the day, so that he had plenty to take to the Herb Hall the following day.

 Chapter 39 - Nine - I miss Jin Li

    Leon went to the cave that contained the mushrooms, once the sun had risen in the sky the following day, in order to gather a few to repay his debt to Mino. He wanted to keep on the young man''s good side, his help had been much appreciated and Leon hoped to continue to rely on him. He remembered, while there, that the spring water was salty and wondered if he could extract the mineral from the water. He didn''t have time to test this theory today, he decided, so mentally added it to the list of things he wished to do, along with gathering crustaceans, which he noticed had increased in size as they scuttled about in the freshwater river that he had to cross.


    With the mushrooms and pills in hand, he went to the central area of the school to visit the Herb Hall, where he exchanged his average pills for a bunch of fresh herbs. He then visited Mino to give him the mushrooms, before filling his stomach with a lunch time meal. Then he wobbled (swollen stomach first) back to his small hut, where he proceeded to separate the herbs. He needed ones for the new potion, ones for the normal pills and ones for the improved pills.


    Then he completed the basic purifying potions and created pills, until his spiritual energy was weak. For the last hours of the day, he planted seeds, removed weeds and watered the garden, before dragging himself to the lake for a bath. He was feeling too weary to bother filling the bath tub with buckets of heated water. He ate a light meal of rice and peas before falling asleep.. alone.. in his bed.


    The next few days fell into a routine; cultivating in the morning, exchanging pills for herbs before grabbing a large lunch at the food hall, making pills for the afternoon and doing chores until dark. His chores were anything from tidying his home, gardening to fixing the shed. And when all that was done, he might carve a few pieces, before settling down for the night.


    A week passed before the request came from the warriors school for him to create 20 clear spiritual pills and 40 blood pills. The reward was a pair of new boots, apparently Pike had seen the state of his, and a leather belt to with a knife length scabbard. Fortunately, he could ask for herbs to fulfil a teacher''s request without need to provide proof of his pill and potion practice.


    By the end of the second week, his cultivation had stuttered to a halt as he struggled to rise from his bed and he felt too lazy to return to the Herb Hall more than once every three days. He potted around a bit, sometimes making pills, sometimes carving talismans or decorations. He added soil and seeds to his new pots and left them to their own devices. His food supplies began to dwindle.


    Even at his slower pace, he completed the number of pills for the request by the middle of the third week, but on the day that he was due to take them from the Hall, he found that it was raining. It was a persistent light rain, the type that refused to be tamed by means of an umbrella and would managed to leak through each seam of your outer clothing until your skin was as wet as your clothes. His hut was in a somewhat sheltered area, but much of the woodlands was open to the elements and he didn''t feel like risking falling ill.


    So instead, he sought to ease his low mood by heating many pots of water and filling the bath, which he had moved beneath the dubious shelter of the shed. He felt slightly more invigorated after his bath, having washed his hair and cleared his mind. Despite the fact that Jin Li was one high maintenance type of man, Leon missed his company, missed eating together with him and missed bickering with him. He washed his clothes and hung them to dry in the shed, while passing the time by writing the new recipe into the half finished diary that Leo was never able to complete himself. He also made a note to fix the shed better and clear out the rubbish; making it his own personal miniature bathhouse.


    Refreshed, he decided that he would take the pills to the Herb Hall the following day. If only the unexpected didn''t happen.

 Chapter 40 - - I level up!

    He couldn''t sleep. He felt as if he had been lying upon his bed a while, but to no avail. He wasn''t overly hot and he wasn''t too cold. He wasn''t uncomfortable and it wasn''t as if his mind was racing with many thoughts. If there was any restlessness at all, it seemed to emanate from his centre, as if he was having trouble digesting something sugary, perhaps?


    A few minutes later, the feeling had worsened and he rose to a seating position and wondered if he needed to expend the excess energy. Using the light of the globe, he grabbed his glasses where he left them on the table and grabbed the broom to vigorously sweep. But although his arms quickly felt weary and his eyes heavy, that sensation within his gut would not be still. So he flopped onto the bed once more, removed his spectacles and covered his eyes shut with his arm. It was at this point, he had a revelation.


    Placing the spectacles on to the table, he assumed a lotus position and closed his eyes, focusing upon the weird feeling and noting that it was indeed coming from his inner sea. The spiritual energy was usually moving lazy and in a clockwise rotation and resembled a mass of tiny stars all assembled closely together at the centre, but more hazy at the edges and it was the hazier light that he would send to circle through his network of meridians or out into the fire or cauldron. But although it''s speckled consistency had not changed, it was moving all over the place, up and down, clockwise and anti-clockwise, contracting and expanding. It was the source of his discomfort.


    Seeing as the only thing that he knew to do with this energy would be to make pills or cultivate, he chose the latter considering the late hour. It was harder to do, however, the turbulent sea did not want to be directed in a uniform manner through his meridians. So at first, it took all he had to force the sea to move clockwise along a stable point. There seemed to be so much more spiritual energy than he''d originally thought and it was still in a frenzy as he directed it, suddenly rushing through his meridians as if it took on a life of its own, each network of thin lines glowing hot as the energy filled them. He ground together his teeth as he felt a sweat break out upon his forehead, his concentration flickering due to the flaring pain. And after the swiftest circuit of his body was complete, the energy became even more rapid within his inner sea, spirialling, contracting, faster and faster until there was nothing but the fiercest speck of blinding light at the centre.


    As if a dam had broken within him, the concerntrated speck of energy suddenly exploded, unable to maintain its purest form. It expanded outwards, pushing out of his skin into the air, seeming to dissolve all about him like sparks from a firework.


    He gasped for air, pushed out of his inner sea, but unable to fathom what had just occurred. Had he experienced some sort of deviation? Would the cultivation of his body be set back again? He took a deep breath and focused on calming his racing heart before taking a glance inward. And there he watched, his lazy, spiralling energy continuing to swirl about a central point. The only difference seemed to be that the energy was brighter and less speckled and loose about the edges.


    With a sigh, he let his head droop, not bothering to open his eyes. He figured he could wait until morning, check the diaries, see if there was any information about what had just happened to him.


    His nose twitched. Ew. What was that disgusting smell? Was that coming from him? With a sigh, he placed his hand upon his knee, resigning himself to another bath as soon as possible. Squelch. He opened his eyes and tried to focus on what little he could see through narrowed eyes. His hands had turned blackish brown, appearing to be coated in something gross. Actually, so was his arms. He jumped off of the bed. So were the bass of his feet! He grimaced as he headed to where he kept the rags of cloth and basin of water for a quick morning wash and quickly used them. The water blackened quickly as he wiped his hands and face and feet, before hurrying to get his glasses so he could look over his body.


    Not an inch had not been covered in the unpleasant substance. So he decided to jump into the now cold bath that he had been too lazy to empty the night before.


    But opening the door, he came to see an odd sight. The sun was actually fairly high in the sky, not just peering over the horizon like he had assumed. And beneath it''s warm rays and the shortened shadows of the tall trees was a tall and slightly arrogant man hovering over a shorter, dumpling of a man and a couple of his minions, all a little worse for wear.


    Jin Li glanced over at him as the door unlatched and opened. He looked the smaller man over once and seeing him well enough, nodded. "I see you broke through to the secondary cultivation level," he said, almost amused by that gormless face. "I didn''t know you had it in you."


    "Huh?"

 Chapter 41 - One - Jin Li returns for breakfast

    On seeing Jin Li standing before him, Leon was both secretly happy and openly confused and part of him was even angry. It had been almost four weeks since he had last seen Jin Li after he had become enrolled into the martial arts school and no message or word of him had came. Not that he''d been waiting around or expecting one, but surely it would have been polite. And it wasn''t as if Jin Li was more than a mountain or so away, being the that the martial arts school was part and parcel of the Ascending Mountain institute, just like the alchemy school.


    But before he could formulate clear thoughts on this, he glanced down at the round youth staring up at them from the ground and who happened to be sporting a black eye. This man was the bully of both this body''s souls; Caprian. The skinny, sneaky Virgial was with him, but the other minion was a new face and not one memorable. He was fairly plain with brown hair and brown eyes and an expression of one who had sucked on lemons. Tor was not with them. Perhaps due to the presence of Jin Li, but Leon''s body was not shaking with the memory of fear, but was actually quite calm.


    "What''s g-g-going on?" Leon asked, still wiping the black substance from his fingers and hands as he spoke.


    "We simply came to talk to you," Caprian sneered, unconvincingly. "But this barbarian attacked us!" Leon said nothing, simply raised an eyebrow before glancing at Jin Li.


    "Oh, so you intended to knock before prying the door open?" Jin Li asked, snidely, kicking away the metal bar upon the floor as he tossed the hammer he held in the air before catching it.


    "He owes us," Virgal claimed. "He took herbs off of us to make pills. We came to collect." Jin Li turned to look at Leon, who sighed.


    "It was under threat," he told Jin Li. "B-b-before I m-met you. They stole my p-pills and b-b-beat me in the p-past. B-but they n-never came b-back for them."


    "So was it they who broke into the hut that last time?" Jin Li accused. "You claimed that you didn''t know who it might be."


    "Cap-p-prian was sent to the inner school," Leon explained. "I thought the b-b-bullying was over." He struggled to remove more of the black stuff as the rag was now as dirty as his skin. "What d-do you want Caprian?"


    "You!" Caprian turned red, filled with hot air and bluster. How dare this once quivering wreck of a boy dare grow a spine and stand against him! He wanted to teach the boy another lesson, but felt suppressed by the aura of Jin Li. He took several large breaths. "Those pills of yours were not all simple! When I handed them to the Herb Hall, they found a Beast Calming pill that not normal. The Teachers became all dizzy over it and had me enroll into the inner school. I did not know this until my new Teacher asked for me to duplicate it! But, no matter how I follow the recipe, I cannot make what they ask for. They will kick me out of school if I fail again! You must make it, you owe me this much!"


    Leon felt the anger rise in him. That pill they spoke of was Leo''s creation and he had died when they beat him for refusing to give them his pills and then they stole them anyway. "I refuse," Leon replied. "You b-beat m-me half to d-death and n-now seek m-my aid? I owe you n-nothing!"


    The three beaten boys glared at Leon, not daring to turn their ire against the one who had physically hurt them and scrambled away to leave. "You will regret this!" Caprian declared as he waddled with some speed away from the pair.


    Leon sighed, scratching at his scalp, which just also happened to be painted with the unpleasant substance. He turned his attention to a smug Jin Li. "So," he said, uncertain how he felt now his bullies had fled, "What are you d-doing here?"


    "Me?" Jin Li raised one eyebrow, wondering why his servant was questioning his presence now. "I came for my breakfast, of course."

 Chapter 42 - Two - But I have nothing for breakfast

    Leon crossed his arms and tilted his head to one side at Jin Li''s audacious statement. He would have attempted a retort, but in touching his body, he recalled the mess that he was currently in and decided to worry about that first.


    "Let m-me wash up first," Leon said with a slight sigh as he ducked into the small shed. Jin Li followed, noting the badly sewn curtain of fabric that hung from a few nails creating a makeshift door way into the fixed outbuilding. The metal tub that they had purchase was currently filled with water, cold he presumed from the lack of steam, but it happened to but it happened to sit next to a large pot on above a small pit in which remnants of ash lay. But apart from the new additions, the shed still remained a shed, with tools, a broom and an old barrel lingering to one side.


    Leon noted that his clean robes were not quite dry, still a little damp around the seams, but seeing as his current set were marred with the black substance, he had no choice but to use them. He glanced over his shoulder, pointedly at Jin Li, but the youth made no attempt to leave. So with a slight huff, Leon stripped from his soiled clothes and slipped into the cold water, shuddering as the temperature stole away the heat of his skin.


    "This is so g-g-gross," he muttered in complaint as he wiped his skin, turning the water murky with in seconds.


    "That is a layer of impurities having been expelled from your body," Jin Li mentioned.


    "This happened d-d-due to b-breaking through?" Leon asked, shivering slightly. Jin Li nodded his affirmation. "Will it happen again? When I b-break through to tertiary?"


    Jin Li raised an eyebrow over the assumption. "Don''t you mean if?" he jeered, but not with cruel intent. "At this level, the impurities are forced from your skin. At the next breakthrough, they will be forced from your muscles and blood. And as one enters quaternary stage, they are expunged from your bones. At this point, one''s core will also form."


    Leon dunked beneath the frigid water to cleanse his scalp, before breaking through the surface with a gasp. Quickly, he jumped out of the dirty bath water and grabbed the cloth that he used as a towel. It was still damp from the previous evening, but it dried his skin well enough, even though it could do little for his long hair. Still he squeezed out what water he could before throwing on his clean robes. He picked up the dirty ones from the ground with a sigh. There was no way that he could clean these robes in the water he had. He would need to collect from from the lake in order to do so.


    For now, he tossed them into an empty barrel near to the bath, slipped on his boots and wandered to the fire pit. It didn''t take too long to encourage the flames to dance over the firewood, so Leon set up the tripod and placed the kettle upon it in order to boil the water within. "I d-d-don''t have m-much food left," Leon told Jin Li as he entered the hut to grab two cups, his small jar of honey and tea leaves. He recalled that he did have some dried fruit, seeds and nuts stored and hastily through some into a bowl before taking all of this outside.


    Jin Li looked at the ''breakfast'' without enthusiasm, but proceeded to pick at the nibbles while Leon made him a cup of tea. This he did enjoy; he approved the idea of sweetening the bitter liquid, that he had grown up drinking, with honey. He naturally asked for a second cup.


    "I see that the door was fixed," Jin Li noted. Of course, this has been the first thing he had seen when he had arrived at the hut in the morning, shortly before seeing three individuals who were clearly up to no good. At first, he wasn''t sure whether he wanted to bother with them, but then he had felt the disturbance in the air and realised that the spiritual energy surrounding the hut was in turmoil. As these fools had still remained adamant that they would stoop low enough as to disturb a tricky moment during cultivation for their own purposes, Jin Li had decided to intervene.


    At first, he was disappointed that the boys did not represent much of a challenge, even compared to the new martial art students of the outer school, but he was glad that he had beaten those who would destroy his.. his servants stuff.


    "There have been other changes as well," Jin Li added, seeing the greatly expanded garden, the carved decorations and a few new dangling ornaments, though definitely not the number there had been when he had first come here.


    "I''ve n-not d-done m-m-much," Leon murmured, feeling shamed that he had actually been wallowing in self pity for a little while now. "B-b-but I have m-made m-more p-p-pills. I n-need to hand them in. You can come too if you like." Leon added, realising that there was no point hiding Jin Li now the youth was enrolled in the institute with him. It shouldn''t matter that they were from different schools, right?


    Jin Li thought about this for a moment, then thought about the real reason he was here. In the end, he gave a decisive nod of agreement.

 Chapter 43 - Three - I try to put business before pleasure (but fail)

    The two young men locked up the hut, but took only the magic bag with the pills and the diaries with them. Leon did not believe that Caprian would return to cause trouble, today at least.


    The weather was quite warm that day and Leon soon forgot the discomfort of having damp seams against his skin. His hair also quickly dried in the heat of the sun and the blustering wind, although it became a little unruly in turn. The same wind brought with it the aroma''s of cooking meat and baked bread, as lunch was being served within the Food Hall at this time. Jin Li''s stomach growled audibly, causing Leon to laugh. The pleasant sound both lightened and irritated Jin Li''s mood.


    Naturally, due to the bottomless pit that was his stomach, Jin Li wanted to go there first. Not that he had ever been impressed by the fare served at the Food Hall attached to the martial arts compound and he didn''t expect the alchemists to be fed any better. But at least the smells were good enough to cause his mouth to water. Leon begged him to be allowed to speak to his Teacher first; he didn''t want either of them causing trouble due to ignorance.


    Teacher Sagi happened to be in the Herb Hall. He also happened to be in a rush; he was due to give a lecture about the usages of pills to those in the newcomers in the martial arts outer school. "Ah, you have pills to give to Teacher Corne? I wasn''t aware that he had asked for more," the man said when Leon told him what their business there was.


    "P-Pike and his master p-put forward a d-d-direct request for m-me," Leon informed him and showed him the notice.


    "That would explain things," the man agreed as he packed samples of pills favoured by warrior cultivators. Leon recognised the clear spiritual pill and the burning pill energy, but there were others he was not acquainted with and became curious. Teacher Sagi glanced over at Jin Li, taking in the details of this young man and his unusual attire; elaborately embroidered linen robes over trousers. Not the sort of garb usually worn by wealthy individuals, even it resembled the taste of such, but at the same time, his slightly arrogant stance declared him to be so. "New student?"


    Jin Li bowed respectfully, which surprised Leon slightly, but he covered his startled expression with a cough to his fist. "This is J-Jin Li, m-my friend. He has recently enrolled in the m-m-martial arts school," Leon introduced. "He c-came to visit m-me this m-morning for b-b-breakfast." He added this last sentence as explanation for why Jin Li was with him and not at his own school.


    The Teacher''s eyes widened slightly as Leon declared this youth his friend, the haughty young Master did not look like the sought to hang around with a poor student such as Leo, moreover, he would be concerned that Leo would be tricked by him. But at the same time, his lips curved into a smile. He was glad that Leo had someone he called friend, who would take the time to visit him. Leo had been alone an awful lot since enrolling over two years ago.


    "I happen to be visiting the martial arts school shortly," Teacher Sagi said. "I will be giving a lecture there this afternoon. Perhaps you both might accompany me and then I aid you entry into the inner school, where you will find Teacher Corne. His student, Pike, is away on a mission for his master, so this would be the best arrangement."


    Leon opened his mouth to agree, suddenly desiring to be able to attend the lecture as well. when he was nudged in the ribs by an elbow. "Ah, d-d-do we have time to g-get something to eat first?" he asked, politely.


    The Teacher blinked then laughed. "Yes, do so. You, young Leo, are still far to skinny to be missing meals."


    Leon pouted a little at this. He thought he had been gaining some weight and poked at his flat stomach in reflection. "Don''t dwell on it," Jin Li said, dismissively. "Let''s just do as your Teacher instructs." And with that, he offered the older man another slight bow, before grabbing Leon''s thin wrist and dragging him to where the heady aroma''s of lunch were stemming from.

 Chapter 44 - Four - I ride a griffin to the Warrior School

    After they had filled their stomachs satisfactorily, the pair returned to Teacher Sagi, who had them follow him to a place that Leon had not yet visited; a small stable that held three griffins and their trainer. The stable was located to the east of the school, so in the opposite direction of the students huts, as to not disturb the beasts.


    Leon had read a little Greek mythology from his high school years. Unfortunately, these creatures were nothing like the beasts from the lore known to him. Whilst their bodies could be considered somewhat feline, they were brown with yellow and orange stripes. And whilst their heads could be considered somewhat like that of an eagle, the upper portion of their beak was carved like sharp teeth, so that the whole thing seemed as if it was actually the elongated snout of a ferocious animal''s skull attached to a brown feathered and furred head. It did not have paws or talons ending it''s four legs, but three furred toes, two front, one rear on each, all ending in very long curved claws. It also did not have a lion''s tail, but eccentric plumage instead. The mother griffin was also very, very large and it''s two cubs could already rival an African bush elephant in size. It was one of this pair that was saddled up with a carrier more than able to comfortably hold the three passengers and their guide.


    Leon let out a breath of air trying to steady himself as he recalled that some animals could smell a person''s fear and he refused to believe that a griffin was not one such beast. Teacher Sagi leapt lightly into the carriage as if gravity was no match for him, but that was not something Leon had the ability to do. The handler went to grab the steps to allow the two students to mount, but Jin Li just rolled his eyes, swept the smaller boy into his able arms and gracefully followed Teacher Sagi through the air and onto the beast. Leon''s heart was beating wildly in his chest, but he allowed himself the small satisfaction that he did not yelp out loud.


    The griffin handler sat on a small bench just outside the unsheltered carriage and without words, the griffin jumped up, stretching out it''s beautiful feathered wings and catching the updrift of air that it, itself, had caused. Leon''s stomach churned somewhat, but he managed to retain his meal as they soared above the tree line. Once comfortably in flight, the griffin''s movement seemed to smoothen out and Leon glanced over the barrier separating him and falling, with a slight gasp.


    From this height, the curve of the mountain on which their school was located seemed much shallower, but he came to learn just how low down the mountain the outer school was. In the distant west, he could see the towering mountain that held the cavernous secrets he had somewhat discovered and slightly to the north, he could see the monolithic library as it reached for the sky. The griffin flew past the majestic building and over a chasm just beyond it to the eastern side, where a grand bridge connected the alchemist school with a mountain plateau of which a road dominated and split into six. The griffin then flew to the northwest, following the road, before circling the small, rocky mountain that the road disappeared into. With another beat of its wings, the mountain came to be behind them and the martial arts school came into view.


    The martial arts outer school was nothing like the scattered, rustic arrangement that was the outer alchemist school. It was a single storied building made of stone that wrapped around a huge square courtyard. This courtyard was not a place to walk through or relax, the courtyard was in fact a small arena with spectator seating. There were a few structures that seemed to protrude from the main building, but these were still connected. There were no detached buildings to be found.


    Leon sensed that Jin Li was becoming irritable the nearer they approached the school, but he did not know why. Suddenly, his stomach plummeted as the griffin began to descend. He clapped his hand over his mouth, hoping he would not puke as the flight abruptly ended with a sharp dive and a flick of the griffin''s wings. The griffin stable was on the roof of the school, no need to traipse across woodland.


    "Let me take you to Teacher Vane, he is in charge of the gateway leading to the inner school," Teacher Sagi told them and both agreed with a nod.


    However, the Teacher was waylaid on route by a harried looking woman, who seemed to be at her wits end about something and as he spoke to her, helping her to calm, Leon happened to see a bright eye boy beaming with joy as he laid eyes upon them. He bounced up and down and bounded towards them.


    "Jin Li!" The freckled youth with a round face and long, dark brown hair called out. "Jin Li!" Jin Li just scowled.

 Chapter 45 - Five - I meet a boy named Sun

    "There you are, Jin Li," the bubbly boy was saying as he bounced up and around the other with surprising speed. "I''ve been looking all over for you, Jin Li! You were not there when I woke up this morning. Where did you go, Jin Li? You should have waited for me, I would have gone with you!"


    Leon''s eyes widened as the swiftly moving boy spoke continuously in this rapid way without seeming to pause for breath. It was taxing to watch him, Leon felt as if he were holding his own breath along side the boy. So he looked away and observed Jin Li instead, whose scowl was gradually deepening to the point where black lines appeared to be etched into his forehead. Leon felt a bubble of amusement rise into his throat, but it just as quickly dissipated when he saw the boy place both hands upon Jin Li''s arm. His own scowl began to form, but he smoothed it away wondering what irked him so.


    "Sun, let go," Jin Li snapped, interrupting the boy''s endless audio of thoughts and questions. "As for where and why I left this morning, neither is your concern."


    "Ah, Jin Li," the boy, Sun whined, "don''t be like that. We are room mates now and roommates should get along, shouldn''t they?"


    "You have to share?" Leon found himself asking Jin Li. A knot began to twist in his stomach, but he ignored what it could mean.


    Jin Li nodded. "The new outer students of the warriors school are placed in groups of four or two, depending on how promising they are. Individual rooms must be earned. However, in reality, only the top ten students will obtain one."


    Leon tilted his head in thought and replied; "Then it should n-n-not take you too long to g-get one." Jin Li''s lips curved with a hint of smugness. It was good that Leon... his servant recognised his worth.


    "Jin Li, who is this?" Sun suddenly asked as if only now realising that his roommate was not alone.


    "This is Leon, my... servant." Leon rolled his eyes at this description, but let it slide. Jin Li was Jin Li after all. But he didn''t like the way that he was completely dismissed in Sun''s eyes after Jin Li spoke.


    "So, Jin Li, What are you doing now?" The boy recommenced his quick speech. "Have you had lunch? I think the kitchens may have stopped cooking now, but we could probably wheedle something if you are hungry. Or if you are not, Jin Li, we could go and spar in the arena for a while." He began to tug on Jin Li''s arm, but could not make the mountain move, no matter how much he wished it.


    Jin Li flicked his arm from Sun''s grasp before stating; "I have business to attend to elsewhere. You may leave first."


    The boy looked slightly crestfallen at the obvious dismissal, causing Leon to feel a little sorry for him. He placed his own hand upon Jin Li''s arm, willing to speak up for the boy, but felt a chilling glare come suddenly from said direction.


    "Ah, I am sorry to keep you waiting, boys," Teacher Sagi interrupted the tense air flowing between Leon, the ''faithful servant'' and Sun, the ''hero worshiper.'' Jin Li looked unperturbed. "Come on, the portals are this way."


    Jin Li''s perfectly styled brows rose as he heard the description of portals, but he soon came to realise that these had a limited range; to the warrior''s upper school, no further and no where else.


    As the inner schools were places where the strongest youths developed into strong cultivators, their borders were protected by shields created and maintained by several elderly mages. Flying beasts and curious men could not breach them. Even most cultivators would be hard pressed to break them, so the secrets of the inner schools were generally safe. However, one needed a way to enter them and that was through the portals that only a few held the keys to. One such person was Teacher Vane.


    On hearing that the Teacher Sagi wished to send these outer school students through the portal to the inner school, Teacher Vane was full of reluctance and suspicion. He would only relent when Leon showed him the notification request that he had received from Teacher Corne. Teacher Vane visibly flinched when he caught sight of the name of the requester. Apparently, Teacher Corne was someone to be feared, but Leon couldn''t be sure of his assumption having never met the man.


    Teacher Vane finally allowed the three students to use the portals. Yes, somehow the boy, Sun, had followed his hero on his quest and managed to be included in their group.

 Chapter 46 - Six - A Senior tries to bully me

    "Jin Li, why are we going to the inner school?"


    Leon and Jin Li looked around, surprised that the third wheel had tagged along. Leon rolled his eyes and went to speak to the senior student on guard duty in the room they had just warped into, leaving Jin Li to deal with his room mate.


    It had been an odd sensation, being transported by the portals, as if they had been pulled, tugged by a million strings connected to a million points upon their body and within the time it took to take a gasping breath; the scenery had altered around them.


    The student glanced at Leon''s notification and down over this small creature once more. In his arrogant opinion, this boy did not have the strength to produce this number of pills. The wide silver streaks of hair also hinted that he had suffered spiritual deviation. Though he could not believe that the Teachers of the outer school could have been tricked by him either, he decided he should inspect the goods.


    "Place the pills upon this table," he commanded. "If it is proven as you claim, I will take you to Teacher Corne."


    Jin Li looked offended, while Sun had a face of open curiosity. Leon just shrugged and proceeded to take out the jade bottles, counting them as he did. However, when he went to take back one particular bottle, the warrior student''s heavy hand fell upon his wrist. "Are you trying to short change us?"


    Leon tilted his head, wondering how he could possibly do so. "N-no," he denied. "These p-p-pills are something else. N-not what Teacher C-C-Corne requested."


    "Then you won''t mind handing them to me," the student claimed, a greedy glint appearing in his eye.


    Jin Li tutted at this student''s blatant attempt at theft and unsheathed his sword. Sun squealed in panic, why was Jin Li about to step into battle with a senior, an inner school senior student over his servants measly pills? All the while, Leon was calmly wondering why he wanted these pills at all. Admittedly, they were the improved versions, as he had managed to purchase a missing ingredient as a spice, they were not at all useful for this martial artist.


    However, before things could come to a head, Senior Pike stepped through the door into the room. "What''s going on here?" He asked, noticing an angry Jin Li in stance ready for battle. And then his eyes fell upon Leon behind the burly form of the senior student on duty, who happened to stiffen upon hearing Pike''s voice behind him. "Leo! This is great, I was just coming to see you!"


    Leon tilted his body in order to see the young man, before a wide smile appeared upon his face. He stepped to one side and bowed in greeting. "Senior, I have b-brought Teacher C-Corne''s requested p-p-pills."


    "You know he was just asking about them," Pike stepped forward, placing his hand out to indicate that Jin Li ought to withdraw his blade. Sun gave a large sigh of relief as Jin Li did so. "Little Leo, he had thought you had forgotten his request. Teacher''s can only wait so long."


    "Sorry," Leon had drawn out the making of the pills, he could admit to his mistake.


    "Come on, I''ll take you to Teacher Corne," Pike told them. So Leon began to quickly repack the jade bottles into the interspacial bag.


    "I thought you were on a mission for your master," the senior said to Pike, a hint of sullenness to his tone. He could not afford to get into trouble again, but with the upstanding Pike and his associates away, he had fallen into old habits of bullying weaker students once more. And of course, good pills were difficult to get hold of for the average student, the temptation when seeing all of those small jade bottles filled with fat round pills was too much.


    Pike made a non-committed sound. "We returned last night," he said finally. "Word must not have got around yet." He looked to Leon. "Are you ready?"


    Leon nodded then paused, holding his hand out to the other senior. "My p-pills, p-please."


    The senior flinched, he had still held out hopes that they would be counted as lost. Pike gave the senior a warning stare, to which the man chuckled, nervously. "Just holding them for you," he said, finally handing them over.


    "Ooo what are those?" Pike asked curiously, realising that this bottle did not contain the requested pills.


    "Ah I m-m-made these for the apothecary in town," Leon said, honestly. "They are Soft Ice P-pills. G-good for children''s fevers." Both Jin Li And Pike found themselves chuckling behind their hands, though the former also offered a smug sneer at the muscle brained idiot trying to claim them for himself. Then they filed out of the room, leaving said idiot to continue guarding the portals.

 Chapter 47 - Seven - I am introduced to Teacher Corne

    Teacher Corne was not entirely what Leon expected of Pike''s Master. As the younger man appeared to have focused his body''s efforts into his shoulders and upper arms (and likely hidden thighs) showing he liked to rely on brute strength to give him the upper edge, Teacher Corne proved to simply be thick of body all over. Not fat, such soft and indulgent layers were not apparent at all on this man, he just appeared strongly built from head to toe. He was not quite as tall as his student and Jin Li either.


    His sharp eyes seemed to scrutinise each young student as they entered the weapons room, where he had been attending to his equipment. He had a square shaped face which was lined with a neatly trimmed beard and moustache. Equally attended, curved brows framed above his eyes and his dark hair knotted at his nap, not a strand out of place. He was not a handsome man, but he had great presence.


    "Master," Pike greeted him with a bow, to which all three boys followed suit. There was no question that this man was superior to them and commanded respect. "Master, I happened upon the alchemist apprentice Leo on my way to collect your pills from him. He had the same idea, planning to bring the pills to you."


    Leon stepped nervously forward a place. "I have the requested p-p-pills," he said. Teacher Corne''s near brows rose as he heard the stutter from Leon''s lips, but he said nothing. Leon began taking the pills from his bag, carefully separating the jade bottles from the ones containing other pills and potions.


    "Ah, good," The man said, accepting the pills as was his right. "Though you could easily leave them with Pike next time."


    "Yes," Leon said, knowing he likely would have done if not for the scene that other senior had caused. Of course, he had also thought Pike still away on his mission.


    "And who might these others be?" Teacher Corne enquired. He could naturally feel the cultivation of all three boys. He sensed that the alchemist had not long broken through to secondary stage, but was impressed that the child''s innersea was quite stable regardless. Often, cultivators newly emerged from a lower stage had unstable seas and it took time for it to settle. If they did not wait and pushed their cultivation, they would surely suffer some sort of deviation, as it appears the boy might have done in the past, though looking deeper through him, he felt this was not so certain.


    On the other hand, there were the two martial artists. The smaller one was still of primary stage, though it was doubtful he would remain there long. He also had a wind root. Corne suspected this would no doubt improve his swiftness and speed. The taller youth was apparently tertiary stage and also had a stable sea. This was extremely impressive for one so young, almost impossible to fathom. His root was lightning. There would be those who claimed that his root was not strong as it was not considered one of the five primary roots (being fire, earth, metal, water and wood), but Corne felt that this assumption was too simple for this particular root.


    "Sorry, Master," Pike said sheepishly, scratching at the back of his neck for his bad manners. "This is Jin Li, the Student I told you about who was admitted to the outer school recently. Unfortunately, I have yet to know this young man."


    Sun blushed, slightly due to the fact that he had tagged along without actual permission and partially because he was in the presence of two more of his heroes. Who hadn''t heard of the prowess of Corne, who had many tales to tell as he travelled the realm, improving his cultivation, uncovering the plot of a demonic cultivation sect hiding beneath the guise of a righteous one, battling with the twin tailed Onyx Lion and surviving and finally settling down in the school he had graduated from as a Teacher to a younger generation. And then no matter how many approached him, he finally chose Pike to be his one and only personal apprentice.


    "I''m Sun, Jin Li''s roommate," he bowed low, hoping to improve their impression of him.


    However Teacher Corne said nothing, simply accepting the introductions and saying nothing more about them. "It is late," he said finally. "Pike, take our guests to the food hall, get them something to eat. The portals will be closed soon as curfew sets in. Guide them to one of the guest rooms for the night. Leo, I will prepare the agreed payment for when you leave tomorrow."


    And with that, the four men were dismissed.

 Chapter 48 - Eight - I learn about the Standings

    The two martial artists from the outer school soon found that the grounds of the inner school was designed in much the same way as the outer school. The only thing was that the corridors were longer, as the inner arena was much larger than that of the outer school. And of course, there was no griffin nest upon the roof.


    Therefore the Food Hall here was in the same location as that of the outer school, the north western corner. The aromas were more appetising however and the variety more interesting. Jin Li''s plate was soon piled high with various dishes and he seemed disappointed that he could not possibly fit more onto it. Both Leon and Sun were used to this behaviour, but Pike could not help but stare in disbelief as the youth squeezed another spring roll onto his plate. He even went so far as to add an additional portion of meat upon Leon''s, expecting to snatch it back.


    As they settled down at a table, they came under scrutiny of the other students, all analysing them as potential rivals for the most part. The two small boys were quickly dismissed; there was no way that either would prove a challenge. The tall, pale youth required a second look, for his aura was strong. But to most, he seemed nothing more than an empty vase. It was more disgruntling to the men, that this flower vase attracted the attention of the few females amongst them. These girls were not worried if Jin Li was more looks than skills, they would still be willing to roll a turn or two should he wish it.


    A pity that Jin Li''s attention was not on them. He had already finished more than half of the dishes on his plate before snitching away the meat loaded onto Leon''s plate. Leon did not bat an eyelid at his unscrupulous behaviour, enjoying the slightly spicy flavouring on the rice and stir fried vegetables that he had chosen. He ate a little of the meat, it had a deep, gamey flavour, but it was soon all whisked away.


    As Jin Li finally settled away from his empty plate, he was approached by a face he had seen just once before. "Ho, Jin Li," the senior Bowyer greeted. This was the man he had fought as part of his test to enter the school. Jin Li bowed his head in acknowledgement, recalling that this person had good martial arts abilities. "I did not expect to see you so soon. Have you transferred?"


    "No, this is a quick visit," Jin Li responded. "I return to the outer school tomorrow."


    "A pity," the senior replied. "I had hoped to spar with you somewhat. Your swordplay intrigues me."


    "Practicing for the Standings?" Pike asked him and Bowyer nodded his agreement.


    "Yes, I will surpass you this year and take my rightful place within the top ten," he said with boast.


    "Standings?" Leon asked curiously.


    Pike nodded. "For the Martial Arts, Beast Taming and Magic schools, there are two ways for the outer students to become an inner student. One is recognition of talent by a Teacher. The other are the Standings. Students fight and are judged by their abilities and techniques as well as whether they win or lose. And then are placed in order of rank or standing. The top ten students of the outer school can then challenge the bottom ten students of the inner school for their places. It is considered a way for students who are hard working to rise, even if their talents are average."


    "And a good way to teach those who fail to practice that their place is not secure. Of course, it is also a good way for outer and inner school students to impress Teachers," Bowyer added, "perhaps gain a personal apprenticeship to one."


    "I see," Leon tilted his head. He wondered in what ways an alchemist might prove themselves, maybe transfer from the outer to inner school. He knew from Caprian that one was to stand out, produce a unique or quality pill. But then he shook away such thoughts. He did not want to transfer and move away from his established home. Flying under the radar suited him better, he was sure. But Jin Li was probably different. "If J-Jin Li f-fights in these Standings, he w-will surely transfer," he mused aloud.


    Jin Li was internally happy to hear his opinion, but his face turned sour anyway. "First year students do not compete in the Standings," he scowled.


    "Oh," Leon replied, lowering his eyes onto the remnants on his plate. He picked at something that resembled a sliced pepper, but was surprised by the sharp bite of it.


    Jin Li turned to Bowyer, now feeling the weight of his sword by his side. "It is still light outside and curfew is not until it fades. What say we go for a round now?" He suggested, earning himself a swift slap on the back.


    "I like the way you think," Bowyer agreed and both men departed for the arena.


    "Will he be alright?" Pike found himself asking, thinking of the huge meal that couldn''t possibly be yet digested. But both Leon and Sun simply shrugged.

 Chapter 49 - Nine - I watch a sparring before bed

    Jin Li happened to be more than well. He sparred with Bowyer for more that an hour before they were forced to pause by the setting sun.


    As Pike guided Leon and Sun to the arena, the two swordsmen were already performing small, testing moves against one another; a thrust of the blade here, a feint there, nothing complex and nothing that was uneasily countered. The three sat upon the stone benches and began watching the steps that were tentative, like two dance partners getting to know one another.


    As their first moves evolved into patterns, their swords becoming an extension of their arms as their bodies moved to a rhythm that only a warrior could understand, Leon noticed other students coming to sit and observe. They had heard that Bowyer was sparring with the newcomer but had thought nothing of it, still judging Jin Li by his tall and willowy first appearance. They thought that they could learn nothing new. However, they were drawn by the sounds of metal upon metal and could not contain their curiosity.


    A group of girl warriors also gathered, slightly separate from the boys. They not only wanted to see the handsome young Master that had caught their eye in the Food Hall, but Bowyer''s attractiveness was not to be underestimated. The man was slightly rugged of appearance, the cut of his face appearing dangerous, but although his mind was too much on his martial arts, he was always polite to the female warriors who had proven their worth. This rose his standing in their perceptive eyes. The girls who began watching aloof and convinced that they simply wanted to observe the techniques of these swordsmen, soon began fangirling and squealing behind their sleeves.


    As before, when Leon had witnessed them fight, the two martial artists speed increased over time and their movements became more complex and intricate. More than once did either man seem to have the upper hand only to be counterattacked or fall due to their own misstep. And as before, neither won, they were stopped due to circumstance, unable to declare a victor. Not that it mattered; it was only a spar between swordsmen.


    Bowyer lead Jin Li to where both could wash the sweat from their bodies before they met with the others at the guestrooms. The rooms were not overly large, a small seating area adjoining two bedrooms, both containing two beds. Pike had placed a jug of fresh water in each room for drinking or for filling the wide bowls meant for cleaning hands or face, before he and Bowyer bid them goodnight. Pike would meet them in the morning and guide them back to through the portals.


    Sun waited until Jin Li had claimed a bed for himself, before immediately claiming the second bed in the same room. The bed was much more comfortable that what the outer school students gained. He thought it would be good to transfer to the inner school as soon as possibly to gain the benefit of these and better tasting food. He did not think that this bed is in a guest room, therefore not aimed to comfort students. He glanced over at the ''servant'' alchemist with a smug expression, but Leon looked unperturbed, instead simply bidding them both a good night.


    "Come here," Jin Li ordered before Leon could leave the room. The young man sighed inwardly, before walking to Jin Li''s side. He was well aware that Jin Li was stronger than him, so there was no point in battling upon the losing path.


    "W-What is it?" Leon asked as he reached his side. He yelped as he was grabbed by the wrist and pulled into the bed beside Jin Li. Sun looked over at this, at first slack jawed and then with a deep scowl.


    "You might as well sleep here," Jin Li stated. "It is easier to keep you out of trouble."


    Leon rolled over onto his side and looked at Jin Li with a frown. "And w-what trouble are you exp-p-pecting? N-n-no one here w-wishes to hurt m-me."


    "Who knows," Jin Li replied, as he removed Leon''s glasses and tucked them safely into the interspacial pouch on his waist. "Just do as I say." He lay upon his back and closed his eyes as Leon followed suit with a resigned sigh, not realising that he was wrong. Sun actually did want to hurt him at this moment in time!

 Chapter 50 - - Sun wishes to be my rival?

    The following morning brought a surprise to Leon that had him waking suddenly, a morning condition that inflicted most men at some point. It probably did not help that Jin Li had moved in the night to sprawl over him, partially spooning him. One long leg was now lying over his right calf and an arm was draped over his waist, his fingers not to far a stretch from the place now causing him problems. He swiftly slid out from beneath Jin Li, who simply shuffled over into the warmth he left behind.


    He sighed inwardly, hoping his problem would solve itself before it became noticeable. Thank goodness his clothes were layered loose robes, more space to hide beneath.


    Leon wandered into the empty bedroom across the room adjoining both after retrieving his glasses, where he relieved himself in the situated chamber pot before washing his face and hands. He then took to sitting in that middle room to wait for the other boys to wake from their slumber. As he could not just sit still and wait, but felt like there would not be time to cultivate properly, he took out his carving knife and a partially shaped piece of wood and spent an hour peacefully carving.


    In fact, what he was working on was a koi fish; he had intended to give to Jin Li and it was based upon the embroidery of the worn silk robes he had first appeared before him in. But then Jin Li had moved out of his hut, so it had remained unfinished. He was not sure which rune to inscribe upon the leaping scaled fish either, for Jin Li was strong and able to protect himself. Good health seemed to be more of an omen for the future to one still young. He did think about carving ''good digestion'' but if such a rune existed, he didn''t know it. So in the end, he chose Good Fortune, feeling that this was an all round sort of rune.


    It was already finished and he had began to carve a new talisman, one carved in the shape of a lotus flower, when he heard the occupants of the bedroom stir. Jin Li came out first with Sun following in his shadow.


    "What are you doing?" Jin Li asked, he had been disgruntled that Leon had not been in the bed with him. He claimed to himself that this was because he could not guarantee the other would not do something foolish while he slept, like allow himself to be bullied or cultivate before his new level was stable. He did not need to keep rescuing his servant; it required too much of his precious time!


    "Carving," Leon replied, placing his unfinished piece and knife to one side. He then picked up the koi fish carving and offered it to Jin Li. "For you."


    Jin Li took the small piece between his fingers to gain a better look at it. His lips involuntarily curved. The youth was improving. He turned it over to notice the strange symbol embedded in the back and ran his finger over the lines. As always, there was a smooth loop on top of the carved piece in order that it could be threaded onto and attached to something else. Jin Li went to grab his sword from the bedroom. He attached the talisman to one of the tassels upon the hilt of his sword.


    As he had been inspecting the gift, so had Sun, but unlike Jin Li who was pleased with it, he looked upon it with scorn. What was with this cheap knickknack? How could his most talented and under appreciated hero be pleased with that?


    Sun looked up to Jin Li for several reasons, the smallest being that Jin Li clearly had the aura of a young master, he even wore those slightly worn silks and cheap linen with such majesty, it was hard to consider him as perhaps being down on his luck. Sun had witnessed his skills in the sparring sessions, knew of his cultivation level, which had caused the envy of all of his peers, but most of all Jin Li happened to have been there when he needed him most.


    When the group of boys and girls, newly enrolled, had been brought by griffin to the martial arts outer school, there was naturally some shoving and postering as placement among themselves went wanting. As someone lacking in height and physical strength, Sun had quickly been targeted. One might have thought that the Teachers would put a halt to this, but the Teachers were smarter than that. Instead, they were swept into a lesson where their skill sets would be determined. They all headed to the arena where the first test was a free for all. The goal was to remain on a raised stage until the end.


    Unknown to the students, the Teachers did not care who came out on top. This lesson was for these hot headed youths to let loose steam. None would be able to outrank all those already enrolled and with more experience than them, so no matter what ''standings'' they came to between themselves, there was already someone greater close by. Also those who fell flat here would likely work hard to rise later.


    Sun was targeted by four individuals looking to ''score a point'' right off of the bat. It was most unfair. While he could have easily dealt with two, four would have been pushing his luck, even with his fast reflexes. And they were quick to realise just how fast he could move as one of their number fell off of the stage when rushing to get him. The other three stepped back before moving as one, denying him freedom to get out of their way. And then Jin Li came along. He simply lowered himself and swung out his leg, his opponents feet swept from beneath him, then he thrust the pummel of his sword into the second after he removed the threat of the first and then used his knee to destable the stance of the third. He then simply moved on.


    Yes he did not intend to rescue Sun at all, but the boy was blindsided by how bright he looked and how perfectly timed his moves were and to his utter joy, he was assigned to share a room with this knight in shining armour. He figured it was fate and that Jin Li and he would become excellent friends, comrades of arms, two brothers upon the battlefield of life. Only, it wasn''t working out that way and Sun now placed the blame upon Leon''s narrow shoulders. Clearly this servant did not know his place! Surely he was only in the school to provide Jin Li with pills to aid his cultivation and yet Jin Li shared food with him, a bed with him, moved to protect him when he was endangered and even took pathetic gifts from him with a smile.


    Sun did not like Leon at all and felt soon that he would have to show the boy his place.

 Chapter 51 - One - The Martial Arts school has a request system too

    Leon, of course, was not aware of Sun''s thoughts and was a little glad (and a little saddened) that Jin Li had made a friend in the martial arts school. He was also settling into the school well it seemed. Maybe he wouldn''t be so quick to depend on Leon in the future? This thought was not as happy a one as he would assume and Leon knew that it was he that had become dependant on Jin Li for company. He missed him when he wasn''t around, even though his overbearing, arrogant nature was sometimes too much when he was.


    Pike came for them not long after Sun and Jin Li had woken and handed Leon the payment for his pills; the leather belt and scabbard and the new boots. The boots fitted well and were much more comfortable than his old worn slippers. He wiggles his toes within the confines, a smile upon his lips.


    However, his clueless nature reared its head once more, causing Pike more mirth. He overly enjoyed the boy''s innocence, was always amused by the widening of his bright eyes when he learnt something new. It began as they were about to leave; Leon hovered in the door of the guest chamber, not quite ready to leave.


    "Um, P-Pike," he said, his cheeks staining pink as he readied himself to question with a whisper; "What about the ch-chamber p-pots and b-blankets? They were used." The pink morphed to red as he saw the hints of held back laughter and the rolling of eyes by Jin Li and Sun.


    "Don''t worry about it," Pike struggled to not chuckle between words. He gently tapped Leon upon the shoulder. Jin Li stopped laughing in an instant. "Someone will deal with it. A first year perhaps."


    Leon looked confused so he explained further; "Each school works on the method of supply and demand, you need herbs to practice making pills, the school supplies them in exchange for some of those pills, right?" Leon nodded. "The martial arts students need techniques, pills and cultivation methods, but have nothing to offer the school in return. The school does supply basic and common techniques and cultivation methods in the library as well as through lectures as well as basic equipment to every student, regardless of school. But to earn more, a price must be paid. Martial arts student earn points through guarding, cleaning and later through missions. I believe some of the other schools do the same, but the tasks differ. Your school uses herbs and pills for its payments to tasks. The only time this changes is when the request crosses schools."


    "I didn''t know this," Jin Lin stated, but then, he never felt the need to learn a new cultivation technique as he had the one passed down from his family. It was likely far superior to any a Middle Realm could offer.


    "Jin Li, it was mentioned during orientation," Sun whispered to him.


    "I was busy cleaning my sword," Jin Li said dismissively.


    "Anyway, there is no need to worry," Pike concluded, shaking his head. The country bumpkin had surely attracted unusual friends, he thought to himself as he lead them to breakfast. As they sat down, he recommended to Jin Li to look at the request board in the outer school when he returned their. "Your cultivation is good as are your skills, but you may still need other things?"


    "Such as," Jin Li asked, giving respect to Pike, by briefly pausing the motions of his chopsticks.


    "New equipment, pills," Pike named a couple of things off of the top of his head. "The school does not supply either unless you happen to be apprenticed by a specific Teacher. Even a simple clear spiritual pill can cost 20 points."


    Leon thought about the side effects of taking certain low level pills and paused in eating his own breakfast. "Don''t worry about p-p-pills," he told Jin Li. "If you n-n-need something, c-come to m-me f-first." If he could supply Jin Li an improved version, it would be better for him in the long run, less side effects and sometimes more efficient.


    Jin Li was also aware of this, so he nodded, understanding what Leon wanted to say, but arrogantly added; "I never intended anything else." Although his tone surprised Pike, Leon seemed happy with the response, so he said nothing, just smiled. Sun was mired in his own thoughts wondering why Jin Li''s servant felt the need to remind his Master in the first place!


    Once breakfast was over, Pike guided them to the portals, but turned to Leon and stated; "You should come and watch the Standings, I will ensure you a seat!"


    "Thank you," Leon smiled, brightly in agreement. For some reason, this caused Jin Li to grind his teeth in irritation.

 Chapter 52 - Two - I attend a lecture

    The strange pulling sensation brought them back to the outer school, where they were met by a senior student, who looked at the three suspiciously before acknowledging them with the tilt of his head. They left the portal room giving the same amount of acknowledgement to that student as he had afforded them.


    Leon turned to Jin Li, as they stepped into the hall and asked; "How long d-does it take to w-walk to m-my hut?"


    "It would likely take you the rest of the day," he said with a slight sneer to his words, gazing up at down at the boy and hinting at Leon''s weak body. The youth ignored him and simply nodded as he listened, before smiling at the two martial artists.


    "Well, I should get started," he said as if it were of no consequence, but before he could take another step, Jin Li grabbed his arm and held him back. Naturally, Sun saw this and frowned.


    "Jin Li, why did you stop him," he pouted. "I hoped to exchange pointers with you, Jin Li. You can''t be meaning to walk back with him to the alchemist school can you?" Leon''s eyes widened wondering if Jin Li actually had that intention, but when he glanced up at the youth''s scowling face, he knew this to not be true.


    "I had no such intention," he replied, crossly. "This Lord does not need to expend the effort in carrying his body when he collapses in the attempt. I was merely going to suggest you go to the Griffin nest."


    "But we came here with Teacher Sagi," Leon replied, thinking that was why they were given such privilege. Jin Li thought about this and decided that the older boy was probably not wrong.


    "Well then, let us ask if Teacher Sagi has returned or if there might be another way of sending you back," Sun said, brightly. Leon thanked him, thinking that he was a good person, could not see why Jin Li treated him like air so often. Also he felt guilty about his first sour thoughts about the bubbly boy. He was not aware that Sun just wished to get rid of him quickly.


    As it happened, Teacher Sagi was due to give another lecture to the first year students about the side effects of taking pills. This lecture was meant to warn them and let them know that while pills and potions had their place, they should not be taken as substitute for hard work or relied on heavily.


    Leon decided that they should not disturb the Teacher before the lecture and instead took a seat hoping to learn something new. He was surprised, as was Sun, when Jin Li opted to sit beside him, even though he continued to scowl as if this was a waste of his time. Sun sat beside his idol quietly, shifting blame for Jin Li doing this and not sparring with him in the arena squarely upon Leon''s shoulders once more.


    As far as Jin Li was concerned, this lecture was boring. In fact, this was not just in his opinion. A lot of the martial arts students seemed to be thinking much the same. If he had dwelled much on this, he would have realised that there was a common vein; the students least interested and looking half asleep were all wealthy young masters. These students had learned this lesson before or simply didn''t care; wasn''t that what purifying potions for? While those who stared at the Teacher bored, but trying to seem otherwise were aspiring young Masters, told by their families to listen and respect the Teachers and seniors, but at the same time, had been brought up to think they were special and above others. The small group who were listening attentively either actually liked learning this or were from poorer backgrounds, unaware of this knowledge and aware they needed to learn as much as possible so when they graduate, they can improve their lots in life.


    Jin Li watched Leon, one of the latter group, his eyes were sparkling attentively as he took in every word. Did he not know all of this already? He was from the alchemist school after all, this would taught to them as well. Well, he thought to himself, seeing Leon this happy was not unpleasant. He would put up with this boring lecture for now.


    If he cared enough to look to the other side of him, he might have found that Sun was in the same situation as him; a bored young master. But he didn''t; care, look or find out.

 Chapter 53 - Three - I walk through the herb gardens

    Leon returned back to the alchemists school with teacher Sagi leaving a sullen Jin Li behind. Beside him, Sun simply pouted and wished Leon a good riddance.. in his heart at least. He then dragged Jin Li away to train with him in the arena, reminding Jin Li why he had sought out the peaceful sanctuary of Leon''s poor hut in the first place.


    The griffin landed as abruptly as before, causing the remnants of Leon''s breakfast to lurch about in his stomach. He was glad that the time the lecture took had allowed him to digest, otherwise he feared that there would have been an unfortunate accident occurring.


    Leon helped Teacher Sagi take his things back to his own abode, which happened to be behind the Herb Hall. To get there, they needed to pass through the large walled gardens behind the hall. Leon (nor his body''s original owner, Leo) had ever been into the gardens before, so he was not sure what to expect. At first glance, there was a small stone patio with several drying racks along the walls, each holding herbs in various states. Some of these were better used dry and some were being held in order to harvest their seeds.


    The patioed area was contained with its own walls and there was a stone archway leading into the next garden.... which was not a garden at all, but a mass of fields. As it happened, this area was apparently a dimensional pocket, though not as large as Leon first thought. Teacher Sagi claimed that this sort of pocket was not too unusual. It was an artificial pocket, a space that originally was merely fifty metres by fifty metres, but had been stretched until it reached five hundred metres squared. However, the crystals that supplied the magic required for such a feat needed to be replaced every other month, something that was dealt with by the magic school in return for pills.


    The scents of common and quickly growing herbs were first to hit his senses as he followed the Teacher along the path through the fields. He suspected that these were what were regularly harvested for the junior students and others such as himself, who needed these common ingredients regularly.


    At the opposite side of these fields was another wall and archway, which lead into a garden filled with heady, rich scents. His eyes darted left and right as he recognised a few of these less common plants from pictures in Leo''s diaries, but there were many more that he did not know of. The tall plant with knife like leaves he recognised as bladed thistle, which had large blue flowers when it bloomed. These flowers had no use in pills, but girls like to use them to top their bath water, claiming the oils they released were refreshing in scent. The plant itself was used in cloudy spiritual pills, which like their lesser version, the clear spiritual pill, helped aid cultivation. Those of secondary and tertiary stage favoured these. They naturally were not without draw backs. He also recognised the horned lantern flower. It''s strange orange bloom looked like a dragon''s head from Chinese mythology. He did not know what potions and pills it was for. Leo had died before he had written more details about the plant down.


    Leon was then lead past a huge circular pond, which was filled and surrounded by even stranger looking herbs, in fact he recognised one or two as they grew near the water''s edge of the lake. His eyes narrowed in thought as he considered how he might go about cultivation those within his own small garden. Perhaps he could purchase a small tub and create his own pond? It didn''t think it would be too hard to try at least. In the back of his mind, he added this item to the list of things he wanted to buy in town the next time he was there. He would talk to Mino, arrange for another visit. He also needed to see the blacksmith''s apprentice after all.


    The path finally lead to a small, but neatly architectured house, which overlooked the precious herbs. Teacher Sagi turned around and thanked Leon for his assistance before sending him on his way, trusting that the boy would not steal any herbs from the gardens. His trust was not in vain. It never even occurred to Leon to steal herbs in the first place.

 Chapter 54 - Four - My school’s Twin Lotuses

    After speaking with Mino, Leon decided to get a small bite to eat before returning to his hut. It was fairly noisy in the Food Hall, unusually so, he thought. Although there were set times for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with students making pills or potions, cultivating or trying to grow basic herbs, the numbers within the food hall at any one time varied and the cooks always made sure that there was cold foods available for late comers and bundles for those wanting to partake in a long periods of closed door cultivation. The times Leon had come to eat, there was usually no more than a dozen people sitting about inside the hall.


    However, during this lunch time, there were closer to sixty, reminding Leon of the busy martial arts school food hall and he had to search for somewhere to sit. He didn''t want to eat outside. Eventually, he found a spot in the corner, when someone took their empty tray back to the front. The other occupants at the table paid him no mind, however as their attention was clearly elsewhere.


    One boy sighed. "If only we could have grabbed a seat closer," he said with a melancholic tone.


    "Blame Jude," a snarky boy said. "If he hadn''t lost track of time messing about with those blood burning pills, we would have gotten here earlier! Everyone knows that the twin lotuses eat lunch when the sun is at it''s zenith!" Leon vaguely recalled that Blood Burning Pills were a stronger version of the Burning Energy Pills that he had made frequently in exchange for herbs.


    "Those pills are tricky," the one, who had clearly lost face, complained. "And how will I get into the inner school if I don''t practice making those harder pills?"


    "But, if you get transferred now," the first boy mentioned. "Won''t you miss out on seeing the girls everyday?"


    "Do you really think that Miss Merylin will remain in the outer school long, Fin?" Jude asked. "Not only is she beautiful and kind, she has proven to be very talented at making pills. Her pills are already of good quality, despite she and Miss Maimai having only been enrolled for four weeks. I heard Senior Brother Bow say so."


    "And what of Miss Maimai?" Fin asked. The boys all paused in their musings and sighed in unison.


    "I heard that she had made an almost flawless first fortitude pill the other day?" Jude said with a slightly dreamy sigh upon his face. The first fortitude pill was a basic defence pill. It strengthened the body by ten percent for a period of two hours and this enhancement was stackable; a body could cope with taking three of these pills at once. However, the impurities in the pill were high and a nuisance to be rid of if they built up within the body due to overuse of the pill. A basic purifying potion would not necessarily be strong enough.


    "Was that before or after I saw smoke billowing out of her hut''s window again?" the snarky boy asked, but there was not a lot of ridicule in his tone.


    "After," Jude replied. "She made it after she obtained her fourth replacement cauldron." Leon frowned as he chewed upon a mouthful of rice. What sort of person needed to replace so many cauldron''s in just four weeks? His question did not remain unanswered for long. One of the boys nudged the other and all three boys seemed to sigh in unison once more.


    Two girls in the spring time of their youth stood up from the table in the middle of the room, causing practically the whole room to pause mid bite and silence descended. One girl was quite tall. She was slender and elegant and held herself upright and her soft pink lips were curved into a gentle smile. Her dark auburn hair was arranged neatly upon her head, the long straight tresses having been wound partially into a bun with the rest to hang down her back like a silk cloak. There was an emerald green and gold hair pin decorating her hair and the robes covering her pale skin were of pale green skin decorated by moon birds and flowers.


    Beside her was a girl of similar colouring, but a broad smile brightened her pretty face. Her hair was curly and worn in a messy bun that somehow did not look as if she simply tied it back just to get it out of her eyes. She wore a simpler hair pin with pale pink crystals and wore plain pale pink robes, although they were still made of silk. She was slightly shorter than her companion and more curved of figure. They made quite the comparison, but both could be considered beautiful... if Leon was into that sort of person.


    "Pink suits Miss Maimai, don''t you think?" a boy from the table next to him whispered to his table mate, who nodded in agreement.


    "Miss Merylin And Miss Maimai are daughters of the same sect leader," another whisper reached Leon''s ears. "But Miss Merylin is the daughter of the first wife."


    "We are so lucky that the Twin Lotuses chose our school of alchemy," Fin sighed out loud.


    It was then that Leon realised that most of the room''s occupants were male. He rolled his eyes heavenward and returned his focus onto his meal.

 Chapter 55 - Five - I expand my repertoire

    Having heard talk about other pills, Leon wondered if he hadn''t been a little slack with his own. Of late, he generally had stuck to what he knew he could make with ease and those he could sell to the apothecary. Of course, the better strength of pill required more uncommon herbs, which were not given freely; they were earned by way of the request board or given by Teachers to personal apprentices. He did have one or two uncommon herbs in his garden, but they were not ready for harvest as yet.


    However there were still many basic pills that used common herbs that he had not tried forming yet. He exchanged several bottles of burning energy pills and clear spiritual pills for herb bundles and returned to his hut to sort through them.


    If he recalled correctly, he had once been told by Caprian that Leo had created a ''not so simple'' beast calming pill. A beast calming pill was a basic pill that was not for human consumption, but for beasts. If a weak beast consumed the irresistibly scented pill, it was then easier for a beast tamer to create a bond and tame it. But just as many pills contained a side effect that caused problems for humans, the beast calming pill could actually morph into a weak poison within a beast, not only causing it to become enraged, but weakening it to point of death in worst cases. This happened in one in five cases, so was only used when the risk was considered worth it, perhaps when the beast was uncommon or rare or when the creature had too strong a will despite being categorised as weak.


    However, according to Leo''s notes, his improved beast calming pill reduced the chances of the medicine altering to poison, the risk was only one in ten. Also he claimed, though Leon wasn''t sure whether he had tested his theories like he had with other pills, that the ''poison'' would never be fatal, that the sick beast would recover in two or three days at most. Seeing as the pill had paved Caprian''s entry into the inner school, Leon could only assume that some if not all Leo''s points were true.


    Leon did not want to make the improved version; he did not want it to appear in the wrong hands and cause him more problems. So he chose to create it just using the written method, which required the leaves and stalks of the northern gemweed plant, and the stalks of honeyvine and fragrant beasttails. Even this took him several tries as the stalks of the three herbs needed had to be slowly heated within the cauldron at first, so that their juices were released until pooling together at the base before the succulent leaves of the northern gemweed were added and the fire increased to boiling temperatures. His spiritual energies then helped the pills to form. Once he had the hang of it, the cauldron produced a batch of three, green pills.


    He filled three jade bottles, each containing five pills before he was satisfied that he had the hang of this particular pill. He also learned how to make hidden mist pills, which hid a Cultivator''s scent from many types of weak beasts for a while (not all, as certain beasts were famed for their enhanced sense of smell) and first fortitude pills. He had more success creating the latter than the former as Leo had written notes along the diary entry for this recipe recording ways to not only increase chances of success making it, but an improved version as well.


    Leo''s notes tending to be more detailed and researched in pills that he had been interested in than those he hadn''t. For instance, pills that helped him and kept him safe were ones he had expressed interest in, whereas ones that benefited others, but not him, he was not. Why he had experimented with the beast calming pill, that was explained in the diaries and had been on a whim.


    Tired and feeling slightly drained of spiritual energy, he decided that he would call it a day and take a bath. He placed the jade bottles into one of his interspacial bags before entering the small ''bath shed'' and realising his mistake. His soiled change of clothes were still to one side, stained in the muck he had expelled from his now smooth skin and the bath was filled with cold, murky water. He sighed and rolled up his sleeves, beginning the chores that would take him until the sun had disappeared beyond the horizon.

 Chapter 56 - Six - Mystery meat and noodle soup

    Jin Li came to visit five days after they had parted. Sun was not with him. Leon was not aware that Jin Li''s visit coincided with the point that the youth could no longer stand the energetic Sun''s enthusiasm and pestering. When Sun had opened his mouth and suggested that he and Jin Li ought to become a team and fulfil one of the mission requests, Jin Li had excused himself and fled.


    It was fairly late in the day and although the sun had not yet set, it would do so within an hour or so. Leon was not out in the dusty front ''yard'' of his small hut, but his front door was open, so Jin Li walked straight in. He blinked as his eyes adjusted to the dimmer light within and the first thing he noticed was that Leon had white powder upon his nose and in his hair.


    The boy was standing at a strangely ornate metal box with curved feet. The black object reached Leon''s waist and a long cylinder of the same metal came from out top of it, reaching up along the wall before disappearing through it. There was heat coming from the box and Leon was stirring a cooking pot on top of it. The kettle behind it was bubbling away happily and another small pot was steaming beside it and delicious scents were filling the small space.


    Jin Li''s stomach growled.


    Leon turned slightly startled, but released a breath of relief when he saw who it was. He smiled and welcome the other in. "J-just in time for d-d-dinner," Leon said, before rushing to grab a second bowl.


    "What is that?" Jin Li asked pointing at the metal contraption.


    "N-noodles," Leon replied, not realising what Jin Li referred to. He proudly scooped out half of the portion of noodles (originally meant for just one) and placed them into a bowl, before scooping the rest into the other. He had never made noodles before. Mino''s grandmother had taken a curious him under her wing and taught him a couple of things after the young men had finished tasks in town. This was his first attempt by himself and he felt that he had done well.


    "No... not the food," Jin Li explained, "that metal box."


    "Um, it is l-like a enclosed f-fireplace, m-meant f-for cooking," Leon replied. "B-But I can also use it to m-m-make p-pills and heat the hut in the w-winter."


    "I see," Jin Li lost interest. So long as food was provided, he did not need to know how it was cooked. Leon scooped some of the vegetables and meat from the pot, placing them on top of the noodles before adding the broth. He wasn''t sure what type of meat it was, other than it was red, for he had bought it in dried form and simply soaked it until it could be reheated for his meal.


    He had also bought a lot of flour, rice, pickles and preserves, dried vegetables, fruit and meat, as well as spices, yeast and another jar of honey, since his improved soft ice pills and white warming potions gave him a healthy purse. He also bought more cloth and clothes, his spare set had to be burned seeing as he could not remove the black stains from them. The apprentice blacksmith had then shown him the stove he had created, even Mr Mars had to grudgingly approve of its workmanship, even though he was dubious of its efficiency and usage. Leon had been more than happy and excited to try it out. The apprentice had finally finished installing it yesterday with the help of the boy that Leon recalled manning the front desk when Mr Clawse had introduced him to the smith''s in the first place.


    The stove worked well for the purposes of cooking, but if anything, it made the hut feel too hot, hence why the door was open. He didn''t know if this would be the same in the winter, but he wasn''t too worried about it. He had yet to try making pills using it.


    Closing the vents to cool the fire, Leon took the noodle soup and placed it in front of Jin Li, who poked at it with his chopsticks before pinching some noodles with them and tasting his efforts. His eyes widened slightly. "It''s good," he said and proceeded to devour the lot, before drinking the broth straight from the bowl. Naturally, he demanded seconds. Leon could give him no more noodles, but filled the bowl with the soup, hoping it would fill this gluttonous pit sufficiently.


    "How is it at s-school?" Leon asked in between bites of his own meal.


    "The food is boring," Jin Li stated with a sigh as he finished the second bowl before eyeing Leon''s half finished meal. Leon did not oblige, just drew his dinner closer to his body as he ate. Jin Li made a tsk sound, before glancing away.


    "How is Sun?" Leon asked, politely, though he wasn''t sure he wanted to know.


    "Tolerable to a point," Jin Li sneered, which made Leon happy for some reason, so happy that he stated;


    "D-Do you want the b-bath? The w-water should be w-warm enough now."

 Chapter 57 - Seven - Jin Li causes others to blush

    In the lingering heat from both day and new stove, Jin Li chose to cultivate while forcing Leon to bed reminding him that it had not been long since he had broken through to secondary stage and he should not tempt fate cultivating again too soon as his soulsea was likely still turbulent. Leon felt that his sea was actually calm and stable, but he did not argue and crawled onto the mattress to sleep in just his inner robes.


    However, he woke to find himself in another precarious position. At some point, Jin Li had stopped cultivating in the night and had decided to sleep beside him... but without his outer and inner robes. All he wore were his loose trousers. His chest was naked. Leon figured that Jin Li had felt hot, the air in the hut taking long to cool last night, so had removed extraneous garments before sleeping, but that did not explain why Leon''s face was now pressed against said chest with his body in the embrace of two strong arms.


    Jin Li''s scent was memorable, he had inhaled it many times, just not so close and without barriers. He felt his eyelids flutter shut as it drifted from the warm, firm skin into his nose, before coming to his senses and carefully wiggling free, much embarrassed. He was drooling over a teenaged boy! Granted his body was just nineteen and he had not been much older when he had died but still...


    Jin Li woke not much later and blissfully unaware, to the aroma of sweetened rice porridge topped with dry fruit and a cup of freshly brewed tea.


    "W-what are your p-plans today?" Leon asked Jin Li as sat down to eat. Jin Li grimaced, but it was not from the mouthful of porridge. He was not looking forward to returning to the martial arts school.


    While sparring with Sun did waste some time, the boy was not up to par with his martial arts and could barely be considered a challenge. Not that he was bad, he certainly was not as terrible as several he had wiped the floor with within the first seven days of him attending that school. None of the first years would spar with him with the exception of Sun now. One even went so far to claim that he should not be amongst the first years of the outer school due to his cultivation level being higher than theirs. And none of the seniors would spar with him as they considered him a lowly first year, not worth their time.


    He had looked at the mission request board as was Pike''s suggestion, but they were only offering first years small missions with smaller rewards. Not worth his effort.


    "I have none," Jin Li said, eventually.


    Seeing as Jin Li would no way possibly ask him whether or not he had plans let alone ask what they were, Leon enlightened him without pause. "I n-need to v-visit the Herb Hall. I h-have used all the herbs while p-p-practicing m-making b-beast calming p-pills, first fortitude p-pills and hidden m-mist p-pills."


    "Why would you bother with such useless pills?" Jin Li questioned.


    "N-Not useless," Leon denied. "The b-beast taming school use these sorts of p-pills and w-would the first fortitude and hidden m-mist p-pills not b-be useful to the m-m-martial arts school as w-well?"


    "Only for weaklings," Jin Li replied. He scooped the last of his breakfast from bowl to mouth, licking the honey from his lips giving Leon a moment''s pause. He blushed when he realised what he was doing and chose to cover up his embarrassment by offering Jin Li what remained of his own breakfast. Jin Li did not hesitate to except.


    *****


    "This Lord has decided to accompany you today," Jin Li declared when they finally stepped outside of the hut. Leon simply rolled his eyes and began walking towards the Herb Hall.


    As they finally reached the open glade area at the heart of the school, there was a crowd preventing them from moving further. This ''crowd'' was made up of young men, many of whom Leon recognised as those who had sat worshiping the two new female students in the food hall the other day.


    "Excuse m-me," Leon poked one of his juniors shoulder''s, but the lad simply glared at him. So he tried again, with the person beside him, but again was rebuffed.


    Jin Li grabbed the same pair''s shoulder''s, forcing them to look at him and stated; "Move." The boys did not hesitate and the two youths began muscling their way through this way, until they reached one stubborn lad, who was adamant on showing the Twin Lotuses his ''good'' side.


    "You!" He said, all bluster at the man opposite him, completely ignoring the smaller Leon beside him. "Who do you think you are? Can you not see that Miss Merylin and Miss Maimai wish to visit the Herb Hall?"


    Leon peered around the youth''s tall body to see that the two girls were indeed making their way towards the Hall. It appeared that they had not long left the Food Hall. They were chatting amicably with three other girls and not really paying any attention to the boys who had ensured their path was a straight one. Miss Merylin was wearing pale blue robes, embroidered with orchids, while Miss Maimai wore lilac without adornment. Again their robes were silk.


    "So?" Jin Li was saying to the student blocking them. "Now move, before I make you move." Jin Li lay his hand upon the sword that was always sheathed to his waist, causing the boy to visibly gulp. Did the alchemist school allow weapons to be worn in public?? He glanced over at the Twin Lotus''s thinking how he can come out of this looking somewhat cool, when Miss Merylin suddenly glanced up and her cheeks became endearingly pink.


    The crowd of boys all followed Miss Merylin''s line of sight and saw one of their comrades being threatened by someone they had not met before. He had long black hair, which was partially tied back with red cord and wore a short navy robe over linen trousers. So clearly he was no better than them, even if his face was well proportioned and stance close to regal. So why was one of their Lotuses blushing?

 Chapter 58 - Eight - I am not part of this popularity contest

    Leon had been brought up by a single mother and a strange old granny so he was taught to be polite and mind his manners about the fairer sex. He stuck to this notion despite finding out that he was gay and had no interest in girls whatsoever. So when the girls finally reached the entrance that they also were standing close to, he automatically gestured and said; "Ladies first."


    Despite his gentlemanly genuflection, the three girls that served as the Twin Lotuses foil giggled unkindly. Who asked this short fellow to attempt to act all manly and noble, when clearly he is a uncouth country bumpkin. Dressed in silks and wearing adornments, these girls clearly compared themselves to this youth wearing plain linens with a piece of cloth as a hair tie. And look at his waist where he attempted to look more cultured with carved wooden trinkets rather than jade!


    Miss Merylin and Miss Maimai lived up to their reputation and did not laugh, however this wasn''t due to the reasons their adoring fans assumed. Miss Maimai was too busy staring at the boy''s strange skunk striped hair and thick glasses to notice what he was wearing, although even then, she would be unlikely to laugh as she had never placed much attachment to clothes and jewellery. She wore the pink hair pin simply as it had been a gift from her mother and the plain silks because that was the clothing she was given by her stepmother.


    Miss Merylin was not laughing as her eyes did not even see the boy, all her attention had been given to the tall, handsome and proud man, who stood out like a dragon amongst toads. His aura was mighty and fierce and his presence made her heart quicken. She sighed inwardly and reminded herself of her mother''s teachings. Stay calm, smile softly and maintain an air of elegance and nobility.


    Jin Li had not really bothered himself about the girls approach whatsoever, instead getting irritable that these weak boys thought to block him and prevent him... and his servant... from going about their business. But his opponent was not even looking at him now, let alone moving!


    "Miss Merylin, Miss Maimai," the boy in front of him crooned. "I was just about the get the door for you!" This set the friends off into another set of giggles, but less unkind ones. The boy offering had decent height and was their senior, it would not be bad to get onto his good side.


    "No need," Merylin stated in soft tones. She had caught the object of her attention looking at her and cast her eyes down, chastely, before continuing upon her path.


    "Thank you anyway!" Maimai said, warmly, before stepping to her sister''s side. As they disappeared through the door, many of the boys finally dispersed, as did the tall boy blocking Leon and Jin Li''s way.


    "What was that all about?" Jin Li asked.


    "Um, f-from what I kn-know," Leon replied as he now moved unimpeded. "The g-girls j-just n-now are n-new, first years. They are p-p-popular amongst the students."


    "And you are clearly not popular," Jin Li said, teasingly.


    Leon shrugged, unfazed.


    After they entered the hall, Leon glanced over where the two seniors were fawning over the girls, while taking and praising their pills and offering them the best and freshest bundles of herbs. Thinking that it maybe some time before he could swap his own pills, he turned to look over the request board to see what sort of rewards he could obtain. Jin Li shadowed him.


    "This is the alchemists request board?" Jin Li asked him. His knowledge of pills could be considered so-so, he knew which ones would be beneficial for him now and which ones he had taken in the past. He also knew of others through the tutors his father had hired for his brothers and himself. However, he knew much less about herbs beyond common ones that could be found in most places.


    Leon nodded an affirmative. "D-did you look at the b-b-board in the m-martial arts school?" He asked, while selecting a request from the beast taming school, which would supply him with a snow bearfox pelt and another from his own school wanting five cloudy spiritual pills in exchange for three bladed thistle bulbs. He did not know what the pelt would be like, but he was hoping it could be turned into a coat. The number of pills was not large, so he couldn''t be sure. At worst, he could use it as a rug.


    The bulbs were much more tempting, though he had never made cloudy spiritual pills before as they required this uncommon plant in their making, he could ask for the leaves so he could make the pills as it was request. Then once he had grown the bulbs, he could make the pills without aid! He knew that these would be useful for Jin Li''s current level of cultivation as well.


    "The requests were not worth my time," Jin Li replied.


    As they were talking, neither noticed that they had garnered attention away from the two seniors manning the Herb Hall, until they heard;


    "Maimai, why is your nose bleeding?"

 Chapter 59 - Nine - I have been labelled as a servant... again

    There was not as much blood as the scream perhaps suggested. Maimai waved away concerns as she blushed prettily, gathered her herbs and stated; "I''ll just go back first, Merylin and rest."


    "Yes, sister," Merylin said with a soft, worried voice. "That is probably for the best." She watched as the girl ran off, not noticing her dazed smirk beneath the silk handkerchief she held against her nose.


    "I h-hope she will b-b-be alright," Leon said aloud without thinking as he held the two requests. The three extras glanced over at him with slight sneers.


    "What is it to you?" One, with long, deep purple hair demanded.


    Merylin inwardly gritted her teeth thinking that these friends were perhaps not the sort of girls she should associate with if she wished to keep her reputation pure. Even if the gossip they had shared with her had been useful. She bowed to Leon, showing respect that she did not feel. "It''s fine," she said, gently. "Thank you for your concern." She glanced up through her long eyelashes at the taller boy beside him, but noticed he was not paying her heed so quickly straightened.


    Leon just smiled as if he hadn''t noticed the twisted expression of the girls and bowed his head slightly in turn.


    "How long must we wait?" Jin Li stated, impatiently.


    "D-Do you n-need to return to the m-martial arts school n-now?" Leon asked wondering why he was suddenly impatient.


    "No," Jin Li declared, shortly. "But at this rate, you will not have time to make me lunch."


    Leon frowned. "It was n-not that long ago that I s-served b-breakfast," he mentioned and as if on cue, Jin Li''s stomach began to voice its complaints. Whether fortunately or not, Leon was the only person in range to hear it.


    "The meal was insufficient in size."


    "You ate half of m-m-mine as well!"


    "True, you should make more next time, so that you don''t become any skinnier."


    As they exchanged words, Merylin came to much the same conclusion that Jin Li''s roommate Sun had, although of course she would not know this. The tall boy appeared to be a young Master, perhaps down on his luck due to the quality of cloth of his otherwise well tailored garments and the smaller boy with strange hair was his servant. Clearly, the handsome, dashing, young Master was a martial artist and thus his servant must have enrolled in the alchemist school to provide him with pills as well as continue his usual duties of taking care of his master.


    This theory, she felt, while not proven, was not unlikely. After all, her half-sister, Maimai, who was born of a concubine weeks after her own birth, was with her to be her companion while she adapted to education within the school. This was her noble father''s wishes.


    Merylin and Maimai were just two of the children born to the leader of the famous Dawn Star sect. Both were born blessed with spiritual roots, Merylin''s being fire and Maimai''s being wood and as such were considered talented. And Merylin, at least, proved this to be true. She broke through to the secondary stage of cultivation at just fourteen. Granted, as daughter of the first wife, she had access to abundant pills and elixirs, but this was still a worthy achievement.


    However Maimai had heard from a servant about the Ascending Mountain Institute, a school that would accept all talented individuals whether they were poor or wealthy, so long as they could prove themselves worthy to learn. Merylin had become curious. While indeed, she had the best tutors for cultivation, alchemy and martial arts, she also felt a little smothered by her doting father and overbearing mother. When she had first mentioned the school, her father had wept declaring dramatically, but what if someone bullies our Merylin? Completely unworthy of a sect leader. And her mother had turned up her nose, stating that the Teachers at the school were all ''charlatans and tricksters'' despite the amazing reputation Merylin had discovered it had.


    In the end, her father had agreed to her demand to enrol... so long as it was not in magic or beast taming or martial arts, so that his little girl could not get hurt. And as long as she took Maimai as a companion. Merylin would never admit it, but that girl''s martial arts were better than hers!


    "I am Merylin," she stated to the object of her affections with a small and warm smile. "I hope that we can learn from each other in the future." And with that, she swept out of the building, the girls running to catch up as they carried her herbs.


    Jin Li and Leon glanced at each other. With all of their bickering, they had forgotten that the girls were even there.

 Chapter 60 - - Oops, I used too much spiritual energy

    Creating a Cloudy Spiritual Pill was going to be much harder than forming its lesser cousin. If Leon had read the recipe in more depth before selecting the assignment, he might have not bothered. And what was more, although he had Jin Li in mind when selecting this pill to learn and practice, there was no method for an improved version nor small ways to ensure the success of making the ordinary pill.


    With a heavy sigh, he flopped back on his bed, playing out the book in his hand falling to his side. "What is wrong?" Jin Li asked, opening his eyes after a couple of cycles of cultivation.


    "M-making this p-pill will b-b-be b-bothersome," Leon complained.


    "Then don''t make it," Jin Li replied. Cultivating with or without pills, it was all the same to him. Sure, he had taken pills during his childhood, but was aware that the rewards were not always worth the risk. "Make this Lord a cup of tea instead. And don''t forget the honey."


    Leon huffed slightly, but rose from the bed, filled the kettle with water from the barrel and placed it upon the stove. He stoked the dying embers within the wood burning chamber, even adding a little spiritual energy to speed up their awakening. The flames licked hungrily at his energies and claimed the fresh firewood offered. As the fire heated, so soon did the water in his kettle. Leon prepared two cups with fragrant tea and a small spoon of honey.


    Jin Li smacked his lips as he sipped the hot liquid with satisfaction. "If making pills is bothersome," he continued, as if their conversation had merely been paused, "then simply continue serving this Lord. You will have more time for it."


    "N-Not b-bothersome, n-not really," Leon replied, quietly. Indeed, although it had never been his idea to transmigrate into a world much different to his own and rely on the few skills of the original, he did not dislike this life of making pills. And although his first few days here had been a struggle and filled with fear and worry, he had settled and was happy. This life was simpler, he did not worry anymore about money and he wasn''t as alone as he had been in his past life. Compared to worrying over whether he could pay his rent, juggle assignments and taking on more shifts at work and making sure he had enough credits to pass, what was one challenging pill in comparison?


    With that thought in mind, he placed his cauldron upon the stove and began to follow the steps of the recipe. He placed songmist moss, the honeyvine and the mothtail roots into the cauldron and kept the metal pot from getting too hot, so that the melting honeyvine would not evaporate before its juices helped melt the roots and moss. Then slowly, he added the bladed thistle leaves that he had chopped up in preparation, a little at a time. They popped and crackled as they hit the simmering liquid at the bottom of the cauldron and Leon gulped worriedly, but did his best to control his spiritual energy which was divided into keeping the heat steady and stirring the mixture so that it did not stick and burn. After the leaves had completely dissolved, he tossed in the small dried seed heads and continued to slowly stir the mixture.


    The hardest part of the recipe was to keep the mixture swirling at a constant and slow speed. Too fast and the liquid would remain liquid and the alchemist would likely run out of energy before pills could form. Too slow and the liquid would stick and be ruined. Too unsteadily and the ingredients would not bind uniformly.


    Sweat began to bead upon Leon''s head as he stared into the cauldron completely focused upon his task. The liquid was beginning to solidify, but he kept calm and did not alter his motions nor allow his energies to fluctuate. As the thickened liquid began to come together, Leon had to divide his energies even further, another thing he had only practiced a little and that was when he made the beast calming pills. However, those did not need such careful refinement, if one pill did not take enough spiritual energy into it, he would not worry and simply throw it away and still be left with some good pills. If one Cloudy spiritual pill did not form with enough energy, it would collapse and could ruin the whole batch!


    Somehow, Leon made it though to the end and four uniform pills formed in the bottom of the cauldron. Leon quickly took the pot off of the heat and claimed his prizes, placing them in jade bottles so that they did not lose their potency. And then he collapsed with a sigh having used too much spiritual energy as he focused intently, much to Jin Li''s chagrin.

 Chapter 61 - One - I step on the path of research

    When Leon woke, it was already dark. He lay upon the bed, still fully robed, his talismans digging into his waist, so he automatically sat up to remove his sash and outer robes. He inadvertently woke the man lying next to him. That man treated him to a flick upon his forehead.


    "Ow," Leon complained. "What was th-that f-for?"


    "A secondary Cultivator is not lacking in spiritual energy," Jin Li advised him, "and yet you collapse after pouring it all into four small pills? Draining your soulsea almost completely, are you an idiot?"


    "I d-d-didn''t m-mean too," Leon replied, chastised.


    "Don''t do it again," Jin Li stated. "It is dangerous and this Lord will just leave you next time, wherever you fall." He sighed and rolled over onto his other side.


    "S-sorry," Leon whispered. He finished removing his outer robes before lying back down beside Jin Li feeling downcast. But he could not fall back to sleep. He listened as Jin Li''s breath steadied, thinking over what had happened. He was usually a little more conservative with his energies, knowing that that which he released from his soul sea was easily wasted if he was not careful, so he''d become used to knowing exactly how much each pill required of him thus producing perfectly acceptable, but very average pills. But this time, he had been so focused on not messing up, he''s actually managed to go too far and pour too much of himself into those four pills, hence pushing himself to the point of collapse.


    Closing his eyes, he turned his mind''s eye inwards and felt his consciousness float down to his soul sea. It was spinning a little sluggishly and as the specks of light were not so clustered, it seemed less bright, but he could also see that it was slowly filling with fresh energy. If he cultivated, it would draw in the energies in the surrounding air and earth much more swiftly, but Jin Li still had him on a cultivation ban, so he could only refresh naturally.


    After examining the rest of his internal body and seeing nothing wrong, he took a deep breath noting Jin Li''s musky scent and settled into sleep.


    His head pounded slightly as he woke and his stomach felt hollow. Groaning, he lifted himself from the bed to notice Jin Li was not there. However, there was a note; Gone to train. He turned the note over, but it did not say anything else, so he tossed it aside and brewed himself a cup of tea.


    Jin Li did not return that day and Leon decided that he didn''t wish to mope around in his small hut waiting for whenever the man deemed him worthy to be once again in his presence. Also, although his soulsea was back to normal, he did not want to make more pills today. So instead, he decided to take a walk to the library.


    It still irked him that he could not create an improved version of the cloudy spiritual pill. He had clearly become too reliant on Leo''s diaries, even though they could only help him so much. Leo had not broken through to secondary rank before he died, which was likely why he had not researched this pill, just jotted down its recipe. However, he had left notes about how he first discovered that he could change pills for the better.


    It came down to luck and curiosity.


    When Leo was a boy, he helped his village collect wild herbs to sell. Where he lived, most herbs did not grow abundantly, but it also happened to be near where a few types of herb grew best, though they would be considered rare anywhere else. One of these were fragrant beasttails.


    The Elder''s had told him that beasttails attracted weak beasts, their fragrance was mostly calming, but every so often, the beasts would become enraged after scenting them. So they would only be harvested at the height of day, when most beasts were napping or seeking water, or in winter when most were hibernating. Leo wanted to know why the fragrant beast tails would cause two very different reactions. So he rose in the morning to watch beasts interact with the Herb, then harvest it when they went away. It took two weeks for him to realise that what was happening.


    Beast tails, which were long curled green fronds with spikes of green hair, sometimes changed colour a little, from green to red. Sometimes it was a small patch, sometimes it was the whole tail. He found out later that this had something to do with how it reproduced, but that red patch also altered it''s scent. Not enough for the human nose to detect, but any patch with a red frond was often ruined in a beasts rampage, although it was hardy enough to regrow and wherever the red fronds fell, a new patch would grow later.


    But the villagers did not discriminate when harvesting this weed, sold all developed beast tails though autumn and winter. Hence the pills took on both the ability to calm and enrage the weak beast it was fed to.


    The poison came from the northern gem weed''s succulent leaves, but only would be deadly to a beast exhausted from rage, so Leo figured out that as long as he was careful not to use fronds with red patches, his pills would be safer. Not perfectly as it too easy to miss small spots beneath the tufts of green hair, but still. The less red in the pills, the less likely the beast would rampage or die.


    As Leo realised this and began tweaking the recipe to also reduce the poison (by adding a small amount of its natural antidote, a thought to be useless weed called northern tingweed, that grew amongst the succulent), he wondered what other recipes could be made better. Hence he had stepped on a path of discovery, that unfortunately also lead to his death and Leon''s rebirth. Leon could only hope that he too had been reborn and was happy in his new life.

 Chapter 62 - Two - My research is filled with dead ends?

    As hopeful as Leon had felt when he stepped into the library, he soon found that reality was not so kind. But then, he mused, if discovering ways to improve pills was easy, it would have been done many times before and not just by a curious boy who had the audacity to question recipes that had been in use for centuries!


    Leon had gathered up several indexes of herbs as well as books containing basic potion recipes, but what he generally discovered was that the facts within were common knowledge. The recipes were identical to those handed to apprentices and students. The indexes simply stated what the plant looked like and what part of it was used in what pill or potion or on rare occasions as spice upon cuisine. Well maybe there was some small snippets that hinted more such as an added detail about sweet sunclover that he hadn''t known before.


    Many alchemists argued whether the herb was better used fresh or dried, but in the end it came down to preference, not any real benefits. The herb in dried form was acrid and bitter, more so than in fresh form. However, it was more convenient to use in dried form when making pills. Only when the herb flowered had it a sweet undertone that cut through the bitterness, which is why it was used while flowering in basic purification potions. Hence the whole argument did not help him with his research at all.


    With a sigh, he turned the pages to find another herb he was familiar with. He settled upon Purple Spirit Grass. He had used this herb in many concoctions and there were a few other pills that he had not yet made that also required the grass. The herb could be used in seed form, but also leaves and roots were used. He had used it whole in clear spiritual pills and in burning energy pills and boiled it within a tea for blood pills. The seeds he had used in one heart pills. Now in a large patch of his garden, the grass was growing fresh and tender, close to needing harvesting.


    The description basically repeated what he already knew, but also added that it was no good to use while it flowered. That was something he was not aware of as Leo had not cultivated or gathered the herb himself. The herb was as hardy and hard to kill as sweet sunclover, but unlike the latter, it grew in many places, from grassy plains that were open to the elements to sandy deserts that struggled to maintain life. It also varied in purchasable cost, which Leon found odd; surely something so common would not have fluctuations in price. Alchemy could be expensive when it came to making more uncommon pills as they used more uncommon and pricey ingredients, so why buy a high priced weed when you could get it more cheaply elsewhere.


    It did not say much more than this, so Leon noted it down. Best ask a merchant or an experienced alchemist why it was expensive in some places and not others.


    He flicked the pages of the book once more and came across the red lantern plant. As he had not used much of this herb, only flowers and seeds in the making of blood pills, he had never seen the whole plant before. The painted image revealed that the leaves of the plant grew thick along the ground, shaped like rounded peacock feathers. They were of a deep green, but their veins were a vivid red. That same fiery colour blossomed into dangling bulb like flowers, hanging from tall stalks that burst from the foliage.


    Leo had stated that the flower used was best as fresh as possible in the improved recipe, leading Leon to now wonder why. This was revealed in the text, written down as the author noted that herbalists harvesting the flower would know when it is due to die as the red veins, the vividness of which varied between plants, would become dim or disappear altogether. From others perspective, Leon guessed this was just a passing quirk of the plant even to himself who had never much interest in gardening in his previous life, but he knew to Leo''s observant eye, this meant so much more.


    Leon tried to place himself into Leo''s mindset, to read between the lines and see what the original saw. He recalled a nature program in the past where reptiles and insects used the colour red as a warning, perhaps they were inedible, poisonous or it was a bluff. Maybe something similar was true to this plant. It was not listed as poisonous, though Leon was aware that even medicines and pills could be poisons if abused. So was it a bluff?


    No, it was simpler that that, he felt with a groan. Tree leaves turned red in the autumn, this was due to them filtering the waste products into the foliage, causing them to die and fall. What if it was something similar? What if the red represented waste or impurities and the plant transferred them to the flower after it bloomed? So if the flower was plucked before it was due to die, wouldn''t those impurities transfer to the pill?


    He shook his head, feeling that he was right about this and marvelling over Leo''s very unique point of view that allowed him to notice these things. He wasn''t sure he could follow suit, but he knew that he would never know unless he tried.

 Chapter 63 - Three - I want to know more about Impurities

    Seeing as Leon could find no real help in the books he had chosen, he decided to glance over other books, specifically theories regarding alchemy. He wanted to know more about impurities within herbs and pills. If he could figure out ways to reduce them, like Leo had, he felt that he was a step closer to creating a better pill for Jin Li. After all, his main fears about consuming pills were only in part due to the side effects, a build up of impurities was a major worry and problem for all consuming pills, as they could effect cultivation in the long run.


    Sometime later, he left the library with a loud yawn and a rumbling stomach. He had learned much of what he could already guess, impurities were common in all herbs, but varied between plants. Impurities within the herbs transferred into the pills. Certain detoxifying plants such as the common sweet sunclover and the less common dew strand grass could reduce impurities and even help break them down within a body. In a very dusty book called the foundations of Alchemy, the author had mentioned that alchemists once believed that the young, fresh herbs contained the least impurities, but they now knew this theory to be untrue.


    Leon felt that the subject was not explored enough and he couldn''t help his mind reviewing it as he sat down to eat a bowl of stew and bread. Impurities could be waste products produced by the plant, he thought, but somehow this did not ring true of all herbs. Especially as there were as many impurities within fresh young plants that had less time to build up waste products as older plants, that and the impurities could be found in root, stem, leaf and flower, though he didn''t know if this would be in equal parts. So there was probably some other factor involved as well. Maybe environment? Like in his old world where pollution played a key and pesticides, his mum had even gone through an ''organic'' stage despite the cost.


    He was still mulling over this when he was along in the direction that would lead to his home when he was shoved aside with a loud "Look out!"


    As he fell to the ground, a dark shape shot past his face and there was a loud, metallic clunk. Leon groaned in discomfort and groped around the earth for his glasses that had fallen from his face as he was pushed. "Are you alright?" The person who had shoved him asked. Leon felt that the voice was familiar, but he could not place it.


    "Am alright," Leon confirmed, he was more concerned about the fact that he could not see a thing that the soreness of his behind. "C-Can you see my g-g-glasses anywhere?"


    "I am sooooo sorry!" Came the sound of shuffling footsteps and a pretty, clear toned and slightly breathless voice that rang out in the wooded space. "Is anyone hurt?"


    "No, no injuries," the cold voice confirmed.


    "Really, Maimai," came a gentle chiding voice from behind, that somehow remained as calm as still water. "Have you lost another cauldron? I can lend you mine for now, if you need it."


    "It''s fine, sister," the other girl replied, sounding sheepish. "I really just have trouble with clear spiritual pills and burning energy pills. I can''t seem to form them before ''poof!'' Um, where did my cauldron go?"


    "Over there," the cold voice stated, before a shadow formed over Leon where he still searched upon all fours for his elusive glasses. "I''ll help you," the man murmured.


    "Thank you!" Maimai said, earnestly, before a loud crunch came from a similar direction to her voice. "Oh, I seem to have trod on something..." There was a slight silence, before the shuffling of feet and limbs and a tinkling of metal on glass. "What was this?"


    "Those would have been his glasses," the cold sounding man said with a sigh. Leon froze and glanced futilely upwards. One of the two roughly humanoid shapes grabbed him by the arm and lifted him to his feet.


    "Oh, I do apologise!" The girl said, sounding honestly upset. "Do you need them badly?"


    "Well I..."


    "What''s going on here?" That sounded like Teacher Sagi. The man had been in the Herb Hall when he had heard a large explosion and decided to come out to see what sort of damaged had been caused. Alchemist students caused such explosions frequently, but this had been particularly loud and required investigation. He came to see a small gathering of students; many were first years, including the two young sect ladies meaning Teacher Sagi could guess who was the root cause. If her cauldron needed replacing again, it would be her fifth.


    The other girl, young Merylin, although outwardly calm was glancing around with her eyes, as if trying to find something or someone and looked faintly disappointed. He also noted Leon, looking bewildered and unfocused and another student, Tor, who was holding a mangled pair of broken glasses. Teacher Sagi sighed. It was going to be one of those days.

 Chapter 64 - Four - Jin Li chooses a mission

    Some distance and a whole day prior from where and when Leon was suffering blindly, a small youth had been suffering melancholy. Ah Jin Li had stayed out again the evening before, likely visiting that strange servant of his. Granted, it was beneficial for Jin Li to have his own alchemist close by, but surely it did not take two nights and a whole day to gather some measly pills?! He muttered beneath his breath as he pouted, his eyes flickering over the scene before him, even though he barely registered it.


    Sun was sitting in one of the stands of the arena watching a pair of seniors sparring. Seniors sparred at all times these days, practicing for the Standings, wanting to rise upon the ladder and perhaps gain the chance to transfer to the inner school. First years could not partake in the Standings, but it was still an opportunity to learn for them, so there were many watching now. Sun also hoped to spy a few techniques that would be useful to him, that he could bring to the sessions with Jin Li and prove that he was a useful comrade!


    The two seniors suddenly stopped and bowed to each other respectfully, before departing and were replaced by another two seniors. This would continue for much of the day, even during mealtimes. Other seniors would be tucked away in their rooms cultivating or even taking on missions in order to gain weapons or armour or new martial arts (there were some that just could not be learned by watching others) and cultivation techniques.


    Sun rose from his seat, accepting that he was not really interesting in observing the martial artists today. There were no lectures today; during the whole month prior to the Standings, the Teachers left the students to ''self-study''. This was in part so that they could concentrate on their personal apprentices and partly as very few showed up to lessons and lectures during this month, so why bother? Sun had already eaten breakfast and it was not time for lunch. He didn''t really have any other friends to hang out with as he had been so determined to become friends with Jin Li, he had ignored others, so they, in turn, did not bother with him. Bored, he headed for the missions board, perhaps there was some task that could keep him occupied a while.


    When he arrived there, he saw he was not the only person to consider this. The long back shrouded by a cloak of long black hair was familiar enough to him, but he was surprised to see that person here! Did he not consider the lowly first year missions bothersome?


    "Jin Li? Are you back Jin Li?" Sun asked, startled.


    "Of course I am back," the sneer in his voice was evident, even though he did not bother to turn around. "Is your mind so weak that you could think that this Lord could be some sort of apparition?" Sun beamed happily despite the insult.


    "No, not at all, Jin Li," Sun replied. "It was you who said that the offered mission would only be taken by fools, though, so I was shocked to see you here!"


    "Did you know that it requires two thousand points to acquire a few drops of Water if Small Blessings?" Jin Li stated with implied question.


    "I did not, Jin Li," Sun wondered why Jin Li wanted the liquid. It was a potion that only Masters of the alchemy art could create and this was its weakest form. The water could be considered spiritual energy in a concentrated form, easy to digest as well, but the stronger the potion, the higher the risks. Not to mention the high levels of impurities within even the weak potion, if the person to partake it had weak control of their soulsea, then it could cause mad fluctuations, even deviation if the person failed to integrate it well. The stronger the potion, the more control that person required. However, the weak Water of Small Blessings was the least harmless, chances of problems were less than 5% and it provided a small boon to those desperately close to running out of spiritual energy in their soulsea.


    "Jin Li, why do you want the Water of Small Blessings?" Sun asked, curiously.


    "No reason," Jin Li replied, dismissively. "It was just a passing thought. This Lord would never require such a thing, only idiots fail to regulate their soulsea''s well."


    "So you do not wish to take on any missions today?" Sun asked, slightly disappointed. He only wanted to do a mission or two to solve his boredom. Even with Jin Li back, it was not like they could spar, the main arena and the four smaller ones were all taken by seniors.


    Jin Li became hesitant and tore down a scrap of paper. "It maybe useful for the experience," he muttered, thrusting the paper into Sun''s hands. "We''ll do this tomorrow. Let us go and get something to eat now." Sun glanced down at the mission request; clear the alchemist''s inner school field of giant weevils. Sun shuddered, he was not fond of bugs. Still he followed Jin Li to accept the mission, all the while bemoaning his fate.

 Chapter 65 - Five - Sun convinces Jin Li to take a bath

    "I want a bath, Jin Li," Sun complained, tears of self pity sliding down his dusty face.


    "Baths cost points," Jin Li reminded him. The school bath house was fairly large, it had to be as the school housed many students. It was also separated into sections; the first was a place to wash up, to quickly cleanse the skin of daily dirt and sweat. The second contained the baths, nothing special, but still the temptation to lie about in them and soak was there, so the school charges a handful of points for the privilege. There were also the medicinal baths and steam rooms, however as these could be considered tools in cultivation, the cost of using them were considerably higher.


    "But I''m covered in bug guts!" Sun wept, the slimy innards oozing down his knives and hands onto his outer coat and trousers. It had taken them all day to clear the field within the inner alchemist school, so Sun was also sweaty and tired. Jin Li, for all the exterminating that he had performed, appeared as unruffled as when they had begun.


    The number of weevils in the field had been in the tens and the beasts had also laid eggs, so the number would increase. The creatures happened to have moved in as the month preparation for the Standings began, so the inner alchemist school had struggled to attract martial arts students into helping them. Giant weevils were not really a challenge, but it was still not a pleasant task. The Teacher in charge of the fields had thought about offering pills instead of points, when two first year students had shown up.


    The Teacher had been concerned, could just two first years deal with the creatures? But as he was desperate, he let them try and was happily surprised that they did not let him down. He had even doubled the points, happy he did not have to shell out his students valuable pills. Common and average pills were seldom produced in the inner school, but that did not mean common herbs were not necessary. It was lucky that the weevils had moved into this field rather than one growing uncommon and rare herbs, but it also meant that it was not worth exchanging pills or high amount of points to deal with. That would have changed if the eggs had hatched.


    So Jin Li and Sun earned their first points. This amount could allow them to have standard baths for many weeks, months even, but Jin Li was feeling stingy. Why pay for a bath when he could take one at his servants'' place? Granted it was not fancy and the shed was rickety and slightly open to the elements, but there was no time limit and Leon could provide him with kettles of hot water once the bath had cooled.


    Thinking of this, Jin Li agreed that a bath was necessary and Sun beamed gratefully, although he would have readily spent points on one with or without his roommate in the end! Jin Li did not, however, lead them back to the martial arts school when they were transported back to the outer alchemist school. Instead, he raced through the woods in a westerly direction.


    A few minutes later they arrived at a small hut that was a fair distance from the main compound. It seemed smaller than the other huts in the alchemy school, though not by much, but otherwise built the same. However, a strange metal pipe stuck out of its wall and rose upward passed the conical roof. It was surrounded by an abundant garden of fresh scented herbs and plants, something the other huts did not have at all. There was also many wooden ornaments hanging from nearby trees, including clattering pipes that whistled softly as the wind brushed passed them. While Sun was wide eyed wondering what they were doing at this strange place, Jin Li did not hesitate to walk through the dirt path of the garden to the front of the place.


    There was a dusty front area, without grass nor leaves and an old shed standing to one side with a fluttering fabric as a door. The wooden door to the actual hut was open and there were voices coming from inside. Two men and a woman, from the sounds of things.


    Sun saw Jin Li''s jaw clench visibly as he walked into the hut without knocking. "Who are you people?" Jin Li demanded.


    Sun saw a tall blond boy leaning against a wall close to a strange metal contraption, while a girl with messily pinned curls kneeled next to a narrow cot bed, her cheeks flushed pink. Sun stared at her for several moments as varied emotions flittered through him. She''s so pretty! And then he noticed the person beside her, a boy with jade white skin and large black eyes, his oval face soft and clean. If it were not for his skunk striped hair, Sun would wonder who exactly this person was!


    "Jin Li? Oh, I should m-make tea!" The boy looked toward them, his naked eyes unfocused as they squinted close to being shut, before attempting to rise.


    "Where are your glasses?" Jin Li demanded, striding forward. He sat upon the bed beside the boy after pushing Leon back down upon it, grabbed his chin and lifted up his face.


    "There was an accident," the blond boy told him.

 Chapter 66 - Six - I’m in the care of an enemy

    The name Tor sounded familiar, but it took a while for Leon to place it. Ah, he thought under a sudden eureka moment, that was the name of one of Leo''s bullies! He flinched inwardly as he recalled it, but was unable to do much else than swallow that knowledge down. After all, Teacher Sagi had left him in Tor''s care.


    Being completely without vision, Leon needed a guide to aid him back to his small hut. Teacher Sagi naturally did not think this would be difficult nor burdensome task, all the student accommodation was clustered together in groups separated by small walls. Maimai''s cauldron had breeched the wall in flight, so Teacher Sagi would need to supply her with a new one as well as speak to the stonemasons in Julip town to fix the wall. He sighed, Maimai was not really suited for alchemy, the Teachers were well aware, but her father had placed those restrictions, they could only comply for now. The more pressing issue was fixing Leo''s glasses.


    "Ah, M-Mino at the F-Food Hall," Leon mentioned, "p-p-perhaps he c-could sp-speak to B-blacksmith M-Mars apprentice for m-me."


    "A friend of yours?" Teacher Sagi asked and Leon nodded in reply. "Alright, I will ask young Mino if he can be of assistance. In the meantime, does anyone know the location of Leo''s hut?" He was quick enough to notice a few guilty looks upon older students, but none volunteered.


    "I do," said the boy standing beside Leon.


    "Fine, guide him back, Tor," Teacher Sagi instructed. "I may need you to be his eyes for the next couple of days."


    "Understood," Tor replied.


    "I''ll help too!" young Maimai chimed in. Several students glared unhappily in Leon''s direction, but he couldn''t see a single one! "It was my fault that the glasses were broken."


    "Agreed," Teacher Sagi replied, much to the dismay of many male alchemist apprentices. "I''ll leave Leo in your care!" A warm slender arm wrapped about Leon''s one and he also felt the session of something soft and plush lean against him, but he couldn''t figure out what exactly it was, so he paid it no mind. He barely heard the teacher''s soft footsteps fall in a path away from him, but sensed anyway that the man had left.


    "This way," Tor''s voice stated beside him.


    "Merylin," Maimai called out to her sister. "Do you wish to come with us?"


    "Unfortunately, I am unable to," the girl replied in her clear and calm voice, although Leon thought he detected a hint of disappointment in her voice. He figured that he must be mistaken, he very much doubted Miss Merylin really wanted walk to his home with him. She had no reason to, they did not know each other. "I failed to create the pill I was working on, so I must clean out my cauldron."


    "Failed?" Miss Maimai sounded shocked and then asked pitifully; "Was it my fault, sister? Did I mess with your creation due to my loss of control again?"


    "Do not worry yourself of blames and faults," the other girl replied. "Just hurry home soon."


    "Alright!" Leon felt that if he could see more than the shape of her alabaster face, then he would see Maimai with a broad grin upon her sunny face at that moment.


    Tor began to guide them carefully to the rear of the compound and beyond. Leon was not daunted by the increasing number of steps taken, after all he was aware how far away he lived, but he felt the grip upon his arm tighten. "Excuse me," Maimai squeaked, suddenly, "but may I ask where we are going? I thought we were guiding Leo, (wasn''t it?) back to his hut."


    "We are," Tor replied shortly, not pausing as he spoke.


    "But, we''ve left the compounds," Maimai pointed out. She tugged Leon slightly as she manoeuvred him passed a large rock. Leon almost tripped, but Tor caught his other arm and made the boy hold his arm so he could guide him better. Tor hadn''t realised just how bad the youth''s vision was. He felt a little guilty that he had not talked sense into Caprian and had even had a hand in bullying all that brute''s victims.


    "Leo doesn''t live in the compound," he said, dully, even more guilt rising in his gut.


    "You don''t?" Maimai asked, addressing him.


    Leon shook his head slightly. "N-no, b-but it''s fine," Leon said, hoping to reassure her. "M-m-my c-cauldron exploded and hit a tree, b-but only the b-birds witnessed it!"


    Maimai laughed a little, perhaps even feeling better that she was not the only one to mess up sometimes. Since being here, she felt like she was definitely worse than other new students and although she practiced so hard so not to humiliate herself anymore, it seemed to always be in vain.


    "What w-were you tr-trying to m-m-make?" Leon asked her.


    "Just clear spiritual pills," she murmured, ashamed.


    "Hmmm," Leon had failed in his first attempt at making those as well, so he could sympathise. "D-did you know th-that you c-can m-make those on the d-d-dying em-bers of a fire?"


    "What really?" Maimai asked. Leon nodded in agreement. "You don''t need to temper the fire?" He shook his head, but added;


    "Only for c-c-clear spiritual p-pills though." The perfume of mature herbs upon the wind tickled his nose and he sighed in relief knowing that they were not now far from his home. A few minutes later he felt Tor falter.


    "Wow! So pretty!" Maimai exclaimed.


    "Are you not worried someone might steal the herbs?" Tor asked him.


    "Why?" Leon asked him curiously. Honestly, they were mostly common herbs, easily obtainable from the Herb Hall, unless you counted the ones he grew for flavouring. The rest of the garden was filled with vegetables and fruit bushes. Tor did not reply, but lead him to the door, startled to see the thick lock upon it. Leon bent down and nearly pressed it to his eye before being able to see the keyhole in order to unlock it, but he managed well. "C-come in," he invited, feeling that he should at least try and be hospitable.


    Maimai did not hesitate and followed him to his narrow cot, asking him questions about the herbs in his garden, why he lived so far away, what was the metal contraption against the wall? He answered some of these, but not all, sensing Tor was not all that comfortable, but even that boy could not restrain his curiosity about the stove.


    "Who are you people?" A voice suddenly demanded.


    Of course, Leon recognised the voice immediately. "Jin Li? Oh I should make tea!" He made to get off of the bed thinking where he had placed everything in his mind''s eye.


    "Where are your glasses?" Jin Li asked and Leon felt two hands on his shoulders forcing him to sit once more. Fingers then pinched his chin and lifted his face upward slightly and he could just make out Jin Li''s face as it came nearer and then two piercing black eyes when he came close enough to share breath...


    "There was an accident," Tor advised.

 Chapter 67 - Seven - What happened to Sun’s bath?

    "Ah! Your nose is bleeding!" Sun cried out suddenly, Leon turned automatically to where the boy''s voice came from, but could not properly see him. Actually, what he perceived of him was a indistinct shape blocking out the natural light that came from the blob that constituted as the entrance mixed with the small window at the front of his home. Recalling that Maimai had suffered a nosebleed before, he wondered if she was again.


    Sure enough.. "Oh, don''t be so concerned!" She laughed dismissively, her voice sounding slightly muffled for a moment. "It will stop momentarily... probably!"


    "M-Maybe Tor should g-g-guide you b-back," Leon suggested, turning his head towards where she sat upon his other side.


    "But Teacher Sagi said that we should be your eyes until your glasses are fixed," the girl protested, inwardly concerned that she would miss out on this, her daily bread.


    "I am here now," Jin Li refuted her claims. "If anyone should take care of him, it will be this Lord." Maimai''s nose tingled further as the joy of these words conjured up many images within her fertile mind. She found herself nodding, happily and stood up, clutching her handkerchief to her nose. She noticed the blond senior, Tor move to follow.


    "Are you sure you will be alright?" the cute boy with long brown hair, who had arrived with the handsome martial artist. She narrowed her eyes, sizing up the boy, wondering over his relationship with the other for a moment.


    Then she smiled at him, brightly and said; "I will be fine, but thank you." The boy''s face turned a colour that was not too dissimilar to the blood on his clothes as she passed him.


    "If you are okay with it," Tor said to Leon as he too made to leave, "I will return once your glasses are fixed for you."


    Leon nodded towards his voice. "Yes, thank you," he replied.


    Jin Li''s narrowed eyes followed the two alchemist students as they left the small hut and he waited a few seconds more before turning to the unfocused youth sitting before him and saying; "How is it you are still so unguarded? Allowing others to enter your home after what has occurred before?"


    "W-what ch-choice d-did I have?" Leon protested, thinking Jin Li was being unfair. "T-Teacher Sagi had them t-t-take m-me home after the accident."


    "Turn them away at the door," Jin Li instructed. "There is no obligation to host them." Leon crossed his arms about his chest, thinking momentarily whether to argue with him, but in the end, he decided it wasn''t worth it and just nodded. "I want some tea, but I guess you will be unable to serve it to this Lord."


    "I c-can still m-make it," Leon argued, thinking that if he was really careful about it, it should still be possible, even without his vision. However Jin Li refused to allow it.


    "Don''t be ridiculous," he retorted. "Just tell me how to work this infernal contraption of yours."


    "Oh okay." Sun watched as Leon instructed Jin Li to open the small, bottom hinged door to the side of metal box and said that the wood inside needed to be lit. Jin Li glanced at the flint to one side and ignored it, instead channeling his energy into the tip of one finger and shaping it into a spark. Leon continued to instruct his roommate and Sun felt his jaw drop as he noticed that Jin Li''s lips curved into a slight smile.


    The boy was becoming increasingly confused about the relationship between the two. He''d been sure that they were Master and servant, Jin Li had even called the other his servant, but what Master served their servant tea? However, before he could dwell overly long on it, he was reminded of the bug guts upon his skin and clothes as a blob splattered down upon the floor. Ah! He had stood before a pretty girl looking like he had waded willingly through a pile of rotting corpses! He felt shame flooding him and groaned aloud.


    "That''s right, you b-b-brought your room m-mate with you," Leon remembered, the boy had been so quiet, he had not realised that he was still there. "Sun, how d-do you t-take your t-tea?"


    "Forget the tea!" Sun cried, startling Leon. "Jin Li brought us here to use a bath! I really need a bath!"


    "You d-do?" Ignoring the fact of not being able to see the boy standing in the entrance, the stench of dead weevils was brushed away by the wind and the rest had been hidden due to Maimai''s perfume. That and the odours within a forest could not always be fresh, Leon only now noticed the smell thanks to Sun mentioning it. "You d-do, you really do! The b-bath is in the shed, b-but it n-needs f-filling with water. There m-m-may b-be some left in the b-barrel outside. There''s a fire p-pit and cooking p-pot in the shed too."


    "I''ll leave it to you," Jin Li informed Sun as he heaped a generous spoonful of honey into his teacup and took a sip.


    Sun could only lament having thrown his lot in with Jin Li!

 Chapter 68 - Eight - I test my bath salts on Sun (accidently)

    Leon felt that Sun was a bit pitiful and wished to help him, but his eyes being as they were, he could only sit quietly and drink his tea. He didn''t dwell on it too much though as Jin Li then expressed an interest in eating snacks.


    Rolling his blur-filled eyes, he stood up and carefully made his way to the shelves beside the stove, which were lined by a handful of earthen pots and bottles. Mostly, these contained the spices he had purchased, but also nuts and dried fruit. Carefully he brushed his fingers along the shelf until they bumped into the first pot and he took it down and removed it''s lid. He sniffed the contents and the sweet scent of fruit teased his nose. He placed the jar on the small side table at his waist then reached for another pot. When he smelled it''s contents, he paused in thought.


    "What are you doing?" Jin Li asked.


    "F-found sand soap," he replied, wondering how he had come to leave the soap there, instead of next to the bath. It must have been when he refilled the pot from his purchased spare supplies, tucked away in the chest beneath the bed. But he thought he had placed the pot back in the shed. Was he wrong? Did he place something else in there instead by mistake? He started pulling down the other pots, but found the dried peas, beans and nuts.


    And then he remembered something, that little thing he had created on a whim.


    When he had last been to town and received his cooking lesson from Mino''s grandmother, he happened to ask her if she knew how to dry herbs. She had been surprised when he asked this; shouldn''t an alchemist student already be aware? He was honest as best he could be; he (Leo) was a refining pill idiot, as in he was so concerned in creating and making pills, that he had failed to learn anything else! Okay, so he had not put it so bluntly, saying instead that his talents were not great, he had to focus on making pills and had yet to learn other things.


    "The school p-p-provides the herbs," Leon had told her, "b-but I see you have d-dried herbs upon the r-racks, so I was c-c-curious." She had taught him how to dry herbs naturally or using a cooling wood fire.


    Naturally, once his stove was installed, he would test out what he had learned and adapt it for himself. In fact, he did the day Jin Li had disappeared after his collapse. Seeing as he had a lot of sweet sunclover in his garden, he dried this out first... or attempted to. It took a while to cool the oven enough to create a perfect atmosphere. Three blackened attempts later, he had herbs he could leave to go cold and crush in his pestle and mortar to pour into a jade bottle. Later, these dried herbs could be used in making pills or potions.


    The flowers sitting in a pot of water then caught his eye. There had been flowering stems amongst the herbs he''d requested to make the cloudy spiritual pills. He could have thrown the flowers away as he did not need them, but he had remembered how his mother had refused to throw away flowers without long stems just because they had broken from the main bouquet and had found himself reluctant. He remembered that girls favoured the thumb nail sized petals of the bladed thistle plant for their baths and wondered about giving them to some girls, but giving flowers to girls... this could be misconstrued, even if his intentions were pure. But what about bath salts, dried petals for decoration and scent that could be added to water, could he make such a thing?


    Well, he had plenty of flowers to play with, the five blossom daisies had just bloomed in this garden. He had bought the seeds for this herb a while ago, not that he needed them for any pill or potion, yet. He had been curious about the fact that this herb flowered five times a year and each time the flower was supposed to be coloured differently. The flower that had bloomed, this time, was a pale yellow. Leo had written that while this plant was not considered rare, it was also not considered common as it was easy to grow initially, it was hard to maintain. Of course, Leon had not had the plant long, so could not be sure.


    With this flower, the dusty stem of the purple haze grass (which had a strangely calming scent) and the petals of the bladed thistle flower all carefully dried in his oven and mixed with salt formed from boiling dry the spring water from the western caves, he created his concoction. He had also added some of the dried sweet sunclover, after all this herb had detoxifying properties, should be good for the skin as well! But he hadn''t yet tested whether they were of any actual use or even made the bath water smell pretty. Leon thought it was this that he had accidentally placed in the shed instead of sand soap.


    "I sh-should g-give this to Sun," Leon said grabbing the pot with the sand soap once more.


    He checked the contents to be certain, replaced the stopper and cautiously made his way to the front of the hut, using the blob of bright light to guide him.


    "Wait!" Jin Li ordered. Then he offered the sigh of one who has a duty to perform, but does not wish to strain himself. "I will guide you, less you fall and break something else!" Leon heard his light footsteps then felt his hand grabbed and placed upon the other''s arm. Leon felt his face heat up slightly as his sensitive fingers felt the steel beneath them and the warmth of Jin Li''s body. The youth steadily moved him towards the door and to the shed where steam was already curling out from the gaps in the wood and from the fluttering curtain covering.


    Suddenly, there was a surge in the spiritual energy within the air about them and the winds whipped about the pair in a frenzy as the energies were sucked directly into the small shed. Leon felt Jin Li pull him closer and shelter him, though he did not think much of it until the energies calmed and dispersed once more.


    Jin Li pulled him much more quickly into the shed to see a startled Sun standing up in the metal tub looking shocked. "What''s g-going on?" Leon asked Jin Li as the man came to a stop.


    Jin Li did not get the chance to explain as Sun held an earthen pot in his hand and exclaimed; "What sort of sand soap is this?!"

 Chapter 69 - Nine - How did Sun break through?

    Like many youths of noble birth, Sun had cultivated from a young age and had access to a good cultivation method. He was especially pampered once it was found that he had spiritual roots, even though wind was considered a minor root. Clear spiritual pills of good quality were given to him to speed up his cultivation, basic purifying potions were given to him to detoxify impurities within his body that might harm his meridians and herbal baths were made for him to focus his mind and stabilise his cultivation. He had tutors teach him common knowledge, maths and history as well as a master teach him basic martial arts.


    The only bitter note to his privileged upbringing was that he was unable to reveal brilliance and break through to secondary stage cultivation before enrolling in the Ascending Mountain Institute. In fact, he had been stuck within its bottle neck for nearly three years!


    As alchemists are well aware, this is a common side effect of clear spiritual pills and those who rely on them too much. Not that Sun could say he did rely on them, but he could admit that he never placed aside those brought to him. He simply tried not to worry about it nor think too much on it. He was only just seventeen, the average age of a cultivator breaking though to secondary was nineteen. Only those who failed to break through before their twenty fifth birthday would never be able to consider themselves anything more than mortals. There was still time!


    So no matter how frustrated he became as cultivating his usual method seemed to do nothing to improve his situation, he always placed these thoughts to the back of his mind for the rest of the day and focused on the positives! Such as how his martial arts was developing in leaps and bounds since training with Jin Li! How Jin Li had finally consented to doing a mission with him (even though it was really unpleasant)! How he had double the points he should have from just that one mission! And how he could finally soak in a hot bath now the water had been heated!


    He cooled the fire burning in the pit beneath the now empty pot next to the metal tub and searched for the sand soap; even that common servant boy should have some right? For all his cheap appearance, he at least was usually clean! On locating the earthen pot, he opened it to find its contents seemed strange. The sand was of white crystals rather than the yellow specks he was used to and there were herbs and dried petals in amongst it. Was it some sort of mix of soap and cultivating herb, like what he had used to stabilise his cultivation after taking pills?


    Confused, he stripped his garments from his body anyway, tossing the mess into a heap and sliding into the hot water with a handful of soap. But it was too gritty for his skin, felt like rubbing against old tree bark than the oily softness he was used to and the flower petals made the bath water smell girly. He grumbled to himself, as he settled to clean himself as best he could in the now cloudy waters, before noticing that his innersea felt a little turbulent.


    What now? He inwardly wailed, but closed his eyes to focus upon his churning innersea. As it swirled insanely, he instinctively sought to calm it, control it. The herbal bath should help with this right? Gritting his teeth, he found it was not so simple but chanted the words taught to him and the hand signs he knew by heart and managed to tighten this spiralling energy until it could flow strongly and freely through his meridians without error. And so, he began to circulate the spiritual energies, once, twice and then his innersea began to solidify for a moment, before imploding.


    He gasped as his innersea seemed to empty one heart beat then fill with vigour the next! Opening his eyes and standing up, he eyed the herbal bath water and ''sand soap''. This was a coincidence right? As he thought this, Jin Li burst into the rickety shed with the half-blind Leon upon his arm and he could not help but question; "What sort of sand soap is this?!"


    "Ah n-not sand soap," Leon admitted, lifting up the earthen pot he still held. "I m-m-made b-bath salts. Thought g-girls m-might like them."


    "What are you trying to please girls for?" Jin Li teased. "They won''t look at the small you in any better light."


    "Why w-would I want them t-too?" Leon asked, confused. He liked men after all. Well, he supposed Jin Li did not know that, otherwise he would most likely stay far away! "M-made them to m-maybe sell." He admitted, quietly. It had probably been a foolish thought anyway.


    Sun was still standing there in all his birth suit glory in cooling water and without being given face, what was with this two? He shook the notion away and asked if there was something he could wear while he cleaned his clothes. He mourned for his old servants who would have done that chore for him. Leon indicated that spare robes should be on the hook, which they were, Sun had thought them rags. He accepted them anyway, better than being naked.


    "Oh," Jin Li said as he passed them over. "Congratulations on breaking through." Sun felt giddy as he smiled beneath his room mates praise, the bath, herbs and sand soap forgotten.


    "Thank you very much, Jin Li!"

 Chapter 70 - - I find shelter upon the back of Jin Li

    Sun''s clothes were cleaned and hung up to dry and Jin Li also washed up in fresh water, before the three headed to the Food Hall for a late dinner. Jin Li felt that guiding Leon would be too slow, so insisted the boy climb upon his back. "I c-c-c-can''t d-d-do that!" Leon stuttered heavily with a slight squeak.


    "Would you rather I carry you in my arms?" Jin Li sneered, causing Leon to blush brighter than a red lantern flower before he relented. Jin Li''s back was firm and warm, and Leon felt ridiculously small and protected upon it. Holding onto his shoulders, his legs around Jin Li''s waist, the man moved swiftly and smoothly through the trees. Leon felt the wind against his heated face and saw the darkening blur of brown and green rushing past the constant shape of black that was Jin Li.


    Sun chatted amicably as he ran beside Jin Li. "It must have been due to the mission," he was saying, "don''t you think, Jin Li? Sparring is one thing, but battling monsters is different! It was definitely a good experience, wasn''t it Jin! We should take another mission soon!"


    Leon thought to himself; didn''t Jin Li say that the missions were not worth his time not so long ago. He couldn''t help but wonder what had changed.


    Naturally, with Jin Li and Sun''s running speed, it did not take long to arrive at the Food Hall of the outer alchemist school. Many, who were leaving the courtyard to return to their huts for the night, turned to look at the two martial arts boys and the other currently shimming off the taller boy''s back, who happened to glare at the alchemist students until most turned away. Those who didn''t, looked coyly through half shuttered lashes. Who was this tall handsome man amongst them? And those two boys were quite adorable as well. One was cute with a sunny, round face, freckles upon his nose and a lop sided grin, the other was sweet with large black eyes that shimmered like polished jet set in a frame of white jade. When did such eye candy come to their neck of the mountain forest?


    The three boys entered the Food Hall and a handful casually followed in their wake.


    "Ah? Leo, be tha'' you, lad?" Leon smiled as he was greeted by the amicable older woman who happened to be Mino''s mother. "So it were your glasses that Mino be hurryin'' down the mountain to fix!"


    "Hmm," Leon nodded as he grasped Jin Li''s sleeve.


    "Sit, sit!" She encouraged. "I''ll grab yous summin'' ta eat!"


    "Thank you, ma''am," Jin Li said, politely and Sun added his thanks, quietly, not used to the brashness of commoners. Most would cower or remain respectful in front of his family, not greet them with such... enthusiasm. Sun sighed inwardly, before straightening himself, if Jin Li could treat servants and commoners with respect then so could he!


    Sun watched as Jin Li practically fell upon the food that was brought with them with little restraint, but he did recall, in between mouthfuls, to make sure that Leon''s bowl was filled with vegetables and rice and (almost reluctantly) pieces of meat. Sun ate conservatively; the food really wasn''t any better than that of the martial arts school, worse; there was less meat to pick from.


    After their meal was done and Leon was given a selection of edibles for his morning meal so that he did not need to blindly make his way back to the Hall then, they leisurely wandered out into the courtyard. The light globes were glowing as they dangled beneath the branches of the trees and held in frames about the Halls. Sun yawned, despite himself, the day really had been eventful and long. He could do with a settling to sleep now. Stretching his arms, to the sky, before placing them behind his head, he turned to Jin Li to ask what their plans were for the night to come. Jin Li was kneeling before Leon.


    "Get on," he instructed. Leon gently placed a hand upon Jin Li''s back, the tips of his fingers barely touching it.


    "C-can''t I walk f-for a while?" Leon asked, resting his free hand on his full stomach. Walking was good for digestion, even if he was pretty much blind now that the sun had set. Sitting upon Jin Li''s back stirred feelings.


    "No, this Lord does not wish to dally around," Jin Li cut down his protests decisively. Leon sighed, giving up the fight before it had even begun. He didn''t wish to be stranded by here, he wasn''t certain that Jin Li would leave him behind if he argued, but he wasn''t certain that he wouldn''t.


    Jin Li straightened and adjusted the slight load upon his back and inwardly sneered. He seemed to be putting all sorts of effort in for his servant today, serving him tea, carrying him around like a child, Leon should be honoured and grateful to this Lord! But it wasn''t a bad feeling...


    "We meet again," a soft, gentle voice distracted him from his thoughts and he came to see a girl standing before him. Her dark eyes were sheltered by long lashes, her pale skin was lightly enhanced by two spots of pale pink and she wore lemon yellow silk robes with white blossoms embroidered upon the hem.


    Jin Li paused for a moment. Did he know her?


    As if sensing his hesitation, coupled with irritation, Leon murmured into his ear; "Ah, I th-think th-that is M-Miss M-Merylin, M-Maimai''s sister." Jin Li suppressed a shiver daring to run wild through his body.


    "Who?" Unlike Leon, Jin Li did not whisper his words.

 Chapter 71 - One - How Sun feels about girls.

    The lovely, demure and ''favoured by the heavens'' girl froze almost imperceptibly.


    "I understand," she framed her words with just a hint of sadness, causing many of her fanboys to glare angrily at the arrogant youth. How dare he deny knowing the alchemist school''s most precious Twin Lotuses! "We have met just the once before."


    "Oh," Jin Li responded. And within the next moment, she had totally lost his interest as he had turned to speak with Sun. "I suppose it is too late for you to return to the martial arts school, now. You can go back tomorrow and let the dorm senior know I will not be returning for a few nights." The students of the martial arts school had some degree of freedom, but that did not mean that they could vanish without word.


    The dorm senior, an older student elected by the Teachers, was aware, however, that Jin Li had an alchemist student ''in his care,'' who he would visit from time to time. This was not such an unusual thing as a wise martial artist cultivated relationships with alchemists, blacksmiths and scholars in order to give themselves advantages in the future. And those talents relied on the strength of a martial artist to ensure their own futures weren''t hindered.


    "You attend the martial arts school," Merilyn grasping this fact. Of course the man worthy of her eyes was a martial artist and a talented one of his aura was anything to go by. "Are you in need of pills at all?" Of course, she was aware that Jin Li had a ''servant'' who happened to be an alchemist, but she was secure in her talent. Her pills were likely to be much more attractive than that boy''s.


    "Miss Merylin''s pills are always of the highest quality," one of her accompanying girls mentioned, freely. The boys, who had gathered about them like moths to a flame, all nodded in unison. The girls were sighing, feeling like they could not compete with Miss Merylin.


    Sun glanced over at the one Leon had named Miss Merylin and instantly decided that she was not his type. Sure, she was beautiful and for a brief moment, he was as dazzled by her as he had been the girl alchemist he had met before in Leon''s hut, but he then felt that he had seen this type of beauty before. In fact, he had lived with them. His older sisters and female cousins and their friends were always practicing such faces to snare the unwise heirs of other Houses, each trying to grasp a thigh thicker than the next. It was part of the reason he had convinced his father to send him to this school, his talent had painted a target on his own back!


    The girls he had met in the martial arts school were different from those girls, he felt. They were all talented and strong, though some might seek a golden thigh, they tried to prove themselves worthy with their own strengths, not through false flattery and fluttering eyelashes. Leon''s friend had also been different. She did not look at him through demure and secretly calculating eyes. Her interest had been openly calculating and maybe a little startling. But, she was very pretty.


    "No need," Jin Li rebuffed her without another word and Sun grinned to himself. He knew he was right to follow Jin Li, Jin Li would not fall into this girl''s trap!


    "That is good then," Merylin responded, immediately, bowing her head slightly before glancing back up at him through pure and friendly eyes.


    "Ah, but where should I stay tonight?" Sun asked Jin Li, suddenly.


    "You c-can use m-my b-bed," Leon offered. "I should c-c-cultivate anyway." It had been long enough, surely Jin Li could not still think he should wait. Sun noticed that Jin Li did not look happy, but seeing as he had nothing to add, Sun accepted Leon''s suggestion. It was only right anyway, he thought, forgetting that he had just promised himself to be nice to commoners and servants!


    Merylin''s usually perfectly calm and gentle facade suddenly fell as she came to realise that the alchemist boy she had ridiculed to herself as likely being beneath her in all terms, was currently sheltered upon the back of the man she liked! Why was her beau lowering himself to carry a servant!? A midst the confusion welling inside her, Jin Li sidestepped her and the group began their journey back to Leon''s hut.


    The crowd dispersed in its own time, after Miss Merylin had stormed away, uncaring of her reputation, back to her own accommodation.

 Chapter 72 - Two - I am back to making pills.

    Leon''s glasses were returned the afternoon more than a day later, all fixed and polished. With great relief, the youth placed them upon his nose and watched as the world came into clarity once more. His first thought, once his vision had cleared, was to heat a kettle of water and make tea.


    "W-would you like some t-tea, Tor?" He asked, keeping the olive branch to the other extended. But beneath the glare of a certain individual behind Leon, thus out of his sight, Tor could only decline.


    "I must get back," he replied.


    "Oh, okay," Leon said, but felt his body relax in relief. Clearly, though the original had long since departed, his body still remained wary of those that killed him. He sighed inwardly, he believed that Tor would no longer be a threat to him, but couldn''t help his body''s reflexes.


    After the blond boy had left, Leon poured a cup of tea for Jin Li, who helped himself to the honey. "Th-thank you, b-by the way," Leon said to Jin Li. The other said nothing, just glanced up at Leon, feeling strangely dissatisfied now those ugly, thick lenses obscured the youth''s face once more.


    He dismissed the feeling quickly. "I did not do it for you," he denied. "However, if you wish to repay this Lord, get stronger quicker so we might seek out a city and their portals. I have been away from home long enough as it is." Leon gave a nod of agreement. Jin Li left not long after, to return to the martial arts school. Sun had left early the previous morning as per Jin Li''s instructions, so peace completely returned to the small hut. Leon did not wait, however, to return to his daily routine. He still had pills to make to complete the requests he had taken!


    He first focused upon making the Cloudy Spiritual pills, this time producing a total of six, fairly average quality pills, but this time retaining half of his spiritual energy. He did not want to collapse again! The request only required five pills, he chose to hand over five of these average pills, the first four were too high a quality and might cause him to stand out. He had thought about giving these four to Jin Li, but was still worried about the impurities within them, so had hesitated. If he could not find a way to reduce the impurities in cloudy spiritual pills, then he would consider asking Jin Li if he wanted them.


    The request from the Beast Taming school was for ten beast calming pills, five hidden mist pills and for ten one heart pills. All of these could be considered basic pills and Leon had stock of all three of these pills, but was short on the hidden mist pills, which he had only practiced once before. The recipe required deep water ivy, false wolveswort and juniper grass. It was different to other recipes that Leon had dealt with before as the mixture had to set and be moulded by hand.


    Leon set to work, boiling the deep water ivy until the seaweed-like plant had dyed the water a heavy blue-green. Then, he removed the ivy before placing it to one side, this was no longer needed. The false wolveswort was required in dried form, but had to be crushed by hand. Leon ground the brittle herb until it was nearly powder before adding it into the now simmering water. The juniper grass was treated much the same way, but the potion needed to cool before it was added. As soon as the juniper grass powder was added, the liquid began to thicken and solidify, but it would be another half-hourglass before Leon could manipulate it into small round shapes.


    He washed his hands clean in preperation before carefully scooping out pieces and moulding them, pouring a little of his spiritual energy into each to ensure the mixture would not separate into its components in the future. He could only make four pills in the end, the mixture having reduced to a small amount through boiling and condensing. It was enough for him, however as he had three pills from his first attempt. He placed five pills in a jade pot ready for delivery, before cleaning up the mess he had made.

 Chapter 73 - Three - I am mesmerised by a Mesmyr

    Just like with the large order for blood pills that he had received from the martial arts school, Leon found that he would need to deliver the request for the beast taming school himself. He felt a little put out about this, as he had been fortunate enough to have been able to accompany Teacher Sagi to the martial arts school on a Griffin. This time he would have to try and make his own way. Just as he was wondering how long it would take to get there and if he should ask about potential shortcuts, another student entered the Herb Hall. It was Tor.


    "I wish to hand in this request from the beast taming school," he told the senior, who told him exactly the same words as had been spoken to Leon. He would have to make his own way there and deliver them personally. "Understood," was his reply.


    "T-Tor," he called out, swallowing the nervousness that automatically began to rise in the other boy''s presence. "You are g-g-going to the b-beast taming school t-too?" The blond hair boy nodded in agreement. "M-m-may I ac-ac-ac... go with you?"


    The other boy''s eyes widened, he did not expect Leon to ask, considering their past, but he felt this was also a way to make amends so agreed. Leon visibly relaxed and offered him a small smile to which Tor found himself turning away from with a slight blush. "We''ll go to the stables then."


    "Alright," Leon beamed happily, thinking that Tor meant the griffin stables and that he would not have to walk.


    As it happened, although his prediction about walking was correct, their destination was not what he thought. This appeared to be a different sort of stables. Leon''s eyes widened beneath his thick lenses as he tried to take in all of the animals located some way south to the Griffin nests.


    As one might imagine, there were beautifully shaped horses, their lithe bodies bodies would put any thoroughbred to shame. He felt that these must belong to noble students. But these were not the only animals to be housed here. Not including the goat, none of these creatures he had ever seen before.


    Most of these new, never seen before beasts were of the same type. It was a creature that was roughly the size of a large cat so a tiger or lion; in fact it''s short furred body was similarly shaped to these, with flexible bodies and powerful aft legs. It''s five toed paws naturally ended in semi-sheathed claws and enhanced its feline image. But that was where the resemblance stopped. Peeking out of the thick furred main that wrapped about its neck was a head more expected upon an elephant, with a trunk that was about half sized but still fairly long and twin tusks forming from its upper jaw. A top it''s furred head protruded horns that would not be ill fitted upon a buffalo and its ears were also of that kind. Most were silvery grey or tan in shades.


    Tor paused at one of these creatures and placed his hands upon its mane. "Most of the Baku are owned by the academy, but will not always accept riders. This Baku happens to like me enough so he hopefully will be willing to take us." The animal closed its eyes and leaned into the boy''s touch. Tor''s face softened, also fond of the creature. He withdrew two riding cloaks from his interspacial bag and passed on to Leon, before fastening the other about his own neck.


    Leon''s eyes strayed to a different occupant, a creature that seemed equine at first glance, but was definitely not a horse. Its body was all black and it had six eyes not two, each equally sharp and brimming with intelligence. Leon wandered over to have a closer look at the beast and found that it had no mane like a horse, but a series of spines protruding from forehead to shoulder, in a long line curving its head. It''s shoulders and back were covered in a shimmering carapace and it''s tail seemed thin and long, with spines decorating its tip.


    The animal was looking at him intently, but had not moved to bolt nor attack, so he moved nearer still to sate his curiosity. Besides, it was patiently stabled, how bad could it be? "Wh-what are you?" he murmured softly to himself. "Very c-cool!"


    "Hold back from that one!" Tor called out to him as Leon approached the side of the creature. Leon paused and turned to face the other boy, who looked frightened for him.


    "Why?" Leon asked him, but all he received in return was a startled cry as the beast pushed his nose against Leon''s face and nuzzled him. The black hair coating its body was exceedingly soft to the touch.


    Tor stared wide eyed for several minutes as Leon petted the Mesmyr. This was Teacher Pitre''s mount and as all knew Mesmyr''s were very picky with just whom they allowed to contract and ride them. They only ever accepted one Master during their lifetime and yet that same Mesmyr, who''s crown usually stood upright and forward in an offensive position were others to near it, was accepting Leon''s touch like a docile pet!


    Tor shook his head with a sigh and proceeded to saddle the Baku beside him. The silver toned beast crouched down to allow him to do so and began to snort excitedly.


    "Oh hey there!" Tor glanced around to see the girl Maimai grooming a very stout Baku of nearly pale pink shades. He nodded in greeting. "Are you off for a ride somewhere?"


    "Beast taming school," Tor replied, politely. "With Leon," he added as the smiling youth came to stand beside him.


    "I''ve never been to that school," Maimai said with twinkling eyes. "I''ll ride with you!" And without waiting for a protest, she quickly saddled up her fat Baku ready to ride.

 Chapter 74 - Four - We ride upon Baku

    Leon would not be aware of this, but the journey took almost twice as long as it would have done should a single rider make the same journey upon a lone Baku. However, this was not due to the silver grey Baku carrying two riders; Tor in front, while Leon held his slender waist from behind. It was actually due to the slower, more stout Baku, huffing along beside them, with its prettier and lighter load.


    Pale pink furred Baku were quite rare, like an albino of the kind and Maimai''s was a gift from her doting dad. Although it was rare, it was still just a Baku, so his first wife allowed him to gift the animal to this favoured concubine''s daughter without fuss. Miss Merylin was gifted a pure-blooded white Equine (what Leon had mistaken as a horse) instead. Maimai did not have any jealousy that her sister was given the more expensive mount, she loved her ''Piku'' more than anything and spoiled the beast outrageously. Hence the beast was much rounder in figure than other Baku and as Maimai rode it for pleasure, it never exercised and strengthened its muscles greatly either.


    Tor said nothing, though he felt the irritation of the silver mount beneath him. The Baku, who belonged to the school and was used mostly as a pack animal, had wanted to stretch its legs and bound through the decent stretch of mountainous forest, but was unable to do so. Tor decided he would make it up to the beast later.


    Leon was blissfully unaware and just took in what he could see around him. It was not much, mostly trees and foliage, he could not see much in front of him as Tor was a fair bit taller. However, as the trees were by far taller still, it was not hard to know when they fell back to reveal the open sky as they reached the side of the mountain, where the ridge dropped harshly into a chasm. Leon recalled this place from when he travelled upon the griffin to the martial arts school. Of course the view from upon the ground was vastly different.


    The sound of the paw-beats upon the ground changed from mostly soft thuds (from the silver beast anyway) to slightly noisier ones as the claws within each toe touched the wooden surface of the grand bridge that would lead them to the plateau with split roads. The martial arts school was to the northwest. It turned out that the beast taming school was to the northeast. The Baku took them over a second, much smaller bridge before the ground sloped a little and they were taken along a path with little foliage either side, mostly grey and jagged rock. The Baku took a sharp right turn and the descent became more obvious as the beasts carried their riders down a narrow slope into a large, basin within the mountain rock. Leon watched briefly as a wall of stone seemed to grow to one side of him, even as the mist covered tree tops came into view on the other side.


    The trees here were no less majestic than those surrounding his own hut and home and therefore their descent took quite sometime, but soon the sky was coated in a ceiling of green, the density of trees and foliage much greater than what he was used to.


    He felt the Baku shudder beneath him and pick up speed. He couldn''t be sure, but Leon felt like the beast was happy to be here.


    "Slow down!" Maimai called out to them. Tor instructed the Baku to do so, to which the beast snorted and glanced back at the pink Baku following and offered a low growl. Leon watched Tor pat the beast''s silver mane gently, as if to calm it.


    Eventually, the wild greenery and thick trees parted to reveal a glade nestled within them. The two Baku slowed and Leon glanced to the side of Tor to see more of the view in front. Two large buildings came into view. One was three stories high with small windows, but otherwise resembled a slightly curved block. It had a flat roof and twin doors, but otherwise there was nothing more interesting about it. The other building, close by, was a single storied one and from the scents wafting toward them upon the wind, it was the Food Hall of this school. Scattered about the circumference of the glade were other, small single or dual story dwellings and a large stable with Baku, horses and Mesmyr, amongst others.


    Maimai and Tor lead the Baku here first.


    A young man, possibly a year or two older than Leon and Tor greeted them. "Hey there, Tor," he said jovially. "Long time no see!" The man had blue-black hair that was shoulder length and hung loose about his neck. He was about a half-head taller than Tor so a full head taller than Leon and Maimai. His sleeveless leather vest revealed two muscular arms, but they were not of the thickness of individuals such as Pike, but were olive toned.


    "Cetus," Tor greeted in return. "I and this fellow have pills as per requests from your school." Tor indicated Leon as he dismounted. Leon waved, then attempted to copy Tor, but only managed to fail by getting his foot caught by the stirrup and falling face first into the mud. The man named Cetus attempted not to laugh, puffing his cheeks like a squirrel and sealing his lips.


    After a moment, he regained his composure and coughed. "And this young Miss?" Maimai was currently praising her tired Baku and nuzzling her face against its furry trunk.


    "A tag along," Tor replied with a slight eye roll.


    Cetus raised one eyebrow, before shaking away any questions. "Come on, I''ll take you to Teacher Volun. He''s been seeing a lot of alchemist students these days."


    "What do you mean?" Tor asked.


    "Well," the man glanced about him and then murmured almost conspiringly, "I''ve heard a lot of Beast Calming Pills have been ordered of late. I thought it was for the first years, to hopefully help bond with their first beasts. But they keep coming in small batches."


    "How strange," Tor replied, but then shrugged away the man''s words. It was enough for him to have been able to come here again.


    Leon, who had dusted himself off and approached the pair with Maimai, had a strange feeling come over him. Beast Calming pills... the request he had filled asked for those too. Why did that bother him... but before he could dwell on it, he noticed something far more interesting.

 Chapter 75 - Five - I step into a world of beasts and poo

    The beast taming school was one of five schools of the Ascending Mountain Institute and was one that could be considered as focusing on offensive skills, just like the martial arts school and the magic school, whereas the alchemist school and scholars school could be said as focusing more on logistics or support for the three others. Many students came to study here, so there were as many bodies scattered about as attended the martial arts school, indicating its popularity was not lesser to the martial arts school. However, the clear difference was always going to be the one thing that gave the beast taming school its name; beasts!


    With a lot of students walked, or were carried, odd little and large beasts unlike anything Leon had seen before. His eyes widened as he caught sight of an oversized rat like beast with twin pointed fangs protruding from the front of its mouth and two thick, furless tails dragging along the ground following a male youth who was talking to a girl, who carried a rabbit like creature with a large powderpuff tail and multicoloured ears a top it white head. And these were not amongst the strangest creatures here.


    Knowing he was staring at not sure how to stop, Leon chose to turn his attention to Tor and stare at his back, only that was a foolish thought as it meant that he ended up treading in what resulted from owning beasts. Groaning slightly as he looked at his soiled boot, he caught Cetus'' attention.


    "Sorry about that," he said, sheepishly. "Everyone is meant to clear the droppings of their own beasts, but there are also bond-less beasts running about and the first years are meant to deal with their messes. Unfortunately, it takes a while to get that into the head of many first years."


    "Pushing all the work onto the commoners?" Tor sneered slightly. He was not a commoner, his family could be considered notable, but as it happened Caprian''s family could be considered their employers. His family had served Caprian''s family for generations as advisors and close allies. He, himself, had been expected to keep an eye on Caprian, however that man''s family had not considered Caprian''s slovenly and deceitful nature. There was much of Caprian''s shit he had been forced to clear up. It was he that had bribed and convinced others to turn blind eye''s or forget thefts and beatings through Caprian''s seemingly unlimited purse. It was he who had convinced Caprian to purchase pills rather than steal them, though he had not realised the extent of Caprian''s greed until it was too late for some, including Leo.


    "Yeah," Cetus growled, he was a commoner, so he had looked forward to attending the school where he could develop his skills without the interference of nobles. He had had a rude wake up call. The teachers turned a slight blind eye to the disagreements between nobles and commoners, not because they did not wish to intervene, more as they wished to see how the commoners would handle it. Only if nobles pushed things too far, such as physical ''chastisement'' would the teachers intervene. But again that was only if they witnessed it. The first year was spent breaking the arrogance of nobles and providing commoners with confidence and the ability to stand up for themselves. Neither would make it far in a world of immortals without doing so first.


    However, as Cetus'' himself had already stepped in three piles of various excrement this morning alone, he was not happy with this batch of first years at all! He cracked his knuckles and grinned without mirth, thinking of ways to deal with the problem.


    Cetus lead them first to a metal thing holding a board covered in thick bristles, which Leon realised was to help remove the muck from his boots, before he then lead them to a two storey building that was slightly bigger than the other dwellings, but tucked into the trees, so unnoticeable at first. Inside, was a couple of large cages, in which more strange beasts were held.


    In the first were creatures that were about the size of a hamster. Indeed, they had similar beady eyes and rounded ears and a stubby tail. However, they were completely hairless and had small feathered wings upon their backs. They also had tiny pointed teeth. When they saw the students walk into the room, they grabbed thumbnail sized berries and proceeded to throw them at the youths. Fortunately, the berries simply splatted against an invisible barrier, patterns of light trickled from the centre of the barrier outward in a ripple effect when hit.


    Leon later found out that these hairless creatures were called Nibblets and usually formed nests in dense forests. They were extremely territorial and would attack anything that came close to their nests. Unfortunately, these Nibblets could only show off, wary of the barrier.


    "Ah, how cute!" Maimai said suddenly, looking at a large cage the other side of the room. "You have cooshee pups?! I''ve only ever heard about them!"


    Leon glanced over at where she was looking and noticed little fur balls the size of puppies scampering about. The little beasts were mostly canine in appearance, with soft looking black and white fur covering their bodies. Their ears were more like rabbits and were atop of their head rather than to the side. They also had four bright eyes, two large and two tiny, the later looking like smooth gemstones. The tips of the pups ears and their exceedingly fluffed up tail were either blue and white or red and yellow. One pup noticed Maimai and growled at her, then barked. Its voice was quite tiny and cute.


    "These guys were born wild," Cetus told her, "so I wouldn''t get too close. Even though they are young, they still retain those instincts. Still Teacher is hoping that they might become tameable. They don''t have a mother to teach them, so they''d be no good left in the wild in the long run. Anyway, this way. Teacher is upstairs."


    As Cetus lead them towards the stairs to the second storey, Leon could not help but look back. One of the cooshee pups was staring almost longingly in their direction.

 Chapter 76 - Six - My perfectly average pills

    Teacher Volun was not like what Leon might have imagined. Being surrounded by handsome and cute faces upon people mostly taller, broader or stronger will eventually warp a person''s senses after all. Teacher Volun was none of those things, in fact, it was more like looking into the mirror of someone who could be his own future self. Not that he thought they might be blood related or anything, just that Teacher Volun was short, slender and wore round glasses upon his nose.


    Otherwise, the Teacher''s silver hair was cut short and his dark blue eyes sparkled with a wisdom and age that his smooth skin did not. His glasses were not so thick either and simply made his eyes look larger.


    "Teacher," Cetus greeted the man, who was currently hovering over a thick book, brush dripping with ink in hand. "These students are from the alchemist school. They have fulfilled pill requests."


    Teacher Volun placed his brush aside immediately and scuttled around his large desk in order to receive the pills. "Oh good!" He said glancing at Leon and Maimai and up at Tor with an air of expectation.


    Tor did not hesitate and withdrew three jade bottles and the request note. The teacher glanced over them and nodded. "A good job as usual, Tor," the Teacher told him and indicated that Cetus should take him to the warehouse for his reward once they were all finished here. Tor''s reward was one he had requested, as he was on good terms with Teacher Volun and other beast taming school teachers; a pair of winter riding boots.


    The Teacher then turned to Leon, who handed first the request notice. He then removed the jade bottles from his interspacial bag, two containing the beast calming pills, one for the hidden mist pills and two for the clear spiritual pills. The Teacher picked up the first bottle of beast calming pills and opened the bottle to glance at the five pills inside. He did the same for the second bottle as well. A faint look of disappointment fell over his face, but he retained his amicable smile.


    "Thank you very much, young man," he said. He glanced over at Maimai, who blushed and apologised that she had no pills to give him, she had just wanted to take her Piku out for a ride and some exercise. As a beast tamer, the Teacher did not chastise her for wishing to care for her mount, so let it slide. "Okay, Tor....Er..."


    "Leo," Leon replied, remembering to use the original''s name. It was a wonder no one had asked him why Jin Li called him Leon yet!


    "Leo... please follow Cetus to collect your rewards." The three youths bowed and followed the senior out.


    Teacher Volun sighed. He had way too many beast calming pills in stock now and still they had not found the creator of the beast calming pill that they had once thought come from the deceitful student known as Caprian. The boy had insisted that he had made it even after he had been expelled, even though his reputation for buying and stealing other students pills had by then come to light. Perhaps it had been created by accident?


    The Teacher shook his head. Well learned alchemists from the Core school had already confirmed that the pill contained an extra ingredient, they had even discovered, after much testing, which herb that was. But still, although the pills they had created with this new knowledge were slightly better than the standard pills, they were still nowhere as good as that unusual pill.


    The Teacher lifted Leo''s jade bottle and glanced over the five perfectly average quality pills... and then frowned and picked up another bottle. Again, they were five perfectly average beast calming pills. The hidden mist pills had four average looking pills and one slightly better quality pill. And the one heart pills were all again perfectly average, not a discrepancy between them. The quality of a pill had to do with not so much about the amount of impurities, though that was a factor, but with how efficient they were. For example, a pill that did not work well, but had few impurities was still a poor quality pill, but a pill that the consumer could wring maximum benefits from but had high impurities could only be considered a good quality pill. The best pills had high efficiency and few impurities, but impurities often seemed to come down to mostly luck and a little knowledge. With the exception of just one pill, Leon''s pills would perform as expected and the levels of impurities within were neither bad nor good.


    "How strange," the Teacher thought, comparing the pills with Tor''s which ranged from average to good quality, not one was like the next. His curiosity got the better of him and he decided to write an enquiry to Teacher Sagi about the boy.


    In the meantime, Tor received his fur lined riding boots and Leon was given a beautiful, white pelt with specks of black scattered over it. The pelt was by far larger than he expected and he hoped to be able to take it down the mountain and ask the tailoress to make it into a coat or cloak for him. With both rewards in hand, the alchemist students went back to the stables and to their mounts so they might return to their own school. Piku was not happy about this!

 Chapter 77 - Seven - I have a heart to heart with Tor

    Leon was able to mount the Baku a little easier this time, but as he was still unable to ride by himself, he once again took position behind Tor and placed his hands upon his waist to help stabilise himself. Maimai beside them, had mounted her Piku, who looked back with large, pitiful eyes and a downcast trunk. Maimai''s heart instantly weeped for her ''poor'' Baku.


    "Can we go slowly for a bit," Maimai asked Tor, "my Piku isn''t feeling too good."


    "No good will come of spoiling the beast," Tor chided, almost coldly.


    "I have no idea what you are talking about!" Maimai grumbled and turned her face away from the other with a pout.


    "Is it n-not okay?" Leon asked, trying to keep the peace between them. "N-n-not in a hurry n-now, are we?" It was late afternoon, but the Food Hall would not be serving their evening meal for at least another hour and would continue to serve for a short while after that.


    "Fine," Tor replied and patted the mane of their mount, who he felt was not happy that he was due to be slowed down again, because of the overweight, pink creature plodding along beside him. Leon watched the gesture and felt the Baku settle somewhat beneath them.


    "You are r-really g-g-good with the B-Baku," Leon pointed out as they began to lead the beasts out of the compound. Tor glanced back, slightly startled by Leon''s comment, but a slight curve of his lips showed he was not displeased by it.


    "I would have liked to have been a beast tamer," Tor admitted, with a slight sigh. Why had he put up with Caprian''s unruly behaviour for so long? While it was true that he was a retainer in the other''s care, he was also meant to have guided Caprian upon the correct path. That was the expectation placed upon him. But he did not.


    "C-could you n-not enrol?" Leon asked. Leo''s skills or therefore lack of meant that he was only suitable for the alchemist school, which was not very popular with students, so tended to gather those who were still with some talent, but bottom of the pool regardless. Was Tor''s situation the same? Seeing him interact with the Baku, Leon had doubts.


    Tor said nothing for a moment, more due to his own thoughts, but ultimately deciding that he owed Caprian nothing at this time. "My family is in the care of Caprian''s family, which is an alchemist family," Tor explained. Leon visibly flinched when the name was mentioned, but kept quiet and let Tor continue. "I was expected to serve as an advisor to him in the school. My family are normally martial artists and beast tamers, but Caprian needed more... guidance, so I was forced to learn beside him. Only I did not do well." Leon knew he was speaking of the issue surrounding the bullying, with Caprian throwing his weight around the outer school. "Caprian promised to help me transfer to the beast taming school once he moved to the inner school. He thought being in the inner school would be to gain more comfort and less work. He did not keep his promise."


    Maimai could only listen quietly to what they spoke of, she had not enrolled in the same year as these seniors, could not relate. But she felt some sympathy for Tor. She was not suited for alchemy like her sister had proved to be, but as a daughter born of a concubine, even a favoured one, she was expected to stand a step behind her sister and ensure her sister''s fortunes.


    "I am sorry," Tor blurted out the words he had meant to part with sometime ago. Leo glanced up and glanced into sparkling eyes. "I should have stopped Caprian from near beating you to death, I should have not allowed him to steal yours or any others pills. I should have put my duties before my desires, then maybe..."


    "C-c-cooshee."


    "What?" Tor spluttered out the questioning word.


    Maimai also turned to look and was surprised to see the small pup wagging its cute indigo and white tail and panting happily as it sat in the hood of Tor''s cloak. Leon reached out a finger and it nuzzled it and barked. "Aw!" Maimai cooed. "So cute! Can I hold it?" The pup looked at her with piercing eyes, before disdaining her. Leon tried not to snigger over the little one''s proud stance.


    "Could it be that the pup wants Leo as it''s Master?" Tor wondered aloud, unable to see what was occurring behind him, but pulling his mount to a halt. Leon reached up into the hood and carefully scooped the pup from it''s nest. The pup instantly turned in Leon''s hold and yapped, it''s full attention upon Tor.


    "N-n-not m-me," Leon replied, cheerfully and Tor finally was able to see the pup with his own two eyes. The pup instantly began wagging its tail hopefully. "Seems it w-wants you."

 Chapter 78 - Eight - I decide to plan for winter

    "Can you take Leo back to the alchemist school," Tor turned and asked Maimai after he found his hands full of enthusiastic cooshee. He felt that he would need to return to the beast tamer school with the pup and explain. Who knew if they had noticed whether or not one of the pups had escaped!


    Maimai nodded, her eyes not having left the pup, but receiving no regard from the stubborn creature at all. In the end, she decided that no matter how cute the puppy was, her Piku was the best! Her Piku was not sharing the same amount of affection for its owner as it suddenly became burdened with not one but two riders! It mourned for its private stables upon the sects mountains and its long and lazy days.


    While Piku dramatically huffed and puffed its way back to the school, Tor took the pup back to the beast tamers school.


    It took a long while for Maimai''s Baku to arrive back at the school stables and Leon felt it would have been quicker to walk. Maimai saw him off with an enthusiastic wave then turned to brush down her mount, all the while cooing about how good and wonderful her Piku was.


    Leon headed for the Food Hall to see if there was anything left to eat. There was a roll of bread and some cold meats, not much, but Leon took this to his hut satisfied. He ate his cold meal under the light of the glowing orb, thinking that the days were becoming shorter, though the weather remained mild without much fluctuation.


    A year was considered five hundred days, cut into four seasons and like upon Earth, these seasons could vary in temperament across the two continents. The institute was in an area of mild temperament, despite being scattered across mountains, but would still receive snow in the winter and occasionally heat waves in the summer. The outer alchemist school was upon a slope, but also sheltered by taller mountains to the west. This somewhat protected the school and the herbs it abundantly grew, so their personal microclimate could be considered most stable.


    Leon, however, was not aware of this and decided to make plans to ensure the protection of his garden in colder months. But he was not sure of how to do this and decided to seek advice in town when he descended in a week to meet with Mr Clawse once more. It would also be a good chance to see if others had any knowledge about herbs that might not necessarily be written down.


    Poorer families would not generally have their children learn to read, finding teachers, paying their fees, this was often beyond their abilities and purse strings. But that did not mean that they lacked knowledge that they wished to pass down to their children. This was therefore done by word of mouth. Leon felt that there could be much to learn in the wisdom of these elders and was willing to seek them out and learn.


    In the meantime, Leon planted the three bulbs that he had received from the Cloudy Spiritual Pill request in three pots and placed them on a shelf within his hut. He then began to remove the weeds, basically any seedling that he did not recognise as being one of his herbs, from the herb and flower beds. He did not toss these aside, as he knew how lacking his knowledge was, just planted them in pots and would wait for them to grow and see if they could be identified.


    Some that had definitely turned out to be weeds and not herbs, nor edible plants, still attracted butterflies and bees, so he had a small field growing a bit of a distance from his hut with these weeds. They were usually watered by the rain or the waste water from his bath and chamberpot and did not seem displeased with this, so he continued to rely on them.


    One ''weed'' turned out to be silver nettle tea-tree, from which silver nettle tealeaves could be plucked for potions. The sapling was still young, so of no use right now, but it was an ever-green and would be able to provide him with the staple ingredient for healing pills throughout winter in the future.


    Watering his garden took half a barrel of rainwater, so there was just enough left for a bath. He didn''t fancy having to refill the barrel as he usually did with bucket after bucket from the lake or holding out for rainy weather, perhaps a wheelbarrow should be added to his shopping list. Yawning, he filled the bath with heated water and threw in some bath salts as he liked the scent of them anyway and proceeded to soak. Dreamily sitting in the cramped bath of warm water, he didn''t wonder about why his soulsea felt so calm and refreshed after a time and simply cultivated without thought.

 Chapter 79 - Nine - My first experiment

    Leon drowsily slipped from his dreams feeling fairly warm and wondered if he had forgotten to extinguish the fire within the stove the evening before. He wouldn''t be surprised if this happened to be true, he was up quite late experimenting with clear spiritual pills to the point that he had filled close to twenty jade bottles. In fact the sun had descended beyond the horizon and plunged the world into the darkness of night before he even became aware of it. He had literally dragged his weary body to his bed to fall face forward, unconscious before his head had touched his pillow.


    Leon nuzzled into said pillow and wondered why it felt so firm this morning. In fact, was the heat warming his cheek not emanating from the pillow? How was that possible? His eyes opened and nostrils flared suddenly becoming aware of a familiar scent. Leon''s arm was wrapped around the source of heat and though that source still wore his inner robes, Leon could not help but be suddenly aware of how close they were. Why did these sort of things keep happening? Actually, when did Jin Li get here at all?


    Jin Li''s heart was beating softly, directly below his ear, the calm pace indicating that the youth had not yet woken, therefore would not be aware that Leon was hugging his body. Leon felt this was his saving grace and slowly slipped out of the bed.


    The aroma of freshly brewed tea had Jin Li finally stir and rouse from the bed. Leon quietly placed the steaming cup and honey pot before him and Jin Li quietly accepted it.


    "How d-did you g-get in?" Leon asked after half a cup was consumed, refreshing and soothing his mind.


    "The door was unlocked," Jin Li sneered. "As usual, you fail to take care of yourself."


    Leon frowned, he was certain that he had locked it, even despite his weariness. However if Jin Li was here, he supposed he recalled wrong. "I''ll t-t-try to remember n-next time," he acquiesced. "I w-was up late last n-night. M-making p-p-pills."


    "Did you not learn your lesson last time? Making pills until you completely drain your innersea," Jin Li muttered, thinking that Leon had pushed himself to collapse the evening before. Indeed, the youth had been splayed out upon his bed when Jin Li had arrived last night, still fully dressed in both inner and outer robes.


    "N-no, I was c-careful," Leon assured him. "B-but look!" He indicated the twenty jade bottles upon the table, they were grouped into four batches. Jin Li frowned and placed his cup down, before picking up one bottle. It was filled with the basic pill, the clear spiritual pill. Something that was of no use for him, so he was not sure why Leon was so proud of his creations.


    "What of it?" He said, dismissively, placing the bottle down.


    "P-purple spirit g-grass is a m-main ingredient, b-but I found out if h-harvested from some p-places like White J-Jade C-Crystal M-mountain, is exp-pensive, I w-wondered why." Jin Li blinked, surprised by this servant''s sudden excitement, his eyes seemed to sparkle even through the thick lenses covering them from view.


    "Go on," Jin Li pressed.


    "M-merchant c-c-could only say that alchemist p-prefer it, so higher p-price," Leon said, thinking this was just supply and demand, a usual tactic for selling goods. Nothing surprising about this. To really learn about what made the herb preferable would require him to purchase and use it. But this would not be enough, he needed something to compare it against. So, while he was in town the day before yesterday, he had purchased a fair amount of the herb that had come from White Jade Crystal Mountain for the price of nearly 1 silver as well as the much, much cheaper purple haze grass from Southern Grassy Seas, a large, sweeping grasslands in the south of the continent for just 100 brass.


    Leon pointed to a set of bottles. "These p-pills were m-made with school h-herbs," he stated. These could be considered his base for the experiment. He had made the pills many times using the school grown herbs after all, the impurities usually varied between not high and not low, an acceptable standard, if not an ideal one. Admittedly, the grass he was given this time from the Herb Hall by a Senior was a little dry, but still usable.


    "These with g-grass from Southern G-grassy Seas. These with White J-jade C-crystal M-m-mountain herb and these... with m-my own." When he had returned to his home, he had noticed his own purple spirit grass was ready for harvest and was curious to know how it would compare.


    "And the results?" Jin Li could not help but ask, slightly influenced by Leon''s enthusiasm.


    Leon took out a single pill from each batch and placed them on the table before him. At first glance, there was not too much difference and Jin Li was not an expert when it came to pills. However, there was a subtle difference in scent and clarity of each pill if one was astute.


    Leon slowly advised him that the ones made with grass from the grassland was high in impurities so all of the pills resulting were fairly poor in quality. He had still made fifteen pills to be sure. Were it not for the high level of impurities, the pills would otherwise have been his usual average levelled ones.


    The ones with grass from school were better, his usual standard of pill, definitely a good base to compare the others. The pills with the grass from the mountain were of good quality due to the much lower amount of impurities. It seemed the grass grown there was unsullied by whatever caused the impurities within the herb and therefore the pills made with it. It was no wonder it was considered to be expensive if it could make even an average alchemists pills turn out better!


    "And this one?" Jin Li asked, picking up the pill that Leon had produced using the grass from his own garden. Leon blushed slightly as he claimed back the delicately scented pill.


    "C-comparable to th-that one," Leon said, pointing at a pill still on the table. That pill happened to be the one made with purple spiritual grass from White Jade Crystal Mountain.

 Chapter 80 - - He has been busy

    Jin Li hadn''t intended to stay the night at Leon''s hut, it was convenience that had brought him here. After successfully completing his first mission, although the points had been doubled, he knew they were just a drop in the ocean for if he wished to obtain quality things such as the Water of Small Blessings. So he and Sun had taken on a variety of missions that gave reasonable points. There were not many of these available for first years unless one wished to lower themselves to cleaning guest rooms and mucking out griffin nests, but it was more than during normal times when all first years would vie for the same missions.


    Within the past week or so, Jin Li and Sun had dealt with false devil''s vine sprouts, journeyed into town to collect an Elder''s foot cream and cleaned a multitude of practice swords. The false devil vine sprouts were minor demon beasts in plant form. They were not like the true devil vine, which only a martial artist of at least Senary cultivation would dare to deal with. It just looked a bit like the deadlier kind in it''s sprout form, but the former did not grow beyond a half foot and the most damage they could do to a person was give them a bad rash. Finding out that the foot cream was for a fungus infection was probably far more unpleasant than dealing with those plants.


    In between times, Bowyer had stepped down from the inner school mountain and sought out Jin Li to spar with a couple of times, even tested Sun''s skills and reflexes. He had been delighted by the smaller boy''s swiftness, something that he was still lacking, even if Sun''s strength equalled nothing more than a tickle upon his sturdy form.


    By yesterday morning, Sun had felt that he could no longer take the abuse and refused to crawl out from under his blanket, hence Jin Li took a quick mission by himself. It was naturally nothing that required much effort anyway. Just take some cutting knives down to the outer and inner alchemist schools. These were often given to first years in exchange for their weak pills, a sort of incentive for them to begin taking and fulfilling requests by their own merit. By now, most of the first years across every school would have begun to settle in and look beyond the basic lectures and learning materials on offer.


    Hence, he had come to this school on a mission, but seeing as he had been grabbed by Bowyer to spar first thing, then lead to eat and spar again in the afternoon, he had not left the school until the sun was already sinking beneath the tree line. He was swift enough that he needn''t worry about arriving here nor getting back before the dark, but on arrival, his stomach had begun rumbling again, so he had dropped the knives off at each school, before deciding to grab his evening meal at the outer school Food Hall. He was not a stranger there, but he did earn himself several glares as he packed away dish after dish of food. The girls, who happened to decide to sit at the table he had claimed for himself, may have had something to do with that.


    "You are Leo''s friend!" One girl said, brightly. Her beaming smile had him wondering both where he had seen her before and who exactly was this... Leo...?


    "Maimai," the girl sitting beside that one chided, in a softly spoken voice. This one too seemed familiar. "Please consider your manners." She offered Jin Li an apologetic smile, which Jin Li ignored, more interested in what was on her plate. How did she think she would survive until breakfast on that meagre portion?


    "Yes, Merylin," the other pouted slightly and poked her vegetables with her chopstick. "Oh, I haven''t yet thanked Leo for his advice the other week! I forgot to when I met him at the stables."


    "What sort of advice?" A plain girl sitting the other side of that one asked.


    "Senior Leo gave me some tips to making clear spiritual pills and burning energy pills!" The girl replied, cheerfully. "I haven''t made a cauldron explode in almost two weeks!"


    Jin Li rolled his eyes, wiped his mouth upon his napkin and excused himself, before standing and leaving the Hall. "Wait!" The soft spoken girl called out to him, causing him to turn to look at her. She cast her eyes down and colour rose in her cheeks. "I wished to enquire... the standings begin tomorrow. Maimai and I are fortunate enough to be able to witness. Will senior be taking part?" All students, above first years, were expected to show their faces, but forfeiting was still optional.


    Jin Li narrowed his eyes and simply replied; "No." And with that he walked out to find the sky was already dark. He made a sound of irritation, before choosing to stay over at his servant''s hut for the night rather than bother to run back at this late hour. Of course, he hadn''t expected that he would end up being used as a pillow!


    Now, he was standing outside while Leon fiddled with the locks upon his door, staring at the healthy patch of purple spirit grass in Leon''s garden. It didn''t really look any different to other patches of purple spirit grass he had seen, but then again, he was not an expert. He had no interest in looking at flowers and trees regardless.


    The wind brushed through the garden herbs and Jin Li noticed that there were carved markers in each patch. Each noted the herbs'' name and he couldn''t help but wonder if there were those odd markings Leon liked to carve upon them as well. Sure enough, on the reverse of each one were carved the marks. He did not know what they meant, but found himself reaching for the Koi fish dangling from his sword and he ran his fingers over the mark upon it.


    "Shall we g-go?" Leon asked. Jin Li nodded and they began to journey to the inner martial arts school.

 Chapter 81 - One - I get involved in a fight

    The Standings was a friendly competition between students within the three combative schools, held once a year. Friendly, as fights were not to the death. Anyone causing a death would face immediate expulsion. However, the Teachers seldom let things go so far and kept a heavy supply of Blood pills, False Recovery Pills, Bone Regrowth pills and various potions on hand to deal with the aftermath of the fights.


    Second years and above were expected to participate. In truth, there was no label beyond being a First year, the only cap to learning in the school was age; once a student reached twenty eight, they would be expected to leave regardless of achievements (although most left before this). Only first years had restrictions and expectations set to their education and that was to allow them (or to force them) to settle into school and adapt to the way things were done here. This was also the reason that first years did not participate in the Standings, first years held onto their egos and grudges too firmly and ''accidents'' leading to deaths were far more likely to occur. This wasn''t to say that seniors did not have similar problems, but they were more aware of what would happen should they allow their emotions to overflow into combat.


    The Standings would be held over a week period, within the outer schools and inner schools, though only the inner school on the last day. This last day, the top ten students of the outer school would fight the bottom ten students of the inner school, leading to potential shifts in occupants of both schools. It was probably needless to say that very few students would forfeit their battles in the inner school unless they had absolutely no choice.


    There were three rounds of participation and battle points would be awarded for each round. On the fourth day, the students would be placed into groups depending on their points and fight for final rankings. For example, those with the highest points would be placed together in a group and would fight people in the same group. Those who lost would be placed by their final points, those who won would gain more battle points and continue fighting until their was one man standing, usually that person would be the highest ranked person at the end of the competition. There would be awards in points (as in the type used daily) given to students who ranked well, especially those in the top ten. Those who had improved vastly upon last year might also receive a small pot of points.


    In the previous year, Pike had ranked ninth, while Bowyer had missed out on a top ten ranking and came in eleventh, in the inner school.


    As first years, Sun and Jin Li could not participate in the Standings, they were expected to watch other students in the outer school battle it out to reach the top ten of their school, ready to face the inner school students. However, Pike and Bowyer had invited them to witness the inner school battles along with Leon. Their Teachers had not been surprised knowing how these two had caught the eye of inner school seniors, but the outer school students looked at both with envy and disbelief.


    Sun was stuck facing a few of these students alone, seeing as Jin Li had disappeared again the day before.


    "So, little Sun is above us now," one arrogant First year drawled as he and his fellows gathered around the smaller boy menacingly.


    "Can''t lower himself to sit in the outer school with the rest of us," another taunted.


    "Well, there is this unpleasant smell..." Sun replied with a sigh.


    The first student, who happened to be a from an infamous berserker sect, which focused on tempering body more than spirit, immediately retaliated over the comment, his fist flying forward. However, Sun saw it as if time had become stretched and slowed and dodged with ease. The boy''s knuckles cracked the stone wall behind him. The second student grabbed the first''s arm and hissed; "Bullen, do you want to be expelled?" It was one thing to exchange words of taunt, but if they were caught fighting in the corridors...


    The first student glared at the second, before turning back to Sun. "You just wait until next season, during the inter school exchange! We''ll see who stinks then!"


    "Duh," Sun rolled his eyes. "First years can''t participate in that event either." Bullen growled, his muscular body seeming to grow and shadow Sun more.


    "You really should not rile Bullen up, you know," the other one sighed, dramatically. "Who knows what can happen during mock battles after all?"


    "Oh? Do enlighten me," a voice drawled, lazily behind them. "What sorts of things can occur in mock battles?"


    "Brats can become dead brats," Bullen replied, in a deep, threatening tone.


    Jin Li glanced over his body, his eyes ranging over it with calculation, before a mocking sneer curled his lips. Then he turned his attention to Sun. "Are you done amusing yourself?" Jin Li asked him. Sun nodded with a bright grin. "Then lets get going, shall we?"


    Before the other students could even protest, Sun had slipped out from amongst them and returned to Jin Li''s side. He offered Leon, who was lurking in the man''s shadow a curt nod, before ignoring him as well.


    "Oi!" Came Bullen''s angry grunt. "Who said you can walk away from me?" The youth was at the limit of his temper, which was clearly stupidly short and strode towards them, his fist curled at his side. He blindly swung at them, Sun danced naturally out of the way, while Jin Li grabbed the youth behind him and pulled him out of the berserker''s path. Only he was a tad too late as Leon had kicked his leg out in surprise and the berserker''s heavy weight had tripped over his foot and ankle.


    The momentum and subsequent face plant, knocked the youth unconscious, while the students stared at him frozen for a moment. Leon groaned beneath his breath, his ankle throbbing in pain as footsteps suddenly broke into the silence. "What''s going on here?"


    "Teacher! Scatter!"

 Chapter 82 - Two - My ankle hurts

    "I leave you alone for one day and this is what I return to?" Jin Li chided Sun with a sneer, his arm still wrapped around Leon''s waist as the failing bullies ran down the corridor in their vain attempt to escape the Teacher''s notice.


    "But Jin Li," Sun whined, but was unable to finish what he was about to say.


    Teacher Vane''s eyes narrowed as he stopped before the remaining students, his eyes looking down his nose as he saw the large first year, Bullen spread eagled upon the floor and unconscious. "I want an explanation," he demanded.


    Sun proceeded to give an honest, if not slightly embellished account of what had occurred, showing him proof in the form of the crack upon the stone wall.


    "And how did he come to be like this?" Teacher Vane asked.


    "T-t-t-tripped over m-m-my ankle," Leon''s stutter worsened in the face of the sullen and intimidating teacher. That and his ankle really hurt. "W-when w-we were t-t-trying t-to g-g-get out of th-the way."


    Teacher Vane recalled this student as one from the alchemy school, also remembering that he had been in this pair''s company then too. He, himself, did not like Jin Li and Sun. He felt that they were too arrogant and brash with the eyes of other Teachers and seniors upon them in interest. He knew that it was only a matter of time until at least Jin Li, was transferred to the inner school and he personally could not wait for that day. However, he also knew that no matter how he disliked this pair, they also did not go around seeking trouble. The berserker, on the other hand, foolishly lived up to his reputation as being hot headed. Teacher Vane did not forget about the students who had fled the scene however. All of them would be receiving penalty chores for this misbehaviour.


    "I will deal with this matter," Teacher Vane informed them. "However, if I find that there was more to it, do not expect to be unpunished." And with that, the man stepped over the prone form of Bullen and headed down the corridor.


    "Let''s go," Jin Li said, wanting to leave as well.


    "W-w-what about him?" Leon asked, pointing to the berserker.


    "What about him?" Jin Li returned and began to usher him along. Leon yelped as he placed his foot down, his ankle was just too much! Jin Li''s eyes narrowed. "Show me."


    Leon lifted his leg in order to remove his boot, but it was too tender and his eyes began to water. Jin Li knelt and carefully removed the boot instead, causing Leon to hiss. The ankle was quite swollen, even Sun winced and felt pity as he saw it. "I w-won''t ever g-give them m-m-my p-pills," Leon joked as if such could be a retaliation against the ill treatment.


    Jin Li sneered as he kneeled in order to carry Leon, insisting the boy get upon his back. "You should not be giving your pills personally out to anyone but me," Jin Li told him, lifting him as he felt the warm weight settle. There was a strange sort of satisfaction from having the youth rely on him once more.


    "N-n-not even Sun?" Leon asked him as he held onto the other''s shoulders. Jin Li felt that his ear had become itchy upon feeling the boy''s breath close to it, but figured he could ignore it. He shrugged in response to Leon''s query.


    "I''ll think about it," he allowed.


    Sun''s expression was that of someone wronged. "I''m not sure I want those pills," he said sullenly, crossing his arms as he followed them down the corridor to the portals. "Speaking of pills, can''t you just take a blood pill or something to ease the injury?"


    Jin Li''s steps faltered slightly as Leon began to chuckle at himself for not thinking of that possibility. "No need for that now. We are already late. He can take it later," Jin Li decided half a breath later and continued to carry his alchemist upon his back.


    *****


    A few minutes later, the trio were guided by Bowyer to a set of empty seats, where Pike was standing like an intimidating guard, scaring others who might claim said seats away. "What happened to you?" Pike asked Leon, who was still sheltered upon Jin Li''s back.


    "There was an incident," Jin Li said, dismissively.


    "Some students were unhappy that we are lucky enough to watch the Standings here," Sun explained in more detail.


    "Your seniors haven''t been keeping the first years busy enough," Bowyer said, coldly as Leon was lowered into one of the seats.


    "Maybe we should show them how it is done," Pike suggested with a slightly wicked grin upon his face, to which Bowyer thrust his fist into his palm in response. "But first, we have to show our own how it is." They waved a quick fair well and descended the steps into the arena, where around fifty students were lingering, waiting to participate in their first battles.


    Sun quickly enquired of a neighbour what had happened so far, as they had arrived a little late. That person gave an overview; the first round of the Standings was a free for all. Points were given based on how many people one person knocked off of the centre stage with bonus points for those who remained with in the stage after the time limit has ended. Of course, this sort of thing could be exploited, so if no people were removed from the stage, no points were given. If only one person was knocked off of the stage, then the bonus points were set at one point. It was in the best interests of those on stage to not only remove a lot of people, but to remain standing at the end as well.


    The groups were roughly fifty people big and one group had already fought. Ten managed to remain on stage, receiving forty bonus points and points for those they had removed from the challenge. The current winner was on forty nine points, tenth place had forty, having dodged many, but won against none. Eleventh place had racked up fifteen, before being removed as a threat.


    In the next group, Pike and Bowyer would scramble. Leon placed a blood pill in his mouth, which melted upon his tongue and he swallowed the mixture while waiting in anticipation for the fight.

 Chapter 83 - Three - Sun attains enlightenment

    Witnessing fifty martial artists battling it out within a square stage in the middle of a large arena, is not actually as interesting as it sounds.. at first at least. The first few seconds are dedicated to glares and calculated looks, each person glancing around themselves to see who to attack first and who best to defend against, who was a definite threat and who to avoid at all costs. Barely anyone moved.


    But one move had a domino effect that turned the stage into a chaotic mess of movement, one that could draw the eye to numerous places at once and cause the watcher confusion. Leon felt dizzy from all the movement, but finally his eyes caught sight of Pike and Bowyer, who happened to be fairly close to the centre of the melee, back to back clearly teaming up. As the bodies lessened on stage, Leon could begin to see that a few groups had formed, those Pike and Bowyer had accepted no others into their alliance and the other groups were skirting about them, avoiding them while they dealt with each other. Those who failed to keep a close eye upon them, however, soon found themselves flying off of the stage thanks to a kick or a fist.


    At this point, no weapons were allowed, all skills were close combat and one should not use their root abilities either. However, Sun pointed out a senior who had used wind abilities to push another''s momentum until that person teetered upon the edge of the stage, his comrade pulling him back before he could fall. A Teacher leapt down into the melee and grabbed the culprit, removing him from the melee so swiftly, that the woman''s move did not effect the battle at all.


    The time ended just shortly after, only seven people made it this time. Pike and Bowyer had personally removed nineteen individual''s between them, but at the end, one of the final team''s tactics decimated their rivals so they were not responsible for the most losses. That team of five had cleared away twenty five individuals so close had they moved together and had lost no team members. Of course, this still meant the two high Standing individuals had the better scores.


    "Don''t get too smug," Bowyer warned Pike as they claimed seats in front of their two juniors and Leon. "You may be one point ahead now, but I will catch up and overtake you."


    "Yeah, yeah," Pike grinned smugly. Their current scores were fifty three and fifty two respectively. There were three more groups that would fight on that stage before the day ended, the last had fifty two people within it. Tomorrow would usher in a whole new set of challenges for the students.


    Sun began complimenting them and brightly bounced away in his seat as he described his favourite moves and moments as well as repeating what had occurred near the end of the match with the Wind user. Bowyer made a sound of disapproval.


    "That would have been Gother," he shook his head. "I bet his target was a gangly looking youth with a head of loose black curls?" Sun nodded an affirmative. "Gother''s had it in for Troy ever since the kid turned him down and clearly didn''t wish for him to remain on stage until the end." Ah, thought Leon with realisation. It seemed homosexuality was not unheard of in this world either. It was refreshing to see neither of the senior martial artists bat an eyelid over such.


    "Turned him down over what?" Sun asked innocently, causing a strangled sound within Bowyer''s throat.


    Pike began to laugh and smacked the other on the back. "I''ll leave the explanations regarding Bees and Butterflies to you shall I, Bowyer?" Leon snickered beneath his breath, catching Jin Li''s attention, while Bowyer looked horrified.


    "Don''t you dare!" Bowyer warned him. Sun glanced between them looking increasingly confused. Leon wondered if he should interject, but was finding this all too funny.


    "Jin Li?!" Sun protested, begging him to explain.


    The other frowned and replied; "This Lord does not feel like wasting the time to explain. If you wish to understand, then you must figure it out on your own."


    Sun''s wide and sad eyes did nothing to move his cold roommate, so they reluctantly fell upon Leon, who felt wrongly trapped by them. Jin Li turned to look at him with a slightly raised eyebrow in question, while Pike and Bowyer wondered if their favourite country bumpkin even knew what they were talking of and grinned broadly at him. Leon felt his cheeks redden beneath their attentions. "I th-think th-th-this G-Gother w-w-wanted to d-date Troy."


    "Date?" Sun still did not get it.


    "W-w-wanted to b-be p-p-partners w-with him." The heat increased within his face, but Sun still looked confused. Leon sighed and took a deep breath. "He w-wanted h-him l-like a h-husband w-wants a w-wife!" His loud explanation caused a silence to fall all about them. Leon shrank into his seat, completely mortified. Pike and Bowyer burst into fits of laughter, the latter grabbing his sides as a bruise he had received their earlier made itself known as he chuckled hard.


    Sun thought about his explanations for a while. "Oh," he replied as realisation finally set in. "But are they not two men?"


    "W-what has th-that g-g-got to d-do with it," Leon muttered, continuing to try dimming his presence. All the while, Jin Li stared at him in thought.

 Chapter 84 - Four - What their eyes seek

    Merylin stifled a yawn, raising the fan she held within her hand to hide the slightly twisted expression upon her face. How dull this sort of thing was. Living in the upper echelons of a sect meant that she was not unschooled in the arts of war, but the melee''s she had watched so far were messy and ungraceful. At one point, she had witnessed a bear of a man simply walk around the perimeter of the stage shoving weaker opponents off, yet being unable to be removed himself. How was that proving his martial arts in any manner?


    Of course, that had been in the outer school and Merylin and Maimai had followed their father and his guards to the inner school to watch the inner school students fight in the afternoon.


    Normally, the sect leader would not be the one attending the Standings, however, daddy had wished to see his two precious daughters, so had decided to witness this year personally. The Standings were not only good for students and Teachers, but for sects and kingdoms seeking to recruit or seeking to further their own youngsters talents. Their sect had five youths in the outer school and three within the inner school. Their father was seeing how they had progressed as much as to seek new talent.


    "Oh look Merylin!" Maimai said, gleefully. "I see Leo over there and he''s with his warrior friend." Merylin''s eyes shot forward with little discretion as Maimai pointed out the handsome youth. Honestly, she had been very disappointed to hear that he would not be participating in the Standings. Merylin had thought it was compulsory. "Ah! If he''s not participating, could that mean he is actually a first year, like us?"


    "This is possible," Merylin agreed, softly, feeling the knot unwind in her stomach. Why had she not thought of that?


    "Who is this Leo?" Their father growled, sullenly, his eyes narrowing as he glanced around to see which brazen youth had captured his baby girl''s attentions.


    "Leo is a senior student alchemist," Maimai replied. "He gave me some tips for refining pills, even though I had broken his glasses by mistake. He never blamed me for it." With the mention of the glasses aiding him, the man zeroed in on the slight youth with white striped hair and thick spectacles. He sat with other youths, a few of which had strong auras and confident bearings. The boy practically disappeared in presence amongst them. Why would that sort of boy attract his Maimai''s attention?


    "I do not approve," he grumbled.


    "What in heavens daddy!" Maimai exclaimed. "Leo is not interested in me that way! He was only being helpful as he knew what it was like to mess up when making pills!"


    "What''s wrong with the boy? My precious daughter not good enough in his eyes?"


    "Daddy! You are being ridiculous!" Maimai pouted.


    Merylin fluttered her fan in front of her face, inwardly agreeing with her sister. Besides, she was not interested in Leo, but the person beside him. When will you notice that I am better than him? she wondered wistfully, sure that if she could just show him how superior her pills were to other alchemists in the outer school, she could get him to truly see her. Or maybe if not her pills, maybe her position in the sect? She could help him obtain all sorts of advantages if he joined their sect!


    Pleased with her plan, she gave a small, half smile as her eyes fell upon the stage that now had just twelve people standing upon it. One, a youth with brown hair saluted and bowed in their direction, his eyes clearly focused upon her. Ugh, she disliked that boy, Justin. He was one of those born within the sect, his father one of her father''s close subordinates. A plain, freckled youth who had always liked to try give her bugs and spiders when they were small. He was uncouth and his martial arts only a bit above average. He completely lacked the grace and inner strength of nobility that of a certain First year, her eyes crept over to at that moment.


    Her fan fluttered as she sighed, dreamily.


    Jin Li shivered as if someone had dropped ice into his inner robes.


    "Are y-you alright?" Leon asked him.


    "Yes," Jin Li replied, dismissively, causing Leon to simply shrug.


    "The guest rooms are likely all full," Pike was saying. "I don''t think we''ll have a spare bed for Leo, but it''s troublesome for you to keep travelling back and forth to your school."


    "How did you get here this morning?" Sun asked curiously, as he was aware that they had both been at the alchemist school over night.


    "Griffin," Jin Li replied.


    "We m-m-met with T-Teacher Sagi, who h-happened t-t-to b-be travelling over w-with others," Leon confirmed. "Th-they m-m-might still b-be g-going b-back."


    "Maybe," Pike replied, but wasn''t sure. There were spare accommodations for teachers after all as lectures could be performed by teachers from any of the other schools as well as their own.


    "It does not matter," Jin Li said, suddenly. "Leon can simply stay with us." Sun did not bother to protest, he knew once Jin Li had spoken, he would not change his mind.


    Bowyer frowned. "Why do you call him Leon not Leo?"


    "It''s his name."


    "It is?"

 Chapter 85 - Five - Jin Li considers marriage

    By the end of the first day, Bowyer and Pike were not first and second place, but they were in the top five, being placed third and fourth. In the last group, a team of six had annihilated the competition, claiming thirty five of the people pushed off stage and becoming the only ones left standing. They had not allowed any others to stand with them. As they also had two extra bodies during their group, they also could claim extra points over all. Two members within their team took the first and second spot.


    But perhaps the scariest person to participate in the melee was in the third group. This group had the most survivors, so the least bonus points over all, but one youth, notable due to his blazing red hair and sharply set eyes removed fifteen people from the stage by himself. Pike told them that his name was Ari and he was currently first in the overall Standings. Although he had only claimed joint eighth, he would most definitely rise to be top three in Pike''s opinion.


    "Round one is a little luck as well as skill," Pike said truthfully. The next round would be a little of the same as well. In the second round, the two hundred and fifty two students of the inner school would be split into teams of six and again there would be a time limit. In this round, weapons were allowed, but again abilities were not. The teams would be random, made up of a top student, three mid rank students and two bottom ranked students and they would get little time to discuss tactics, before being placed against another team. All this was based on the previous years Standings. The team that won would receive ten points per member, the team that lost would receive nothing and each team gained three chances. This would naturally mean that there would be many, many matches and all had to be completed within the day. Therefore, the smaller battlegrounds would be opened for the matches, with Teachers spread thin to cast final judgements.


    But that would begin tomorrow, Pike and Bowyer did not know which team they would be placed in, but it was impossible that they would be in the same team. They would find out in the morning. Jin Li, Sun and Leon ate a meal with them before retiring to the outer school dormitories.


    Leon could not contain the yawns that spilled from his throat. The day had seemed quite long and too exciting for him, he did not even protest when Jin Li directed him to his bed. There were only two in the room, one was obviously Sun''s, but it was not as if Leon and Jin Li had not shared a mattress before.


    Leon''s excuses regarding his name had been a bit thin, claiming it had been a spelling error on the paperwork for entry into the school and it was too difficult to explain and besides, he was used to it by now. The whole thing was shrugged away, it was not as if his explanation was impossible after all.


    "I was wondering who that girl referred to when she spoke of a Leo," Jin Li had muttered to himself, causing Leon to ask;


    "W-what g-g-girl?"


    Jin Li had given him a cold glare then said no more, leaving both Sun and himself curious. Pike and Bowyer had looked at each other, coughed into their fists then changed the subject, deciding to praise the skills of the two women who were currently in the top ten. One of whom, Luna, was the only woman within the existing top ten of the Standings. Bowyer had wondered aloud whether she would maintain her place. She was currently eighth as of last year, having beaten Pike by just two points. She was skilled, but had a tendency to rely on others and a run of good luck had pushed her into a good position that she had not fallen from.


    The other woman had been a first year last year, so this was her first time in the Standings. Pike and Bowyer did not know much about her at all as she had flown under their radar all of this time.


    With Leon having fallen asleep almost the moment his head hit the pillow and Sun having slipped into dreamland not long after, Jin Li lie upon his side and stared at the youth beside him for a while. Without his thick glasses marring his face and his long hair spilling about his small frame, he definitely had a slightly more feminine look. His waist was still skinny and there was a complete lack of muscle upon his thin arms and he lacked presence over all. But he had been warm upon Jin Li''s back and his pale face coloured really easily, which amused Jin Li for some reason. He also revealed his emotions far too easily through his lips, his eyes being too hidden usually.


    But what bothered Jin Li the most, was why he was so interested in the reactions that followed the revelation that a man could be interested in a man. Leon had been embarrassed, but that was over the loudness of his voice when others had stopped to listen, and he had become almost sullen when Sun had questioned it. Yet he had not sounded disgusted at all that a man could love another man. Well, neither had Bowyer nor Pike.


    Jin Li rolled into his back. As for himself, he had never thought about it before. He had lived his whole life upon his family estate and his focus had been his cultivation and training. His father had his mother as wife and his mother, being the strong martial artist she was, would never allow other women to warm his bed, so learning that his uncle had a wife and several concubines had been a revelation at that time. He had stated that he would marry a strong martial artist like his mother, but he never once thought beyond that. As for sharing said wife''s bed.... he could not imagine it. Only Leon had dared crawl into his bed and he had cursed him for it at the time, but now... well the warmth he produced was convenient, he supposed.


    And on that thought he rolled over once more and went to sleep.

 Chapter 86 - Six - We are confronted at breakfast

    The Food Hall at the outer martial arts school was filled with the chatter of excitable first years, who took to singing the praises of several who had performed well in the first day of the Standings. Those who they surrounded were insufferably smug for the most part, only a few of more experienced martial artists did not allow this to go to their heads. After all, there were still two days to go.


    Leon would have felt more comfortable eating congee in a corner with Sun and Jin Li, but the three, while not arriving late to breakfast, did not arrive early. Sun was someone who liked to sleep in and Leon was someone who would have felt bad abandoning him, unlike Jin Li. So the three had found seats in the middle of the thrall, but were ignored by everyone surrounding them, as if they were an island in a ocean marred with jagged rocks, sharks and stormy waters.


    This did not bother Jin Li, who was too busy consuming his savoury congee topped with chunks of salted meat and onions. Leon had opted for a more sweet breakfast, with honey, nuts and dried fruits. Sun looked as if he would prefer a sweeter breakfast as well, but in the end opted for the same as Jin Li, but also he had an egg a top of his.


    The berserker, Bullen, entered the Food Hall at this time. Upon his nose was a sticky bandage, for battle scars were a berserker''s pride... even though this scar was definitely not one earned honourably nor was worthy of a tale. Behind him, was a behemoth of a man, his face seven points similar to Bullen''s. Bullen was a large youth, width, height and breadth he was an imposing individual for many, yet the man with him was taller by half a head and wider in the shoulder and biceps by a hand span. He quickly attracted the attention of several first years, who began to praise him for his scores the day before. This man had reached the top five of the outer school the day before and he was prideful of this.


    Bullen muttered something to the larger man, his eyes settling upon the table where Leon''s small island quietly lay. The man grunted then pushed past the first years and others he considered ants, not even being respectful to those who should be his peers. He came to a halt in front of the three youths and crossed his arms about his chest, letting loose his spiritual and natural aura''s that could usually bring to heel even the most vicious mutts.


    Many backed away and Leon''s island suddenly grew. He glanced upward and noticed the man hovering across the table from them, his eyes grew wide from behind his glasses. Leon noted that Bullen was standing smugly at the large man''s side and so was quick to deduce what was about to occur. This was Bullen''s way of paying them back and this thick thigh he held certainly appeared capable. Leon hoped he carried enough improved blood pills, because this surely was going to hurt.


    Sun was not far behind Leon in figuring out what was happening, but the boy trusted his own speed and felt that he should be able to escape injury... if not for the thick throng of people around them. Where were the Teachers when they were needed the most?


    Jin Li either did not notice the man''s presence or thought that his breakfast was more important, because he ignored him completely.


    "My brother Bullen claims that you are responsible for his being punished by Teacher Vane," the large man, slapped his fist down upon the table, hard enough to rattle any bowls and cups upon it, but not enough to break it, though he was quite capable of doing so.


    Jin Li placed his spoon beside his empty bowl and looked at Leon''s unfinished meal thoughtfully. "It is no wonder you are so skinny," he complained, "unable to complete such a small meal. This Lord does not mind helping you out." Leon snapped out of his panic to clutch his bowl to him before Jin Li could snatch it. He was still hungry after all.


    "Jin Li," Sun whispered to him, still keeping his attention upon Bullen and his brother.


    "Ah, so you wish to share your meal with this Lord," Jin Li was not about to look a gift horse in the mouth, but could not pry Sun''s bowl from his grip. The smaller boy had learned a while ago to keep hold of his bowl and plate less it disappear before his chopsticks.


    "J-Jin Li," Leon murmured and indicated the large brothers, who were now glowing red with visible pulses within their thick necks. Leon shrank beneath their intense stares, although did not forget to continue clutching his half-eaten breakfast to his chest.


    "Tch," Jin Li complained and stood up to meet the gaze of the man some half-head taller than himself. "You are disturbing my breakfast," he told him. "Leave."


    "Not before this score is settled!" The large man growled, slapping his hand down upon the table once more.


    "What score?" Jin Li sneered. "You wish to fight as your brother was foolish enough to trip over my s.. alchemist''s ankle and knock himself unconscious?"


    The large man''s eyes narrowed and he turned to look at the sheepish expression upon his brother''s face. "They turned their backs upon me, too cowardly to face me," the boy issued his own version of the truth. "I wished to teach them a lesson, but I did not expect them to use such low and dirty tricks!"


    Jin Li rolled his eyes. "Yes, yes," he shook his head and crossed his own arms. "My alchemist purposely had the muscular you trip over his flimsy ankle and used the floor to knock you out." Several within the gathering crowd chuckled behind their hands at his words. He then looked up and down the larger brother and a wicked smile appeared upon his handsome face. "You wish to fight? Then you can entertain me this evening in the arena after the day''s battles are done." By this he meant the outer school arena as clearly the other could not enter the inner school without invite or enrolment.


    The large man nodded his agreement, then turned to his little brother and followers. "Let''s go."

 Chapter 87 - Seven - I watch teams battle

    The team battles were due to begin after breakfast, so the three youths left the Food Hall for the inner school after Jin Li''s third helping of congee.


    Pike was waiting for them, wanting to take them to an open battleground just outside of the main school. "Bowyer''s team is due to battle first," he explained. As expected, the two men, being amongst the current top members of the Standings, were in separate groups.


    Leon had worked out that there would be twenty one teams all told and Pike advised them now that the battles would take place over the day, three an hour, which were timed. The teams had fifteen minutes to score victory or it would be declared a draw and only two points per team member would be awarded. Only a little better than losing, but no where near as good as securing a win. Pike was free for the first hour, his team were scheduled to fight in the main arena as they were due to fight another team whose most skilled member was also a top ten ranked martial artist. Pike was calm about it, but it was Ari''s team he was against, meaning there was a fair chance of losing this round.


    Bowyer''s team did not consist of any people that Leon recognised from the day before, though that did not mean that they were bad martial artists. He had not seen the first melee and some good people were just unlucky the day before. The team he was facing only had one vaguely familiar face, Leon thought he must have been one of those to remain upon the platform the day before.


    As the teams could wield weapons, Bowyer naturally had his sword at his side. Jin Li knew how skilled he was with this weapon and his blood felt hot as he amused himself with the memories of facing it. He wished he could temper his own blade in opposition, but unfortunately that was not possible at this moment. Still, it may yet see action, he mused, so he watched Bowyer''s movements carefully, uncaring about the final score.


    The battle was over after just seven minutes. Pike did explain that generally the whole fifteen minutes were not necessary, that just one badly timed move could be exploited by a good team and the defence of the others would crumble to dust. Bowyer''s team won this round. Pike casually mentioned that this would also be a challenge for the losing team; how they coped with the loss. Sore losers would affect following matches, while those who learnt from their losses had the chance to rise and regain face.


    Such an example was given by the next team to lose on this battleground, watched by the group and Bowyer who joined them to observe. Of the two teams, one had the girl Luna, the only female martial artist to be in the top ten and the other team had the youth who had been disqualified the day before, Gopher. These two were on opposite sides. Leon was startled to recognise another person, who happened to be on Luna''s team. That person was the first senior he met when coming to the inner school for the first time, the one who had ''expressed'' interest in his pills.


    Luna used a ranged weapon, a sling and so was kept to the rear of her team''s formation with a spear user protecting her. The Senior wielded a pair of tonfa''s made of a dark wood and stood at the front of their arrangement. The wind user Gopher on the opposite team favoured thrown weapons, which under normal circumstances, could be manipulated by his elemental abilities.


    At first glance, it seemed as if Luna''s team was at a disadvantage, the girl''s stones could not penetrate the defence of the other team and as she had another member focused on protecting her, it was as if the battle was actually four versus six. However, a sword wielder on the other team became overconfident and swung at the tonfa wielding Senior, only for the man to use the wooden weapon against the lengths of his arms as a shield one moment, before spinning one with a practised grip and using the sudden length of it to smack down upon that person''s wrist. The sword wielder dropped his weapon, the numbing pain on his wrist too much and so the tides suddenly turned.


    The spear wielder stopped protecting Luna and came forward into the fray, nudging his spear in between the bodies that had practically formed a wall and distracting the opponents further as they fought to avoid both the point of the spear and the weapons of those they faced. Gopher threw knife after knife, but having relied too much on his wind arts, his aim was too often off and the only damage he inflicted was to skim the flesh of the Senior. Eventually, his side had to give up or risk being too hurt to continue in the next battles.


    Gopher threw down a knife in disgust and automatically pinned all blame on the sword wielder, who had been rescued before the Senior could finish with him. The wind user took no responsibility for his own poor performance, causing a crack to form in the team. Leon later found out that this team lost two battles, including this one and only managed to draw in the final round.

 Chapter 88 - Eight - It is time for Jin Li’s fight

    Pike''s team lost against Ari''s team, the current number one was too skilled and swept away the weaker members of Pike''s team within a few minutes, including Troy, the boy targeted the day before by the wind arts user. Seeing that his team were losing their confidence, Pike surrendered at the eighth minute, deciding one loss was better than three. His team apologised to Pike, but Pike rallied them saying it could not be helped, after all it was Ari they were dealing with and that man was a cut above most!


    He praised their performances instead, saying that Troy was amazing for holding Ari at bay for the three minutes he had managed and Carina, the girl who had performed well the previous day, had produced excellent cover with her thrown shuriken on top of using her whip. The girl blushed beneath his praise, but the man failed to notice.


    In their second and third match, the team won, gaining each member twenty points that day. Bowyer''s team won their second round and drew in the third, where fighting became more intense in an effort to win the last points available to them. Thus Bowyer gained twenty two points that day, putting him one point ahead of Pike.


    "See, what did I tell you!" Bowyer grinned, broadly, "I said I would catch up and overtake you and it only took until the second day!"


    "Yes, exactly, the second day," Pike said, calmly as the two men walked Leon, Jin Li and Sun to the portals back to the outer school that evening. The men had slid down the ranks, to seventh and eighth, but neither were concerned about it. Just as Pike had claimed also, Ari had shot up the placings to now rank second. And only Luna remained in the top ten for the girls as a few others had been fortunate to rise in the rankings and force Carina out. However as both Pike and Bowyer were aware, it was only the second day and there was still another two days before the Standings were finally over.


    It was then that Leon recalled the bullies from the morning and the battle that Jin Li would now face. "Are you r-really g-g-going to f-fight that m-m-man?" He blurted out, glancing worriedly at Jin Li. After all, as great as he knew Jin Li''s skills were, that man was a walking mountain of flesh and muscle, not an easy feat to conquer. He didn''t want to see Jin Li hurt in anyway and he patted the pouch at his side wondering how many blood pills he held.


    "What''s this?" Bowyer asked curiously.


    "Ah, that disagreement that made us late yesterday," Sun replied, placing his hands behind his head as he walked without care. "It escalated, now Jin Li must face the big brother of a first year that lost face before us."


    "Sounds interesting," Bowyer grinned, then turned to Pike. "Want to go watch?"


    "Why not," Pike replied with a shrug. "Let''s see what type of martial artist attends the outer school these days!"


    And so the number to enter the outer school area including Jin Li was five and waiting for them were the two berserker brothers, a few of big brother''s followers and the group of first years that got chastised thanks to the confrontation with Sun, Jin Li and Leon.


    "Ha!" A youth with a crooked nose, that had been broken in the past, and beady eyes peered over at them and called out; "What''s this? Asking inner school seniors to fight your battles? Such cowardice!"


    Jin Li did not bother answering with a sneer or words, just calmly walked to the centre of the arena, lightly adjusting his sword at his side. This sword did not have a name, it was not the sword he wielded beyond the grounds of his home, it was merely a practice weapon. However, the ''practice'' weapons of his house could not be said to be ordinary either. He could lament that his true sword was out of his reach at this time, but he did not worry about it now. This practice sword was good enough to deal with the berserker before him.


    As if to emphasise the point, Bowyer held up his palms in a gesture of peace. "We are simply here to observe our junior," he informed them, although he add inflection on the word ''our''.


    The seniors of the outer school could not miss the implied meaning. Bowyer and Pike would not allow this fight to become unfair, nor would they allow their junior to be bullied following the end of the fight. Pike placed his hand upon both Sun and Leon''s shoulders as Bowyer spoke, indicating that the two small youths were also under the umbrella of their protection. He then ushered the two to the seating area at once side of the arena. Leon looked over his shoulder as he was manoeuvred away, feeling sickly. Bowyer followed him and the outer school seniors and first years filled up seating in the opposite direction, leaving just Jin Li and the berserker senior at the centre of the arena.


    The rest of the seating also filled. These were seniors and first years that happened to be in the Food Hall when the fight was agreed between the two men, but also a handful of Teachers chose to discreetly observe as well, slipping in when others attention was on the two martial artists as they began and latecomers lamented that they had missed the beginning of the fight. Amongst those to come late were two alchemists of the female persuasion.

 Chapter 89 - Nine - A battle for honour and vengeance

    Two men circled each other, one with the build and strength of a mountain, the other resembling more a strong yet supple tree. The large man, flexed his muscles as he moved, gloves with sharp claws protruding from the knuckles adorning his fists. The other man''s steps were light and bordering casual as he held the still sheathed sword in his hand. The larger man took this as a provocation; he felt that this low first year was mocking him, not taking him seriously at all. So he was first to make a move and attack.


    The other simply side stepped, turning as he did so and his sword sweeping out of it''s sheath it a wide arc towards the berserker''s midsection. However, as bulky and heavy as the larger man appeared, he was not unused to combat and was able duck instinctively beneath the sharp weapon and roll to one side. A grin appeared upon his face as he rose to his feet. Originally, he had thought this battle would be uninteresting, one-sided bloodshed to save his younger brother''s face. Knowing better, he took more caution, crouching low as he observed this man before him, now seeing a viper rather than a fangless lizard.


    Leon swallowed to try and moisten his throat and dried his sweaty palms upon the cloth of his outer robes. He watched as the handsome man launched his own attack, graceful and effortless before his opponent. Beside him, Sun had his hands curled into fists and was muttering things such as "Teach him well, Jin Li!"


    The metal of the cat-claws rang out against that of the blade as both men tested each other''s skills and reflexes over again. Leon tried to analyse things from an outsider''s perspective, but failed as his heart raced in his chest and alarms rang in his mind. He simply didn''t want Jin Li to get hurt, wanted Jin Li to return safe to his side. He didn''t even try to suppress his burgeoning feelings as he had grown accustomed to doing over time, but neither did he recognise them clearly, too absorbed in watching Jin Li fight.


    Were he to see things from Pike and Bowyer''s perspective, he might have considered that while the large berserker had the advantage of strength, he lacked Jin Li''s range and agility. That and there was their cultivation.


    One''s cultivation tempered the body and enhanced the natural abilities both physical and mental as well as shoring weaknesses. This meant that the better ones cultivation was, the better their abilities overall. Jin Li was already of tertiary stage at a young age, meaning he was not weak and one could not rely on his stature to judge him. This was something many first years still had to learn. The berserker had clearly become aware that Jin Li was not so simple as they fought, but he could not imagine that Jin Li was a large step above him in cultivation. The berserker was of secondary stage, having broken through one year ago. This was reasonable progress in the eyes of others and it was expected he would remain in this stage for at least another two years. Again, not unexpected nor considered slow. Jin Li could just be considered abnormal in comparison.


    The Teachers were aware of Jin Li''s cultivation, hence why they observed him now. He had already proved he had skills to back up his talent for cultivation and it seemed his cultivation was stable, something that they had feared would not be so. Teachers in the schools were already discussing moving him into the inner school, but they still wished to know whether Jin Li could prove he had the ability to be worthy of the move.


    Merylin watched with hot eyes, inwardly daring the berserker to hurt her Jin Li, just see what would happen if even a scratched marred his alabaster skin. Her nails were digging into her palms as she watched Jin Li barely dodge a heavy blow and hissed beneath her breath. Maimai looked at her sister and patted her knee reassuringly. "Don''t you know that this battle is no longer one of vengeance?" She said, reading the mood much clearer than her sister. "Look, they are merely sparring now!"


    Indeed, Maimai was correct, the two men were enjoying the battle far too much to settle scores. The berserker, as he leapt over Jin Li''s sweeping leg before counter attacking with a hammering fist that was barely stopped by an arm that under normal circumstances would have snapped, had long since understood that his little brother was in the wrong and was no longer trying to shed blood. Jin Li had already understood the berserker''s intention and his own bloodthirst had eased and he now simply battled for the sake of it. And besides, if this was not what he truly wanted, he would have ended this farce of a duel by now.


    "What has my darling daughters'' attention?" A deep voice crooned from behind the two girls.


    Merylin blushed as if caught doing something inappropriate, while Maimai just looked back at their father with a sigh. "Just watching boys be boys," the latter sister said, nonchalantly.


    "Oh?" The sect leader within him observed the two men battling and scored their abilities as so-so. He was not easily swayed by flashy techniques nor gestures of strength, though he did feel that there was more to the eye of the swordwielder, but the berserker could hide nothing from his developed views. The man noticed that the sun was beginning to set and laid aside his lofty persona for that of a doting dad once more. "Come on, it''s late! I don''t want my girls being all grumpy in the morning because they lost out on their rest!"


    "Dad!" Maimai wailed while Merylin hid her own pout behind her fan.


    The Teachers also noticed the lateness of the hour and the school had rules in place, which meant this fight needed to end. One, Teacher Apus appeared as if from thin air upon the arena''s battlegrounds in between the two men, effectively stopping the battle, reminding them that the curfew was soon to begin. There were some protests, Bullen approached his brother with the intent to question him, while Leon ran nervously to Jin Li to see if he was alright. Before either could speak, the Berserker bowed to Jin Li.


    "You are very talented," he complimented. "I am unworthy an opponent. I will apologise in my brother''s stead."


    "What are you doing..?" Bullen demanded, only to receive a cuff about the ear.


    "You dare provoke the sleeping lion and dare me to face it''s wrath?" The berserker scolded the boy and grabbed his collar, leading him out of the arena in disgrace.


    "I don''t understand!" The youth wailed. His friends looked embarrassed and fled in his wake.


    Leon watched them for all of a brief moment, before turning to Jin Li, his eyes filled with worry. "Are y-you alright?" Sun and the two seniors approached at a more leisurely pace only to hear Jin Li''s response;


    "No, I am not. I am hungry now."

 Chapter 90 - - I am bathed in feelings

    Leon happened to have a small package of mixed nuts and dried fruit, having thought of keeping a snack on his person in case he, himself, was hungry while watching the fights. After all, he was once a modern man who liked eating popcorn at the movies. In the end, he had forgotten about it, but handed the snack into Jin Li''s eager hands without hesitation. It was soon devoured.


    "I wish I c-could g-go home n-now," Leon said, suddenly after they had seen Pike and Bowyer off to the portals.


    "Why?" Jin Li said, irritably. Did his s..alchemist really wish to leave his side now? How foolish! It was already getting dark, if the youth could even make the journey with his weak body, he would likely trip and fall off of the mountain!


    "I j-just want a b-bath," Leon replied. He''d been nervous watching Jin Li fight, his body was coated in a thin layer of sweat, much unlike Jin Li who had hardly broken a sweat at all!


    Jin Li and Sun glanced at each other, the latter was also eager to spend a few points in order to soak. Jin Li had been so stingy, insisting they save their points for more important things than bathing. It was not like Sun could simply show up at Jin Li''s servant''s place and insist on using that small tub whenever he felt like a free bath! Jin Li grumbled a bit, but glancing into Leon''s hopeful face, he coughed away his reservations and lead the smaller boy towards the baths.


    The door they went through lead to a room with shelves and benches. Clothing was both scattered and neatly folded upon these with drying cloths nearest an open door where steam was leaking into this changing room. The three youth divested themselves of their clothes, Leon quite shyly averting his eyes from Jin Li''s body. He knew already that he was attracted to the other boy, but he had always kept his feelings at bay. Now he felt the stirrings of other emotions, he wasn''t so certain of his ability to do so.


    Sun felt scorn when he saw that Leon''s body, while a lustrous shade of white was also very skinny, lacking any semblance of muscle. Of course, that did not mean Leon had none, his legs were slightly more toned than the first time Jin Li caught the boy naked, and his upper arms were a tad more defined as well. His ribs were no longer showing either, something that Jin Li approved of.


    Sun went ahead first, to wash off the dirt before they could soak in the tubs, while Leon lifted his heavy cloak of hair and used his tie in practiced fashion to form a loose sort of bun, so his hair did not get wet. It took an age to dry it and Leon was not in the mood to do so now. His slender back was revealed to Jin Li as was the round flesh of his bottom. It looked meatier than Jin Li recalled and the youth felt his throat go unexplainably dry. Leon''s glasses had steamed up and he had to remove them, so he did not see the strange look upon Jin Li''s face.


    Jin Li then had to guide the half-blind youth into the bathhouse and explain how things worked. They would wash up and then could bathe. It cost points to bathe in the normal baths, more to bathe in the herbal baths.


    "Why?" Leon asked curiously as he felt Jin Li''s hands press down upon his shoulders until he sat upon the wooden stool beneath him.


    "The herbal baths are meant as tools for cultivation," Jin Li advised him. "They are meant to relax the body, make it easier to slip into a meditative state as well as help stabilise cultivation so it doesn''t become turbulent and backlash if one practices foolishly."


    Leon''s curiosity was peaked; he had, after all, created his own herbal bath salts although they were just meant to make the water softer and smell pleasant. He couldn''t help but wonder what a herbal bath here was like in comparison. Something must have flittered upon Leon''s face as he heard Jin Li sigh heavily. "Wash up," he ordered, "this Lord will take you to the herbal baths afterwards."


    "Really?" Sun blurted out next to them. Leon glanced towards him, but naturally could not see the surprised expression upon the other''s face.


    "B-but I d-don''t have p-points," Leon reminded him.


    "This Lord has sufficient for both of us," Jin Li said, rather smugly.


    "Yay!" Sun cheered. He hadn''t had a herbal bath in forever! He''d disliked them before, when he could not break through. He had felt as if he was constantly being reminded that he could not rise to secondary stage even though he had access to these and other aids. But now his cultivation had stabilised at secondary stage, he felt different about it.


    Jin Li helped Leon to wash, even though the latter protested, feeling as if even the simple back wash was too intimate between them now he was slowly recognising the feelings overflowing within him. But Jin Li would not be swayed and even insisted Leon help him wash his own back, however blindly. Leon felt glad that the atmosphere was fairly thick with steam and his flushed cheeks did not stand out in amongst other bathing men.


    Leon was then guided by Jin Li to a doorway in the back which had a barrier preventing them passing. He hadn''t noticed before and still didn''t due to his lack of decent vision, that both Jin Li and Sun wore bracelets that contained their points upon them. Sun went in first, Jin Li held Leon''s hand to help guide him through, somehow making his intention clear so his deduction of points were doubled.


    The bath Leon settled into, although it was for just one person, was bigger than his own bath by quite a bit. It was nice to simply lie in, even if this bath was meant for cultivation. The herbal scent drifting from the water was quite nice and it was definitely easy for Leon to slip into meditation required to cultivate. However, after cycling his energies about his body for one round, he opened his eyes with a slight frown.


    "What is wrong?" Jin Li asked, not bothering to cultivate. This sort of medicinal bath did not really aid him much, so he had simply found himself watching Leon''s reaction instead.


    "N-nothing really," Leon felt embarrassed. Jin Li had spent his points on this bath for him and here he was feeling as if he wanted to complain about it.


    "Speak," Jin Li demanded.


    "It''s j-j-just th-that," Leon stuttered over the words, worryingly, "it''s n-n-not as c-comfortable as with m-my b-b-bathsalts for some reason." His words turned into a whisper as he spoke, still feeling bad about it.


    "What do you mean?" Jin Li asked. As Sun, he was used to these herbal baths, in fact the scent was no different to those he had used at home, so he had thought nothing of it.


    "I... I think the same," Sun blurted out suddenly. He was loathe to admit it, but after three cycles, he didn''t feel that the herbal bath was all that good. At first, he felt as if it was just because he was at secondary stage now, of course it would be harder to cultivate to tertiary. And he wanted to say that Leon was being big headed, claiming that his cheap bath salts were better, but then he recalled the rush of energy he had felt when bathing in them and how easy it felt to cultivate, he began to question his own beliefs. Had he really been responsible for his own break through? The three youths fell to silence, thankful that no one was around to hear them, but also sharing one thought; we must test the salts in the future.

 Chapter 91 - One - I witness battles in an illusion

    Sharing Jin Li''s bed was definitely more an ordeal that Leon could have imagined before. Not even the first time sneaking in his bed seeking warmth was no nerve wracking. Leon lie stiffly as Jin Li moved to lie next to him beneath the sheets. At first, as Jin Li''s breath seemed to steady and Sun began to softly snore from the other bed, he thought Jin Li had failed to notice his nervous state.


    Swallowing the lump within his throat, he shuffled carefully, turning over so he could observe the handsome man while he slept and sort through his emotions. Alas, he wasn''t given the chance. His eyes met Jin Li''s narrowed ones, he did not need his glasses nor light to see that they were open given their closeness.


    "What are you doing?" Jin Li asked, keeping his voice low.


    "N-n-n-n-no...I''m n-not d-doing anything!" Leon felt his face aflame as he quickly turned back over.


    Behind his rigid frame, Jin Li was also contemplating things like why he had wasted points on the youth lying next to him, all for a pointless herbal bath. Why had he been pleased to see than Leon had gained weight? And why did his hair smell so pleasant this evening?


    When the morning came, all Sun could think of was why did the pair have deep circles about their eyes?


    *****


    The third and final round, before the individual battles the following day commenced, was a solo event. A physical illusion was cast about twenty-five students as they stood in the arena, where they would face illusionary beasts. These beasts, based on common and well known beasts within reality also took on the traits of their counterparts. For example, if a student came across a nibblet in the illusion, it would do as much ''damage'' and be as ''tricky'' as a normal nibblet. If a student fought something much stronger, like a Coeurl, a scaled feline with the agility of a feline but strong hide of a lizard, they would find it as hard to fight, just as if they met one in reality.


    For each beast they fought and won against, they would gain points based on the ''level'' of that beast, the level being what practitioners considered the beasts bloodlines and abilities to make them overall. For example, a nibblet was most definitely a level one and would give a student one point. A level two creature such as a large carnivorous animal would provide five points. A level three such as a dire wolf would be ten points, a level four twenty points and a level five would provide fifty points. The mages were not so cruel to add beasts of higher levels than this as none of the students would likely last a few seconds against one of those.


    Pain was illusionary as were wounds, but they would feel and be weakened by them just as if they were battling for real. If a student was about to ''die'' in the illusion, they would be transported out of it and would have to settle with whatever points they received. Time was also a factor. The students had just one hour to defeat as many illusionary beasts as possible and the points for their successes were recorded on their bracelets. The groups were not random, they were based on the previous year''s standings, from lowest to highest. But before them, those who''d been first years the previous year were sent to experience the illusion first.


    The girl Carina was amongst this group for the inner school. She stood still in amongst the others as the illusion engulfed them. And then small bubbles dropped from the sky to float about the arena.


    "If you look closely," Pike said, "you can see those who are within the illusion inside the bubble. Of course, it''s best to know who you wish to see, otherwise the bubbles simply show people at random."


    Sure enough the bubble closest to the five youths skittered through many faces, although each youth saw someone different each time. Leon only knew of Carina, so focused on her in his mind and sure enough her image appeared in the bubble. She was currently walking through forest growth. It was dark and dense, she didn''t appear to be able to see too far ahead. Her eyes skittered from left to right, her head and body turning in the illusion. She briefly met up with another first year, but after speaking with him, the pair moved away from each other.


    "The other thing is," Pike mentioned as he also happened to see this, having had a good first impression of the girl and brief teammate, "students can group together, though points will be split amongst them. A few years ago, they could also attack and steal others points, but there was much complaint after one student backstabbed five in a row, but couldn''t defeat one lousy dire rat and still came out in the top ten!"


    "I bet there would have been less complaints if he had been a noble," Bowyer mentioned, but not with bitterness. Pike shrugged and continued to watch as Carina finally met with and fought a normal looking tiger. Leon, at first, wondered why a tiger could only be considered a level two beast... until he saw a sabertooth of the same type fighting another first year. It was larger, more vicious. It''s eyes glowed red as razor sharp claws sliced the chest of the first year, who failed to move from its reach. Somehow, the youth managed to defeat the creature, but also ''died'' in the attempt and was transported out of the illusion.


    In the end, Carina gained thirty six points through steady battles, she came over to let Pike know. The older man congratulated her and it did not fail to be noticed by anyone but perhaps Pike himself how she absorbed readily his praise.


    As the seniors already on the Standings began their own battles, Leon watched alliances form and falter, watched students triumphant and fallen and was able to realise that the average points being won was gradually rising. When Pike and Bowyer entered the fray much later that day, the highest points Leon had heard had been scored were one hundred and seventeen.

 Chapter 92 - Two - Should I worry about the Seniors or Jin Li?

    Bowyer and Pike has already come to an agreement before entering the illusion; they would fight as a team for the first forty five minutes, sharing spoils, but the last fifteen they would split to fight solo. Although the two men certainly wished to keep or raise their place in the Standings, the competition to better each other was still much in the forefront of their minds.


    They were not the only ones to form teams. Luna had used her charms to convince two boys to join her team and the five, who had the least standing in this last group decided to fight together. How long these alliances would last, only time would tell. Ari chose to fight solo from the get go and no cajoling could change his mind.


    Bowyer was a swordsman, Pike favoured heavier weapons and currently wielded two fair-sized hammers. He also placed a knife in his boot. Spiritual abilities could also be wielded in the illusion. Bowyer''s root was metal and Pike''s happened to be fire. Both roots were considered Major or primary roots, thus both could produce and use their element at will.


    The illusion remained of a dark, dense forest space, with the only light being lanterns hanging from boughs in some places, tiny fireflies or glowing mushrooms in others. Some spots had no light at all. The two men swiftly moved deep into the forest, seeking out prey. They were not disappointed.


    The first creature to fall upon their path was a Mystic Garuda; a bi-pedal beast, with the body of a monkey, the height of an ape and the razor sharp beak of a hawk. Upon it''s slender arms were a thick array of blue-green feathers formed into wings. These feathers also adorned the tip of its white tail and head. As it had some intelligence and spiritual ability, it was considered to be a level five creature.


    A Mystic Garuda was so named as unlike its cousins, it relied on its spiritual abilities to hunt and fight, so upon seeing the two men, it sent out a smattering of blades created from the air. The sharp wind blades could slice just as easily as a knife, but were not clear to the naked eye, however the two men had no issues avoiding the blades. Pike threw one of his hammers to distract the beast, while Bowyer swiftly made his way to the garuda''s blind spot to leap and slice at the back of its neck. The creature barely dodged both, but a long gash formed across it, causing it to bleed heavily.


    Pike swung with his remaining hammer, drawing the garuda''s attention back onto him. Bowyer made a hand gesture and the hammer that Pike had thrown flew back into the man''s hand even as he lifted it in order to make the final blow. These two men knew each other''s habits well. They claimed the hefty amount of points without much difficulty, astounding those that watched them.


    After that, they happened upon a flock of red sparrows, much weaker and distant kin to the legendary Feng Huang (Phoenix). They fluttered their mixed brown, red and orange feathers, shooting tiny blasts of fire towards the agile men. These were too easily dealt with by Pike, due to his root. Were the red sparrows of stronger bloodline, such as Blaze eagles, he would not have been able to use their fire against them. But if the mates were to put a level on Blaze eagles it would be closer to ten than the level three red sparrow each held due to their size and weak physical ability. However, there were eight in the flock and the two men annihilated each and every one, claiming an additional eighty points between them.


    Elsewhere, the team of five had split into two groups, having struggled to work together well. There had been conflict amongst them once they approached a level four Alicorn, that Leon thought was much like the Unicorn of myths and legends, and most carried injuries now. Luna''s team had settled on hunting smaller prey, level two''s and three''s, for the most part and were swiftly moving through the forest at a very steady pace. Ari had already found and battled a Jungle Garuda, which was more ape-like and relied on its array of muscles rather than head or abilities, three coeurl and was currently sweeping his way through a small pack of worgen, a creature that could only be described as a mix of feline and canine.


    At the agreed time, Pike and Bowyer did split up and hunt alone, the view in Leon''s bubble switched frequently between the two men, especially when they found prey at precisely the same time. Jin Li seemed to watch fairly passively; it was not that he was not interested in the battles, he especially felt he would enjoy challenging Ari, even though he suspected he might actually lose to the man, but his eyes were elsewhere. More specifically, he was watching Leon and becoming increasingly unhappy about it. Why was Leon watching the seniors with such interest? Look at him squirming in his seat as he stared at the bubble. Who had got his attention, was it that woman? If it was, he''d clearly be used like a rag, squeezed and wrung out until no longer of use and hung out to dry. But what if.. what if it was a man that had caught his attention? The seniors, especially Pike, seemed to be quite fond of him, like he was a pet. And why did Jin Li care in the first place?


    As his thoughts tumbled about in his head, he became increasingly sour and even glared at Sun, who had gripped his arm excitably when the seniors finally left the illusion. Sun didn''t notice, to busy looking over his idols. None of these seniors had left the illusion before time, most had high scores. Luna''s group had a respectable three hundred, thus each member gaining one hundred a piece. Together, Bowyer and Pike had grabbed a good two hundred and eighty, happily split to mean each had one hundred and forty and that was before they began to move solo. The monstrous talent that was Ari, claimed a whole one hundred and ninety five points and would have claimed more had the time not ended during his last battle.


    In the end, Pike happily left Bowyer in the dust; he had a total of one hundred and seventy points in this round, while Bowyer gained one hundred and fifty nine.

 Chapter 93 - Three - We begin the fourth day of the Standings

    "I would have beaten you, had I not fallen into that nest of nibblets," Bowyer complained as they chatted about things over their evening meal.


    Pike chuckled, admitting that Bowyer had bad luck. Those vermin always hovered in groups and would tenaciously chase any out of their territory and beyond, meaning Bowyer had to deal with them or have to watch his back while fighting stronger prey. Not that the little ones did much damage, but it would accumulate and that is if they did not get lucky and throw something in your eyes!


    "I had to keep reminding myself that you guys were just in an illusion!" Sun said, brightly. "It looked so real! And the way that you dealt with the Mesmyr, that was awesome!"


    Pike ruffled Sun''s brown hair, fondly. He had grown to like this little brother, much more likeable than Jin Li, who was glaring at the food in front of him with a shadowed expression upon his face. Leon, on the other hand, was yawning frequently, struggling to lift his spoon to his mouth.


    "It''ll be your turn to prove yourself next year," Bowyer grinned. "I''d like to see how both you and Jin Li fair."


    "No problem!" Sun agreed, cheerfully. "We''ll storm the top ten and meet you in the inner school without fail!"


    Pike chuckled. "I''d rather bet that the pair of you will be fighting in the Standings within our school rather than challenging entry into it." Sun beamed beneath his praise.


    They heard a spoon fall and a soft thud and turned to see Leon face down and leaning upon the table next to his plate. He didn''t stir as they watched him for a moment, but they could see that his breathing was steady. "Looks like we should find Leon a bed," Pike mused.


    "No need," Jin Li replied, darkly, shoving his chair backward and moving around the table to pick Leon up into his arms. The youth''s eyes struggled to open, so gave up and simply nestled into Jin Li''s hold. Sun watched, wide eyed as Jin Li princess-carried Leon out of the Food Hall, before they widened further as they fell upon Jin Li''s plate.


    "He left food!" Sun whispered in awe. Pike and Bowyer exchanged knowing glances and slight grins.


    "You should stay with one of us tonight," Pike invited the youth, who remained. "We can give you tips to help your own fights in the future."


    "Really!?" Sun asked with happy excitement.


    *****


    On the fourth day, the one on one battles would begin. The students were grouped based on their points over the last three days. There were ten groups of twenty four students and one group of twelve. This final group held the top twelve performers of the Standings so far, although the total points were quite vast from first to twelfth. Ari, with a score of two hundred and seventy five dominated first position, while in twelve, having snuck into that position by a mere point was a young woman named Delphi. She had one hundred and sixty five points.


    Pike and Bowyer were sixth and seventh respectively.


    "The matches are listed like this," Pike advised, using a stick to draw in the loose ground beside one of the practice stages. He drew a long line and twelve small points below it, indicating twelve students that were grouped together to fight. He then joined two points together and then had a third line meeting a point above the pair. "Basically, two students will fight and the winner will then fight a seeded student. Ah, a seeded student is simply one of the top four or eight in their group, so that the top performers don''t face each other early on. The top four in our group are Ari, Crux, Ophius and Certi."


    "Ari and Crux were first and second last year as well," Bowyer mentioned. "Main, who was third left school last year and Piter, who is now Fifth was fourth."


    "Hmm, he''s not doing as well this year," Pike said, before continuing. "The Teachers randomly place the seeds then randomly place the other students. For each win, a student can add ten points to their final score, the seeds get twenty for their first win, to keep things fair. Otherwise, non-seeds can earn more points than them overall, which can result in unfairness. There also might be a few grudge matches at the end, but these too have rules."


    "One can''t fight anyone more than ten places above them and they can''t challenge anyone lower placed than themselves," Bowyer added. "These are worth ten points for the win, two for a draw and a loss of ten points for the loser, which is why there won''t be too many grudge matches."


    "W-why b-bother in the f-first p-place?" Leon asked, curiously.


    "Generally, it''s about final placement," Pike explained. "See, Delphi is in our group, but is just one point above a seeded person in the second group. If that person wins, they will gain a lot of points and could push Delphi out of the top twelve. So Delphi has the right to challenge this and get back points and her placement."


    "There probably will be scores settled as well," Bowyer admitted. "Which is why grudge matches are timed, unlike the groupings."


    "It sounds c-c-complicated," Leon sighed, to which Jin Li privately agreed, though as a martial artist, he could also see some benefits of having the varying rounds and battles. These were to challenge the students into considering their skills, martial arts, spiritual abilities, strategies and teamwork. It was no good being superior with your weapon of choice if one could simply sneak up behind you and stab you in the back, just as it was no good at being great at teamwork, if you could not hold your own. Understanding the skills of another martial artist was also not the same as knowing the abilities of a beast. But this whole points thing; keeping tally was a headache.


    After sparring a bit amongst themselves (with the exception of Leon), the men went inside and towards the main arena, where their matches would all be held in full view of any who wished to peruse them. Logan and Luna were due to fight first, whoever won had the misfortune to face Ari. It also happened that in the third match, Pike would have fight Bowyer. However, neither seemed displeased by this.

 Chapter 94 - Four - And the top martial artist is...

    By the time the group had entered the arena, the sky had turned a steely grey and rain had begun to splatter down upon a barrier dome above them. The other seniors in the top twelve had begun to prepare for the battles and the first bout was ready to begin.


    Luna stood with her sling tucked in the belt of her robes and holding a thin rapier like sword. Pike mentioned that the slender woman favoured this when forced to fight up front. She would not be the only martial artist to toss aside their favoured long range weapon for a melee one.


    She was facing a youth named Logan, who clearly had hearts in his eyes. He was also slightly injured from a battle that happened to occur two days ago. It was just a bruise and it had not affected him the previous day, yet for some reason, he clearly used this as an excuse to not perform as well as he should, ultimately losing the match to the girl.


    Both Bowyer and Pike shook their heads at this. Logan was currently ranked eighth and although he would still be ranked eighth if he had beaten Luna (neither considered he nor Luna having the ability to beat Ari), it was not as if he had done Luna any favours either. Luna was placed tenth, but Lopard, who was ninth had (prior to this win) more than thirty points more than she.


    Logan''s choice was further shown to be the wrong one when Lopard not only beat Delphi in the second match, but later managed a brilliant win over Certi, the fourth seed in their group. These twenty points meant that he stole eighth position away from Logan before he lost to Ari in the semi finals of their group.


    Bowyer and Pike met in the third battle, grinning wickedly at each other as they wasted no time in attacking each other. Pike had set aside his two smaller hammers for a large war hammer, this lost Bowyer the advantage the reach his sword held over the smaller weapons. Still, he had speed, seeing as his blade, while not light, was certainly not the bulk and unyielding mass that Pike''s hammer was. The stage was cracked in several places as Pike swung his weapon downwards, only to miss Bowyer''s flighty form. It was due to one of these cracks that Bowyer''s steps fell ill, providing Pike with an advantage that he previously lacked and he was quick enough to take it.


    Bowyer was forced to concede defeat or break a leg in this match. As it happened, his arm was already severely bruised and swollen, having been caught by a seemingly wild swing just a minute before. Pike was no less injured, he sported a slice of several inches across his stomach. The two men welcomed the pills that Leon offered, a blood pill for Bowyer and a one heart pill for Pike''s external injury. They were most pleased with the effect of the pills, but were too caught up in adrenaline to notice just how good the effects were.


    After the fourth match where Piter fought Culven and won (the latter was in eleventh place, so this was unsurprising), Ari''s first fight occurred. He fought Luna and soundly had her admitting defeat. He did not heed her pleas to go easy on her and she fled the stage in the end in tears, causing Ari to be the villain in many students hearts. Pike and Bowyer just rolled their eyes over the girl''s dramatics.


    The fights continued with only Lopard surprising all to win against Certi in the seeded match. Otherwise, all other seeds, Crux (who beat Pike) and Orphius (who beat Piter in a very close and tense match) all fought in the semi finals. Eventually, it came down to Ari and Crux, the first and second placed students of last year would fight for first and second place of this year. With just seven points between them, their final battle would settle scores or keep things unchanged.


    Ari was as cold and silent as usual as he stood before Crux, a rather angry looking man, with clearly a grudge to bear. If he lost this battle, he could challenge Ari for another bout, but he did not want the gap between them widening any further. He had already decided that he had to win this time or not at all.


    Ari favoured two long knives, while Crux held tonfa''s, both men favoured speed over strength. Their battle was not a cautious one, their weapons met soundly each time, while they attacked, dodged, parried and counter-attacked. Their bodies were so quick and their movement so effortless and swift that Leon had difficulties keeping up with their movements. Sun too was bouncing up and down in his seat, he had never quite encountered such a thrilling match. His own skills relied on swiftness and speed, so the battle was both amazing and enlightening for him.


    Eventually, Crux''s movement began to wane. Although both men''s martial arts were similar, there were still differences, for instance; Crux preferred using techniques that required bursts of speed, while Ari sought those that he could use with his usual rhythm and pace. Neither particularly outweighed the other in terms of performance, both could be considered crucial in certain fights, however Ari happened to have a little more endurance than Crux and the latter''s influx of special moves had drained his away to this point, while Ari''s consistent movement meant he was still in good form.


    Crux couldn''t quite dodge the blade that made it''s way towards his leg and the slice along it burned, slowing him further and earning him a cut with the other knife in his shoulder. He held on for a minute longer before he conceded defeat, unable to cope with the numerous scratches and cuts that were added in that time. Ari did not come away uninjured having received a few bruises and grazes as well as a broken finger. However Ari was announced the winner and reclaimed his position as the top student in both the inner and outer schools. No one came forth to challenge him.

 Chapter 95 - Five - I break curfew

    The rain continued into the middle of the following morning, but it did not stop the top ten outer school students from challenging the bottom ten inner school students. Seven of these inner school students had been first years the year prior; they had had plenty of time to train and rise into safer ranks, so they only had themselves to blame.


    The match ups were random and each student could only battle once. The student that won stayed or transferred into the inner school. The students that lost stayed or were transferred into the outer school. There was no appeal or second chance.


    Only two outer students rose, in the end, meaning two inner school students fell. One of these four individuals was the older berserker brother, Borean, who proved his skill to force his opponent to give up his place in the inner school. The unfortunate opponent would have to prove his worth to return to the school either through his achievements throughout the year or winning the Standings next year.


    In the afternoon, after these fast paced battles, prizes were given out to the inner school students that had proven themselves the best of the best. It was the top ten individuals that received the prizes of quality pills, high end equipment and chances to visit the forbidden levels in the library, where secret techniques, abilities and cultivation methods were stored. These writings could not be removed from the library, but if one could understand what was read and had the ability to put it into practice, this could be worth a thousand good pills.


    This might have been the reason that Ari chose to accept two hours in the library rather than the three significant pills that Pike chose or a visit to the equipment vault of Master Corne, that Bowyer picked, to accept a new weapon.


    This fifth day turned into an event where the invited sect and family masters could attempt to entice and solicit students into supporting them once their lives at the institution had finished. It should be noted that the student that every master sought, Ari, had already vanished by this point. Several congratulated Pike and Bowyer, while both men held stiff smiles. Neither gave any indication that they would accept or refuse invitations and all these Master ignored the three students who stood with them, barring one.


    That man''s eyes swept over all three, but happened to pause on both Jin Li and Leon before he offered his own congratulations to the men. "You are worthy students of this school and able seniors," the man stated, amicably. "Your Teachers must be proud. The young members of my sect could surely learn well from you."


    "Thank you, Sect Leader Feng," Pike bowed as did Bowyer.


    "Are these fellows ones we must look out for next year?" He asked, the two seniors, indicating Sun, Jin Li and Leon. The two men and three boys were taken aback for a moment.


    "Jin Li and Sun, most certainly," Bowyer replied, casually. "They will do well. However, young Leon is a student of the Alchemist school, a reliable pill maker who has the favour of several of our Teachers."


    Leon flushed at the praise, but remained quiet. "I see," the Sect Leader replied, before he excused himself and went to find his two daughters to spoil before he had to return home.


    "What was that about?" Bowyer muttered beneath his breath, but Pike simply shrugged.


    There was a tradition in the inner school that followed the Standings, the breaking of curfew. Having fought hard, won or lost, the Teachers turned a blind eye to this tradition, but would cruelly still expect their students to rise early as usual for breakfast, lectures and training, no matter what. The Breaking of Curfew was basically a drinking party, Leon, who had been encouraged to stay with Sun and Jin Li, discovered.


    The students had long since gathered bottles of rice wine and saki in their rooms over the last few weeks and cajoled snacks from the kitchens to pair with their liquor. It seemed age was of no issue either as it was normal to drink at meal times in noble houses. The commoners also might partake in rice wine, but it was usually watered down so not long after the sun had disappeared beyond the horizon, a lot of first years from these backgrounds had either emptied their stomachs in a reversal or sought their beds to sleep off the dizziness.


    The students gathered in the main arena, laughing in groups around their drinks and commenting on performances of themselves or others. Leon sipped his rice wine, his stomach warming more with each mouthful. Sun was eagerly reciting his favourite moments about the battle between Ari and Crux, while on his fourth cup. Small as he was, he knew he could hold well his liquor.


    Jin Li held a small cup of saki, moving it idly in his fingers as he watched with some fascination as Leon''s cheeks became more and more flushed with pink.


    A small disturbance broke out a short distance from them and Pike and Bowyer rolled their eyes and went to diffuse the situation. Leon suddenly stood up. "T-toilet!" He hiccuped and began to walk slightly unsteadily across the arena to the small room he knew was just outside it meant for a man to relieve himself.


    Sun leapt up before Jin Li could say a word. "I''ll go with you!" The two smaller youths walked away leaving Jin Li to down his saki and pour another cup. The seniors returned with a slight groan.


    "Should have known it was Maki and Lute," Pike complained. "That pair of trouble makers." Bowyer snorted and reached for the bottle of saki, refilling Pike''s cup and his own, before offering Jin Li more. The latter declined. "Why do they believe that we need to have a second tradition during the Break of pranking?"


    "It''s just an excuse," Bowyer replied. "That pair simply want to cause mischief as usual. Speaking of trouble..." he added as he saw Sun suddenly rushing towards them.

 Chapter 96 - Six - I catch the eye of another man

    Leon and Sun had not lingered long, the whole room had stank of piss, so best move on. Sun had rolled his eyes as Leon had staggered out, humming out of tune, a beaming smile on his half-dazed face. What a light weight! Still, it was kind of... sort of... maybe just a bit... amusing.


    The alchemist landed flat upon his face after tripping over his own feet, his body splayed upon the cold stone floor. Sun held his hand over his mouth attempting not to laugh. "O-ow!"


    "Ha ha ha," Sun laughed, grabbing his side as he tried to help Leon to his feet, but ended up falling on his own bottom. For some reason, he found this really funny and continued to laugh. Whether he realised it or not, he was actually no better than the commoners at drinking; his loving mother had been watering down the alcohol her sons and daughters had been partaking for years. Leon looked up at the giggling boy and found himself chuckling as well.


    The two boys finally, after several minutes of merriment, managed to get to their feet and Sun began to lead the way back to the stands. Leon began to hum again as he followed, but a crowd of drunk youths came bounding past singing their own ditties and knocking into the smaller man. He fell again, losing his glasses in the process and as he sat there for a moment, he wondered, had such not happened before?


    "Are these yours?" A shadow asked standing over him suddenly and Leon squinted hard just making out that that person held something, which he could only assume were his glasses.


    "Th-thank you," he said, reaching for them, but the man kept them out of reach, causing Leon to frown. He rose to his feet and tried to grab them again, but to no avail. "P-p-please. If you h-have m-my g-g-glasses, m-may I have them b-back?"


    "Ho, I do have them," the man replied, leaning forward so that Leon could just make out his features and believed them to be somewhat familiar. "But surely, I deserve a reward for finding them."


    Leon''s brows furrowed further. "A r-reward?" Leon questioned, he supposed he did have some pills, but if this person was who he thought, surely he had access to better here in the inner school. Ugh, his head felt fuzzy, it was too hard to think. So he would simply have to ask; "W-What t-type of reward?"


    The man said nothing, just grabbed his wrist and began to tug at him, dragging him in the opposite direction of in which the arena lay. Leon stumbled as the man pulled him. "W-Wait!"


    "Tch," the man clicked his tongue and picked Leon up into his arms and over his shoulder and continued upon his intended path. From Leon''s view, seeing the world turn upside down was actually not much different to right way up seeing as his glasses were in this man''s possession and not in his own. However, for his dizzy head and liquor filled stomach, it was not a happy situation to be in.


    "W-why?" He managed to blurt out safely.


    "I can''t very well collect my reward in this corridor," the man chuckled, but there was an undertone of something that Leon did not like the sound of in his words.


    "I d-don''t understand!" Leon complained and decided that he was not happy about this and curled his hands into small fists and pounded the back of the man. A pity his were like small raindrops falling from the sky.


    "Behave," the man told him, "I know what your type is."


    "T-type?"


    "Men, you like men, don''t you," he said this in a manner of a statement rather than query. "Well so do I, my young friend." Leon froze as the words sank into his muddled brain.


    "B-but what d-does that have to d-do with m-me?" He asked, the barrier between his understanding and common sense too thick with drink at that moment to truly comprehend.


    "Indeed, what does that have to do with him?" The voice came from behind them, heavy with distaste and a touch of restrained anger. Ah, Leon knew that voice and glance up with a small smile and a wave in the direction it came from, before he felt himself spin around. Ugh.


    "This is a private matter," the man whose shoulder he still lie upon said to the other. "He said he would reward me for finding his glasses. You don''t need to interfere."


    "Oh, really," Jin Li sneered as he eyed Gother with much disdain. So the wind user still could not obtain the attention of that other youth so sought to take his alchemist instead? His eyes narrowed and his hand gripped on the sword at his side. The capturer saw this and calculated the risk, before he noticed two other seniors heading this way and ones he definitely could not match in skill.


    With a click of his tongue, he offered a repentant smile. "This is just a misunderstanding," he said finally. "The boy was just a bit unsteady on his feet and I was taking him to lie down to sleep it off. Nothing more!" Bowyer and Pike glanced at each other, clearly doubting his words, while Jin Li believed them less so.


    "P-Put me d-down!" Leon said, suddenly, causing all to look his way... or rather at his upturned bottom. Gother rolled his eyes, thwarted and moved to grab the youth off of his shoulder. However, he was not quick enough and that which Leon had tried to keep in his stomach decided to reappear down Gopher''s back. There was a lot.

 Chapter 97 - Seven - I am taken care of by Jin Li

    "Fuck!"


    Leon sighed, ah he had been sick, but his tummy now felt so much better. It was a momentary relief though, for he suddenly felt as if he was flying through the air. He fell into a strong, but warm embrace and snuggled into the body he was familiar with before sighing.


    "I p-puked in m-my hair..." he complained and began to pout, his lower lip sticking out in an exaggerated fashion. It took ages to dry his long black and white tresses after washing them, he was not looking forward to it.


    The seniors, Jin Li and Sun, who had been lurking in the shadows of Bowyer and Pike watched Leon with some bemusement, especially when, despite everything, he began to hum softly. Jin Li scooped him into his arms, despite the mess, while Pike and Bowyer decided to have words with Gother, whose face was coloured both figuratively and physically.


    "Disgusting brat!" He was yelling, harshly. "How dare you soil Laozi! More trouble than he''s worth!"


    "You only have yourself to blame," Pike crossed his arms about his chest. "Your Master is likely disappointed enough regarding your performance the past few days and yet you would further this by tarnishing this school''s name further. You should leave before we make you and I would recommend strongly that you leave Leon alone in the future."


    "He''s just a small cutsleeve," Gother bitched angrily. "Why would you go so far to protect him?"


    "Whether Leon likes men or not is his own concern," Bowyer snapped. "No one deserves to be forced into having relations. And don''t say something foolish like ''he seduced you.'' He''s too innocent to do something like soliciting."


    Gother''s jaw snapped closed, his teeth gritted, unable to admit that he was just about to use such an excuse. Just, when the boy looked up at him through those large, unfocused eyes... a chunk of something indescribable splattered from his back to the floor and bringing him somewhat back to reality. He turned to leave, but was stopped by the seniors next words;


    "Oh, but before you leave," Pike said. "Don''t you think you ought to clean up this mess. You really don''t want Teacher Tremmas finding out about this do you?"


    "Leon''s glasses," Jin Li mentioned, coldly.


    "Ah yes, don''t forget to leave those too," Pike continued.


    *****


    While Gother remained behind seething and making plans of vengeance, with only a cleaning cloth and bucket for company, Leon was taken to wash, his stained robes removed for cleaning and his thick hair washed by a grumbling Jin Li.


    "Must this Lord protect the lowly you at every point? If so then stop leaving this Lord''s side. It is too troubling to chase you down each and every time."


    In the steamy haze of both the bath rooms and his own befuddled mind, Leon vaguely heard only half of his complaints, enjoying instead the fingers pressing against his scalp and running soap through his locks. It was then rinsed and cloths taken to it to remove some of the moisture, before Leon was bundled up in borrowed clothes (he would not know, but these happened to come from the other student harassed by Gother, Troy) and guided into a warm room.


    A heavy touch had him pushed down onto a stool and a comb was carefully and gently pulled through the tangles. Leon yawned and began to doze where he sat, the soft tugs upon his hair doing little to keep him awake. And then after a time that could have been short or could have been long, he was ordered to get to bed.


    The youth rose to his feet and turned to face the man accompanying him. He gave him a warm smile, then stood on tip toes to place a slightly sloppy peck upon the other''s cheek. He then hummed as he crawled into the bed and settled beneath the sheets with a soft sigh. He was soon snoring peacefully.


    In the meantime, Jin Li was standing rooted as if frozen to the spot beside the stool, the comb still firmly in his grip. His cheek felt warm, heated as if he were standing beside a fire and echoes of the softness than had pressed against it still played across his mind. He took a half step towards the bed, his eyes drawn to the man lying there asleep and he recalled the statement of that senior within his mind, as well as the stuttering and embarrassed words of his alchemist just a few days before. Did Leon like men in that way? Did Leon like him in that way?


    Although it was tempting to shake the boy awake and demand the meaning behind the kiss right now, Jin Li refrained and moved to the spare bed within this guest room and lay upon it to think a while before sleeping.


    About an hour or so later, he slipped into the other bed to lie beside Leon and finally closed his eyes.

 Chapter 98 - Eight - Just what did I do?

    Leon woke with a groan, his head was pounding and his stomach ached. His tongue felt sort of furry and there was a nasty taste lingering at the back of his throat. Unable to open his eyes as the light beyond them seemed too bright, he tried to recall what had happened last night, but beyond drinking his first two cups of rice wine, something he had only drank when visiting Mino''s family during dinner, his memories were too fuzzy.


    He swallowed to try and moisten his throat and became slowly aware that he was in the arms of another. Braving the piercing light, he glanced through narrowed eyes to the side of him and sighed with relief. It was just Jin Li. Still, he felt the rush of heat in his cheeks and became very aware of the youth beside him. Of the breath that teased his neck, of the hard plains of his chest and of the arm thrown carelessly over his own body.


    Taking a few breaths to calm his heart, he decided to try shuffle away, save them both the embarrassment of their position upon Jin Li waking up. As he always tried to do before, as he was always successful in doing before. So why not this time?


    The moment he began to move his weary body and escape Jin Li''s loose hold, the other''s eyes snapped awake. "Going somewhere?"


    Leon froze and stuttered heavily an excuse; "Ah, I d-d-d-didn''t m-m-mean t-to w-wake you. J-j-just w-wanted t-to g-get up."


    "Oh really?" Jin Li drawled as he lifted his head to rest upon the angled frame of his arm and hand, his other arm still across Leon''s waist. "So you have nothing you wish to say to me?"


    "W-What d-do you m-mean?" Leon asked, unable to shift from Jin Li''s tight hold. "D-did I d-do something w-wrong?"


    Jin Li''s eyes narrowed and he slowly lifted his arm from Leon''s waist, the latter inwardly sighing with relief and making a move to escape. Only, that was not part of Jin Li''s intentions and Leon suddenly found he was still flat on his back with Jin Li straddling and shadowing his body. If his throat had felt dry before, it now felt parched like the ground after an endless drought. Wide eyed and not even noticing his lack of clear vision, for now he only could envisage Jin Li, he pushed at Jin Li''s unmoving body with his small hands.


    "W-What are you d-doing?" Leon''s trembling voice was little more than a whisper.


    "I am trying to decide what this Lord ought to do with you," Jin Li replied. Having successfully captured his alchemist, he was trying to ascertain whether Leon had really forgotten what he had done to himself the night before. Having taken liberties, you dare forget? How should this Lord remind you? How should this Lord have you explain your actions? As these thoughts ran through his mind, he noticed that the gem in Leon''s throat was frequently moving up and down and he also began to notice an anomaly with the body beneath him. His eyes began to trail down the helpless alchemist to where he noted it...


    A loud knock upon the door and a yell disrupted Jin Li''s thoughts as both men''s eyes were drawn to the door. "Jin Li, Leon, are you in there?" The cheerful voice appeared to resonate from Sun. "It''s time to leave, we''ve been summoned back to the Outer School. Apparently all students have to attend some compulsory lessons. Jin Li?"


    Jin Li clicked his tongue and climbed off of his alchemist, adjusting his robes and tying his hair into a top knot. Leon drew in several deep breaths, still trying to figure out what had happened as well as calm himself, before rolling out of bed and trying to figure out where his glasses were. They were suddenly thrust into his hands, so Leon brought them to his face to catch a glimpse of Jin Li''s strange expression, before it disappeared in favour of his usual arrogant one.


    This Lord will let you off for now," he stated and spun towards the bedroom door where Sun and the two seniors awaited them.


    A confused Leon followed in his wake, rubbing at his temples trying to ease his headache as well as try to recall what had happened the night before. In the end, he shook away his thoughts, unable to pierce the veil covering his memories.


    The three youths bid the seniors goodbye and returned to the outer school, where Jin Li and Sun were told that once breakfast was over, they must immediately attend Teacher Vane''s lecture. Jin Li scowled; they only had twenty minutes in which to eat then.


    After breakfast, Leon was left alone, so sought a way to return to the Alchemist school. As it happened, a griffin tamer was due to check on the stables there so offered the youth a ride on his personal mount. The Male buck in question was huge, much bigger than the young griffins on which Leon had been safely stowed into a carriage upon their backs. Leon questioned his resolve as he climbed the ladder onto the tamer''s less than secure looking saddle. The tamer laughed and teased him due to his timid reaction, but it was not long before they were on their way.

 Chapter 99 - Nine - I return to household chores

    Although Leon had only been away for five days, his little hut and garden were showing the first signs of his neglect. For example, there was a thin layer of dust coating the shelves inside his home, where the air smelled a little musty and the soil of the planted bladed thistle bulbs was a little dry, despite being watered well (but not overly) before he left them be. The garden had sprouted several new weeds and a handful of them had grown quite big in that very short time.


    With a sigh, Leon rolled up his sleeves and grabbed his bucket and cleaning cloth. As it had rained a fair bit over the past couple of days, the barrels outside his home had accumulated a good amount of water, so he did not need to travel to the lake this time. Cleaning took the best part of the morning, especially as he decided to wash his bed sheets in the tub, before leaving them to dry in the brisk air. The weeding took much longer. One of the weeds had extremely firm roots and had buried deep into the soil. Another had a perfumed scent as he tugged it from the soil. He placed these aside, wondering if they were more than just simple weeds.


    After a long, arduous day, Leon didn''t wish to cook anything complicated and simply made rice congee with peas and herbs before settling upon the floor, basking in the remnant heat of the stove. It had been quite a while since he had last carved and on seeing his knife upon the shelf as he cleaned, his fingers had been itching to grab it. The moment the sharp blade sliced into the piece of wood, Leon felt his whole body relax and his thoughts wander.


    Jin Li had been quite strange this morning with his deeds and words, not only pressing for something that Leon could not give him (as he wasn''t sure what he wanted), but also reluctant to let him leave the martial arts school. Sun had even questioned him.


    "Jin Li, What are you thinking?" The youth had asked. "Leon''s not a martial artist, he can''t stay here. And besides, Jin Li, is he not at the alchemist school to make pills to help improve your growth and strength? How can he do that if he is here?" Sun had not yet figured out that Leon was not Jin Li''s servant, but he was not wrong that Leon would make him pills. "We''ll visit when we have time, okay, Jin Li?" Leon had agreed, even though the suggestion was not directed at him and Jin Li had finally given in.


    "Don''t think that I will forget," he had murmured into Leon''s ear as he made to leave, causing the colour to flare in the alchemist''s face.


    Leon sighed as the leaping koi fish slowly appeared in his hand. It was different to what he usually carved, which were more two dimensional in appearance. Even though it had been a while, he seemed to have not only not have lost his touch, but improved upon it. Though the fish was small, its fan like tail seemed delicate, its beady eyes alert and its body defined with scales. And just beneath the fin upon one side, Leon carved a symbol of prosperity, while on the other side, he carved an ''L'' to represent his name on a whim.


    After he was done, he yawned heavily and crawled into bed, falling asleep within minutes.


    *****


    A few of days later, Leon was making his way to the Herb Hall to hand in a large batch of clear spiritual pills, one heart pills and a few blood pills. As he had a fair bit of purple haze grass in an interspacial bag in the trunk beneath his bed from his experiments, he had decided to use it to test whether the same reduction of impurities occurred in not only one heart pills and blood pills, but their improved counterparts as well. He had not used any of the grass from the Southern Grassy Plains though, not wanting to produce inferior pills anymore.


    The result had been much the same with the pills improving in quality even if they were the standard version of the pill. The improved pills had been of good quality to begin with, those made with the grass from White Jade Crystal Mountain or even the little remaining for harvest in his own garden were now on the cusp of high quality, only lacking in the spiritual concentration that would improve Leon''s standard pills to above average.


    The improved pills were naturally tucked away, the best ones Leon would save for his own use, while the others could be sold for more silver. But Leon hesitated in taking the better quality pills, not wanting to stand out, especially as the higher quality was not due to his talent, but to his source ingredients. So he decided that, for now, he would just take the pills he had made as a base for the experiments. He never considered using the poor quality pills at all, leaving those upon a shelf.

 Chapter 100 - Hundred - I learn how to make Fox Bandages

    The plaza in which the Food Hall, Herb Hall and the Lecturers Hall were located was bustling with students, both first years and seniors, who swiftly moved between Herb Hall and Lecturers Hall and in the reverse also. Leon had to wonder just what was occurring. However, he was never one to step forward and enquire, so he just slipped inside the Herb Hall to exchange his pills.


    Teacher Sagi was there with two seniors, checking pills and handing out bundles of herbs to those who entered. When the Teacher saw Leon enter, his eyes lit brightly and he beckoned the boy to his side.


    "Leo, thank goodness," Teacher Sagi exclaimed. "I hadn''t seen you since the start of the Standings! Where did you disappear to? Actually never mind that! We''re in a bit of a crisis and to rectify it requires the assistance of all students."


    In fact, two rather large events had occurred at the same time. Poachers had been discovered on the Hidden Vale mountain, that part of the Sky Reaching Mountain range that was protected by the Beast Taming school in order to train martial artists and beast tamers alike. And upon Silver Spire mountain, where the foliage was significant less and the stone skin of the range was more dominant in appearance, there had been an explosion in the outer mage school, when a student had lost control of their magic and caused others to lose control as well.


    The stocks of healing pills and potions had been depleted to aid the latter first, with Beast Calming pills, Hidden Mist Pills and the beast orientated Dream Blossom potions sent to the former to ease wounded and orphaned beasts, while students were conscripted to make healing pills.


    On hearing that, Leon handed over his stock of pills, feeling a little guilty that he had left the better quality ones behind. Nonetheless Teacher Sagi was grateful as Leon produced twenty one heart pills and ten blood pills along with the clear spiritual pills, that while would not help with the crisis, were always needed at this time of year for first years throughout the institute.


    "As always, Leo," Teacher Sagi said with a smile, "I can rely on you. Are you able to perhaps make Fox Bandages?" Leon frowned as he considered all of the pills and potions in Leo''s diaries and realised that the recipe was not noted down at all, so he shook his head. "Well, I am not surprised. I usually teach it to students a little older than you as it requires a focused mind and touch. But I only have two students able to create them now as they are not usually in high demand, seeing as they are only needed for wild beasts. Come with me for a moment."


    Fox bandages were an external remedy for beasts, a mix of a healing potion called Spring Willow Salve and strips of silk soaked in river reed sap-water. River reeds were very common and grew in clumps in rivers and lakes, the main plant submerged with a stalk coated in tiny, wispy flowers emerging from the plant. These stalks had a sticky sap within them, which if the plant was damaged, would seep out and harden immediately. This made harvesting it a more difficult job. One way to do so was to cut the reed while submerged in water. The diluted sap would not harden until the water evaporated.


    The Spring Willow Salve was an old recipe, hardly produced by most alchemists and even pharmacists kept only a small supply. Smearing it onto a wound would cleanse it and improve the rate of which the wound healed. However, more people relied on cheap one heart pills to heal themselves nearly instantly, should the wound be an annoyance. It was hard to get wild beasts to take pills, so the salve was a better solution. Coupled with the silk bandages, their wounds would be protected from dirt, water and infection until the sap weakened and the bandages fell off the healed wound.


    However, the worst thing about making Spring Willow Salve, Leon discovered, was the smell! Once Teacher Sagi was satisfied with Leon''s reproduction of the recipe, Leon was left alone with a spare cauldron to mix and create the potion and to deal with the smell by himself.


    The recipe''s primary ingredient was called Lilyfoot and also required a whole flowering version. The flower resembled a lily, just like the ones from his old world with six large petals and long stamen coated in pollen, although this one was a wet-sand colour and speckled with greenish spots. The flower''s scent was a bit like sweaty gym socks, should one get a good sniff of it. However, this smell was only enhanced while the roots and flower were boiled until Leon could safely say it was like being in a changing room belonging to a rugby team who have just come in off the field and removed their footwear.


    In the meantime, Leon removed the thorns of the Falcon rose plant, the large curved thorns resembling the beak of the bird of prey. These required spiritual energy to remove them, hence why Teacher Sagi could not rely on others. In the past, harvesters would just wear blacksmith''s gloves and tear the thorns off with brute strength, but not only did that spill some of the inner acid inside the thorns, which was the ingredient needed for the Salve, but it also damaged and weakened the plant, which would eventually die from the abuse. This had caused the plant to become rare and forced alchemists to create new healing products, which is why the one heart pill had been invented.


    Coating a blade with spiritual energy, the alchemist could carefully slice the thorn off without damaging the plant and the energy would also ''seal'' the thorn to stop the acid from being lost. Leon caught onto the concept of using his energies surprisingly fast, Teacher Sagi had been exceedingly pleased and could not regret passing on the old recipe into Leon''s reliable hands.


    The acid from the thorns was mixed with the leaves of the lilyfoot, dissolving them into a slimy goo that was then added to the cooled and drained stinky water and stirred until it began thicken. It was then placed in a keg to finish setting. Only once the valve was stoppered and the remnants tossed was Leon able to breath again.

 Chapter 101 - Hundred And One - I become the most hated?

    Leon made the Fox bandages over a three days and was carefully rolling up the last of the soggy bandages to place securely into an interdimensional bag, a better version of the interspacial bag as the latter not only provided space, it provided time. Whatever was placed inside an interdimensional bag would not rot nor dry out nor age, although living things could not be placed inside anymore than within an interspacial bag.


    It had been a long three days and Leon longed for nothing more than a hot bath and a cup of tea. He suspected other students would feel the same, although they would need to use the large communal baths that were in a Hall to the south of the others. They were exclusively for alchemist students as they did not require points to use and alchemists could make their own herbal baths, but had to go to the extra length of filling up a small, spare tub with heated water to do so. Leon, however, had no intention of using the communal bath as he still had a long journey to get to his little isolated hut and would rather not arrive their sweaty and needing a second wash.


    As he cleaned up the spare cauldron and the kegs and basins that he had used to make the Fox Bandages, Teacher Sagi came into the room allocated for his use in the Lecturer''s Hall. "Thank you for all of your assistance in these past few days, Leo," the man said, smiling broadly. "I was most impressed by your focus to the task. I heard that you even helped to make a few other pills while the potions were setting."


    "Y-Yes," Leon admitted. He had been bored waiting as he had filled all the available kegs with potion and had nothing to do, but grab and eat a quick meal. The Food Hall had been producing a selection of cooked meats, rice, potatoes, vegetables and bread for most of this busy period, from early in the morning until late at night, as well, so students could eat whenever they liked rather than at set times.


    After eating, though, he had still had time on his hands and was witness to black smoke pouring out of a certain young woman''s cauldron. He''d seen Maimai near to tears with frustration, further exasperated when her sister, Merylin, had produced a fragrant blood pill from her cauldron. It could have been considered as good a pill as Leon''s improved blood pill from the scent and lustre of it, although Leon knew its side effects would be worse than his still. He had kneeled beside Maimai and murmured softly; "Hey, long t-t-time n-no see."


    "Senior!" Maimai had wrapped her arms about his neck, literally throwing herself on Leon''s small frame with a sob. Leon had had to wrap his arms around her to stop her from pushing him over flat upon his back! "Senior! Please help this useless student!"


    Ignoring the sudden glares coming their way, he had patted her on the back and helped her practice making the one heart pill until she got the gist of it. It turned out that Maimai was an easily distracted girl. The best way to help her was to isolate her from the other students, so he brought her to the room he had been working on and had her create pills in there, with the door shut to reduce the noisy world beyond.


    Once Maimai''s concentration was a little better, he had created one heart pills beside her, dishing the average quality pills out swiftly and without fail. Maimai had still messed up once or twice and also produced a handful of very poor quality pills, but mostly, her success rate had improved and she had a couple of jade bottles worth before her stomach had rumbled and she had convinced him to join her for dinner.


    Leon did not know it, but he had become perhaps the most hated student in the outer school that day. If only they knew, like Maimai suspected, that he could only be a girl''s good friend and never her lover, they might have not eaten so much vinegar.


    Teacher Sagi also did not know Leon was being disliked by other Male students at that time, but it would not have mattered to him even if he had. His eyes were on the unexplored potential of the youth before him.


    For the three years that Leo had attended the school, he had not stood out much, just been seen as a diligent student, but not talented, hardworking, but not exceedingly so. He had produced a lot of pills, but they weren''t particularly of notable quality. Teacher Sagi, however, had always considered Leo as reliable, though; he would fulfil any task given to him with reasonable speed and never handed in poor pills. There was just one time he seemed to falter and that was when he had had his unexplained deviation in his cultivation. And yet since then, he had proved himself once more as reliable, had broken through into Secondary level cultivation and even had Teachers from other schools enquiring after him. Naturally, this would make Teachers of the Alchemist school sit up and take notice of him.


    As this was the case and as Leon had proven himself even more producing a recipe after learning it with Teacher Sagi''s teachings swiftly and showing talent with the harvesting of the thorns, Teacher Sagi knew that there would be even more interest in him. So naturally, Teacher Sagi had to claim the boy as his direct student first.


    "Leon, how would you like for me to be your Teacher?"

 Chapter 102 - Hundred And Two - Jin Li can’t forgive nor forget

    After Leon had returned to the Alchemist school, there was an aura than surrounded Jin Li that warned others away. In fact, there had always been this aura of separation. First years had always placed Jin Li within his own zone, recognising that he was stronger than them and using this as an excuse to not face him, not wanting to lose and knowing they would if they faced him. They were too inexperienced to understand that there are still lessons to be learned in facing a stronger opponent or even losing to one equal to them.


    Many seniors had also recognised Jin Li''s strength, but they would never admit to it. Some refused due to their own arrogance, so would not fight him or face the truth of their denial. Some feared him or feared losing to him, a first year! and revealing their own weaknesses. A minor few recognised his strength, but did not believe he had experience, so he was not worth facing. It could be said that this was one of the many reasons that they remained in the outer school and could only view the inner school from afar.


    Sun was unique. He was immune to Jin Li''s aura. But this time, even he noticed it.


    It hung around him like a dark, oppressive cloud and no one seemed to have the ability to disperse it.


    The martial arts students faced a series of compulsory lessons over the next couple of days; for the first years, the first lesson that they would have to suffer... to have, was a lecture from Teacher Vane. The man spoke of the events of the Standings, giving details of the outer school seniors performances from his own point of view. As most of the first years had watched with their own eyes those very performances, the students soon lost interest, their eyes glazing over and jaws hanging loose as they attempted not to yawn. Sun listened for all of ten minutes, having not witness his immediate peers fight, but he soon joined the rest of his classmates in wishing the time away.


    So what if Senior Heus performed a ''bound standing fist'' manoeuvre or that Senior Grus swiftly defeated a dire wolf with a ''shimmering blade'' technique? Were these not common martial art moves? And wait, were these not your direct disciples, Teacher?


    Jin Li, still wallowing in his mire of shadows, paid absolutely no attention to the lecture whatsoever. So it seemed his little alchemist had forgotten his transgressions... but why did that bother him? Many who drunk to excess acted strangely and then conveniently forgot their mistakes. He could easily pretend that the youth had not soiled his face with those soft, plush, damp lips... surely that was for the best... wasn''t it?


    "Jin Li," Sun whispered as Teacher Vane''s back faced them once more, "are you alright? Your face is all red..." any other words he wished to add became stuck in his throat as the youth''s eyes narrowed and seemed to become blacker that the legendary abyss.


    The second lesson was conducted by one of the few female martial arts instructors, Teacher Eridana. The girls in class looked up to this woman in idolisation as she was famous throughout the region for her talents, her skills and her no nonsense attitude. The males in the class didn''t look up at her, mainly their eyes were drawn to the other assets she was famous for. They were especially distracted when the Teacher performed a couple of advanced swordplay techniques that she wished for them to practice.


    Sun knew the forms of these techniques as they had their origins in more basic manoeuvres. So long as one understood the roots, one could adapt, with practice, to their advanced forms. Sun was fairly quick when it came to learning new things, he had believed that it had been his physique and stilted cultivation that had set him back. Now the latter was fixed and he had learned that it was his mental attitude not his body that was at fault, he no longer had obstacles to his learning.


    With a light sheen of sweat upon his brow, he successfully performed the technique in front of the enchanted fighting dummy. He glanced at Jin Li with a grin seeking praise, only to note that the youth had not even withdrawn his sword. He was staring without seeing at a random spot in the stands and his aura even seemed to be manifesting in Sun''s eyes. "J-J-Jin Li?" He stuttered with a slight squeak.


    Jin Li, who had decided that he did wish Leon to recall, but even if he didn''t, he ought to punish him regardless, was startled out of his dark musings by the stuttering voice and whipped around to see, not the awkward and small Leon, but the increasingly nervous Sun. He clicked his tongue, unsheathed his sword and with both beautiful and elegant form, performed the techniques he was supposed to be practicing, before sheathing his sword and walking away. The dummy fell to the ground in pieces.


    Now.. to decide the form of punishment...

 Chapter 103 - Hundred And Three - Jin Li wants to punish me

    His father was a man who believed in swift justice. If one of his subordinates was to betray him, they would die. If one of his men was to steal from him, they would die. If another tried to smear their family name with mud, they would die.


    His mother was much more generous with what she perceived as punishment, believing that the punishment should fit the crime. If a man was to assault a woman, he should lose his thing, if a woman was to covert her man, she should lose her eyes. If they bled to the death in the process, then that was just down to fate.


    However, Leon had kissed him. Kissed his face. And then forgotten about it. Did that count as an assault? Well, it wasn''t as if Jin Li felt he should die for it nor should he lose his lips. Those glasses were already an eyesore, to make his face worse by scarring it so badly made him feel as if he would be punishing his own eyes more than Leon''s body. And it wasn''t as if the kiss felt... bad...


    But he had forgotten about it! He needed to be reminded! And then what...


    "Jin Li!" Sun whispered with some urgency beside him. "It''s your turn!"


    The final lesson of the day was being supervised by Teacher Eridana, but also observed by many other Teachers, who sat in the stands. This lesson was actually sparring, first year against first year, opponents were chosen by lots.


    Sun had faced his opponent already, who just happened to be one of Bullen''s followers, but that was a unnecessary point. The youth was the same age as Sun and Jin Li and like many first years, had a feeling of superiority due to the skills and talents he had cultured over his childhood beneath the watchful eyes of his wealthy family. Much of his ego had been deflated thanks to several occurrences, one being the Standings itself, but he still had much pride and definitely felt he was better than the brunette pipsqueak who''d been hiding in Jin Li''s long shadow.


    That youth''s pride was squashed as not only did Sun prove to have learned, if not yet mastered, the techniques from earlier and bruised his person in several places, he could not land a single blow on the agile youth. Sun was declared the winner and the other crept back to the stands to lick his wounds.


    Now it was time for Jin Li and his opponent. Being aware that the first year was somewhat more skilful that the other first years and not wanting to his spar to be marred by fear, Jin Li would face a Senior. This senior could technically be considered a second year and had gained a reasonable place in the Standings for his first time. His name was Pavo and as he had been welcoming and humble towards the first years, they generally had a good impression of him.


    Jin Li was still feeling sour and seeing the elegant man before him with the amicable smile upon his face did nothing to temper his mood. Pavo greeted him; "I''ll be in your care, Jin Li," the youth''s pleasant demeanour unfazed by Jin Li''s negative aura. Jin Li looked over the man with slightly narrowed eyes and offered a sharp nod in return. Sun listened with a wince, as several whispered behind him how arrogant Jin Li was and how rude he was being to Senior Pavo.


    The two youths took stance, their weapons in hand, though still sheathed as this was a sparring match not a fight to maim or kill. Teacher Eridana looked at both before signalling that they might proceed.


    "I hope you don''t mind if I go first," Pavo announced, to which Jin Li simply shrugged.


    "Tch," a voice said angrily behind Sun as the first years watched, "he''s looking down on Senior Pavo."


    "Two handsome men sparring," a young girl sighed next to her friend, "This is going to be good!"


    "Here I go!" Pavo said as he launched an attack, which was parried effortlessly. Pavo danced back on his toes, making it seem that he was testing the other and having decided what next to do, he performed a rather tricky manoeuvre, impressing his juniors with his skill.


    However, while Sun snickered beneath his breath, Jin Li was sneering inwardly. What was with this flashy technique, all for show with no use in battle? Jin Li clicked his tongue and countered the move with a much less showy and simply thrust of his sword. Pavo could not dodge the blow, but at the same time, did not reveal any pain from it, giving the impression that Jin Li''s attack had been weak. Only the first years, with the exception of Sun, were fooled by this however.


    Pavo launched a series of moves, that Jin Li dodged one by one, already too bored by this showman. Soon, Pavo''s smile was less amicable and his skin was coated in a light sweat, while Jin Li''s breath remained steady and unchanging, his brow dry and his movements remained light. "Let''s end this!" Pavo declared, abruptly, deciding to perform one desperate feat, a technique he had been practicing, but not yet mastered. However, it was one he had scrimped and saved for, using his points to gain this coveted skill.


    "Sure," Jin Li replied, stifling a yawn.


    Pavo began his attack, his sword swiftly switching between thrusts and slices, his footwork steady upon the ground as he inched forward to press Jin Li into a defensive pose and push him back. Jin Li had not encountered this technique before, but quickly understood that should this continue, he would likely take a blow to either his unprotected side after he parried or to his stomach as his stance would be all wrong to block the other''s sword. However, there was an easy enough solution.


    Jin Li used his stored strength to push away the other''s sword to stop his momentum. He then made a series of feather light steps to the side, turning his body as he did and raising his sword so that his opponent''s neck was a whisper away from the sheathed blade. "The end," Jin Li murmured, unkindly, before withdrawing his blade and glancing at Teacher Eridana.


    "Good job," the woman acknowledged Jin Li''s win, glancing through lowered lashes at the distraught look on the Senior''s face, before it altered back into his usual amicable one. She sighed inwardly, it seemed the lesson they wanted this Senior to learn, had not been. This Jin Li also, he was a troublesome one. She glanced over at her fellow Teachers, wondering if they had managed to come to a decision about him, finally.

 Chapter 104 - Hundred And Four - The Teachers choose their Students

    Each year, not long after the Standings, the Teachers would consider whether or not to take a new student beneath their wings. This was not like the general recruitment process where students were welcomed into the school en masse and then taught under an umbrella system of class lectures and demonstrations. This was much closer to the system favoured by sects where there would be a Master and his chosen, direct disciples.


    There were benefits for both Teacher and Student, of course, the most obvious benefits for the students would be gaining lessons, techniques, pills and so on from their Teachers, that they would not be able to access otherwise. For the Teacher, there was the benefits of bragging rights, they could instruct their students to obtain things for them or act as messengers, rather than rely on the request systems and occasionally, there was gold and silver involved, though that was often matters between Teacher and their student''s wealthy parents, not all Teachers chose to do this.


    Once a year, usually not long after the Standings for the Martial Arts, Beast Taming and Mage schools had been complete, the Teachers of each school would come together to express their interest in certain students. A few Teachers would not participate in such talks, having no interests in taking personal students beneath their wings or like Teacher Corne, who had accepted Pike, but no others and had no intention of doing so either. Others would exchange heated words when there were doubts over that student''s ability or when more than one Teacher was interested in said student.


    Once all was said and done, all students, be they Outer or Inner school, were gathered in one place. For the martial arts students, this was the inner school arena. Most of the outer school first years had yet to enter the inner school for any reason and already they felt a fire in their bellies over the more impressive size and structure of the school, wanting to be a part of this. The students gathered in the grounds, while the Teachers gathered above them in the stands. Also in the lower seating area were the disciples who could already claim Masters.


    Teacher Eridana, who just happened to be Bowyer''s Master, stepped forward and used a wind spell to project her voice to all ears below. "Students," she began, "firstly, I wish to congratulate all those who rose within the Standings, improving their lot as well as offering congratulations to those who participated for the first time. Those who fell in place, please use this as a lesson to be learned. Although there will always be those who lose placement as others rise, losing heart or patience will only become an obstacle to your progression.


    "After the Standings ended, twenty five students reached the age of graduation. We, Teachers, hope you will take what you have learned here and use it wisely upon whatever path you now chose to take. We also hope that you will remember your years here fondly.


    "And lastly, the Teachers will now announce which students will become disciples. As we mention every year, we do not take these decisions lightly and we do not chose without reason. For those who are not chosen, it does not mean with think less of you and we will still continue to train you without favour. Teacher Vane, if you please."


    Teacher Vane was considered a senior to many of the Teachers, having taught at the school for many, many years. Despite being a Cultivator half step into the Septenary stage, his face was lined from age, his youth lost to him before his physical age ceased progressing. He had a meticulous nature bordering on obsessive, was overly strict and did not give praise lightly. However, he was known to be generous to his students and did not discriminate between commoners and nobles, thus as a potential Master, he was a popular choice.


    Teacher Tremmas, on the other hand, was rumoured to be a Teacher who liked gold and this was easily reflected with his chosen students. Basically, most were nobles, with one being the daughter of a very wealthy merchant. None had particularly brilliant skill sets and his students generally placed in the middle to high placements of the Standings, but none were top twenty for either inner or outer schools. When he stepped forward to name names, a handful of students were caught grinning brightly as if already aware.


    These few, plus those chosen by Teacher Vane stepped forward and joined the others waiting in the stands for them.


    This continued on for a bit, with Teacher Eridana choosing two students and Teacher Corne, unsurprisingly, choosing none. Other Teachers made their choices and as the last name was spoken, many first years (who had heard the name of only one of their own called) glanced around at Jin Li and Sun, neither of whom had been selected. Sun had a slight look of disappointment, while Jin Li... Jin Li looked as if he hadn''t slept too well and was just irritable. The first years gave a slight sigh of relief; as they had thought, Jin Li wasn''t so great! He could not even be acknowledged by the Teachers!


    Suddenly, behind the crowd of Students, a man suddenly sat up from where he had been snoozing in amongst the stands. His hair was a curled mess that covered two thick brows and then continued fall until it blended in with a wiry beard that stuck out in many directions. "Ah! I want to pick a student too!" The man suddenly said, scratching at his chest before belching loudly. "I''ll pick... I''ll pick that one." He stuck out a finger and pointed in the direction of Jin Li and Sun.

 Chapter 105 - Hundred And Five - It is fate, don’t you think?

    There was a silence that fell over students and teachers in the wake of his words, but it did not last longer than a couple of heartbeats. What followed were whisperings and not more than a few jeers and sniggers. But those also were quickly ended as a voice rang out;


    "You vagabond! You disappear for almost thirty years and now you show up and want to take on a disciple?"


    The voice came from Teacher Corne who growled loudly at the unkempt man, before leaping down into the stadium and taking large strides towards the man. The crowded students parted like the Red Sea for him, but the stranger seemed unperturbed.


    "Big brother, there''s no need to make such a fuss," the man replied, scratching his scalp beneath the mess of hair. "I just thought it would be interesting, is all."


    Big brother? The students eyes widened as they looked from Teacher Corne to the stranger and back again, before as one turning to stare at Jin Li, who continued to look at the man with narrowed eyes. The others would see this as disgust, not knowing that Jin Li was far more adept than they at seeing through to the heart of a person and he understood clearly that this person was very strong.


    Sun on the other hand as an idol-worshipper, his eyes widened and sparkled brightly. Could this stranger be the legendary Corvus, the younger brother of the legendary Corne, who was said to have travelled with his older brother as a companion, while helping the older man improved his cultivation? While his exploits were not as impressive, he was no damsel in distress and fought many times side by side by the elder. Was he also a Teacher here?


    "Jin Li," Sun whispered, excitedly, "to think that you have such luck as to attract such a Teacher!" For surely this was almost as good as being taught by Teacher Corne himself!


    "Ah, what was that?" The unkempt man looked over at the tall, dark haired youth and the freckled faced boy beside him as if hearing the whispering from so far away. Indeed, he had. "I don''t want to teach the pretty boy, I was thinking of teaching you, the one with the wind root."


    Heads once more turned from man to Jin Li... or rather to Sun by his side. The boy''s jaw was slack, his mouth open wide and he was pointing at himself as if in disbelief.


    "To think you have such luck," Jin Li mimicked his room mate, pushing the blushing boy forward a step. "He''s all yours."


    "B-b-but what about Jin Li?" Sun pouted, surely his best friend deserved to take a spot as a disciple as well.


    Actually, many of the Teachers admittedly had thought the same thing, they had fought over the right to tap into his potential. However, Teacher Vane had not been one of them, claiming that Jin Li was too arrogant and untameable; sure he would absorb their lessons like a proverbial sponge, no one denied that he was self-disciplined and tempered his body like a blacksmith forging a sword of the highest quality, however he was flighty, disappearing for stretches of time, only fulfilling requests that seemed worth his time. Though Jin Li gave him the respect that his position demanded, he could not imagine the youth giving him his loyalty and trust.


    "Let''s talk about this matter inside," Teacher Eridana said with a sigh, feeling that this matter should not be resolved in front of so many curious on lookers. She turned to her first disciple, who happened to be Bowyer now that the other had graduated school. "Bowyer, would you lead the outer school students back to their school and take care of them with the other senior disciples please. Pike, you are in charge of the same for the inner school students until this matter had been settled."


    The two seniors accepted Teacher Eridana''s instructions, while she then spoke to the two brothers, before guiding Jin Li and Sun towards the lecturing hall.


    Without the eyes and ears of the masses, she then turned to Corvus, who yawned, before taking a seat at the rising stands half circling the lectern at the front of the class. "Ah, this brings back memories," the unkempt man said as he stretched his arms lazily over the desk.


    "What is this about, Corvus?" The woman demanded.


    He pulled a pouting face, for which two lips just appeared in the mass of facial hair. "What, can''t a Teacher take on a student anymore without being questioned?"


    "You''ve not been a Teacher here for thirty years!" Corne yelled loudly, banging a fist down upon the table.


    "Teacher Vane, Corne is picking on me!" Corvus glanced over at the old man, who happened to have been his Teacher many hundreds of years ago. Teacher Vane simply sighed and threw up his hands over the one student he had never been able to temper, thus his reluctance to take on others with such a difficult and disobedient nature. Corvus sighed and sat back in his seat, crossing his arms about his chest with a slight smirk. "I''ve already spoke to the Headmaster. He had no reason to object to me resuming my position, nor would he object to me taking on a student."


    "You...!" Corne was red faced, much unlike the strong, confident man that he usually projected. Clearly, this little brother of his was a bone of contention, but their relationship was not something two students ought to concern themselves about.


    "Excuse me... sir," Young Sun squeaked, raising a hand tentatively in the air. "But why me?"


    Corvus grinned, brightly. "Because you have the wind root! So do I, so it''s fate, don''t you think?"

 Chapter 106 - Hundred And Six - Beginning my four rest days

    It was on this day that Leon came to know that there were actually ten days in a week rather than the seven he had always known, but in truth, this really did not mean much to most commoners.  Scholars liked to keep time by use of the calendar and the revolving moons and the Teachers used the measurement of days to plan lessons and annual events.  Otherwise, it had to be said that beasts didn''t care what day of the week it was, they would still need feeding and their messes need cleaning up after, herbs beds still needed weeding and cultivating and people did not fall sick and require medicines on a schedule.


    Nobles did like to keep time, naming the weeks rather than the days, and making themselves seem more learned that the country bumpkins they looked down on.


    To Leon, considering for whom that the days and weeks had moulded into just passing time, seeing as he had not bothered to keep track when he had so many more things to worry over in the beginning, the ten days were the total number of days Teacher Sagi had scheduled for him; for the first six days, Leon should go to the Herb Hall to greet his new Teacher and for the other four, he had time to do as he pleased.  Apparently, this cycle of six work days, four rest days was normal at school... Leon just hadn''t known about it.


    Before he learned what it was to be the direct disciple of a Teacher, however, there were others to be claimed by alchemist Teachers and students to shuffle between schools.  For example, Merylin was due to enter the inner school, her alchemy talent was just to good for her to be left in the outer school.  And Tor, Leon discovered, had transferred to the Beast Taming school, which was something he had desired from long ago.


    When other Teachers discovered that Teacher Sagi had decided upon Leo, they were surprised.  Yes, young Leo worked hard, but in the real world that boy was unlikely to develop into anything more than a junior alchemists assistant.  He just did not have the talent for making pills. Granted, Teacher Corne had taken a liking to him because his pills were reliably consistent, there was no mix of high and low quality, meaning the man did not appear to play favourites when handing them out to students. And Teacher Volun considered him an anomaly for the same reason, but his pills were still just average. Teacher Sagi had simply smiled and was content with his choice.


    So the day after Leon was taken under Teacher Sagi''s wing, became the day placements were announced. And due to the hard work that the students had all put in over the past few days, the four rest days would follow, allowing the transferred to settle into their new accommodations and graduates to move out and bid farewell.


    Thus Leon woke up on the following day with no commitments on his time. However, that did not mean that he would be doing nothing.


    Gathering together the good quality clear spiritual pills and cloudy spiritual pills as well as many improved one heart pills (though he kept a batch of these and the improved blood pills for himself) and headed to meet with Mino, hoping the kitchen boy could take him down the mountain. Unfortunately, he was unable to and would not be heading into town until Leon''s resting days were over.


    "What are you doing?!" Maimai leapt upon his back, but with her weight and his unsturdy frame, he fell flat upon his face with her on top of him. "Oops! Sorry!" There is probably no point in mentioning the unhappy stares directed their way, even as Maimai climbed off of him.


    Today, the girl was in a plain silk dress of jade green with a simple hair pin of the same colour attempting to hold her unruly curls. Leon climbed to his feet and dusted down his linen robes before answering. "I w-w-wanted t-to g-go into t-town," he mentioned. "B-but n-not sure how t-to g-get d-d-down there t-today."


    "Hmmm," Maimai said, with a little thoughtful expression. "If it can wait until this afternoon, my sister and I will be heading to town to meet my father. He wanted to congratulate Merylin for getting into the inner school. You can ride on Piku with me!"


    Leon wasn''t sure that Piku would be very happy about that, but agreed anyway. He could always stay at an inn, not wanting to impose on Mino''s family when his friend was not going to be there. "Shall I c-come b-back later," Leon asked, "and m-meet you here?"


    "Or you can invite me to tea," Maimai said, cheekily. She leaned closer to his ear and whispered; "I don''t want Merylin to assign me any more chores, moving her things and arranging them for her, just because her maids aren''t here to do it for her!" Leon nodded sagely and the pair walked the distance towards his cottage and away from Merylin''s reach.

 Chapter 107 - Hundred And Seven - I seem to be causing trouble for others

    The journey down the mountain was as long as Leon knew it to be, although it should have been much quicker than taking the Ox pulled wagon into town. Both Equine and Baku with one or two riders ought to be swift and agile. However, though the stunning white equine with its long, slender, but able legs was peerless in speed amongst its own, the fat, pale pink Baku wheezing and stomping along side it was most definitely not.


    The stables beside the inn in new Julip were clean, with fresh straw for their occupants and although the lazy Piku, flopped down, huffing and panting, the two beasts were left in good care. At this point, Leon thanked Maimai and left the girls outside the inn, while feeling as if a cold glare was chasing him down the street.


    It wasn''t until he began crossing the bridge into the familiar and older side of town that he began to relax with a sigh. He''d become a slightly familiar face, the student of the Ascending Mountain Institute that did not come from this side of town, but still visited here. And of course, the Blacksmith Mars knew of him as did his apprentices, and the Seamstress Mitsu knew him and the Pharmacist Clawse knew him, that was enough for others to send greetings his way as he passed them and being the amicable soul he was, he offered greetings in return.


    He first visited Mitsu''s shop, who placed down her cup of tea and dragged him into see her new wares. Seeing as Jin Li had purchased the thigh length outer robe that she had dyed and embroidered for a wedding as an every day piece, she had taken to experimenting, creating interesting robes or simply ones dyed in other colours to see if others would willingly purchase for more regular use. As it happened, there was interest, for while the most elaborate designed robes were still favoured for weddings, it did not mean that the men and women in the old town disliked nice pieces to wear for best instead of their plain, everyday robes that were worn until thread bare.


    Leon was an honest youth and would openly say whether he liked something or not, though he still preferred the hard wearing and plain hemp, Mitsu had taken it as challenge to see him in something new. The older woman thrust a neatly folded robe into his arms with sash and belt placed on top and shooed him behind the simple painted screen, insisting that the little brother ought to try them on. "I d-d-don''t..."


    "Just try i'' on!" She said returning to her cooling tea while she waited for him to emerge. He appeared a little time later, a little embarrassed by the attention, dressed in outer robes of a pale sky blue, over loose trousers, with a sash of a darker shade about his small waist and a plaited rope belt holding the ensemble together. Mitsu was delighted by her creation and although he attempted to kindly reject the clothing, as he hadn''t come to purchase new robes, she began talking about how these were as hard wearing as his usual robes and wouldn''t it be a good change to wear something a little different now and then? And what person did not feel good when they looked good?


    Little by little, Leon acquiesced until he found himself handing over a silver piece for her troubles. He almost walked away all confounded, when he recalled his actual reason for coming here. He withdrew the beautiful, snow foxbear pelt from his interspacial bag. "C-c-could you m-make this into a c-coat?"


    Mitsu marvelled over the stunning skin, almost worried to touch such a fine pelt. "I''ve deal'' wif skins before... bu'' you sure? "she asked. "I''m no'' entirely confiden'' workin'' wif such lioke this." Leon smiled and said that he trusted her, even handing her a carved talisman to boost confidence.


    "You liked the p-p-peony r-right?" He asked shyly. She enveloped him into a hug, careful not to damage the pelt and promised to do her best.


    Leon next visited Mr Clawse, who happened to have a couple of clients at that time, a disagreeable pair by the sounds of them.  "It isn''t a good idea to get on the wrong side of us, Mr Clawse," the unpleasant woman chided him in poisoned honey tones.  She wore a long set of silken red robes with slits up each side revealing the dark red of her narrow silken trousers beneath.  The robes had patterns of scorpions amongst bamboo shoots along the hems as did her Male companion''s, who was intimidatingly tall and thick of figure.  His robes were mostly black with the scorpions upon them in red.


    "The sect is welcome to trade with me like others," Mr Clawse advised, "however, I cannot offer exclusivity.  It goes against my principals."


    "It is not that we ask for exclusivity," the woman said, sweetly, "it is that we ask you to keep us in mind for those pills first.  If we do not want nor need them, you are of course free to sell them to others."


    "I only am able to obtain a few of those pills at any time," Mr Clawse picked apart her reasonable sounding words with ease.  "How would you not want nor need them at such quantities?  It is the same as demanding to be the only ones I sell them too!  I refuse.  Now if you will excuse me, I have others I need to attend to."  His eyes glanced up to meet their reflection in the thick spectacles of Leon, who hovered a little at the entrance of his shop.  His face did not express his suddenly plummeting mood.


    "Oh," the woman glanced at the small, plain looking youth with his cheap, blue robes and ugly glasses.  Only his hair was worthy of note and that was likely due to a deficiency in cultivation. This child was obviously a waste, but that did not mean he had no other uses.  "I''ve not seen this one''s face frequent your establishment before," she said.


    "He''s just one of the students from the Ascending Mountain Institute," Mr Clawse said without falsehood, "who come to sell me spare, common pills from time to time.  You do recall that this town is in the shadow of the institution, do you not?" Leon quickly picked up on the word common and rummaged around in his interspacial bag for a bottle of clear spiritual pills.  Though they might be of good quality, they were still common pills and did not appear any different to others unless one looked very, very closely at what made them good.


    However, just seeing the simple, transparent pills in the jade bottle was enough to convince the woman that this boy was just another hopeless case.  That being so and with Mr Clawse being so stubborn, she huffed thwarted and walked out of the shop, companion in tow.


    Once she was at a distance, Mr Clawse let loose a held sigh.  "Not good timing, Leon," he said, his voice still low.  "They might have left for now, but they will return.  So I suggest we retire to my rooms upstairs to talk business this time, alright?"

 Chapter 108 - Hundred And Eight - A sect wants my pills

    Mr Clawse led Leon up a creaking curved staircase to the upper floors above the shop, where he lived. Actually, he considered the first two rooms as multipurpose for one was where he stored his inventory of special pills, kept safe by a complicated lock created by Blacksmith Mars himself and the other was a small office where he could serve tea to important clients such as Sect leaders, Elder Alchemists, the town mayor and so on. And Leon was fast becoming one of his important clients as well.


    The tall, thin man poured the tea, his long fingers carefully supporting the hot teapot as he did so, before sliding one porcelain cup towards Leon. "My apologies for those personages," Mr Clawse said as he sat opposite the young man. "It seems their sect got wind of my unique inventory and wish to divert it."


    Leon thought about this for a moment and felt a sudden suspicion in his gut. "Is it m-m-my f-fault?" He asked softly, thinking that his improved pills were indeed unique and he had only ever sold them to Mr Clawse.


    "There is no blame," Mr Clawse reassured him. "And I don''t have just you adding to my supplies. I have an inventory of very high quality pills in stock, you know. Something unusual for a man in my profession. But just as with you, that person prefers anonymity. However, it was your improved blood pills that the sect wanted."


    "Oh," Leon said, sipping at his tea. It was quite bitter, but somehow very refreshing as well. "I d-d-don''t have those t-today," he admitted, first taking out the improved one heart pills, before bringing out the cloudy and clear spiritual pills. "The c-cloudy sp-spiritual p-pills are g-g-good quality, b-but ordinary otherwise. The c-c-clear sp-spiritual p-pills are also g-good, b-but b-b-because the impurities are less ab-bout t-twenty five p-p-percent."


    Mr Clawse examined the two new pills. He did not normally take either, but he was still glad Leon trusted him enough to come to him to sell them. If others caught wind of his improved pills, there would surely be trouble for him. His face soured slightly as he considered that the clear spiritual pills would definitely attract the attention of that sect and they might even recall that a boy revealed some in the shop. However, he did have an associate in the new town that might wish for them in his inventory instead. That person happened to be a retired martial artist, a Cultivator who fell in love with a normal woman. However, his skills would not be underestimated by the sect.


    With a slight nod of conviction he stated; "I will purchase the improved one heart pills, but would you be able to wait a day to sell the others? They are not part of my expertise." Leon thought there was no reason to decline and nodded in agreement.  He pocketed four silver which more than made up for the unexpected purchase of new clothes.  They agreed that Leon should come back following breakfast the next day.


    Considering that he had a little spare time, for the sun was still high in the sky, Leon decided to head back to the new town and wander around the shops there.  Things were more expensive there, but variety was greater and it cost nothing to window shop.  Here it was more common to find clothing stores selling silks, many of which had beautiful and intricate patterns, but one set of even the plainer outer robes would cost more silver than what he currently had in his entire fortune.


    There were also shops filled with accessories including jade hair pins.  One, of blood red jade, without adornment caught his eye, but would set him back almost ten silver.  He considered it for a moment and pitied himself that he could not carve one for Jin Li himself.  His face flushed as he realised the train on which his thoughts had wandered.  He did check out on a small inter dimensional bag, interested in the timeless quality of it.  Although it could only hold a square metre of things, it would still cost a gold piece.  He would need to spend all of his rest four days for the next year making improved blood pills to make the money if he wanted to purchase it!


    After walking away lamenting poverty, he purchased some snacks and herb seeds as well some more jade bottles as although the school provided some, he was filling them and giving them away far faster than he was receiving them.  As the sun was beginning to get nearer to the horizon, he decided to find an inn for himself for the night, so decided to head for the bridge, thinking it would be cheaper to get a room in the old side of town.  He was not expecting that a furious Jin Li would be waiting at the centre of the bridge for him.

 Chapter 109 - Hundred And Nine - It’s not a date

    Matters were settled at the school, Sun had agreed to become Teacher Corvus'' student.  Once clean shaven and bathed, the man that appeared was roguishly handsome, with a grin that spoke of devilish things and he suddenly became most of the female martial artist''s favourite Teacher.  It also meant that Sun had a sudden turn of popularity amongst those girls, which overwhelmed him to the point of refusing to leave his room.  Anyway, now everyone was could do as they pleased for four days with the exception of those graduating and those transferring between schools. There was still indecision regarding Jin Li transferring, but it was more to do with his personality than anything.  He wasn''t bothered about it.  Instead Jin Li decided to take the opportunity to settle scores with his little alchemist.


    Only, said alchemist was not at his cottage when he had arrived. Jin Li had clicked his tongue and went to the Food Hall, where he filled his stomach under the happy gaze of a few girls, before discovering from Mino that "Leo ''ad liokly ''eaded down mountain wiv the two pre''ee gals."


    His face filled with thunder, he had stormed down the mountain into town, but discovered that he had missed the opportunity to grab the slippery student as he had already left Mr Clawse''s apothecary. Enquires directed him to the other side of town, but instead of continuing the goose chase, he believed his Leon would head this way before dark, perhaps taking refuge at Mino''s folks place.


    He was not wrong about him heading back this way.


    "J-J-Jin Li," Leon said, wringing his hands nervously. "W-w-what are you d-doing here?"


    "The question should be," Jin Li sneered, eyeing the youth''s new robes with conflicted interest, "Why are you wandering all over town?"


    Leon tilted his head, feeling slightly confused but said; "I was j-j-just heading f-for an in for the n-n-night." Jin Li clicked his tongue and grabbed the boy''s hand, leading him back into the new town.


    "You won''t likely find a place where you can sleep safe in your bed that way," Jin Li told him. This was not too far a stretch from the truth. The inns, while mostly clean in the old town, were very cheap and often attracted those who preferred to spend their coppers on alcohol rather than beds unless that bed came with a woman or fairy like boy.  Seeing a weak kitten like Leon wandering around alone would be a temptation to drunk and unscrupulous souls, Jin Li believed, thinking about a certain incident with ground teeth.  After all, once those glasses were no longer covering his large round eyes... Jin Li yanked at Leon''s arm, dragging him more quickly to an inn, that coincidentally happened to be the one Maimai and Merylin were staying at while their father visited.


    Leon pouted a little as he threw down the silver it cost to stay for the night, though felt a little better upon hearing that the room at least came with an evening and morning meal. The evening meal was extremely delicious, a pink meat that tasted like chicken in a spicy sauce with nuts, a refreshing soup with silky parcels filled with fishy flavourings and something that reminded him of spring rolls from his last life, only these were filled with vegetables he did not totally recognise. Naturally, Jin Li claimed most of the meat, but Leon was still more than satisfied with his portion, his stomach swollen comfortably and was thinking how to get the recipes as he sat there feeling more than a little drowsy.


    Jin Li did not allow Leon to doze in the tavern area under the eyes of guests, who chatted calmly amongst themselves while drinking wine for the most part. Maimai was more gleefully watching the two men over a cup of warm milk. Merylin had chosen a watered down wine, she hadn''t wished for Jin Li to look down on her for partaking in a childish beverage. Only, not long after the two young men had eaten did they disappear!


    The Sect Leader sat back down in front of his two precious daughters, nodding to the men he had left to guard them while a subordinate had pestered him about returning to the sect to deal with some silly matter. Who cared if demon beasts were becoming a little too boisterous in the Deep Crimson Ridge? The five great Elders of the sect were more than capable of dealing with a handful of upset beasts. His Merylin had transferred successfully to the inner school! He was worried how the sisters would cope without each other. And this was the only chance for him to see his Merylin and his Maimai for another few months!


    "Maimai," he crooned, "is there no way that you can convince your teachers to transfer you as well?"


    "No, daddy," Maimai replied. "I''m just not good at making pills like Merylin is and she is very talented, flying ahead of me in leaps and bounds!" Merylin naturally preened beneath the praises of her sister, but lowered her eyes less she appeared arrogant.


    "Maybe, I should just bring you home and hire private tutors," the man grumbled.


    "No, daddy," both girls cried out at the same time, but for quite different reasons. Maimai might not be good at making pills, but she was having too much fun watching certain interactions between certain people. Jin Li and Leo were not the only pairing upon her imagined list, just her favourite. And Merylin had not made any headway between creating a relationship between herself and that man, Jin Li, but now she had stepped ahead of that small servant in regards of alchemy, surely it was just a matter of time...


    While the girls united against their overprotective father, the two youths had retired to their room, but Jin Li had yet to spill his grievances.

 Chapter 110 - Hundred And Ten - Was that supposed to be a punishment?

    Leon pouted slightly as he was dragged up the stairs and to their small room for the night.  It was a nice, fresh scented room, with clean linen sheets upon the double bed and an unlit fireplace built into the wall.  There was a small table with a bowl and fresh water in a jug to freshen oneself and a chamberpot discreetly placed in one corner.  It had what was needed, what was expected and nothing more.


    "I was p-planning on sp-speaking to the chef ab-ab-about the f-food," he mumbled in complaint.  "W-wanted the recipes."


    "Oh, so now you wish to speak with other men, do you?" Jin Li''s eyes narrowed as he closed the door behind them without looking away from the small alchemist in front of him.


    Leon frowned slightly, his brows disappearing behind the thick lenses.  "W-What are you s-saying?" He questioned, turning around to glance at the angered youth staring at him.  "The chef c-c-could b-be a woman."


    The scowl on Jin Li''s face intensified.  "So you wish to speak with women," Jin Li stated, his voice deepening with his ire.  He stepped forward a pace, his dark aura spreading out and even Leon could not stay unaware of it.  The older boy took a step backward as Jin Li continued.  "And I favour that you had quite the time travelling here with two young women, who I hear are quite lovely."


    "M-m-Maimai offered t-t-to t-t-t-take m-me into t-t-town," Leon stuttered, his steps backward coinciding with Jin Li''s paces forward.  "She w-w-was j-just b-being n-n-nice t-to m-me."  Leon stumbled backward as his retreat lead him into an obstacle that was the bed.


    "Oh, is that so," Jin Li replied.  He recalled passing a few woman down in the dining area and suggested aloud; "Perhaps if I go and speak to the females in the tavern, they will be nice to me and offer me things.  What do you think?"  He turned around as if he intended to do just that and Leon couldn''t stop himself from grabbing a handful of Jin Li''s robe.


    "No!" He blurted out clearly with not a hint of his stammer blocking the word from escaping freely.  And then he recalled, Jin Li was a straight man, not interested in a Male like him except in the capacity of a servant or purse to aid him back to his own realm.  Leon''s feelings were one sided and Jin Li had every right to pursue a woman that was to his taste.  His hands loosened and the fabric of the robe fell from his grip, but not before Jin Li turned to face him once more.


    "Why not?" Jin Li asked, staring down at the top of the alchemists downcast head.  Leon didn''t answer him at first so he repeated his words.  "Well?  Why is it you wish for this Lord to stay?"  He grabbed Leon''s chin forcing his face to tilt upwards.  His skin was so smooth, Jin Li noticed, not a hint of thickening hair upon his chin and despite the time spent beneath the sun, it was also close to being as pale as snow.


    "N-n-no reason," Leon whispered, his vision blurring slightly, but the water filling his eyes could not quite be seen behind his spectacles.


    "That''s not an answer," Jin Li told him, but Leon had nothing more that he felt he could say.  Jin Li clicked his tongue crossly before releasing Leon''s face from his grip.  His fingers tingled as if unable to let go of the feeling of Leon''s flesh beneath them.  He stepped back a pace then began; "What is it you recall of the night of Breaking Curfew?"


    Leon was startled by the sudden question then tried to think back. "W-was d-drinking with you, Sun and seniors," Leon replied in murmur. "Um, n-n-needed t-to use the ch-chamber p-p-pot. Everything after..." He could only recall that things were blurry for a while and nothing came to mind after. He had stopped attempting to remember more seeing as each time he tried he drew a blank.


    "There was a senior that fancied taking you to bed," Jin Li stated coldly. "He was not above taking advantage of you in your inebriated state. I rescued you and was forced to take care of the drunk you." He did not concern himself to add that he had had to wash vomit out of his long lengths of hair, nor that he also combed it until it fell like silk down Leon''s small back. And that it spilled all over the pillow when Leon collapsed into bed like a halo of black and white.


    "You d-d-did?" Leon flushed with embarrassment, but he also felt gratitude and decided to express this. "Th-thank you."


    "You thanked me then as well," Jin Li leered, leaning over Leon until he fell completely back onto the firm mattress and was shadowed by the other man.


    "J-J-Jin Li?" Leon questioned.


    "Sullying my face with your lips," he taunted, delighting in the red colour that began to fill the youth''s pale cheeks. "So how should this matter be dealt with?" Leon gulped, the gem in his throat bobbing up and down, catching Jin Li''s eye, but not as much as the pink lips that parted, nor the tip of the fleshy tongue that peeped out between them to moisten them. Jin Li still hadn''t decided on a punishment to that point, his mind had been unable to stop racing around the sensation of that mouth upon his cheek and now, no thoughts were making themselves known, his entire focus stolen.


    His mouth covered Leon''s pressing lips against lips, tasting flesh against flesh. The kiss was suddenly ended as suddenly as it began and Leon could only lie there holding his breath in surprise.


    Jin Li was also startled by his own reaction, but rose to his feet as if it mattered not and left with the parting words; "Try to forget the kiss this time!"

 Chapter 111 - Hundred And Eleven - I meet a pervert

    Why did Jin Li kiss him? Why did Jin Li kiss him then tell him not to forget about it? And why did Jin Li kiss him on the lips in revenge for a drunken kiss upon the cheek? These sorts of questions swirled about in Leon''s mind all night to the point where he got nothing but a headache. As dawn broke the pitch of night, Leon''s heavy eyelids fell over his eyes and he finally slept for a couple of hours, before the noise of the awakened streets spilled into the bedroom denying him any more rest.


    Jin Li had returned to their room at some point to lie stiffly upon the other side of the bed, unmoving. And when Leon rose drowsily from the bed, Jin Li followed suit, moving quickly as if it was his plan first for them to descend for breakfast. They ate in silence, Leon surreptitiously glanced at Jin Li in between bites of food, while Jin Li ignored him completely. Seeing as Jin Li really was not going to explain what happened the evening before, Leon decided to let it alone as well and try bury the memory. It sort of... kind of... hurt knowing that the man he had feelings for would prank him like this, but Leon could not explain his actions any other way.


    "You are returning to the alchemist school?" Jin Li finally ended his silence as they stepped out of the inn late morning.


    "N-no, n-n-not yet," Leon replied, softly. "Selling p-p-Pills."


    "Did you not sell pills to pharmacist Clawse yesterday?" Jin Li questioned, startling Leon. Had Jin Li been looking for him yesterday? Was it not coincidence then, their meeting? So that kiss...? No, no, don''t question it Leon!


    He shook his head to stop himself, then said aloud; "N-new b-buyer. M-mister Clawse said t-to m-m-meet him t-today."


    Jin Li raised a lone eyebrow. "Lead the way." As it happened, that was unnecessary as the meeting was to take place at the pharmacy anyway. Mr Clawse greeted them with a slightly chiding sentence;


    "I expected you a little earlier, Leon." To which the young alchemist could only stutter an apology as they followed Mr Clawse up to the stairs and into his receiving room.


    The man that Mr Clawse wished to introduce was named Ursam, he did not use the suffix of Mister and had no other title per-say.  He was a ''retired'' Cultivator; that was to say, that he did not practice cultivation anymore, although, in the past, he had until reaching Senary and two stars stage cultivation level.  If it wasn''t for meeting the ordinary woman who became his wife, he would likely have reached the peak of Senary or even have half step into Septenary stage by now.


    Regardless, Ursam was a round face, jovial man with long, midnight hair that reached midspine, tied by a leather string at the nape of his neck.  He grinned brightly upon seeing the two young men and his eyes twinkled as Leon produced his clear spiritual pills.


    "So," he said, his voice quite musical to listen to, resonating deep but as Leon soon found out, it would reach high frequencies with ease.  "You discovered the secret of the Purple Spirit Grass!"  He said this as if speaking to a co-conspirator then laughed merrily as Leon froze for a moment in surprise.  Mr Clawse simply rolled his eyes heavenward as if he was used to this odd behaviour.


    "Sorry, Sorry!" Ursam sang, but did not sound the least bit so.  "I do not mean to tease you! Many alchemists have discovered that using purple spirit grass grown in certain locations can decreased the impurities in the resultant pill!  You are probably the youngest I have encountered though.  I, myself, did not learn of it in my alchemist years, but rather when I began selling pills as a middleman."


    "Oh?" Jin Li questioned, looking over the man''s physique with a trained eye.  "I would have said that you, sir, were a martial artist." As ever, Jin Li treated with respect for those that had strength.


    "I am.. I mean I was," Ursam replied, without his grin faltering in the slightest.  "But before that, I was an alchemist, just not a great one.  I chose to change my fate and pursue the great arts of the warrior instead.  Actually, it was for a girl, but don''t tell my wife!  That girl ended up becoming Dao Companions with my senior martial brother anyway."


    "D-dao c-companion?" Leon blurted out the question without thought.


    Ursam looked a little startled as he glanced at a rather innocent expression on the glasses youth''s face, before a touch of wickedness altered his curved smile into more of a smirk.  "Long term cultivation partner... you know the old saying; ''birds of a feather, cultivate together...'' although really there is only one bird and one nest, if you catch my meaning!"


    Leon flushed, his skin turning a brilliant red, causing the old Cultivator to burst into even louder stomach felt laughter.


    Mr Clawse rolled his eyes once more and chided; "Stop teasing the boy."


    "What?!" Ursam questioned as if he was being unfairly admonished.  "They are young, healthy youths!  What boy of their age hasn''t wondered over the mysteries of the female body? Right?" He glanced over at the pair, with a slightly sly glance before adding; "unless, their interest is one requiring two birds and a very small..."


    "Ursam!"  Mr Clawse crossed his arms about his thin chest.


    "Such a prude," Ursam complained.  "The path of a Cultivator is thick with Yang, throw a stone and it is hard pressed to find Yin.  It''s only natural for comfort to be sought where comfort is sought."  Leon couldn''t help his wandering eyes from peeking at Jin Li''s expressions, giving Ursam more joyful insight than he meant to.  Jin Li remained completely impossible to read however, his face stoic.


    Mr Clawse sighed and suggested; "Let''s get back to the subject of pills, shall we?"

 Chapter 112 - Hundred And Twelve - Jin Li’s thought’s on kissing

    The mind is a wonderful and complex thing and what runs though it in terms of thoughts and feelings is different for each and every person. For example, in the mind of the pervert sitting tea opposite the two students, one of which happened to be selling pills to him, he was thinking; Should I give them that copy of the double yang cultivation method I happened to pick up in my youth?


    And in the mind of the Pharmacist Clawse; I should never have exposed young Leon to this pervert.


    Jin Li had only one thought running through his mind and it was a question. It had replaced all other thoughts in his mind and all other feelings. Even the anger and frustration he had felt for the past few days had shrivelled into his mind until they were ash and smoke and drifted away into nothingness.


    And now all that was left was; "Why were they so soft?"


    The clear spiritual pills that Leon was attempting to sell were still just clear spiritual pills, even if their impurities were reduced improving their grade and as high in demand as the pills were, there were also a flood of low alchemists producing them. That said, the pervert Ursam had taken a shine to Leon and purchased them at a slightly higher price than he would have done for other good quality clear spiritual pills taking the twenty pills for the price of 4 silver. The four cloudy spiritual pills that Leon had also decided to part with were purchased also at 4 silver.


    "Come to my shop, next time," Ursam invited the young alchemist and the young martial artist to his place that happened to be located in New Julip Town as the passing trade was ten times higher than in Old Julip Town. Leon agreed before being whisked away by Jin Li.


    Feeling secure with the imagined weight of the silver within his interspacial pouch, Leon followed Jin Li towards the Griffin Nests in New Julip Town. He felt that reasons behind Jin Li''s ''prank'' had not been resolved, but was not sure how to bring it up either. Perhaps he ought to apologise for his misdeed while intoxicated first? With that in mind, he had Jin Li wait for him outside a certain shop, which the youth reluctantly did so and went inside to purchase him a gift. It was the red jade hair pin that he happened to have noticed the day before. It wiped away his earned funds, but he felt that if this could settle matters between himself and Jin Li, then it ought be worth it.


    "F-for you," Leon offered the cloth wrapped jade shyly. "I''m s-sorry that I acted b-b-badly w-when you c-cared for m-m-me that t-time."


    Jin Li held the red jade in his fist, staring at it incredulously. It wasn''t the most stunning of pieces, the blood red jade was a common coloured stone in the high realm, so chances were that it was here as well, yet Jin Li couldn''t help be moved by the gift. But why was Leon apologising again? Ah right, he had made accusations over tainting his person with those soft lips. Soft lips... The inner conflict erupted inside his body again as he glanced down at the hopeful looking youth standing beside him, partially annoyed that the reflection of himself was in those thick glasses instead of in those large eyes and partially annoyed that he was thinking of those soft lips located south of them.


    He tore his gaze away angrily, but the feeling of the jade in his hand weakened the emotion and he pressed it down. "This Lord will graciously accept your apology," he mumbled, though even those words seemed without their usual arrogance therefore lame in his ears.


    Leon didn''t seem to notice as he beamed with a glad smiled, Jin Li felt a little heat rising in his cheeks as he witnessed those soft lips stretching into a bright curve. "G-glad you like it!" Leon inwardly sighed, before finally bringing up the unanswered question; "Last n-n-night''s k-k-k-k-k-kiss...."


    "This Lord will not stand here and allow you to question his reasons," Jin Li said, suddenly storming off. A startled Leon had to run to catch up with him. And the unanswered question remained unanswered.


    An hour later, as the griffin that happened to be taking several students back to the Ascending Martial Arts institute glided though the cool mountain air, Jin Li once more glanced at the red jade hair pin in his hands and then at the youth sitting beside him. He leaned down to speak into Leon''s ear, so that he might hear him above the rushing of the wind in their ears;


    "Later, you should help this Lord adorn the hair pin."


    Leon returned his demand with a smile and nodded; "Okay."

 Chapter 113 - Hundred And Thirteen - I begin to aid my Master

    The rest days passed quickly for all those within the school, for whether you were truly at rest and playing or working hard to practice your craft or organise your new room to perfection, the number of rest days you had never seemed to be enough.  After that, things became a little more serious, at least as far as the first years and one senior (who might as well have been a first year considering the length of time that he had attended this school technically speaking was only thirty or so days greater than theirs and part of that was spent convalescing) were concerned.


    The first years now should be considered used the way things were at the school, should have lost some of the arrogance they held on entering the school or gained a little confidence.  Many had been tempered by events in the school as well, such as the Standings for the Martial Artists (the Mages and Beast Tamers had something similar).  Freshly enrolled alchemist students learned that pill making was not an easy path, despite it being the easiest school to enrol into and hopeful Beast Tamers learned that it was not so easy to coax a wild beast into becoming their partner, more so if they were of rare or strong bloodlines.  It should be noted, that the scholars were serious by nature, so the first years there were about to experience what for them amounted as excitement; allowed to access new levels of the library and aid seniors with their research!


    As for Leon, his first duty to his new Master was to help him carry his things to a lecture in the inner alchemist school; Teacher Sagi would speak to a gathering of first years giving them a lecture on control and conservation of spiritual energy during pill making.  The outer school students would be able to attend the same lecture the following day.


    Lectures were considered optional for students even now, but those who wished to progress would attend them and those who were either too lazy or thought that they knew enough would likely opt out, but their choice would be quietly noted. Perhaps it was due to that and perhaps it was due to the fact that they were older and wiser, but not fewer than two handfuls of seniors also attended the lecture.


    By now, it should be clear to most first years that their control over their fires and cauldrons was not as adept as they might have believed when forming those first few pills, even here in the inner school where talent was higher.  So this lecture could be said to reveal some secrets to help them with this and Teacher Sagi was lured into having high hopes for these first years, thanks to the great attendance of students to his lecture this time around.


    The students in the lecture hall quickly settled as Teacher and disciple entered and the Teacher began reciting the words that he had used each and every year for more times than he could count, while Leon set up the man''s cauldron and stove.  A stove was a portable device that produced flames for a cauldron.  It was a magical device using a firestone to produce the flames without physical fuel.  The reason that students had to use fixed fireplaces were that stoves were very expensive and the costly firestones produced by mages needed replacing frequently.  Only top alchemists would use them as they had several additional benefits other than not requiring wood as fuel and being portable.  It was easier to control the flames of the firestone than the flames of a wood fire.


    That being said, Leon, unknowingly, had exceptional control over his spiritual energy already, having learned quickly and early on.  The reasons were simple; he hadn''t a huge pool of spiritual energy at that time so if he was to save his own skin, he couldn''t be wasteful of it.  It might also be to do with his former life''s upbringing as well, as waste was not tolerated, his small family did not have the money to spare.


    Teacher Sagi had three disciples currently, but he had chosen Leo(n) to help him with this lecture due to this reason, even though the other two had more experience.  He also recalled how Leo had attended this lecture, actually most lectures, with complete and utter rapt attention.  It made a Teacher feel as if his lessons were worth giving when a student was so diligent.


    Leon listened carefully now, not aware that Leo had listened just as carefully a year prior as Teacher Sagi explained the importance of control.  If an alchemist were to only focus on tempering the fire, he could neglect the forming of the pills and should he focus more on the pills, he could neglect the fire that would ultimately effect the quality of the pills.  And if they focused on both, but neglected themselves, they could squander their spiritual energies and fail in the end as their inner pools would become drained.


    The key partially lay in their ability to multitask and partially in finding a balance that felt right within their work.  Sure it was to be expected that this was a difficult task, mistakes would be made and pills would fail, but so long as one learned from their failures and did not become too conceited over their successes, such a balance could be found.


    He gave a demonstration, his skill was so profound that he could form the basic Burning Energy pill and explain all of the steps at the same time.  The Burning Energy pill required a very hot flame, but the temperature needed to be consistent, so the students should practice to ensure a steady stream of spiritual energy poured into the heart of the flames.  This should not cease at the pill forming stage, but a second steady stream ought to be sent into the cauldron to stir the liquid and begin to congeal it into round pills.  At this time, students should not worry about how many pills form in the cauldron, if they can only cope with creating one pill, then focus on that one pill. If they can cope with more, then that is fine as well.


    After a few moments, the flames of the stove went out completely and Teacher Sagi explained that he had withdrawn his spiritual energy, reclaiming it into his sea or it would dissolve into the air and be lost.  Leon was not the only one to grimace as they were greatly aware of this already.  From his cauldron, the Teacher produced rich and fragrant Burning Energy Pills, their spicy aroma filling the entire hall.  There were ten in total, not a single drop of potion wasted and each and every one was of high quality, with two being considered perfect and one just slightly of weaker quality than the rest.

 Chapter 114 - Hundred And Fourteen - I prove I have great control

    "Don''t you think that this seems a bit too much?" Complained one first year as he and the others sat at their stone desks, each containing a fixed fireplace in the hollow of the desk and an abundance of firewood in a cubby within reach.


    The students were placing their cauldrons into the hollowed fire pits and preparing the herbs required for the pills so the Teacher could see their strengths and weaknesses for himself and provide support when necessary.  The first year who was complaining was not the only one to believe this, but was the only one to speak aloud.  They were all talented in regards to making pills; this generally meant that they had fire or wood related roots or abundant spiritual pools.  Their successes generally outweighed their failures, but their consistency was lacking.  Most students, though, were not too worried.  So long as they produced mostly good quality pills, then they were still better than outer school students whose pills were mostly average in quality.


    They had both conceit and arrogance that remained due to the fact that they had been accepted directly into the inner school due to their talent and never considered the fact that the outer school produced more of the institutes pill requirements than the inner school.  So the outer school''s importance to the overall institute was just as great as the inner school.


    In fact, with the exception of the seniors and about a quarter of the first years, the rest only attended the lecture for a different reason; a female student who had transferred into the inner school from the outer school.


    Miss Merylin sat at a central desk with a female friend and a senior, who happened to be earnestly attending the lecture as his control was very weak, causing him difficulties progressing to more complex pills. Miss Merylin herself was doing her utmost to improve her abilities so that she might appeal more to a certain martial artist. So she was quite surprised to see the obstacle in her path to becoming that man''s personal alchemist (before stepping into the realm of lovers and perhaps even marital partners and dao companions in the future....) enter the classroom behind the Teacher.


    She did not allow it to distract her, however, from listening to the lecture and learning from Teacher Sagi. Indeed, if it wasn''t for his strange striped hair and thick glasses that hid his large eyes from view, the youth would have been far less noticeable in her opinion. She was most impressed by Teacher Sagi''s resultant Pills. She, herself, produced pills ranging in good to high quality, with only the exceptional failure. Her control was not at all weak, but she was wise enough to understand that there was room for improvement, that her talent did not make her exceptional in this school and as a new practitioner, she was a speck of dust compared to alchemists who had practiced their craft for hundreds of years.


    Despite her faults and tunnel vision when it came to a certain man, she had a wide view of the world and her place within it. Unlike some other students here.


    The student who had verbally complained and those who had not complained out loud but wondered why they needed to bother with this control thing in their hearts, conceitedly offered the contents of the cauldrons to the Teacher (and assistant). Each cauldron contained numerous pills (many sought to impress with quantity and not the Teacher either) which ranged from defective to good even high quality. There was not one cauldron from this group of arrogant boys and girls that offered consistency.


    The Teacher shook his head and sighed inwardly. "Leon, come sit at my stove and produce a batch of Burning Energy Pills if you will."


    Leon looked at the stove, then looked at the fire pits. "T-t-Teacher, m-might I use one of those? I''ve n-n-never used a st-stove b-before." There were a few ignorant smirks, those who looked down on Leon for his speech impediment and white hair that spoke of spiritual deviation.


    The senior next to Merylin offered his seat, curious to understand what this chosen disciple could do. Merylin was also curious about Jin Li''s alchemist servant. Obviously, she had heard from others that he produced a lot of pills compared to some others, but that his pills were all of average quality, hence why she never saw him as competition. Yet Teacher Sagi had selected him as his disciple...


    Leon sat down after thanking the senior and carefully prepared his ingredients to one side of him, placing his much loved cauldron into the hollow upon fresh firewood. Seeing the very clean, clearly cared for cauldron placed inklings of shame into a couple of seniors hearts, while others sneered again. It was only a cheap cauldron, why make such a big deal of it? Leon quickly settled into his memorised routine for this pill, placing the ingredients into the cauldron in a set order, rather than tossing them all in at once, the heat from the fire was obvious to those close by and the most sensitive amongst them clearly noted that there was no change in temperature by even a half degree in all of this time.


    Their senior was utterly focused as well, any coughs or whispers did not enter his hearing nor disrupt his concentration and after he took the curious choice of adding a drop of purple spirit grass due at the beginning of pill forming stage, the observers could not help but anticipate the final results. Leon produced eight pills in that batch, a far cry from when he had first made Burning Energy pills and could only make one pill in his cauldron at a time.


    However, each and every pill was of average quality.


    Teacher Sagi smiled and nodded happily at the result. Merylin was disappointed and held an inward pool of contempt. Was this man truly the obstacle in her path? The loud first year muttered; "what''s so much better about his pills that ours? They are average, not a good one in the batch."


    The senior, who had given up his seat, passed Leon a couple of jade bottles and examined the pills carefully as the outer school student placed them into the bottles. And then he smiled brightly. The first years were frogs in the well, too foolish to see what the Teacher was trying to teach them. Leon had produced eight average pills, that was true, but each and every pill was exactly alike. This lesson was about control and there was nothing more impressive than the control it took to produce identical pills.


    "I have much to learn from you, brother," the senior grinned and encouraged Leon to repeat his lesson. His words drew over a few curious and clever students.


    Teacher Sagi nodded in complete satisfaction.

 Chapter 115 - Hundred And Fifteen - I am also encouraged to improve

    As it is said, those who wish to learn may learn well, whereas those who do not wish to learn will learn nothing and those who were wise to see beyond the quality of Leon''s pills learned that one should never judge a book by its cover and those who were too conceited remained blind.


    Leon felt as if this did not affect him in the slightest so did not let it bother him.  He still did not understand his own worth, so was not able to convince all others of it.  It should be noted that Merylin did not remain indifferent and although she refused to completely acknowledge Leon''s talent (how great was it if those pills still remained so average!) she was not stupid enough to completely ignore it either.  She learned what she wished to learn from him.  Whether she could use this lesson to her own advantage would remain to be seen.


    The following day, Leon demonstrated his ability of control again, but in front of the outer school students, which caused him to be a little embarrassed.


    The mentality of these students was a little different to the inner school students.  Both were first years, but there were a few more commoners here than nobles and their talents were not so great.  To enter the inner school or simply to graduate and be seen as a good alchemist, they needed to supplement their weaker gifts with that of hard work.  Not that this wasn''t the path that the inner school students would find themselves on eventually, only the outer school students concluded this much sooner or forever be labelled as a waste.


    Still, many had one thing in common with the inner school students; they wished to impress a girl.


    Said girl was sitting very close to a demonstrating Leon right now while Teacher Sagi supervised the entire class.  This class was bigger in numbers than the one the day before and none voiced complaints that working on their control was too hard or thought it was pointless.  If they thought the latter, they might as well have packed up and went home directly.  However, seeing Maimai in rapt concentration as she tried to learn Leon''s tricks, did sour the hearts of more than a handful, but only one cauldron went flying in response to uncontrolled emotions.


    That student was reprimanded and instructed to practice make Burning Energy Pills for the next week or until they could do so without incident, leaving them feeling all the more unhappy.


    After the demonstration, Maimai questioned enthusiastically every little detail and Leon patiently offered his insight, some of which belonged to the previous owner of the body rather than himself.  A tiny part of him wished he could indeed honour Leo and credit certain findings to him.  Such as the use of a little extra dew from the purple spirit grass to stop the potion drying out too fast at pill forming stage.


    Teacher Sagi had never thought about this himself, his control had far surpassed the need for such tricks, however he definitely thought it was a useful thing for those still learning or without such great control to know.  He was exceedingly proud of his disciple and even more pleased with his decision to accept him as such.


    Maimai adopted all of Leon''s practices and tried her best to follow suit.  Granted, her overall control was still sloppy, but the fact that out of the three pills to form in her cauldron only one could be considered a dud, the other two of good quality was an improvement.  That and she did not lose, break or send flying the metal pot while creating them.  Teacher Sagi gave her a pleased nod of acknowledgement.


    Having made many, many Burning Energy Pills over the past couple of days, Leon followed Teacher Sagi after the lecture to the Herb Hall to exchange them in return for a healthy bundle of pills.  However, instead of a random collection that Leon would have to sort himself before deciding which pills he should make with them, Teacher Sagi instructed the senior in the Hall to gather up herbs for two specific pills; the Still Mind pill and the Cloudy Spiritual pill.  He wished to test Leon on these pills which could be considered as slightly more complex than the basic pills and Blood pills he was known for producing en masse.


    If pills had fixed levels, then these could be considered level two pills along side Blood pills, although Cloudy Spiritual pills were harder to make than Blood pills and Still Mind pills were considered to be somewhere in between the two.  The Cloudy Spiritual pill was a cultivation aid, a Cultivator of Secondary or Tertiary stage could take them to improve their cultivation more quickly, but like the Clear Spiritual pill, taking too many could actually block an advancement to the next stage of cultivation.  Still Mind Pills were usually taken by those who had just advanced to secondary to help still the fluctuations in the soulsea that could remain.  They were not always necessary, as both Leon and Sun could attest to, but they were still popular.  Not many had such smooth final transitions as the pair.


    Teacher Sagi left Leon to wait for his herbs with instructions to practice these two pills over the next three days then see him on the sixth day of this week with the pills he had produced.  Leon agreed and Teacher Sagi retired for the day.


    "S-senior?" Leon questioned as the herbs were placed before him for collection.  "Why are these m-m-moth t-tails a d-d-different c-colour than usual?"


    The senior shrugged.  "This happens sometimes," the woman shrugged, not really caring about reasons.  Mothtails were just like that, the thick leaves coated in a fine fur and curled into loose spirals could be green or they could be red or they could be a mix of the two.


    Leon thanked her and placed the herbs in his interspacial bag while his lips twitched into a soft curve.  He was thinking of another herb that had not only a similar name, but similar in disposition.  He wondered if he had time to experiment while he practiced...

 Chapter 116 - Hundred And Sixteen - I prepare a lot of ingredients

    While Cloudy Spiritual Pills required a great deal of control, Still Mind Pills required a lot more time and effort initially and that was because there was an ingredient within them that required preparation before hand.


    The ingredient was called Serene Milk salts and were classified a potion, as were all balms, lotions, salts and non-pill elixirs in this realm. Serene Milk salts had no actual usage by themselves, but were a necessary ingredient in a few pills and other potions, though at this time Leon knew only of the Still Mind pill and Light Chi elixir, which he had learned what was added to the cultivation baths in the martial arts schools. Seeing as he and Sun were partly convinced that his three petal bath salts might actually be better for their cultivation, he had looked up the recipe in order to experiment, but hadn''t gotten any further as yet.


    Making Serene Milk salts would take some time, being that it was a potion, however once made, Leon would only need a small fraction of it when making Still Mind Pills. So basically, it was a potion that required being made just once in a long while and had a lot of uses afterwards.


    According to the recipe, he needed to first boil two half keg''s worth of water. Actually, he could have boiled the water with the relevant herbs within each pot of water, according to the recipe. But as he preferred to boil water for his own tea pot for at least ten minutes first as he was worried about what was lingering in it, he automatically did this.  And then when he was satisfied that the bubbling liquid was bug and germ free, he added the herbs, Ivory Milk daisies in his cauldron and False Nettle roots in a cooking pot. Others might do one after the other in their single cauldron, but Leon saw no reason to take even more time over this.


    False Nettle was a strange herb that grew in amongst other nettles and took on the characteristics of their leaves while guarding what could be considered its real treasure; it''s bulbous main root. About the size of a suede, an offworlder like Leon could (and did) mistake it as a root vegetable, it even boiled down to become mushy like an over cooked potato after a good hour. But it tasted like pure salt. Leon did make a mental note of this; it might be useful in tiny quantities in his cooking rather than having to bring back buckets of spring water to produce spoonful of salt.


    The cauldron of boiling daisies produced a beautiful milky white liquid, the flower heads having dissolved completely in the water. Both this and the mush were added to the keg and given a quick stir before the keg was sealed. He would need to stir it again in an hour and again an hour after that.


    In the meantime he cleaned out his cauldron and cooking pot before thinking about making Cloudy Spiritual Pills, only his stomach began to rumble and his thoughts turned to lunch.  He fancied a something a little fresher than usual and headed for the lake with his fishing rod.


    *****


    His luck was good and he returned an hour later with a healthy sized fish for his lunch... and probably for his dinner as well. Placing the fish upon his chopping board, he went to wash his hands before unsealing the keg, stirring the mixture, which had begun forming odd hard clumps, before resealing it once more. Then he focused on the fish, filleting awkwardly to produce two decent portions, before placing the fish head and bones (which still had clumps of fishy meat upon them) to one side. He was not at the stage of a chef who could use these bits in their cooking, so they were reduced to trash.


    With one portion of the fish, he decided to cut into pieces and coat in flour and seasoning before frying as a snack and the other was cooked whole and could be served with noodles, a flavoured oil he''d bought and edible green leaves. He drooled slightly in anticipation, but placed the cooked fish to one side, ate the snack with some leftover bread from the Food Hall that he''d obtained the day before.


    Then he looked at closely at the moth tails. Although he only actually needed the roots for Cloudy Spiritual Pills, the leaves were used in Burning Energy Pills and Burning Blood Pills as well. Fragrant beast tails changed colour in patches and produced an aroma that caused beasts to rage so they could spread and root where they fell. But this also effected the qualities of the Beast Calming pill; if there were too many red beast tails used, the pill might as well be renamed as a Beast Raging Pill.


    But the Burning Energy Pills were given to humans and the moth tails were different in appearance and offered no aroma. The effects of the Burning Energy Pill were also very different to the Beast Calming pill. Feeling excited by the prospect that the red moth tail leaves could indeed produce different effects than the green moth tail leaves, Leon began to sort through them, only to find out that there was another thing separating the two mothtail variations apart.

 Chapter 117 - Hundred And Seventeen - Teacher, your methods are too much!

    The polished metal surface reflected the image of a man with long silky black hair. That hair was being carefully arranged to form a half top knot upon the man''s head and a blood red jade pin was put into place to keep his hair from unravelling. After he was satisfied, he gave his reflection a curt nod and moved to reach his sheathed sword that was leaning against the wall, to place it at his side. He absently grasped the wooden koi fish medallion that was attached to the sword''s handle between two fingers.


    The door to the room swung open, the thick wood slammed against the wall as a gust of air blasted past the man. The young man ground his teeth together as he brushed back a few stray hairs that had slipped loose thanks to the blast and he just managed to witness a youth complete an agile slide beneath one of the two beds within the room. A heartbeat later, a handsome man with lips upturned into a large grin appeared within the doorway.


    "Did you happen to see my disciple?" He asked, his dark eyes twinkling with mirth.


    Jin Li could be a petty man at times and this moment was no exception. "He is under the bed," he replied as he removed the red jade pin in order to redo his hair. A loud wail followed his words, revealing that Jin Li spoke the truth.


    The grinning man stepped forward and lifted the bed with one hand in an effortless manner and grabbed the hiding youth with the other. "Come on, my boy," the man coaxed, after scooping him out and replacing the bed. "You asked for a change of pace, I''m just fulfilling your request!"


    "But Teacher," the youth complained, "By my words I meant; could I have a small break or lighter exercise!" Frankly, the pace at which his Teacher had set these past few days was brutal.  The ''warm up''s'' might as well have been standard exercise meant for elite guards and was followed by swordplay, Kung fu, wind arts and other weapons-play.  He was given points to bathe in the Cultivation baths along with a single Cloudy Spiritual pill to be consumed at the same time.  However, Sun was so exhausted, that all these past evenings, he had fallen asleep in the warm, soothing waters and had to be rescued from drowning!  Surviving this for the next couple of days before the four day break felt impossible!


    "Boring!" His Teacher declared, wrapping his arms about the boy''s small shoulders. "It''s much more practical to see how your training can be put to good use by hunting poachers in the Hidden Vale Mountain."


    "But I am only of secondary stage," Sun whined.  "And those who poach wild beasts there are unlikely to be weak or ordinary mortals!  How do you expect me to track and kill them?!  Even Jin Li might struggle against them!"


    Jin Li rolled his eyes heavenward.  He seldom ''struggled'' with anything.  His fingers dropped to the koi fish talisman as if to deny his internal statement, but he dismissed this concern.  Anyone would have difficulties dealing with his troublesome alchemist...


    "Then let him come along!" The Teacher suggested, startling Jin Li from his musings.


    "Teacher...?!" Sun made a last ditch attempt at escaping his fate.


    "And did I not tell you to call me Corvus," the jovial man grumbled, finally placing Sun upon his feet.  "Calling me Teacher makes me sound... respectable."


    Jin Li considered how his own day was scheduled, breakfast was over and it would be another hour until the Food Hall began the lunch service.  His usual sparring partner was Sun, who was seldom around anymore and even though he had proven his skills, most of the outer school seniors still ignored him.  The inner school seniors, who appreciated his abilities, could only challenge him during the four day break.  There was a lecture scheduled, but he didn''t need to catch up on any sleep today, so he hadn''t thought of attending it.  The request board was no longer offering jobs that were worth his time... so basically, he had nothing better to do.


    "I do not mind," Jin Li accepted.


    Teacher Corvus'' broad grin returned and he slapped Jin Li upon the back, holding back little of his force, causing the great him to stagger.  Sun''s head hung meekly, but inwardly he was weeping and lamenting that this Teacher had looked his way and decided to make him his disciple on a whim. He would change his tune again shortly.

 Chapter 118 - Hundred And Eighteen - Sun learns a good lesson

    "Now, do as I instructed."


    Sun glanced up at his Teacher, the jovial grin and the twinkling eyes of a prankster no longer could be seen.  After they had entered the heart of the Hidden Vale Mountain, a cool seriousness had replaced it.  It made Sun glad once more of his luck at being chosen as disciple by this man.


    Sun closed his eyes and sought his innersea.  ''Sea'' was a deceptive word for the place where his spiritual energies lie, for it was more like an open space within a swirling tornado, with his energies casually drifting around it''s heart.  It took just a brief nudge to have the spiritual energy form their own small whirling wind which grew and expanded to beyond his sea, to beyond his body and outward.  Though still spiralling, the winds with Sun at their centre, barely moved leaf or blade of grass, quietly drifting with purpose and relaying the information back to the boy.


    This obstacle that prevented them from sweeping past was this shape and this obstacle which would bend to their whims was of this shape.  And all that Sun was required to do was translate the information into images and then into an aerial map.  That was what required most of his concentration and when he felt that the information that cantered  on to him was too great, he had to reign in the circling winds and draw them back into himself.


    A moment later, he opened his eyes gasping, beads of sweat upon his brow, the images with his mind''s eye still flickering.


    The Hidden Vale Mountain was an untamed land, with large trees dominating fertile spaces and stunted trees and shrubs upon rocky outcrops.  And at the centre of the mountain was a large inset vale, filled with even more trees, shrubs and herbs.  And of course within the leafy trees were countless birds, small beast and insects, somewhat safely living out of reach of the ground dwelling large predators.  Although Sun was only able to capture a snapshot of this and only as outlines that he would need to rely on his imagination to fill, it did not fail to fill him with wonder.


    "Well, can you tell me how far your range is?" His Teacher enquired.  Sun guessed it was about a fifty metre radius, no more for certain.  His Teacher nodded and smiled, ruffling his student''s long brown hair and messing it up a fair bit, indicating in his own way that he was pleased.  But of course, such a range would not be able to compete with his own, which had already detected skulking poachers some two hundred metres away towards the east.


    Jin Li watched from the sidelines as Sun was instructed on this use of his wind arts, quite intrigued.  His own root was lightning, a root that caused contention for it flew in the face of what was considered true; the five roots of Earth, Wood, Metal, Fire and Water were the primary roots and only these roots could produce the linked element from their internal energies.  Meaning that if a person had Water as their root, they could produce water, but if their root was the secondary Ice, they can only manipulate water or worse if they were the waste root Frost, then they could only use it to strengthen their body (perhaps to survive in extreme climates or to slow a wound).


    Lightning was placed as a secondary root as it was not considered as versatile as Fire, but at the same time, Lightning users could produce the element as if it were a primary root.


    Wind was also considered a secondary root, linked to both Fire and Wood.  It was still a good root to have for it didn''t matter whether one could produce wind or air, it was all around a person so might as well just focus on manipulation.  And it seemed it had other uses as well, ones that were not combative, but just as useful.


    The Teacher and two students moved through the grounds at a steady pace, running in the direction of the poachers that Corvus had detected.  Suddenly, Corvus ran on ahead with a burst of speed, leaving the two students to simply gaze wide eyed in his wake.  Without hesitation, both hurried, adding a little extra to their pace in an attempt to catch up with him.


    The smell of blood alerted them first, before the trees cleared enough to allow them to witness what had occurred. A large coeurl lay shallowly breathing upon the ground, its scaled body leaking blood from many places. The Teacher was fighting against three men, whose aura''s screamed strength, warning Sun that he would not be able to go against even one of them. It did not stop Jin Li from throwing himself into the fray. Although his opponent was a half-step above him, lingering on the peak of Tertiary, he was at least able to ease the burden on Corvus, who dealt with the other two Cultivators.


    Teacher Corvus immediately grinned. Now that his cute student could observe the mighty him, he stopped playing with the two Quaternary stage men and fought with all of his ability. The men were easily suppressed and lost their lives to his able hand.


    Jin Li''s own techniques were strange, alien, yet beautiful, they confused his opponent, reducing the gap of strength between them until it was little more than an assumption. The poacher assumed he was the stronger of them due to his cultivation, but Jin Li was never one for assumptions. In the end, the poacher could not gain the upper hand and sought to escape, but Jin Li''s sword proved quicker and ran through his stomach before he could make headway.


    The coeurl softly huffed, a slight yowl escaping its throat. It was a beautiful creature even in the throws of death. Its long feline body shaped for speed was coated in shimmering midnight blue scales and its thick paws tipped with sharp silver claws. It had long tentacle like whiskers, one on either side of its nose, but they were not gently waving about, testing the air; they hung limply at its side. Its emerald eyes sported a thin elongated pupil, which remained cautious of its defenders, even though it could no longer fight to save itself. No longer fight to save... the beast took its last breath, under the men''s helpless gazes.

 Chapter 119 - Hundred And Nineteen - Jin Li is reminded of me once more

    "Dammit."


    The moment that Teacher Corvus had felt the poachers move in ambush was the moment that he had left behind his beloved student... and the other one... in order to intercept them, however he had unknowingly come too late.  All the display of his ability was for nought in the wake of the beast''s death.  It had to be noted, that it was not entirely Teacher Corvus fault.  The detection ability which he had taught to Sun, while indeed useful, could only provide a loose map of the area and that which was in it.  But if the shape of what was offered could not be determined, specifically, then it might easily be ignored.


    In this case, the coeurl had been within its lair, a shelter within an outcrop of rock and thick tree root, thus his ability had failed to detect it.  If he had known... well he might have at least tried a bit harder to stop the poachers before they managed to ambush it.


    "Teacher," Sun''s voice popped up into his hearing and he inwardly pouted that the youth wouldn''t call him by name.


    He never intended to take a student in, but the boy with the root of wind reminded him of himself at that age, fighting to be recognised as one with ability and not just another youth with a ''useless'' ability.  Things had moved on, admittedly, since his time when only primary roots were wanted of immediate disciples and the rest were just to make those students look good, but still...  admittedly, the boy was cute, unable to hide the emotions that were pasted upon his face for all to witness and he had a playful streak too.  So all in all, Corvus had thought it might be fun to take on a student.  He didn''t think that after three days, he''d nearly frighten that student away.


    "Teacher!" Sun called again.


    "Yes, my dear disciple?" Corvus grinned, brightly at his cute student.


    "Um.. the coeurl..." he pointed at the deceased beast, "What should we do now?  Should we bury it?"


    "Hmmm," Corvus thought the query was somewhat adorable.  "Although it was not our intention to let the beast die, it would be a waste to just let it rot in the ground.  Its meat can be used to feed the tamed beasts at the Beast Tamer schools and its hide can be shaped into flexible armour for a martial artist.  It''s claws too have value and are often used as arrow heads or as spike formations upon armour.  Besides, even should we attempt to give it a grave, the wild beasts will soon as find it and scavenge from its body.  Best we take it."


    "Did the poachers want its hide as well?"  Sun queried, which made Corvus consider for a bit.  The creature was a reasonable size, at least four-fifths its potential growth, the full growth usually only coming after a hundred years or so of spiritual absorption.  Such a creature was no longer favoured as a mount for scouts due to its size, but would also be a hassle for poachers to claim, especially here on a protected mountain such as this.  It was then Corvus noticed something else.


    "The coeurl is female," Corvus stated and glanced into its den.  Sure enough, there was a nest thick with feathers, soft mosses and grass.  However, he could not see any cubs and the coeurl showed no thickening about its belly.  He cursed again.  "Dammit.  Those poachers were a distraction."


    "Indeed," came a voice from the depths of the trees.  The three men turned to see a Teacher, with short silvery hair and an amicable smile, appear from within the growth.  Following him were a group of five hardy looking young men and women.  Each of them carried at least one coeurl cub in their arms. "Long time no see, Corvus."


    "Teacher Volun," Corvus bowed slightly with a happy smile upon his face.


    Though everyone but Sun towered over the silver haired Teacher, his aura made it feel as if it were the reverse, though Sun remained small regardless.  His pale eyes looked down upon the fallen coeurl and the sadness within them was apparent.  "We had hoped to return the female''s cubs to her, but it seemed despite our best efforts, that we were too late."


    "Unfortunately," Corvus agreed, reaching down to lift the massive feline into his arms without effort, though it was three or four times larger than himself. "I will bring it too the school."


    "You have my gratitude, Corvus," Teacher Volun said and indicated that the cubs would also be brought there.  Although it seemed they were mostly weened, they would be lost to the wilds if they were allowed to remain free.  The cubs still retained their hides of soft fur, their protective scales had not yet replaced such, they would easily be killed if attacked.  Raising them and potentially taming them was the lesser of two evils in this case.


    "Why were the poachers after the cubs?" Sun asked curiously as he fell in step with the others.  It was one of Teacher Volun''s students that answered him.


    "The cubs can be more easily tamed, trained as mounts or raised for their skin and claws.  Though of recent days, they seem to be sold as trophy pets."  He said these last two words with utter disgust.


    Jin Li began to follow the group, keeping guard.  The Hidden Vale Mountain was still filled with wild beasts after all and there might be more poachers.  But he had not made more than five steps when he heard a noise behind him.  It seemed to come from the coeurl''s den and he slipped back to notice a flicker of movement from within the nest.


    Quietly, he crouched down and two large blue eyes peeked out from beneath the mess of feathers and grass.  Jin Li tutted.  The poachers had missed a cub, it seemed.  Reaching in, he caught the beast by the scruff, the cub''s body curled and it''s paws and whiskers slackened, content to be held. It seemed smaller than the other cubs, perhaps the runt of the litter, and its fur was snowy white with stripes of black.  In that sense the cub reminded him of a different small creature.  He scooped the mewling cub into his arms and ran to catch up with the others.

 Chapter 120 - Hundred And Twenty - The cub wants koi fish

    The Runt, as Jin Li unkindly referred to it as, had buried its way into Jin Li''s outer robe and was currently attempting to claim the koi fish that swung from the handle of Jin Li''s blade as its own. Whenever the wooden carving came into reach, as the air or Jin Li''s motion moved it, it''s small foreleg would swiftly reach out, claws and all. However the Runt was only the size of a half grown domestic cat, much unlike its siblings which were closer to the size of healthy leopard juveniles, and simply couldn''t reach the talisman.


    It was this playful sight that caught the eye of Teacher Volun, who had begun directing his students to take the litter to a certain property where there was a large cage usually used in order to take care of sick and wounded beasts that was currently not in use. He had others ensure the cage was prepared with bedding and food and asked Teacher Corvus to take the corpse to a different building, where it could be dismembered. He paused for a moment after issuing instructions.


    "Young man, what is that hiding in your robes?" Teacher Volun asked, kindly. There was no hint of accusation nor reprimand in his voice and Jin Li replied swiftly;


    "There was another cub. It was left in the den."


    "Then, could I ask you to take that cub you are holding and follow my students," he directed Jin Li.


    "Yes, Teacher," Jin Li agreed and took the Runt from within his outer robes. The little one flayed about, its skinny legs still attempting to grasp the talisman it wanted and yowling pitifully as it was thwarted.


    It caught the attention of several taming students who were going about their own business; grooming their beasts, mucking out stables and learning to train their partners. A small group of female tamers melted at the sight of this handsome and clean student holding the little feline with snowy white and black striped fur. "Aw," one called out. "Is that your beast? May I pet him?"


    Teacher Volun glanced at the cub and was quick to realise that it was likely the runt of the litter. It definitely would not be able to compete with its siblings should it be added to their temporary nest, it might even weaken and die while competing for food and a warm place to sleep amongst them. It was likely due to this and the fact that weak runts were also the least likely to survive either in the wild or in captivity, that the poachers left it behind.


    "Wait a moment, young man," Teacher Volun called out to Jin Li, who had not managed to walk very far as the girls crowded him with intention to pet the furball he held (and as a side dish, enjoy the face of the man holding it).  As for the Runt, it wasn''t interested in being petted, it leaned over its caretaker''s arm, still wanting the koi fish.


    "It seems to be interested in your sword tassel," one of the girls mused. Jin Li glanced at it with a slight sneer and watched the Runt''s small paws stretch downward. Teacher Volun also followed the Runt''s eager blue gaze and realised that what the girl had claimed was not quite right.


    "May I?" The Teacher asked respectfully, knowing that martial artists were often as fond of their weapons as a tamer was of his beast partner. Jin Li was reluctant, his knuckles turning white for a moment, but still handed over his sword to the Teacher. The little cub watched with bright eyes seeking the opportunity to grasp its prize, purring with its success.  Teacher and student had to prise the wooden carving from its gummy mouth.


    Despite being coated in drool, the Teacher stroked the talisman between finger and thumb. In honesty, the carving while good was not great and there was an odd symbol upon the reverse of it. However, his sensitive hands could feel a smidgeon of spiritual energy from within it, which was surprising.


    Most who carved talismans and charms did so using jade and similar stones and crystals known to hold an abundance of spiritual energy within their cores. They carved the stones to an attractive state as well as to access the energy within so it could be used by a Cultivator or sold to a wealthy mortal if it remained unsealed (so the mortal could gain use of its abilities), though this used up its energies faster. No one ever thought to carve wood for the energy within flowed as it did in all living creatures and dissolved into the earth on its death. Therefore a piece of wood like this should be empty of energy. And yet, there it was, a drop of spiritual energy waiting to be activated. Then was the strange marking it''s seal?


    The coeurl had been thwarted, the koi it wanted stolen just when it had captured it and it yowled once more. "Noisy," Jin Li complained. "It is not a real fish, you cannot eat it!" The girls cooed at the little Runt, both agreeing with the martial arts student and thinking the little thing was adorably dumb.


    "Do you know who carved it?" Teacher Volun asked, excitedly.


    Jin Li''s eyes narrowed as he hesitated to give an affirmative. "It was a gift," he finally offered a vague explanation. But the Teacher did not seem deterred. "Teacher, about the Run... the cub..."


    "Oh," Teacher Volun instructed one of the girls to take the cub into the same building as its siblings were now nesting, but instructed that it would need its own cage. He would think who to assign care of it later.


    The cub protested loudly as the girls carried it away and Teacher Volun reluctantly gave Jin Li back his sword with talisman. Suddenly, the girl carrying the cub screamed and the white fur ball shot towards Jin Li, burying its claws into his hemp trousers and climbing upwards. For the first time, Jin Li was glad of the rough material that prevented the flesh of his legs from obtaining pinprick holes. Teacher Volun laughed as the cub returned in an attempt to recapture the koi fish.


    "I think that this cub is too interested in your talisman, young man," Teacher Volun mused. "Therefore, could I request the loan of it? Perhaps you could bring the one who carved it to meet with the cub, see if they truly have a connection or if the cub is just that foolish and believes it really is a koi fish...hmmm?"


    Jin Li ground his teeth, feeling caught by this very tricky Teacher.

 Chapter 121 - Hundred And Twenty One - I discover a concubines jade beads.

    When Leon had used Mothtails in the past, he hadn''t really paid much attention to their colouring; too concerned with making pills. If it were not for him worrying about the side effects and impurities of his average pills, he likely would never have concerned himself with these variations nor the differences that could be found in other types of herbs.


    Partially from Leo''s notes and partially from the meagre details in the books he''d read at the library, he knew that mothtails did not grow particularly tall, it''s slightly curled leaves would form in clusters at the end of each tender stem or branch from the main shoot and it''s flowers were dusty red, caterpillar-like buds growing at the stem''s tip. And from what he could see with his own eyes, the flower only developed when the clustered leaves were also red. It was like the whole leafy bunch represented the flower... no he rather thought that it was the flower converted from its leaves and that the ''flower'' was a stamen covered in pollen like with lilies!


    But would that not mean that alchemists had been mixing petals into the burning energy and burning blood pills?


    He thought about this for a moment, then looked at the root crop of the plant. They varied from plant to plant, thick and almost woody to tender white roots, the former were probably older roots, developed as the herb aged, while the white roots were newly formed. The mostly green herbs had more white roots, even if they had a lot of woody roots also. But he wondered if the type of root used in the clear and cloudy Spiritual pills would alter the resultant pill slightly.


    With this in mind, Leon arranged the herbs even further; cutting root crops from the plant and dividing those plants with the most tender, newly formed roots from those with a large outcrop of old roots and those with a little of both kept to one side. With these, he would create a batch of Cloudy Spiritual pills as was his task.


    Before he began making pills, he took a moment to stir the Serene Milk Salts potion, noticing it was more difficult than last time and hard clumps were forming in the liquid.  Then, he set his cleaned cauldron onto his iron stove and made three batches of Cloudy Spiritual pills with four or five pills in each batch, taking breaks in between to turn attention to the potion.  The Serene Milk salts had no set time in which it took to be complete, it was more once most of the liquid had vanished and large fist size crystals could be removed from the keg.  The crystals were ground coarsely and stored, ready for use.


    Leon found that he had a fair amount of pure white tiny salt crystals at the end of the ''potion'' making. However, unlike what he expected (and maybe hoped) the refined salt didn''t have the same taste as the condiment he craved, it was much more soapy, floral, totally unsuitable for consumption. It could only be used as it was meant to be used; for making pills and bath soak. In this case, for making Still Mind Pills.


    The Still Mind pill used the salt and four herbs, only one of which he was familiar with; silver nettle tea. The others were five-petal radiant knotweed, nibblet-bane, and concubines jade-beads. He frowned at the name of the last herb, it was strange and therefore memorable.


    Later, a trip to the library would uncover a myth about a low ranked concubine of the Dragon Emperor''s who loved her husband, but was not treasured in return. Her tears would water her favourite jade bead bracelet every night and the string that held them together became worn from where she played with the bracelet in comfort. The bracelet broke in the palace gardens and the beads planted themselves, thus becoming a new herb. Leon thought the story sappy and thought the concubine very pitiful, but his logical mind still couldn''t understand the name of the plant. It looked nothing like a broken bracelet of jade beads.


    Regardless, it was a succulent, thus had small, fat oval leaves filled with liquid. He had to smash these small leaves until their watery sap pooled in his bowl, then the liquid filled the bottom of his cauldron and was heated gently. After it began to simmer, he then added a measurement of the salts, waited a minute or so longer before adding the nibblet-bane and knotweed herbs, though just the leaves of each. The leaves slowly dissolved and he used his spiritual energies to slowly stir the mixture, using a strong tea made of silver nettle to prevent it from drying out and burning, until it began to form into clumps. These clumps were then focused upon, spinning by themselves as they absorbed the rest of the mixture and formed pills. With his already practiced control, he did not find this step difficult. He produced six pills that could be considered slightly above average in quality, surprising himself.


    But he didn''t think too much over it as a yawn overcame him, just bottled the little pale green pills and retired to his bed, calling it a night.

 Chapter 122 - Hundred And Twenty Two - I improve a pill accidently

    Teacher Sagi had been sufficiently pleased with the ten Cloudy Spiritual pills that Leon gave to him and even more so with the Still Mind Pills which had reduced impurities if compared to a standard Still Mind Pills.  Even one concocted by himself might be of exceptional quality, but retain the expected amount of impurities.  Naturally, he wanted to know how Leon had accomplished this.


    Leon admitted he wasn''t sure, it had been his first time concocting the pills after all.  So the Teacher had him recite the recipe he used, patiently listening as Leon nervously stuttered through it, but the Teacher could see no differences in his method to the written one.  So Teacher Sagi considered this again for a moment and then asked about the Serene Milk salts.  Again Leon had to tell him the method he had used and it was here that the difference became apparent.


    It was not the keg being used, though Teacher Sagi was surprised that Leon had purchased his own.  Admittedly, apprentices in the outer school had limited access to supplementary equipment such as this and pill making stoves (to which they never touched at all) , most students had to rely on using their cauldron or a borrowed second.  But even if kegs were readily available to perhaps second years and above, they would not reduce the number of impurities, just stop them from increasing!


    What Leon had done to achieve this difference was such an insignificant step, yet exciting the same to an old hand like Teacher Sagi and this was to boil the water first!


    Commoners had been boiling water to make it safe to drink for centuries that or they would brew beer, mead and wines to drink rather than risk illness.  Wealthy folk relied on others to produce water for them, that had likely been treated before consumption and they would not know any better.  Whether it was fair or not, for those centuries, the vast majority of alchemists stemmed from wealthier families.  Even had they not, newcomers would follow the teachings of their Masters and not consider deviating from the recipe.  Older Cultivators that had experience could fast and poor water would not effect them regardless, so boiling had become unnecessary and they would not think of all it could hide.  Thus this one little additional step had never been considered for pill making.


    Teacher Sagi excitedly dismissed Leon after praising him profusely, wanting to test the Serene Milk salts recipe for himself and the subsequent pill recipes that required it as an ingredient.  He said that Leon''s four days were well earned and to come see him at the start of the next week.  Leon thanked him and agreed, also wanting to scurry back to work on his own experiments.


    Leon had stuck to making the two basic variations; burning energy pills and clear Spiritual pills before batching them into three.  Each had one pill of each extreme and a standard pill.  For example; the burning energy pills he had made were either a vivid, scarlet red, a mottled pill with various shades of red or a deep, dark burgundy colour.  The first was a pill using only the bright red petal-leaves, the last was produced with just green leaves.  And the mottled pill was what the burning energy pill usually looked like.  He had never made burning blood pills, the slightly stronger variation of this pill that would be of use to cultivators of both Sun and Jin Li''s levels, so didn''t want to experiment with them yet.


    As for the clear spiritual pills, these were all like clear marbles, however the one made of all tender roots appeared as if it had been polished until gleaming and the one made of all woody roots looked a little distorted within.  It had definitely been more work using the woody roots as well, they did not dissolve as well or as easily as the tender roots, needing just a little more heat beneath them.  This meant he had to carefully separate them from the rest of the herbs or they would cause the whole pot to fail.  He''d never noticed this before as it seemed the tender roots would set off the reaction in the woody roots making this tiny difference unnecessary when using a standard recipe.


    With this knowledge, he had also made a few sets of Cloudy Spiritual pills using the three variations.  The first pill came out with a soft translucency, the standard pill was more like swirling mist and the last was almost smoky.  Leon sighed looking over the three pills and their variations once more; he knew there was likely a difference between pills, but he had no clue on how to judge this.  Unlike the pills Leo had improved, these could not be tested on animals nor beasts, the pills were for human cultivators thus really needed human test subjects.  But Leon had not the heart to test these pills on anyone or anything!


    Pouting, he pushed the problem aside, thinking he would consider the situation again in the morning.  Perhaps he could ask Jin Li if he had any ideas, but knowing that man he would likely suggest threatening first years into taking them!


    Jin Li sneezed while contemplating how to resolve his own recent issue... who was talking ill of him...?

 Chapter 123 - Hundred And Twenty Three - How to say thank you...

    He didn''t expect it and yet he did expect it; the moment Jin Li turned up in his dusty courtyard.


    Leon was picking out the weeds that had begun to grow on the hard ground, while thinking a few flagstones might be nice out here when the man suddenly appeared before him.  He stood, as tall and regal looking as usual wearing those silks with the koi embroidery that Leon had first seen him in, though they were looking a little more worn and frayed now.  But this failed to detract from his aura.  His long, silky black hair partially cloaked his back as the wind gently breezed past, separating the strands as it did so.  The scarlet red jade in holding the upper part of his hair in place was a vivid contrast.  Leon felt his heart skip a beat then sped up.


    Swallowing to moisten his throat, he voiced a slightly cracked greeting; "G-good morning."


    Jin Li nodded his head in response and what followed was an awkward pause.  The matter that had occurred almost a ten day ago was not quite resolved between them.  After Leon had carefully brushed and helped pin his midnight hair upon his head, blushing all the while; Jin Li had voiced in his usual way a ''well, I guess it will do'' before bidding his good evening and leaving for the martial arts school.


    However, seeing Jin Li standing there, gripping his sword handle until his knuckles had turned white, Leon decided to break the silence.  "W-What is wrong?"


    "Nothing is wrong," Jin Li automatically denied, before adding; "This lord simply has a request to make of you.  Let me be clear that it is nothing important though."


    "Alright," Leon said, wiping the dust from his robes and approaching the man, who remained standing beside the hut.  "Would you l-like a c-cup of t-tea?"


    "En," Jin Li agreed and followed him inside.  The silence stretched onward as the kettle was boiled and tea brewed.  Sugar biscuits were placed upon the table.  They had been a little extra something given to him by Mino''s mother (along with other food supplies) after he had eaten at the Food Hall the other day, although a few had been swiped by Maimai.  The girl had been seated with him, chatting away happily about this and that, when the treat had been offered.  Maimai had asked for nothing, not even as they walked back to their respective dwellings, merely had stolen a couple from his basket before laughing and closing her door leaving him to frown and shake his head.  He would have shared with her, as she was his friend, if she had only asked!


    By the time the tea had been brewed, only one biscuit remained, the rest were consigned to that Lord''s stomach.


    Tea poured, Leon asked him what it was he needed.  Jin Li looked just a little in thought as he pondered on his words before eventually saying; "My talisman was lost, make this lord a replacement!"


    Leon tilted his head, his eyes flickering to the sword tassel that now was alone on the handle of the blade.  Without questioning the phrasing of the words, Leon reached for his knife and a reasonable solid piece of wood and let his hands begin to shape it.  He was happy enough that Jin Li requested he carve another.  This meant he had liked it, right?  "H-how was it l-lost?" He asked as the koi began to take shape.  It was slightly more curved than the original, as if it was slipping through water more fluidly and its fins and tail were a little more flamboyant.


    "A runty little beast stole away with it," Jin Li grumbled as he sat at the small table, his elbow upon it as he watched Leon carve.  Leon felt that that was not much of an answer, but the men lapsed into silence as Leon poured more attention upon the carving, gently detailing its scales, gills and eyes before slowly bringing more life to its delicate tail and fins.  Jin Li unknowingly began to smile, contentedly. It seemed that the alchemists carving skills had improved a little more.  This koi was more attractive than the last and was not just detailed upon one side, unlike the other.  The strange symbol was also formed of it''s scales this time, instead of simply carved into flat wood.


    "What does that symbol mean?" Jin Li asked this time, causing Leon to realise that he had added the symbol without thought. In fact, he had added two, one on each side.


    "Oh," Leon looked at both. "St-strength and f-f-fortitude." He had carved ''good fortune'' last time and Jin Li had still lost it! He couldn''t help but smile over that thought. "H-here." He offered the finished koi to the man, who happily attached it to the handle of his blade.


    Leon''s stomach began to rumble and he quickly came to realise that a few hours had passed since he began. Jin Li had finished the remaining biscuits and tea, though his own was stone cold within his cup. He had a little bread and meat remaining from yesterday, so he formed a couple of simple sandwiches before cutting some vegetables to boil into a soup.


    "Staying f-f-for lunch?" Leon asked as he placed the sandwiches upon the table and took one to take the edge off of his hunger.


    "You owe this Lord for making him wait so long," Jin Li stated, before devouring one of the remaining ones. They ate quietly, but neither sat still for long as Leon finished preparing the soup and Jin Li fidgeted uncomfortably after watching Leon lick his lips after tasting the soup. He couldn''t help recall how those lips felt pressed against his own... he inwardly cursed.  He had thought that he''d managed to resolve those strange thoughts this week and now realised that he had failed.  What to do...


    Once they had finished eating, Leon then began to clear the dishes, placing them onto his workspace next to his largest bowl, which he filled with soap and water.


    Jin Li stood up a moment later, a slightly wicked glint in his eyes. "Come here," he demanded of Leon, who innocently did as instructed, moving closer until he stood, looking up at the man, curiously. Jin Li moved swiftly covering Leon''s lips with his own before Leon could even wonder at what he wanted of him. Jin Li stepped back a moment later, satisfied yet somewhat unsatisfied at the same time. "This is how you expressed your thanks to me that time, so I will do the same," he declared of his actions.


    Leon blinked a few times, gaping a little like the koi fish dangling from the sword.

 Chapter 124 - Hundred And Twenty Four - Do you like me?

    Jin Li looked at the youth before him, ignoring the beating of his heart in his own chest.  It was definitely no illusion, those lips really were that soft and tasted just a little sweet...  he buried that thought down and replaced it with a harsh notion of ridicule.  Right now, Leon looked as dumb as the runt as he stared up at him... not at all cute... but still...


    "What is it?" Jin Li sneered at the dazed youth, tilting his head arrogantly to one side. "Was my appreciation not sufficient enough for you?  I suppose you require more."


    "Yes?" Leon murmured, who still looked a little lost in the moment.


    Well, if you insist, Jin Li''s sneer turned a little wicked as he bent down to eat a little more tofu...


    "Jin Li!  How could you leave me... again!" Leon snapped from the spell woven over him by Jin Li''s audacious behaviour and his own wishful thinking and quickly stepped away from Jin Li.  The taller youth clicked his tongue in irritation, but sat lazily down upon the bed as if it mattered neither way for him.  Sun, unaware of what he had interrupted, appeared in the doorway, continuing his tirade; "That man seems to think that a four day break is unnecessary!  If it weren''t for Teacher Corne wishing to take him out for a drink and a meal, I would still be swinging a sword about in the arena!"


    "What m-man?" Leon asked, as he furiously began to scrub the dishes, hoping his face wasn''t too red. What had just happened? Fortunately, Sun seemed too bothered with his own problems to be concerned with whatever had been occurring before he arrived.


    "Sun attracted the attention of a new Teacher," Jin Li replied, with a slight smirk, unconsciously licking his own lips as his eyes caught sight of Leon''s flushed face. "That Teacher took Sun on as his personal student."


    "Oh, c-c-Congratulations...?" The questioning sound of the word came as Sun began to glare the moment he began to speak. Clearly Sun had issues too...


    Sun stared at the alchemist for a moment and then asked; "I don''t suppose you know of a recipe that might create a sleeping pill or draught?"


    Leon couldn''t remember reading of such in his diaries, but then he didn''t know of the white warming potion until given the recipe by Pharmacist Clawse, so could only shake his head. Jin Li rolled his eyes and stated; "Don''t you think a pill of such an effect created by an apprentice would overwhelm a man of Corvus'' cultivation?"


    "It could work," Sun pouted, before flopping down upon the floor. Leon remembered his manners, dried his hands and served fresh tea. His hands shook a little as he passed Jin Li his cup, but the other did not seem to notice, just taking the beverage as his due.


    "What are you doing here, anyway?" Jin Li asked of Sun. And why did you deem it necessary to interrupt me, wasn''t this Lord simply resolving this whole kissing matter once and for all? Surely once one had sated this curiosity, one would be able to stop dwelling upon it.


    "Well, I was going to soak in a herbal bath, on Teacher Corvus''s instruction," he replied. "And then I remembered about that weird, flower stuff of Leon''s and that we hadn''t tested whether it''s better or worse that what we get at school and I figured you''d be here anyway, Jin Li, seeing as you disappeared so early this morning..."


    "Weird flower stuff?" Jin Li questioned.


    Leon considered all of Sun''s words. "You m-m-mean the b-bath salts?"


    "Hmm," Sun agreed.


    "I c-can p-pack you some, if you l-like," Leon replied, before wondering what he had spare to store it in.


    "No need," Jin Li interrupted whatever Sun had to say in the next breath. Both youths turned to him. "If he wishes to use it, he should just use it here! Unless you wish others to look down on you as you bathed in bath water better suited for women..."


    Sun flinched, then chuckled loosely. Jin Li was right, the bath salts may be useful, but they had a perfumed scent that would definitely be favoured by girls. At least Chi Elixir had a more grassy smell, could be used by either gender. Jin Li was a good older brother to remind him. How foolish would he have looked if he had followed his thoughts through and used them in the communal baths?! It was difficult enough when comparing his smaller, slender frame with his lack of bulky muscles and refined chest to others. But at least no one ever dared comment about his thing!


    "However," Jin Li suddenly added as he sipped his tea in a carelessly refined manner, "he can still get the water for his bath himself." Sun blinked, feeling as if he had missed part of the conversation (which he had as Leon was saying that he may need to get water from the lake first) before widening his eyes pitifully at Jin Li. Why was he being asked to do servants work, when Jin Li''s servant was conveniently here? "The lake is that way," Jin Li pointed in its general direction. "And there is a barrel outside of the door."


    Sun pouted as he rose to his feet and stormed out of the hut.


    "Sh-shouldn''t we h-help him?" Leon asked, thinking that a barrel full of water was too heavy for a boy such as Sun.


    "Don''t pity him," Jin Li sneered, with a touch of annoyance, "he carries greater loads daily. ''Tis Nothing for a secondary stage Martial Artist." He placed down his tea cup on to the table.  "Now that the obstacle in the room has been removed..." Leon felt his wrist tugged before he fell back upon the bed and Jin Li''s shadow fall over him.


    He pressed his hands against Jin Li''s chest, the image of what was beneath the cloth flashing across his mind. "W-w-w-w-what are you d-d-doing?" Leon whispered, his heart racing and butterflies fluttering in his stomach. He knew of his own feelings for Jin Li, but was confused by Jin Li''s actions. He had kissed him again earlier and seemed to want to do this again for a third time, but why? What did he mean by it? Was this really just giving thanks?


    "This Lord wishes to end what was started," Jin Li confirmed Leon''s notions with dry sentiment, before removing the barrier that was his glasses. His thin lips then pressed once more upon Leon''s, the tip of his tongue instinctively pressing forward to taste. Leon''s lips parted with a slight sigh, welcoming in that appendage, which slid in after a moment''s hesitation. Jin Li''s tastebuds confirmed his notion that Leon''s mouth tasted sweet and dived deeper to explore more thoroughly the depths, his mouth moving until it more comfortably dominated over the youth beneath him. They parted a minute or so later, slightly breathless. Jin Li inwardly preened as Leon''s flushed face and large glazed eyes. That was much more satisfactory.


    Leon blinked a couple of times before asking; "J-Jin Li, d-do you l-like m-m-me?"

 Chapter 125 - Hundred And Twenty Five - I admit defeat

    The martial artist frowned as these words entered his ears.  "What is this you say?" Wasn''t this just satisfying a curiosity?  He could move on from this now and not let his imagination distract his daily rituals.  Although, looking upon that flushed face with wide, watery eyes, all framed by a halo of black and white, he found that his throat was terribly dry and his ''curiosity'' stirring once more.


    "D-do you l-like m-me?" These words tailed off into a murmur, a whisper of hope and a touch of discomfort in them.


    "This was a show of gratitude from this Lord," Jin Li replied, tartly.  "No need to make such a deal over it."  Without his glasses to shield his eyes, the hurt flashing within them was clear to see and Jin Li felt an ache within his chest.  But before he could examine this strange feeling, he felt Leon begin to push him away.  Of course, the alchemist''s weak limbs could do nothing to move him, should he not allow it, however, he had achieved his aims... hadn''t he?


    Leon rolled off of the bed, grabbing his glasses as he went and began to gather up the tea cups and place them by the bowl of water he used to clean dishes.  "D-don''t d-d-do that again," he said, his back still facing the other, causing an irritation to rise in that man as he watched Leon.


    "You dare make demands of this Lord?" Jin Li said, his voice low with anger.


    "Wouldn''t d-dare," Leon replied, but there was no submissive tone to his voice.  It was simply resigned.  "B-b-but k-k-kisses should b-be reserved f-for lovers a-and m-m-married p-people.  If you t-t-truly w-want t-t-to Thank m-m-me, w-words are s-s-suff... enough."  Jin Li clicked his tongue but said nothing in response.  This insubordinate boy was not worthy of his kisses anyway.  But it seemed Leon was not quite finished speaking back to him.  "I th-think that after S-Sun h-h-has finished h-his b-b-bath, you should g-go b-back."


    "I will not!" Jin Li took to his feet and yanked Leon''s arm in anger to turn him around, causing the other to cry out in pain and surprise.  "This Lord has honoured you with my protection and care and even allowed you to serve this Lord and you wish to discard all of this? Over a kiss? It was not that good of one either!" Jin Li sneered and that ache returned in his chest as he witnessed the boy''s face fall completely.


    "Hate you," Leon murmured, before slipping from his hold.  He knew how the other was, the other was like a storm after all; descending suddenly, striking out with his words and actions, sometimes offering shelter at his heart, but otherwise blustering and cold.  But did lightning not cause agony when it struck?  Did the rain not pour water from the heavens to drown indiscriminately when it heavily fell?  Leon felt weary and cold.  "J-just d-do as you want.  You always d-d-do anyhow."


    *****


    In the meantime, Sun was returning with a barrel of water obtained from the cold, clear depths of the lake.  It was peaceful there, had been disturbed only by the boy''s grumbling, but even he could not deny that the tranquility setting would be a wonderful place to sit in meditation and cultivate.  He had vaguely wondered if there were a secret depths to the lake, like a hidden treasure trove, or a spirit crystal, but dismissed his imaginings.  If it really was a spiritual place, there would be a guardian beast by now and all he''d seen is fish and dragonflies.  It was just a lake.


    As he carried the barrel, which was about three quarters his height and weighed, now filled with water, much more than him, he noticed that there was a girl hovering outside Leon''s hut. Her cheeks were flushed pink and her brown curls had spilled slightly from her jade pin''s, teasing her pale neck. Sun immediately reddened as he recalled this person. He was pretty certain that when they met last, he was preparing for a bath then as well!


    "Stupid man," she was muttering beneath her breath. "How could you be so mean to your shou!" Sun frowned at the unknown word and called out;


    "What are you doing?"


    Maimai jumped with surprise, not expecting there to be another person! Ah! It was the rival shou! She threw the other a wide smile, causing the youth''s face to redden more. She quickly ran to his side and whispered conspiringly; "I came to visit senior Leon, but there was an argument and it was a too awkward to appear!" And things had been going so well, she''d even born witness to a most interesting development and had to retreat to prevent the bleed threatening her small nose. But that hot and cold gong, such a difficult mountain for any little shou to conquer!


    "An argument?" Why would Jin Li bother fighting with his servant? And for that matter, what servant dared defy his Master? But then, Jin Li had never really treated Leon like a servant, just used to speak of him as such... and he hadn''t done that in a while either...


    Maimai nodded, a soft sigh escaping from her lips, just as her best friend walked unhappily out of his home. He paused, startled as he noticed both Sun and Maimai in his garden. Feeling his drooping figure was pitiful, she said aloud; "I came to see if there were any sugar biscuits left!"


    "N-n-no," Leon admitted, turning his mind aside from just who had eaten them all! "B-B-but we c-could ask at the F-Food Hall."


    A scowling Jin Li appeared behind him at that moment, his face as thunderous as the storm Leon had compared him to. He looked at Sun still carrying the barrel filled with water. "We are going back first," he commanded, coldly. Sun shared a glance with Maimai before noticing Leon''s defeated appearance. That must have been one hell of an argument, Sun thought to himself.


    "Eh!" Sun then complained suddenly. "But what about my bath...?"

 Chapter 126 - Hundred And Twenty Six - Jin Li is not winning either

    The jarring sound of metal clashing upon metal echoed throughout the outer school arena, but this first ringing noise was followed in quick succession by the same again and again. The two swords crossed paths again, but there was an angry pause, before the wielders of both pushed back with force, sliding across the stone floor, before retaking their stances. Both of the wielders were strong, both were skilled, but one was emersed in a silent fury that was impairing his judgement. He was quickly suppressed by the other.


    "Enough!" Bowyer declared, feeling dissatisfaction from this fight. "Jin Li, What is wrong with you? Your mind is not in this arena."


    Jin Li refused to meet his gaze, turning his face to the side as he denied Bowyer''s observation. "It''s nothing."


    The man sighed. He''d been looking forward to this spar with the youth; it was always a challenge to meet with Jin Li''s unusual moves and in there lie a certain thrill that he couldn''t experience elsewhere in this school. His Teacher had taught him too well! Only the higher cultivation of his seniors could now suppress him, their techniques were generally worse than his own. Jin Li''s cultivation was only a half step lower than his own, thus they were well matched.


    "Clearly it''s not nothing," Bowyer argued, seeing to his blade before sheathing it. Still, Jin Li was unwilling to admit to the problem.  His black Phoenix eyes seemed to darken and become as icy as the frozen wastelands of the north in winter.


    Within the stands, Sun and Pike could clearly hear their conversation, now their blades ceased meeting one another in battle. And on hearing Bowyer''s words, the older man turned to the youth beside him and queried; "Why is Jin Li in such a sour mood?"


    "Ah," Sun said, not bothering to censure his words; he''d had to waste points on a cultivation bath, when he could have had a perfectly good one at Leon''s place yesterday, had it not been for Jin Li. "He and Leon had an argument."


    "Really? What about?" Pike asked as Bowyer walked over. Jin Li followed, his usual arrogant posture masking only a little of the cold, dark aura spilling out of him. Sun looked wary as Jin Li glared his way, but as it happened, he had no idea what the pair had argued about and could only shrug. "I can''t imagine it, Leon in an argument."


    "There was no argument," Jin Li denied. "My al... he rejected this Lord''s good intentions. Seeing as this is what he has chosen, this Lord refuses to bother with him anymore!"


    The two men glanced at each other and quickly read between the lines. They had spent a fair bit of time with both Leon and Jin Li over the past lunar months and had witnessed the possessive streak in the youth before them and his usually hidden tender side, both were brought out by the small alchemist. And how could they have not noticed how Leon would let Jin Li''s harsh words and selfish actions brush over him like petals floating on the wind, yet the boy would worry about the martial artist, even after expressing his confidence in him.  Clearly whatever was between them was not simple friendship.  But one was a naive, shy boy and the other a difficult, somewhat oblivious youth, not an easy pair to overcome hurdles and speak of feelings.


    Both men sighed and Pike patted Jin Li''s shoulder unsure whether to offer advice or not.  After all, they were single men as well.


    "Hey! Hey, Jin Li!" Turning around, the group saw a first year running towards them, across the arena. The slightly rotund youth was flushed of cheek, but not perspiring and he wasn''t out of breath. He paused for a moment and the colour in his face began to deepen as he said; "There''s this girl looking for you."


    "Not interested," Jin Li said instantly, while Sun sighed. This was not the first time a female had expressed her interest in his roommate and Sun had to avoid the more persistent ones as they chased him in order to get to their target! Lottie was half a foot taller than him and twice his stature, it was frightening to be hunted by that one!


    "She said she had a gift for you," the first year continued as if Jin Li had not spoken, his eyes clearly a little dazed. "Some pills."


    Just as he spoke these words, said girl stepped out of the shadows into the arena, her shoulders squared back and her demeanour both confident and self assured, though her eyes fell downcast after meeting with Jin Li''s. She wore silk robes of pale jade with emerald and purple peonies embroidered upon them.


    The first year blushed more brightly as he stared at her for a moment before babbling on; "She said that she''s part of the alchemist''s inner school now, so her pills should be much more to your liking than before."


    The youth sneered slightly and turned glance at Sun. "That girl, do I know of her?"


    "Ah, she''s the girl Merylin!" Sun recalled, the girl had left an impression on him, but it wasn''t a favourable one. "She''s offered you her pills before. Apparently they were quite good. But you turned her down then as well."


    "I did? When was that?"


    "Back when Leon lost his glasses and you were helping him."


    "That small alchemist offered no gratitude then either. Bah! This Lord is right to wash ones hands of him."


    The first year opened his mouth to remind them of the waiting girl, but shut it again in the wake of Jin Li''s increasingly dark appearance. Pike and Bowyer glanced at each other once more and sighed inwardly. Definitely oblivious.

 Chapter 127 - Hundred And Twenty Seven - She seeks more than friendship

    "Excuse me," Merylin said, softly, no longer wishing to stand there like an extraneous flower, "I hope I am not intruding on anything important..."


    "Of course not," Pike allowed, amicably.  "Just a little sparring between friends."  Although this young woman was not here for him, she was still an apprentice alchemist studying within the inner school.  It never hurt to make connections. However as she blushed demurely and glanced through her long, black lashes towards Jin Li, despite his back facing her, it was clear she was not interested in his pleasantries.  It was as if his words came from Jin Li''s mouth!   Inwardly he sighed.  It was clear that this girl only had eyes for one.  Poor Leon, he thought ruefully.


    "Oh, then please, continue, I don''t wish to interrupt." There was a sparkle in though gem like eyes that could not be hidden by shuttered lashes.


    "We''re done here," Jin Li announced.  Deep down he admitted just one thing to himself; he could not keep his thoughts upon the battle.  That was a dangerous thing.  Even though they were not out for each other''s blood, even bloodshed could occur in a simple sparring if ones concentration faltered.  He blamed Leon.  Who told him to have such large, expressive eyes in to which his reflection could drown should he allow it?


    "I see," said the girl also with expressive eyes that were now set downcast.  They seemed to have a million facets to them, though which revealed the truth, not all of those watching her could say.  These men were somewhat experienced with the whims and wiles of certain women, they were not foolish boys.  Watching her made them somewhat uncomfortable, despite her very lovely face.  "What a pity," she continued, not realising her act had been seen through, though she would likely not care as those men were not the ones she sought to impress.  "A rare opportunity for me to witness your skills and I missed it! I''m sure it was a glorious battle! I was fortunate enough to observe your fight against the barbarian during the Standings."


    Her flattering words might have swayed others, but the one she liked was not really listening.  His thoughts had slipped into memory as he began recalling the battle of which she spoke of.  He remembered that Leon had come rushing towards him after the battle ended to see if he was hurt or injured in anyway.  Jin Li''s mood further blackened for a moment.  As if he could have been hurt in such a meaningless fight!  Still, he had been a little touched at that moment...


    His stomach growled and he announced his intention to go and eat.  His three companions glanced at each other, inwardly amused.  Jin Li really wasn''t giving the girl any face!  "Would you mind terribly if I accompanied you?" Merylin blushed, this time her cheeks not reddening due to her own will.  Who knew a man''s stomach could make such terrible sounds!  Like the roaring of a dominant beast warding others from his territory!  "I haven''t been able to share my gift with you."


    Jin Li finally turned to stare at this woman hounding him.  She didn''t seem to want anything from him, unlike the others who had wished him to give them pointers to hone their techniques or his company when hunting wild animals in the mountains.  Leon never asked much of him either and right now he wasn''t sure whether that was a good thing or not!  It wouldn''t have hurt Leon to rely on him a little more... "Do as you wish," he replied and headed towards the arena''s exit.


    The girl smiled triumphantly and began to hurry after him.  The first year watched all of this with much mixed feeling, was Jin Li really not interested in this lovely, talented and clearly noble young woman?  He was lifted from his daze by a heavy hand upon his shoulder.  "We know how you feel," Bowyer advised him, though he was clearly very aware exactly why Jin Li had no interest in the girl, or any girl for that matter, even if Jin Li was not aware of it himself.


    "It''s a good thing Jin Li is not interested," Sun mused aloud as he and the seniors followed Jin Li''s path.


    Bowyer and Pike glanced at each other.  Was Sun aware of Jin Li''s ambiguous feelings toward''s the small alchemist?  "Oh, why do you say that?" Bowyer asked him.


    "That girl is no good," he said, slightly indignant.  "She clearly has eyes for marriage and sees Jin Li as her groom."


    Pike laughed and placed his arm about Sun''s shoulders.  Was this a case of eyes wide open, eyes closed shut? "Marriage is not a bad thing, little brother," he joked with the boy, who shuddered at the thought of being tied down to a demanding woman.  Better a sweet, gently soul who looked at him as if he were her hero rather than one who looked at him as if he was the finest delicacy upon a dinner plate.


    "Don''t worry," Bowyer said with a wicked grin.  "She has too much of one thing and not enough of another.  Jin Li would never be interested in her." Pike reached around and smacked him about the head.


    "You crass bastard," he cursed him, but smirked as he had been thinking much the same.


    Sun looked up at the two men, roughly bickering with very innocent eyes.  "What does is that supposed to mean?"  Bowyer and Pike remained wisely quiet, choosing not to taint their little brother with the truth this day.

 Chapter 128 - Hundred And Twenty Eight - The way to Jin Li’s heart

    Meals within Food Halls clearly differed from place to place. For example, within the outer alchemist school, the students ate heartily their fill for the most part; many were commoners who might have lacked the chance before and others might be noble, but being surrounded by uncouth table mannerisms had them relax after a while. It was not so bad eating without restraint and worrying about how fathers and mothers, uncles and aunts perceived them. Enjoy this freedom while it was available.


    Within the inner alchemist school, the reverse was felt, for the number of noble born or high-sect born were more than talented commoners, thus table rules and manners were maintained and influenced those without. Meals were smaller, going away sated, but not stuffed was normal. No one went back for seconds nor simply wiped fallen chopsticks upon their shirts before continuing to eat. Talk was kept to a minimum and there lacked the element of untrained noise.


    This was the outer martial arts school, thus Merylin was expecting more of the former and less of the latter, however she could not prepare herself for the rambunctious happenings and heaped plates of food set before every man and woman. They ate both heartily, without restraint and completely without manners, joking and laughing, jostling and jeering. She noticed more than once food stolen from others plates and not just by the uncouth men, but by a woman or two as well! Her own patience was sorely tested here as she slowly and elegantly ate the rice before her.


    But what actually confused her eyes the most was her beloved Jin Li. His plate was as heaped as the rest, perhaps more so, nearly spilling over the edges of it, yet he sat upright and tall as his chopsticks elegantly flickered from rice to meat to vegetable more quickly than her eyes could follow. She had witnessed him eat before, but that was nearer the end of his meal and she had only seen the refined table manners he possessed, not the gluttonous side of him.  He did not speak, he did not throw his weight about, just ate until his plate was clean.  And then his eyes narrowed as he glanced to either side of him.  All bemused, Merylin watched as the two martial artists either side of him began guarding their plates.


    "Big brother," Merylin murmured softly, ignoring the clearly raised eyebrows of those martial artists.  "Are you still hungry?  Would you like for this meimei to ask for more food for you?"  This was also a method of winning him over, she felt.  She had once heard a maid claim that the way to a man''s heart was through his stomach.  Perhaps she had a point after all...


    The man before her looked as if he was seriously contemplating it for a moment, before shaking his head a tad and replying; "No need."  She blushed as if she realised that she had been presumptuous and glanced down at her much smaller meal thinking that he was just being kind to her.  How would she know that in fact he was thinking that she should she get food for him, the potion likely would be as meagre as her own!  That would not do!  And besides, he could count on Leon for snacks should there be no seconds...  his mood instantly became sour once more when realising that his pride did not allow him to crawl back to that small alchemist''s home.  Suddenly, he had no appetite at all!


    He rose from his seat and stormed out of the Food Hall, the crowds parting like waves as his dark aura blindly spilled from his form.  Merylin immediately rose to give chase, however she was gestured to sit back down.  "It won''t do for a pretty girl like yourself to go hungry," Bowyer mused.  "Our little brother is in no frame of mind to entertain you and we wouldn''t wish to return you to your school in tears caused by his bitter words."


    Disappointed, Merylin took her seat and picked up her chopsticks, but did not resume eating.  "But I still haven''t given him the pills I made for him," she said, with a soft murmur, her lashes covering her downcast eyes giving her a pitiful look.  Sun and the seniors remained unmoved.  Pike even thought it best to warn her less she embarrassed herself further.


    "Little junior," he said, amicably, "if it is just that you wish to give him your regard with the pills, then so be it.  Hand them to Sun, he is Jin Li''s roommate after all.  However, if you wish for more, I am afraid none of us can help you.  In fact, we can only say that you will remain ever disappointed by our Jin Li."


    Merylin glanced at this senior as if she was absorbing his words, but in her heart she refused his words.  How can she, the daughter of her father-sect leader, the one with a great fate and paved destiny, not make the man she wanted feel moved by her loving gestures?  Her mother had always told her that her future husband would be a brave, handsome and noble man, whose listed talents would reach the sky and whose name would cause others to think twice and those traits were exactly what she saw in Jin Li''s future.  So why would he not become hers?


    How could Bowyer and Pike not see that the warning had gone in one ear and out of the other.  They could only sigh and think to themselves at least they had tried.  In the end, Merylin did at least follow a part of Pike''s suggestion and leave her gift of five high quality Cloudy Spiritual Pills and five high quality Burning Blood Pills with Sun before she left to return to the alchemist''s inner school.


    In the Food Hall, another had watched this play feeling great grievances and bitterness in his heart.

 Chapter 129 - Hundred And Twenty Nine - Perhaps Jin Li is just an ass

    While one sister wooed one man, the other sister attempted to soothe the other.  Maimai was meant to be sharing tea with Leon after dragging him to a small tea shop in new Julip town, but all she received was a listless companion, who stirred his beverage until it became cold and looked out of the window in melancholy.  She sighed and tried once more to cheer him up.


    "I hear the desserts here are quite something," Maimai mentioned.  "Are you sure you don''t want anything?  It is my treat!"


    Leon shook his head, not even looking her way nor pausing as he stirred the tea.


    Thus Maimai tried an alternative approach.  "Forgive me if I am wrong, but that Jin Li, you like him don''t you?"  Startled, Leon finally gave her his attention, dropping the spoon into the cup, his face turning pale before his cheeks heated.  Maimai couldn''t help but be delighted by his reaction, but buried this side of her nature well.  This was not about her entertainment, this was about her best friend''s feelings!


    Honestly, she had first taken advantage of the opportunity to get close to him to enjoy this rare feast, but had grown to like her senior.  He was kind and helpful, did not treat her as a pretty vase that needed protecting nor would try gain favour by doing her work for her.  Did not treat her as a Sect Leader''s noble daughter either.  Obviously she knew that was because he was not interested in her as a love interest and he seemed oblivious to her status, but this was completely fine with her.  Now, she just wished to help him as he had helped her.


    "I-is I-it that ob-b-bvious?" Leon whispered.  He hadn''t wanted to admit it at first, worried he would be treated different, as had happened in his past life.  However, seeing as Bowyer and Pike had not spoken ill of homosexuality, he took the risk that Maimai would not as well.


    She gently patted his hand.  "Not to everyone," she reassured him.  "Let''s just say that I have an eye for these things.  His personality aside, no one would fault you for your taste."


    Leon half-smiled for her sentence that held both compliment and insult.  He could not deny that Jin Li was a difficult character, his light was almost always shrouded by his shadow, yet from his shadow beamed his most brilliant light.  His tongue was as sharp as the blade of his sword and seldom sheathed, but his arsenal of weapons had protected him on more than one occasion.  "B-b-by the t-time I realised I w-was tr-trapped in the q-quagmire," Leon mused, quietly, "it w-was already f-f-far t-to late."


    "So relax and slowly sink to your death," Maimai sighed, using his analogy, "or struggle and die faster?  No hope of him rescuing you?"


    Leon shook his head and smiled wryly.  "I always f-f-fall f-for those I sh-shouldn''t," he mused, lifting his teacup to his lips before realising that it was completely without warmth.  He placed the cup down again and watched as Maimai called for a server with ease to replace the teapot with a freshly brewed one.  She also ordered a few desserts thinking it was time to indulge.


    "I personally don''t think all hope is lost," Maimai told him after the server went away.


    "J-Jin Li is h-handsome," Leon replied, shaking his head, "even if h-he c-c-can b-be cruel.  I''ve s-seen g-g-girls look at h-him.  I w-w-would b-be a f-fool if I thought I c-could c-c-compete."


    "What''s there to compete for?" Maimai said, incredulously.  "A man might kiss a pretty girl he does not truly like for many reasons, but a man does not kiss another man that he has no interest in!"


    "K-k-kiss!" Leon''s face became aflame as he realised that there had been a witness to what had occurred within the small hut yesterday.  His lips tingled and his mouth felt hot with just the memory of Jin Li''s invasive touch.  The man had stolen his first and second kisses, and yet had proceeded to devour his mouth as if unsatisfied by that!  Was it any wonder those words had then slipped from his lips in hope?  He began to shake his head furiously, more to dislodge the memory than to deny Maimai''s words.


    "I saw," Maimai admitted and had the decency to blush.  It had been quite a heated thing to witness!  "I also heard what he said to you afterwards."


    "Then y-you kn-kn-know that he h-h-has n-no f-f-feelings f-for m-me," Leon stuttered heavily to expel the ache these words caused him.


    Tea and several delicious desserts were placed before them and Maimai selected the shiny and golden water chestnut cake to place before him as well as poured him tea.  "I think that Jin Li is not able to understand what is in his heart," she replied as she picked up a delicate example of Osmanthus Jelly to taste for herself.  "And neither do I think he can express this with words."  The two sat quietly for a moment as they tasted the sweet treats upon their tongues, before the girl added with a wicked twinkle in her eye; "Or maybe I am completely wrong and he''s just an ass."


    Leon laughed openly, Maimai achieving her objective for that day.

 Chapter 130 - Hundred And Thirty - His name is Justin

    Justin was the grandson of one of the Elders of Silver Cloud Sect and could be considered one of its prodigies; at least that was what Grandfather Wei claimed. Indeed, he was talented for his age. He broke through to secondary level when he reached the age of fifteen and he was better than the majority of the same age when it came to martial arts. However, considering that this was so, he felt as if his skills could no longer be honed fighting his peers and was not experienced enough to spar with those of similar cultivation, but much older. Thus, he convinced his grandfather to let him apply to the Ascending Mountain Institute. Naturally, he entered straight into the inner Martial Arts school, unlike his unfortunate ''brothers'' who had to settle in the outer school. Still, he did not look unfavourably upon them, knowing to cultivate good relations with them. Even if they could not match his skill, did not mean that they could not be of use to him.


    When he entered the school, he turned several eyes of the female persuasion. His hair was silk lengths of mahogany and his eyes were of rich earth and pleasingly shaped. He walked confidently, but not arrogantly and his lips were always curled slightly upward in a gentle, welcoming smile. But though heads turned, he was not interested in fulfilling any fantasies he might have summoned. His heart beat only for one girl. Miss Merylin; daughter of the sect leader and his first wife.


    Part of his success in Martial Arts lie in the hard work he put in everyday honing his skills. He was skilled as he wanted to be a strong husband for Merylin in the future and wanted her to be proud of him. He wanted the sect leader''s blessing, wanted to prove himself worthy. And so he tempered himself and fought hard, even managing to reach the top thirties of the Standing''s this year. Not bad considering it was his third year in the school.


    When he had heard that Merylin and her sister Maimai had enrolled into the Institute, he was beyond ecstatic; his sweetheart had followed him to school! Granted, it was the Alchemist school and she had to start in the outer school due to her inexperience with the subject, but he knew she would not remain their long. Merylin was not only beautiful, she was gifted and could turn her hand at anything she wished to. He was correct and Merylin soon was transferred into the Alchemist Inner school. Unfortunately, the students in the two schools did not meet often.


    Some Martial Arts students would go to the Alchemist school to see if they could purchase directly pills, but they would only get so far as the outer school. Some Alchemists would come to the Martial Arts school for the same reason, but again they were prohibited from entering the inner school, without permissions from a teacher, thus there were ridiculously few times that Justin might meet Merylin. The last time had been at the Standings, where she had given him her usual cold shoulder. He just believed that it was because he was not yet worthy of her and needed to work harder.


    Thus when he came to the outer school to chat amicably with a few sect-mates in the Food Hall, he was not expecting the girl of his dreams to enter it, especially not following that man!


    There were few that had not heard of the man known as Jin Li. He was a difficult person to approach, his aura was often dark and cold and his temper biting and he had the appetite that could rival the obese seventh prince. He fought with foreign moves, but each one was executed with precision and finesse. There was rumours that he was of tertiary stage cultivation, despite being the tender age of seventeen. Justin did not believe this rumour. Justin himself was nineteen years of age and nearing the peak of secondary stage, but he knew that he would need perhaps two or three years to surpass the threshold into tertiary and even that was considered amazing, so why would he believe that this first year was greater than him?


    And why was his darling Merylin following him into the Food Hall?


    He managed to train his ear enough to discard the jesting about him and hone in on their conversation, but not soon enough. Jin Li suddenly left the Hall and Miss Merylin was about to follow him out, it seemed, however the two seniors, Pike and Bowyer from the inner school stopped her.


    Justin knew the seniors, of course, though only on distant terms. They were both highly respected by his peers in the inner school and were generally approachable. Justin had learned on more than one occasion from them and though he was defeated soundly in skill and strength, he felt that his skills and mind set improved because of their few encounters in the arena. However, he was not aware that they were friends with Jin Li!


    He was startled from his own thoughts when he came to note that Miss Merylin had decided to depart and was considering ways he could cross her path, perhaps offer to see her out safely, when he saw her hand two bottles of pills to Jin Li''s roommate... Soon or Sun or Something... His brows fell into a frown as he heard her ask him to hand them to Jin Li and his heart felt sour. Why? Why was the girl he had fought so hard for giving her precious pills to an ice sculpture like Jin Li? That rogue was not worthy of her! He decided to seek out that bastard himself and put him in his place. Let him know to stay well away from his sweetheart!

 Chapter 131 - Hundred And Thirty One - Jin Li is given a warning

    On the training grounds located just outside the forbidding walls of the martial arts school, were numerous wooden mannequins, each with various slices and scratches upon their bodies.  Some were fixed and stationary, others moved, rotating or swaying upon being hit, though none really could come near to replacing a physical enemy with thoughts or moves of their own.  Still, some found it useful to practice stances and moves upon them or simply used them just to vent.


    At this moment, likely as it was the third day of the four day break, these grounds were pretty much abandoned as the students were distracted by other pursuits or things of interest.  Perfecting moves in front of a wooden dummy was not on their agendas.  But there still were two individuals beating the mannequins mercilessly, though one was clearly just taking his foul mood out upon the dummy that would have to be replaced by the end of the day.


    Sun rolled his eyes as he viewed the weapon of mass destruction beside him from the corner of his eye.  He, himself, was not here by choice.  His Master still failed to recognise the term ''days of rest'' and would ''suggest'' that Sun join him for another gruelling training session that seemed without end.  Yesterday, Sun had skipped training as the Master had a hangover, but today he had already ran around the outer rim of the school three times, performed squats until his knees almost gave out and now had to perfect a sword move using the training mannequin as a fixed target.  For whatever reason, the brooding Jin Li had followed him on his run, watched without seeing the rest of his ''warm up'' then joined him in the training grounds where he had begun to vent.


    With a sigh, Sun focused upon his own issue, firming his stance and gripping his sword before slicing the sword through the air in a succession of five moves.  In theory, if his opponent attempted to block theses five moves with the expected succession of blocks, he would leave himself open for an attack upon his unguarded side and the last sword swipe left the attacker in a good position to follow through with this.  However, the sequence was quite well known and there were many ways to deal with it.  But Teacher Corvus was firmly of the belief that the old moves were the best moves and with Sun''s speed boost from his wind abilities, this sequence could still be of use if only to wear his opponent down.


    He stepped back after finishing the five move sequence, not embellishing with other moves.  His weakness clearly lie in the third move, his arms not quite able to create the required angle at speed as yet.  So he repeated the action twice more, before pausing.  When he performed the third move well, he then failed the straightforward thrust required in the four move.  He pondered over this for a minute, his mind filled with frustration.


    "Show me that sequence," Jin Li suddenly demanded, startling Sun from his thoughts.


    "Um, alright," Sun agreed and stepped through it a little more slowly to ensure each angle was correct. Jin Li observed him intently the once before performing the whole move with ease and at speed. Sun could only watch him with a sour heart.


    "Tch," Jin Li clicked his tongue. "To easy to counter."


    "I know that!" Sun replied with exasperation in his tone. "It''s a pretty old and standard move. Only a child wouldn''t be able to counter it!"


    "Then why bother with it?"


    "Because..."


    "You, Jin Li!" Both youths turned to see a tall youth with a long length of brown hair tied in a top knot striding towards them.  His clothes were silk and embroidered elaborately with bamboo stalks and flying cranes.  He walked with his shoulders cast back and his nose elevated as if he was noble, but his eyes seemed gentle enough to prevent his appearance from seeming as if he was looking down on you.  His hands were clasped behind his back as he walked with a few others, who looked at Jin Li with undisguised distaste, while openly evaluating him.


    "Who did you irritate now?" Sun murmured without censure, but his words were ignored.


    "You have business with this Lord?" Jin Li questioned with his usual arrogance, unimpressed by the man in front of him.  It had to be said, that while Jin Li''s views were narrow in general, he was never one to be impressed by wealth and social rank.  One either was good at martial arts or one was not.  He respected both talent and hard work, not money and connections.  So what if you were born dirt poor in a remote village?  So long as you could provide him with a challenge in the arena, he did not care of your origins.  His thoughts wandered off on a tangent line as he wondered of what origins did Leon hail from...


    The man paused, his eyes roamed over the coarse fabrics of Jin Li''s clothing and though his eyes revealed nothing, the corner of his lips curled to one side of his mouth, throwing off his pretentious looks with a slight smirk.  "Allow me to introduce myself," the man said, amicably.  "My name is Justin.  My fellows and I are members of the Silver Cloud sect, you could say that we have been fortunate enough to have the favour of it''s Leader and Elders as well.  You have of course heard of us."


    "No," Jin Li replied with no semblance of a lie.  The Silver Cloud sect either did not exist or was not worthy of mention in the higher realm, so he did not know of them at all.  Thus whatever Justin wished to impress upon Jin Li immediately fell flat.  The curve of his lips stiffened a tad.


    "The Silver Cloud sect is a righteous sect that happens to be located some way South of the Institute," Sun mentioned to Jin Li nonchalantly as he once more worked through the sword sequence.  "Quite large and reputable with some influence."  His words seemed to give both face and take it away, forcing Justin to consider the smaller youth''s identity.  Few would speak of his sect in such simply, unimpressed tones.


    "Quite right," Justin replied, allowing this description to pass.  "Our sect does have some small influence and our Leader is also reputable.  He is a wise and tolerant person, however he does have his bottom line.  For one, his two daughters that also attend this institute."


    "What has all this to do with me?" Jin Li asked, irritably.


    "I am simply recommending that you stay away from Miss Merylin," Justin replied with a smirk.

 Chapter 132 - Hundred And Thirty Two - Just what is Jin Li’s type?

    "Who?"


    The smug expressions of the confronting youths tightened noticably, their ''leader'' was unable to prevent his face from morphing into one of complete disbelief.  Meanwhile, Sun simply rolled his eyes heavenward.


    "Miss Merylin is the girl that gave you those pills," Sun reminded him, "and the sister of Maimai, who is friends with Leon."


    At the mention of his small alchemist''s name, Jin Li''s face fell and his sullen aura began to once more leak.  "I know of no such person!" He sneered as he turned to beat the mannequin with his sword.


    "Are you looking down on our Sect Leader''s daughter?" One of the youths behind Justin questioned with an angry tone.


    "This Lord cannot understand of what you speak," Jin Li claimed, coldly as he spun around and pointed the length of his sword at the man.  Justin pushed the blade down with two fingers, noticing well the resistance.  As much as he disdained the first year before him, he could not deny his strength.


    Sun sighed, deciding to sheath his own sword before playing mediator.  "Look, your young Miss approached us... or rather Jin Li, wanting to gift him her pills."  He did not say that it was not the first time the young woman had approached them... or rather Jin Li.  He didn''t think it would matter even if he did.  "So what is the point of confronting us?"


    Justin glanced at the smaller youth and wrote him off in his heart as one who blustered without backup (weak with a big mouth), before returning his attentions to Jin Li. "Consider this as us doing you a favour," he said in an almost lyrical voice. "Upsetting the Sect Leader is unwise. No matter your strength in comparison to other students, to him you are still just a fly."


    "If your Sect Leader was weak," Jin Li sneered, "he would not be a Sect Leader. This Lord is not a fool. As for this Miss Merylin, I do not care. Should she stay away from this Lord, this Lord will naturally stay away from her. You do not need to think that this Lord has intentions towards your female!" His last sentence surprised all of those who could hear him. For Sun it was the revelation that Jin Li could identify any emotions in others, when he usually just flattened them with his walking feet. For Justin, it was being caught despite not once vocalising his true intentions.


    Who knew that Jin Li had an amorous Uncle who fell in love at least once a season and would love and devote his being to his newest concubine. Eyes filled with tenderness and care as he introduced his latest love to his brother and sister-in-law (the former would reveal an uncaring expression, while the wife carefully examined everyones reactions just in case her husband''s eyes or that concubine''s wandered toward the wrong place). How could Jin Li not recognise the softness in Justin''s eyes and the sweetness of his tone as he said Miss Merylin''s name?


    What bothered Jin Li was why did this fool think he had any interest in that woman? He had seen countless pretty women wandering into his Uncle''s harem, the women he crossed swords with were much worthier of his attention and as for pills... well, that matter was as yet unsettled, but there were countless more alchemist''s in the cultivation world, he did not need particularly that woman''s pills and potions.


    But even when he attempted to suppress the sourness that tainted his throat at the thought of other alchemist''s, he could not stop the image of a hard working, small alchemist with yin and yang hair concentrating on his cauldron with complete focus from flashing before his mind''s eye. He couldn''t help but wonder what was that alchemist doing now? Was he making pills for others? And why did he hate that idea so much?


    So deep into his own thoughts, he almost missed Sun''s following words; "Why do you even like that girl?"


    Sun said this as he had taken an instant dislike to here, but Justin did not seem to notice as his whole demeanour seemed to soften and he even slightly blushed. "Miss Merlin is a white rose in a flower bed of red roses. She is pretty and kind and talented, softly spoken and modest. I admired her very much while we were in the sect together, but now she has blossomed more, using her own strength to rise from the outer sect and into the inner sect of the alchemist school. What is there not to like?"


    Although Sun could not deny the fact of Miss Merylin entering the inner sect on her own merit, he still thought Justin was an idiot. He doubted that girl was anything like what he described. "Each to their own," Sun murmured aloud.


    "What is that supposed to mean?" Sure enough, one of Justin''s followers wished to continue to play a tiny antagonist role. To them, Miss Merylin was the ideal woman! How could they stand for others to insult their ideal?!


    "Simply me saying that she is not my type," Sun muttered, "should this not please you? One less competitor for her attentions! And I don''t believe that she is Jin Li''s type either!"


    "Oh, my young student has a type of girl he likes?!" All turned to see Teacher Corvus leaning against the entrance wall of the training grounds, his arms crossed about his chest. "Do tell, this Teacher wants to know!"


    "Not talking! Training!" Sun declared and withdrew his sword to restart the sequence he was supposed to be practicing diligently. Justin and the others stepped aside, viewing cautiously this Teacher, who was said to be quite eccentric, but also the mighty Teacher Corne''s younger brother.


    "But Teacher wishes to know!" The man pouted, childishly. "Also just what is Jin Li''s type? There is a whole slew of young ladies who would pay handsomely for the knowledge!"


    The thunderous aura about Jin Li darkened and Justin and his followers made quick excuses to leave well enough alone.

 Chapter 133 - Hundred And Thirty Three - My heart is wounded

    Despite his talk with Maimai, the emotions in his heart could not settle so easily.  Jin Li''s contradicting ways had left his feelings in a muddle to the point where he still hoped for Jin Li''s attention and feared it at the same time.  Even though Jin Li had waltzed out of his garden two days prior without the intention of ever returning, Leon''s eyes would wander to his front door when he was thinking about things and he would still grab an extra cup whenever he brewed tea.  He made enough food to suffice a meal for Jin Li''s bottomless stomach and himself, just in case, and ended up having to eat the leftovers for the following day breakfast and lunch as well.


    He did not attempt to make pills once, even though Mr Clawse had caught him in town with Maimai and made a request for his blood pills.  He was discreet enough, but Leon knew he wanted a batch of the improved version.  Only, Leon feared that in his concentration, he would miss Jin Li''s arrival, only to realise once more that Jin Li claimed he would not be back and his heart felt sore.


    He had tossed and turned in his bed as well, unable to escape from his thoughts in the dead of night and reaching out for the youth that usually stole most of the small mattress and blanket, but not finding him there.  Before, it had not bothered him, perhaps as he knew that Jin Li would be back at some point, so he should enjoy the extra space while he could.  But now...


    But despite the turmoil of emotions, he still could not bring himself to truly hate the youth.  He was the one who had fallen, he could not blame Jin Li for that, however, he would not chase him.  At the end of the day, he was too timid and he feared more heartbreak.  This love was deeper than his old crush in his last life, Jin Li''s abandonment hurt more, so he would not seek for the knife wound to be deepened blade twisted until he could no longer rise from the pain.


    So thinking like this, upon the last day of the four day break, he stepped out of his small hut by himself.  He did not wander further than his garden, just looked at the weeds now bursting through the fertile soils and competing with his herbs and vegetables for nutrients.  He picked up the small spade and fork left beside the hut and began to remove the weeds from the beds.  As he worked, he noticed some changes to the garden, such as the tomato-like plants that were now bursting with orange fruit and the five blossom daisies that was now in its third blossoming phase; the flower was a soft lilac.


    This reminded him that the first flowers were used in his bath salts and that Sun wished to test them, only... he sighed and shook away the thought, continuing to focus on his job.  The Silver tea tree was now up to his hip in height, it''s tender leaves could be picked, but Leon thought it better to let the tree continue to grow for a while longer before stealing that which helped it live.  He had a whole slew of wild onions growing in a patch close by a patch of tubers, though neither of these did not seem to be ready to dig up and he wished to keep these for winter months anyway.  His first meal with Jin Li had consisted in part of those wild onions, that set a precedent in which Jin Li had expected him to share food with him, whether he cooked it himself or otherwise... he supposed that would not happen anymore...


    His mind continued to seek his memories with Jin Li in every small detail, leaving his mood to sink further into the depths of melancholy and sapping the strength of his body until he was no longer lifting the fork in his hand.  He simply leaned against the side wall of his small hut and stared at the garden.


    The wind gently brushed past the numerous flowers, grasses, herbs and plants, mixing their aromas but not to the point of unpleasantness.  The weather was comfortably warm today and the sun high in the sky was prevented from directing too much of its hot rays upon the youth and his garden by the shadows of the sheltering trees.  Their leaves up on high rustled lightly in the wind and the birds sang contentedly in their boughs.


    With this soothing stimuli, the boy who had struggled to sleep much thanks to the lack of another body in his bed and the reminder to why that invader was not with him, found his eyes growing heavy and he simply let them close.  In no time at all, Leon was sleeping peacefully as he leaned against the wall, the remaining weeds in the garden forgotten.


    And this was the sight that greeted Jin Li when he arrived a couple of hours later.

 Chapter 134 - Hundred And Thirty Four - One question; Why you?

    Two black eyes narrowed as he saw the scene before him; a youth sleeping peacefully against a wall, surrounded by flowers.  However it was not quite the romantic picture one would think.  The boy''s pink lips were slightly parted and there was the clear line of wetness from the corner of those lips leading down to his chin.  As Jin Li''s expression twisted in distaste, he could not stop the thought that trailed across his mind; "Why you?"


    After the confrontation in the training grounds, Jin Li had tried to consider Justin''s reasons for liking that girl... but gave up after two minutes.  These sorts of reasons (he hadn''t listened beyond the initial points)... the same sort that his uncle used to explain away why he had fallen in love over and over again... might as well be describing a pet.  Just as he had come to see Leon.


    After all, did his small alchemist not have those large black eyes that seemed aggrieved when not wearing his ugly glasses?  Such as that second day Jin Li had known him and had been abandoned by him in favour of swimming in a cold lake?  And then there was the way he often required protection; his meridians could have been trashed beyond repair if those fools had disturbed him while he broke through into secondary cultivation and his body had been at risk when that cutsleeve took a liking to him.


    Leon would curl up against his body at night, uncaring that he was using the great him as a pillow or source of warmth.  He was too trusting and too naive.


    Granted, he was more useful that an ordinary pet, his cooking had improved as had his brewing of tea.  He sought to improve more pills for him, thus the side effects would be less when he took them.  But still...


    Jin Li squatted had down before the boy he''d labelled as a pet, while he considered these things and noticed that his small alchemist was beginning to awaken.  He had long lashes for a boy; Jin Li could see them fluttering as his glasses had fallen askew as he slept.  The movement grasped his attention for several moments, before Leon opened his eyes completely and adjusted his glasses, obscuring his view.  Despite his eyes becoming hidden, the dazed expression was still apparent as Leon took a deep breath of air, wiped his chin upon his sleeve and glanced about himself.


    He froze as he saw the youth before him and stuttered out; "J-J-Jin Li!  W-What are you d-d-doing here?"


    Jin Li sneered slightly as he replied haughtily; "This Lord has found that the tea brewed in the martial arts school is not to his liking, thus came here.  It seems you have some skill."  Actually, this was not the case, though he admitted he did actually prefer Leon''s tea.  It was just, he had been running through the tree tops and over the mountain slopes to burn off a little energy built of irritation and had found himself stepping into this garden in the end.


    "Oh," Leon replied and began to ungracefully push himself off of the ground.


    "Never mind," Jin Li told him, "this Lord will brew the tea this time and forgive your complacency."  He stormed out of the garden and into the hut, leaving Leon to stare blankly at his back.  The alchemist tried to ignore the heart skipping in his chest as his mind repeated all the martial artist had said since he woke.


    Don''t get any hopes up, he told himself.


    Dusting himself off, he followed Jin Li into the small hut to find that the other had placed the kettle upon the iron stove and had taken the container of tea off of the shelf. Leon washed his hands before taking two cups and the pot of honey from their resting place and putting both on the low table. The tea was brewed in the pot during this silent time and shared between them. The silence was comfortable though produced as two hearts settled in each other''s company, while tongues remained quiet unwilling to disturb the atmosphere with words about what had occurred between them just a couple of days prior.


    After the tea was drained, they did exchange some small talk and when it was clear that Jin Li was staying for dinner, Leon said nothing of it, just arranged several dishes with reheated soup from the day before, rice, stir fried vegetables and boiled eggs. The meal was eaten with no fanfare (and seconds and thirds were enjoyed by half of the occupants of the hut) and still Jin Li expressed no intention to leave.


    This made Leon both nervous and happy as well as cursing his own heart over the fact that he couldn''t hate Jin Li nor send him away. Leon was cursing himself that he could disregard everything just to find contentment sharing once more Jin Li''s body heat. But as Jin Li seemed to be avoiding that subject and both were already treading on scattered eggshells, Leon couldn''t bring himself to talk about it either.


    Thus he settled on the bed next to Jin Li, closing his eyes and allowing his breath to become steady and shallow, thinking it was fine to confront Jin Li in the morning... or perhaps next four-day break. But for now...


    As Jin Li listened to Leon drift into sleep beside him, he once more considered the revelation that he had had the afternoon after the confrontation. Teacher Corvus had been trying to learn of Sun and his ''type'', or rather what both boys sought in a girl. Even when one had no intention of speaking about this, one cannot help ones thoughts wandering to answer internally such a question, but in Jin Li''s mind only one small person appeared.


    Not attractive! Too skinny, though the bones were no longer prominent and flesh had rounded the once flat bottom. The hair was strange, speaking of deviation, failure and weakness and yet there was strength in that there were signs of working hard to regain what was lost. And then there was the ugly glasses, but what they hid beneath caused a skipping heart and a breathless sort of reaction. Leon was like a pet and yet not like a pet for Jin Li had never cared for any small animals in the past and did not grow attachments to things. What was useful was used and what was not was thrown away... but imagining himself throwing Leon away actual seemed to hurt his chest.


    Even the almighty he could only think of one explanation for it and it was not heartburn! It took all of yesterday and this morning to come to terms with it and yet still he originally had no plans to confront it. And yet...


    Now that Leon seemed to be sleeping, he could no longer keep the words inside him. "It seems this Lord may actually have affectionate feelings for you. Do not think that this Lord will show you any kindness just because of this, however...! And rejection is not an option for you either."


    A smile appeared upon the other youth''s lips as he turned over and curled into Jin Li''s chest. "I l-like you t-too," came a whispered response.


    Jin Li''s cheeks flushed, but in the darkness, it could not be noticed. "That''s only natural." A silence descended upon the two youths lying upon the same bed and Leon felt fingers slide beneath his chin, his face lifted slightly. "This Lord will kiss you now."


    "Okay."

 Chapter 135 - Hundred And Thirty Five - I am a bit clumsy today

    One young man of just below average height, with hair that was of both black and white stretching in long lengths over his narrow shoulders to fall below his pert bottom, stepped out, in a slight daze, of the small cottage that had but one room though it was filled with the necessities of living.  Following him, was a taller young man with the stature of one spoke of in tales of immortals, his long black hair tamed in a silver crown and red jade pin upon his head.  His aura seemed other-worldly, despite the poorer quality of his robes and trousers, and yet that look was slightly marred by the smirk upon his devilishly handsome face.


    The taller youth shut the door behind him, startling the smaller one out of his daze and a blush rose upon his pale cheeks.  The thick glasses upon his nose could not hide this.  The grin upon the other''s lips widened more as he reached and grabbed the other before  covering his mouth dominantly, until the knees of the smaller youth weakened and he could only cling onto the taller one to keep himself upright.


    "This Lord will be leaving now," Jin Li declared as his obsidian eyes glanced downward with a satisfied glint, preening inwardly over the appearance of Leon''s swollen lips.


    "O-o-o-Okay," Leon could only stutter breathlessly before watching Jin Li run off into the distance.  He pinched himself to make sure he was awake, before his core swelled with a glowing heat.  That heat seemed like his small chest would not be able to contain it as it pushed against his ribs and galloping heart and Leon felt as if he would burst.  Of course, he did not, but he did have to calm his innersea from swirling merrily out of control due to the overwhelming happiness he felt.


    He couldn''t say which path he took to walk to the Food Hall, nor could he tell you what he ate.  With hidden smiling eyes and lips that had formed a seemingly permanent curve, he entered the Herb Hall after abandoning his breakfast a little later.  Maimai happened to be there, amongst the small crowd and the moment her sharp eyes clapped upon Leon''s face did she squeal and leap on him in a clingy hug.


    "I want details," she whispered into his ear, causing his face to glow red.


    Fortunately, before he could answer, Teacher Sagi appeared and with a kind smile, beckoned Leon over to him.  Leon gently pushed Maimai aside with light words before making his way to his Master.  However, a moment later, he found himself on the floor having face planted.


    "Are you alright, Leon?" Teacher Sagi asked as Maimai kneeled beside him.  Leon frown as he rubbed his ankle.


    "I''m ok-Kay," Leon replied as he got to his feet, pretending not to see the sweeping looks of disdain and mockery, while others turned their heads aside pretending not to notice him.  He shook his head inwardly, deciding not to worry about it and followed Teacher Sagi out of the back door.


    The Teacher wished to share with him some techniques about caring for plants, particularly uncommon and rare plants.  Although Leon''s small achievement of late had been mentioned amongst the Alchemist Teachers, the majority still were biased to those with the ability to produce good and high quality pills, thus Leon was still unworthy in their eyes.  Leon was in his third year, there was still plenty of time until the youth would be forced to leave the school due to age, but his repertoire was on par with a student a year behind and his pills still average.  Thus Teacher Sagi decided to teach Leon about other things as well to expand his knowledge base and ensure his future.


    Leon was fine with this for the more he knew about herbs, the more he thought he might be able to improve his pills, thus this lesson was satisfactory to Leon.


    In the afternoon, he was given the recipe for Burning Blood Pills and began to practice this violent pill.  Just like its predecessor, the Burning Blood Pill required a very hot fire and great deal of attention.  It was aimed at giving cultivators of the second and third stage a boost in ability with the side effect of weakness once the boost had worn off.


    Some of the ingredients were familiar to Leon, as they were used in the Burning Energy Pills, but the purple spirit grass had been replaced by songmist moss and there was the addition of a couple of other herbs as well; Devil''s eye nettles and Crimson knotweed.  Just as with his first attempt at making Burning Energy Pills, he failed with the Burning Blood Pills; three times in the end, even caused the cauldron to crack.  He pondered over what to do.


    With the Burning Energy Pills, he knew to use a little sap from the purple spirit grass to stop the ingredients burning to dust, but the songmist moss did not have the same succulent dew hidden in its form.  As he pondered this problem, Maimai entered the room in the Teaching Hall wanting advice, but paused as she glanced at his ingredients.


    "Why do you have false nettles?" She asked picking the ''devil''s eye'' off of the ground.


    He glanced up at her and then stared hard at the herb in hand.  No wonder he couldn''t get the pills to form, he''d been using the wrong herb!  "M-must h-have b-been m-mixed in b-by m-m-mistake?" Leon suggested as he picked up another length of the nettle.  False nettle was such a tricky little weed, but he should have noticed that the stem tips were indeed the wrong colour.  They were white like the bulbous rootcrop, not black like that of the devil''s eye.  The false nettle could only mimic another nettle''s leaves, not it''s shoot.


    "Be more careful next time," Maimai suggested as she went to get him some actual devil''s eye nettles.  Leon sighed and went to get himself a new cauldron.

 Chapter 136 - Hundred And Thirty Six - I happen to be targeted

    The following two days, nothing untoward happened; Leon spent the mornings taking care of his Teacher''s precious garden of herbs and the afternoon making pills in his own hut.  In those mornings, his Teacher continued to guide him, there were no other students about as the stone he now wore upon his belt allowed only him access into his Teacher''s garden.  Just like the talismans for the martial arts school that Jin Li and Sun wore, his allowed him access through the portal arches that lead into the fields of herbs and Teacher Sagi''s garden.  Teacher Sagi''s older two disciples wore similar talismans, while students selected to help in the fields wore lower grade ones.


    In the afternoons, he chose to return to his hut as there were enough herbs there to cultivate into pills.  There were no specific requirements for those afternoons, so after working on a few normal pills, he''d begin building up a selection of improved blood pills which in turn had been improved again due to the low impurities purple spirit grass growing in his garden.


    On the fourth day, he accepted Maimai''s invitation to eat with him in the Food Hall and while she was fussing over what to eat, he took his own easily chosen meal and found two seats for them.  As she came over, he filled two cups with water from the jug on the table and Maimai took her seat opposite him.


    "Well," she smiled, a glint of misdemeanour in her pretty eyes.  "How are things with you and Jin Li?"


    Leon nervously laughed before attempting to deter her; "I d-d-don''t know w-what you m-m-mean.  I h-haven''t seen J-Jin Li since the other m-m-morning."


    "Morning huh," she carelessly nodded as Leon picked up his cup and brought it to his lips.  "So that means he stayed over night with you?"  The contents from Leon''s mouth sprayed in her directions, coating the front of her dress in liquid.    "Ah...?" Maimai didn''t know whether to laugh or cry, she hadn''t expected that reaction to her probing.


    "N-n-not your f-f-f-fault!" Leon stuttered, struggling with his words as he placed down his cup and pushed it away, his face in a grimace.


    Maimai sniffed as an unpleasant smell assaulted her nose.  "What is this?"


    Leon shook his head and tried to speak, but was interrupted by another.  "How disgusting!  You dare treat Miss Maimai so badly when she is so kind to you!"  The person who spoke was a girl, Leon thought she was vaguely familiar but could not place her.  In fact, she was one of the girls that used to hang around with Merylin before the girl was transferred to the inner school.  She had attempted to become close to Maimai instead, but who knew that the other girl preferred the company of this low born senior!


    "S-s-Sorry," Leon could only hang his head in shame.  Maimai, however, did not blame him, taking his cup and smelling its contents.  It seemed someone had swapped his drink for a cup of fish oil!  No wonder he had spat it out quickly!


    "I don''t blame you," she sighed, glancing around, but many heads turned away.  Standing up she grasped his hand and pulled him out of the Food Hall.  "I''ve lost my appetite thanks to the surroundings.  Let me go and change and then we shall eat the last of the pastries my mother sent me."


    On the fifth day, Leon was tripped, jostled and almost lost his glasses twice, but did lose the herbs he was carrying once as they were trampled under other''s feet.  Clearly by now, he was well aware he was being targeted, though he did not know why.  He thought it maybe Caprian''s old friends getting some revenge, but then realised that apart from Tor, who had transferred to the Beast Taming Sect, he had seen hide nor hair of them.  He knew Caprian had been kicked out, perhaps the same had occurred to them?


    But even it were not them, he thought to himself, for what reason did a bully need to bully?  There was no excuse, once they had locked onto a potential victim, it did not matter anymore, the victim could only suffer until the bullies got bored or were punished enough to see reason.  As he came to that conclusion, on the sixth day, he was in the Lecture Hall listening to Teacher Pitre''s lecture on newly discovered herbs.  Teacher Pitre was a man who was widely travelled and it was his Mesmyr that had taken a shine to Leon that day.  The Teacher also wished to share with them an easy recipe that incorporated one of these herbs; it was called the Dark Sight pill and was an enhancement pill meant to provide night vision.


    He had the students set up their cauldrons upon the firepits in the stone desks wanting them to practice this pill.  However, once Leon''s firepit was lit, it began to produce a thick smoke that made the students cough and gag.  They quickly evacuated the room as it was dealt with.  "Which fool placed indigo hearth shade into the firepit?" roared the Teacher a few minutes later.  All eyes turned to Leon, who could only stutter in panic, he had only started the fire using the wood that was already in there!


    Seeing as it was Leon, Teacher Pitre could only chose to hand this matter to the boy''s direct Teacher, but he did not believe this quiet, amicable student had any hand in this idiocy.  Of course, he knew he could be wrong and if that was the case, he would be very disappointed in the chosen disciple.  For now he dismissed the class and had Leon clean out the fire pit.


    And so Leon returned home dirty and stinking of smoke, desperate for a bath.


    Jin Li happened to frown as he saw Leon coming up the garden path, not that he had been waiting for him or anything.  "What happened to you?"

 Chapter 137 - Hundred And Thirty Seven - Jin Li’s first gift to me

    "There w-was an accid-dent at school," Leon told him, gazing through his thick glasses at this man, his heart swelling once more. It had been a long week and it almost seemed as if the affection showered upon him by this difficult man was but a dream that he was forced to wake up from. But his mouth tingled in memory and his heart beat loudly in his chest and he licked his lips nervously, while Jin Li smirked and sauntered over to shadow him. He glanced up in anticipation only to see the taller boy''s nose wrinkle in disgust.


    "You ought to bathe," Jin Li said, though it sounded more like an instruction than a suggestion.


    Leon nodded, automatically, knowing what Jin Li declared was true and picked up a bucket to fill with water from the barrel, before taking it into the makeshift bathing room. He couldn''t help but glance over his shoulder at the other as he swept aside the cloth door with his hand, blushing as certain thoughts raced through his mind. Jin Li''s brows rose high in question. Leon''s colour deepened as he rushed inside the small room, but naturally one bucket isn''t going to fill a tub, even delaying his exit by lighting the fire beneath the metal tub wasn''t going to prevent him coming face to face with Jin Li again.


    Jin Li leaned against the hut wall, watching the small alchemist dart back and forth, becoming increasingly jittery and colourful before him, delighting his cruel mind. And when he deemed it time, the youth followed Leon into the shed. The other hadn''t yet noticed and was testing the temperature of the water before deciding to put out the flames. Leon then turned around sharply, before bumping into Jin Li''s chest, nose first.


    "Seems even with the ghastly lenses, you still can''t see?" Jin Li asked, the amusement evident in his voice.


    "You sn-snuck up b-b-behind m-me!" Leon complained.  He thought that Jin Li was waiting outside for a cup of tea and probably snacks and had planned on making him a drink while he (Leon) bathed (and dealt with a growing problem), did not expect the youth to decide to enter the shed after him.


    "Undress," Jin Li demanded, suddenly.


    "W-w-What?" Leon squeaked, nervously.


    "How are you supposed to bathe with your robes on?" Jin Li sneered, his arms crossed about his chest.


    "B-b-but..."


    "Or do I need to do it for you?"


    Leon quickly stripped himself of his outer robes, tossing them to one side, but he still hesitated aware of his condition. He turned around before removing his inner robes and reaching down to take off his undergarments.


    "Why are you hiding? It''s not as if I haven''t seen your body before." Jin Li spoke the words close to his ear and he had to bite his lip to stop the slight moan from escaping his throat. He glanced up over his shoulder as he covered his lower half with his arms. The steam from the water had already begun to effect his glasses and so there was barely any difference to his sight as they were removed from his face. He gulped before decisively jumping into the tub to hide his shame in the depths of the water.


    Jin Li sniffed, uncertain about the scent of the water, but shook the thought away as he reached for the sandsoap jar upon the shelf. "I will wash your hair," the youth decided, again surprising Leon.


    "You d-d-don''t n-need t-to!" Leon mumbled, unable to see the expression upon Jin Li''s face that spoke of irritation due to being refused.


    "You should be honoured that this Lord is serving you," he said, harshly, "so do not deny me.  Besides, if I leave it to you, you''ll likely not do it well and this Lord will have to endure the smell all night!"


    "Okay," Leon whispered, still suffering slightly from his bodily reactions. The mix of Jin Li''s deep voice, memories of his talented tongue and wicked thoughts of them bathing together had caused it to rise, but Jin Li running his fingers over Leon''s scalp and through the length of his hair was certainly doing nothing to help it fall. He could only keep it hidden and hope Jin Li wouldn''t notice!


    Though at the end, he was a little disappointed that Jin Li didn''t notice as all sorts of scenarios had run though his mind as Jin Li had washed his hair. If a certain fujoshi had known of such thoughts, she truly would have been proud! Jin Li was oblivious, it could not be helped!


    Still, he remained attentive, drying off the hair sometime later with spare cloths as the two young men sat by the table enjoying freshly brewed tea and sandwiches. And then it was combed, before Jin Li took a section of it and twisted it into a knot before feeding part of the hair through a small silver crown, much like his own. He then set it in place with a blue jade hair pin. Startled, Leon reached for the place it sat, upon his head.


    "Don''t touch, you''ll make a mess of it and this Lord won''t tidy it up again!" Jin Li rebuked him. He had hunted beasts nearby to the Martial Arts school all week in part to complete missions, but in part to collect sellable materials, all of which were sold in Julip Town earlier today. He managed to gather a fair bit of silver for himself and just happened to be passing a jewellery shop where the cheap crown and blue pin happened to catch his eye. And he just happened to give into some ridiculous whim and purchase them, only to place them into Leon''s hair. Well his man needed something more impressive that a piece of string to deal with his silken hair, otherwise wouldn''t he be an embarrassment walking beside him?


    Leon did not know of this of course and simply blushed due to this first gift. "Th-Thank you," he said softly, with a shy smile.

 Chapter 138 - Hundred And Thirty Eight - Does Jin Li really desire me?

    Actually, contrary to Leon''s beliefs, Jin Li was not so much oblivious as distracted.


    At first the youth had simply been amused by Leon''s flustered appearance and behaviour and though originally had no thoughts of watching him bathe, his feet had developed a mind of their own and he had entered the small shed after his alchemist. And as Leon began to undress, he found that he could no longer will his feet to move. Instead, his eyes had drifted over the back of the other, taking in the milk white skin, the curve of the spine and small, round bottom until a certain part of himself could no longer be suppressed.


    Growing up in the main branch of the family where the focus was upon excellent martial arts and strength, each brother had been taught to hone their bodies and skills that they might symbolise this and be an example to branch families. Amongst the three brothers, Jin Li had shown the most promise, thus the expectation upon him was higher. This did not hinder him (except in perhaps in the ways of communicating with others) and he enjoyed tempering himself until he could control each limb, each finger, each muscle into shaping perfect forms and motions. This, in turn, made his father''s expectations of him higher. He did not disappoint and broke through the secondary stage at the tender age of ten, unlike his older brothers who were twelve and thirteen respectively.


    But however strict he was with himself, there are somethings that a teenage body must go through that defies a mind that thrives on control. He was absolutely horrified when that part of him not only developed suddenly, but gained a mind of its own. It brought him discomfort and awareness and who knew how difficult it was to perform certain moves when it is saluting for no reason! He sulked in his bedroom for an entire week, beneath the covers of his room.


    His brothers annoyed and teased him, his Uncle disgusted him by suggesting he send over a couple of pretty girls to deal help him deal with it and his father broke into his room to tell him to get over it and back to training. In the end, it had been his Shifu who had taught him a technique to suppress it. Practicing that technique until it became second nature, he had not worried over the loss of control since.


    Until now.


    Washing Leon''s long hair was an excuse, he thought such an arduous task would help him regain his control and ability to suppress it, but who knew that once his long, slender fingers began to work through the lengths of hair, to touch the scalp of his small alchemist, that things went from bad to worse?


    At some point, while he was drying the hair with a cloth, his body finally began to settle and he calmly began to utilise that technique of suppression once more. It was then that he also recalled that gift...


    Later, as he messed up Leon''s hair while devouring his mouth and tongue, he realised he had lost control once more, but couldn''t be bothered to deal with it, to focused on eating tofu.


    He pulled away from the small alchemist, eager to witness that flushed and breathless dazed expression Leon always wore once he had kissed him. Pressing the youth into the bed as he claimed his mouth, excited Jin Li more as the other could not escape his clutches. Since he had honoured Leon by expressing his feelings, it was as if his desire to dominate had increased exponentially, but he did not dislike this type of loss of control, perhaps as he was in control of the body beneath him.


    Leon''s frame was limb and without energy thanks in part to lack of air, only his fingers retained some tension as they gripped Jin Li''s sleeves as he breathed heavily. His lips and tongue felt numb, but should Jin Li insist on kissing him further, he would not resist. His body tingled in anticipation, especially in that place located on in lower body, if he had the strength or ability to move, he''d likely try and relieve it a little with friction and he could feel that Jin Li was in a similar condition, though he kept Leon perfectly caged beneath him and did not move at all. It made Leon feel all the more needy.


    A pity, therefore, that Jin Li simply licked his lips, before pressing them once more upon the youth beneath him before rolling over and bidding him goodnight....!

 Chapter 139 - Hundred And Thirty Nine - I just can’t stop yawning!

    The sun rose above the horizon of the ocean, spreading its light to represent the new day upon the gently drifting waters, the golden sands and the grassy dunes beyond.  At some point later, the light reached the mountains, shining upon rock and peeking through abundant trees.  A short while later, Leon stumbled out of his small hut, his red tinted eyes sheltering within slightly black circles.  In contrast, Jin Li followed seeming fairly refreshed.


    There was a hint on concern in the black Phoenix eyes that fell upon his small alchemist, but as usual, he failed to express his feelings well.  "How is it that after one restless night, your face has turned so ugly?"


    Leon ignored him and just yawned.


    The alchemist originally had plans to complete the order for improved blood pills, but being so sleepy, he felt that he would not be able to concentrate on making pills.  He had already produced a stock of forty, so decided to take them down in mountain in advance and buy herbs in order to make more.  He felt guilty about using school produced herbs to make pills he intended to sell, so had only used the dry seeds from their stock.  Everything else came from his garden.  However, there was only so much his herb garden could produce after all and it would need a few weeks regrowth once he had harvested everything before he could count on it once more.


    Jin Li was aware of his plans and as usual had decided to follow.


    The two youths headed towards the stables seeing as no griffins were available to use this morning; they had come to late to join the crowds of students heading down the mountain today, they could only seek other ways.  In truth, Jin Li did not need a mount, his feet were swift enough, he could descend more quickly than the base mounts stabled in the alchemist outer school.  Leon was the one needing four legs beneath him.


    Leon yawned once more as Jin Li spoke to the stable hand on whether there were mounts available to ride into town.  Leon''s sleepless night was indeed mostly the fault of Jin Li and his unexpected behaviour the night before, but Leon should also accept some blame.  His mind dwelled overly on reasons Jin Li had acted so... and over the hours he had come up with several excuses such as Jin Li not wanting to push him too fast, or perhaps because Jin Li had only just accepted his own feelings, he wasn''t ready for physical intimacy... Eventually he had fallen asleep due to sheer exhaustion, but it seemed to be only moments long before Jin Li had risen and demanded breakfast.


    The stablehand glanced at the shattered Leon and asked; "You be wantin'' one mount or two?"


    "One, I doubt his ability to ride," Jin Li said with a slight sneer, though actually he had other reasons behind his decision.  Seeing Leon yawn again, the stable hand nodded and produced a saddle that would be comfortable for two.


    "Students can only use the school owned Baku," the stablehand mentioned and took them towards a rather sturdy mount, before being summoned by another regarding the Equines.  Jin Li was capable of saddling a baku, so he thought nothing of doing this task himself.


    "Ah, it''s Jin Li!" A girlish voice called out and Jin Li tested the last buckle before turning to see a girl in lilac riding clothes with a stablehand carrying a decorative blanket and fine saddle behind her.  She cheerfully made her way over to the martial artist, who frowned while trying to figure out just who this girl was.  The girl smiled then looked around him.  "Where''s Leon?  I thought that you would be with him!"


    Jin Li was inwardly startled and glanced around to see that his small alchemist was not beside him.  Wandering off without his permission!  How dare he!


    A strange neighing sound captured their attention, as if a horse was trapped in the echoing dark of a ravine and calling out to anyone who could here.  It was the braying of a mesmyr.  There was only one in the stables and the stablehand panicked, thinking that the mesmyr was about to attack an idiot, who approached it.  He dropped the girl''s saddle and blanket upon the straw covered floor before rushing over towards its stable.  Jin Li quickly followed, suspecting he knew who the idiot was and the girl sighed, but followed at a more sedate pace.


    "Ah, Teacher Pitre''s Mesmyr is quite fond of Leon," the girl mentioned as the beast and boy came into view. "It was probably just excited to see him." Sure enough, the noble creature had half-lidded eyes as it pressed its long nose into Leon''s arms. Jin Li frowned. Were Mesmyr''s not ridiculously proud accepting only the touch of the rider that tamed them? Then what was he actually seeing?


    Jin Li turned to notice the calm, smiling expression upon the girl''s face and finally recalled who this girl was. She was the one who insisted on hanging around his alchemist. His stomach immediately turned sour and he stormed forth to capture his small alchemist in order to remind him just who he belonged to! Unfortunately, the Mesmyr was not to pleased with this idea and after pushing Leon towards its chest, it took on an offensive stance. Its crown rose from its relaxed position upon its neck and presenting forward, each tip sharp and deadly. The surrounding stablehands became panicked.


    Leon pattered its neck and whispered soothing words, just as another broke in booming tones across the stables. "Just what is going on here?!"

 Chapter 140 - Hundred And Forty - I meet an old friend

    Every so often, the Ascending Mountain Institute would organise an expedition. Depending on the severity of risk and importance of the mission, the number of Teachers leading the expedition could number from two to five. Each school would usually send two students; one senior and one junior, though occasionally others would be added. For example; if the expedition was seeking to tame or defeat certain beasts, there would be more beast taming students and the Teacher in charge would also be from that school.  Or if it was in a particularly dangerous area then more martial artists and mages might participate.  Has to be mentioned that the original Leo never once mentioned in his diaries that he had been on one of these expeditions.


    On this day, an expedition to seek rare herbs in the Northern Wilds, thus a Teacher from the alchemist school was leading the expedition. That Teacher happened to be Teacher Pitre. And right at this moment, Teacher Pitre was witnessing his stubborn, proud and temperamental mount, who happened to only tolerate his rider, fawn like a puppy against someone else.


    "What is this?" The Teacher boomed loudly, but his voice happened to be directed at his mount.  The beast glanced over at its rider, giving him a quick stare then looking haughtily away.  "Ridiculous, what pride!  Are you not afraid this display will make your species lose face?!"  The Mesmyr snorted, relaxing its crown thus it no longer was in battle mode, but did not stop eyeballing Jin Li, who had his hand upon his sword in self-defence.  Leon pattered the beasts neck and the Mesmyr whinnied like a horse spirit and leaned into his touch.


    Teacher Pitre narrowed his eyes at the short boy in blue-dyed robes.  He wore his strange, striped hair like a noble, crowned and pinned, but though the cut of his cloth was well done, it was still just of rough hemp.  And then there was those cheap glasses made thick due to them being ordinary and the boy of poor eyesight.  Had the boy really been rich, he could have afforded enchanted spectacles of thin glass and better taste!  From the green stains on the tips of his fingers and the scent of herbs lingering on him, Teacher Pitre deduced him to be of his Alchemist School, but he did not recognise him.


    "Just who are you boy?" Teacher Pitre demanded of him.  "And what have you done to my Mesmyr?"


    "T-t-Teacher, I''ve d-done n-nothing?" Well, Leon didn''t think he had, he just assumed that the Mesmyr was friendly.  After all, it was the only one in the stables, how could he compare?


    Just then the bark of a canine could be heard and black and white hound came rushing forward and jumped up at Leon''s legs, while wagging it''s feathery indigo and white tail. The youth was slightly startled, but noting the long, rabbit like ears and the four glistening black eyes he realised this was a cooshee and he knew only one of those.  Sure enough, he glanced up to see the blond haired youth jogging towards them.


    "Xiao Xiao!" Tor called out to the adolescent beast.  "What trouble are you getting me into this time... oh Leo!  Long time no see!"


    "En," Leon agreed with an amicable smile.  Jin Li''s eyes narrowed; his small alchemist was smiling at another man, cannot be tolerated!  However, how to reclaim him from a difficult beast such as a Mesmyr?  Jin Li was not so foolhardy as to think that defeating such a proud beast would be unchallenging, Mesmyrs were also known to fight to the death rather than flee.  While they would submit to a person who wished a partnership with them as rider and mount, they would never die without a fight!


    As it happened, beneath the strong pressure of the Teacher, Leon was backing away from the Teacher''s Mesmyr.  Jin Li was poised to grab him the moment he came into reach, alas the Mesmyr was quicker, grasping Leon''s sleeve with its teeth.


    "Leo...?" Teacher Pitre suddenly looked thoughtful and recollected that a certain apprentice that had been mentioned frequently of later, much due to the fact that his Master/Teacher was considered a fool to take such an average student beneath his wings by others and that student was named Leo.  Teacher Pitre was never one to listen to others judgements, preferring his own eyes and ears, but being aware of rumours cannot help but colour a first impression.  Still, no matter his skill in alchemy, it was clear that this boy in blue, with wooden charms dangling from his belt, was not so simple otherwise would his Mesmyr be so thoroughly charmed by him?  Plus this cooshee seemed fond of him as well.


    After taking a good long look, Teacher Pitre dismissed any thoughts about him and turned to his mount.  "We are going out for a bit," he told the beast, who finally turned to him, letting go of Leon''s sleeve, an almost invisible shiver flexing along its flank.  As if it wasn''t excited to be leaving the stables, it nodded its head twice then.  Teacher Pitre chuckled and patted its nose.


    Leon yawned, his minimal energies feeling spent as he shuffled back to Jin Li''s side without thought, the cooshee still attempting to curl about his legs as he walked.


    "Aw, Tor, your cooshee is growing so fast!" The girl, Maimai said having followed Jin Li after all was settled.  She knelt down in an attempt to gain favour with the young beast, but was once more snubbed.  She pouted as Tor laughed.


    "Xiao Xiao is almost a half season old now," Tor reminded her as he looked fondly at his beast-partner.


    "Has it really been so long?" Maimai asked.  Tor nodded, offering the girl a kind smile, but his eyes had long since wandered over to where Leon was standing closely to that Martial Artist friend of his.  Honestly, Tor did not have a good impression of the tall youth, his nature was naturally arrogant and overbearing and he felt that due to Leon''s gentle and kind demeanour, Jin Li was using him for some gain or advantage. Of course, Tor''s thoughts leaned towards a Martial Artist''s keenness for Pills; who wouldn''t want free pills and medicines when they were offered? Didn''t know that his thoughts were close to being right, but it was the body Jin Li wanted! Tor also could not help but notice the wooden charm dangling from the Martial Artist''s sword.


    "Gathering at the stables, assume you are here to ride?" Tor said and then asked; "Where are you all headed?"


    "Oh, I just thought to take Piku for some exercise!" Maimai said, casually. "It was a coincidence we met here today. What about you?"


    "Joining an expedition," Tor grinned brightly. In truth, he knew he''d be taking care of the mounts used when they set up camp. Well, all except the stubborn Mesmyr. But he was too excited to care.


    Jin Li, who had noticed the direction of Tor''s sight, wrapped his arm around his small alchemist and abruptly offered; "Well don''t let us keep you," before guiding the boy away and leaving Tor wide eyed and jaw slack.


    "Oh! Wait for me!" Maimai called to them, bringing her handkerchief to her tingling nose, before rushing after them.

 Chapter 141 - Hundred And Forty One - I am a cloud?

    Two Baku ran side by side down the gentle mountain slope, their trunks swaying from side to side as they moved. One Baku was sturdy and yet there was an elegance as its paws padded along the ground, each strong muscle in its furred legs flexing and relaxing as it ran with relative ease. This Baku held two riders, but did not seem to care about the weight. The other Baku was, for want of a better word, fat and plodded heavily along, wheezing every so often and trumpeting in complaint. The beast was a soft pink and were it not for its excessive body weight, would have been sought for by many young ladies as an elegant mount. Fortunately or unfortunately, its existing female owner liked its plushness and continued to spoil it stupidly.


    "Slow down!" The girl called out to the pair on the sturdy mount, but was simply glared at by the taller of the two riders, before his onyx eyes lowered and looked at the large mount beneath her in distaste. However, before he could refuse her request audibly, she added; "Leon is asleep, wouldn''t be well for him if he fell off!"


    Jin Li glanced down at the youth leaning into his chest; it seemed that he really had fallen asleep. Using me as a pillow again? Very good...! Jin Li sneered slightly, but pulled on the reigns to slow the mount he had borrowed from the school. At the same time, he wrapped an arm about the sleeping alchemist. Just try to fall off now!


    "You really shouldn''t keep him awake all night," Maimai said with a bright grin upon her pretty face. She had absolutely no qualms speaking aloud with suggestive words. He needs rest from time to time!"


    Jin Li frowned; "What are you implying? This Lord has nothing to do with his sleepless night. This Lord slept quite soundly." This was true, once he had stopped devouring Leon''s mouth and moved away from him, he had been able to repress his thing and drift to sleep. Granted, there remained some dissatisfaction in his heart, but...


    "You really did nothing to him?" Maimai questioned startled and glanced over at the peacefully sleeping boy, contently nestled in Jin Li''s arms. "Oh, so you didn''t sleep in Leon''s hut last night..." She pouted, somewhat disappointed.


    "Whether I slept there or not," Jin Li said, with much irritation, "What business is it of yours?"


    "As Leon''s best friend," Maimai replied, indignantly, "I am simply looking out for his wellbeing!" It has absolutely nothing to do with the double yang romance coming into existence right before her eyes! Honest! "I care about him... as a friend!" She added this last bit hastily as the black of Jin Li''s eyes seemed to darken impossibly more.


    "You no longer need to care about him," Jin Li told her, his tone heavy with implied warning. "He has me to care for him."


    But the girl refused to heed him. "So you inquired after him this morning? Do you know why he is so sleep deprived then? Was he making pills all night long?"


    "No, he was not!" Jin Li found this small woman infuriating. He would inform his small alchemist to have nothing to do with her in the future. "He was like this from when this Lord rose to wake him this morning!"


    Maimai was startled, he actually growled at her! But she was soon over that angry gesture of his when she heard his words. "So you did share a bed with him!" Her wicked grin returned, just glancing at it made Jin Li feel distinctly uncomfortable. "But you didn''t touch him..." she sighed, believing that she had pinpointed the problem. Perhaps not just anyone with eyes knew how much Leon liked the martial artist, but Maimai did and suspected that perhaps Leon''s sleepiness actually stemmed from having to lie beside this thoughtless lover without doing anything. She was partially correct, at least. "So mean!"


    "I pity your future husband," Jin Li drawled, bitterly. "So full of contradiction! First lashing with your sharp tongue suggesting this Lord forced Leon to remain awake half of the night then bitter that this was not so? Not sure how exactly either reveals your care for this Lord''s alchemist!"


    The girl pouted once more, deciding to give Jin Li the silent treatment on Leon''s behalf. She was difficult? Had he looked into the depths of a bronze mirror lately? Ah Leon, she thought to herself, if only you hadn''t fallen for him! I could have found you a nice, caring gong instead of this walking, cold flame! Then the only tiredness you would experience, is that of a youth experiencing summer after spring!


    The gates of Julip town came into view and Maimai decided to hurry her Piku, much to the Baku''s unhappiness. Jin Li did not bother to catch up with her, he had no intention of accompanying her from the beginning! However, Maimai was a girl who liked to have the last word so threw back a few cryptic words for Jin Li''s ears; "Two clouds cannot pass by each other in the sky, must follow the same path, but two clouds may come together in the sky, then surely can make rain!"

 Chapter 142 - Hundred And Forty Two - He is ignorant, I am naive

    Jin Li was not completely ignorant about ''making clouds and rain'', despite his knowledge being sketchy and his body being pure. For instance, he knew that a man intimately sleeping with a woman could result in a child and he knew that the act was supposed to be pleasurable. He knew that a man could become slave to that pleasure; take his cheap uncle who adored the taste of fresh flowers and he knew that a man could also buy that pleasure in a brothel. He was also aware that within those brothels there were men in those brothels who catered to the wants of men in addition to the women selling themselves.


    However the idea that a man could become a fool driven by lust disgusted him, just as that uncontrollable part annoyed him before he learnt to suppress it. Only then along came Leon and Jin Li could admit that his body desired him. His tongue enjoyed invading Leon''s mouth, his lips were happy to dominate the small alchemist''s. Pressing him down... feeling that smaller frame caged beneath him... but then what?


    Being of proud mind and stubborn stance, he would not admit aloud that he had no clue to the relations that occurred between a man and a man, plus it was not as if there was a need or ability to procreate between them... so why bother with it. He could only suppress that part with a little frustration and maintain a state of control within ignorance.


    Leon on the other hand was from another era and land where sex was spoken about a little more openly, where gay relations were fairly accepted in places and two men could even marry (he had no idea if this was possible in this realm). He was very aware of how two men could come together and he was even quite aware of what role he would play, especially seeing as Jin Li enjoyed lying upon him in dominance.


    But of course, he could not read minds and was not aware that his knowledge outweighed Jin Li''s. He also assumed a little naively that the top was the instigator of such relations, thus he needed to wait upon Jin Li''s initiation. However, he believed (after much thought) that Jin Li was too new to his feelings and not ready to take the next step and in truth, they had only officially been together a couple of ten days, so it was understandable.


    In conclusion, Leon and Jin Li spent the following three nights in this half-assed, physically frustrating state of their own making.


    The trip to town was still a worthy one, with Leon making a good bag of silver on his batch of improved blood pills. Pharmacist Clawse was very pleased with the quality of them.


    "I used the b-b-better qu-quality p-purple spirit g-g-grass," Leon mentioned. This had resulted in the improved pills being of high quality, thus Clawse gave him more money for them.


    "Have you improved any other pills recently?" The older man asked as he poured tea for the alchemist and martial artist. Jin Li picked up the offered beverage and breathed in the aroma. The corners of his lips curled upward a tad, so Leon knew he was satisfied with the tea. With a contented smile of his own, he turned his attention back to Clawse and gave his reply.


    "W-well, I h-h-have exp-perimented a b-b-bit," he confessed. "H-however, don''t kn-know if those p-p-pills will b-b-be b-better than the originals."


    Pharmacist Clawse gave a curt nod. "Even though I don''t like it," he said as he gently blew the swirling steam coming from his own cup in hand, "the ''gentleman'' I introduced to you last time happens to have a small skill in identifying pills and their traits. Perhaps he could help."


    Jin Li sneered, but said nothing, simply taking a sip of his drink. Leon remembered the person Mr Clawse spoke of; his name was Ursam and if Leon recalled correctly, he was a bit of a pervert. Still, if he could tell if there were changes, good or bad to his experimental pills, it was better than attempting to test them on live subjects. He shuddered inwardly, recalling that Leo had no qualms about this, but fortunately did not do foolish things such as testing on students the moment the pill was formed. Leo always researched thoroughly before experimenting. However a few small animals had died unhappily, though a few more actually had benefited. Leon shook away his morbid thoughts; he was not Leo and Leo was no longer around to defend himself. Plus, his experiments had definitely produced more good than evil, so best to let him rest in peace.


    As for his own pills, Leon decided to come to town with those pills the following four day break to ask the old pervert to test them. He was eager to know the results!

 Chapter 143 - Hundred And Forty Three - I am victim to a prank gone wrong

    As the rest days ended, the school days recommenced and two youths who inwardly felt a little physically frustrated and unfulfilled returned to their respective classes.


    For Leon that meant paying his respects to his Teacher and following whatever plan his Teacher had for him. On this day, it was a review of his learnings the week before as well as a conversation about the events of the previous week. Leon quietly related what had occurred from his perspective, the mistake with the false nettle herb and the firepit having been compromised with indigo hearth shade herb. He did not mention his theory of bullying as there was no proof of it and neither did the other ''accidents'' happen to come up in conversation.


    Teacher Sagi listened quietly and honestly as Leon stuttered through his version of events. Of course he was not stupid, direct apprentices often became the targets of jealousy and there were always questionable events like these occurring after students had been named. Plus the former could have been coincidental and a complete accident and the latter was a childish prank, but there was no evidence to pinpoint just who was the culprit. He did not think Leon was the sort to sabotage his own working space and ruin the lesson.


    He could only sigh and warn Leon to be more careful next time. There would be no punishment coming from him and besides, Leon had had to clean out the firepit, despite him likely being blameless. That was more than enough.


    Teacher Sagi asked Leon to take care of the herbs in his (Sagi''s) garden that morning, before allowing him the afternoon to do as he pleased.


    The following day had Leon creating batches of Spring Willow Salve potion for Fox Bandages, but despite Leon sealing the barrels with spiritual energy, one of the barrels was compromised and the contents spoiled. Before the potion was settled into the barrels, it was unpleasant in odour enough, the spoiled batch was absolutely vile and its smell contaminated the whole of the Lecture Hall as well as several metres beyond. Those visiting the Herb Hall complained loudly and as Leon was responsible for the potion, all blame fell upon him.


    There was little he could say in his defence. He had, he thought, sealed the battles and as far as he was aware, they could then only be unsealed by himself. It was just that he was certain that before he left the room to wash away the remnants of the herbs upon his hands, that he had checked that each barrel was tightly sealed, so how had it come to be that one was not at all?


    He was tripped and pushed to the ground three times following that, but the third time, the overconfident student, a young man who was about his age whom he did not recall ever interacting with before, was caught by a very angry Teacher, who happened to pass by. Thus the following day, those targeting him quietened down and Leon breathed a sigh of relief.


    He would later think that he had relaxed too soon.


    Midweek, Leon came to the Herb Hall as usual, to be told by his senior, Hue, who had been accepted as Teacher Sagi''s direct student two years prior, that their Master was currently at the Scholars Enlightened Mountain giving lectures. Leon accepted the explanation and the given task that Teacher Sagi had left him, which according to the note was to make a White Lotus Pill.


    Leon frowned. According to the diaries, the White Lotus Pill was a cosmetic pill, a beauty pill that had no practical use, just was popular amongst the women of wealthy houses. Leo had been a little disgusted with cosmetic pills, considering them a waste of his time and effort. Did not even write down recipes or decent descriptions for them, just wrote down a list naming them and what they looked and smelled like so he could identify them later on. Leon''s interest in them had been a little higher when he had first considered ways of making money, but after deciding to focus on healing pills, he had forgotten about them.


    What he didn''t understand was why Teacher Sagi wished for him to make them. He sighed and pushed his question to one side. It was still a pill that alchemists could make and he was still in learning. So he took the note with the recipe instructions and the pro-offered herbs and headed for the Lecture Hall.


    The odour from the spoiled potion was finally minimal, though it still lingered in the room where Leon went to work. He felt that right now it was not a bad thing, at least he should be left alone to concentrate.


    Leon placed his cauldron upon the fixed fireplace after reassuring himself that there was nothing but a bit of ash in the pit, added wood and lit the fire. Nothing but a bit of heat and flames came from the pit, so Leon lowered his guard and began to deal with the herbs. It required the delicate pink leaves of the Sakura Fennel Herb, the roots of Weeping Grass, the whole of the cotton-tailed river reed and the flowers of the three season flowering wild mountain roses.


    Leon could not help but frown for none of these herbs could be considered common. While only the Sakura Fennel was rare, the others were either slow-growing or preferred specific habitats so they were still considered uncommon amongst herbs. He felt that it was a complete waste to turn these into a pill that was only for beautifying. Still, this was his assignment, so he placed the herbs into his cauldron bit at a time as each would dissolve into liquid or powder while influenced by a high, but constant heat.


    When all four had broken down inside the cauldron, he used his spiritual energy to try combine them, only, the herbs seemed to repel each other, refusing his will. With half a mind on his cauldron, he reread the instructions, but saw nothing wrong and tried once more, pouring more of himself into completing the task. The herbs came together finally, while sweat poured from his forehead, but it was only for a brief moment.


    The contents of the cauldron exploded and Leon''s unprepared body flew back from the shockwave and smacked against the wall. He gasped as almost every nerve ending screamed in pain, before collapsing to the floor in an unconscious heap.

 Chapter 144 - Hundred And Forty Four - I wake up in the Healer’s Hall

    When Leon came to, the first thing he noticed was that his body ached. It was a painful sort of ache, like echoes of a trauma that had been far worse to his nerve endings, the type that would make one glad to be or fall unconscious. His left arm felt heavy, constricted and the majority of the discomfort seemed to be coming from it. He also felt as if he lacked some ability to move.


    His vision was fuzzy, his glasses missing and all around him seemed quite white, although he could tell he was lying upon his back. His throat was quite dry, longing for a drink to soothe it. With a slight frown, he turned his neck to one side and there he saw a blur of colour.


    "You''re finally awake!" The clearly feminine voice sighed with relief.


    "Maimai?" Leon croaked slightly, before swallowing, drying to ease the dryness.


    "Oh! Let me get you something to drink!" He heard the sound of water filling a small vessel and the soft shimmer of silk rustling as the colour began to form some shape before his poor vision. "Can you sit up?"


    There was some struggle as Leon summoned the strength to raise his upper body enough that he could drink without the water spilling everywhere. After most of the cup was emptied, he lie back down with a relieved huff. "C-Could you p-pass me my g-glasses?" He asked her.


    "Oh, they were broken," Maimai admitted. "Smashed beyond repair this time. So I took the liberties of purchasing a new pair. Hope you don''t mind!"


    His vision cleared as the new frames settled upon his nose. "I will p-pay you b-back," he told her, earnestly. But she waved her hand in dismissal.


    "No need," Maimai looked a little shamefaced. "I''m partially responsible for what happened, so let''s forget it!"


    "What exactly d-did happen?" Leon asked, his memory vaguely recalling last that he was attempting to make an unfamiliar pill, but beyond that...


    From what Maimai advised him, he was the victim of a prank gone horribly wrong. His Master had left him instructions to practice forming a pill, but those were switched with a false recipe. That recipe listed half the ingredients of not the White Lotus pill, but a pill called the Seven Lotus pill, a completely different pill that required an adept hand due to its six opposing ingredients and the seventh which would bring the whole creation together.


    Leon''s senior had given him the new instructions and ingredients, but he was not responsible for the accident. Hue was a successful alchemist, but very slow of thought and was the type to need clear instructions. However, he also had a retentive memory, so only needed those instructions once. It was just, he never thought too deeply about the fact that the name of the pill did not match the recipe, his trust completely in his Master. He did, however, recall exactly which student had passed on the instructions.


    That student had dragged several others down into the pit with him once he had realised that they would not escape punishment, clearly not the magnanimous type and Maimai was upset to admit that these students, mostly first years with a couple of seniors who should have known better, were from her father''s sect.


    Maimai''s father had several children, most being shu born, though the man never divided his love unfairly between his legitimate and illegitimate children. He also was known to be highly protective of his daughters, thus their future spouses would have had to attain his acknowledgment, something that was worth much more than the wealth he would surely provide for his daughters'' dowries. Of course, most standard sect members could only dream of such things, but it never hurt to get on the good side of the sect leader or his children.


    When Merylin and Maimai enrolled in the school (with several sect members who saw their opportunity to shine), the sect member students saw their chance to not only get close to the two girls, but prove their worth to the sect leader by ''protecting them'' from ''undesirable elements'' or at least that was what they told themselves. They could not accept the fact that ''outsiders'' were becoming close to their Lotuses.


    Of course not all of them were so low as to bully and prank, Justin, for example chose to directly confront Jin Li who he felt was trying to take away the girl he held affections for. Others simply took a page from Merylin''s book and chose to try to impress with their talents. So it was a minor few who were lowering the reputation of the sect with their disgraceful actions.


    "They panicked when they realised what had happened," Maimai mentioned, as she continued to explain, her tone clearly unhappy. The prank had left Leon wounded and unconscious and he had been sent to the Healers Hall. "They didn''t expect the recipe to blow up in your face, just expected the pill to fail and herbs to be ruined. They were trying to get you into trouble for wasting valuable herbs. But when the accident happened, they stole away the note and the leftover herbs before running away. They are in detention, waiting for punishment at the moment."


    "Ah, Leo, you are awake!"


    Leon glanced behind Maimai, who turned towards the speaker. The man was a robust looking individual with a really long, grey beard, but lacking hair upon his shiny head. He wore robes not unlike Leon''s off-white linen ones, but his rounded stomach protruded over his belt. He approached the bed Leon was lying on, nodding to the girl sitting beside him.


    "My name is Quint, I am one of the Healers of the Institute," he advised Leon. "You experienced quite the backlash during that incident. There was some damage to your internal organs and your left arm was broken, the rest was superficial surface wounds." He went on to explain that Leon had consumed two Blood Pills over the two days he had been unconscious and that his arm was wrapped in Fox Bandages as it was not good to consume too many healing pills in a short frame of time, so his internal injuries had been prioritised first.


    While he was speaking, he placed his fingers upon Leon''s wrist, taking his pulse for a fresh diagnosis. Afterwards, he stroked his long beard with his fingers.


    "You should be fine to take a Bone Replacement Pill now," the man said, leaving the room and patient to go and get one. As he opened the door, he almost collided with a couple of students in the hallway. "Take care, there!"


    "My apologies, sir" came the response, which caused Leon''s brows to rise in question.

 Chapter 145 - Hundred And Forty Five - Jin Li watches a migration

    Sun was somewhat used to the strenuous exercises and practices his Master insisted of him. His muscles no longer screamed for half a day after the ''warm ups'', he no longer fell asleep as he soaked in the medicinal baths and he no longer needed to be dragged from his bed of a morning. However, it did not mean that he didn''t seek a break from it every now and then. Seeing as hiding and complaining had gotten him nowhere, he found a new tactic; attending lectures. This way he could ''seem'' like a diligent student, while dozing in the back of the lecture room.


    He was not alone, but Jin Li was not attending the lecture willingly. He''d broken one to many mannequins and had been banned from the training grounds. All of the arena''s had been claimed for various reasons and there were still too few who would accept his challenges anyway. Basically, attending the lecture and brooding was better than lying upon his bed and brooding. At least the images of Leon lying upon a bed beneath him flashed less before his eyes here.


    The lecture was about... actually neither of them were paying enough attention, so they didn''t really know nor did they care.


    As the Teacher droned on at the front of the classroom, he was suddenly interrupted by a beaming face appearing in the room''s entrance. "Teacher Corvus," the Lecturer greeted him.


    "Ah... Teacher..." Corvus covered up the fact that he had no idea of this man''s name with a cough. The man must have started teaching while he was out and about in the world. "I was wondering if my apprentice was attending your lecture... Sun! There you are!"


    The napping boy was startled from his sweet dreams, falling backwards in a panic. No one moved to catch him, but he did receive several snickers. Jin Li did not laugh, but did not help him regain face either. "Teacher Corvus," Sun greeted as he rose to his feet. "Are you looking for me?"


    "En!" Corvus agreed, cheerfully. "I''ve found something entertaining for us to do! Oh and you might as well bring Jin Li along, the more the merrier, right?"


    Several envious glances were cast Sun''s way, but the boy''s expression was filled with black lines, making them wonder why. His Teacher was taking him out to play, surely that was better than a lecture on enhancement pills and their side effects?! Of course they had no idea that Corvus'' idea of entertainment usually meant a world of suffering for his disciple. But while Sun descended the steps to the classroom''s exit, Jin Li followed with less trepidation, his sword hand itching to get started.


    As it was, the ''expedition'' was actually a gathering of inner school martial artists and Beast Tamers observing the biannual migration of a herd beast named the Three Horned Greater Roe Buck. The beast was just slightly smaller than an equine and much more stocky of figure, with a small tail and patterned furred coat. They had three, hard clawed toes on each foot rather than hooves, thus they could grip the mountain side better. The males were also crowned with a triage of antlers and were particularly violent during this time of year as they made their way towards their traditional mating grounds. Fights would break out as they travelled through the mountains owned by the institute. These males might get separated from the main herd and cause havoc on an uncharted detour. Animals, weaker beasts and ordinary people had been hurt and even killed in their wake.


    So the school always had groups of selected students watch the herds and make sure that they kept on track whenever possible. They also had to protect the herd from opportunistic poachers. The mountains were already suffering from these vermin and though the Three Horned Greater Roe Buck was not an uncommon beast, its meat, antlers and fur were all commodities to be bought and sold for reasonable money. Their breeding grounds was sheltered within a long dormant volcano that just happened to be surrounded by a deep gorge protected by poisonous mists, that the beasts themselves were immune too and also filled with large predators. The Roe Buck''s northern home was hard to reached due to the thick, jagged mountain range that the creatures overcame each spring. So during the migration was the prime time for poachers.


    It was just that the poachers usually attracted the wrath of the beasts that they hunted and potentially caused more headaches for the institute.


    Corvus, Sun and Jin Li observed from the shelter of a tree a few metres away from the running beasts and Sun yawned loudly. "This is better than the lecture?"


    Corvus pouted. "When I was a student," he began, reminiscing, "the herd was a lot more vicious. I even had to help Corne take down an old herd leader who strayed too far and began threatening the village to the east of the institute."


    Sun''s eyes lit up brightly, thus Corvus began to embellish his tale into one of a life and death situation in which Corne was pierced through the stomach by the angry beast''s antlers and how several villagers had been wounded mortally by the beast beforehand. Corvus stated that he had risked life and limb to create a distraction that their comrades could rescue the villagers and feed them pills to save their lives.


    "If I recall correctly," Corne drawled, suddenly appearing on a tree close by, "the villager who got hurt fell over his own feet in a panic to get away and you distracted the old Buck because you laughed so hard you almost peed yourself. I had to push you out of the way so you didn''t get trampled when the beast ran at you and as for being pierced by the antlers... it was a small scratch that was fixed by a One Heart Pill. That old Buck ran back to his herd not long after." Pike, who happened to be with his Master, turned away, but could not hide his trembling shoulders as they shook from repressed laughter.


    Corvus chuckled and waved away his older brother''s statement. "Is that what happened? I don''t recall it all that well...". He thought about adding some excuses, but his words were drowned out by a sudden scream.

 Chapter 146 - Hundred And Forty Six - Corvus shows off again

    Not all poachers were men, just as not all poachers were greedy for gold and silver. Some were simply down upon their luck and looking for a quick, albeit dangerous way to feed their hungry families for a few days until their luck turned for the better. However, these poachers just happened to be men of dark intent and reputation. As Cultivators, they were failures, unable to break through the thick bottle neck that separated the third and fourth stages. Unable to seek satiation in power, they sought it in money, but with their lofty ideals, they could no longer live satisfied by the hard working ways of commoners and they lacked the savviness of merchants. So they sought a ''fast profit'' by poaching, taking what they wanted from the land, no matter who they belonged to, in order to make money.


    They were not gentlemen, they were not honourable and they were opportunistic. And at this time, they had not discovered a small number of Greater Roe Buck that happened to stray from the herd to be slaughtered by their readied weapons, but two lovely, young beauties and their not so able male protector.


    When the two Teacher-brothers and their students raced to where the scream had emanated from, they had been expecting to rescue foolish students or servants (hired by the school) from a furious stag. Instead they came upon a scene that made even the rakish Corvus turn serious.


    Four unpleasant men, skins stained with dirt and simple leathers upon their frames, were reaching for two panicked and crying girls who clung to each other, one terrified, the other cursing; "Do you have any idea just who my father is?" To one side was a boy, beaten and bloodied, clutching a wound in his stomach and breathing shallowly.


    There was a quick exchange of glances.


    Corvus dropped from the tree limbs to the foliage covered grounds first. "Excuse me," he said, with a sinister hint to his jovial sounding words. "May I ask, what are your intentions towards those young ladies?"


    The four men jeered and looked at the man before them. His clean, attractive appearance automatically caused them to feel disdain and while they could not sense his level of cultivation, they blindly believed it could not be much more than their own. After all, such a pretentious, foppish man hardly looked like an immortal Cultivator far removed from the trivials of the mortal world. And there were four of them and just one of him.


    Thinking this way, they turned their attentions away from the girls, believing that they would be able to deal with this intruder quickly then enjoy the spoils. They grabbed their fallen weapons and waved them threateningly at Corvus who put his hands in their air as if worried while saying; "Ho, can we not talk about this?"


    "Tch," one of the men spat and launched an attack on Corvus, who danced easily out of the way of his heavy axe, before ducking beneath the wild swing of another''s sword.


    "Ah, you missed," Corvus teased before adding; "you know, you''d have better control of your sword if you adjusted your grip just a little..." The knife wielder was a little more challenging to face, but not so much that Corvus was worried. Still the incorrigible man complimented his technique as he dodged the sharp blades. His sharp tongue and foolish play irritated the men, angering them beyond reason. Step by step, the men were drawn further away from the girls, who were quick to stand up and create distance themselves.


    Sun leapt down and approached the wounded youth. "Ah, I don''t have any healing pills!" He lamented as he noticed the seriousness of the wounds.


    "Here," Jin Li pressed a pure coloured Blood Pill into his palm, which was then fed to the boy. On noticing the pair, the girls quickly made their way to their sides.


    "You saved us!" One said in adoration, while Jin Li looked down upon them with a frown. "Surely this is fate." Sun rolled his eyes, what saviour? Wasn''t it his Master that was the one who lead the poachers away?


    Speaking of whom, once the girls were no longer within the poachers'' reach, Pike and Teacher Corne joined in the fray. "Stop playing around, brother," the latter said as he nearly sliced one of the poachers in half with his broadsword. The head of another was lopped from his shoulders before he could turn around to defend himself.


    "Poo!" Corvus complained, suddenly grabbing the neck of the sword wielder and crushing his windpipe effortlessly. The knife wielder was quick to react and attempt to flee, but his life was snuffed away just as quickly by Corne, who suddenly appeared before him and ran him through.


    The three men left the bodies where they lie; they would later end up in some scavenger beasts'' stomach and returned to the students. Pike glanced briefly at the girls who apart from looking a little pale of face, seemed otherwise unharmed and glanced at the wounded boy. "How is he?"


    "We gave him a pill and the bleeding has already stopped," marvelled Sun, who was staring at the stomach wound. He could have sworn that the injury was deeper, but if that were so, a mere Blood Pill surely wouldn''t have produced such results so quickly!


    As if understanding his thoughts, Jin Li added, dismissively; "It was likely not as serious as it looked." Pike nodded in agreement.


    "Many thanks, Teachers, for your timely arrival," the girls bowed respectfully at the two older men, the girl who spoke had a voice like a chiming, glass bell, clear and delicate. It gave both men pause, even causing Corvus to glance at his older brother with puppy dog eyes.


    Corne sighed and seeing as his useless sibling had opted to make him the disciplinary, he cleared his throat and began; "This area is out of bounds for unaccompanied students during this period. All schools have been notified. Thus begs the question, what are you three doing here?"

 Chapter 147 - Hundred And Forty Seven - They make excuses

    Both of the girls, one a refined young lady with ebony black hair partially held back by a pretty hairpin with peach blossoms dangling from it and the other a buxom young woman with indigo hair and a beauty spot beneath one sapphire eye, were startled by the sudden questioning. Both of the girls wore embroidered dresses made of rare beast skins and were particularly fetching, with snowy white, clean hands and an air of elegance about them. Which made the question asked by Teacher Corne even more heightened. Why were these girls, dressed in garments more suitable for an imperial hunt than a walk in the forested mountains of the institute, wandering in an area out of bounds?


    The girls glanced at each other and lowered their heads demurely. The girl with the hair of midnight spoke on both of their behalf; "Honestly, Teacher, we were simply collecting herbs. We were unaware that this area was out of bounds for students."


    "That''s right," said the other. "We had heard that a rare ginseng had been found in this area and wished to try our luck. The herb is said to improve the healing abilities of both Blood Pills and Crimson Essence Pills. We hoped to find it."


    Teacher Corne frowned. While he couldn''t dispute such a reason, as alchemists often had a fondness for rare herbs that they would gather them despite risks or means, it was clearly unsafe in the forests about the institute. Granted, these lands were protected and wardened by the schools, but they were still somewhat untamed. First years, for he felt that seniors would not be so ignorant, especially should not wander around out here.


    "These girls," Corvus was of similar mind to his brother, but was not so kind as to let ignorance take the blame. "Granted such a herb is useful, but is it truly useful if one can''t claim or use it having lost their lives trying to obtain it?"


    The girls paled, the darker haired girl even glanced pitifully from beneath her long lashes at the tall, noble, handsome youth named Jin Li, but found that her rescuer''s attention was completely elsewhere. Honestly, she had hoped in her heart that he would come and save her from those despicable ruffians and then he had appeared... but he was still too shy to whisk her away...


    "Idris said that he knew some martial arts," the other girl was claiming while the first daydreamed, "and that he could protect us." The men felt scorn that the girl would push all blame onto the badly beaten boy and the three students were not so kind as to not let it show upon their faces. The girl became aware of their expressions and fell silent, but didn''t retract her words. It was not as if she had lied.


    Teacher Corne decided best to take the girls'' names and note which schools they were in and let their Teachers deal with their punishment. It was better first to get the beaten boy to the Healers Hall. He glanced over at his younger brother, who pouted but said; "Yes, yes." He turned to his cute apprentice and that person''s roommate. "Jin Li, would you mind carrying the boy, Idris to the Healers Hall. You''ll find it not too far from the Library, if you are not certain of the location. Meanwhile, Sun and I will escort these young ladies back to the Inner Alchemist School."


    The black haired girl, Merylin lifted her pretty face to glance at Teacher Corvus, before switching her glance toward Jin Li, who was bending down to pick up the youth. "Surely we should go with Idris and... I mean, he was hurt protecting us!" The other girl, Lyra frowned, not willing, but found the underneath of her arm pinched and she began to nod in earnest agreement.


    "Let them go," Teacher Corne had better things to do than bicker with two female students. He then considered their backgrounds with a sigh. "It is probably best that the Healers ensure that the girls have no injuries before sending them back to school."


    And so, the group split into two; Teacher Corne and his student Pike, went back to observe the herds, while Teacher Corvus sullenly lead his student, the three alchemists and that guy towards the Healer''s Hall. He later would find out that one of the older stags went berserk, leading a small percentage of the herd to stampede towards the village on their eastern border and Corne and his student were hailed with praise as they not only took the old stag down, but redirected the other beasts towards the herd. Teacher Corvus was most put out that he not only did not get to join in the fun, that he did not get to impress his own student while doing so!


    In the meantime, the students that Teacher Corvus lead arrived at the Healers Hall, to meet with others of their acquaintance.

 Chapter 148 - Hundred And Forty Eight - We reunite in the Healers Hall

    The Healers Hall was located close to the Library, but just was not so ostentatious and obvious, hence Leon had happened to pass close to it a few times and never notice it before. But in actual fact, it one were to take the bridge that connected the plateau on which the outer alchemist school lie to the small, rocky area from which one could take many bridges from and then they took the bridge that would lead eventually to the Scholar''s schools, one would find the Healers Hall on route.


    It was a building built within a mountain itself, thus it would never be obvious and the natural caverns formed within created a network of rooms, many of which even had small natural windows. The walls were cold and dry and if one was unaware, they would think that they were in a man-made building. For example, Leon, who was lying in a bed this time, waiting to take a Bone Regrowth Pill, had no idea he was within a mountain''s heart.


    Jin Li followed Teacher Corvus in, the poor boy Idris casually lying over his shoulder, unconscious still but otherwise stable. Jin Li was aware of the effectiveness of his small alchemist''s Blood Pill, so was not worried about the uncaring manner in which he held the boy. In front of him was Sun, who was taking in the sights of the Healer''s Hall, which he''d been fortunate enough so far not to see the insides of and next to him was one of the two girls... but he''d already forgotten what her name was.


    She tried to speak to him a few times, saying things such as; "You were so brave and dashing back there!" And "Were the Cloudy Spiritual Pills to your liking? Please let me know when you require more!" However, apart from grunting an acknowledgement once or twice, Jin Li kept quiet, ignoring her. Unfortunately, the girl assumed that this was because Idris was heavy and her benevolent benefactor was expending all his energies upon carrying the boy, thus he could not speak to her! She glared at the back of Teacher Corvus, who had insisted he do such a thing.


    Corvus, didn''t notice the glare; he''d suffered far worse stares of accusation over the decades, so was pretty much immune.


    The other girl, Lyra, remained silent, dragging her heels as she just wanted to go back to the school and forget this whole day ever happened!


    Corvus quickly found an empty room and indicated that once Jin Li had placed Idris on the bed that he could go, but if someone could please keep watch upon the boy while he went to find a Healer? Sun was looking forward to escaping his Master for a couple of hours, so looked to Jin Li who rose an eyebrow and crossed his arms about his chest. There was no way he planned to stick around here! Besides, the alchemist school was not too far away, he could take advantage of his proximity to it and seek out his small alchemist for a while.


    Merylin did not want to stay if Jin Li was not staying so Lyra, who was feeling very sorry for herself by this stage, was secretly pinched into submission and agreed to stay with Idris until the Teacher came back with the Healer.


    "I''ll see you later then!" Sun said brightly and fled the Hall happily.


    Jin Li rolled his eyes, before making his own way back down the corridor towards the exit. Merylin quickly stepped up to walk beside him, her heart filled with warmth and satisfaction, but soon found she had to take two steps for each one of his. "Oh, Jin Li, would you mind slowing down a little, for me?" The girl asked, demurely, reaching out to tug his sleeve as she did so.


    Only the fabric somehow evaded her grasp. "And why would this Lord need to do so?" Jin Li responded with a query of his own.


    "I..." Merylin cast her viewpoint downwards, while peering up at him through her lashes. "I don''t mean to be a burden, I cannot keep to your pace."


    "So?" The girl''s expression became one of grievances, but before she could find an answer in order to melt his icy aura, the door to the side of them was opened and they almost crashed into the large man who appeared in the door way.


    "Take care there!" The man chided, sticking out his chin decorated with a long beard as he did so.


    As always, Jin Li was quick to recognise seniority of ability and returned respectably; "My apologies, sir," cupping his hands as he bowed.


    "Jin Li?" The softly spoken name entered his sharp ears and a feeling of delight spread through his body and a smile came unbidden to his lips. Merylin''s eyes glazed as the already handsome man''s appearance increased tenfold in her heart, but the moment was broken as his expression faltered and a questioning look mixed with worry replaced it. Merylin had to ask herself why did he suddenly look panicked? Who could have caused such concern? How could she comfort him?


    She did not have a chance to answer the last one (she wasn''t too worried about answering the first ones if she could solve the last), especially as Jin Li strode quickly into the room that the older man had left from and Merylin''s eyes could only follow.


    Jin Li looked at the familiar shape of the boy lying upon the bed, his yin-yang hair falling over his shoulders and hidden beneath his back, his beautiful, large coal black eyes framed in a thin metal and enhanced by thin crystal lenses. Seeing those eyes so clearly, focused upon him and the curve of a smile upon those soft lips, Jin Li''s nose began to itch. But he also frowned.


    A number of questions flowed through his mind; was he sick? Was he hurt? Is his life in danger? But only one spilled from his mouth; "What happened to your glasses?"

 Chapter 149 - Hundred And Forty Nine - She finally gets the message?

    "Aren''t they marvellous!" Maimai had always despaired that her best friend had to suffer so due to the ugliness of his glasses; the heavy, cheap frames that held lenses so thick that his eyes could not be seen through them. However, she also understood that Leon''s background was extremely modest compared to her own and thus even these things must have caused his family much hardship to purchase, a pair such as what she had purchased him were far beyond his reach. But she knew that as humble as Leon was, he still had some pride, he would have never had let her buy a decent pair for him, so she had remained quiet. As scary as the accident had been for her, seeing him lying there hurt and unconscious, she had still taken advantage of the fact that his old glasses were now beyond repair, could not be used nor fixed. "These are the latest design, with an enchantment to adjust to and amend numerous sight deficiencies!"


    Leon removed them from his face, without thought. He had noticed that they were lighter to wear than the old pair, but of course, Maimai had put them upon his nose, so he hadn''t been aware just how different they were. Looking at them through fuzzy vision, he still could not, but he began to worry about the cost of them.


    "Put them back on," Maimai chided him, as if realising his thoughts. "They make your eyes look amazing, don''t you think, Jin Li?" She added the last words on slyly.


    "Amazing..." Jin Li said, absently, then as Leon''s pale cheeks turned a rosy shade of pink, he found himself refuting his words to cover his own embarrassment; "Well, that is to say, they couldn''t exactly look any worse."


    "Jin Li! Your n-nose!" Fortunately, Maimai experienced such mishaps often and could quickly whip out a handkerchief and offered it to him.


    Leon chuckled and earned himself a cold stare, but it didn''t last very long, nor was it brimming with ill intent.


    Feeling as if she was out of some loop, a sensation that certainly did not sit well with her, Merylin looked slightly pleadingly towards her sister, hoping for some enlightenment. She was confused.


    This boy lying upon the bed, that her beau looked kindly towards, seemed somewhat familiar and yet not at the same time. She was certain she had never seen a boy with such large eyes as his before and they seemed so much darker against the pale white jade of his youthful face. But what was with that strange hair... and it was then she recalled; Jin Li''s servant! Ah, so no wonder he was being so kind. Jin Li respected those who required respect, allowed those he deemed worthy to stay by his side and this servant, while Merylin did not consider him much, admittedly had some skill.


    "Jin Li," she said, gently and felt warm when he glanced her way, however briefly. She glanced at the plain handkerchief, now stained with blood, in his hand. It was a common token without feelings, Maimai had many, having suffered with random nosebleeds for a couple of years. She felt pity that she had not been quick to offer one of her excellently embroidered ones. If he took her favour then surely that meant... "Is your alchemist well? Being here in the Healer''s Hall, I hope it is not serious."


    It was then Jin Li''s brain-hole closed and he suddenly recalled the location in which their unexpected meeting was taking place. He sat down upon the bed as he glanced over his small alchemist. His arm was laying carefully at his side and was wrapped with hardened bandages, there was a scabbed cut of a couple of inches marring the pale skin near his ear and several smaller scratches were on his forehead. The remnants of an angry bruise could be seen below his eye, though it was mostly yellowed and healed, likely thanks to the consumption of pills.


    Jin Li''s fingers tentatively reached out to touch the wounds, his brows formed a pained frown. "What happened?"


    "It w-was an accident?" Technically, in Leon''s mind it had been. Those students hadn''t meant to hurt him, just cause him difficulties. They were paying the price, so Leon felt no need to elaborate. He just wanted to get better, he was still in a fair bit of discomfort after all. He also didn''t want to blacken Maimai''s name when she was still feeling guilty.


    Jin Li was not convinced, however. His eyes narrowed and his tone had a hint of warning. He did not like to be lied to. "You don''t sound so certain of that."


    Leon''s eyes glanced away, not able to maintain eye contact. "Well... um... never mind. I''m f-fine, so..."


    "You don''t look fine," Jin Li sneered and his gaze slid down Leon''s body. "Your arm looks broken, in fact."


    "M-my c-cauldron is in a w-worse state," Leon chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.


    Knowing his small alchemist as well as he did, Jin Li could not help but ask; "Experiment?"


    Merylin gasped, her small hand covering her mouth. What did Jin Li mean? However, this slip of tongue could be turned to her advantage, she felt. "So dangerous! We are just students! Even I, who has the fortune of studying in the inner school, would not be so brazen! Tampering with a recipe could have dire consequences!" Her pretty face held a look of worry rather than the contempt she had for the boy. Jin Li really ought to cut ties with such a foolish person.


    With a flurry of curls, Maimai shook her head and took to her feet, before chiding Merylin; "Sister, enough. Leon''s circumstances were not caused due to fault of his own." She curled her arm about her sister''s before bowing slightly in an apologetic way towards both Jin Li and Leon. "Rest well, Leon. We''ll be leaving first."


    "Maimai!" Merylin protested as she was dragged towards the door.


    "Stop making a fool of yourself, sister," Maimai hissed in the girl''s ear, before glancing back over her shoulder. Merylin could not help but follow suit.


    Jin Li''s attention was not on the leaving girls, but completely upon the boy lying upon the bed. His fingers were tracing the wounds that he had thus far found with an unsurpassed gentleness, though his eyes remained intense and his expression inpatient. Leon was completely captured by his gaze and the girls clearly did not remain in his mind either. Merylin''s heart ached, but she could not identify why and blurted out quietly;


    "What does this mean?"


    "Can''t you tell, Merylin?" Maimai replied with hints of joy. "There''s no place for you here. Now come along. You are not the only person who needs to learn a lesson." And with that, she continued to force Merylin out of the Healer''s Hall.

 Chapter 150 - Hundred And Fifty - He wants names

    The whisper of the touches over his wounds caused both hints of pain and shivers of something entirely different. His heart was beating so loudly in his chest it was as if giant drums had been erected by his ears and hit soundly. The breath within his lungs seemed trapped, but this didn''t cause him to panic. Instead, his nose felt stuffy and his eyes damp and reflecting the swelling emotions within him. This was Jin Li caressing him with such care and attention. The same Jin Li who liked to bully him with words and dominate him with actions. The same Jin Li who demanded his obedience and stole his meals. The same Jin Li who had threatened him on more than one occasion, yet whose oddly thoughtful actions made him fall for him regardless of the bad points.


    The girls had gone and the bone regrowth pill had been delivered and duly taken. A simple rice porridge with salted vegetables had also been provided and eaten and now just the two of them were alone in the room within the Healer''s Hall. Jin Li''s own emotions were mixed and he couldn''t quite identify them all, but there was definitely the stirrings of anger and the hated feeling of helplessness, which simply angered him more. He did not reveal this though, but it was quietly simmering below the surface.


    "Does it hurt?" He asked as he noticed Leon wince. Those new glasses were also a cause for those unrecognised emotions, for while the depths within those eyes could no longer be hidden from him, they also were not hidden from anyone else. It left a bitter and sour tang within his stomach that he did not care for.


    Bone regrowth pills were never taken lightly. They were not the miracle pills their name suggested, simply regrowing the bone that had been fractured or broken until it was good as new, but it was a sensation that could only be described as a sufferance of internal ''pins and needles'' that seemed without end.


    Leon did not lie; "It''s unc-comfortable."


    One of the long, slender fingers slid down the side of his face and beneath his jaw and rested firmly there, while Jin Li''s thumb completed the pinch. "You now going to explain to this Lord what actually occurred." His voice was not kind when he spoke, but as firm as his hold on Leon''s chin.


    Leon sighed; this was the usual Jin Li he knew. "S-some students were unhappy w-with m-me and sought m-mischief. Only, their p-p-prank went w-wrong. There w-was an explosion." He noticed the lines of Jin Li''s face harden and felt sparks flicker along his skin where they touched. It did not hurt, but it did cause him to gasp aloud. "J-Jin Li!"


    The martial artist loosened his grip and moved his hand away before taking a deep breath to control his storming cultivation. "I. Want. Names."


    "The T-Teachers are d-d-dealing with the c-culprits," Leon quickly stuttered as he grasped Jin Li''s arm with his good hand.


    Jin Li leaned forward until he was close enough to share breath with the boy beneath him. "Names." He demanded, quietly.


    "I d-d-don''t kn-know," Leon confessed, blushing and turning his head to one side. "They c-c-come from M-Maimai''s father''s sect and are en-n-rolled in the outer school, b-b-but I d-don''t kn-know them. Seeking r-revenge, it''s t-too t-t-troublesome."


    "Tch," Jin Li tutted, crossing his arms stubbornly about his chest. If his small alchemist thought that he feared the connection these small fry alchemists had with some sect, he was too naive. Also the sects he knew of would place their reputation above troublemakers, there was a chance that those who had hurt Leon would not be able to hide behind the sect''s name. Besides, these brats brought retribution upon themselves and Jin Li would be happy to provide it.


    "Jin Li," Leon said softly and reached out once more. Jin Li savoured the warmth of his small hand and once more marvelled over the expressive eyes no longer hidden behind a thickness of cheap glass.


    "Rest," he advised Leon. "This Lord will see you to our dwelling once the Healer''s allow it."


    Leon smiled, the curve of his lips matching the curve of his eyes and causing Jin Li''s heart to dance. "En."


    A few days later, seven students were sent home from the Ascending Mountain Institute in disgrace and bitterness. The Teachers had accepted none of their excuses and advised them that there was no point reapplying to the schools in the future. They found this difficult to accept and as they stopped off in Julip Town, they drank and complained amongst themselves as well as exaggerated truths in order to make themselves look and feel better, before decided on the web on which they would weave their excuses once they returned to the sect. Feeling smug, they left the bar to head for an inn, but were attacked, each beaten until their skin was covered in various painful bruises and each were also left with a broken arm and a single bone regrowth pill for their continued sufferance.

 Chapter 151 - Hundred And Fifty One - She is his best friend

    The sun casually scattered its light and let it fall where it will, after all, it could not be held responsible for the wide branches of tall trees that prevented the light from touching the earth beneath them. However a beam did penetrate the canopy and continued its straight path through a slight crack in the clouded window into the bedroom of a two roomed hut. And there it fell upon the shuttered lids of a girl sprawled out upon her bed in a lazy, inelegant fashion.


    The light disturbed the girl''s slumber and her eyes fluttered open to see that it truly was day and it was already late morning. With a groan, she pushed herself to a seated position upon her silk sheets and tugged at the damp curl stuck to her slightly rosey cheek with drool. Yawning, she stretched and moved to the bedside table where a sealed jug and a bowl waited for her to wash her face, so she could begin her morning. She tugged a brush through her curls and pinned it away from her face, glancing into the copper mirror as she did. Without her maids, only simple hairstyles were achievable, but she was used to this now. At least she no longer had to go to her sister''s room and brush and style her hair for her!


    After pleading with the kitchens for a little something to eat, for she had missed the breakfast service, she made her way through the woods to the west of her dwelling, heading for the hidden hut within. She managed once more to lose her way. Tapping her foot, she ran through her memories and retraced her step. Just when she thought that she would have to return to her own hut and begin her journey again, the little lean-to shed beside the hut came into view. She didn''t dwell on it too much, thus happened frequently when she travelled here.


    The scent of herbs burst through her senses as she finally stepped onto the small path surrounding the hut and made her way to the dusty courtyard in front. She had been coming here to water Leon''s garden, part of her penance, she felt, though it really wasn''t her fault that he had gotten hurt, she felt guilty nonetheless. If she had been more aware... but then who were those people to think they had a right to choose her friends and while she could have mentioned that Leon was closer to a girlfriend than a love interest, his sexuality was his own business and it was not right for her to gossip about it!


    As she neared the place where she had stored the bucket and ladle, she heard voices coming from within the hut and began to smile.


    "J-Jin Li, you d-don''t have t-to d-do that. The Healer said that m-my arm will b-b-be tender, b-but it is n-now healed."


    "That old man also said that the bone will be weak and brittle for up to a week. Or do you think that you have a miraculous constitution and can ignore his words?"


    "N-n-no, of c-course n-not!"


    "Then do as I tell you and be still. You should be honoured that this Lord is lowering himself to serve you!"


    The tingle in her nose began and warned her of an inevitable red flow and quickly she placed a handkerchief against it. However, in her flurry, she knocked over the bucket, which clattered against the ground with the ladle, making a bit of a ruckus. The door to the hut suddenly opened.


    With narrowed eyes, Jin Li stared at her with slight disdain, though Maimai simply grinned sheepishly in return. "Oh, it''s you." Despite the unpleasant tone, Jin Li wasn''t too bothered about her presence. She had earned a smidgeon of acceptance. After all, not only had she provided him with the details that Leon could not, she had even guided him to the culprits. The bone regrowth pills had come from her pocket and the idea of giving those fools such equal retribution had amused him. He had only planned to break their arms in retaliation.


    In truth, Maimai didn''t wish for her sect to cause a fuss due to Jin Li''s wrath. If the expelled students were to arrive home already in shame, but also wounded, they would at least have to give some face. Sure they could try return home broken and in pain, in order to gain sympathy, but she had already sent her father a letter regarding what had occurred, so they wouldn''t have such a free and easy time as they wished. No matter their story that came from several mouths, her daddy would always believe his little girl''s words first.


    "Who is it?" Leon called out from inside, causing Jin Li to frown and tut as he allowed Maimai entry. She was a little disappointed to see Leon sitting in lotus position upon the ground, beside a table holding two cups and a pot of tea. It simply did not live up to her imagination at all.


    "Hey Leon," she smiled anyway. She was pleased to see that he was still wearing the new glasses and Jin Li had not attempted to replace them with something else. It would be a shame to recover Leon''s expressive eyes. Especially when they altered into shimmering pools of black tea when he looked towards the man he cared for. I see the Healer''s Hall released you!" She sat down beside her friend, ignoring the dark glares coming from the third party in the room.


    "Would you like a c-cup of t-tea?" Leon asked her, before trying to scramble to his feet in order to grab a cup. A hand fell upon his shoulder along with a look that demanded complete obedience.


    "What did this Lord say?" Jin Li asked, coldly as he looked into those large, questioning eyes. Maimai shivered in delight and placed the bloodied handkerchief to her nose... just in case.

 Chapter 152 - Hundred And Fifty Two - I am not an invalid!

    There were several events that occurred in the Ascending Mountain Institute, which aided to break up the tedium that is a common theme amongst all educational institutes no matter the universe that they are set in. Four were considered fixed events, such as the Standings, but occasionally there were others. Some were set by local sects, for example and others were due to unexpected fluctuations in the space-time continuum such as dimensions opening for brief amounts of time where huge treasures could be obtained and the rarest of beasts could be hunted.


    The Five School Market Festival was not particularly fixed, usually occurring once a year, in either Spring, Summer or Autumn and was an opportunity for students to trade amongst themselves for benefits as well as showcase branch subjects.


    Branch subjects were something that Leo had mentioned in his diaries, touching briefly on the subject for other institutes, but focusing mostly upon those of the Alchemist school. The main route for an Alchemist Student naturally leaned towards becoming an Alchemist, however not every apprentice alchemist had the talent, skill set or will to become one. Thus the school offered certain students the opportunities to study a branch subject. Learning how to farm herbs was a popular choice, but there also happened to be a little known class for Medicinal Cuisine and there was a class to learn about rare herbs, where they could be found and how to dig them out of their habitat without ruining their quality. And of course, there was the minor route of the Pharmacist.


    Generally, a student was selected for two reasons; they had reached third level cultivation and thus had the ability to expand their studies or they were just a couple of years from final graduation (meaning they would be too old to continue their studies in the institute) but were not able students. These latter men and women were encouraged to focus completely on one branch subject, allowing themselves a path of survival in the future.


    Neither were hard and fast rules, for instance, Scholarly students were usually pushed into branch studies from once they reached secondary cultivation or from when they cease being first years; which ever was the latter. Being a pure scholar brought very few wealth or success, so it was better to focus on just a few subjects. Healers often came from this school, as did Merchants. But also Scholarly subjects often overlapped with the other schools, so there were many paths for a Scholar Apprentice to take, making it fairly popular in its own right.


    Leon was considered an ''average'' student, despite the talent some eagle eyes had caught, thus in case his path was hindered in the future by well meaning individuals, Teacher Sagi had taken it upon himself to further Leon''s studies in the branch subject of Herb Cultivation. Leon was not aware of this, but if he was, he likely would have chosen to study this as it furthered his and Leo''s interest in pill experimentation anyway.


    Jin Li was of third stage cultivation, but was not given the opportunity of branch studies as he was still a First Year and ordinarily, a First Year should concentrate on the main subject of the school as well as Cultivation. But even given the choice, a child brought up to solely focus upon Martial Arts until it was the core of his entire being, likely would scoff at such opportunities and continue upon his narrow path as if it were an obsession.


    This year''s Five School Market Festival was planned for the next full moon as the Scholar Students in charge of the Festival this year had decided that this would be a marvellous setting, with the air of something mysterious and yet romantic all at once! Let''s not say what other students thought about this idea; it was recorded in the annuals that other student groups had had worse ideas. A Hundred years ago, the Martial Artist Students in charge had chosen to hold it in a labyrinth of caves that happened to be the habitat of Greater Whiskered Arachnids. Granting, this spider was not poisonous, but the thing still had eight hairy legs and eight beady eyes and was the size of a grown man''s hand. It had not made for a popular festival.


    The Festival was open to all, but only seniors could manage stalls. Thus should he choose too, Leon was able to set up a stall and trade his pills, herbs or even his woodworks. Even though there was nothing in the curriculum for carving wood products, there were no rules against it. Technically for both body and mind, this would be his first Festival, as Leo had been in ''closed cultivation'' (he was holed up making weird pills) last year and the year before and Leon had only arrived in this world a few months ago.


    However, he had time to consider whether to set up a stall or window shop for the full moon was a couple of ten-days away. In the meantime, he had to convince Jin Li that he was not an invalid and could go to town. He still hadn''t had his experimental pills evaluated yet!

 Chapter 153 - Hundred And Fifty Three - I still want to go into town

    "J-Jin Li, I want t-to g-go into t-town."


    When these words were spoken, the martial artist''s eyes darkened and his chopsticks paused above the bowl of spiced cabbage. However, this hesitation did not last more than a breath and the delicately carved chopsticks that would not have appeared out of place upon an influential table (at least were they made of something other than cheap wood), dove into the leafy vegetables.


    "No," came his answer as the lightly stir fried cabbage and chilli mix was placed close to the mouth. "You are not at full health and will only aggravate your injury." There was another pause as manners insisted upon silence until the mouthful of food was swallowed. Leon was aggrieved, but could only wait.


    "B-But, Jin Li, it''s b-b-been a week since I t-took the B-Bone Regrowth p-pill..." he began his protest, but was interrupted rudely.


    "Are you disputing this Lord?" This time his chopsticks held a small dumpling which had been dipped into salty, rich sauce.


    Leon shook his head; "N-No, of course n-not." He sighed inwardly, knowing he''d already admitted defeat before the battle had even begun.


    "Then eat," Jin Li emphasised his instruction by pressing forward his chopsticks close towards Leon''s mouth.


    "You kn-know," Leon murmured, quietly as he could no longer ignore the stares of others in the Food Hall around him. "You d-don''t have t-to f-feed m-me though.... I c-can d-do it! Aren''t you hungry?"


    Jin Li''s eye''s narrowed as he pressed the cooled dumpling against Leon''s lips. "If you know this, then cease your futile arguments and eat more quickly, so that once you are done, this Lord can eat as well." Leon flushed red, his lips parting as Jin Li fed him another mouthful of food.


    The silent observers felt that their world views had become warped into something unrecognisable and many appeared to have even lost the ability to translate what their eyes were seeing into coherent thought. Wasn''t Leon in an envious relationship with their Lotus Maimai? So why was he acting all coy with that Martial Artist and even being fed by him? Was Leon cheating? With a man? Their eyes all glanced at Maimai, who was also staring at the men and their public displays of affection, but unlike them, she was beaming brightly, with a smile upon her face that made her even more stunning to behold. With that sight in mind, they all could not help but draw a complete blank and wonder what exactly was it that was occurring here?


    *****


    "C-Can I g-go into t-town t-t-tomorrow?" Leon was feeling a little breathless when he asked this, tumbling over his words as he gasped. Jin Li shadowed him with a frown.


    "Why are you so insistent?" He asked, slightly irritated. "This Lord has already told you that it is too soon."


    "I wanted t-to t-take my p-pills to b-be evaluated," Leon replied, honestly.


    Jin Li glanced at the small jade bottles lined up upon one shelf. Admittedly, he had been a little intrigued to know how Leon''s pills had changed in statistics. He could tell that their fragrance and appearance was different to the norm, but nothing else. Still... "No. Each time this Lord lets you out of his sight, I find that you have attracted trouble."


    "That''s n-n-not entirely t-true..." Leon denied, but was quickly cut off.


    "Oh," his Martial Artist''s brow rose in question. "Then when this Lord was acclimatising to the school, who was about to be ruined and suppressed by a fat fool and his subservients? And slipping away for a moment, who found himself at the mercy of a lustful student? Becoming victim to unpleasant types, losing your glasses not once but twice... Not to mention the trouble you invite in front of this Lord as well! Give me one good reason why I should not lock you away?" Alright, Leon had to admit that this was somewhat true, but was that to say his luck was worse than other people''s?


    Thus Leon attempted a different route to obtain what he wanted, using Jin Li''s love of food as a guide. "Um, well, I d-don''t kn-know... I thought you would c-come with m-me to t-town anyway and afterwards... m-m-maybe we c-could find someplace n-nice to eat a m-meal t-t-t-together..." He blushed suddenly in realisation. Wasn''t this like asking for a date?


    "Fine, this Lord will allow it," Jin Li''s words did not indicate whether he picked up on Leon''s slip of tongue. "But you are not to step out of my sight."


    "En," Leon agreed and seeing as the subject of conversation was settled, found his mouth and lips once more preoccupied as Jin Li continued his nightly ritual of stealing his breath with his obsessive kissing. Not that Leon enjoyed it any less, but the consequences... just as always, Leon felt something very firm press against his thigh. "Um. J-Jin Li," Leon murmured in between kisses, swallowing his nerves as he boldly asked; "W-Would you l-like m-m-me t-to help you d-d-deal with... that..."


    "What?"


    "You kn-know... that..." Leon lifted his leg a little, as much as one could when their body was caged beneath another, anyway, indicating to what he was referring to.


    It may have been the dim light fooling his eyes, but Leon thought that Jin Li seemed a little red of face. "No need," Jin Li replied, almost coldly. "This Lord knows techniques to suppress it." What? Techniques? "Pay it no mind. Now sleep."


    It took a while for Leon to close his eyes after Jin Li curled about him to do just that, unable to comprehend what he had just heard.

 Chapter 154 - Hundred And Fifty Four - I visit a pill shop in New Julip Town

    There were two pill shops in New Julip Town, from which cultivators had the option of purchasing pills.


    One was called the Heavenly Pill Pavilion and was owned by the Heaven Arts Medicinal Sect. The building was three tiers in height. Common pills and those required for cultivators of the low stages could be purchased from the ground floor curtesy one of the many polite servers. The second floor had small rooms available for cultivators wishing to purchase pills privately, usually these buyers were wealthy and wanted either rare or a large number of pills. And the third floor was reserved for elite members, who could drink tea as managers tempted them with very rare and very expensive pills. It should be noted that not one of the pills sold here was less than high quality.


    Heaven Pill Pavilions were usually located in cities or key towns. New Julip was one of those towns due to its close proximity to the Ascending Mountain Institute. While the Pavilion was by no means under the impression that students would purchase their valuable wares, did not mean that the wealthy parents of a good percentage of those students would not.


    Although potions could also be purchased here, it was looked down upon; the Heaven Arts Medicinal Sect felt that potions were uncouth and inelegant and had attempted for centuries to alter the recipe of Purification Potions in order to produce them in pill form. They had not yet been successful.


    In contrast, the other pill shop was a little bit like a chemist and beauty wares type shop from Leon''s previous world, he felt. As one walked in, there were small tables holding pink jade pill bottles holding, what the label claimed were Ageless Pills. They were on sale due to being poor to average quality. Close by, there were small clay pots containing ''Still Waters Lotion'' which was able to ''whiten skin'' and ''Peach Blossom Balm'' able to ''cleanse skin''.


    To the other side were common healing One Heart Pills and potions meant for soothing burns or healing frost bite. Further in, pills for combat, defence and cultivation were located. None were particularly eye-catching, that would be a fool who placed valuable pills and potions in easy to reach places, tempting idle fingers. Sure enough, towards the back was a counter and behind that, a chalkboard was upon the wall declaring what few rarer pills could be purchased and their prices.


    The contrast between the two shops was like heaven and earth, but such didn''t matter to Leon, for he was not here to look around this shop, he wanted to speak to its owner.


    "Aiya! I''m so sorry for keepin'' you waiting!" A petite woman with blue-black hair appeared from one corner, holding a crate that looked too big for her, but peering around it as if it were no bother regardless. She placed it upon the counter and gave the two youths a broad smile. Her eyes crinkled slightly at the corners as they shaped half-moons. "What can I get for you?"


    Much like the Martial Artist women of Jin Li''s school, this woman was wearing a two piece outfit of trousers and tunic. In her case, the silk was cut straight and close to the leg, rather than of flared or wide leg fashion that Leon had seen before. Her tunic top was buttoned with pretty knots at the neck and swept down over her body until it reached her knees, but had splits that rose to the upper thigh upon either side. The whole ivory ensemble was embroidered with peonies and butterflies, yet edged with black making it seem less soft and more bold.


    Jin Li felt that Leon was looking at the woman a little two much and pinched his waist, causing Leon''s eyes to fill with water, slightly aggrieved.


    "We are here t-t-to see M-Mr Ursam," Leon said, a soft questioning note to his voice as he was wondering if they had mistakenly wandered into the wrong shop.


    "What did you want to see tha'' pervert for?" The woman''s tone altered from polite to ridiculing without hesitation and then as if she didn''t care either way, she began unloading the crate of its contents. It was some sort of potion, this time in jade jars.


    "Wife!" Came a whining complaint before Leon could state their purpose, now assured that this was the right shop. "You are so mean to me!"


    "Well, who was it that purchased all of these inferior Serene Milk salts?" She replied, with both anger and resignation in her voice. "I can barely sell that fool''s ageless pills and that is at a loss!"


    "But, he was desperate," Ursam appeared and wrapped himself around the woman, completely oblivious to the fact that there were witnesses, his hands wandering over the curves of her body. "His old grandmother needed money for medicine." She slapped his hands and elbowed him in the ribs.


    "His old grandmother be kickin'' up daisies for close to five years!" She informed him. "Just as his cousin be a wedded wife with six little children, so what would she be needin'' with dowry money? That old fool be spending our hard earned coin at whiche''er pub will let him through the door! Purchase something from tha'' drunk''s hands agin and I''ll crush what''s most precious to ya!"


    Ursam visibly winced. "You wouldn''t...?"


    His wife''s eyes narrowed. "Try me." His wandering hands stopped wandering and he gave a sigh and offered her a wounded look like a kicked puppy, which she ignored. "Now go see to our customers, they be wantin'' to talk to you about somethin''."


    The old Cultivator glanced up, suddenly noticing the two youths for the first time and a wicked grin split his face in two as he recalled just where he had seen the pair before. He''d had his suspicions then, but seeing as how the taller one hovered extremely closely to the smaller one, he believed he''d been right about them. And seeing those terribly large and naive eyes no longer hidden behind inch thick glasses, he could see just why the other was glaring at him as if looks could kill. Hoo hoo, this was likely going to be fun!

 Chapter 155 - Hundred And Fifty Five - My experiments produced something new

    Ursam''s smile did not shrink a tad as he asked; "So what brings you gentlemen to my humble establishment? More pills to sell?"


    At these words, the man''s long suffering wife straightened her spine and shot Ursam a warning glance. It was very clear to her that these young men were students. Not that there was anything wrong with that, as it happened, the students of the institute were amongst their best customers seeing as their prices were more affordable to the general populace than say if one were to purchase from the Heavenly Pill Pavilion. But students often came here trying to sell their pills and frankly, most were not worth the herbs used to produce them. If it were up to her, no student made pills would ever grace her shelves. Unfortunately, Ursam tended to purchase things on a whim...


    "Er.. well... n-not exactly," Leon stuttered, suddenly nervous of the cold aura of the woman. He had hoped to indeed sell the pills if they were worth selling, but he didn''t want to make Ursam''s wife unhappy. Didn''t Mr Clawse say that the woman was an ordinary person, unable to cultivate? Then why was he terrified of her right now? "M-Mr Clawse said that I c-can have p-pills evaluated here?"


    The cool aura retracted a little and Ursam looked at his wife fondly before beckoning the young men to the side room. Watching the boys follow her husband, the woman looked thoughtful for a moment before decisively deciding to close the shop for a short while. She just did not trust that man of hers...


    Leon and Jin Li were seated upon stools opposite Ursam, whose face-splitting grin returned the moment he noticed that Jin Li''s stool had been ''stealthily'' moved closer to the small alchemist. Not that Ursam could blame him for this protective streak that seemed to have surfaced since he had first met these boys. Young Leon was quite the cutie. Those large black, innocent eyes were frankly dangerous.


    "So, what would you like me to evaluate?" Ursam asked, curiously. Had the small alchemist found out about one of the other tricks of his trade? He''d been delightfully surprised to find that the youth had already figured out about the quality of Purple Spirit Grass. Perhaps this time, it was the Songmist moss secrets...


    He looked on as Leon produced several jade bottles... nine in face and his eyes widened as he noticed pills that seemed unfamiliar amongst them. He unstoppered the bottle holding deep burgundy pills and sniffed the herbal aroma emanating from them. A frown marred his forehead and he poured one of the pills into his palm. "This smells like a Burning Energy Pill, but... did you alter the recipe?"


    "N-not really," Leon replied, carefully thinking about his words. "It c-contains the same ingr...ingr... things as a n-n-normal b-Burning energy p-pill. As d-does this one." He pushed forward the jade bottle with vivid scarlet pills in its hold. Ursam popped the burgundy pill into its bottle before opening the other. It''s scent was what he expected, but somehow more potent.


    "He he," Ursam suddenly chuckled and shook his head, before leaping to his feet and running off into another room attached to this. He returned with a small golden device in his hand. It was about the size of Ursam''s large fist, a tiny yellow jade cup sitting upon a platform of gold. Only when Ursam placed the small thing upon the table did Leon notice the intricate carvings on the inside of the cup. "You''ve probably not seen one of these things before; most alchemists don''t use them, they claim that they are ''unreliable''. Actually, they are just really, really expensive! I happened to find one in a flea market a few centuries ago. The original owner didn''t even realise what he had! This will reveal the secrets of your pills! Ah I don''t mean how you made them, by the way, so I can''t steal the method. It just lets me know what they can do."


    And as he said these words, he popped a burgundy pill into it.


    Alchemists did not like this device, for in their opinion, it was no better than the nose of a qualified alchemist and this was generally true. A qualified alchemist would be able to take Leon''s ordinary Burning energy pills and declare that the pill was of average quality, that it could raise a primary cultivator''s combat ability to that of a secondary level Cultivator for a temporary couple minutes, but would cause the Cultivator weakness afterwards. They could also add that the impurities within were about 30%. But a qualified alchemist would likely say something similar about the burgundy pill and the scarlet pill; Burning Energy Pills usually varied in redden shades, though never as extremely.


    Ursam would have thought those insufferable alchemists were just covering their own ignorant butts.


    The little device sent the information through Ursam''s fingertips using his internal spirit as a medium, and thus the information he sought appeared in his mind. "This little pill is not as good at raising the combative ability of a primary Cultivator as a Burning Energy Pill, probably at best peak stage, but the effect would be longer, probably closer to ten minutes and the resultant weakened state would be greatly reduced." Ursam grinned. What an amazing thing!


    Excitedly, he grabbed the scarlet pill and popped it into the cup after removing the other. He sent his energies into the golden device and felt it circulate the carved circuits before returning to his mind with enlightenment. "And this one will gift the consumer with a blast of ability for a few seconds, but it would be as if the Cultivator was peak secondary, perhaps even half-step into tertiary. However, it''s cost is greater, the cultivator might even faint from exhaustion!"


    "Oh," Leon sounded a little down hearted. One didn''t provide the ability of a normal Burning energy pill and the other had an even more serious backlash. Didn''t that make these experiments a failure? But then why was Jin Li smiling at him, an almost proud expression within his eyes? And why was Ursam laughing?


    "My boy, do you have any idea about what you have done?" The (former) Martial Artist was slapping his thigh gleefully. "While they are not new pills, they certainly are acceptable variations!"


    "B-b-but I thought that they were n-no g-good," Leon said, slightly confused.


    "Are you kidding me??" Ursam bellowed, his grin revealing all of his white teeth. "Who wouldn''t want a bit more strength without the flaw of feeling weak? Who wouldn''t want a blast of energy at a crucial moment, potentially saving their lives, even if it meant collapsing afterwards? These pills are marvellous!"

 Chapter 156 - Hundred And Fifty Six - We discuss plans over tea

    The two variant pills were tentatively named the Smouldering Energy Pill and the Erupting Energy Pill. The prototypes were naturally of interest to Ursam, he even felt that the best place to sell these new pills might not be his shop, but the Treasure Pavilion Auction House. However, there were concerns that the impurities within them were too high and that might cause a low profit or worse, lack of interest. Thus the first thing was to lower these, which was within Leon''s capabilities; these pills contained Purple Spirit grass from the school which could be substituted for a better quality of grass and he had also used no sunsweet clover which was known to reduce impurities.


    But before Ursam could discuss terms with Leon, he realised that Leon had not finished surprising him yet. There were six other jade bottles before him. These contained the clear spiritual pill and variants and the Cloudy spiritual pills and their variants. The variations were not as exciting nor as dramatic as those of the Burning Energy Pills. The first variant was filled with gentle, pure energy that was also low in impurities, but the quantities were smaller than the standard pills. The other was filled with spiritual energy, but it was raw and potentially harmful to the meridians. Ursam felt that if Leon had the ability to refine the latter further, the improved pill would storm the market, much like the mysterious improved Blood Pills that Pharmacist Clawse had managed to obtain. It seemed that Ursam was not aware that Leon was responsible for those.


    Leon said he would think over it more and discussions moved back to the Energy Pills. "Seeing as you have made changes to Cloudy Spiritual Pills," Ursam grinned and leaned forward as he spoke, "What are the chances of making variant Burning Blood Pills?"


    Leon hadn''t actually practiced making the standard Burning Blood Pill, but if he recalled, the main ingredient was still Mothtail leaves, thus altering them just as he had with Burning Energy Pills shouldn''t be too difficult in the long run. But he would need to learn and practice making the original first. "I th-think it is p-p-possible," Leon replied, his heading nodding as he spoke.


    His hands were grabbed by Ursam. "Adorable and talented! I like you!" The man teased, his eyes slyly sliding over to watch Jin Li''s face turn rather sour. However, before the youth could physically express his displeasure, a black slippered foot squashed Ursam''s nose flat and pushed him backwards.


    Ursam''s wife, Lia, stood in front of them, balanced upon her other foot and holding a tray with cups and a pot of tea. "My apologies," the woman smiled warmly at the two youths as she placed her foot back onto the ground and then placed the tray upon the table. "I''m all ou'' of honey, so I hope you don'' mind your tea plain."


    "N-no, it''s fine," Leon reassured her, taking the offered beverage.


    "Thank you," Jin Li said politely.


    Ursam counted the available cups. "Wife, where is mine?" He asked with a pouting whine.


    "You know where the kitchen is," she told him bluntly, as she sat upon a free stool. He rose from his seat, grumbling and went to grab himself a cup. "Please excuse my husband, he was born with tha'' condition."


    "Wife, what are you saying?!" Ursam asked with a yell. A cultivator''s hearing was much more developed than a normal person''s and he could easily hear every word she said.


    "I''m sayin'' tha'' you are a hopeless pervert," she replied, sipping her tea. "Don'' you think I''ve forgotten how you were chasing after my brother when we happened to meet. Yellin'' to him about wantin'' to dual cultivate in front of our siblings an'' everythin''!"


    "Ah yes," Ursam mused as he returned to the room, cup in hand. "Seeing you charge fearlessly up to me with a plank of wood in hand and fury in your eyes, I fell for you completely." He sighed with a blissful expression as he rejoined them. Leon and Jin Li couldn''t help but share a glance. "Ah yes, Wife, you probably know better than me, when is the next Grand Auction? I am thinking that Leon ought to showcase his pills there."


    Her eyebrows rose as she both questioned her husband''s words as well as thought them over. "I believe tha'' would be in about a moon. Four ten days from now."


    "After the Five School Market Festival," Jin Li mused aloud.


    Ursam chuckled. "Well that''s to be expected!" He informed them. "Several of the artefacts traded for amongst students will likely end up at the Treasure Pavilion."


    "I d-don''t understand," Leon''s head tilted slightly to one side as he looked at Jin Li, who had nodded in agreement of Ursam''s words.


    "Not all students seek money for their wares," Ursam told him, "just as not all students can sell what they make. That and if there is inventory left over the students that made the things might seek to dispose of them. Are you two going to participate in the Festival?"


    "This Lord is a First year," Jin Li admitted, but in truth, he wouldn''t have bothered. It might be interesting to see what was available to buy, but as it was all in trade, he would need things to trade in turn. That seemed like much wasted effort to him.


    "I d-don''t kn-know yet," Leon hadn''t thought about it much, but he had been approached by his Master''s other apprentices. Teacher Sagi usually encouraged his students to create a stall together, so the likelihood of Leon participating was high.


    "Well," Ursam said as he reached for the teapot, "I probably don''t need to tell you to avoid trading with the variant pills!"


    "I won''t," Leon promised. Ursam grinned, more and more pleased with this cute alchemist, after all who didn''t like good-looking and obedient things, even if they could only be business partners in the long run? He tipped up the teapot to pour the hot, flavourful liquid into his cup, only to find it empty. Ursam sighed and looked pitifully at his wife, whose only response was to say;


    "Don'' look at me."


    With another pout of a long ''suffering'' husband, he shuffled once more into the kitchen, to brew a fresh pot.

 Chapter 157 - Hundred And Fifty Seven - I want to make Burning Blood Pills

    As the two youths left the small pill shop, Jin Li couldn''t help but turn back and ask of Lia; "Why did you marry the likes of him?" After all, this man had originally wanted her brother.


    Lia smiled and replied honestly; "He pursued me with gifts and the like for close t'' two years. But it was likely when he said he would give up cultivatin'' to live a mortal''s life with me tha'' did it. Who wouldn'' have their head turned by a man who promised to give up on immortality for them?"


    Jin Li thought about this for a moment and gave the woman a curt nod. It was quite the sacrifice. Would he ever consider sacrificing so much for his small alchemist? His eyes unknowingly softened as Leon glanced up at him with his large black eyes, twinkling in the light of the sun and wondered about this for a moment, before both youths bid Lia farewell.


    *****


    When they arrived back at the small hut much later, for they had ended up spending a whole silver on a delicious, hearty and very large meal (around 80% of which fell into Jin Li''s stomach), Sun was waiting with them with instructions from the Martial Arts school; it was time for Jin Li to return. Sun''s Master had covered for him enough and was unable to stretch the time of his absence any longer. Jin Li did not like this, but had no ability to refute. It was with ground teeth that he followed Sun back to the school, but not before turning his small alchemist to breathless mush with a sneaky, devouring kiss.


    Leon could only pant with a bit of heartache and some relief as he watched his Martial Artist disappear into the distance.


    And the following day, he also returned to school.


    Teacher Sagi welcomed him back and naturally asked after his health. Leon moved his arm freely. "It''s fine n-now," he reassured his Teacher.


    The man sighed with some relief and smiled, warmly. "I hadn''t any plans for you today," he admitted, after all, the explosion had been quite the shock and many an alchemist student wavered before a cauldron in the aftermath of similar accidents. But although this incident was one caused not by Leon''s making, it was a fact that explosions and alchemy went hand in hand. If a budding alchemist was of weak resolve, such set backs could make them question their path and many would give up the craft completely.


    "That''s alright," Leon replied and thought about his discussions with Ursam from the day before. "I want t-to try m-m-make B-Burning B-Blood Pills."


    Teacher Sagi''s smile widened and the weight of uncertainty fell from his shoulders. "Good," he said with a slight sigh. "That is good. Come, gather the ingredients with me and a new cauldron."


    Burning Blood Pills had similar effects of their lesser cousin Burning Energy Pills, but were for Cultivators of the Second and Third Stage. They could catapult a Cultivator into having an ability of a freshly broken through Fourth Stage Cultivator at best, or half-step toward at worst. This was a great boost for combative Cultivators and Leon was hoping that variants could be made like the Burning Energy Pills. However as difficult as Leon had originally found making Cloudy Spiritual Pills, it was said (by fellow students) that making Burning Blood Pills was even harder.


    This in part, might be due to the number of ingredients. Cloudy Spiritual Pills required five herbs in order to make them as well as many steps to focus upon in their creation. Burning Blood Pills required seven herbs and some of these required their own refining treatment before the steps of the pill itself could be followed. Honeyvine, Mothtail, Cloud Fern and Weasel Bane were all common herbs and could be dug up from the charmed fields located behind the Herb Hall. Salamander''s breath poppies and Rusted Thyme-wort were uncommon plants and could be found in protected gardens, close to Teacher Sagi''s home. Songmist moss could also be found here.


    Just like the entrance to the fields, the entrance to the gardens were through an archway that only allowed those with permission to walk through. Those with permission had to walk through the fields first. The gardens were split into five spaces, each space corresponding to an element that the herbs could be considered as closest too. For example, herbs in the area with rich, dark soil was the area of Earth and the area with ponds and moving water both shallow and deep and both hot and icy cold, was the zone of water. Fire was linked with a dusty environment of sand and even an enchanted area bubbling with hot molten lava, its solidified outer earth nurturing a few strange looking herbs. For the element of Wood, the untamed land filled with trees and herbs that would not look out of place in the wilder forests close to Leon''s home dwelled. And perhaps strangely or not so, in the area of metal, the area was sparse and filled with sizeable rocks, with herbs growing within the cracks of them. While this seemed at first glance to be as much of Earth as the one originally pointed out, Teacher Sagi explained that these rocks and the soil was filled with metallic minerals, that the few herbs needed and thrived in.


    Rusted Thyme-wort was one of these and not so strangely, Salamander''s breath poppies were to be found in the area of fire. And though it was considered a common herb, Songmist Moss was grown in the area of Wood. It was not so much that it was associated with the element (most common herbs had no such association growing as and where they will), but Songmist Moss had the unusualness that it was a parasitic herb and grew upon established trees, though it never stretched further than the lowest branch.


    Leon and his Teacher collected all of these things, with Teacher Sagi expressing all of his knowledge about the various herbs as they did, before they made their way to the Herb Hall to find Leon a new cauldron.

 Chapter 158 - Hundred And Fifty Eight - I have two brothers

    Leon had two brothers. These young men were not actually Leon''s blood related brothers, they were Teacher Sagi''s older apprentices that were still in school. Technically, if one was to consider all of Teacher Sagi''s former apprentices as Leon''s brothers, the youth would have found himself the youngest of a family of around forty. However, those men and women had moved on.


    The oldest of Leon''s two brothers was named Stygar and was a pale skinned man of about twenty four with eyes that were deep set and surrounded by hints of shadows. His hair was long and lifeless and draped partially over his face. He was also quite skinny. He was about a head shorter than Hue, who towered over both his brothers and was broad of shoulder. In fact, he could be easily mistaken as a martial artist at first glance, but he moved as slowly as he thought, so that impression would fade quite rapidly.


    Leon had met both before, though they only ever spoke a few words between them, one being gloomy, one being slow and one being somewhat shy. However, both Stygar and Hue were at the Herb Hall when Leon entered with three jade bottles of Burning Blood Pills in hand.


    In truth, these fifteen pills Leon had been hard pressed to make. The Cloud Fern and SongMist Moss had to be refined into a tea, the Salamander''s Breath had to be divided into chopped stalk and their separated petals and the Rusted Thyme-wort needed to be dried out and crushed into a powder. Then the remaining ingredients were dissolved in the cauldron upon an extremely high heat and before they burned, the tea and poppy petals were added and the cauldron''s fire had to quieten to ensure the pot merely simmered. Then and only then could the powder be added to begin the mixtures thickening and lastly as it did so, the stalks were thrown in to dissolve and spiritual energy would then help form the marbled orange pills.


    However, Leon quickly realised the trickiness of each step, for that moment in which the tea should be added was but a heartbeat long and twice Leon failed to proceed onward. The first time, the burning scent indicated he''d lost the herbs already and the second time was when the tea exploded the moment it touched the bottom of the cauldron, causing a mess all over his stove and somewhat down him. Fortunately, the tea was lukewarm at that time.


    And then there was the powder which if was not fine enough, simply created a clumpy mixture in the cauldron and the contents could not be saved. The other time he failed was completely his own mistake as he forgot to add the stalks at the end, so produced pills that crumbled when he tried to remove them from the cauldron. Leon lost more than half of his ingredients until he managed to get the hang of the pill and as was the nature of the small alchemist, once he had the method firmly in his grasp, he had no more issues churning out pill after pill until he ran out of ingredients.


    Thus he had come to Herb Hall to get more and hopefully test whether the he could create variants or whether, as he suspected, he would need to do more to the pill due to the fact it had many more ingredients than a Burning Energy Pill; the Mothtails could not be considered its primary base in this case.


    As they saw him, his senior brothers beckoned him over. "Hue and I are going to set up a stall at the festival," Stygar informed him. "It''s your choice if you join us, you don''t have to bother."


    "It''s n-n-no b-bother," Leon mentioned. He knew his Master wished for him to do this, he had already hinted so. "What will you t-t-trade?"


    "Pills," Hue said simply. Hue was a pure, but uninventive alchemist. He would reproduce pills to a good or high quality without difficulties, he could quote any of the ingredients and methods of pill refinement that he knew of without fail, but he could only focus on this one path. Adding to his knowledge of pills with things like horticulture or medicinal cooking would just confuse him. That said, his pills were in some demand as he very rarely failed to produce what he was asked for.


    "And rare potted herbs," Stygar added. He was studying the additional path of farming herbs and had cleverly found ways to raise a few herbs that needed stringent conditions. These were his babies, thus he would be unlikely to part with them, but that did not mean he had no seedlings of less precious herbs to trade with.


    "I d-d-don''t have any rare h-herbs," Leon pondered, although he supposed raising the five blossom daisies to it''s fourth flowering was already quite rare. However, if he tried to dig one up, who knew if it would survive the trauma to flower for the fifth and last time. "I can pr-pr-pr... make some p-pills and p-p-potions, b-but m-mostly healing ones."


    "That''s good," Hue said, but didn''t elaborate, leaving that task to his smaller, older brother.


    "What he means is that healing pills are always welcome at festivals," Stygar said, "though you might not get much for them." Leon indicated that he understood. "The Festival is in two weeks, so there''s not much time left."


    "Our home is there," Hue''s conversational leap had both men pausing for a moment and Leon followed the length of his pointing finger to note he was pointing at a large hut, that could be seen barely from the window, standing between two large evergreens.


    "Oh, I guess you can visit," Stygar said, figuring out what his large brother wanted to say, "if you really need any help or anything."


    "You share a p-place?" Leon asked curiously.


    "Yeah," came the reply, but there was nothing else added. The two older brothers then gathered their herbs and went on their way. Leon proceeded to change his pills for herbs, but decided to get bundles in order to make Blood Pills and Still Mind Pills. Then he thought about it a bit more and asked for herbs for certain healing tonics and balms, namely ones he''d seen in Ursam''s shop and become curious about. He believed that in this school, they would definitely be sought after.

 Chapter 159 - Hundred And Fifty Nine - We are preparing for the Festival

    Thus Leon had, once again, a full schedule with preparing pills and potions for the Festival, for Ursam and a few also for Pharmacist Clawse. Fortunately, as Teacher Sagi had heard that Leon was planning on joining his brothers in setting up a stall at the Festival, he was lenient and allowed him a break from his studies in order to prepare.


    "I am looking forward to seeing what you boys prepare this year," he smiled fondly at his three students.


    Leon quickly prepared many improved One Heart Pills and improved Blood Pills, before creating his new Smouldering and Erupting Energy Pills. He made a few attempts at creating a variant Burning Blood Pill, but it was as he suspected and no matter whether he used red petal or green leaf of the Mothtail herb, the pills turned out much the same. He needed to consider it some more. But he felt that this could wait for now.


    With these jade bottles ready for the pharmacist and for the pill merchant as well as the bottles of standard healing pills that he had created for the Festival, he looked over the large spread and felt that they were a bit dull to look at. Coming from a land where visual appeal was as important as quality and price, he couldn''t help but feel that when looking at these bottles, there was no real appeal.


    Of course, this didn''t matter to Clawse, who sold pills by prescription and Ursam, who wished to sell his pills at Auction. But at the Festival, surely his bottled pills would be amongst thousands of other bottled pills and as his pills tended to be of average quality and of more common product, there was little to entice people to come trade with him. But it was not as if it was worth wasting silver on fancy bottles...


    His eyes fell upon the remnants of a piece he recently carved...


    In the meantime, first year students from the Martial Arts school and Beast Tamer''s school were pressed into service as the Scholars school wanted a few specific things in the name of decor. Amongst those things happened to be luminescent bugs. Naturally Corvus thought that it would be an excellent experience for his small apprentice... and the other one too!


    Sun was less than impressed. "I hate bugs," he complained bitterly as he leapt in amongst the wide spread branches of the black trees emerging from the boggy mud beneath them. "Why do the Scholars school need them?" As if in counter-complaint, a swarm of flies flew upward and through the tree limbs currently holding the boy. His arms automatically shielded his face as he stepped back, unstable. Jin Li generously grabbed him by the sleeve, less he take a dip in the thick murk bubbling beneath the tree''s roots.


    Corvus laughed as if Sun''s words were a huge jest. "Look!" He said, cheerfully, "A Silver-horned Swamp Beetle! You know, they make effective flying mounts for those unable to wield their swords."


    The giant carapace of the midnight insect split open and four thin, translucent wings unfurled. It''s six, spindly legs bent, before straightening suddenly, its momentum in leap launching it skyward and the huge beetle flew above the tree line and out of sight. Sun shuddered, visibly. "I think I''ll pass." Jin Li was in firm agreement.


    The two reluctant youths and one enthusiastic Teacher were currently trailing through the Cold Mires, a strange swamp land that happened to be located within the high mountains. There was no warm fog nor warm, stagnant waters here. The mist lingering around the bases of trees was cold, leaving droplets of icy moisture upon their skins. The pools of water trapped within rock and thick mud had ice floating within them. Where the mud bubbled was somewhat warm, as if lurking deep below the bog there was a hidden hotspring or well, but the eggy smell of sulphur came hand in hand, thus no one was willing to try to tap this resource.


    As cold and unpleasant as this place was, it was home to the Winter Firefly and like its small and harmless cousin of the southern marshes, it was a beetle that could glow in the dead of night. But naturally, being a spiritual beast, it was not so simple. Its light was that of coldfire, which while it would not suffer from this anyone who threatened it would. If it was of an evolved stage, it could even freeze the area of up to a metre in radius with it as the centre.


    However, the bug, which was about the size of a thumb joint, was nocturnal and therefore the best time to capture it was during the day. Unfortunately, it was the most difficult time to locate it as well.


    A blue harpy flew over their heads, flapping its long feathered wings twice before diving towards an icy pool surrounded by frost marked ferns. The three men leapt after it and watched it circle about a pock-marked outcrop of leaves. Corvus tossed globe-shaped clear jade bottles and chopsticks towards the two students with a grin. "Hop to it!"


    Sun groaned while Jin Li considered his options with narrowed eyes before both succumbed to their fates.

 Chapter 160 - Hundred And Sixty - The Five School Market Festival begins

    The location that the Scholars school had selected for the Five School Market Festival was named ''Silent Mountain''s Hidden Vale.'' The name was actually meaningful if one cared to look into it, for the Silent Mountain was actually a long dormant volcano and the Hidden Vale was the sheltered eco-System that had developed within the ash and ancient volcanic rock within the volcano. To access it, one would need to traverse through the mountain, the tunnel was lit only by mage-globes and was only as wide as two people walking.


    The vale itself was not vast and was surrounded on all sides by a tall wall of thick rock. Leon likened it to being inside a Olympic Stadium, just much more circular and without stands or seats. The land itself was a tropic of green with pool of clear warm waters close to its heart. The trees here were scattered and not too tall in height, though they were thick of circumference and the foliage in places was dense. However, much of the land had clearly been tamed in order that the students could use it for the purpose of the festival.


    Those same trees became stands for holding jars of Winter Fire Flies and the remaining foliage found itself backdrops for pots containing glowing mushrooms and sparkling flowers. There were also mage-globes, but in the desire to make the Festival more mysterious and magical, these were mostly scattered about the mountain''s thick wall and with only one or two amongst the various stalls set up in designated spaces. These spaces were spread out in order that students had to pass from one area to another through the decorations and natural plant and animal life. The latter were mostly curious, herbivores; protected by their vale, they seldom encountered predators or anything that could be considered a threat. Also the tiny, odd little hummingbirds that drank the nectre of the sparkling flowers would produce sparks of light in turn, making quite the visual interest. It would all likely look beyond imagination as the sun set beyond the volcanic wall.


    The space where the outer school students set up their stalls was close to the lake, where mage-globes had been placed upon small wooden floats and cast adrift. There was also a mage-globe within a large cauldron at the centre of the area, which was magically spelled to spit out harmless sparks now and then. Leon was quite taken by it, but his older brother, Stygar believed it looked tacky.


    Stygar fussed over his precious potted herbs, placing them on the table in threes, but talking to them all of the while; "Cloud Dancing Bellflower, where should I put you? You don''t get along with the Frog Ferns so perhaps the Winter Thistle Vines... no too cold... ah Hue, don''t put your pills too close to the Thousand Skull Caps! They don''t like to be crowded by things, bah!"


    Hue moved them away from the weird looking herb with its many thin shoots, tiny leaves and whitish flowers that looked a little like laughing skulls, without questioning his older brother. The plain jade bottles each contained a single pill, but Leon could not recognise them. His brother''s ability was currently beyond him.


    Leon began unpacking his own jade bottles, glad he had decided to make it easier to differentiate between his own pills and others. Although there were five pills in each of his bottles, his pills were common pills meant for lower staged cultivators, nothing like what his big brother had made, thus less likely to attract attention. He also added potion bottles containing Fire Water tonic, which helped heal chill effects such as frostbite and small jade pots containing Gentle Snowflower Balm, which healed burns. These two he had thought would be useful for students of this institute where mages could shoot out fireballs and martial artists could add cold effects to their weapons.


    He''d found the recipes in Leo''s diaries, but had only experimented making them in the past two weeks. The Fire Tonic Water actually came out well first time, but the Gentle Snowflower Balm was another story. Once he''d unsealed the keg at the required point, a freezing mist had poured out of it and coated his small hut in a layer of frost, which included himself. He had had to drink a couple of cups ginger and herb tea in order to warm up, as well as place his blankets and mattress in the sun to warm and dry it. Mopping up the melt had also taken time.


    Hue glanced at Leon''s bottle for a long moment, before reaching out with one finger and nudging the small, wooden plaque that dangled from the bottle''s neck. "Cute," the large man mentioned. On one side of the plaque was carved the identity of the contents within, while hidden on the back was Leon''s rune for himself; it resembled a stylised ''L'' for his name with two scores added to the horizontal line, representing that this was his second life, but also in remembrance of Leo. He owed him much, repayment was impossible, but he wished not to dwell to heavily on it either or this second life of his would always be overshadowed by debt. This was a small, but silent gesture of thanks.


    Leon smiled and thanked him. "Ah, such an effort, it''s probably going to be wasted on this ungrateful lot," Stygar declared, sullenly. Leon had slowly grasped that his eldest brother''s personality was a little dark and anti-social, preferring his herbs to people. While his words sounded ungracious and miserable, they were actually a compliment hidden in shadows.


    "It''s n-n-no b-bother," Leon replied.


    "Yeah, well," Stygar huffed, crossing his arms as he glanced over the selection of bottles and pots before Leon. He was quite surprised over the sheer volume of pills; with five pills a bottle and more bottles than he could count with a quick glance, the boy must have been refining pills day and night for this past two weeks! Of course, he had no idea that Leon had made much, much more, though those special pills were hidden safely in his second spatial bag, ready to sell. "All healing pills, huh? That''s for the best."


    He pointed to a few close tables. "That Guy specialises in combat pills, wanted to be a martial artist, but is as weak as a newborn nibblet. Got knocked unconscious within three seconds of entering the ring on our trial into the Institute. And that girl over there prefers to make beauty pills and potions, waste of time, but she has a lot of loyal customers within the Institute, at least for now anyways. And if you go to where the inner school is, you''ll only find really complex and hard to make pills. As if I care that they can make them, they are just showing off. They won''t trade them for anything less than half of your soul, you''d be lucky to get away with not being indentured for life. Bah!"


    Leon thought over his pills and those on the tables close by and wondered if he could trade for recipes...

 Chapter 161 - Hundred And Sixty One - My pills are popular...?

    Night seemed to descend far more quickly within the Silent Mountain''s Hidden Vale, but that is not unexpected as the tall mountain walls hid the setting sun and instead extended their shadows until the Vale was encompassed with darkness. And while the glowing mushrooms and dangling jars with entrapped Winter Fireflies were very beautiful to behold in the darkness, it was soon realised that they could not quite provide much light and the Scholars, who had worked so hard upon their theme, had to place more mage-globe lights and lanterns about. Now, at least, the products upon the stalls could actually be seen!


    Still, Leon felt they captured the essence of what they wished to portray and more. To him, he was reminded of Christmas markets, just without the loud rides that often were found side by side with numerous stalls, lights and Christmas trees. Students not trading at stalls, which included all of the First years, would pop out from the foliage from time to time (having lost the trails in between areas) and moved around the stalls, chatting to friends and simply enjoying themselves.


    Leon''s best patrons came from the First years and then, tended to be girls.


    "Oh, look at the decorated bottles! So cute!"


    "It says they contain Blood Pills... Alright, I want two! Would you accept this mage crystal? It''s charmed to absorb daylight then glow in the dark!"


    "Fire Tonic Water and Gentle Snowflower Balm... what are they for? Really? I don''t suppose this jade is acceptable? I know it''s a bit worn..."


    "How about this incense purse for three bottles of Clear Spiritual pills and one Still Mind Pills?"


    His two older brothers glanced over, the younger retaining his expressionless features and the older with a look of disbelief, as the bottles were happily snatched away. The tiny wooden plaques were really that effective...? Leon ended up accepting a lot of random bits, some of which could be considered junk, but he was enjoying the thrill of the trade too much to care!


    After an hour had passed, a familiar silhouette came into vision, that happened to be followed by two others, but Leon''s eyes did not notice them. His lips curled into a deeper smile and his heart skipped merrily in his chest. It had been two ten days since he''d last seen Jin Li, as both had been busy preparing for the Festival and he''d missed him a lot. Yet seeing him appear before him, it was as if those days of longing had vanished into a haze of mist and memory.


    "Ah, isn''t this you Alchemist friend," the loud jovial voice of Teacher Corvus burst out. Leon didn''t need to see his face from the shadows to understand that he was grinning. A few Teachers had passed by the three brother''s stall, but none had bought his pills, while his Master had simply praised all three of them for their hard work.


    Stygar had traded a couple of rare plants, one to a Teacher and one to a trusted Senior Alchemist from the inner school, but otherwise he''d accepted no trade. He valued everything on how well his plants would be taken care of over what could be offered. Hue was less restrained, but only accepted high value products in return for the pills. If ever he wasn''t sure of the value of what was offered in comparison to his pills, he would turn to Stygar, allowing him the final say. In this way, just over ten pills had been traded away.


    Sun was immediately drawn to Hue''s Pills. "No way!" The boy cried out, prodding at a jar with one finger. "Isn''t that a Soaring Feather Light Pill?"


    Corvus ruffled the youth''s bangs. "What does it matter to you?" He laughed. "It''s not like you can use it at your level!" He turned to the stoic Hue and complimented him; "You are quite talented, why are you not in the inner school?"


    Hue blinked, then turned to Stygar, who replied; "Who wants to transfer into the inner school anyway? We''d only be a foil to whatever is supposed to make them great. Better to quit while we''re ahead."


    It was Corvus turn to look surprised, but apart from a moment where he froze like Leon had when dealing with the failed Gentle Snowflower Balm potion, he soon regained his smile. He hadn''t much contact with the other schools in the institution, with the exception of obtaining a supply of pills for his cute apprentice and coaxing a decent skill scroll for his cute apprentice and helping out the Beast Tamer''s with the poachers... with his cute apprentice. And the martial arts inner school was much like the outer school, just with better food, resources and access to more dangerous missions. Thus he''d never considered there might be conflict between other inner and outer schools elsewhere in the institute. He placed the problem to the back of his mind though. Such was the Headmaster''s problem, not his.


    This was happening outside of Leon and Jin Li''s self created bubble, Jin Li was admiring his small alchemists carvings and demanded they be placed upon the bottles containing the pills he gave him in the future and Leon was naturally agreeing.


    "H-have you seen m-m-much so far?" Leon asked him. Jin Li understood that he meant had he seen much of Festival so far.


    "No," Jin Li replied. He had headed straight here, drawn to his small alchemist in a way he couldn''t explain. He would have been here sooner, if he hadn''t been stuck with two irritating tag alongs.


    Corvus overheard their conversation and grinned as a thought occurred to him. He placed an arm over Sun''s shoulders, nonchalantly and said; "Then why don''t you two explore together?"


    "B-but I''ve n-not finished tr-trading..." Leon said, looking over the bottles and potions of which he still had half of. Corvus swept half of the remaining bottles into his own interspacial bag.


    "I''ll give you something good for them later!" He declared and indicated that Leon should keep the rest, afterall, he''d need something to trade with others with!


    Leon glanced helplessly at his two older brothers. Stygar gutted and glanced away, while Hue nodded and encouraged him; "Go."


    Jin Li''s eye''s curved and he copied Corvus'' gesture before gripping the thin wrist of his small alchemist. "Let''s go," he said, leaving no chance for Leon to argue with him.

 Chapter 162 - Hundred And Sixty Two - We wander around together

    The two young men walked side by side through the overgrowth, listening to the chirp of the cicadas and the hooting of nocturnal birds. They found the narrow path a minute later, lit up on either side by mushrooms that glowed with a soft, blue light. A small hummingbird like creature flew swiftly past, the tips of it''s feathers providing a sparkling, white light. Jin Li had not let go of Leon''s wrist, but Leon did not mind this.


    The pathway lead to an area with stalls centring a lectern and upon that wooden furnishings was an open scroll, glowing a gentle yellow colour and upon that was a feather quill glowing white. This area was a place for Scholars. Leon was curious about what the Scholars did, for he''d never met one, but as the name implied, their works seemed to centre around paper and ink.


    "W-What are those?" He pointed curiously towards strips of paper with calligraphy upon them.


    Jin Li glanced over. "Talismans for exorcists," came the reply.


    "Exorcists?" The word was familiar, but in his old world, he recalled it being linked to undead and horror movies, thus furrowed his brow. "You m-mean p-people who b-banish g-ghosts?"


    "Is there another kind?" Jin Li replied, testily. Leon didn''t answer, just attempted to wrap his head around the idea. If the Scholars were creating those, then did that not suggest that exorcism was a valid occupation in this world? And that was so, did that mean that ghosts were real here? He wasn''t sure how he felt about that.


    Other things on trade were inscription scrolls, which were not like magic scrolls; they could not cast spells. However an inscription could be attached to a piece of armour or a weapon and enhance the qualities of such. These were temporary, however, much like magic scrolls, though the average inscription would last two or three times rather than once like a magic scroll. There were also scrolls for common cultivation techniques and skills, many of which could be found in the library. Copies of books were also available and Leon spied one upon herbs. Flicking through it, it was clear that it held some information that wasn''t in the almanac he had found in the library. So he traded for it, exchanging three bottles of Clear Spiritual Pills in the end.


    The two youths wandered down upon another path and this time did not lose their way for the trees were fewer here and the foliage thinner. Leon glanced upward and could see billions of scattered stars above him, cast across the blue-black sky. It was a bit surreal, as the sky appeared as if it was painted above him on a large circular canvas due to the shadowed walls of the dormant volcano bordering it.


    This time, they found themselves in a place dedicated to the mage school. It was extremely colourful compared to the quiet, refined area of the Scholars or the slightly more bustling place of the Alchemists. One stall was selling disks that had been enchanted to shoot fireworks once a key word was said. Another was selling crystal and jade charms. One mage had nothing at his stall but a sign offering to recharge mage crystals.


    Leon understood mage-crystals as power sources for certain spell arrays, large ones that needed constant supplies of magic. The temporal formation surrounding the herb fields, making a small space several times larger, was one such array. Mages not only created them from pure magic, but could also resupply them with their magic. It should be mentioned, that magic was simply spiritual energy in a more condensed form. Thus to be a mage, a Cultivator needed to be blessed with copious amounts of spiritual energy even at low stages of cultivation.


    Regardless, Leon''s lone mage-crystal was in his mage globe at home and those lasted a great deal of time, so he lost interest in this stall immediately. He did briefly look at the jade and crystal charms, but Jin Li pulled him away, claiming that the carvings were amateurish and lame. Better to not waste his pills upon them.


    As the moon arrived over the lip of the mountain wall, the youths arrived at an area that appeared to have Alchemists in it. Leon assumed that these were from the upper school, but while a few had pills and potted herbs, there was much more variety of other things. Jin Li was quickly drawn to one stall that had two cauldrons upon portable stoves, but were not producing pills to the gathering crowd, but soups.


    "A c-cooking stall?" Leon questioned, causing the buxom woman behind the cauldrons to laugh softly.


    "Nope, this is Medicinal Cuisine," she smiled as she stirred the pots. "Choice pieces of meat from spiritual beasts and spirit herbs are cooked in a cauldron. It''s a bit like making a pill or a potion in the fact that each ingredient needs to be cooked just so or treated in a specific way and when it is all brought together, it produces something like this." She ladled some of the soup into a bowl and pushed it over. Leon carefully picked up the bowl and breathed in the heavenly scents.


    "It h-has sp-spiritual energy inside it?" Leon exclaimed and the woman nodded.


    "Medicinal Cuisine can aid in Cultivation, healing, strengthening bodies and meridians," she listed off of the top of her head. "It''s just not that popular as it''s only good when eaten fresh and not as quick as popping a pill! But there''s far less impurities within a bowl of my stew than in one of those pills! Well certain grains, fruits and herbs can be brewed into medicinal wine, which lasts longer, but also takes a long time to make." Leon sipped and the flavours burst upon his tongue. His stomach warmed, the heat then spread through his meridians and he suddenly felt refreshed. He passed the bowl to Jin Li, who savoured the stew with a smile.


    The woman couldn''t help but think to herself; If only I was ten years younger...


    "It''s d-delicious," Leon told her and quickly withdrew a pot of Gentle Snowflower balm and handed it to her; he''d noticed a couple of burn marks upon her hand, perhaps received during cooking. Her heart melted as she accepted the pot. These two students were so lovely and handsome as well! "If I h-had t-time, I''d like t-to learn it," Leon thought aloud, knowing how much Jin Li liked delicious food.


    However the man actually frowned; "The time you have available (for me) is already limited, especially recently. Don''t think foolish thoughts."


    "There is a simpler thing to try," the woman said, "the effects are lesser, but still beneficial in the long run. How would do you feel about the idea of Medicinal Teas?"

 Chapter 163 - Hundred And Sixty Three - We experience a tea ceremony

    Medicinal Cuisine could be separated into three areas of expertise. The first, the one that was generally learned by those few who expressed interest, was Medicinal Cooking; taking choice pieces of flesh, such as the heart, the brain and other cuts of meats from a Spirit Beast and combining it with various herb leaves and roots to produce a bowl full of delicious goodness. Bursting with flavour and tenderness, it was not only nutritious, but had long term benefits for Cultivators. Ordinary people could also enjoy the most basic of recipes, however were not able to eat the Cuisine enjoyed by higher stage Cultivators lest their dormant or blocked meridians burst, killing them.


    Medicinal Brewing produced Medicinal Wines and Liqueurs. They were made from fermenting certain spirit fruits or grains and herbs. The vendor of the stall, that Leon traded two bottle of Blood Pills as well as three bottles of Fire Water Tonic for one sealed jug, explained the best grains were found in warmer areas, so his wines were all made with fruits, which were easier to find in these parts. Brewing was not as popular to learn as, just like potion making, the brew could spoil within the vat, wasting several weeks worth of wait, however this meant his wines were far more valuable than his fellow student''s soups.


    And then there was the much lesser known Medicinal Tea making. This was a little looked down upon, even by other Medicinal Cuisine fanatics, for while it only used herbs in its creation, the effects were much less noticeable than soups and significantly so compared to wines. However, the two girls, who enthusiastically invited them over to experience it, loved this small trade and even went so far as to merge the traditional tea ceremony that one had been taught within her noble household.


    She had Leon and Jin Li sit opposite each other on a raised platform, with a small low table between them and from the side, she ground very specific volumes of herbs together in a pestle and mortar before them. She seemed quite versed, as she effortlessly produced a tea that was ground evenly, but not so fine as to be called a powder. Adding a measure of this to an ornate teapot, she poured hot water upon it and swirled the teapot clockwise once before placing the pot between them. She then passed Leon a porcelain cup, placing it before him, before turning to Jin Li to do the same.


    The girl was very professional, Leon felt, putting them both at ease and not starring with twinkling eyes at his boyfriend, like so many other girls liked to do. Honestly, he''d never noticed before just how much attention Jin Li drew to him until their relationship had stepped onto this level and now, he couldn''t help but notice! But he didn''t want to be a clingy boyfriend, so he''d swallowed down his resentment as they wandered around the Festival, pretending as if it didn''t matter.


    Jin Li had not noticed the stares directed at him, though he had felt eyes glancing their way. Clearly, his small alchemist garnered too much attention now that his stunning eyes could be witnessed by all, completing his already adorable face. Hence Jin Li had retained a firm grasp upon his wrist as they walked around, declaring ownership.


    As the tea and their own thoughts brewed, a disturbance began nearby. Jin Li and Leon both turned to look over and noticed that it was at the stall of the woman who had introduced them to Medicinal Cuisine. She had said it was unpopular and from what was occurring, it was clear she was not lying.


    Leon had some minor experience with the inner school and it hadn''t been a bad experience, so he had previously assumed that it was much like the outer school, but with more resources aimed at moulding the highly talented. His older brother had hinted earlier that it was not that great a place to be, as if they would be bullied there, but Leon had paid it no mind, after all, what bullying had he not experienced in the outer school?


    "I said I wanted a bowl of Celestial Pearl Grains," the young man making the demands was dressed in high quality, embroidered silk. These robes, much like Leon''s, were tailored to his ankles and the sash and belt upon his waist, elongated his frame. His hair was styled into a top-knot, with a jade crown and hair pin. He also wore an ornate gold lock about his neck. It was as if he was an advertisement for great wealth and riches.


    The woman looked at him with a sour expression, clearly aware that he was up to no good, but what could she do when this arrogant young Master was surrounded by his lackeys as he mocked her stall and secondary profession. "I don''t have Celestial Pearl Grains," she replied, coldly. "I''m sure you are aware that this is not a restaurant and I have only produced Meridian Enlightening Soup and Spring Heart Stew. If you don''t wish to trade for a bowl, then I humbly request you to leave."


    "And you call this Medicinal Cuisine!" The fop sneered. "Can''t even supply Celestial Pearl Grains for the good of the Festival. What a joke!" He rudely kicked over the sign she had placed before her stall, causing his friends to chuckle.


    This man was clearly pleased with himself for making the woman feel uncomfortable. The man with the wines was quietly packing away his brews; it seemed that he had experienced trouble with this young master before. Others, in this area, had mixed reactions, some clearly angered, but restraining themselves helplessly, more enjoying the whole play, nodding and smirking. A few simply looked away as if they hadn''t seen anything.


    Jin Li simply sipped the tea that had been nervously poured in the meantime. "J-Jin Li," Leon found himself asking. "What are Celestial P-Pearl G-G-Grains?"


    The martial artist carefully placed down his cup and replied; "It''s a type of rice."


    "Eh?"


    "It''s a grain that contains Spiritual Energy, but normal people can eat it without ill effects," he continued, "It''s not easy to grow so it''s naturally expensive to buy. Even within the richest of sects and families, only the heads of the family might be fortunate enough to consume it. A student expecting to eat it in a school, only a fool could imagine it." Jin Li''s voice was not quiet as he said these words. Indeed, many took note. The youth did not shout nor raise his voice, but it travelled very clearly around the area. The fop also heard his ridicule.


    "You dare..." the young Master said between gritted teeth, but Jin Li was not listening to him, his attention upon the youth sitting quietly opposite him.


    "B-but if it''s a t-type of rice," Leon said, after considering this for a moment, "Why d-does it h-have such a silly n-n-name?"

 Chapter 164 - Hundred And Sixty Four - The Emperor is worthy of Jin Li’s kow-tow

    Leon had eaten rice in his old world, but as far as types of rice were concerned, his knowledge was simple. There was long-grain rice, which seemed to be most common in supermarkets, but he assumed there was also short-grained rice somewhere. There was Basmati rice, which came from the Middle East and all types of rice came in brown and white versions. Oh, he''d seen on a menu once ''wild rice'', but as he''d been ordering cheapish salad and some chips (with potato skins on), he didn''t know what the difference was.


    Still, all of these versions contained the word ''rice.''


    So who could associate Celestial Pearl Grains as a type of rice? Hence he thought the name silly. Celestial Pearl Rice would suit it better, surely.


    Jin Li didn''t know Leon''s long-winded thoughts, but he still couldn''t control the upward turn of his lips as well as the laughter in his eyes. "Yes, it is. Very silly."


    "How dare you both!" The young Master was clearly very angry. Not only had the tall one declared him a fool in front of others, the small one had dissed his family business. That was right, this young Master came from the other continent and his grandfather was the patriarch of a very wealthy family that successfully grew and supplied these grains to the elite of the elite! His grandfather was a proud man, who valued this grandson above all others as he had become the first in their family line to be able to cultivate. Not only that, the youth had a pure fire root.


    While he was not technically noble born, he was drowning in wealth and he had very good prospects in both marital terms and as a future alchemist. He was quite high within the hierarchy of the social order within the inner alchemist school. He did not really look down on Medicinal Cusine, he just didn''t care for it, however he liked to remind others of his blessed background and the fact that he was able to eat very rare cuisine, superior to this woman''s common Medicinal dishes. His Grandfather even sent him a small portion of those coveted grains each New Year. Yet these two peasants not only ridiculed him in front of everyone, but dare ignore him!


    He could not be completely be considered at fault for thinking that Jin Li was a common person; his clothing was, while well cut, made of hemp and the red jade pin in his hair was not particularly valuable either. Both youths wore simple wood carvings from their belts (the young Master had yet to notice the sword) and were currently lazy of posture as they lounged about drinking tea. Actually, they''d had fairly good manners, until the young master''s disturbance, out of respect for the girl serving them, but she had poured the tea then huddled in the shadows with her friend, hoping not to be noticed by the bullying youth.


    As usual, though, Jin Li didn''t care what others thought, he was telling Leon where the name of the rice came from. In the High Realm, some thousand years ago, there was a man who managed, by either luck or hard work, to breed a type of rice that absorbed spiritual energy from water and from the earth. He knew this rice would be valuable, especially to Cultivators and thought to get obscenely rich off the back of his creation. However, the Cultivators he dealt with were extremely cunning, wanting his rice, but not pay through the nose for it. They even spread rumours that his claims were unfounded and untrue, trying to monopolise as well as reduce the value of the rice.


    The man was dumbfounded and furious! However, rather than fall to the schemes of these Cultivators, he instead sent some as tribute to the Emperor. Now the Emperor believed that rice was the food of the commoners and refused to eat it. Not even the best quality and rarest rice would appease him. Thus, the only way that the farmer could get his rice through the imperial gates was to change its name.


    "The Emperor was apparently enraged when he discovered the truth," Jin Li was saying. "But he''d already declared in a decree that the rice should be sent in tribute to the palace each and every year until the end of his family''s imperial reign. He also could not imprison or behead that farmer on trumped up charges as the rice is very difficult to grow and maintain and his yield was always by far the best in the whole of the realm. So the Emperor would instead send letters of complaint each year to express his bitterness and the farmer could only send gifts in order to appease him."


    "Was the Emp-peror ever ap-appeased?" Leon asked him, clearly amused.


    "No," Jin Li replied. "It''s been a thousand years and as far as I''m aware, the two men are still playing this game. So long as it amuses them." He shrugged his shoulders as titters of laughter eased the tension within the air about them.


    "You...! You...!" The young Master was pointing accusingly at Jin Li, who, in his eyes had mocked the main product of his family''s business to such a degree.


    "Me, me," Jin Li sneered. "Do you have something to say to me?" He rose to his feet, reattaching his sword to his waist as he looked down upon the arrogant young Master. His imposing aura ripped through the anger that the youth had surrounded himself with and suddenly all of his delusional self-worth seemed so crass all of a sudden. But it was for a brief moment, the young Master refused to be looked down upon by peasants!


    "Bow down and beg for forgiveness, cur!" The young Master demanding, his finger curving until it clearly pointed to his feet. His chin tilted upwards haughtily, still believing he had the right to put these peasants in their place. It was the one thing he disliked about this school, how every year they would let such poor and unworthy individuals through the door. It was Gods will that he was in a position of privilege and they were not, so why should he share what the school provided with those God deemed unworthy?


    Jin Li''s eye''s flashed as he stepped down from the raised platform into his boots, then lent a hand to Leon, that he might do the same. He then gently ushered Leon behind him and tilting his head as if to speak to his small alchemist when in actual fact, his words were for all to here. "Although I speak of a matter that is of an embarrassment to the Emperor of the High Realm," he drawled, in a careless tone, "he is actually a wise and brilliant ruler. His people love him, his women adore him and his officials respect him. His armies are also loyal to him. He is worthy of this Lord''s kowtow. This young Master on the other hand, what have you done to gain this Lord''s respect?" These words were directed at the correct recipient.


    The youth''s face was alternating between red and purple as one of his lackeys sidled up to him and whispered something into his eyes as his eyes glanced warily at Jin Li. The youth paled a little, then coughed into his hand. "Laozi will let you off this time!" He said and sauntered away, quickly followed by the crowd of troublemakers.


    "Thank you," the woman bowed to Jin Li. She was from a commoner family and had suffered in the last few years since that Young Master had appeared. As he was quick to throw around his wealth and was favoured by his Teacher, small victories like this were hard to come by.


    Jin Li raised a hand dismissively. "If you want to thank me, serve this Lord another bowlful of your Cuisine. It should be sufficient to restore one''s lost appetite." Leon rolled his eyes, but smiled as he withdrew a bottle of Blood Pills, not wanting to steal food for free.

 Chapter 165 - Hundred And Sixty Five - I have reached my limit

    Author''s note; I hint at a little bit of adult time in the last couple of paragraphs...


    There were many rumours flying about the institute about the man named Jin Li. Some were idle gossip, such as how he was unruly, seldom attended lectures and destructive tendencies (this latter was towards combat dummies, however oddly enough or perhaps not, this part was not mentioned). There were the more pink rumours that he was handsome, his fighting form elegant and refined and he respected women, not looking down on them as the weaker sex when it came to martial arts. He''d been linked to many a belle, including the Twin Lotuses, which had drawn the jealousy of others, so much so that he''d fought with seniors as well fellow first years and there was no mention of him losing these battles.


    He was rumoured to be a fallen noble, cast out with just the silk upon his back, but he still walked around with a regal air as if such a set back meant nothing to him. He had taken on missions that were usually picked only by seniors and completed them. He''d easily beaten many wild spiritual beasts as he sought to gain experience in the mountains. He''d gained the recognition of Teacher Corne''s only student as well as the eccentric Teacher Corvus and a few others. And an odd, generally unknown, little alchemist with Yin Yang hair was said to be under his protection.


    Thus when the young Master realised that this was the Jin Li, who had fought the Barbarian (the senior berserker, who happened to later win his way into the martial arts inner school) and had drawn with him, he''d realised his mistake and decidedly turned tail.


    These rumours and long tales that floated about the institute had either not yet reached the ears of he who was at the centre of them or more likely, he simply did not care. Right now all of his attention was upon the watery eyes of his beloved alchemist and the swollen lips beneath them.


    After circling the Festival grounds for a little longer, they had returned home, bringing back the trove of ''treasures'' as well as a couple of books on herbs and medicinal tea, the medicinal wine and two cute jade ornaments, one of a koi fish and one of a lion cub. The latter had been picked by Jin Li, who felt it resembled a certain someone. Leon had quickly cooked a pot of rice, stir fried some vegetables and mixed together a fragrant chilli sauce to bring it all together and the pair had sat down to eat. After the meal, Leon had expressed his wish to taste the medicinal wine.


    The wine was fruity and easy to drink, with a pleasant aftertaste. The spiritual energies within were pure and as Leon''s belly warmed, his meridians drew the energies into themselves and he''d circulated them just once before they settled into his innersea. However, it was still alcohol, something small Leon was still not accustomed to and even after one cup did he glance over at Jin Li with misty, sanguine eyes, causing the other to down his cup before dragging him to the bed to devour his mouth and entangle their tongues.


    It was just a pity, Leon felt, as Jin Li pulled him into his chest as he slept, that it never went any further.


    The poor alchemist was at his limit, teased so many times yet having to will away each and every time the results of Jin Li''s seductions. And with the Medicinal Wine''s slight side effects still coursing through his blood, it was a restless night that followed as it didn''t turn limp until dawn. And not long after his eyes finally closed in order to sleep, was he tossed beneath the infuriating man and not in a productive way!


    Jin Li, oblivious to Leon''s discomfort, had wanted to kiss him farewell, for he''d promised Senior Bowyer a duel and the latter had declared it must be on this day, or rather, that morning. For Bowyer was due to go out on a mission that would take a few weeks, but wanted one last round with his junior before he left. Jin Li had not been able to get out of it.


    "I''ll come back this evening," Jin Li advised him, after he saw that his small alchemist was too tired to follow him.


    Leon fell asleep soon after due to sheer exhaustion.


    It''s said that our wishes and deeds are often portrayed in our dreams and Leon could quite well agree with this for his could only be described as eighteen plus and requiring some censorship. When he awoke a few hours later, it was with a reddened face, a rather sticky and damp patch as well as still suffering a morning affliction... just in the afternoon instead.


    With a sigh, he rose from his bed and shuffled uncomfortably to his makeshift bathroom, reaching for the bucket and beginning the arduous task of filling the bath and heating the water. After quickly reheating some left over rice into a congee and quickly eating it, his bath was ready for him to soak in. His robes were tossed to one side, he would try and clean the mess from within the undergarment after his bath. He crouched in the small tub wiping away the remnants of his dreams all the while cursing Jin Li for causing this.


    He wanted to say; you don''t have to suppress yourself, I want you too! He wanted to say; let me touch you, let me please you, let''s resolve this together. But Jin Li usually left him breathless and tongue-tied. That and he''d never done that sort of thing in his past life, so what experience did he have that he could claim to release Jin Li from the need to suppress through some mental technique?


    Glancing down at that part of him which expressed itself far more clearly than Leon was able to, yet was still ignored by the frustrating martial artist, his fingers reached out tentatively, wrapping around the stiff object. Upon touching the sensitive part, a slight hiss escaped him. It ached to be touched, but it really ached to be touched by Jin Li. Leon wanted Jin Li''s hand to be the one stroking along its length, or dare he think it, replacing hand with mouth. A shudder shot down his spine as he imagined it, imagined his lover teasing the column and the head of it and a groan escaped his lips; "Jin Li...!"


    "You dare...?"

 Chapter 166 - Hundred And Sixty Six - Our dry spell ends

    Author''s note; What is beneath the asterisks is smut, eighteen plus, etc skip if you feel uncomfortable with descriptions of sexual acts between men and await Sunday''s update instead x


    Jin Li had fought with Bowyer to a draw, then fought again when the other refused to be satisfied, before rushing out of the arena before the man could declare a third rematch. Bowyer had watched him go as he wiped the sweat from his brow with a towel. "Where do you think that he is rushing off to?" He wondered aloud.


    "Likely where he always rushes off to most four day breaks," Pike mused as he stood from where he''d been watching in the stands. "It''s become more ambiguous between him and junior Leon, don''t you think?"


    "Well I did hear rumours..." Bowyer mentioned, but shook his head, "I don''t normally listen to them though."


    "Me neither," agreed Pike, despite grinning, knowingly.


    *****


    Jin Li hadn''t wanted to leave his small alchemist that morning, sensing something was not quite right with him, noticing that he''d not slept well either. Perhaps the wine had been to blame, it had certainly had an affect upon the small alchemist within just one cup, but as it had been just the two of them, Jin Li hadn''t stopped him drinking. Leon became quite affectionate when drunk after all.


    He hurried over mountain and through trees to arrive earlier than anticipated at the small hut. Pushing the unlocked door, he''d frowned when a quick scan proved that it was empty, but he wasn''t able to think much on it as he was drawn to the sound of splashing as well as an obscure panting. Quietly, he had made his way into the shed-come-bathing area to find his small alchemist soaking in the tub. His first thought that was he was washing the jade like skin stretched over his petite frame and planned to withdraw, despite the small, wicked voice in his mind declaring that he should most definitely not.


    But his eye caught the rapid movements of Leon''s arm that was centred about his lower body and stepped closer out of curiosity. The youth threw his head back, his lids shut as his hand continued its straightforward movement, giving Jin Li full view of just what he was clutching between his fingers.


    It was as his older brother described and yet not... Jin Li had completely dismissed Jin Sha''s words as pointless at that time. Stroking a body part in order to pacify it; how did any of that sound pleasurable or indeed worth his time and effort? Better to train the mind and body in new martial arts than dancing to the tune of a disobedient thing. However... Leon''s pants and murmurs were completely squashing his former beliefs into mush as his head tilted to one side and he groaned; "Jin Li...!"


    Said disobedient thing stood completely to attention and even if Jin Li was of coherent thought at that point, no amount of mental technique was going to suppress it! Jin Li''s eyes became so black they appeared to have been obtained from an abyss as he stepped forward, knelt down until his face was hovering over Leon''s and he whispered in a coarse tone; "You dare...?" You dare cry out this Lord''s name in pleasure, thinking that I am not here? You dare make this Lord unable to control my own body? You dare touch yourself and not me?


    Leon completely froze, startled, his uncovered eyes widening as he saw the blurry facial features of Jin Li hovering above him, his perspective upside down. He had no time to question the conflicting emotions that seemed to stream over Jin Li''s face before his lips came crashing down over his (Leon''s) mouth. His tongue invaded, demanding subservience as it twisted about Leon''s. His teeth nibbled upon the flesh of Leon''s lower lip, drawing blood. Leon was completely at his mercy, his mouth under fire, while his hand was still wrapped about his member. It had softened in the wake of his shock, but soon sprang back life under the bruising kiss.


    A whimper escaped Leon before Jin Li regained some semblance of control and withdrew a pace. Leon turned in the tub, hiding the proof of his desire beneath the surface of the cooling water as he tried to observe Jin Li''s reactions. As if to aid him, Jin Li grabbed one of the wet paws from the water and placed it upon the proof of his desire. Leon blushed, its size and hard shape obvious, even through the layers of cloth, reminding once more just what exactly it was Jin Li ordinarily hid there.


    Jin Li smirked as he saw the colour filling Leon''s cheeks before growling softly; "You once offered to help this Lord ''deal'' with this... affliction. You will provide assistance now."


    Rather than be dismayed by his domineering tone, Leon felt his own ''affliction'' throb within the waters and couldn''t help but gulp to ease his suddenly dry throat. "Here?" He squeaked.


    Jin Li reached to lift him from the tub, his eyes heavy with lust as the naked body of his small alchemist came fully into view. Leon stood, shivering, but was soon wrapped within a towel before being manhandled over Jin Li''s shoulder and forcibly taken into the hut. Less than a minute later, he was lying upon the bed, the door locked behind them and Jin Li was stripping off his outer robe. Leon felt unable to move and had to narrow his eyes to slits so he could see the fuzzy silhouette of his lover remove his clothing. And then Jin Li was standing before him and even Leon felt that he would have to be completely blind before he was unable to recognise the symbol of Jin Li''s masculinity standing tall and proud close to his chin.


    "Well?" Came the demand.


    Leon blinked; in Jin Li''s view he looked a little pitiful, like a puppy who''d been scolded as he moved himself into a position where his small hands could replay what they had been doing to himself, with Jin Li. Having come from the bath without being dried, his small hands were cold, yet his(Jin Li) thing was molten and the comparison was not unpleasant. Jin Li''s eyes closed as the unfamiliar pleasure shook through him. And then that which surrounded the tip of him was hot, hot and wet and very much unlike those cool fingers. His eyes shot open as he looked sharply down; Leon had taken his member into his mouth! Jin Li felt those lips pressed around him, felt that tongue stroking the flesh with his mouth and though his instinct was to push Leon away, the sensations assaulting him could not be denied and he felt as enslaved to sexual pleasure as he''d ever accused his Uncle of being.


    His hips took on a mind of their own as they pressed forward, forcing Leon to take more of him into that inviting cavity, while his fingers gripped the silken locks of the youth''s unpinned hair to prevent him moving away. Leon groaned, but was obedient to his desires and those fingers danced about his root and the jewels beneath until Jin Li felt that there was nothing but this moment, nothing but the pleasure of Leon''s mouth upon him. And just as he felt that Leon could not steal away his soul any more, he reached his climax, blown away by the unexpectedness of it and overwhelmed by the sensations of it. It took him a long moment afterwards to realise that Leon was coughing, his member now slack and having fallen from those insanely magical lips.


    Slightly shaken, Jin Li moved away from the bed, only to return with a cup of water for his lover. Leon took it gratefully and soothed his throat. He''d not expected to have to make the choice of spitting or swallowing at this point in their relationship, but he felt as if a little demon had taken over him and encouraged him to do what he had just done to Jin Li. He blushed as he looked into the eyes of the extremely sated Jin Li and decided that it was well worth it.

 Chapter 167 - Hundred And Sixty Seven - He is mine

    Author''s note; Not an eighteen plus chapter, but mention of Male x Male relations. The next chapter should be all clean for those just wanting plot!


    Breakfast within the Food Hall is much the same as lunch and dinner within the Food Hall, just with less choices to select from. A typical breakfast would consist of milky porridge or thick, plain congee and bread (Leon had never seen toast on offer), with fruit, nuts and cold meats as well. The meat and cereals were unseasoned, making the meal quite boring and tedious and students longed for the change of seasons to add variety to the fruit selection. It maybe due to this reason that Jin Li enjoyed Leon''s simple cooking so much; it had flavour and it wasn''t half bad at that.


    However, despite the anticipated plain meal they would be consuming, the two youths went to the Food Hall following a long and tiring night. As they entered, those who had been happily eating and chatting turned to look at them and then fell to a shocked silence. Their fellow alchemist, who they had once labelled as odd in appearance and in personality was approaching the tables on which the food was upon display with a gentle smile and an aura that could only be considered as soft. His large, black eyes were half-lidded below this shine of his glasses and glistening like stars on a moonless night. His appearance could almost be considered ethereal and the enchantment he portrayed even caused the straightest of males to glance at him with a second look and the most popular girls frowned enviously.


    And then those girls turned their attention to the tall, martial artist standing beside him. He was also smiling, but the tilt of his lips and the languid expression in his eyes made their hearts beat faster within their chests. The man they had always known was handsome was now a demon incarnate come to steal away their hearts and souls with one glance! (It could be said that these girls read too many romance novels, especially ones where the female mc turned around the devil Cultivator that he followed the correct path and made many atonements for his past sins, while not forgetting his beloved. It didn''t have to be said just who they pictured at that moment as the Male lead, while naturally they placed themselves in the protagonist''s shoes.)


    The males had a different reason for their hearts beating like drums within their chests for the moment Jin Li caught they staring at the small alchemist with mixed feelings in their eyes, his cold glare froze their blood and caused them to instinctively count the number of healing pills they had to hand. And then the man looked away as if nothing had occurred, guiding Leon to a table, even pulling out his seat in order for him to sit down. Maimai watched this with much contentment; her best friend had his man completely tamed!


    "Maimai!" A girlfriend waved a handkerchief in front of her in panic. "Your nose is bleeding!" Maimai gratefully took the silk cloth and stained it thoroughly. Later, she had to consume a Vital Essence pill to rejuvenate blood, as she felt awfully dizzy after the prolonged affliction.


    Leon glanced at the man hovering beside him, who watched intently as he placed the first spoonful of porridge between slightly swollen lips and blushed. Their bodily explorations had lasted well into the night, with Jin Li''s hands almost feverishly touching every inch of his skin, paying much attention to the places he discovered were sensitive. His kisses had been both brutal and affectionate and once he had found that he could mark Leon''s pale skin with his lips and mouth, he proceeded to cover much of Leon''s neck and chest. There were a few bite marks in amongst them as well.


    Jin Li''s shoulder also sported teeth marks as he had teased Leon to the point that the small alchemist thought he would explode, but Jin Li had not let him gain release. It did not surprise him that Jin Li discovered the ''s'' trait within his personality makeup, but that he would figure out how to translate it into action upon Leon''s body so quickly was another matter! In the end, he''d ''allowed'' Leon to climax, to which the small alchemist had done so in a manner that was almost painful and stolen away his consciousness immediately afterwards.


    Leon had awoken that morning in Jin Li''s possessive embrace completely boneless, but not actually sore, for there had been no penetration in the end. He''d guessed that Jin Li may still not known about this part of relations between men and was so sated at that moment that he figured such a talk could wait. In all honesty, though he''d always been gay, the idea of being embraced had always made him nervous (though he maintained a zero''s mentality, not even thought about being the one who embraced). He''d also feared that Jin Li, who was newly bent, would think that embracing his lover that way was disgusting. He''d only just learned and accepted the pleasures of foreplay that night after all.


    Jin Li knew nothing that streamed through his small boyfriend''s mind as he watched the spoon poke in between those tender lips reminding him what else they''d held between them with an internal growl of pleasure. His eyes strayed down the flushed cheeks towards the pale neck that could not hide the marks he''d pressed upon them and his ego swelled within his chest. Those same eyes glanced about the few who had not yet turned their attentions away from his cute lover, with intent and a message of declaration;


    He is mine.

 Chapter 168 - Hundred And Sixty Eight - We return to our lessons

    All good things must come to an end and all partings are bittersweet. It''s especially bitter once the addictive sweetness has enlightened the taster to it''s deliciousness. Jin Li looked down upon his sleeping lover and was sorely tempted to bundle him over his shoulder in order to steal him away to his room in the Martial Arts school. But he didn''t... at least he wouldn''t at this time. However in the future, they would have to leave this school and wherever he went, he would assure that his small alchemist followed. This was the fate of this youth, the first person he met after whatever strange incident dragged him to this lesser realm, Jin Li was certain.


    At this point in time, though, his small alchemist had much to learn in order for his talents to shine even greater. Only then would he be able to stand at his side when they returned to his family in the Higher Realm. Jin Li, as well, wished to regain more of the strength that he had lost and this school was not a bad place in which to do so. Indeed, it could be said that he had gained some respect for a few of the Teacher''s and students here.


    Following the musings of within his own mind, he pressed a kiss upon Leon''s soft lips before quietly leaving to return to the Martial Arts Outer School.


    *****


    Leon woke a short while, disturbed by the rapidly cooling space beside him and let a long groan escape him as he rose from the bed. Wincing over the hoarseness of his voice, he stretched his limbs to relieve remnant aches, before grabbing the iron kettle to fill with water. The fragrance of tea sweetened with honey filled the small hut not long after as Leon lazily leaned against his bed while stirring a bowl of porridge. Should he listen to the sated humming of his body, he likely would have lingered there for the best part of the day, however his consciousness began to warn him that he''d lazed about enough and it was time to get to school.


    He probably walked a little bit slower than normal and certainly, his mind frequently wandered elsewhere, such memories causing frequent bouts of blushing as well as shivers as his sensitive skin reminded him of all the places Jin Li had touched him, had marked him. And as if the dotted map of blossoms upon the previously white canvas from their first night''s explorations were not already enough, the youth had proceeded to stake his claim and leave the proof of their affections upon even more parts of him the previous night. Thus he was totally unprepared for the enthusiastic greeting he was subject to... again.


    "Leon!" He face-planted into the soft ground as the weight of another suddenly appeared upon his back. Fortunately, the current gift of sight Maimai had already given him were much stronger that his previous pair and were not damaged in the fall.


    He removed a coarse handkerchief from his robes and wiped the dust from his face. "G-good m-morning Maimai," he smiled with an inward sigh as he observed her wide-eyed and full of expectation expression. "N-not telling," he said as she opened her mouth to question him.


    She let out a puff of air and pouted. "You don''t even know what I was about to ask!" She complained.


    "I''m sorry," he said, softly, with a hint of jest in his tone. "G-go ahead. Ask m-me anything." Her smile widened brightly and reached her eyes, curving them until they became two crescent moons. "So l-l-long as it has n-nothing to do with J-Jin Li and m-me," he quickly added.


    Her smile fell with her jaw and she gasped like a fish for a few moments. Leon could not help but laugh brightly over her expression. "So mean!" She said, finally, before weaving her arm about his and asking; "Are you going to the Herb Hall?"


    "En," Leon nodded. Of course he planned to see his Teacher and also get more herbs for pills. He still wished to explore the possibility of making Burning Blood Pill variants. And maybe later, he would have a look at the book he''d bought with basic Medicinal Tea recipes...


    "I''ll go with you," Maimai decided, not mentioning that actually, she had not long been there. It was just she was hoping Leon would let his guard down enough on route to spill a few tidbits to satisfy her curiosity. He did not.


    Leon left Maimai at the entrance to the Herb Hall, bidding her farewell and receiving the promise that she would visit for tea later. He passed through the Hall, nodding to the senior who was currently in charge before walking out the back entrance towards the fields. He didn''t need to pass through them as Teacher Sagi was examining a wilted patch of red lantern plants. The leaves were drooping pitifully and the immature sealed flower buds were dying without having opened.


    The man sighed as he rose to his feet. He looked thoughtful for a moment before he noticed Leon''s presence. "Ah, Leo!" He greeted his apprentice. "Since you are here, you might as well help me remove this patch. These Lanterns have become infested with striped gu larvae. We need to dig them up and burn them to prevent the spread of infection."


    "They c-can''t b-be saved?" Leon queried as he took a hand fork from the basket nearby and knelt down to dig.


    "No," Teacher Sagi sighed. "Red Lanterns are a favourite of striped gu. They lay their eggs in the flower as it blossoms, while feeding from it''s nectar and the eggs merge with the seeds as they are formed. They hatch with the sprouted plant, but remain dormant until the plant matures. They then eat away at the roots until they are fat, before mutating into their adult forms and infesting any plants that survived with their eggs and hence the cycle starts again. In fact, it is usually safest to destroy all of the lanterns near an infestation. However, I believe we caught this quickly enough as none of the plants in this field have blossomed fully. What pains me is the unanswered question of how the infected seeds came to be in our possession in the first place..."


    Leon shook his head, of course, he didn''t work in the fields so he did not know. He simply followed Teacher Sagi''s instructions to carefully dig out the plant with roots intact, in order not to disrupt the gu and have them flee to healthy host plants. To do this Leon had to use his spiritual energy, wrapping it around each root carefully to make sure they did not break as he dug out the plant.


    Teacher Sagi said this was best practice for all herbs when harvesting, to ensure that the herbs were of peak condition before turning them into pills and potions. Of course, this was not always possible and with some forgiving herbs, not always necessary. But Leon would find that with rarer herbs, delicate touches were almost always required.

 Chapter 169 - Hundred And Sixty Nine - What happened to the cub Jin Li rescued?

    On an unrelated note, while Leon was weeding and Jin Li was doing... well things that Jin Li did, a young creature was gnawing gently upon a small flat wooden fish; its tooth was coming in and its gum was a bit sore because of this.


    The young creature was about the size of a leopard cub on the cusp of adolescence, but skinny like a sleek Siamese. It once fought for Milk within the nest of its mother, before strange two-legged, pale monsters came along and stole its mother''s life away as well as captured its burly siblings. It had been small, weak, left to fend for itself in the nest with no mother and all alone. Instinctively, it knew that this was a death sentence.


    However, despite the gurgles in its tummy and the resignation of its end, it noticed a sparkling light in the hopeless tunnel of darkness and couldn''t help but become attracted to it. Thus it peeked through the grass and feathers of its nest and its blue eyes caught sight of a dangling object from which seemed to be shining like a star. It caught the attention of a two-legged pale monster, but this monster smelled different from the ones that had captured its siblings and although it was scared, it sensed that the monster did not mean it harm. So it buried its way into the monster''s pouch like skin and enjoyed the warmth of its body. As it happened, this monster was in possession of the star, so as it felt more and more confident that the monster would not kill it, it saw no reason not to try and obtain the bright object it wanted.


    And it had caught it as well!


    That monster went away and new monsters tried to replace its mother in its heart, but while it liked the fact that it no longer had to fight for food, it didn''t want to be with any of these two-legged beings. They smelled all wrong. The monster that had given it the shiny, wooden fish had smelled a bit better, but that one had disappeared and not come back.


    In time, its siblings, who had also come to this nest of monsters having been taken away from their mother''s killers, all decided to chose one monster in which to place their trust. After a while, only their runty sibling remained. But despite the fact that it wasn''t as strong or as able as its big siblings, the monsters still came to it each day hoping to catch its attention. It was a bit annoying.


    The little feline concentrated on eating and sleeping and soon grew to a size that could be compared to its siblings, but it was still slender and nothing like the thick, muscular Male and females usually born of its kind. Its black and white fluff had become shorter, coarser and a few opalescent, snowy scales were now poking through its fur on its back. Its clear growth encouraged the monsters more, but it still chose to ignore them, all its attention was on its small, wooden treasure.


    One day, a monster that smelled a bit like flowers came to its small nest in the shelter the monsters created for it with a wooden object about the size of the monster''s palm. It looked, at first, like food or more specifically, like a fish. But its nose could not be fooled! It knew it was made of wood! The monster tried to coax it using those sounds that the two-legged creatures made. Those sounds became impatient when it ignored the monster and the floral scented creature tried to snatch its treasure and replace it with the block of wood! It scratched and hissed in displeasure and wailed loudly!


    "What are you doing?" The sounds of another monster came, causing the floral scented one to stop. The feline sniffed and purred before snatching its treasure away to hide it at the back of its nest, less the floral monster try grab it again.


    "I was just..." the floral one spoke, but the other interrupted.


    "I suggest you leave before I mention this to Teacher Volun," the monster said. "And don''t bother the Coeurl cub anymore. It is obvious that it won''t chose you no matter what you do." The floral one ran away; the feline thought it inefficient that the monsters only had two legs to run with and never used their fore paws to make them faster. But it seemed to work for them.


    It yowled its thanks to the remaining monster. It didn''t mind this monster too much, a pity it smelled like dog. But then, that blue mutt was always close by it, so was it any wonder! It sniffed again and then realised that the canine was not with the monster this time, in fact, the monster was carrying one of its own, an adolescent. And from the metallic scent of blood, it was wounded.


    The blue-eyed cub blinked and emerged from its nest to inspect the strange feline. It couldn''t see much, but the stranger was placed in its siblings former nest and food and water was placed near to it. The stranger hissed and warned away the monster, but there was not much strength to it. Still the dog-smelling monster left, leaving the two coeurl to themselves.


    The day past as usual, the cub played with its treasure, before burying it more cautiously away when the monster''s came with food. But while it buried its face into the yummy lumps of meat, the stranger was ungrateful and hissed and yowled angrily at the monsters who approached it.


    ''They are just bringing food'', the cub yawned with a mewl, licking the remnants from its still small whiskers.


    ''Ignorant cub,'' the adolescent hissed. ''They trapped us in here. They will enslave us if we do not escape!''


    The cub tilted its small head in question. ''But if you don''t eat, how will you escape?''


    The adolescent did not answer, so the cub lost interest in it. However, the monsters found that the food had all been eaten in the end.


    The wounds on the adolescent coeurl healed and the creature regained its vigour. Thus it began to attract the monsters to it in the same way the cub and its siblings called to them. They each wanted to gain the adolescent''s trust to the point that they actually ignored the cub. Not that the cub was bothered by this, so long as it had food, warmth and its treasure. The adolescent was a handsome feline with sleek fur and scales of midnight. Its eyes were like two bright rubies and its whiskers like slender whips stretching the length of its body. However, it was stubborn and refused all that approached it. This did not stop the monsters from approaching it.


    The adolescent bided its time until it was at full strength and then during one feeding time, it attempted to escape. The monster that brought the meals opened the cub''s nest and popped in its meal. It left the nest unlocked, knowing that the cub was unlikely to leave; it wanted to try once more to get close to the cub by grooming it. It was more cautious as it unlocked the adolescent''s nest, but then the cub yawned cutely, distracting the monster briefly and the adolescent rushed out of its nest to knock over the monster. It fell unconscious upon the floor.


    The midnight coeurl approached the nest of the small cub, even nuzzled its face in greeting causing the little one to purr. ''Escape with me,'' the older one urged.


    The cub shook its head. It had been raised for a long time by the monsters. Even if it wanted to leave them, it knew it could not survive in the wild. It had been a runt, its fate had likely always been to die, so although it had not extended its faith to one of the monsters, it knew it was grateful to them.


    ''I can''t leave,'' the cub replied. ''My mother was killed by not these monsters. I cannot hunt, I cannot find shelter. I owe these monsters a life.''


    The adolescent tilted its head, thinking over this for a while, then nodded as it came to a decision. ''Then I will remain with you until you decide otherwise.''


    The little cub grinned and said; ''would you like to see my treasure?''


    Later that evening, a monster came in search of the one who was responsible for feeding the two coeurl, only to find that it was unconscious upon the floor. It was also shocked to find that the adolescent was curled up asleep in the cub''s nest, the little one sprawled asleep over it.

 Chapter 170 - Hundred And Seventy - I find truths in tea

    The Grand Auction was one that required an invitation in order to participate, at least that was true if one was buying. If one was selling, the auctioneers would have to deem the item worthy of being put to bid in this Grand event. Otherwise, sellers could only wait for a Market Auction, where things could sell for a fair bit or next to nothing depending on the fortunes of the seller. It was a risk that might not pay off, one that many refused to take and would rather sell direct to a shop instead.


    Ursam seemed to think that Leon''s variant pills were more than worthy of being a lot in the Grand Auction and Leon did not know enough about the process to think otherwise. Still, he put in a fair bit of effort to ensure that the Smouldering Energy Pills and Bursting Energy Pills were of reasonable quality and low of impurities. And when he was satisfied, only then could he focus on attempting to make variant Burning Blood Pills.


    Really, he thought after Jin Li demanded most if not all of his attentions the past four day, he did not have much time to experiment remaining! As luck would have it, Teacher Sagi had left the institute for the next three ten days, allowing Leon to practice his pills and cultivation as he would, otherwise, there would be no time at all.


    He pouted as he covered the new purple marks upon his pale skin with his inner robe. Jin Li was a bit unreasonable, he thought. While it was true that they had not seen each other in six days and Leon did indeed miss him well, did not mean that his body should be toyed with mercilessly for the entire four-day break! If this was what Jin Li was like prior to full consummation of their relationship, what would he be like after their first joining? Leon shivered, both worried and yet maybe just a bit excited to find out!


    After thinking that he really ought to invest time into learning how to make False Recovery Pills once the Auction was done and dusted, he returned his attentions to his current dilemma; variant Burning Blood Pills.


    He''d originally began with the basics; separating the lush green Mothtail leaves from the vivid scarlet flowers of the same shape, before using the bundles separately within his cauldron with the other ingredients. Using the leaves produced a marbled orange Burning Blood Pill and using the flowers produced a marbled orange Burning Blood Pill. He sighed as he looked at them side by side on his shelf. Honestly, it didn''t seem that there was any difference in the two pills from any other Burning Blood Pill. Still, when he''d stored them away, he''d made sure to label them correctly so not to mix them up with others.


    Seeing as just refining the one ingredient in the existing recipe was clearly not enough to create a variant, he''d realised that he needed to consider all of the herbs. Unfortunately, when he took to the library to research these herbs, he did not find out too much to help him.


    Sure it was interesting that songmist moss would only grow up the trunk of a tree until its first bough, meaning the taller the trunk, the more moss could be harvested from it. And Weasel Bane was not poisonous to weasel-type beasts; they just weren''t too keen on the smell of its blooms. Oh and Salamander''s Breath Poppies, while commonly bright orange, also came in yellow and burgundy varieties...


    There just wasn''t much information on the herbs functions within a pill. For example, Leon had deduced that the Moth-tails were somehow responsible for the temporary boost in ability and that this was more clearly concentrated in the flower than the leaves. Just as Leo had deduced that the beast-tails were responsible for the modifying the mood of a beast. But if other alchemists had figured out how each herb effected each pill, they were keeping it very close to their own chests and not sharing. Even Teacher Sagi had made no mention of such, just imparting his knowledge on growing and caring for each herb and what pills they can help make.


    Leon was forced to place the problem aside again for he really could not figure out where exactly he should go from here and spent a day cultivating in order to stop his mind dwelling on the set back. Once the sparkling lights had completed several circulations through his meridians and returned to lazily circle within his inner sea, he decided he was thirsty and went to make himself a cup of tea.


    As the tea brewed within the pot, Leon was reminded of the Medicinal Tea book he purchased at the Five School Market Festival. Seeing as he''d been otherwise preoccupied, he''d almost completely forgotten about it.


    Medicinal Tea making was not quite as simple an art as those who considered it with scorn made it sound. While it was true that the brews were not as potent as Medicinal Wine nor as satisfactory as Medicinal Cuisine, they still required a wise hand and quiet focus, less they become at best; indistinct beverages or at worst; poison. Basically, these teas required precise measurements of herbs to water.


    That and there was a varied range, helping to promote a healthy body with digestion, clean meridians and strong bones as well as keeping the mind focused and clear. Teas helping to promote cultivation were included, naturally, though the effects were said to be minimal for the most part. What was most interesting to Leon, was that most of the recipes in this small book, were made from common herbs. Only a handful had less common herbs, such as a slightly more complex tea that claimed to temper, over time, the stomach and intestinal track in order that it could absorb the effects of pills more efficiently.


    Leon found this tea quite fascinating, for what he knew about pill absorption was only what he had listened to in a lecture once and even then, he really hadn''t understood it much. Something about personal physiques effecting efficiency of pills... Of course, he wasn''t reliant on pills, so he never had dwelled on the subject much, though he knew that the build up in impurities in a body could reduce the effectiveness of pills upon that person in the long run.


    The recipe called for mostly uncommon herbs and a couple of rare ones; he supposed if this tea really could do as it said if taken over a long period of time, it would be worth it. In fact many of the teas would be worth taking, just that they needed to be drank over a long period of time to be effective.


    He turned the page and read over the next one, which happened to use Cloud Fern and in this case, there was a warning that if too much of this herb was added, it would have an adverse effect on the other herbs in the tea, neutralising them, thus rendering the tea as ineffective. But too little would also effect the tea''s usefulness; its effects would be much weaker. Leon frowned slightly.


    Pills required a measurement of each herb, but it wasn''t really always that precise. After all ''two or three leaves'' could be a small amount of a large amount if not only considering the number, but the size of the leaves. Cloud Fern in Burning Blood Pills for example was one frond. However, the fronds he''d been given were as small as the palm of his hand and as large as his head. The length of the feathery leaves varied, making some fronds more round, others more oblong. That and each slender leaf creating the fan like frond could be quite thick and ungainly or delicate and thin. But could these differences really effect the moth-tails though? He could only try and find out...

 Chapter 171 - Hundred And Seventy One - We attend the Grand Auction

    "And for our next lot..."


    The Grand Auction was held within the Dome of Prosperity, a building shaped as ostentatiously as its name. This was naturally located in New Julip. One who wished to enter would walk up ten stone steps and walk through two gilded columns just to reach the heavy wood doors that were as tall as three great men were they to be standing upon the shoulders of their fellows. These heavy wood doors were naturally guarded by such men, who could intimidate most of those wishing to sell or to purchase or who simply came for a little entertainment.


    The employees within the reception area were arrogant, but not offensively so. There was a balance finely pointed, allowing cliental to know that while they welcomed their business, they did not welcome any trouble from them. They were employed by the influential and highly prosperous Elysium Night Trading Company, thus they should be respected as such, for only those with excellent qualities could seek work beneath this towering umbrella. In addition, the guards outside and within were not just for show.


    "...this intermediate grade scimitar named Silver Flame, by its creator. Many of you know, I am sure, of Blacksmith Dalis Cam Lo...


    The large hall in which the Grand Auction was taking place was segregated into the common seats, in which those with ordinary and bronze invitations could sit (the latter gaining the front seats, while everyone else was forced to make the best of it behind). Then there was the balcony seats in which those blessed with silver invitations could enjoy the show and then there were those with gold invitations who claimed the V.I.P boxes. They naturally had the best views and could see each treasure in detail, as well as be served with drinks and maintain some anonymity by having employees speak for them. In addition, their seats were the most comfortable being cushioned sofas with plush padding for their noble bottoms.


    Leon, Jin Li and Ursam were not in these very exclusive seats.


    "...this weapon is one forged by one of his finest apprentices."


    Leon couldn''t really see the weapon in question very well, Ursam''s invitation was an ordinary one. So to him, the auctioneer was simply displaying a curved sword, not very interesting. Jin Li''s eye''s were sharper and his height gave him an advantage over his small lover, so he could see the sword in more detail. That saying, while it was attractive, he felt that it was a kin to a flower vase; not very useful in reality.


    "Do I have bid of 500 silver?"


    Ursam yawned beneath his hand. He''d experienced many auctions over the years, although it had been a long time since he''d been buying things from one. He understood the score, though. In a good atmosphere, one could be swept away by the tides and bid way more than the item for sale was worth. However, that did not mean that there was not a bargain to be had on occasion. Regardless, he''d lost a lot of money in his youth to clever auctioneers. He was older and wiser now (and also had a wife with a strong grip and discerning eye) so he knew better than to throw away his money on a whim.


    "Sold to the young gentleman for 750 silver!"


    Opening one eye, Ursam inwardly congratulated the savvy purchaser. Although the sword was really just an ornate piece, its quality was still equal to an average scimitar and those could sell for roughly 800 to 900 silver. The boy got himself a deal here.


    "And next we have..."


    "How many lots before the pills," Jin Li asked, testily. He''d been dragged here thanks to his small alchemist''s enthusiasm. Leon had never been to an auction and wanted to attend one. Jin Li had been to a few with his father. Certain auctions seconded as social gatherings, wonderful places to make connections or exchange insults with those families who had feuds with their own. He felt that they interfered with the time he could spend cultivating or practicing martial arts. And now they interfered with the time his small alchemist should be paying him attention!


    "Ah, the first pills should be in the next lot. The auctioneers decided to sell a few of both Smouldering and Bursting Energy Pills in the first lot, to gauge enthusiasm," Ursam told him. He''d been the one to approach the Trading company with the pills, allowing Leon to remain behind the scenes. This, at least, met with Jin Li''s approval.


    Sure enough, after the hammer fell and the jade bracelets were removed ready to be later given to their new owner, the auctioneer introduced the pills; "This lot consists of two jade bottles, each containing five pills. However, these pills are no ordinary pills. We are greatly excited to introduce the first new pills to be discovered in nearly two hundred years!"


    Immediately, the hushed whispers amongst the crowd rose in volume to a roar and many even rose from their seats, trying to get a better look at the two bottles. Leon, in contrast, shyly sank deeper into his seat, his face reddening. Was his discovery really that great? Jin Li caught sight of his small alchemist''s retreating form and a smug grin once more appeared upon his face. As he gazed over the enthusiastic reactions of the crowd, he grabbed Leon''s hand and entwined their fingers. Leon''s blush deepened further, coupled with a sweet smile, his jet eyes lighting up with tiny stars.


    No one noticed, with the exception of one lewdly grinning individual, as everyone was too intent on finding out more about these pills.


    "In addition, unlike the last handful of newly discovered pills, which were all made of very rare and difficult to purchase ingredients, these pills are likely to become much more accessible in the future. Now while we do not know the recipe or techniques used to make these pills, this auctioneer has been informed that they were developed when studying the simple Burning Energy Pill." The enthusiastic whispers began to dim; the Burning Energy Pill was common after all and only effective for those on the initial steps of cultivation. The auctioneer was not concerned, however and explained instead the abilities of the Smouldering Energy Pills and Bursting Energy Pills.


    Leon had never expected the initial fervour, so felt a bit relieved when calm began to descend once more, although there was a tiny bit of disappointment which was quickly followed by resignation. Jin Li tutted beneath his breath and squeezed Leon''s hand warmly. As long as he knew of Leon''s excellence, what did these peons matter?


    Ursam was more aware that while indeed there were many who were dismissive of the new pills, there were several eyes still keenly trained on the two jade bottles. These eyes likely belonged to collectors (for who wouldn''t want to claim to own the first ever produced pills of a new vein, even if they were variations of a common pill... alas they wouldn''t know that the prototypes were actually in Ursam''s hands) but also to alchemists who would want to break down the components of these pills, discover their secrets and reproduce them. There could also be sect representatives, who would consider these pills a good thing for their talented, fresh Cultivators.


    An ordinary Burning Energy Pill sold for just 250 brass coins, thus ten should never sell more than 3 silver.


    "Who will give me an initial bid of say 5 silver?"

 Chapter 172 - Hundred And Seventy Two - Surprise! I succeeded!

    "5 silver!" A voice yelled out in agreement.


    "10 silver!" Came a counter attack a second or so. When they had first arrived at the Grand Auction and taken their seats, Leon had been a bit nervous and a bit excited. He''d never been to an auction before and hadn''t known what to expect. When the first lot had come out on stage, he''d watched fascinated as people yelled out the currency they were willing to spend upon the item and slowly the price had increased.


    "12 silver!" However, monotony is a bit boring and none of the early auctions had caused much excitement, so although the items on sale had changed, the tempo of the bidding had remained much the same as before.


    "15 silver!" Even when the first weapons came out, despite his initial thought that people would be excited by these as the nature of the world was much about fighting and being stronger than one''s neighbour, little changed. Glancing at Jin Li''s sneer, he''d realised that this was in part due to the fact that the weapons were just not interesting enough.


    "20 silver!" Leon still recalled how Jin Li was attracted to the magical weapons within Blacksmith Mars'' shop. Clearly, none of the swords on sale here had reached that degree of quality yet.


    "23 silver!"


    "Are these people crazy?" A man muttered behind the small alchemist''s entourage. "These are just Pills for stage one Cultivators!"


    "Who knows what goes through the head of wealthy people," muttered his neighbour.


    "23 silver going once!" The auctioneer shouted. "23 silver going twice!..."


    "25 silver!" Came a last minute bid from a new voice. Heads turned towards the V.I.P box automatically.


    "Any more bids?" The auctioneer asked as silence descended after that person spoke. No one raised their hands or voices. "Then sold! For 25 silver!"


    Leon was quietly excited once more, the boredom of a watching an unexceptional Auction having faded as his own items were claimed. 25 silver was not a great deal of money for a Cultivator, but at the same time, it was a decent addition to Leon''s currently sparse purse. Admittedly, he still had to visit the old town and sell Pharmacist Clawse the healing pills yet...


    The lots moved on to other things, however there was now a fever in the air as each lot was brought out. A scroll for the Soaring Crane technique, a jade talisman of fortune carved by a well known individual, a peak quality Root Origin Pill...


    "Next is this Gold gilded Light Cauldron," The auctioneer announced, stirring Leon''s interest. He''d only ever used the plain, iron cauldrons supplied by the school and couldn''t help his curiosity. The Cauldron was bigger than those small pots, with about three times the capacity and glimmered in the light of the bright mage globes scattered around the hall.


    "What''s the d-d-difference b-between a Light C-cauldron and a n-normal one?" Leon asked Ursam with a whisper, recalling that the man had once been an alchemist in the distant past.


    "Easier to lift," Ursam said, dismissively, causing Leon to feel like he''d asked a pointless question. "That cauldron is just a decorative item, yeah there will be foolish, inept alchemists bidding for it like its some sort of treasure, but I''d rather use a basic cauldron that rely on that thing." His words splashed cold water over Leon, but he still watched as a fierce bidding war ensued and the gilded cauldron was eventually sold for two jade coins.


    Leon''s jaw dropped. A jade coin was worth a thousand silver, it seemed a ridiculous amount of money to him who usually had today alone earned enough money to feed a commoner family for almost a year.


    After that came a few more useless, but highly sought over items; a set of jewellery made of pale pink pearls and pink diamonds set in filagree silver that had several women screeching for as bids soared into the sky followed by a set of jade ornaments, five well crafted dragons that collectors coolly bid for as if they really weren''t that interested. Both sold for more than a couple of had coins.


    And then two more small jade bottles were brought out on a tray and Ursam, beside Leon, grinned brightly as the auctioneer declared; "In each of these bottles are one single pill, produced by the same enlightened alchemist from early. If you thought that the Smouldering Energy Pills and the Bursting Energy Pills were beneath your attention, then perhaps these two will be of more interest to you.


    "In the first bottle, we have one Smouldering Blood Pill!" Voices raised were as intense as when the auctioneer announced Leon''s first Pills, before their enthusiasm waned. A standard Burning Blood Pill was used for those of secondary and tertiary cultivators, which were numerous as the bottle neck to quaternary cultivation prevented many from proceeding onwards. Thus pills that those of these levels could use were far more greatly sought. "As with its weaker version, the Smouldering Blood Pill temporarily increases ability to mimic that of one at the peak of their level. It lasts much longer than a Burning Blood Pill''s boost and the after effects are much weaker in comparison, thus it can be considered an excellent addition to those requiring a longer term increase of their strength.


    "And if we have this, then naturally we have obtained its counterpart; the Bursting Blood Pill, capable of aiding one to completely exceed ones own limits for a short period of time. Though it''s effects may only last a little more than two handfuls of seconds, such can resolve a life and death situation where once only death could be expected! Please be aware that the greater the effect, the greater the after effects and if using this pill, use it wisely.


    "Now, how shall we start the bidding?"

 Chapter 173 - Hundred And Seventy Three - I am an audacious small alchemist

    It had all been about trial and error in the end.


    Leon had purchased a small set of scales in order to measure out the amount of herbs he was using, in order to create more uniform pills for the experiments; his first Burning Blood Pill even took a step increase in quality, considered good, rather than average. This additional fortune was duly noted with each measurement and tested to see if this more precise recipe continued to produce good quality pills. Six out of ten were of good quality, leading Leon to believe that something was not so good with some of the ingredients he''d used.


    Regardless, this happy coincidence gave him a good base to work with as he tried to create his first variant. However, after producing five marbled orange pills when trying to produce the first Smouldering Blood Pills, he came to realise that he was still missing some point. Each of these five pills had differing amounts of the Cloud Fern herb, so perhaps it was not dimming the effect of the green Mothtail leaves like he''d previously thought.


    He''d felt a bit depressed after that and in some desperate measure, tried to compare again the marbled orange variant attempt with one of the marbled orange Burning Blood Pills from earlier and found no difference in the look of them... however there was a slight difference in how they''d smelled. With a bit of hope, he''d once more descended the mountain, this time rushing straight to Ursam''s shop, where he''d explained his difficulties and his suspicions.


    Ursam had then brought out the small golden evaluation device to help him test the pills he''d made so far. They had been astonished to find that there were differences amongst the five pills, that the three with the lowest amount of Cloud Fern herb were not so good as the after effects were just too strong, but the fifth pill had the worst effect in terms of improving ability. After that, while his beloved Wife prepared the guest room and cooked a delicious meal to help sustain them, the pair had worked together to create a pill with the best ability with the least after effects, however it was still a marbled orange pill.


    Ursam had looked at the vivid colour of the pill and off handedly mentioned that it was the same colour as the Salamander''s breath poppy petals.


    "They c-come in d-different c-colours you know," Leon had mentioned, before the epiphany hit and the men had rushed out to try and purchase some. After a little testing, Leon managed to produce a good quality, burgundy-marbled pill that was of course named the Smouldering Blood Pill.


    Having already taken three days to finally create this pill, they only had one left in order to produce a Bursting Blood Pill that could be a worthy counterpart to the other. They used vivid red poppy petals to complete the product and allow it to look a little different to the principal product. For the auction, Ursam had decided that it was best to just sell one of each pill, to spark interest.


    "20 silver!" Before the auctioneer could even suggest a price, a bid was put forward. This was already way above the value of an average Burning Blood Pill, which usually sold for 3 silver, thus 6 silver for two.


    "30 silver!" Leon''s eyes widened. The enthusiasm for these two final products was obviously much greater than their weaker versions.


    "45 silver!"


    "Excellent, excellent!" Ursam rubbed his hands together. Leon and he had agreed to split the money earned by these two pills and despite the amount of purchased ingredients they had used, their costs already were more than covered.


    "You made these?" Jin Li''s eyes widened in realisation, whispering these words to his small lover. Leon gave a slight nod, his eyes curved like half-moons as he smiled and leaned closer to reply in soft murmur;


    "I saved a c-c-couple of each p-pill for you." He watched as the martial artist''s expression became proud and smug. Ursam noticed their interactions from the corner of his eye, quietly amused.


    While they were talking, the price of the two small pills had sky-rocketed to 70 silver, Leon''s heart beat rapidly and loudly in his chest as he heard the price. That was probably more than he''d made on all of the sales of his Improved Blood Pills to Pharmacist Clawse. It seemed like an impossible amount and still the price was rising.


    "80 silver!"


    "85 silver!"


    "100 silver!" Even Ursam''s jaw dropped at this point. Naturally, he was assuming these pills would bring in a higher return than the ten lesser pills, but still, there was only two of them. He rubbed his jaw thinking that it would likely be best to sell the next batch of these new pills at auction as well, although the variant Energy Pills would be best sold from his shop. Hee hee hee, he''d like to see how the Heavenly Pill Pavilion could compete with him on that score.


    Just to mention; Ursam had already memorised the recipe of the Varient Blood Pills and could easily work out from them how to create the lesser pills, but he would be the first to admit that he was far too lazy to bother making them. The lesser pills were too much of a hassle for the price they would eventually command and the better pills required a meticulous nature in order to produce them, like Leon''s. So while he would be happy to sell these variant pills, he''d rather rely on Leon to resupply them.


    As for getting them from others, well, he believed strongly that the alchemists who tried reverse engineer the pills would struggle to figure out just exactly how they were made. After all, it was not as if the herbs within each pill were any different from the principal versions. So unless Leon was willing to sell or share his secrets, the boy would be his only supplier of the new pills. Ursam wouldn''t sell out this immense potential source of profit... but he would purchase a bottle of quality Medicinal Wine to share with old Clawse once this auction was done and dusted.


    "110 silver!"


    "Any more bids?" The auctioneer finally yelled. "Then going once..."


    "150 silver!" That voice belonged to the same individual as who had purchased the Smouldering and Bursting Energy Pills. And again, no one dared raise the bid... though this time it may have been the rather large jump in price that caused the silence.


    "Sold! For 150 silver, to the gentleman in Box 1! Congratulations!" Indeed, Congratulations, but that was less for the savvy purchaser and more reserved for the clever little alchemist who had the audacity to create new pills.

 Chapter 174 - Hundred And Seventy Four - We celebrate our good fortune

    In his past life, Leon experienced only two types of restaurant dining; fast food and places with generous portions of reasonable food with low prices. Nothing fancy or expensive. Ah but the cheap restaurants would share similarities to fine dining establishments in which there was a menu, waiter and chefs in the kitchen.


    When he and Jin Li went on their first date, the place they visited was a quaint tavern that was tucked away in the streets of the old town, but due to its bear-like owner, usually frequented only by old men, who''d been regulars for years and their sons, who''d be the same in the future. The fair had been a bit coarse, mutton stew and bread and a boiled egg. Just enough to sate Jin Li''s monstrous appetite. It had only cost a few handful of brass with weak mead included.


    The place that Ursam dragged them and poor Mr Clawse too (the latter had been carried over the formers'' shoulder, so not to keep the youths waiting) was not like that small tavern. Leon felt that this place would likely be more in keeping with those fine dining restaurant''s he''d never visited. It was a building of three floors. Upon the ground floor were a smattering of round tables and chairs as well as a small stage area to one side. The second floor was home to a balcony which happened to be shaped in a squared ''u'' that diners could see down to the stage below from all seats. And the highest floor had private rooms where the elite often partook of food and beverages while discussing business. These rooms had paper windows that could be opened should these guests wish to witness plays on stage or amuse themselves by looking down on those who could not afford a private room.


    Seats upon the balcony and the private rooms incurred an additional fee for the privilege of usage, to be paid prior. This restaurant had been bitten before by Second generation nobles who happened to speak big, but lacked the silver to back up their claims. A noble household was not necessarily a wealthy one, and even were it, doesn''t mean that noble fathers would had out silver unchecked to their spendthrift children.


    In all honesty, although a private room commanded a fair sum of silver, a balcony seat was just ten silver. Otherwise this restaurant, which was located in a town with a good amount of money, but not a city with a lot, would always have empty spaces upon it. Ursam coughed up the ten silver on hearing that there was still a table available up there. The middle-aged waiter took the coin and lead them up the first flight of stairs onto the balcony which used tall pillars of wood to create some divide between the tables between guests along with a few folding embroidered screens here and there. The balcony was not wide, just enough space for a line of tables that bent around with the shape of the area and a walkway along its length. The stairs came out in the middle of the shaped ''u''.


    The table that the waiter lead them to was close to the left corner and partially hidden by a screen decorated with bamboo shapes and a pagoda. Unlike the tavern in which the policy was ''this is what there is to eat, take it or leave it'', there was a menu, which was printed upon slates of bamboo. Upon it were listed the restaurant''s specialities, other meat dishes, vegetable dishes and rice and noodle dishes and lastly soup dishes. Ursam rattled off a few requests to which Jin Li added to, these being mostly meat dishes, while Leon''s eyes widened and thoughts of the cost of this meal caused him a bit of panic. But before he could protest, the waiter had already disappeared with their order.


    "So just for what reason," Clawse finally said at that moment, "have I been brought here without notice?"


    "We are celebrating!" Ursam replied in a booming voice. Leon felt rather than saw the eyes of numerous guests glancing their way with high pointed noses and sneers. Ursam did not seem to care, however, pouring the jug of wine brought by another server, into the bowls upon the table.


    "Yes, that you did say before unceremoniously dragged me here," Clawse added. "But why? What are you celebrating?"


    "Did I not mention it?" Ursam asked, looking suddenly bewildered, before his expression resumed its bright, happy go lucky usualness with a shrug. "We are celebrating the day that you were smart enough to introduce me to this young alchemist of course!"


    Clawse turned to Leon and said earnestly; "I am so sorry."


    Jin Li smirked before picking up the small bowl of wine and sniffing it. It was fragrant and aromatic, a fruit wine meant to stimulate appetite. His small alchemist should not feel the ill effects too soon, but just in case; "Don''t drink it on an empty stomach. Wait until you eat."


    "Alright," Leon agreed and placed the bowl back onto the table.


    In the meantime, Ursam decided to use his quota of discretion for the month and quietly informed Clawse just what the youth had accomplished of late. However, he was disappointed by the fact that Clawse remained stoic. "You are not surprised?" Ursam pouted, poking the prominent cheekbones of his friend.


    Clawse slapped his hand away before lifting his bowl to sip from it. "No, I am not," the pharmacist admitted. How could he be when that same small alchemist had once brought him one heart Pills and Blood Pills that were a vast improvement on that which had been around for centuries. Creating such might satisfy a different alchemist that sought money and fame, but Leon was definitely not like that. Clawse had been certain of this fact ever since he came to trade the clear spiritual pills with reduced impurities; that boy was still seeking to improve the pills he knew.


    Leon may have worried about the cost, but he came to realise that all of the dishes were in bowls no bigger than a western soup bowl, which were placed in the centre of the table for them to help themselves to. He felt the heat in his cheeks increase as Jin Li deftly filled his bowl with less greasy foods as he usually favoured, while he more clumsily tried to return the favour with meat, carefully picking up each piece with his chopsticks. Jin Li smiled happily at first, that his small lover sought to serve him, but his mood fell slight as Leon was so slow about it! Thus he still filled his own plate in the end.

 Chapter 175 - Hundred And Seventy Five - Jin Li purchases a Cultivation method

    It is not unusual for the night streets to be filled with toneless singing of men chanting with slurred words, however the voice that echoed this time was soft and the words sang were quite clear... even if the song made absolutely no sense.


    "One - don''t pick up the phone..." the boy sang as he clung to the back of the man carrying him. "You know...um... dah dah dah dah dah!"


    Ursam glanced over at the grimacing Jin Li and the drunk boy he held. "How much did he drink exactly?" He inquired. They had already sent Pharmacist Clawse on his way and were heading back to Ursam''s shop, where the man planned for the youths to stay the evening.


    "Two bowls worth." Just to say, a bowl of wine was no more that a single glass in Leon''s previous life. The wine had only been a floral wine, not high in alcohol content. However, unknown to others, this had been beyond his limit in that life as well!


    "...so little?" Ursam commented with slight bewilderment. The singing tapered off as Leon drifted to sleep upon Jin Li''s back.


    Ursam''s Wife was less than impressed by the state Leon was in, but not a word was said in blame of the small alchemist. No, instead it was all reserved for her husband. "How could you let him drink so much as to be in this condition?" She hissed at him, crossly.


    "He''s an adult, you know," Ursam pouted as the words fell like large hammers onto his head.


    "He''s an adult? You''re the adult!" The woman retorted. "These boys are like mere bairn''s compared to you! Just how much did he drink?"


    "Two bowl''s full," Jin Li repeated his earlier words, without chagrin.


    "...so little?" Ursam''s wife hesitated for a moment. Still, she felt that a man of her husband''s age ought to have known better and to have stopped him after just the first. "Help Jin Li to the guest room and settle him in. We''ll talk about this in the morning."


    The guest room only had one bed, happened to be a double bed, with heavy curtains to protect sleepers from draft winds. Although Ursam guided Jin Li to the room, he didn''t enter with him, saying he would refresh the jug of water upon the table beside the bed instead. Leon slipped from Jin Li''s back and onto the mattress with a sigh, but otherwise did not seem to be disturbed from peaceful sleep.


    "Look at you, so weak," Jin Li sneered as he carefully pulled Leon''s boots from his feet, followed by his socks. "You dare to allow others to see you in this vulnerable state?" He removed Leon''s glasses and the pin from Leon''s hair, which spilled over the bed like a halo of black and white.


    Leon did not answer as Jin Li maneovered him until he was beneath the covers and watched with raised brows as his small lover snuggled deeper into the blankets, until only the crown of his head could be seen. Looking at him for a moment, Jin Li felt the rising of that soft sensation within his heart, that he still wasn''t quite used to. Protecting him was fine, sharing the sensations of the body were fine, blatantly declaring his sovereignty over him was fine, this was... this was fine as well, he supposed.


    A muffled cough and knock upon the door shut down the tiny warmth and the coldness of seventeen years swiftly returned to its rightful place. Jin Li turned around and saw Ursam waiting for him, jug of water in hand. Without a word, Jin Li came over to take it from him, but hesitated to take it when he noticed the strange grin upon Ursam''s face. A sense of foreboding began to build and worsened when Ursam crooked a finger at him, indicating he should step out of the guest room and follow him. They did not go far, however. This was the older man''s way of being considerate to the sleeping boy left behind.


    That grin, though... "So you and Leon huh?"


    Jin Li frowned. "Leon and I what?" He asked coolly.


    "Your relationship is like that!" The man''s brows raised and the grin widened nearly splitting his face in two.


    "I do not get that which you imply." Jin Li was not a complete idiot. In the country state of his birth, he was actually renown as a genius. Able to read and write hundreds of words before he was four, thousands before he was seven. Able to Cultivate to a level beyond his years without much external aid (from pills and the like), able to learn Martial Arts techniques quickly and adapting them for his own usage. His demeanour was while cold, considered elegant and sophisticated, he was blunt on occasion, did not use flowery words or schemes of misdirection. As such, sly comments with double meanings would never cause him to share more than a sneer and a look of contempt. In actual fact, this man just didn''t really catch the other meanings hidden in their words.


    "I am saying that you two are in a lovers relationship!" Ursam finally spelled out his views plainly, allowing Jin Li to attain enlightenment. "You can''t deny this, I have eyes, you know!" The older man continued, he felt Jin Li''s evasiveness was not cute and also unfair to the small alchemist, who always looked at the Martial Art student with stars in his eyes. However, Jin Li''s next words surprised him.


    "I do not deny this, Leon is mine," he said this so clearly that Ursam was actually struck dumb for a moment. It didn''t last long however.


    "Good man, good man!" He smacked Jin Li back in an approving matter and ignored the fact that his touch was brushed off in obvious disdain. "It''s hard for many men to admit that they would rather have a man than a woman! Society is all about the son, heir and marrying for the sake, one forgets that a Cultivator lives much longer than a mortal. Gender often becomes irrelevant when seeking that person destined to walk along side you on the path to immortality." The amicable smile was once again replaced by the lewd grin. "So have you to practiced any dual cultivation methods yet?"


    Jin Li frowned, dual cultivation? How was that possible? In his knowledge, Dual cultivation was something that a man did with a woman, an advanced form of bedroom relations, but for the sake of cultivation rather than producing progeny. Although he had learned, in an extremely pleasurable way, that some bedroom activities could be performed between men, he still did not consider this one of them.


    "It just so happens," Ursam continued oblivious to Jin Li''s clear confusion, "I happen to be in the ownership of a dual cultivation technique designed for two men. I came across it quite coincidentally, wanted to try it out, but... you know... met the wife and everything so it''s of no use to me now."


    A part of Jin Li was curious, but that part of him, while it was of reasonable size and girth, still only represented a small part of the overall man. Thus he shook his head to turn down the offer. "No need," he said, curtly. "The cultivation method I practice is superior, only practiced by members of my family line. I need nothing else."


    Ursam looked at him bewildered for a moment. With a slight frown he said; "Most dual cultivation methods are practiced in conjunction with other lone methods, you wouldn''t be at a loss... otherwise how many would bother going into closed cultivation with their dao companion, if you know what I mean!"


    "I don''t."


    It was at this point Ursam realised just how innocent Jin Li was in these matters, such a contrast to the cold, vicious aura he usually projected. How amusing! "Well, if I can''t convince you..." he sighed, as if it really did not matter to him. "A bit of a pity for Leon, though; it would have likely boosted Leon''s cultivation. He''s not as fortunate as you, to inherit a bloodline technique, after all. This method would definitely be a boon to him."


    Jin Li hesitated. "It''s not as if this Lord is not interested..." he said, evasively, still unable to figure out just how two men could dual cultivate, but too proud to ask.


    "It has pictures."


    "Seeing as it is of no use to you," Jin Li spoke in an off handed manner, "this Lord could take it off of your hands."


    "Ah, but you know, I can''t give it away for free," Ursam grinned. Jin Li''s felt the vein in his temple begin to twitch.


    "This lord does not have much," he admitted. Leon fed him, had clothed him and bought a cup, plate and bath for him. But he would not ask his small lover for money of this thing. Instead, he considered what was in his interspatial pouch and fished out a handful of jade bottles filled with high quality cloudy spiritual pills. He couldn''t recall where he''d got these, but he had no need of them. "Would these be sufficient?" High quality cloudy spiritual pills were worth something in the region of 10 silver a pill, but even with the amount of pills here, they really could not really cover even a quarter of the value of the cultivation method.


    "Made by Leon?l Ursam hoped there would be some secret and that they''d be worth more than their initial estimate.


    "No."


    "Well, I''m practically giving it away," Ursam relented, eventually. "But seeing as this is for Leon... here you go." Jin Li snatched the small bamboo booklet away and tucked it into his robes, before quickly hurrying back to the guest room ignoring Ursam''s knowing grin.

 Chapter 176 - Hundred And Seventy Six - Corvus gives a lecture in the wild

    There are many disappointments in life, such as how the scent of donuts can be so worthy of kowtow, but the actual flavour is just... meh. How a parent spent time, money and effort buying their precious darling the latest in must have toys, just to see a golden smile upon Christmas Day, only for said precious darling to prefer the box. How the idol you placed upon a pedestal was reported to have farted loudly in a public place and you suddenly come to realise that they are actually human to...


    And how all of a certain sister and brotherhood known to all by words beginning with the letter ''fu'' (¤Õ) would be disappointed that Jin Li did not immediately practice the lessons in a certain small bamboo book.


    "Teacher," Sun whispered to his Master, while taking sneaky glances back at a frozen-faced roommate, "I think that there is something wrong with Jin Li!"


    Sun happened to be much like a person who''d suffered the third example of disappointment, having briefly idolised Jin Li, a youth his own age but exceptionally talented, tall and handsome. His idolisation had come to an end after a protracted period of having his meals vanish into that bottomless pit of a man as well as having his dreams of adventures and heroism shattered as Jin Li was not the sort to bother with things that might cut into his time practicing Martial Arts (or bothering that alchemist of his). After the dust had settled, while Sun still thought of Jin Li more than a good brother (he didn''t like his actual brothers), the boy was no longer so sticky.


    Corvus pouted once more that his adorable apprentice used his title, rather than call him Big Brother like he''d suggested recently. Just to mentioned, Sun''s idol worship of him was destroyed really quickly. One really can''t judge a man by their achievements alone!


    As the older man was technically considered a Teacher at the Ascending Mountain Institute, he had to perform a quota of duties. One of those duties was to teach classes or lectures. Corvus always found such responsibilities boring in the long term, hence why he''d absconded thirty years ago and vanished without a trace. He was a bit of a dabbler when it came to secondary subjects, what with having forged swords, branded enchantments on weapons and armour and having lead troops into battle a couple of times in the past five centuries or so, thus he was not qualified to teach such subjects. Thus, he usually winged it and taught whatever happened to occur to him over breakfast. Surprisingly or no, it tended to make his lessons popular as students never knew what to expect until they arrived at his class.


    Of course, wherever there is light, there is shadow so even if there are good times, there are also bad ones. This one incurred mixed reviews as Corvus had decided to move the whole class to the wild forests in the mountains. A few young masters were inwardly complaining about the heat, for this autumn season had not long begun and the summer sun still lingered in the sky and there were no maids to fan them. And a couple of young maidens were bitterly worried about the smallest amounts of sun crisping their pale skins dark. Have to say, these students were mostly First Years, their seniors looked down on them with contempt. They were Martial Artists! What sort of Martial Artist hid in doors because of the weather!?


    Admittedly, those seniors had their own concerns; Corvus had lead them out here as a pack of Dire Fox Bears had moved here and as everyone knew, such were not easy to deal with. Ordinarily, only those in the top fifty of the Standings (all of whom were naturally part of the inner school) would come to evaluate the pack, to see if they were a threat due to numbers or their proximity to the school buildings. But their Teacher decided it would be a better idea for their class to do this?


    "Fox bears," Corvus began lecturing upon arrival to the outskirts of the creatures territory, "are related to the Vulpes family rather than the Ursidae, although their size and shape indicate otherwise. While they are considered territorial, they won''t necessarily defend their territory if it is threatened; if they consider their opponent as too tough for them to deal with, they''ll abandon their land and move elsewhere. For Dire Fox Bears to move on, their opponent must have been one hell of a dangerous mother... cough... anyway, moving on.


    "Bear or Fox, either way, these beasts can climb trees and can easily scent encroachers, so be careful to stand downwind. If they find you, hightail it to this spot; they seldom chase prey beyond their borders. Of course, there is no hard and fast rule about this, so... anyway, I''ll be on hand to rescue anyone who might fall into trouble. Just tear this talisman in two and I''ll be right with you!"


    "Teacher... are you sure this is a good idea?" One of the more sensible seniors asked him out of ear shot of the First Years. He didn''t want to terrify them into a panic after all.


    "Of course it is! What''s the worse that can happen?"


    Less than thirty minutes later, while holding his adorable student in his arms, he regretted those words.


    He''d grouped the students together, ensuring at least one or two seniors were with every first year, before sending them on their way. This included the still frozen-faced Jin Li.


    As his apprentice, Sun had naturally followed Corvus into the Dire Fox Bear''s territory. They had been downwind as they witnessed a family group outside their cave. Despite being over 800 pounds of sheer bulk, the two orange-furred parents indulging their cub pair were kind of cute. Elsewhere in this territory, there would be other such family groups; the collective a little like a primitive village, just with beasts instead of peasants. The pair were about to leave, when the talisman on Corvus'' waist had flashed indicating a talisman had been torn.


    Corvus had needed to leave quickly, just didn''t want to abandon Sun, but knew full well the boy could not keep up with his speed. It would be dangerous to the student who needed his help and to Sun himself. So he had indicated that Sun should leave the territory for now. Sun had agreed and begun to journey back, while Corvus flashed towards the person requiring aid.


    Who knew that a Dire Fox Bear boar happened to be hunting not too far from the border at that point and caught wind of Sun''s scent. This boar was young, newly turned out of his parental unit and eager to prove himself to catch the attention of the single sows. Full of testosterone and with impulse temper, the beast ignored the boundaries of territory and began to hunt the agile boy. Plants were crushed beneath his feet, his bulk broke saplings with ease and his claws tore into the bark of thicker trees as it climbed with speed up a tree in chase. He even dared to copy the leap of the boy who tried to escape using his wind ability to jump a gap no ordinary Cultivator of low level would dream to.


    The Fox bear leap was impressive, just not quite good enough for although he caught the branch beneath Sun''s feet, it was without a strong grip. Gravity took hold in its cruel way and the height in which the Fox bear would fall was not light. Thus in a desperate attempt for traction, the bear lashed out with his claws, catching the boy, who relaxed for a brief moment believing the bear was doomed, unawares and those claws bit into the flesh of Sun''s leg before the bear finally succumbed to fate.


    Sun was no longer stable where he stood, the branch flexing back and forth due to the weight of the bear and then the loss of it. The pain burned through his calf muscles making him even less able and he, too began the descent to the ground below. He pushed at the air, gritting his teeth against the agony, trying not to lose focus nor concentration as he fought to save his life. Thus his end would not be the ground, as was the Fox Bear''s, but the landing was still rough and bruising.


    His last action before falling unconscious was to tear the paper talisman on his waist.

 Chapter 177 - Hundred And Seventy Seven - Sun is taken to the Healers Hall

    The educational systems in this world can not truly be compared with a certain other world, where if an accident had occurred upon a school trip, parents of the victim would weep and scold the principal of the school, before calling their lawyers to discuss compensation. Where the parents of the children upon the trip, while perhaps not involved at all, would stand along side them thinking about suing for the potential trauma their sons and daughters experienced (despite the fact that several actually took pictures to post on Instagram). The Ascending Mountain Institute was churning out potential immortals and supporters of such, not producing the next generation of pampered brats with little idea of what the real world was like and this is what the families of such were seeking from them. Otherwise, what was the point of sending them there in the first place?


    If Sun''s father was to learn that he''d been hurt in Dire Bear Fox attack, he would have likely scoffed and spat out something along the lines of; "Weak brat! In my day, we wrestled Dire Fox Bears for fun after breakfast!" His Mother still may have wept though.


    The teachers wouldn''t bother looking into whether Corvus should or should not have taken the students upon this ''field trip,'' though from this the man would learn one thing; First Years really couldn''t be allowed to do anything interesting while they settled into the reality of this school. The reason that he had been called away from his cute apprentice was due to a prank that a couple of First Year boys thought it would be fun to play on a couple of pretty First Year girls. Others may have experience something similar in their teen years; "Look out! A Fox Bear!" One girl had squealed in fright, while the other tore her paper talisman. Neither had leapt into the arms of their two ''willing protectors'', but they had kicked them in the shins, before apologising to Teacher Corvus, who had just arrived upon the scene.


    Corvus did scold the two boys, crying wolf was never an intelligent idea, especially when there were real Dire Fox Bears just a few hundred feet away. And then another talisman was torn. Corvus frowned and sent the four students to gather at the meeting point outside of the beasts territory while he went to deal with the new issue.


    On seeing the situation, his heart almost spilled from his throat. Still, he didn''t have hundreds of years of experience for nothing. He gathered the unconscious boy into his arms, before digging around in his interspatial pouch for pills. Tossing a few bottles on the floor, he conveniently spotted a bottle with a cute, wooden label upon it, declaring its contents, so he didn''t have to search long. He withdrew one of the One Heart Pills from its bottle and placed it into Sun''s mouth, only expelling his breath once he saw the boy''s throat move to automatically swallow the dissolving medicine.


    At that point, a couple of seniors happened to be passing by with a First year, having completed their task of observing the Fox Bears from afar. "Gather up the students," he instructed them. "Take them back to the school." They nodded in understanding, one guided the First year back while the other ran to find other students that were still in the territory. Tearing a few strips of cloth from his tunic, Corvus wrapped Sun''s wound well before picking him up and hurrying to the Healers Hall.


    "What are his injuries?" The Healer did not offer a greeting once Corvus arrived, simply began his questions.


    "Deep cuts within his lower leg," Corvus said. "Caused by the claws of a Dire Fox Bear. He may have lost a fair bit of blood." He sounded as calm as he looked, or would have done were it not for the mess of emotions within his eyes as he glanced down at the young Martial Artist, whose cheek was red and swollen as well. It gave the Healer pause for thought, but he said nothing, just indicated that pale boy should be placed upon a bed so he could look at the main injury.


    Carefully, the Healer peeled off the make-shift bandage, which had been dyed crimson and dried sticky upon Sun''s leg. A frown deepened the lines upon his forehead as he examined the wound. "You said it was a few deep cuts?" The Healer suddenly questioned.


    Corvus had been holding his breath, ready to comfort his apprentice if he woke in pain as the Healer attended him but let it go as he replied; "Yes, nearly to the bone. Why?"


    "Look for yourself," The Healer replied, gathering the lengths of bloody fabric before tossing them into a bin. Corvus frowned and moved closer in order to see the wound. His eyes widened as what came into slight was the scabbed lines of what looked like a few newly healed, shallow scratches.


    "I don''t understand," Corvus replied. "There was blood everywhere, his leg appeared deeply lacerated."


    "Hmm, I believe you," The Healer replied. The bandage would not have been so blood soaked were it a normal wound. "Did you give him any pills?"


    "Just a One Heart Pill," Corvus answered. This healing pill was intended for external wounds after all, while Blood Pills were better for internal wounds. Corvus had wanted to seal the wound first, to prevent more blood loss, but he was not expecting... The Healer also appeared unconvinced and Corvus began placing numerous jade bottles upon the nearby table, before finding the bottle with both a carved wooden label and one less pill within it. All of the others contained five pills, this now just had four.


    Corvus removed another pill from the bottle and a pleasant scent drifted from the attractively translucent pill. The Healer''s frown deepened once more as he grabbed one of his own stock of One Heart Pills, a peak quality pill he kept for emergencies such as this. He drew a sharp intake of breath. Although the quality of Corvus'' pill did not quite compare, the Healer could tell that its effects were somewhat superior. And yet, there was no doubt, it was just a One Heart Pill.


    "Where did you get these pills?" The Healer questioned with much excitement in his tone.


    "Um..." Corvus tried to recall, but was distracted by a soft groan. "Is my apprentice alright, otherwise?" The Healer inwardly scowled, but remembered that the patient did indeed come first and took the boy''s pulse.


    "I will give him a Vital Essence pill," The Healer replied, "to replenish his lost blood. Keep him off his leg for a couple of days, just to be on the safe side." After all, he could only guess the effectiveness of the improved pill. "But he should be fine. Thanks, in part, to whomever gave you those pills." Corvus nodded, appreciatively and couldn''t help but wonder; just where did he pick up those pills?

 Chapter 178 - Hundred And Seventy Eight - Jin Li clarifies rumours

    When Sun entered his dorm room later that day, having been assisted by a Senior when Teacher Corvus was called away, he was quick to notice that his room-mate''s frozen face had melted slightly into a furrowed frown. He was sitting upon his bed, legs stretched along its length and leaning against the wall whilst staring somewhat strangely at a small book in his hands. His eyes flickered once to see Sun entering, but quickly fell once more upon the book.


    "You are back," he did acknowledge, politely.


    "En," Sun replied in breezy agreement. "Technique or skill?" He was referring to the book. From his knowledge of Jin Li''s obsessive personality, there was no way that bamboo book was anything else! Imagining Jin Li flicking through a girly romance novel could have been amusing, if it weren''t impossible!


    "Technique," Jin Li replied. "But it seems to this Lord that this book might contain fake content." It suggested that it would be possible to create a connection between two men in order to dual cultivate using an opening meant for an entirely different purpose. But... Jin Li did not elaborate, so Sun did not query. It was not unusual for Cultivators to keep techniques and skills to themselves and not share with others. As the scholars would say; knowledge is power.


    So Sun hobbled over to his own bed and lay down upon it; not that his wounds hurt much anymore. Well his face felt a bit sore and the skin on his leg felt taut and a bit itchy, but Corvus had reminded him over and over to keep his weight off of his leg and not aggravated the wounds. Sun rolled his eyes, thinking Corvus sounded more like his weepy mother than his Teacher. He curled his legs into a comfortable position, thinking of cultivating seeing as there wasn''t anything better to do, when a thought occurred to him.


    It was the sort of thought that spun around one''s head once it was implanted and refused to be removed and no matter how one tried to distract oneself from thinking about it, the mind would surely circle back to it, no matter the leaps and bounds it took to get there. Like an excitable puppy whose just scented its owner from afar, despite the owner trying to abandon it, cruelly. It was definitely not the sort of thought that would sit quietly while one cultivated, needing to be acknowledged and dealt with. He opened his eyes when realising this fact and turned his face slightly to glance at Jin Li, who was still attempting to decipher whatever he read within that book.


    "Jin Li...?" Sun''s tone was a long, slightly ingratiating one, inferring the fact he was about to ask something and the person subject to the query might not like what he hears. "Jin Li, there''s these rumours going around recently... rumours about you."


    Jin Li made no attempt to respond nor did his facial expression change in anyway, not even a flicker, basically indicating his stance on the matter aka he didn''t give a flying...


    "Of course, I didn''t believe them," Sun said, righteously, "but I thought I should maybe warn you."


    Again, that half of the room remained silent and unmoved.


    "I''d even forgotten about them," Sun continued. "But you know, yesterday Miss Vela called me out of class... to ask me to clarify them with you." This last part was said upon a sigh of melancholy.


    "...Who?"


    Sun almost slapped his own forehead. As usual, Jin Li never recalled the names of those he did not wish to, be it that he had no interest on knowing the person or that they simply hadn''t imprinted their being on his memory, despite appearing before him. Sun would have thought he would have recalled Miss Vela though; "Miss Vela, long indigo hair, legs that seem impossibly long?" Sun began to speak of what he considered as her good points and there were many of them. "Favours high kick techniques and roundhouse kicks the most?"


    "Oh that one," Jin Li said with obvious disdain.


    Sun frowned over his tone. "What do you mean? Miss Vela is probably the best female Martial Artist of the First Years!"


    "Places appearance over viability," Jin Li began his criticism, no bars held back. "And should her aim be true, slouches her shoulders in the follow up. Such an opening is ridiculous, will only lead to defeat."


    "R-really?" Sun tried to recall what he witnessed of her fights, but admittedly, he could only remember those long legs within the floating lengths of white silk as they attacked their target.


    "En," Jin Li replied. "Were I to create a prediction based on ability, then if you and she were to face in the arena, you would defeat her in around thirty seconds. While her reach with those kicks is longer, she is not as fast as you and you would easily slip beneath her guard. She only uses her arms in defence, thus would be useless in her attempts to defeat you at the close range you require. She also does not have the necessary speed nor agility in comparison in order to create distance from you. Hence, you would win."


    Sun was a bit smug and proud when Jin Li analysed this theoretical fight. Didn''t that mean that Jin Li placed him in his sight? His swelling emotions were crushed in the next instant; "Of course, you would defeat her in less time were you to seriously fight her, but you are really weak against girls."


    "Am not," Sun pouted. "It''s just that I''ve been taught that it is wrong to hit girls, especially in the face. A girl''s face is their life."


    Jin Li sneered as he replied; "A female can just as easily stab you should she enter beneath your guard as a Male." His Uncle''s harem was clear proof of that as aunt after aunt fought for his fickle affections. That and he''d witnessed how his mother ''taught'' an ex-acquaintance what it meant for another woman to attempt to lay hands on her husband. "Also recall that girl Luna who continuously places high in the Standings, but only partially due to her own fighting ability. The rest is due to the foolish men she steps upon."


    Sun was not completely convinced, but did not try to convince Jin Li that Miss Vela was not like that, she was strong in her own right, which is why Sun appreciated her... well he did until he realised that in her heart he was just Jin Li''s roommate. Roughly shoving all of that out of his mind, he blurted out the thing she would have him clarify; "Is it true that you don''t like girls and that you are dating a boy? I''ve heard people suggest that the person you like is Leon, your alchemist!"


    "Yes," came the reply.


    Sun was stunned to silence for a moment before pressing for a more clear answer. "Yes, what?"


    Jin Li placed the book down onto his lap, finally making eye contact with the other. "This liking girls or boys thing, this Lord does not need to mention that this Lord has never placed another in my eyes as worthy of being by my side. Don''t waste my time with such a fickle thing as ''liking'' another person." Sun thought over his words and nodded to himself. Jin Li was obsessed with Martial Arts, not interested in the concept of dating and romance. While the girls that had been pestering him would not be happy with such a result, he suspected that the girls would not be deterred at all. He frowned, not sure whether this was a good or bad thing.


    "However..." Jin Li continued, breaking into Sun''s musings.


    "What?" Sun couldn''t help but ask.


    "This Lord has reasons to feel," Jin Li lifted the book to his line of sight once more as he said these words, "that Leon is worthy of the position. Thus this Lord has allowed it." Sun did not notice the slight reddening of Jin Li''s ears as he declared in this roundabout way that he was dating his small alchemist, too shocked to respond.


    The door burst open at that moment. "I''ve come to take you to dinner!" Corvus declared and took long strides to Sun''s bed before scooping him into his arms.


    "Wah! Teacher, this isn''t necessary! I can walk!"


    "What are you saying? I told you that the Healer said to keep the weight off of your leg! How could I make you walk and hurt yourself again?"


    Jin Li watched as the door shut after one man and one boy left through it, before returning his attention to the book and frowning. Impossible!

 Chapter 179 - Hundred And Seventy Nine - Is someone talking about us?

    The Hidden Bellflower happened to look quite like its name described. A smattering of flowers dangling from their stem like golden bells with the peaking stamen representing the internal clapper, all neatly protected by a cage of long, thick leaves which spiralled about them. Those who viewed it, could only peak between the succulent leaves at the treasure within. It was less a plant and more a cactus and Leon could understand from viewing it why it was seen as such. This herb came from the desert and was very rare. Teacher Sagi had won it from a recent plant auction, having placed his highest bid in advance and now relied on Leon to collect it from the Dome of Prosperity.


    Carefully sealed inside a protective container, for a living thing could not be stored within an interspatial pouch, they allowed Leon to take it in exchange for the jade ticket Teacher Sagi entrusted him with. The plant was not very large and Leon did not need to head straight back to school, thus decided to take advantage of the trip into town to complete a few things he''d previously forgotten about.


    Such as collecting his coat.


    It had been weeks since he had given the tailoress the good-sized Snow Fox Bear pelt. The weather had remained of good temperament for all this time, with only brief showers and warm winds accompanying otherwise sunny days, so it had slipped his mind for the most part. Even now, the sun shone brightly, but there was a change in the air, albeit small. Perhaps it was the hints of earthy dampness upon the wind, which seemed just a bit cooler than before, but Leon was reminded that the long summer would eventually end. And he''d remembered the coat at that point.


    The seamstress greeted him warmly, chiding him for not returning all of this time. "Were i'' no'' for Pharmacist Clawse'' reassurance, I wou''da though'' somethin'' bad had happened t'' ya!"


    "Sorry," Leon apologised. The seamstress brought him the coat. It was beautiful. The main length, which easily reached his ankles was edged and lined with the fur. And while the outer part was still of hemp, rather than silk, the seamstress had it dyed a pale blue and had embroidered white cloud patterns which decreased in number the higher one looked. The arms were also of hemp, layered for warmth and lined at the cuff with remnants of the fur. The overall product appeared of higher quality than normal commoners clothes, but remained hard wearing. Leon felt it would be very warm to wear and was very happy with it.


    With profuse thanks, he left the seamstress and headed for the pharmacy, bringing with him the White Warming potions and Soft Ice pills that Clawse had requested of him last time they spoke. These were made by standard recipes and were not considered special, but for commoners, they were too useful, one helping to prevent people from catching spreading illnesses and the other helping to reduce high fevers. Clawse did not stop to chat with him, after the money was exchanged, for he had a guest upstairs he needed to turn to. Leon smiled with understanding and bid him goodbye, Clawse watched him leave, before returning to his guest.


    That guest happened to be his Great Uncle, who unlike him, was able to cultivate. He currently worked as a Healer at the Ascending Mountain Institute and liked to bend his ''young'' relative''s ear about things that had happened at the school from time to time. Clawse looked at this old uncle who appeared his junior in appearance with a slight sigh.


    "You were saying?" He asked as he poured fresh tea.


    "Teacher Corvus just hasn''t changed," he lamented. "So free of spirit and lacking the concerns that plague other men! Swans in and out of the school as if he owns the land it''s situated upon. Did I tell you about the time when I was a student attending his lectures?"


    "Hmm," Clawse replied, nonchalantly. There had been too many reminiscent memories shared over the years to count, not just ones about the man known as Corvus.


    "While I was not one of the unlucky ones," the man admitted, "I was there the day one of my fellow First Years was almost killed upon one of his field trips into the wild part of the mountains. A nasty case of sepia rash, that poor boy scratched those swollen pustules until they bled and became infected. This time he brings in a boy who''d upset a Dire Fox Bear and didn''t get away unscathed. Except..."


    "Except?" Clawse couldn''t help but ask as he sipped his hot beverage.


    "Keep this between you and I, but..." The Healer went on to describe the situation in some detail, mentioning about the strangely improved One Heart Pills and Corvus'' lack of memory to whence they came from.


    Clawse managed to retain a stoic face as he considered the origins of those pills and responded blandly; "Is that so."


    *****


    Old Julip town, on many occasions, had a flourish market to explore. There was no fixed day the market stalls would appear upon the streets nor were there fixed produce, one never knew what one would find within when it would appear. There was also no set time of day, it was more like that one person would suddenly decide to set up a stall and his neighbours would consider this a good idea and do the same and within the space of an hour, word would get around that the market had begun once more.


    At this time, a youth with long yin-yang hair tied neatly with a pin and crown was wandering through the crowds in curiosity. He happened upon a stall cooking steamed dumplings and chose a few with pork fillings and a few more with fresh green fillings and wandered away happily munching upon them with a complimentary dish of soy sauce. They were very tasty. As he took his snack, he happened to walk past a stall selling saki. The vender was a bit of an entrepreneur and had set stools beside his stall, creating a small open bar for people to come and drink at. That way, people could enjoy a quick sip or purchase a bottle to take home with them.


    "So my wife," one man complained, sourly as he sipped the strong liqueur with ease, "really has hopes for the boy and wants our daughter to wed him. However, that stubborn girl has another in mind and her mother''s pleas can''t move her. So my wife insists I speak to the girl. What do I get instead of an agreement? A plea that I set aside any plans for Justin and have this fellow she likes enter our sect and be made my direct disciple!"


    Leon shook his head, feeling a bit of pity for the man who seemed stuck between the wishes of the women in his life, but quickly forgot about it as he noticed a stall selling strips of leather. Some thicker pieces had been woven into a belt of midnight black and rustic red. He purchased it along with some thin lengths that he could hang his wooden carvings upon as charms or necklaces. After this, he happily melted into the sea of people bustling from one stall to the next.


    So he didn''t hear the man at the saki stall continue to bemoan to the owner and any other listener; "Maimai is so much more agreeable than Merylin. I''m sure she won''t cause me so much fuss when it comes to her marriage."


    In a small hut, beside a bubbling cauldron, a girl with wayward curls sneezed... and then her cauldron blew up.

 Chapter 180 - Hundred And Eighty - I am noticed for my charms

    "Leon! My boy!" Ursam boomed as he exited his shop arms wide open as if he was about to envelope the youth whose approach became hesitant in a suffocating hug. However, before he was able to, a broom smacked his head, distracting him. The wielded of said broom glared at her husband, before placing down a wide, handled pan and resumed sweeping the flagstones outside of the shop.


    Leon covered his mouth, entrapping his chuckles before clearing his throat. "I have the p-p-Pills," he said softly, once his mood had calmed a little.


    Ursam''s eyes brightened visibly as he ushered the youth into the shop.


    Soon, an array of jade bottles with small wooden labels attached decorated a shelf close to the counter, the sign beneath them declaring that they were Smouldering and Bursting Energy Pills. Ursam stepped back from this new display with a satisfied smile upon his face. They discussed prices over tea, settling in the end on 1 silver a pill or 4 silver for a bottle of pills, pricing them well above ordinary Burning Energy Pills, however they would still be less than what the patron at the Auction that day purchased them for. Of each silver, Leon would take 800 brass coins, while Ursam would claim the rest. Leon was worried that his percentage was too great, considering Ursam had assisted him so, but the older man lay his worries to rest.


    "It is you that if pouring effort into making these," the man reminded him, "and it is you that obtained the ingredients. If anything, my percentage is too high seeing as all I am doing is making available a shelf and counting the money!"


    Not long afterwards, Ursam saw the small alchemist out, but before he left, the older man recalled a thing and withdrew an ornate bottle from his sleeve. He''d already deduced that it was not too late to hand this gift of encouragement over with the words; "Ah last time I spoke to Jin Li, I meant to hand him this. Would you mind passing it along?"


    Leon took the translucent, blue bottle that was about the length of his palm and noticed it contained some sort of liquid. Couldn''t help but ask; "W-what is it?"


    A grin split Ursam''s face and his eyes twinkled wickedly. "You see that is..." his words were cut off by a broom to the face.


    "Ursam!" His Wife chided, crossly, "What did I tell you about tryin'' to corrupt those boys?!"


    "Wife!" Ursam pleaded with reddened eyes and marked cheeks. However, his beloved resolutely refused to listen and chased him with her non-lethal weapon. Leon could only leave in confusion and curiosity.


    He soon forgot about it, though and after purchasing a flank of salted meat and a small sack of rice upon the way, headed towards the griffin''s nests in town. As this was the transport he''d used to arrive here, he saw no reason not to use them to head back as well. He checked the small plant, the true reason for his journey and saw that it seemed well enough before carefully repackaging it in its small container.


    His hair became swept into a breezy flurry as a massive, adult Griffin landed with grace despite its size and its occupants disembarked, leaping from the box upon its back rather than use the ladder that was presented. The travellers happened to be experienced Seniors and Teachers from the school. One was quite diminutive compared to the rest, but not a silver hair was out of place upon his head as he landed.


    His dark blue eyes enhanced by round frames scanned over the area in habit and happened to land upon a youth with long yin-yang hair, who was waiting close by, ready to travel. The silver-haired Teacher frowned, attempting to recall where he had seen the youth before and his eyes intently looked over the boy, finally landing upon the belt upon his waist. Unlike most others, this boy was wearing wooden carved charms upon his belt instead of jade and the Teacher''s interest was piqued.


    He took a step forward, ready to question the lad, curious to know where he obtained the charms and more so to know if they were anything like the one in a certain small beasts possession. He''d ever wanted to know the origin of the koi charm, but its previous owner had not been forthcoming. The Teacher had not been sure whether that student had been evasive on purpose or just couldn''t recall where he had gotten it from and was embarrassed by that.


    "Teacher Volun," one of the seniors called to him when he began to walk in a direction that was not towards their destination.


    Ever polite, the Teacher turned to look up at him; "What?"


    "Lord Garius is waiting for us at the Singing Drake restaurant," the senior reminded him. Lord Garius was a former student of Teacher Volun''s, who after inheriting his title, opened a breeding farm for rare beasts. He sought the two adolescent Coeurl to try to match one with his female mount, hoping to raise a generation of tamed Coeurl in the future. However, although he retained some respect for his former Teacher, he''d gained the arrogance of a noble with influence and power and had a temper to match.


    Teacher Volun was not concerned, however. To him, Lord Garius was still a hot-headed child who threw tantrums at whim. Lord Garius being stuck within the bottleneck between tertiary and quaternary stages of cultivation was due to this personality flaw, was Teacher Volun''s belief. Not everyone was suited to reach the Immortal stages of Cultivation, Garius was one.


    With that thought in mind, he turned back to discover that the youth had already mounted the Griffin that would head back to the school. Satisfied that this indicated that the youth was a student, meaning he could find him later at some point, he allowed himself to be lead towards his appointment.

 Chapter 181 - Hundred And Eighty One - Maimai fulfils a Request

    The Baku that would rather say it is big-boned rather than obese, huffed softly to itself as a brush swept over its pale pink fur, easing some of the ache in its muscles. A rumbling purr of contentment escaped its throat and it forgave its mistress once more for the impromptu journey it had been forced out of its warm stable to make.


    Maimai herself was unaware that her Baku had such issues with the not too long journey they had made this afternoon from the alchemy school to the beast taming school. She hadn''t thought much about it at all. After all, a Baku mount was meant to be ridden, not meant for lounging about in its stable munching on sweets, which was what the Baku had become accustomed too. In fact, since coming to the school, the Baku felt that it had had more exercise than it ever had in its life! This was not actually true, it was just that before, the moment her Baku seemed out of breath, Maimai would cut her light rides short and return to the stable to pamper the beast. Hence what lead to its... big-boned situation.


    However when a journey has a purpose, there maybe short cuts, but there are no cutting rides short. Maimai needed to come to the beast taming school and the Baku was expected to bring her here. And that was that.


    Her purpose was one the not very successful alchemist was actually quite pleased with; she''d finally fulfilled the request she had been working hard on for the last two weeks. Having created the last couple of pills required to fulfill the request, she had gathered up the form, pills and potions and ran all the way to the stables that she might deliver them sooner.


    A loud yowling from a stable block close by startled her and she turned around to notice that a familiar face had just left the stable, bucket in hand and an enthusiastic canine leaping about his legs. "Long time no see!" Maimai called out happily.


    The tall boy''s eyes widened and his lips curved slightly, but Maimai couldn''t help but notice that his dark, blue eyes darted from one side of her to the other. It had certain, honed senses tingling. "It''s just me," she said, casually and gleefully noted the disappointment in his face, before sighing inwardly. As if to confirm her suspicions she wondered aloud; "Who were you looking for?"


    Tor scratched the back of his head and had the decency to look a bit guilty as he answered honestly; "I thought Leo would be with you."


    "Why?"


    "Well are you two not joined at the hip?" He retorted. Sure enough, rumours about the small alchemist and one half of the alchemist school''s twin lotuses had travelled beyond the boundaries of their school.


    Maimai huffed, blowing a loose curl from where it strayed upon her face. "You shouldn''t listen to rumours, Leo is my best friend, nothing more," she told him, tartly. "That and you must have heard that he is Teacher Sagi''s student now." Tor hesitated, before nodding in agreement. It''s not that he had not heard, it was just that Teacher Sagi had a bit of a reputation of being eccentric in his choices of Students. None of his students, past or present, had been considered outstanding or worthy of note and even now none of them could be said to be famous. However, there was also no foul rumours regarding them either; they seemed to have not risen, but not fallen either. Tor did not know whether this was a good thing or not, but he understood the implied meaning; a direct student had little free time during the week.


    And yet it seemed Maimai was not finished with her subtle complaint; "And if he is not running errands or being taught by his Teacher, he is with Jin Li! How can this one''s company compare to one''s boyfriend!" It wasn''t as if she wanted to take Leon away from Jin Li for some ''girl'' time, she would be content being their third wheel!


    Tor''s expression became quite stiff. "Boyfriend?" He recalled the man who seemed to have a possessive regard towards the small alchemist and his stomach felt quite sour.


    In truth, Tor''s own feelings regarding the alchemist were complicated. In the beginning, he felt nothing for the youth, just seeing an obstacle in Caprian''s way that made the fat fool take his anger out on his subordinates, him included. Leo upon the brink of death was what opened his eyes to his own idiocy, frightening him, making him question what he was doing and then only relief was felt when he found that Leo had survived.


    The next time they met was after Caprian had been accepted into the inner school and his own mood had been unpleasant having realised that the person he''d been told to follow had dropped him like useless waste when he was no longer required, all previous promises empty and disregarded. And even though he''d been responsible in part for what happened to Leo, there was no anger in the youth''s heart, his expression had been clean and innocent... and cute! Tor had felt shaken, more so as Leo trusted him to take him to the Beast Taming school that time and later forgiven him for his part in the bullying. Some new emotions had begun to swell within Tor, but there had also been a fair amount of guilt.


    Still, though his feelings had him seek out Leo with his eyes whenever he came back to the alchemist school, guilt had him suppress the budding blossom. And now, like a rose experiencing a sudden frost, the blossom began to wilt. Leo had moved even further out of his reach.


    The yowling of a Coeurl sounded out once more and Tor glanced in melancholy at the empty bucket he''d used to carry the beasts food to them. Xiao Xiao yipped and growled, expressing some silliness, as if the cooshee was telling him that the felines were so greedy and ungrateful! Tor laughed, easing the ache in his gut as he bent down to bury his face in his partner''s soft fur.


    Ah, the lesser Male leads seldom grab the attention of the main shou, Maimai murmured to herself, before a vision in blue caught her attention and she cheerfully rushed forward to affectionately attack her best friend. Leon managed to not fall into the dung he''d just avoided when he caught her. "What are you doing here?" She asked, her eyes sliding over to where Tor was still kneeling with his cooshee partner.


    "Ah, d-d-didn''t kn-know the gr-griffin would fly here!" He mumbled with a slight pout. He didn''t travel to and from town by Griffin very often and so didn''t know that there were a few different beasts travelling back and forth from each school. When he had disembarked, he''d enquired the tamer how to get back to the alchemist school, that man had simply shrugged and suggested he come to the stable, see if he could hitch a ride. Who knew Maimai would be here?


    Suddenly a bolt of black and blue fur leapt at him and yipped happily. Leon chuckled and greeted the enthusiastic cooshee, before saying his hello''s to Tor. He noticed the other''s eyes were slightly red, but he didn''t inquire. Tor looked disconcerted, his smile a bit false, but his voice did not waiver as he covered the awkwardness with a throwaway comment; "Are wooden charms all fashionable now?" He joked, he''d known that Leon seemed to like them in the past and that tall, arrogant youth had one as well. Now Maimai''s sash also adorned one.


    "Leon made this!" Maimai gushed, showing off the crane talisman at her waist. "Isn''t it cute?" Tor nodded amicably as Maimai turned to Leon and offered him a ride home.

 Chapter 182 - Hundred And Eighty Two - Sun thinks it’s a coincidence

    A few days after his accident, Sun returned to the Healer''s Hall in order that the Healer could check his condition. Actually, Healer''s tended not to require students to have check ups following illnesses nor accidents, unless there were special circumstances. Sun''s circumstances were not special, but the Healer summoned him anyway. He was hoping to learn more about the mysterious pills the young Master had been fed by Corvus that day. And as he suspected, Corvus did accompany his young student; in fact, he carried Sun in despite protests.


    "I can walk!"


    "But your injury..."


    "Is completely healed! Let me down, old man!" Sun huffed and even spit out the name in insult. Not that Corvus noticed. He merely plonked the boy down upon the bed, then proceeded to ruffle his head, causing strands of his silken, brown hair to come loose and messy.


    The boy tried to capture those strands, brushing them back with his hands before unknotting the tie thong he''d worn this morning. It was stolen from his fingers by his Teacher, who decided to rectify the mess he''d created.


    In the meantime, the Healer approached and pointed at Sun''s covered legs. "May I?" Sun nodded and the Healer pulled off his boot and lifted the silk of his trousers to examine the slightly pink, but well healed flesh of the boy''s leg. "It appears that there won''t even be a scar," The Healer declared in delighted wonder.


    "Getting a scar, not getting a scar," Sun snorted, as he sat there, arms crossed like a petulant and arrogant young master in front of his personal servants, "it''s all the same for a man!"


    Corvus grinned and agreed with an indulgent; "En."


    "Still, the healing would likely have not been so complete were it not for that mysterious pill of yours," The Healer reminded Corvus. Indeed, were the pill just a normal one heart Pill, the tissue likely would have sealed, but the healing would be weak, prone to tearing were the boy not careful. He would have needed more pills to help aid the healing, leading to a build up in internal impurities. And the likelihood of a scar much greater. Like the boy said, having scars was not the end of the world for a boy, but that did not mean that scar tissue was not without its own problems. Fresh scars tended to be itchy, old scars tended to be stiff and drawn and the larger the scar the more apparent this was. And the fortunate Sun would bare none of these problems and was also upon his feet far sooner than the Healer would have ordinarily predicted... or at least that would be the case if not for the overbearing Teacher beside him. "You must recall where you found that pill, Corvus!" The Healer urged.


    Corvus dismissed his demand with a wave of his hand.


    After convincing the older man that he really did not need to be carried back to the Martial Arts school, the Teacher and Student duo left the Healer''s Hall to not-hurry back. Sun would not let himself be carried, so Corvus insisted that they ''take it easy''. Sun rolled his eyes at him and jogged lightly with Corvus leisurely doing the same beside him.


    "What was all that about?" Sun asked curiously as they approached the expanse of bridges, those that lead to the various mountain scapes the institute was spread across.


    "Hmm?" Corvus questioned, lazily.


    "What the Healer said about pills."


    "Oh, it''s nothing much," Corvus replied, "just that after your accident, I fed you a One heart pill that turned out to be a bit more effective that usual. That old Healer is just getting his panties in a twist about it."


    Sun knew this much already; his leg had been scratched by that Dire Fox Bear before they''d both fallen from the high branches of the tree. His wind powers had helped save his life, but the beast had turned into a meat pancake. He''d fallen unconscious from the pain of the fall and his leg. So naturally, the first thing Corvus had done on finding him was to feed him a pill in order to stabilise his life.


    "Were my injuries really that bad?" Being unconscious before he could examine the wound personally, he''d just assumed it wasn''t really that big a deal and that Corvus was on some guilt trip, hence his insistence on carrying Sun around like a fragile princess. He''d resented that! Still, if the wounds had been worse than he''d thought...


    "That Fox Bear had sliced into your flesh deep enough that just a half nail more and the bone would have been visible," Corvus answered him, honestly. Sun shuddered. Martial Artists were somewhat used to blood and injuries, but to know his leg had been hurt so badly could still shake him a bit.


    "I wonder where that pill came from then," Sun wondered aloud.


    "Who knows," Corvus shrugged. Sun sighed inwardly. He was aware that one heart Pills were a silver a dozen, worth very little and extremely common. They were available in pill shops throughout the common and cultivation worlds. Sun recalled that Leon had even traded them during the Five School Market Festival in those Jade bottles with cute, carved labels.


    Ha ha! He thought. Wouldn''t it be something if that miracle pill had been something Leon made! Then he could understand why Jin Li thought the alchemist worthy to stand by his side! But that would be too much of a coincidence... right?

 Chapter 183 - Hundred And Eighty Three - He always steals my breath away

    The hidden garden within the depths of otherwise untamed wood had begun its transformation as the summer season slowly drifted into the past, while the autumn season quietly ushered into the present. While there was no difference amongst the common herbs such as the abundant sweet sun clover and the hardy purple spirit grass, certain others, such as the silver tea-tree were not quite the same. For instance, the leaves upon the mentioned tea sapling were no longer a vibrant silver, but slightly mottled as if tarnished by oxygen like the metal it was named for.


    Otherwise, it was the vegetables that spoke of the greater change; certain fruits were ripening, while others grew steadily, but there were very few blossoms upon these food offering plants left to fertilise. Certain trees dotted about nearby were also burgeoned with not quite ripe fruit and a new wave of seasonal berries could be discovered in the ground foliage if one knew where to look.


    As for the keeper of the garden, he was busying himself, inspecting his vegetables and herbs, looking for any ripe fruits to pluck while keeping an eye out for bugs and diseases. Have to say that his plants were ridiculously healthy and were seldom pestered by any insects other than those seeking nectar. Other gardeners would be most jealous and demand to know his secrets! Leon did not think anything of this; he was inexperienced and were he to try to explain it, should he be aware, he would only be able to say that he was just lucky.


    The youth picked a strange looking fruit from a vine-like plant that needed much support for its heavy loads. The fruit was deep purple, somewhere between firm and plush to the touch and although they were shaped a bit like bell peppers, they were actually sweet and juicy like tomatoes. He''d learned in town before that these purple fruits were often served in stews and soups, they happened to compliment salted meats and tubers as well. Hence he wanted some for a stew tonight. It was the beginning of the weekend and he was expecting a rather prompt guest.


    As expected, once his basket was full enough, his Martial Artist boyfriend dropped from a tree and landed close by. Leon was greeted by a smouldering kiss that left him quite dazed. Jin Li looked at the expression on his small alchemist''s face with satisfaction. "I was ab-bout to m-make d-d-dinner," Leon said with a soft smile, "would you like a c-cup or t-tea?"


    "This Lord will do something for you," Jin Li''s eyes glinted like black diamonds as his slightly calloused hand brushed against the side of Leon''s face.


    "Alright," Leon felt a warmth spread from his core as happiness enveloped him. And so, he let Jin Li do as he pleased while he threw together a pot of meat and purple-fruit stew and boiled a kettle of water. Not long after he left the pot to simmer and poured the water into a teapot tea leaves to stew, Jin Li entered with a proud grin upon his lips.


    "This Lord has done you the honour of personally preparing a bath for you," he said, smugly. "Go bathe and don''t let the water get too cool."


    He ran me a bath?! Jin Li was sharp-tongued, self-centred and narrow of view. This was his nature, that which he had been shaped to become due to the strict expectations and sense of familial responsibility placed upon him as his father''s future heir. He was carved to be a hard, cold man, a strong martial artist and to be the new pillar of their family, if the pillar that his father happened to crumble. Who knew this inflexible Young Master would voluntarily lower himself and soften in the face of the one his heart had chosen.


    Leon''s smile could not be wider, his heart could not be more liquid, he served the tea before placing a kiss upon his lover''s cheek and quickly rushing to wash in that gifted bath. Jin Li waited until Leon was long out of the small hut and into the rickety wooden shed, before almost shyly touching his cheek with his hand and smiling.


    His small alchemist did not take a great deal of time washing, but still returned to the small hut with a lingering scent of freshness and cleanliness with just a hint of the unique scent that was him. The two young men then ate the fragrant stew and Jin Li went for a quick bath while Leon cleaned away the dishes and put out the fire within the stove.


    When Jin Li returned, it was within loosened inner robes and trailing damp hair, untied and falling down his back like a cloak made of midnight. Leon seldom saw the tall youth in this less than composed fashion, but it proved to be just as distracting for young Leon as when he was standing proud and regal during other times. Leon could not help but stare openly at his man. Jin Li''s lips curved as he noticed Leon''s darkening eyes and quickened breath.


    "Come here," Jin Li ordered him, his deep voice like a siren''s call to Leon''s ears. The smaller youth''s throat became dry and his heart began to beat at a rapid pace. He could not stop his feet from stepping forward, his body succumbing to Jin Li''s command and at this moment, he did not want to stop it either. He finally paused just a finger length apart from the other and glanced upward, his large eyes captivating Jin Li in the next moment. His glasses were removed from his face to be tossed upon the table before his whole body was lifted into Jin Li''s strong arms. And then he was carried backwards, towards the bed.

 Chapter 184 - Hundred And Eighty Four - I am deflowered

    Jin Li was not one to wait nor to speak sweet nothings. He did not pause as he stripped Leon of his robes as well as discarding his own, before pressing his naked body onto the expanse of pale skin beneath him. His lips were scolding as they moved over Leon''s, his tongue devouring as it invaded Leon''s mouth and led the other''s pink appendage in dance. He cared not that his hair was still damp, occasionally dripping water onto the bed or trickling over their skins. The heat from their mutually lusting bodies would soon dry those patches, before the glistening sweat that would begin to coat them dampened them again.


    Jin Li''s hands began to wander where they will. First stroking down the pale skin, delighting in the texture of it, the smoothness over otherwise simple plains. The softness of the untrained body with a lightly curved stomach rather than a hard and flat one, the narrow hips and slender legs that still allowed him to easily nestle between and the cute appendage that spoke of desire pressing against his own body. His own was no less hard nor demanding and since Leon had taught him the pleasures of the flesh, he no longer saw it as an annoying separate entity needing to be suppressed. That wasn''t to say he fully accepted his body''s will over his mind, just that he did not mind appeasing its wantonness in the willing embrace of his small alchemist.


    Leon mewled and moaned into Jin Li''s mouth as those touches left trails of fire along his skin. Occasionally they would be cooled by trickles of water, leading to a whole new level of sensitivity before the fires started once more. At that moment, Jin Li''s attention was upon the two blush points upon his otherwise flat chest. The younger man seemed to find them fascinating since the first time he''d discovered them, for to touch them at first, was to touch the finest silk and then they would pebble into two beaded points beneath his fingers. More interesting was the symphony of sounds that echoed from Leon''s throat as he stroked and pinched them. He''d even tasted them with his tongue causing his small alchemist to arch his back suddenly as he''d spilled his seed in between their bodies.


    This time, though, he did not play with them until Leon found release, instead he lifted his body off of Leon''s before using his hands to press their members together and stroking the hardened appendages in mutual pleasure. Leon succumbed first and fell lax upon the bed as his essence painting his stomach. The alchemist panted heavily for several breaths as he sought to regain his focus and finally his dazed eyes settled upon Jin Li, who had not yet found his release. In fact, he was ignoring that clearly throbbing part for some reason.


    "D-do you want m-me to help you?" Leon asked, a blush forming on his cheeks. He had not taken any lead in the bedroom matters since that first time, Jin Li being quite forceful and demanding in his explorations and need to press Leon down. Jin Li shook his head slightly as he lifted one of Leon''s boneless legs to rest upon his shoulder as his fingers trailed beneath the silken jewels of Leon''s body and to that hidden place. Leon''s heart began to race at speed as he felt that finger prod lightly at the chrysanthemum bud as yet still haven''t felt pain and bliss of deflowering. He began to tremble as he thought about what this action of Jin Li''s meant. Had his man become more learned?


    And suddenly Jin Li frowned and shook his head once more. "I still do not understand how it could be possible."


    "What d-do you m-mean?" Leon asked him.


    Jin Li was ever honest in his blunt manner; "I obtained a book for dual cultivation, it stated that two men might make a connection using this opening. But it is obviously a lie, such could never accept this Lord, it is too tiny."


    Leon translated what he could within his mind before flushing a bright red. "It is p-possible," he whispered, his eyes closed tightly as if he couldn''t face Jin Li when explaining.


    "How?" Jin Li demanded to know. Leon''s face became even more crimson as he stuttered out an explanation as best he could and it also suddenly occurred to him why Ursam would gift Jin Li a bottle of scented oil, it was probably for this! That pervert! Jin Li retrieved said bottle and poured a generous amount of oil into his hand before rubbing it over his fingers with some interest. A faint scent of orchids filled the air, mixing with the ambiguous taint of sweat and yang essence. Jin Li glanced down at the closed chrysanthemum and his glistening fingers moved to that place and the first finger was pressed inside.


    Leon could not suppress the groan that escaped him as the foreign object entered his untouched place and began to leave its mark. His mind could not quite fathom it; was this really happening? Was Jin Li actually willing to take this final step with him? Was he not disgusted by what was involved when two men wished to have sex with each other? Clearly not as the second finger joined the first, stroking and scissoring and subduing the usually tight muscle into obeying Jin Li''s will. Leon couldn''t say that it didn''t hurt, but it was not unbearable and he did not want Jin Li to stop either. He wanted, needed this connection, to have Jin Li completely claim him as his. Not that he did not trust Jin Li, but he worried that one day Jin Li would not be satisfied with what he''d experienced with his small alchemist and leave him. His heart had already been given to the man, he was ready to give him his body as well.


    The three fingers widening him suddenly were removed leaving a gaping hole and an empty sensation that heightened the passing worries in his heart, however Jin Li pressed down upon him, pushing in the thick, hard member into that waiting space. Leon cried out! It hurt! Tears leaked from his eyes in protest, but Jin Li did not stop until he was completely seated deep within his small lover. And he didn''t pause for long either, the sensation of being within the tight, dry warmth were too beyond anything they had shared before. Jin Li could not stop himself from moving and experiencing the friction pressing along his flesh.


    He only paused once he saw the trails of water spilling down Leon''s cheeks. "This is hurting you," he realised with some guilt. Of course, how could it be normal to press an object of his girth into such a tiny place.


    "It hurts," Leon admitted. "B-but d-don''t stop. I want this t-too." This last part was whispered and Leon felt Jin Li''s lips press against his eyelids and cheeks before the man began to move once more. The thrusting did not last much longer, Jin Li was still an inexperienced youth at the end of the day and just as Leon felt that the pain was easing away did he feel as if his lower body became filled with heat. Leon couldn''t help but smile, his face filled with blush and he kissed the man who collapsed on top of him affectionately. The deed was done and Leon was completely content.

 Chapter 185 - Hundred And Eighty Five - I dona??t have morning after regrets

    Leon awoke with aches in places that caused him to blush and with a languid gentleness emanating from every pore. There wasn''t any pain of the chrysanthemum, which surprised him, as he was expecting there to be. It seemed that oil was more than just a lubricant to ease the passage of entry. However, it didn''t prevent all problems that stemmed from the deflowering of a male by his top.


    Jin Li''s eyes gazed over the glowing, young alchemist lying beside him and felt somewhat smug. He lazily threw his arms around the other''s waist and dragged him closer in order to place a kiss upon his forehead. The skin that the two thin lips pressed against was overly warm, causing the youth to frown.


    "You dare to fall ill following my grace?" Jin Li said, crossly, but the hand that tested Leon''s temperature was light and careful. Leon''s eyes fluttered closed and he thought of what knowledge he held from his previous life. Wasn''t it that a possible side effect of receiving yang blessings was a stomach ache or fever? It was his first time and it couldn''t be said that Jin Li was gentle as he too had no experience and did not know better.


    Leon shook his head, feeling a bit dizzy and the strangeness of hot and cold warring within his body. "On the sh-sh-shelf," Leon said, his stutter a little more pronounced due to the tiredness the fever brought with it. "There are s-soft ice p-p-pills." Jin Li understood and climbed out of bed, offering Leon a vivid display of his honed frame with all its compact muscles and the curved line of his back. He flushed feeling the heat within his face even more prominently than before.


    The martial artist found the bottle, flicking the small wooden label, that decorated all of the pill bottles upon the shelf now, with a finger, before pouring one of the precious pills into his hand. Then he knelt before the bed to press the pill between his lover''s lips. The pill melted in Leon''s mouth and the contents oozed down his throat. He felt a cooling wave rush along his sarcophagus and into his stomach and shivered as the effect then swept outwards and along the rest of his body. The momentary chill lasted but a moment before his inner temperature normalised and the excess heat disappeared along with the bitter coldness.


    Jin Li waited for a few minutes before placing a hand along Leon''s brow once more and nodding satisfied. "You are not allowed to get sick," Jin Li informed him. "This Lord still requires you to serve by my side."


    "En," Leon smiled, warmly as he watched Jin Li throw on his inner robes before filling the kettle and relighting the stove. Tea was brewed and served with a mutter that Leon ought be grateful to the gracious him; Jin Li''s pillow talk left a lot to be desired, but Leon really didn''t mind. This was just who Jin Li was. His actions spoke louder than his words anyway.


    "Sit up," Jin Li demanded, "or are you waiting for this Lord to personally place the cup to your lips to drink?"


    Leon shook his head and pulled himself upwards, hissing in discomfort as his hips protested. Jin Li placed the cups upon the table and demanded to know what was wrong. Leon replied honestly; "M-my b-body aches a b-bit from..." he blushed brightly and noticed that his lover''s ears shared a similar colour to his cheeks. "B-but this is n-normal. I''ll b-b-be fine in a b-bit."


    Jin Li''s lips twisted in a slight sneer as he bit out the words; "You seem as if you have knowledge regarding the workings of relations between two men. This Lord is interested to know both the reason for this?" He did not hide the thick scent of vinegar accompanying his words.


    "When I realised I h-had n-no feelings of like towards g-girls," Leon replied, honestly, "I d-d-decided to learn ab-bout how things w-worked b-between m-men." His words were soft, his face red, but his eyes were clear and without deception, allowing Jin Li to let go of the doubt in his heart, but he still asked;


    "Then why not share this with me. You are this Lord''s man and as a man, I surely wish to partake in relations with you." Leon did not point out the fact that Jin Li had resisted giving in to the symbol which to him represented masculinity but also that he did not have perfect will over his body, for quite some time.


    Instead, he shared his own former fears. "I thought you m-might b-be d-disgusted."


    Jin Li looked coolly over the jade white body before him, that was keeping its dignity only by the draping blanket over the lap and replied; "Why would I be disgusted by something that belongs to me? Your words make no sense." Leon smiled and nodded as if he was totally in agreement. "However from now on," Jin Li added, "you are forbidden from keeping secrets from me."


    Leon did not hesitate by offering his agreement, even though he knew he held a large secret still within his heart. However, he vowed to himself that he would surely share this with Jin Li in time. Just not right now, he cringed as a certain ambiguous liquid began to trickle down his leg as he stood up from the bed.


    After he cleaned himself up, he returned with a question of his own. "J-Jin Li, what is D-dual C-Cultivation?"

 Chapter 186 - Hundred And Eighty Six - This task is quite messy

    It was not an hour after sunrise when Leon encountered an unexpected situation that caught him off guard and caused an inability to say ''no''. And thus he found himself whisked away to another location where he was currently covered in an oily potion, which glistened in the sunlight peeking through the dense canopy above. A deep grumble of satisfaction came from below him, the sound reverberating through his fingers as he worked the oil into each crevice and along the increasingly slippery surface.


    "Done," a sudden voice muttered nearby.


    "Yes," agreed a voice that sounded much the same.


    "En," Leon said, with a soft sigh, before picking up the rag cloth beside him and cleaning the remnants of the potion from his hands.


    The Giant Tortoise, which really was gigantic, not just a larger version of the small original, rumbled its thanks, nearing purring its relief, for the itchiness caused by its dry and cracking shell had eased immeasurably.


    Rewinding time a few hours; Leon had risen with the sun, making tea for one and a solo breakfast before heading towards the Herb Hall to gather and allotment of herbs in order to practice making some pills he felt were still too unfamiliar to him. He had been concentrating so much on making pills to sell via Pharmacist Clawse and the pervert Ursam, he had become worried that it would effect his schooling. So with renewed interest, he''d made his way to the main thoroughfare of the outer alchemist school. Only, not half a heart beat of him reaching the doors of the Herb Hall, was he tapped upon the shoulder with a slightly heavy finger.


    Turning around, he had found himself facing his senior brother; Hue. "Come and help?" Hue had asked him, without really explaining what he wanted. Leon was curious, not so much that he would willingly follow anybody to sate it, but Hue had never done him any harm and was, afterall, his senior brother.


    "Where are we g-going?" Leon had asked him.


    "Beast Taming school," Hue had replied and they had made their way there by Baku.


    The journey had been made in silence, Hue did not mention his intent when they arrived earlier, but it was clear that he knew exactly where he was going when he reached the school, familiar with the location and surroundings. He went straight to one of the buildings housing students and knocked on the door. This had been opened by a man who was the mirror image of Hue. In fact, were it not for the fact that Hue wore robes and this man wore leather trousers and a wrapped jacket, Leon had doubted he''d be able to tell them apart.


    "You arrived," the man had said. His tone was much like Leon''s senior brother, deep and short of expression.


    "En, I have the potion," Hue had agreed and then nodded.


    The man had then glanced towards Leon, who had been standing in silence behind his twin. "No Stygar?"


    Hue had shaken his head. "Stygar went with Master," Hue had mentioned and Leon hadn''t helped but detect a small hint of unhappiness and loneliness. Teacher Sagi had left the school with his oldest apprentice just yesterday, seeking to renegotiate a few things with a sect that they often dealt with, which happened to be the Heavenly Arts Medicinal Sect. Leon did not happen to know the details, but if he had, he might have been quite surprised.


    In the past, the Heavenly Arts Medicinal Sect sent several worthy disciples to the Ascending Mountain Institute to learn from the alchemists of the school. These disciples were neither useless peons nor top or succeeding disciples, keeping their best close to them, while not revealing their failures. The disciples sent to be students were both to learn, to identify worthy, unaffiliated talent and to spy on the disciples of other sects. This was all pretty normal in the institute. However, the Heavenly Arts Medicinal Sect felt their disciples should only be placed in the Inner school, not the Outer school. Ordinarily, the institute would never place self-interest before talent, however, the Alchemist school was not that popular and it was not as if they couldn''t spare the spaces. However, the institute would also not do this just to give face to the influential sect.


    Something as crass as money was not exchanged, so it could not be considered a bribe, however the Heavenly Arts Medicinal Sect often sent gifts to the school. Usually, these were rare herbs that the school could not grow themselves, but there were often shipments of cauldrons (ones that had been rejected by the sect as being too low quality or just ugly), jade bottles (for the same reasons) and revised editions of Herb books (or rather, last year''s books that were a bit worn and no longer looked pristine).


    However, the Institute, much like many other places, had heard about the new pills which had mysterious origins that had recently come onto the market. Although they, themselves, had attempted to reverse engineer the pills, the results were baffling. Despite tests declaring that the Burning Energy variant pills would perform exactly as the sellers claimed, the ingredients appeared to be no different that normal Burning Energy Pills! When it came to knowledge and understanding of pills, the Heavenly Arts Medicinal Sect were far above others and it was also believed that they had been the ones to purchase the new pills and their stronger variants at the Auction that they had first appeared in. The Institute was hoping to pry the secrets of the pills from the Sect''s fingers, for surely they have become aware of them... right?


    How was the school to know that the one who was truly holding the secrets of the variant pills to his chest actually was at that moment spreading a medicinal potion over the cracked and dry shell of a Giant Tortoise within the Beast Taming Outer school?!


    Once the three young men had finished their task, (it had taken all three of them to cover the beast''s central circus sized shell in oil using brooms and brushes), Drue (the older twin brother of Hue) patted the beast''s huge nose fondly, before guiding his brother and his brother''s junior to the wash up in his dorm room, passing through the stable as they did. Instantly, a white furred face appeared, pressed against the protective barrier of its nest. It mewled and purred as the group of three passed it. It was particularly attracted to the smiling face of the smallest person, the scent of the body similar to the scent of the little wooden fish that was its treasure. It called out to the person, but the person walked away, not aware that he was wanted.


    The larger, black body behind it, scratched at the loosening fur along the length of its hide; another scale was beginning to poke through, before yawning and urging the cub to settle down. The forlorn cub, looked at it then buried itself into its nest in a sulk.

 Chapter 187 - Hundred And Eighty Seven - My labels created a ‘paper trail?’

    Amongst the regular students of the Ascending Mountain Institute, there are of course those favoured by Teachers and selected as their personal students in order to depart their worldly experiences to, beyond the usual (or unusual) curriculum, but there are also students that the school felt should be nurtured for the greater good of the school; core students. Potential core students might reside in the inner or outer school, they might be aware or unaware that they are being watched carefully by the mysterious Head Master and Vice Head Master, they might not even be aware of why they have been selected as potential core students. But eventually, they would be offered a place amongst these unknown elite students, offered a great deal of resources and access to secret levels of the library, in exchange for their loyalty to the school and their silence.


    One such child under the careful eye of the Head Master was Delphi. When her twin roots became active, they turned out to be a light and water mutant combination that was so rare that it was almost unheard of. She had been offered a place at the school at the age of eight, although she was fourteen when she finally enrolled. She began as a mage, but her gifts truly lie in her healing abilities. These were in thanks to her special, complimenting roots. She was also gentle in nature, did not favour the combat arts, and when she was nineteen, she transferred to the Healers Hall in order to focus solely upon this path as a Healer Apprentice.


    She''d not yet been approached about being a core student, but it was merely a matter of time.


    At this moment, Delphi was checking the Hall''s inventory. The Healers were good at saving lives, determining illnesses and injuries and prescribing pills and potions, but not so good as to ensure those pills and potions were in stock. Delphi happened to like to keep busy, therefore regularly took upon herself this task.


    Still, although she had made herself responsible for inventory, did not mean that there was not a rota amongst the Healers for this sort of thing, just that they often forgot or convinced themselves it was someone else''s turn to deal with it. Pharmacist Clawse'' Healer Uncle had been reminded that he was meant to have checked the inventory this month, but he''d been delaying it almost the entire Moon and only happened to get around to it now as it was his superior''s turn next month and he didn''t want to face that woman''s criticism. Not that she was say anything harsh, just that she would give him that look... one that indicated far more than a scolding lecture could, one that could cause a chill to run down even Teacher Corne shudder in discomfort.


    Thus he felt nothing but sincere gratitude from the bottom of his heart to discover that Delphi had already taken stock for him and written a few requests of the alchemist schools.


    Delphi simply smiled, waving away his thanks with a gentle gesture and continued to replace all of the jade bottles back in their wooden containers, ready to be placed away until one of the Healer''s personal stocks of common pills needed restocking or until a rarer pill happened to be required. The Healer noticed that a pile of bamboo lengths had been placed upon the centre table, which also was covered with jade bottles.


    "What are these for?" The Healer enquired.


    "Oh," the girl replied with a shy smile. "I was labelling the jade bottles. Some of the jade bottles are quite dusty, becoming opaque with age. It''s inconvenient to keep opening the bottles up to see what they contain, the pills will eventually spoil if this continues. It was be such a waste to lose some of the rarer and expensive pills due to continuous checking."


    He noticed a bottle that she had already placed one of her bamboo tags upon, the calligraphy upon it in fresh ink. "I feel like I have seen something like this done before," he said aloud, before recalling that it was the delicate tag upon that jade bottle of excellent pills Corvus had in his collection and a rising excitement swelled within him.


    The girl blushed and nodded; "Hmm, I did obtain the idea from elsewhere. But his labels were so much better crafted and the words carved upon them, meaning they were less prone to fading or smudges. Must have been created by a delicate hand." Her nose wrinkled as she cast a critical eye over her own bamboo tags and sighed. "Mine are so ungainly in comparison!"


    He chuckled and offered words of encouragement; "That you would take the time to do all of this is already worthy of note. Don''t be so hard upon yourself." He patted her shoulder. "Other Healers and Teachers, though, might remind you not to rely on labels to identify the pills in the end. Must also use one''s knowledge to access the contents, thus not to select the wrong pill because the label told you otherwise." Delphi nodded, understanding the Healer''s teachings.


    Picking up the nearest pill bottle, he bitterly noticed that the label claimed that inside the bottle were One Heart Pills, before asking; "Do you happen to recall just where you saw the other labelled bottles?"


    Delphi nodded and put the rest of the One Heart Pills into the wooden container. The Healer passed her the one in his hand so she could close the container. "There was a boy trading them at the Five School Market Festival. He was with others from the outer alchemist school. To be honest, all of his pills were of the common sort and quite average in quality. I assumed that he labelled them so to attract attention." She smiled as she recalled the groups of female students cooing over the cuteness of the labelled bottles. "It certainly worked."


    The Healer grinned, excitedly; "the outer alchemist school, you say?"

 Chapter 188 - Hundred And Eighty Eight - I thought she’d given up

    The lid of the keg sealed together with a soft thump and Leon rocked back onto his feet and stood almost gracefully, satisfied with how the Serene Milk salts were forming. He was planning on using the salts, once they were complete, to make his Bath Salts, instead of using the salty spring water from the distant cave he originally found Jin Li in. He hoped that the Serene Milk Salts would be a viable substitute seeing as they were one of the ingredients in the much used Light Chi Elixir (What Cultivators often placed in their bath waters at present).


    Dusting off his plain hemp robes, he began to consider what else he could make today, when a familiar voice broke into his contemplation. "Leon!" She rushed inside, through the open door without qualms. Fortunately, because the inside of Leon''s hut was not large, she refrained from pouncing upon him in her usual, affectionate way.


    "Hey, M-Maimai," he gave her a light smile before reaching for a spare cup from the shelf to make her a cup of tea. It was a bit dusty, so he decided to give it a quick rinse first. This cup wasn''t used too often, meant for guests as Jin Li had one that he considered his own, a rounded, black and grey China cup and Leon favoured a simple, brown one.


    Steaming tea placed before her, she flopped upon the floor beside the table, ignoring all lady-like proprieties that she had been taught until wanting to scream, and took a sip. The flavour was much how she liked it, strong and sweet. Usually, the majority of the servants in the woman''s quarters of her father''s mansion served delicately flavoured teas as that was how the Madam and Merylin liked to drink it. Only her personal servants would serve her strong teas and then only while she did not have company. Therefore, she appreciated the freedom the school gave her more. Smacking her lips together happily, she waited until Leon sat opposite her before confessing something that had been weighing on her mind.


    "I''m really, really sorry!" She apologised ahead of time.


    "F-for What?" Leon asked, a bit confused.


    "My sister, she has a bit of interest in Jin Li," Maimai admitted. Leon already knew this and thought this statement was understated. "I''ve warned her away, I mean, it is so clear that Jin Li has never had any time nor interest in her, but she..."


    Leon smiled, wryly. "Th-thinks otherwise?" Whether in this world or in Leon''s previous world, people who were in love could be very blinkered. He recalled how he had blindly accepted all of his old crush''s whims and received nothing in return for his troubles, but heartache. However, he did not believe Miss Merylin was the sort of girl to trail after her love like a lost puppy and watch him walk away in the end. He didn''t think her pride would allow it. Actually, as their paths had not crossed for a while, he rather thought she had stepped back and decided Jin Li was not worth her time. If Maimai was mentioning her now, clearly he had thought wrongly.


    "En," Maimai agreed. "But she''s gone too far! She''s been trying to convince daddy to recruit Jin Li into the Sect and make him his succeeding disciple. As the eldest di-daughter, she would then marry him after a time." The cup in Leon''s hand trembled and he placed it upon the table carefully, less he spill the hot beverage upon himself.


    "Wh-What d-did your father say t-to that?" Leon stuttered, heavily as he asked this. Jin Li was strong, well worth a good position in a good Sect, should he choose. Although, when they first met, Jin Li''s aspiration was to return home, to the Higher Realm, he hadn''t mentioned going back for sometime now. So could he be tempted by something like this?


    Maimai''s brows raised and she shook her head with an inward sigh. Leon clearly had not been loved enough by his gong if he still thought another could turn Jin Li''s head. "Silly," she teased him. "As if Jin Li would chose my sister over you." She placed her empty tea cup down. "But that''s neither here nor there. As much as daddy likes to indulge us, he won''t allow us to affect his decisions when it comes to the Sect. There are already a few potential youths in the Sect he might pick to eventually succeed him, not to mention a few brothers. Granted they are shu-born, so the Madam might protest, but daddy will choose whom he chooses, not who Merylin chooses for him. He also would never force anyone to join the Sect. That does not make for loyal disciples."


    Leon''s lips curved into a reassured smile, but it did not quite reach his eyes. Maimai wondered if she should have kept her mouth shut and not warned him at all, but she had wanted to arm him, in case Merylin tried something else to gain Jin Li''s attentions. However, before his best friend could form anymore words to make him feel better, an clicking noise of irritation interrupted them.


    Speak of the devil...


    Jin Li stood, arms crossed about his chest in the doorway of the small hut. Were it not for the light already becoming dim due to the thickening clouds in the sky, they would have noticed his shadow cast over the table and welcomed him sooner. The man glared at Maimai, coldly, only for the glare to be returned with a sly grin, before he was completely ignored. Narrowing his eyes, he stormed the three steps necessary to reach his small lover and gathered him into his arms in a way that was somehow possessive, but tender, causing Leon to blush profusely. Jin Li then indicated with a dismissive wave that Maimai''s presence was no longer appreciated.


    The girl just rolled her eyes in a very obvious way, before rising to her feet and leaving. She glanced once over her shoulder to see the intense, fiery way the man gazed at her best friend, who met the stare with adoration. If her sister could see this, could see that there was no space for her to squeeze herself in between them, would she finally give up?

 Chapter 189 - Hundred And Eighty Nine - I gave away another clue

    A heavy sigh was followed by the rubbing of closed eyes, before the pair of wired spectacles were placed upon his nose, covering the redness now beneath them. Two large blue eyes despondently met them for a moment, before the owner curled into a ball and ignored the man trying to help it. It''s shadowy guardian was hissing, angrily. If it weren''t for the restraint about its neck, it would have lashed out at the two legged-person before them. It had no time for the two-legged beings.


    Volun stepped backwards out of the stable and indicated to his students that they should release the adolescent Coeurl from its restraints. He hadn''t wanted to resort to force, but the other occupant in the stable had lost its appetite of late and had begun to weaken. All of the student body within the outer beast taming school were particularly fond of the runt cub, that had defied expectations and grown to a reasonable and healthy weight for its age and were upset that it had suddenly begun to refuse food. Not even its small wooden charm could entice it. So Volun had come to see if he could diagnose whether it was ill or just being fussy. However, from what he could tell, it seemed like the cub was physically healthy and the food hadn''t changed in either quality nor quantity. The cub just seemed... unhappy.


    The adolescent, on the other hand, had not appreciated that someone wanted to invade its territory (it had decided that providing food was not invasion, rather it was a favourable offering towards it) and had appreciated less that someone wanted to poke and prod its younger brother. It was very protective of the small cub, but even it would admit (inwardly, deep, deep down) that it could not encourage the little one to return to its normal, jovial self and to eat the presented food.


    "What do we do now?" Teacher Maki queried, stroking the finger length beard upon his chin. He was quite proud of his facial hair and had a habit whenever possible to remind others of its presence, hence stroking it when in deep thought... or even shallow thought... or just when he was talking really. "Lord Garius was quite hopeful that we would place the Coeurls into his care."


    Teacher Volun frowned. He''d never agreed to accept Lord Garius'' proposal. For one, the adolescent Coeurl was still quite wild in its temperament and Lord Garius'' pride would not accept such behaviour. Lord Garius'' female Coeurl had eyes that were empty and lacking vitality. So Volun believed that Lord Garius would definitely seek to break the adolescent and tame it. However, Teacher Volun knew that there were many ways to tame a beast and not all methods were kind. He really did not want to see this proud and stunning Coeurl ruined by any man''s hand. As for the cub, it was docile for the most part, but also had a mischievous side. Again, Volun couldn''t see this being a temperament suited to a noble rider''s mount.


    However, although he protested, the other Teachers were still leaning towards this option. After all, neither beast were accepting of potential partners and increasingly becoming a burden upon the school. They would have attempted to release the adolescent back into the wilds, for they felt it had a strong chance of survival, but it refused to leave the cub, that had none outside of a stable.


    "Teacher, are we really sending them away?" A voice came from behind the two men. It was Tor, he was often in charge of feeding the school mounts and that duty happened to include the Coeurls. He liked completing this task and others were happy to leave him to it.


    "We don''t wish to," Teacher Volun attempted to appease the youth, despite the frown upon his colleague''s face. Well, they certainly would not be able to ''sell'' Lord Garius a sick cub and the adolescent wouldn''t leave the child, thus it was a moot point anyway. "But we are concerned about the cub''s health. Do you know how long it has been acting this way."


    Tor thought back for a moment and attempted to recall. "I think it has been three days," he answered after a while. "Cetus was on feeding duty and happened to mention that the cub only sniffed at the food before burying itself in its nest. I didn''t think much of it at the time." He''d been distracted, having bumped into... he fingered the small wooden talisman that Now was hooked upon his belt. It was carved into the shape of his Cooshee. "It''s not like it hasn''t behaved strangely before."


    "What do you mean?" Teacher Maki queried, while Teacher Volun''s eyes were drawn elsewhere.


    "Well, it was yowling all excitedly the other afternoon," Tor mentioned. "And wouldn''t eat much that evening either. I thought it had just tired itself out playing. But it ate in the morning." Funny, that day that he also had crossed paths with that person. He hadn''t thought that after their conversation, he would carve him this charm. Tor wasn''t sure whether he should be pleased or distressed that he was considered a ''good friend.''


    "Tor," Teacher Volun''s eyes had not left the boy''s belt in sometime and he even pointed towards it with a slightly shaking finger. There was a sparkle of excitement behind those spectacles. "Where did you get that charm?"


    "This?" Tor paused, holding the little carving still as he followed the Teacher''s gaze. "This was carved by Leon, a... a friend from the outer alchemist school."


    "Wait, what does that have to with the cub?" Teacher Maki asked, confused.


    "May I?" Teacher Volun asked Tor, ignoring the other man. Tor amicably passed him the small charm and the Teacher''s slender fingers ran over it, a bright smile appearing on his face unbidden. It was just as he thought! "When did you get this? Did it happen to be on the day that the cub stopped eating?"


    Tor hesitated before nodding. "Yes..." his eyes widened as he noticed that the cub''s large eyes were also fixated on the wooden cooshee carving. "You don''t mean..." Teacher Volun did not confirm his suspicions, simply continued to grin, cheerfully.


    "Could someone please tell me what is going on?" The confused Teacher Maki demanded.

 Chapter 190 - Hundred And Ninety - I cultivate with Jin Li

    Panting to catch his breath, Leon''s eyes followed the movement of his man as Jin Li lay beside him with a sated expression. Their naked skin glistened in the soft light of the mage globe and the dying light creeping in the hut''s lone window. Ambiguous substances marked them here and there and there were an array of purple splotches dotted over Leon''s neck and collar bone.


    Leon''s body hummed softly in satisfaction. The pain was a lot less this time and he had even felt some pleasure whilst being penetrated, though it was an elusive feeling in the end. A finger fell upon his collarbone and traced those purple marks lightly, circling them a little in admiration of self-artistry. Jin Li''s hand ran up along Leon''s neck and face before he leaned over his glowing alchemist and stole a lingering kiss. Leon complied willingly, opening his mouth to allow the other entry.


    "I wish to practice the Dual Cultivation technique with you," Jin Li claimed suddenly, making Leon pause as his mind raced to catch up with the other''s thoughts. Automatically, he blushed. To Dual Cultivate was to... well cultivate while conjoined sexually with your partner. The number of times that they''d made love could be counted with just the fingers of one hand. To Leon, from his understanding, to Dual Cultivate was practically a level up from their current bedroom performances.


    Unknown to him, to Jin Li, Dual Cultivating was a lot more.


    This had to do with the difference in their upbringing, after all, Jin Li was off this universe, whilst Leon came from a place that was wholly different with different values, morales and filled with fast food of various shapes and descriptions. More people took sexual relations as a casual thing, divorce was prolific and if one made it through ten years of marriage, they were both ridiculed and exalted all at once. Of course, in that world, men were expected to maintain some level of fidelity; one wife, no harems. Of course the jealousy of both sexes remained the same in either world.


    However, although in this land, men were not looked down upon for having more than one wife (indeed in some middle realms, it was not even uncommon for a woman to have more than one husband), a Cultivator would likely have ever only one Dao Companion. To clarify, Maimai''s father had a harem of several beauties, but not one was his Dao Companion. Should he follow that path, he would likely have to give up his harem and even his main wife, for a Dao Companion was much more than a marital partner. A mortal life was but a flap of a butterfly''s wings compared to a the potential life of a Cultivator.


    And with the exception of a few (being demons and females of a certain promiscuous Sect), one would only Dual Cultivate with their Dao Companion.


    Jin Li tugged the boneless Leon up into his arms as he sat up in their bed, making himself comfortable in a lotus position. His jade branch was already saluting and ready to perform its duties. Jin Li licked his lips as he positioned the languid alchemist above him, arranging Leon''s arms about his shoulders and his legs about his back. And after glancing at the blushing man in his hold once to ensure there was no resistance, he guided his lover back onto his body. Leon shivered about him as the warmth of his moist body enveloped that part of him, joining them together.


    He whispered words of instruction into Leon''s ears, the latter forcing himself to listen, though his mind was somewhat distracted by the itchy feeling of fullness below. "Do you understand?" Jin Li asked him. Although this Cultivation technique was not complicated, did not mean it would not cause problems if performed incorrectly. With all techniques, there was the risk of backlash, thus a Dual Cultivation technique also required the participants to have complete faith with the other.


    Leon repeated back what he had heard, slowly, trying to not move his lower body as he felt the urge to. He was not alone, but Jin Li always did have reasonably good willpower and simply held Leon close, their forehead''s touching and their eyes closing as they turned their minds to the task.


    In this state, Leon managed to turn his focus inward and see his twinkling inner sea; the specks of light were not sluggish, but moving at a reasonable pace as if in anticipation of what was about to happen. He circled his energies once about his meridians, taking in one breath. And as he exhaled, he sent those same energies along a new conduit, one that would have them exit his body. However, rather than lose this energy, it was replaced by a different sort.


    This spiritual energy sparked and teased his nerves and meridians, not painfully, but enough to make him tremble. Like little bolts of lightning, the energy crackled through his pathways and into his innersea, mixing with the twinkling lights and warming his centre. He felt as if a surge of power was electrifying him from the inside out, causing him to gasp. Inhaling an unsteady breath, he circled the combined energy about himself as Jin Li had instructed, while drawing in the spiritual energy from the air to increase the volume a minute amount.


    Jin Li''s innersea was experiencing a similar strangeness. His sea was violent with chain lightning thundering through the space, ready to rip his body to sheds given the opportunity. This volatile inner sea was not an unknown phenomenon in Cultivators, however few Cultivators could control it beyond a certain stage of cultivation, hence would have to give up their immortal dreams or be annihilated in a most terrible way. Such was the bloodline of Jin Li. Great power and wicked speed of surging through the early stages of cultivation, but with a deadly potential cost. However, his ancestors had developed a cultivation technique that while did not completely tame the unforgiving lightning, would at least give the Cultivator some ability to control it. They had not yet produced an immortal, but could at least reach the higher stages of cultivation without destroying themselves.


    Yet, at this moment, a soft and gentle array of tiny lights were pouring into his innersea, quietening the thunder as it merged with the jagged strikes. The added energy made the lightning whiter, sharper, yet the numerous thorny extraneous chains reduced in size at first and later in number. A sense of burden within Jin Li quietly eased and he poured more of his yang energy into his small lover.


    The two men remained in the state of Dual Cultivation until the moon set and the sun began to take its place within the heavens, ushering in a bright new day.

 Chapter 191 - Hundred And Ninety One - Teachers approach mine about me

    In a courtyard, surrounded by pots and raised beds, with the sound of water lapping against a pond''s edge, sat a man, a Teacher. At a stone table, on which he had scrolled documents scattered here and there, the Teacher was reading, occasionally scribbling notes and at other times sipping from a tea cup. After reading a scroll, he tossed it into a small wooden container upon the bench. The container did not appear to be able to fit the scrolled document, at yet it vanished inside regardless. This container was a spatial device, much like an interspatial bag, just with a different external look. It also could fit much more inside than most interspatial bags could.


    Feeling that the tea in his cup had grown tepid, he poured it onto the floor and not into one of the nearby pots or flower beds. This was because each pot and raised bed contained precious herbs, he could not risk ruining the conditions of the soil, which he maintained with precision and painstaking work. Many of his herbs had their own wants and needs and to ensure they grew into their greatest potential, he had near perfected his care towards them over the centuries. His greatest joy was to sit amongst them, able to enjoy the fruits of his labours before they were harvested for use in pills and potions.


    Tossing another report into the box, which happened to be an invoice for new cauldrons, he heard a voice calling out to him in a jovial manner and naturally, he glanced up to greet his visitor. "Volun," he said as the silver haired man approached. "What brings you to the outer alchemist school?"


    "Actually, I have something to discuss with you," the man replied, taking the offered seat upon the stone bench opposite the other. A tea cup was summoned from the wooden box and placed upon the table, before it was filled with a light scented green tea and placed before Volun. "Thank you," he said, gratefully, before continuing from earlier; "Actually, it is about one of your students."


    "One of my students?" The other Teacher questioned, however before Volun could clarify, a third voice was heard in the garden;


    "Teacher Sagi!" The words were followed by a man in white robes favoured by the Healers of the Institute. "Excuse me for intruding, but I wanted to know where I could find a student of yours!"


    "I think I should prepare a fresh pot of tea," Sagi sighed and gathering the cast iron tea pot, he entered his home in order to do so.


    Sometime later, when fresh tea had been poured and the three men had exchanged light pleasantries, the visitors began to finally discuss the reasons for approaching Teacher Sagi during this four day break period. As Volun had arrived first, it was only fair that he broach the subject first as well.


    "As I previously mentioned," he began, "I came to talk to you about one of your students."


    "There hasn''t been any trouble, has there?" Teacher Sagi asked him. It was not unheard of for students of any schools to have differences after all, say if requested pills were not to the standard the requester insisted upon despite rewards being low or if tamed beasts had escaped and wandered into the small herb gardens in amongst the dormitories of the students.


    "No trouble," Volun''s eyes were twinkling with excitement. "I wanted to speak to your student about somethings. Especially about his carvings!"


    Teacher Sagi''s bushy brows furrowed and his hand fell to his waist, where happened to be a carved wooden charm in the shape of a flowering bladed thistle. "That student... I only know of one in the outer school that has a hobby of carving things. What do you want from him?"


    Volun''s eyes happened to catch Sagi''s movement and he smiled as he said; "Have you yet to notice the unique trait of the charm upon your belt? Try using your inner eye to look at it more closely." Sagi''s frown deepened, but he did as was suggested.


    A moment later, his eyes widened and his brows rose high upon his forehead as he exclaimed; "How is that possible? Leo really did this?"


    "I don''t quite understand what''s going on," The Healer interrupted the flow of their conversation, slightly impatient, "But you say this... Leo is the only student who can carve things? Then is this his bottle...?" The Healer took out a small jade bottle with a cute carved label attached. Inside the bottle was a single pill. The Healer had fought profusely with Teacher Corvus over this bottle and lone pill, the other insisting he needed those pills for what if his cute student was hurt again in the future? In the end, Corvus took the three other pills and placed them in a high quality jade bottle that the Healer had given him in exchange. His heart had bled slightly for that bottle cost more than ten times the price of the cheap bottle he was left with.


    Sagi looked down at the bottle and slowly nodded, recalling the numerous labelled jade bottles upon his three students'' stall. Leo had decorated the bottles in order to make his pills stand out from the rest of the common pills and potions available, not yet able to make rare things nor high or peak quality ones. Sagi had been impressed by his ingenuity. "What of it?"


    The Healer poured the lone pill into his palm and handed it to the alchemist. "Take a good look."


    "It''s just a One Heart Pill..." he paused and looked more in depth, drawn in by the scent of the Pill which was just so pure and the glossy sheen of it. This... this couldn''t be one of Leo''s pills... right?


    "A One Heart Pill identical to this healed severe outer injuries of a martial arts student not too long ago," The Healer informed him. "The wound healed rapidly and cleanly. There won''t even be a scar. Not only that, it is clear it has less impurities than most One Heart Pills."


    "But my Leo?" Sagi couldn''t help but be dubious. After all, who more than his Teacher should understand his talents and capability? Leo''s talent lie in his patience and amazing consistency and control. His pill quality was improving, but generally his pills could be said to be average or just good. This pill which was not quite a normal One Heart Pill, he couldn''t claim to know its quality having nothing to compare it against.


    Volun''s eyes were sparkling even more intensely as if having unearthed a rare treasure. "Then why don''t we go and speak with him and find out?"

 Chapter 192 - Hundred And Ninety Two - My secret hideaway is no longer a secret

    "Alright," Teacher Sagi had no reason to disagree, despite feeling a little shocked and overwhelmed. He''d always seen young Leo as an open book, honest and clear of expression, so he happened to have mixed feelings about these possible secrets kept hidden from him. So he both wanted Leo to clarify things, half hoping that the youth was as brilliant as he, as his Teacher, had always maintained and half hoping that the youth was not responsible for the spiritually enchanted charm nor the miracle pill. That way, Leo would remain one of the students he was most fond of; a bit lacking in talent, but faultless of personality.


    He lead the other Teachers through the fields and Herb Hall and walked towards the large smattering of huts where most of the students resided, only to pause, slightly embarrassed. These ''huts'' were actually two roomed domiciles made of wood, but were not as humble as perhaps the wealthy would perceive them. Their beams were made of strong timbers, their walls were thick made with planks of wood and decorated with wooden shingles, just as the roofs. Inside the walls and ceilings were covered in a lime mortar, making them warm within. The floors were tiled, for convenience, but many students decorated them with rugs, while curtains hung from small glass windows, all to personal taste. Only one student resided in each, one room was for sleeping and personal maintenance, while the other was for studies; growing herbs, making pills and potions, reading, learning. Some had small garden plots, no bigger than a few flagstones, with a few odd herbs growing within them, while stone walls grouped them in clusters of four to six domiciles. Girls were naturally separated from boys.


    But where amongst these, exactly, did his young student live in amongst these? He stopped a young man, who was leaving his hut for some other location. "This student, Juris," Teacher Sagi called to him. "Do you happen to know in which hut resides student Leo?"


    The young man looked a bit pale and wane, but shook his head furiously before saying; "Miss Maimai should know." Actually, this person did know more than he let on, but he only knew that Leo had been forced to move into an abandoned property in the woods, didn''t really know the location of it. However, as the one who''d relocated him there happened to be an influential senior, who, although had moved to the inner school, still had some remnant power amongst many students in the outer school, hence this person''s deflection. That way, if that senior was found to have caused trouble and was expelled, none of this could be backtracked to him easily.


    Of course, Teacher Sagi was not aware of Juris'' internal monologue and simply thanked him before heading to where he knew Maimai lived. "You don''t know where your own student lives?" Teacher Volun teased him.


    Teacher Sagi didn''t have the indifference not to look flustered. "Young Leo, he is very obedient and also quite discreet. I''ve never found the need to seek him out before!" The man explained it away. In fact, he only happened to know Maimai''s location as she had destroyed the walls of both her hut and the stone surroundings on more than one occasion. Who now did not know where she lived!?


    And just to prove a point, there was a small explosion that happened to come from the direction of Maimai''s place. And the girl''s door swung open, a plume of smoke bellowing from the domicile, with Maimai following it. Despite the smudge marks on her cheek, she still managed to look adorable, drawing the glances of several passerby''s. In her hand was a fragrantly spicy Burning Blood Pill and she looked quite pleased with herself. "I did it!" She beamed, tucking a loose curl behind her ear as she looked at the pill on her palm.


    "Miss Maimai, congratulations," Teacher Sagi called out to her and politely celebrated her success. He knew that she was not a natural when it came to refining pills.


    "Thank you, Teacher," the girl grinned, before noticing that the man was not alone. She tilted her head, curiously.


    "Miss Maimai," Teacher Sagi cleared his throat and introduced Volun and the Healer to the girl, before admitting; "We were just seeking out student Leo... I don''t suppose you happen to know where he lives...?"


    "I do..." Maimai replied, but was slightly hesitant. It was probably only the Teachers and a few first years that did not know about Leon''s... unique living conditions. That is to say that Senior Leon didn''t actually live amongst them, but out in the mountain woods. "Um, I can lead you there, if you give me a minute." She vanished into her hut to put away the pill and clean her face. The Teachers couldn''t help but sense that something was not quite right, which only intensified naturally when Maimai lead them beyond the domicile clusters and out of the school''s boundaries. Not that they were beyond the Institute''s lands, just to mention, but...


    "Teachers may know," Maimai began to explain, slowly, "that Senior had... has experienced difficulties during his schooling years here." She was referring to all the times poor Leon had been bullied, though she only knew a few of the things that happened before she started school. Those things had been lightly touched upon by Tor and Leon did not seem to want to talk about them. Teacher Sagi could only nod, a little depressed, of course he was aware, but the school could only protect the students so much or they would be too sheltered from the reality of the world. Teacher Volun and the Healer were naturally curious, but held back from asking for details.


    "After things were resolved," Maimai mentioned, "I did suggest to Leon that he move back to the domiciles, but he said he was content to stay." She had mentioned it mainly because her poor feet suffered greatly for a cup of tea and some dog food* and she wished selfishly to lessen her walk. That and Leon''s place was just too small and in need of some repair. "Ah, you should walk where I do, less you become lost."


    These last words were mentioned as she noticed the charm of a butterfly dangling from a low bough ahead. It was finely carved and were not for its stillness, one would think it was alive. It was a far cry from the plain oval shaped charm that had preceded it. She stepped in between this tree and the tree to its left. Were she to go around the other way, she would find herself traipsing north and away from her destination.


    She seemed to lead them on a slightly roundabout route, which was an illusion as actually this path was fairly direct or no one would ever find Leon''s hut. And just when the Teacher''s thought to question the girl, the scent of leaves and tree needles rotting upon the rich earth gave way to the heady scent of established and healthy herbs. Teacher Sagi''s senses were particularly alert as his sharp nose smelled the aroma of sweet sunclover, silver tea, purple spirit grass, moonmist fern...


    The tiny hut came into view as well as a well trodden path that lead past an abundant garden surrounding the rear and side of the property; the garden reached the surrounding trees and even crept beyond in some places. The Teachers were lead along this path and around to the front of the single-roomed hut into a dry courtyard. There, two youths happened to be relaxing, one sitting upon a small, wooden stool, while the other lingered behind him. Their long hair was untethered, but wet, hanging down the lengths of their backs. The taller youth was contentedly combing the hair of the other, whose eyes were half-closed behind his clear spectacles.


    The Teachers were quite bewildered, but Maimai was so glad she could be witness to such a pink scene today! Such really made the long walk worth it!

 Chapter 193 - Hundred And Ninety Three - I confess to Improving pills

    "Tch." The harmonious quiet was disturbed by the clicking of an irritated tongue. All eyes instantly were drawn to the stern martial artist wielding the wooden comb.


    His small alchemist reached up to gentle tap upon his hand and the other''s eyes softened a tad as he watched his lover rose to his feet in order to greet his Teacher and the other guests. Leon''s face was flush with colour as if caught in a more compromising position than the scene that had been before them.


    "T-Teacher," Leon greeted him before turning his attentions to the other two men with him. He recognised Teacher Volun from the outer Beast Taming school, the silver haired man''s eyes were twinkling with curiosity and interest, but it was not malicious, more reminding him of old neighbours from his past life having noticed something they could gossip about. The third man, he did not know. That man''s eyes were wide, his expression blank and stiff as if he was ruminating over what he had witnessed and attempting to figure out the underlying truth of it. It was uncertain whether he''d figure it out or not.


    Maimai, of course, already in the know, allowed a soft sigh escape her throat, like a contended kitten. "How about I put on the kettle?" She entered the small hut before anyone could stop her. Leon turned crimson as he thought about the state of his messy bed. Jin Li just glared at the girl invading his territory with a discontented look.


    Teacher Sagi cleared his throat, in an attempt to break through the slight tension within the air. He had noticed that his student was close to the martial artist, but he hadn''t thought that their relationship was of this kind. It seemed that all three of his current students sought yang rather than yin. A part of him felt inclined to keep an eye on the youth from the martial artist school, however, he was Leon''s Teacher, not his parent, he really didn''t have a say in Leon''s relationship choices.


    "Leo," Sagi said, finally, "I apologise for disturbing you during the break, however, we just wanted to speak to you about a couple of things."


    "What is it, T-Teacher?" Leon queried.


    "Did you make this pill?" The Healer blurted out and waved in front of him the small jade bottle, its little wooden label clicking against its pale surface.


    Leon''s brows furrowed; the jade bottle naturally looked familiar, but those labelled bottles were only given out during the Five School Market Festival and only contained basic and common pills, nothing special, so he was confused. He could only nod in confirmation.


    There weren''t many places to sit in the dusty courtyard, Leon gave his stool to his Teacher, while Volun and the Healer claimed a large stump, lying upon its side, rather than the unpaved courtyard. The three students settled upon loose mats... well Leon could have been said to be sitting more in Jin Li''s lap than upon the mat. Cups of tea steamed in their hands, but no one was partaking the dark brew.


    "How did you make these pills?" The Healer continued his questioning from earlier. Leon held the bottle in his hand and glanced at the label. It declared it to contain One Heart Pills.


    Thinking nothing of it, Leon replied simply; "F-followed the recipe."


    "Leo," The Healer sighed. "One of these pills was used to aid healing of a student who was quite seriously injured. The wounds healed too well for this to be a One Heart Pill that was made in the traditional way. Even though a peak quality One Heart Pill might have similar results, but the healing would have taken longer and a scar would most likely would have remained behind."


    Leon''s eyes widened and he looked a little apprehensive. He couldn''t help but glance over his shoulder and the man supporting him both physically and mentally from behind. Jin Li''s forehead was lined a fraction as he frowned, but he gave a curt nod as if he had figured out what had happened. Leon had mixed up the standard One Heart Pills with the Improved version. As if to confirm, Leon opened the bottle and the clear fragrance of the pills confirmed their suspicions. "Oh," Leon mumbled as he resealed the bottle.


    "Leo, did you truly make this pill?" Teacher Sagi asked, gently. Leon hesitated for a moment longer, however the warmth seeping into his back gave him the courage to admit the truth and he nodded. The Healer sucked in an excited breath, while Teacher Sagi allowed a flurry of questions to spill from his lips. "How... when... why... why did you not tell me?" There was a slight note of hurt in the man''s tone and Leon couldn''t help but feel guilty.


    "P-p-protect m-myself," Leon stuttered. His meaning was much deeper that the two words offered, so he tried to explain a little more; "At f-first, I j-just experim-mented for fun. And then... I had t-to m-move." The diaries explained everything in depth, how Leo''s first success lead to him diving deeper into research and experiments, to the point he never thought about telling others. And then his home was ransacked by his former bullies in an attempt to steal away his growing numbers of common pills that he hoarded until he required more herbs as per the school rules. His research had not been found, but he was ever more zealous in protecting his work. However, he was killed in the end, not for his research, but his common pills. "I d-didn''t m-mind living here, it''s quiet and I c-could experiment m-more..." And I could hide the fact that I am not Leo more easily... he did not add these last words.


    "Yet he was still targeted," Jin Li interjected. "This Lord was witnessed to more than one attack upon himself and his things. In fact, had they succeeded upon the last time, his attempt at breaking through to secondary stage would have failed or worse, his cultivation would have deviated due to backlash."


    "Caprian?" Teacher Sagi questioned and Leon nodded in response. "I didn''t realise you had suffered so much at his hand. Why did you not say anything?"


    "C-Caprian had m-money, influence," Leon mentioned. "I''ve n-no real b-background and I g-grew up in a p-poor village with m-my g-grandfather." He didn''t mention that it was Teacher Sagi''s former student that had accepted bribes from Caprian to ensure he or rather Leo, was isolated from the other students. He didn''t want to upset the older man more. Plus, he felt enough guilt for using Leo''s identity and claiming his inventions as his own.


    "It makes sense that you would keep your findings to yourself," The Healer allowed with a heavy sigh of resignation. "With no one to protect you, anyone could take advantage of you and your findings." The Healer was not from as insignificant a background as the boy, but his family was by no means wealthy nor influential. Just hardworking suburban folk with few worries, but still easily stomped upon should they cross the path of others with power. He''d not struggled per say for his lack of background, but he had been a bit invisible back in his student days.


    "Ah!" Teacher Volun said silently, breaking his own silence. "Then was it you that Caprian stole the improved Beast Calming Pill from?! Did you create it?" From Leon''s hesitant nod, he slapped his knee and laughed. "So it was you all along! That''s great! We''ve never managed to reproduce your pill perfectly, my colleagues were quite morose over it!"


    Teacher Sagi''s lips curled upward; "It''s kept the best alchemists of the school upon their toes for a while. In fact, I''m sure Teacher Chun''s hair has thinned quite considerably since Caprian handed in that bottle of pills."


    The Teachers chuckled freely, Leon relaxed in the light atmosphere surrounding them. However, Jin Li''s eyes narrowed, unconvinced. He wanted to know, just what would they expect of his small alchemist now they were aware of his secret.

 Chapter 194 - Hundred And Ninety Four - It is just a hobby

    "Do you now intend to steal away my alchemist''s recipe for this so-called ''improved'' beast calming pill?" These words spilled naturally from the sharp, sword like tongue of a certain irrepressible Martial Artist. All this banter and friendly overtures in his mind was useless. Just get to the point already! His fingers itched to grab the handle of his sword. While he could in no way beat these old men with their much higher cultivation, did not mean he could not wound nor distract and allow his Leon to escape their clutches!


    "While I don''t deny my curiosity about it," Volun replied, honestly, disrupting Jin Li''s train of thought, "I didn''t actually come here to ask about it. It''s a mere coincidence! Although naturally I would like for Leo to share his recipe, I wouldn''t force him to do so. Even if I wish to speak on behalf of the weak-willed beasts that could be saved should the recipe be made public rather than benefits for myself or the school. No. In fact, you, young man, should know why I am here. Or did you forget the last request I made of you?"


    "Tch," Jin Li indeed had forgotten. It had not been in his best interests to remember it after all.


    "What''s d-do you m-mean? What request?" Leon piped up, curiously.


    "I wanted to find out who had carved these charms." Volun had not taken the small fish charm from the Coeurl cub, the little one was depressed enough without his toy being stolen away. Instead, Volun had happened to notice that delicate Butterfly charm hanging from the low boughs earlier and scooped it into his possession. Just like the fish charm, there was a strange symbol carved into its wing. Two things he''d noticed about this; the symbol was different to the one in the little fish charm and the spiritual essence within it was concentrated about the symbol. Perhaps the symbol was the key to holding the essence within the wood?


    "Th-that is m-my w-work," Leon admitted, for he felt as if he had no reason not to. "It''s a sm-small hobby. D-did you want m-me to c-carve something for you? It won''t b-be as g-good as those who c-carve thing f-for a living, though."


    Such innocent eyes despite the oppression this youth had suffered while he had studied here and despite the overly protective yet arrogant noble-son behind him caging him in his grasp. Volun couldn''t help but find this child adorable.


    "Hmm, actually, I was wondering how you managed to carve spiritual essence into the charm." He voiced aloud.


    "Huh?" Leon looked very confused.


    "What are you trying to imply?" Jin Li sneered. He had actually noticed the spiritual essence in the charm, but never thought much of it. After all, the jade and crystal carvings that he had encountered before hold spiritual essence within so what was the difference? Admittedly, for him to come in to contact with crude wood carvings, Leon''s were the first.


    "You don''t know how you have managed such? How extraordinary!" Volun''s expression of amazement was clear to see upon his face, leading both youths to think they had missed something.


    "Leo," Teacher Sagi came forward to explain. "Wood usually cannot contain spiritual essence within itself once it is cut from the tree. And yet, these small charms you have carved do. It''s quite beyond imagination."


    The Healer had been sitting quietly through this exchange, looking quite thoughtful. "May I?" He asked suddenly, reaching out for Leon. "Take your pulse I mean." Leon shuffled out of Jin Li''s grasp and moved respectfully towards the man. Two fingers lightly pressed down upon his wrist. "You have a Star root."


    "Star root, really?" Volun couldn''t help but express his disbelief. The Healer felt the same way. The Star root was not anything amazing, in fact it was considered teriary root, trash root. That the youth has been able to not only cultivate to secondary level, but also make advancements in pills, carve charms containing spiritual essence, create such a flourishing garden of richly scented herbs is so beyond expectation, that it has turned the impression of one with his root upon its head. This root, that should only effect the vessel of its owner, was perhaps far more than it seemed. There was no guarantee that the boy would have flourished as well in other schools as he had here, despite the clear setbacks he''d experienced and thus it could be seen that he also had the luck to have fallen onto the path that helped him to begin to fulfil his potential.


    "It is recorded that Leo does indeed possess this root and no other," Teacher Sagi confirmed. "Were it not for his determination and ability to cultivate despite the root, his application to attend the school likely would have been rejected." Sagi sighed while thinking of this reality. Thank goodness that had not been the case.


    "This Lord still demands to know what your plans are for my alchemist," Jin Li interrupted, feeling as if clarification had not been yet made. "Know this. This lord will not stand back and allow you to take advantage of him."


    "This Institute was founded on the principle of increasing the abilities and strengths of the students that come to us," Teacher Sagi began, reciting what could be found within the history and principals of the Ascending Mountain Institute. "Our founder had been witness to too many potential talents dying before securely setting foot upon their paths. Jealousy, fear, hatred, wanting to eliminate ''threats'' before they took root or simply removing seen obstacles to another''s own climb to greatness; our world is full of traps and tribulations. Some would say that without these personal trials, one could never rise to obtain immortality, but the reality is that oftentimes, this survival of the fittest, revenge killings and such like, it is just an excuse to murder others, stealing lives and treasures within the fallen''s hands.


    "Of course that is not to say that there are not people who must be dealt with, such as demons upon the devil''s path or those who wish to interfere with mortal lives and politics, but killing a child because he was more impressive than one''s own blood... the Founder could not accept such dealings in the Cultivation world. So he formed this school. He felt that should he be able to nurture those talents until they were less vulnerable and more able to take care of themselves, then that was a good thing. But he also knew that he could not protect everyone, especially once they have left the Institute to find their own paths in life. He also knew he could not be wholly benevolent, for it costs money to run the five schools, hence why there are many students who could not be considered ''vulnerable'' and those without tolerance, those lazy and unworthy still often walk within the grounds of the Institute.


    "However, you, Leo are here and while you are here, we, your Teachers, will seek to protect you and that which is yours to hold in secret or to share. Of course, we are not so pure as to claim that we have no interest in your recipes and talents for various reasons. But we will not steal them from you either."


    "Aptly put!" All turned to notice a man of average height, but not average girth standing behind beside the small hut. His dark beard was neatly trimmed, yet still impressively long.


    "Headmaster?!"

 Chapter 195 - Hundred And Ninety Five - I meet the Headmaster

    The Headmaster was considered a mysterious existence within the Ascending Mountain Institute. No one but the Teachers (and even then, not all of the younger Teachers) and a few select individuals, through luck or otherwise, knew what he looked like or had ever seen him. He didn''t announce his attendance during the various Standings, Festivals and other school events, he never gave speeches to greet new students, nor to wish well of graduates. Such a person was bound to have rumours and legends spoken about him; he was an immortal, his bloodline was of a legendary spirit beast, he was an omniscient presence so long as he was on school grounds. Men imagined a person of god-like statistics, with golden skin and muscles formed from battles in his youth, with a square jawline framed with a masculine beard and deep set eyes. Women imagined a scholarly man, tall, white-skinned with a bamboo figure; slender and flexible. His eyes would sparkle with wisdom and his beauty would have countries bend their knee before him.


    They probably would have been disappointed to see this large, round man with a long wispy beard and slightly ruddy skin. He was not handsome by any standards of the word, but he also was not unpleasant of face. However, his eyes were bright and knowing, so long as one noticed them, they could somewhat forget his otherwise harmless and indulgent appearance. Jin Li was not one to judge a book by its cover and quickly accessed this man as devious and dangerous, but also knew he meant them no ill intent. He did not relax his guard, despite this.


    "Headmaster," Teacher Sagi greeted him, respectfully. The Healer and Teacher Volun echoed his sentiment, while Maimai''s eyes widened with disbelief. She''d naturally heard the rumours and had been seeking a gong for a man with a scholarly appearance. Her ship had been crushed before she''d even managed to set it a sail. A re-evaluation was required; she would not let his less than expected appearance defeat her! "Headmaster, what are you doing here?"


    "Hmm, is there a reason I should not be?" The man''s eyes glinted, but it was with humour rather than anything else.


    "Of course not, Headmaster," Teacher Sagi denied quickly. "We just were not expecting to see you."


    "My Institute, I go where I feel like," the Headmaster pouted childishly, crossing his arms about his ample chest. It should be mentioned, the Headmaster was not the Founder. Rumours claimed that the Founder ascended to a Higher Realm to continue his cultivation towards immortality, leaving his institute to his succeeding apprentice. The current Headmaster was actually the succeeding apprentice of that woman, taking over once she had sought to find and follow her Master. "Besides I heard some interesting things about your apprentice, Sagi, so I came to look at him." His eyes fell upon Leon and the youth couldn''t help but feel as if he''d been visually examined inside and out.


    Jin Li''s hold tightened gently about the trembling youth in his arms and he glared unwisely at the large man. The Headmaster, however, didn''t take it to heart. After all, although they were considered very young to him, he could not deny their connection where others might. He felt they were just blessed to find each other at such an age, while others were still seeking their Dao Companion after several millennia.


    Teacher Sagi was not surprised that the Headmaster once again knew more than he probably should. He would not be surprised, he though not resigned to the fact, that the old man likely knew Leon was able to carve spiritual energy into wood and was responsible for creating two improved alchemy pills before anyone else did. Creating new pills... a sudden thought occurred to him and he spun around eyes wide to stare at his student.


    The Headmaster noticed his action and stepped forward to grasp Sagi''s arm and pat it comfortingly, as if he knew exactly what had crossed the man''s mind.


    "Um, Headmaster," Maimai suddenly piped up, thinking that the conversation from earlier was far from over. "Would you like a cup of tea?"


    "No thank you, Miss Maimai," the Headmaster replied with a warm smile. "Actually, I came to invite Leon to speak with me about somethings and my place has more seating." Leon blushed a little shamefaced, but he did catch the Headmaster''s address for him. His heart began to beat more rapidly in his chest, slightly panicked. "Would you come, Leon?" Although it was phrased as a question, Leon did not feel as if he had a choice, but to accept.


    The Teachers also noticed the difference in address, frowned, but did not attempt to make a query or correction. They too were invited to discuss things with the Headmaster regarding Leon. This did help Leon relax a tiny bit, for Teacher Sagi had always been good to him, even before they became direct Teacher and Student. He did not feel as if Teacher Sagi would abandon him at this stage. And from the tightness of Jin Li''s embrace, there was no way the martial artist would let him go without him, no matter what the Headmaster said.


    Maimai took the hint and bowed in farewell to the Teachers and Headmaster before leaving the small clearing of Leon''s hut. No more than a minute after she''d disappeared beyond the tree line, several cups of tea were tossed towards the wildflowers and trees. The black tea actually stained one tree trunk and were the tree able to speak, it would probably exclaim; "Why?" Maimai was a good girl, a good friend, but she made a lousy cup of tea.

 Chapter 196 - Hundred And Ninety Six - I am not qualified

    The Headmaster''s house was traditional in style manor in the fact that it was made up of a series of connecting courtyards, had an inner and outer spaces, meant for family and guests respectively and was surrounded by a large wall with gated openings, a large ostentatious one at the front and a discreet one at the side. However, in all truth, the wall was decoration, the manor was sprawled over various mountain-platforms and the pathways weaving through gardens and connecting the courtyards were mostly formed of stairs and bridges. This manor should have been filled with a hundred people; family and servants, but there was a silence to the whole place that only was disturbed by the mountain winds.


    The Headmaster well and truly valued his privacy. So much so, in fact, that there was no road leading to the manor, but a fixed receiving array positioned a few metres outside the first gate. This is where the Teachers, Headmaster and two students arrived. Jin Li had managed to tag along.


    The Headmaster lead them through the first and second gates, into the outer rim of the manor. He then lead them towards the setting sun, along a path that weaved through various spiritual grasses, all fresh and purely scented. Sagi''s eyes twitched as he spotted a rare stalk or two, but he knew fully well that these herbs were kept for ornamental purposes, so no matter how much he coveted them, he could do nothing. Over a bridge that spanned a small chasm and they came to another garden that forked into two paths. The Headmaster continued west and over another bridge, this one close to an imposing waterfall. Despite their closeness to the roaring water, not a drop spilled upon their clothing.


    Finally they arrived upon another plateau, an a modest courtyard. There was no wall about the courtyard, being no need as the edges of the courtyard were a sheer drop down several hundreds of metres. The property consisted of a two wings and the main home. The Headmaster''s large study and library took up the entirety of the west wing and so that was where he took them. Not sure how it came to be there, but two large pots of tea were steaming upon the table and six cups were sitting in wait.


    "Let''s chat," the Headmaster indicated that everyone should help themselves to a seat and a drink, before sitting in a large and comfortable looking chair at his desk, stroking his dark beard.


    "Leon, I''ve been watching you a while," the Headmaster admitted, "in fact since you first created your improved beast calming pill, before all of that business with the Caprian boy. I don''t get involved with social situations, I won''t save a student from personal problems and tribulations. Those sorts of things will either break or temper a person, if it is the former then I can say they are not likely to ever cultivate to the higher stages. This is life.


    "I admit that I thought you would be one to break, but despite the fact that you suffered and there has been some lingering effects of what occurred back then, you have blossomed into an admirable young man and excellent alchemist."


    "Wait, Headmaster," it was Teacher Sagi that interrupted his musings, "do you mean to say, that you were considering making Leo... Leon as a core student?" He changed the form of address for his student seeing as this is what the Headmaster called him and what the martial arts student called him. He wasn''t certain why Leo''s name had changed, but he would delve into that mystery another time.


    "Yes," the Headmaster agreed. "Leon has the talent and ability. Why would I not?"


    "Then you know about his carvings as well?" Volun''s eyes began to sparkle, still wanting to unravel this part of the mystery that was Leon. The Headmaster naturally agreed with a nod. "Do you know how he came to have that ability?"


    "Isn''t it down to his root?" The Headmaster replied, more in statement than in question.


    "What do you mean?" This time it was the Healer who spoke up. "It''s just a star root, a little tertiary root."


    "Hmmm," the Headmaster stroked his long beard and a slight look of melancholy appeared upon his face as if he was recalling a memory. "But did you know that the star root was once known as the celestial root?"


    The Teachers made gagging noises, the Healer almost spurted out a mouthful of tea. Celestial root?


    "Is th-that b-bad?" Leon couldn''t help but ask.


    "Not bad," the Headmaster replied. "Very rare, especially a pure celestial root such as your own. And very sought after, but not for good reasons, I am afraid. Celestial carvers, celestial forgers, celestial blacksmiths, all were sought for their ability to take the spiritual energy from within them and attach it to that which they made by their own hand. It made their items different from the norm, perhaps stronger, swifter, more powerful and... regardless, the circumstances have changed, so I can''t make him a core student."


    "Why not?" Teacher Sagi was disappointed. He felt all of his chosen students were worthy of the honour, of course, but none had succeeded. Leon having this ability, having this rare, beyond rare root, surely he was the worthiest so far...


    "Hmmm, due to him," the large man pointed a fat finger towards the martial artist sipping tea rather contentedly, while ignoring practically everything else. It was good tea. Of course, being stared at by several sets of eyes will make anyone wary, thus Jin Li finally paid others attention, his eyes narrowing in question.


    "What?"


    "This young man, Jin Li, was discovered by young Leon in less than ideal circumstances," the Headmaster began to tell a little of their tale. "He had just fallen through a tear between realms. Jin Li comes from the Higher Realms, is that not right?" The Teachers eyes widened and they shared glances. They were old, they had seen many things over the centuries, met many people, including those from the Higher Realms. But not a youth of Jin Li''s age. A youngster of even his excellent cultivation was not likely to survive a trip between realms, even taking the regulated routes thought portals would be a risk to both his life and his cultivation.


    "What of it?" Jin Li questioned, haughtily.


    "And what does that have to do with Leon?" Teacher Sagi queried.


    "Jin Li naturally wishes to return home," the Headmaster replied. "And will take his Dao Companion with him, will he not?"


    "Dao Companion?" They looked at the boys, thinking their relationship has reached this level?


    "Dao Companion?" Whispered Leon to Jin Li, under his breath. He was questioning why the Headmaster would use this term to refer to himself. He never once considered that the Headmaster meant anyone else and he was not wrong. Jin Li simply gave him a smug smile in response.


    "So this is what I propose," the Headmaster suggested. "Leon becomes a sort of honorary core student, with the same resources and protection and such, but without the request of loyalty towards the school, though I do hope you will remember us in the future, Leon." Core students were wanted to form a backbone for the institute, either as sponsors for it or as Teachers themselves for as long as possible, usually until they needed to ascend or until they died. If they could form a great many, no longer would they need to rely on the large sects and elite families money, and involve themselves in their schemes, but could just teach the talented and gifted as was the original purpose. "My only request is that you share your recipes for your improvements to the common pills that you have made. One can quite understand if you wish to hold onto the other recipes. Think about it, the beast calming pill, the one heart pill and those two interesting Energy Pills aren''t worth a great deal of money in the long run, but would calm the curiosity of those wolves that want them. We also will protect your name in all of this and give you the resources you need to continue along your path of research."


    "Energy Pills?" Sagi muttered, rubbing his temples in disbelief. "Other recipes?"


    Leon glanced at Jin Li, who shrugged slightly. Jin Li couldn''t deny what the Headmaster claimed was true and was also aware that in the long run, those pills really didn''t made Leon much silver. And if he kept everything to himself and was found out, it may hurt him in the long run. There would be those after his secrets. Yet if he gave some away, it would keep those seeking him out busy, for at least a while. It was also clear the Headmaster was aware of the Improved Healing Blood Pill and the variant Burning Blood Pills, but was not asking Leon to share these as well. Basically give a little to gain a lot. But Jin Li could not make this decision for him.


    Leon thought about it for a long while. In the end, he did not consider the improved recipes his and had only used them to make money to allow him to live more easily. He also knew that it would only take one bright person a short while to figure out the secret to the Variant Energy Pills, though the secrets to the Variant Blood Pills would be much harder for anyone to learn, even with the knowledge of the former. So in the end, he agreed to it. Leo had clearly been proud of being enrolled in this school and had never resented it for the fact he was bullied here. He felt that Leo would have eventually shared his inventions with the school for he''d never been thinking of the money, just the thrill of learning something new and discovering what no one else had.


    "Excellent!" The Headmaster clapped his hands together, the flesh making a resounding slap. "A few last things, before you leave," he began his final words on the matter and turned first to the Teachers. "Word of what was spoken does not spread beyond these walls." He owning a celestial root had to be protected at all costs from those who sought to use them. "Have Jin Li''s Teachers stop dilly dallying over his transferral into the Inner school, get it done! And about Leon''s house..."

 Chapter 197 - Hundred And Ninety Seven - I tell Jin Li everything

    After being dismissed by the Headmaster, the Teachers and students found themselves reappear in amongst the wildflowers close to Leon''s home. The paper talismans that formed the Headmaster''s temporary array, crumbled to ash before them. They were no longer welcome to use this gateway to the old man''s home. The Teachers then bid goodbye first, but not before Volun insisted they visit the Beast Taming School after sunrise the following day.


    The two youths said nothing in refusal; the Headmaster had left them with much to think about, having added parting words for them both.


    Perhaps influenced by these words, after the Teachers left, Jin Li scooped Leon into his arms and strode back into Leon''s humble hut, which they now knew once belonged to a school gamekeeper, though that was sometime ago. The door swung shut behind them and Jin Li took the time to lock it before kissing Leon into a breathless stupor. By the time Jin Li''s moment of possessiveness and anxiousness passed, Leon could only lean against him weakly, listening to the loud beats within Jin Li''s chest.


    "Jin Li," Leon whispered, pressing his hand against the same firm place he leaned upon. "Are you w-worried ab-bout what the H-Headmaster said?"


    "This Lord is not worried," Jin Li denied, whilst in contrast, his embrace tightened about the other. "This Lord will protect what is his, there is no need to worry about it."


    "N-n-not worried," Leon replied, "b-but, I d-don''t understand either. What d-did he mean b-by c-cauldron?"


    "You must become stronger, Jin Li," The Headmaster had told him. "Leon will need to rely on you in the future. Celestials were also coveted as cauldrons."


    Jin Li was not unaware of the nastier side of cultivating; the strong stepping upon the weak, survival of the fittest, the overwhelming desire for power and immortality... if one was not bothered about things such as morals and ethics, one could rise rapidly along this path. However, this usually lead to Cultivators falling upon the devils'' path and becoming demons. A person with a celestial root was an extreme temptation to Cultivators, especially demons. For that person could help the other become much stronger via blood and physical relations, which included Dual Cultivation, but did not necessarily have to be.


    Although Jin Li never intended to use this ability for himself, he''d not even known Leon could be ''used'' this way, he also couldn''t deny that Leon''s spiritual energy had helped stabilise his own. Leon had simply become even more precious within Jin Li''s heart and the thought of him being ripped away was simply unfathomable. It hurt.


    Of course Leon was now his Dao Companion, other righteous Cultivators night grumble and curse that Leon was his, but the majority would leave them be... Although a few might patiently wait until Jin Li was no longer an obstacle... Jin Li sneered inwardly. Such could dream! However demons were not the same, if they knew, if there was the chance... therefore the Headmaster''s words for him were not without reason.


    "Do not worry about it," Jin Li said finally, not wanting to taint his alchemist with the ugly truth. "You are not a ''cauldron''. You are mine." He gently, but firmly tugged Leon''s chin in order to make their eyes meet. "Say it."


    Leon smiled, reassuringly and murmured obediently; "I am yours."


    "Good," Jin Li replied, before a frown settled upon his brow as he considered the parting words of that old man towards Leon.


    "Worry no longer about your identity," the Headmaster had said. "Your past, your present, your future, they all belong to you. You are you and always have been."


    "What did that old man mean about your identity?" Jin Li asked Leon finally.


    "Oh," Leon''s eyes lowered and he took a deep breath, recalling his promise to himself. "There was j-just one m-more secret I had n-not t-told you. I was waiting f-for the right t-time." He then explained, slowly and surely, how he was not from this place, how he had lived somewhere else and lived as someone else and in that world he had closed his eyes to sleep only to reawaken here and possess this body, the body of Leo.


    Jin Li listened patiently and did not interrupt up until the point he was finished telling his tale, but his response was unexpected. "Impossible."


    "W-What?" Leon queried, startled. Did Jin Li think he had lied?


    "I said it is impossible," Jin Li repeated. "For you to possess another''s body and for no one to realise it. It''s impossible. If you had truly possessed a living body, then there would be an echo, a remnant of the soul that yours had forced out. Two souls cannot co-exist in one vessel, there would be a victor and a loser. You are here, therefore if this had occurred, you could be considered the victor, but there is no sign of a previous occupant."


    "P-perhaps he w-went willingly?" Leon suggested.


    "Unlikely," Jin Li disagreed. "From what you have said, this Leo loved his life and being an alchemist, just as much as you. And if he had died before you came to possess his body, then there would also be signs, remnants of his existence. Also, a soul that possesses the dead at best would become a Jiangshi, at worse a corpse puppet." The first was an undead monster starving for life, the second was as worded, a corpse made into a puppet whose strings were pulled by someone else.


    "Then.. w-what am I?" Leon murmured, confused.


    "Exactly what the Headmaster claimed," Jin Li chuckled and tugged the white strands of Leon''s hair. "You are you. You went through a deviation, did you not? I can''t comprehend, this Lord has never experienced issues... at least until falling through the realm tear..." these few words were muttered bitterly. "Regardless, this Lord has never experienced a deviation whilst cultivating. However, I have heard that such can cause a great strain upon one''s body, mind and soul. This white hair is just one possible aftereffect, but one''s meridians can be effected, one''s core and innersea. I have heard a person went mad after failing to cultivate safely through a bottleneck and another''s soul was ripped from his body during tribulations. The path to immortality is not for the faint of heart.


    "This Lord believes that your deviation caused you to forget who you were and awaken that who you once were, in a different incarnation. You are this Leo, who you thought you possessed and he is you."


    Leon had to process his words for several minutes, before a tremor rippled through his body and a weight lifted from his shoulders. Jin Li felt his lover relax completely into his embrace. "That is g-good. G-great!" Leon''s lips crept upwards in a delighted smile. "D-do you think I m-might regain m-my m-memories? As Leo I m-mean?"


    "Cannot say," Jin Li replied, moving to what he considered a more comfortable position, one in which his hands could just happen to wander freely. "However, Cultivation tempers your mind and body over time. It is not impossible to claim that you would regain those memories in later stages. Do not think to much upon it. Whether you are Leo or whether you are Leon, I was meant to find you and you me."


    "En... um Jin Li?"


    "What?"


    "C-can we n-not... we n-need to visit the B-Beast T-taming school t-tomorrow...ah!"


    "And?"

 Chapter 198 - Hundred And Ninety Eight - The two of us become four

    The sleek black adolescent Coeurl gave the two-legged creature who stank of dog a look of disdain as two bowls were placed into the animal''s territory. It made no move to eat the glistening chunks of fatty meat, watching without blinking the two-legged creature as that attempted to coax it''s nest mate into eating. Well, it had to be said about the two-legged creature, it was less offensive to the eye than some of the others that brought offerings of sustenance, despite its smell. Others looked upon it and the cub with unpleasant eyes as if seeking to either subdue them or befriend them as if they were pets or domestic beasts of burden. As if they were prey.


    The two-legger sighed, ignored by the cub, who lingered within the bedding area and finally left their territory. Only then did the adolescent consume a mouthful of meat. It was juicy and without gristle, but still with enough bite for it to work it''s teeth well. It swallowed contentedly, before glancing over to the sleeping place. There was a loud growl that suddenly emanated from it.


    The Coeurl bent its neck once more into the bowl, while voicing its opinion; You still insist upon this foolishness? The cub said nothing, but its stomach roared once more. Was it not you that suggested to not eat and to be weak was pointless stubbornness?


    I didn''t say that, the cub retorted. Frankly, it didn''t recall that day which the adolescent Coeurl was talking about. It''s memories about that time were hazy, though it was vaguely aware that the older beast was not its natural nest mate. It sighed, it couldn''t even recall the scents of its siblings anymore nor its mother.


    You implied it. The cub refused to respond, so the adolescent did not bother to carry on the conversation, instead chewing on mouthful after mouthful of the piled meaty chunks. It licked it''s lips from time to time as if to enhance the feeling of satisfaction it was receiving from having a full stomach and sure enough, that angry, uncontrolled growl sounded once more. Are you now going to come and get something to eat? The older Coeurl asked, slightly testily. Finally, the cub emerged from the sleeping space, looking down, its long whiskers drooping and dragging its paws, dramatically.


    Indeed, although the two-legged persons had been worried about the cub not eating, in the wild it would have been trying to fend for itself by now and not necessarily succeeding. And in between good hunts, it would have been surviving upon the layer of fats it grew under the care of its mother. Only once those fats had been used up would it be in danger. At that time, it would have learned to become a great hunter or... while its mother was no longer around, the cub had still built up the layers while under the care of the two-legged persons. The older Coeurl had felt it''s hidden weight when the cub curled up against it at night, thus it knew those creatures had fed the cub well.


    The cub reached the bowl and poked out its pink tongue to lick the oil upon a particularly glossy chunk, but it still felt uninterested in the food. Just like that two-legger had been uninterested in it. The cub sighed and flopped down before the bowl, lazily chewing the one piece of meat in its mouth. The adolescent just rolled its eyes and proceeded to clean its paws instead of indulging the silly cub.


    Suddenly, the cub''s nose twitched, it''s elongated whiskers began to wiggle about. It glanced upward and sniffed again. A shiver of excitement trembled through its body and it rose to its chubby paws. This movement caught the attention of the older Coeurl, who stopped its grooming to see what the cub was about this time. In unison, their large, rounded ears flickered back and forth as they heard the approach of the two legged creatures. There was definitely more than one, in fact the older Coeurl scented three distinct individuals.


    The first was familiar, it respected that one as being more powerful than itself, yet that one did not abuse the fact and treated itself with courtesy. Therefore, the Coeurl found it allowable for it to approach its territory and would not chase it away. Unlike that other one with similar strength that attempted to separate it from the cub, indeed it was a risk to attack that one, but it needed to draw the line of what was acceptable. Taking away its nest mate was most assuredly not.


    The second scent was not unfamiliar, yet it was troublesome. It had a flavour of weak catnip, one wanted to get close to it and savour it, yet ultimately did not mean it wouldn''t be harmful in the end. That toy that the cub favoured so much carried the same scent, thus the Coeurl concluded that they were linked in some way.


    The third scent... it did not know the third scent, but it smelled like a predator of its own standing. It would have to be cautious around that one.


    Thinking over this third point, the Coeurl grabbed the cub by its scruff and dragged it to a position where it could defend against hostile intruders. The cub whined and struggled, but could not fight against the older Male, so could only pout.


    Finally the three, two-legged persons came into view. Really couldn''t tell one two-legger from the other, but the one with the addictive scent happened to remind the older Coeurl of the cub for some unknown reason. Perhaps it was due to the yin yang mane upon the person resembling the cub''s yin yang stripes. The predator had a look of disdain in its black eyes. Disdain! How dare it look down upon this honourable Coeurl like that!


    The cub struggled once more against the older coeurl''s hold. This time, the cub freed itself while its nest mate was distracted and pounded over towards the one that smelled like its treasure. This is the two-legger it wanted to scent that time! It''s whiskers shivered as it jumped upon its hind legs against the sticks outlining its space and it yowled unashamedly.


    "As I thought," one with the silver mane said, "this little one has chosen you."


    "B-but why?" The nice one asked. It''s roar sounded funny, jumpy and stilted, but the little cub didn''t really care. "I''m n-not a b-b-Beast t-tamer!"


    "The closest bonds are ones which the Beast formed, rather than those forced upon the Beast," Silver mused. "All that''s left is for you to accept it. Well you do have the choice to reject, but I really think you shouldn''t wave away this fortune."


    The nice one turned to speak to the scary one behind it. Actually, although it was scary, the cub did vaguely recall that it had been the one to give it the treasure. Plus it smelled like the nice one''s close nest mate, so it couldn''t be all that bad! "What d-d-do you think?"


    "Tch, do as you please," came the response. "It seems that it and I had a fate between us after all." That last part was spoken with some strange inflection. Whatever! The Cub didn''t care and yowled for attention as the yummy scented one turned back to peer down at it and then the sticks moved away, the barrier came down and the cub barrelled into the two-legged person it liked. It made a noise of amusement as the cub nestled against its touch and purred loudly.


    The Adolescent looked upon this scene with some discomfort. Was its nest mate going to leave it and going to go away with the predator''s mate? Would that stinky two-legger treat the cub well considering it was bonding with its mate? The Adolescent thought for a bit and then shrugged inwardly as if it had no choice. It gracefully walked over to where the cub played with its person and sat upon the predator''s feet, ignoring the grunt that person made of discomfort. Instead it glanced up at the sneering person with a sneer of its own. Don''t think you have any choice, it muttered.


    Volun looked a bit amused, but on the whole he was satisfied with this arrangement. At least now the other Teachers would give up on plans to hand the Coeurls over to the Lord Garius.


    A couple of weeks later, the Coeurls settled into their new nest, part of a courtyard style property, some thirty minutes west of the outer alchemist school. It was built beside an old hut that was filled with fond memories of a youth, who just happened to be learning to live as a cultivator.

 Chapter 199 - Cultivation & Other Glossaries

    Cultivation and Levels of Cultivation


    Cultivating is usually performed meditating in a specific way. There are many methods of Cultivation. Those that are suited for some people are not always suitable for others.


    A person must have an awakened root in order to cultivate, but a person who does have an awakened root still may not have the ability. If one is not determined, patient and have the time to cultivate, one should not try to step on the path. If one has physical problems such as blocked meridians or a damaged innersea, one will have no ability to cultivate.


    A dormant root is not necessarily an obstacle as there are pills that can awaken them. It is not recommended that children over the age of ten attempt to awaken their roots. The older a person is, the more likely they are to fail. Failure will damage the root and shrink the meridians making it nearly impossible to fix. Life expectancy may also be reduced as well as overall physical health.


    There is often a bottleneck between stages.


    Core Formation Stage


    Core formation the time a Cultivator forms his inner core. Peak stage simply means the Cultivator is soon to advance. Some Cultivators do not recognise those that have not formed their core as being Cultivators.


    Primary (a cultivator''s first level after their roots awakened and they begin cultivating.)


    Secondary


    Tertiary


    Body Tempering Phase


    Body tempering is the transformation of the body, making it stronger, sturdier, physical impurities completely removed and ageing lessened considerably. Once this phase is complete, a cultivator can expect a very long life and no need to eat food, diamond like skin in both toughness and clarity. No longer likely to contract illness, plus all five senses greatly improved. Any physical impairment would also be fixed.


    Each level has a low, mid and peak sub level. Each sub level is like reaching another initial level.


    Quaternary


    Quinary


    Senary


    Mind Tempering Phase


    This is tempering of the mind; greater intelligence and reasoning, greater memory, much quicker of thought and greater mental senses; i.e. to danger, to atmospheric changes, to general moods. Any mental impairment, in theory, would also be fixed, but in Ren Zexian''s world, this has yet to be proven.


    Each level has five sub levels. We''ll call them stars as this term is used in at least one of my favourite cultivation novels!


    Septenary


    Octonary


    Nonary


    Soul Tempering Phase


    Soul Tempering Phase is considered the true path to immortality. In a middle realm, it is as rare as Phoenix teeth to reach this stage, however it is believed that there are those able to complete this path and reach the Heavens.


    Each level has seven sub levels, making this the hardest phase to conquer.


    Denary


    Onodenary (this is made up, because apparently, an equivalent for eleven does not exist)


    Duodenary (however, this word does exist!)


    Who knows what, if anything, comes next!


    Roots and levels of roots


    Roots represent peoples abilities, so they are mostly elemental. The more roots a person has, the more difficult to tailor their needs with cultivation methods, plus their ability to advance is much slower, hence those with three roots are considered wastes.


    Major Roots


    Major roots have the most control over their elements and can ''create'' their element from ''thin air''.


    There are five major roots being Wood, Fire, Earth, Water and Metal.


    Minor Roots


    Minor roots are not as powerful as major roots, partially as they only encompass a part of the ability found in Major roots. They also are considered to derive from major roots. For example Water is the major root, Ice is a minor root. Water root owners can create and manipulate water including turning it to steam or ice. Ice root cannot control water, just manipulate it, but they can change existing water to either steam or ice. The name does not mean they can just deal with ice.


    Examples of minor roots; Grounding(gravity), lightning, ice, sand, rock, air, plant, spirit, fog, sword, dark, light...


    Body roots are often considered waste roots. Few established Cultivators will bother to train someone with either only this type of root or someone with lots of roots. These roots affect only the user. So the water equivalent of ''mist'', their owners can perhaps breathe under water and not get wet in rain. Hence considered a bit useless.


    Examples of body roots; Blessed, thunder, spark, smoke, diamond, curse, iron, mist, bone, feather, stone, star, lava...


    There are naturally exceptions to the rules such as Jin Li''s lightning, which is often seen as almost on par with a major root in many people''s opinion and Leon''s Star root, which actually does more than his own body and abilities.


    There are mutated roots, but these are very rare and few and far between and even then it might not necessarily be a good thing to have.


    Alchemist Glossary


    Healing Pills & Potions


    One Heart Pill Helps heal external wounds


    Blood Pill Helps heal internal wounds


    Vital Essence Pill Helps regenerate blood


    Soft Ice Pill reduces fevers and swellings


    Bone Regrowth Pill Helps heal broken and fractured bones


    False Recovery Pill Temporarily removes all pain


    Still Mind Pill Calms inner sea after advancement during Core Formation Phase


    Tranquil Mind Pill Calms inner sea after advancement during Body Tempering Phase


    Enlightened Mine Pill Calms inner sea after advancement during Mind Tempering Phase


    One Pulse Pill General regeneration Pill


    Basic Purifying Potion removes low levels of impurities within the body


    White Warming Potion promotes recovery during sickness


    Fire Water Tonic heals chill effects such as frost bite


    Gentle Snowflower Balm heals burns


    Cultivation Pills


    Root Origin Pill Awakens dormant roots


    Clear Spiritual Pill Helps promote cultivation, only effective for Primary stage Cultivators


    Cloudy Spiritual Pill Helps promote cultivation, only effective during second and third stages of Core Formation


    Misty Spiritual Pill Helps promote cultivation, only effective during Body Tempering Stages


    White Spiritual Pill Helps promote cultivation, only effective during Mind Tempering Stages


    Light Chi Elixir herbal bath soak to help promote cultivation


    Combat Pills & Potions


    Burning Energy Pill Increases temporarily level of ability, only effective for primary stage Cultivators


    Burning Blood Pill increases temporarily level of ability, only effective for second and third stages of Core Formation


    Burning Heart Pill increases temporarily level of ability, only effective during body formation stages


    False Root Pill randomly and temporarily gives the cultivator the abilities of another root, considered unreliable


    Seven Steps Pill increases temporarily swiftness and agility, also considered an Enhancement Pill


    Dark Flame Potion A flammable oil that happens to burst into flames once exposed to air


    Root Nullifying Potion Prevents a person splashed with this poison from using their natural root abilities


    Beast Pills & Potions


    Beast Calming Pill A Pill that Calms the natural temperament of weak beasts, making them easier to tame


    Beast Soothing Pill A Pill That Calms the natural temperament of low to average strength beasts, making them easier to tame


    Hidden Mist Pill Reduces the scent of low level Cultivators


    Dream Blossom Potion a sleeping potion that only works on beasts


    Enhancement and Transformation Pills & Potions


    Bone Strengthening Pill reduces risk of broken bones in combat


    First Fortitude Pill weak defence pill


    Vision at Midnight Pill Helps consumer see in the dark


    Fasting Pill stops a consumer from feeling hungry and needing food


    False Awakening Pill makes a weary body feel energetic temporarily


    Seven Steps Pill as mentioned


    Feather Fall Pill lightens a body and allows one to fall much slower


    Feather Float Pill lightens a body and allows one to float midair


    Feather Flight Pill lightens a body and allows one to fly


    Elixir of the Sage Memory enhancement potion


    Elixir of the Koi Allows one to breath under water


    Cosmetic Pills & Potions


    White Lotus Pill gives one the appearance of innocence


    Mirage Pill prevents others from recalling how you appear


    Still Waters Lotion whitens and smoothes skin


    Peach Blossom Balm cleanses skin and removes blemishes


    False Spring Elixir allows a person to retain a youthful appearance for longer


    Beast Glossary (written direct from notes, so I may need to alter this if I changed the description in the actual book)


    Griffin


    tiger body, brown fur with yellow or orange stripes. Eagle like head but beak is cut jagged. Four legs, three furred toes on each foot. Eccentric plumage on tail. Very large, the younglings are the size of elephants


    Baku


    elephant like head with tusks, but also buffalo horns and ears. Thick fur about the neck, thinning out on its more feline body. Powerful feline fore and aft legs, paws and a thick furred tail. About the size of a horse. Travels smoothly over forest and mountainous terrain. Intelligent, only allows riders it trusts upon its back.


    Basilisk


    long serpentine body with lizard head and numerous sharp teeth, has small legs, six in number and a long tail. An adult will have fans about its neck. The stronger the beast, the more effective its paralysis skill. Will only paralyse to escape or eat. A greater basilisk is large enough to eat (and does eat) humans. An elder basilisk in large enough to consume a griffin cub.


    Fox Bear / Snow Fox Bear


    a type of bear, but with the markings and colours of a Fox. It''s nose is more vulpine than ursus as well. A snow fox bear has the colourings of an artic fox.


    Cooshee


    long rabbit ears, four eyes, two large and two tiny which are closure to the centre of its canine nose. It has a fluffy wolf like form and as an adult can shift from its adult form back into its cute, puppy form. Has a large wispy tail that fluffs out with long fur.


    Faerie Dragon


    about the size of a mouse, it''s opalescent scales body is long and slender and its nose is also long. It has butterfly like wings and four legs. It''s long tongue sucks out honey from beehives, but it also eats meat from fresh corpses and fruits.


    Cockatrice


    feathered serpent with a bird shaped head, fangs like a snake. Very poisonous. Adults have wings that they can use to fly.


    Dream Hare


    long colourful ears, large powder puff tail, small rodent body, twitching rabbit nose and large black eyes. Has the ability to cause weak predators to fall asleep. Very popular with female beast tamers.


    Dire Beasts


    stronger versions of wild animals, such as rats, wolves, tigers and much less tameable.


    Sky Koi


    fish like spirit creature that swims through mist and fog


    Chimera


    twin headed lion with goat horns and scales. One half is mostly white with black scales and the other is mostly black with white scales. Only born when Yin and Yang lions come together.


    Mesmyr


    horse like creature, males have a crown of horns. They have six eyes and are all black. They have thin, whip like tail and a carapace along their backs. Can be ridden, but usually only by one person in their lifetimes that they have shown loyalty to.


    Lightning Fox


    white or yellow vulpine with a white or blue mane and a squirrel like tail. They are just a little smaller than a regular fox and have lightning abilities, which vary with strength and age.


    Garuda


    ape like body with feathered wings attached to their arms and a beak upon its face. It''s feet have talons rather than toes. It is about the size of a small gorilla


    Worgen


    a cross between a feline and a canine, it has the facial features of a wolf, but cat like eyes that slit and sharp fangs. It''s forebody is broad and often striped like a tabby, but it''s tail is prehensile. It has cat like grace, can climb sturdy trees, but in lives in packs and has an affinity to the moon.


    Coeurl


    feline in shape, but covered in scales (unless it is a cub, which still has fluffy fur). It''s whiskers are like long, thin cat tails though it''s actual tail is more like that of a lizard. Can be ridden and is a favourite war steed. Has stubby car ears or has large, almost bat like ears. Feline eyes and facial features.


    Green Spirit Deer


    like sky koi, are spiritual creatures. Jade green in colour with antlers that resemble blossoming tree branches.


    Alicorn


    not a horse, actually a type of small deer with no antlers, but a single long horn just above it''s nose. White in colouring, usually found in cold climates.


    Nibblet


    hairless gerbil like rodent with sharp teeth, small wings. Loves fruit and is protective of its territory. Lives in large family groups.


    Antlion


    giant predatory insect, lives in sand dune traps


    Zebra Elk


    black and white patterned elk like creature with either black ebony or ivory white antlers. Also has a long thick furred tail and it''s mane stretches from the top of its head to the base of its spine.


    Pixiu


    miniature feline creature with a webbed mane, spines and other varying features. Although they are omnivores, they are not savage animals, will happily consume beetles, berries and small fish.


    Longnecked Deer


    shaped like a deer, but with a long twisting neck and small antlers. Also is long furred.


    Feng Huang


    there is only one Feng Huang (Phoenix) however there are lesser breeds;


    Lava Cranes


    shaped like a crane, but their shaggy red fur and feathers seems to cover their bodies like dripping molten lava. Lives in volcanic areas and feeds off molten beetles, which live in pools of lava


    Red Sparrows


    small versions of Feng Huang about the size of a normal sparrow, but with the stunning red plumage of its ancestor. Has no abilities.


    Flame Wisps


    looks like a hummingbird, but has flame coloured wings. Can actually spit burning fire embers when frightened.


    Qilin


    more equine than feline in shape, it has a dragon like face and scales that run down its back. It''s main is multicoloured and it''s tail short and curled towards its spine. It is highly intelligent and cannot be tamed or ridden. Solitary creature, does not run in herds.


    Bifang


    Tanuki


    Equine


    much like a horse, but more intelligent and proud.

 Chapter 200 - The Middle Realm and The People Living There

    Low, Middle and High Realms


    The world in which Leon awoke is called Xulaphrey and is considered a Middle Realm. This means that it is a land with abundant spiritual energy, which is required by all things in small doses, but much more in certain herbs, plants and spiritual beasts. Cultivators gather this energy into themselves in order to seek longevity with the ultimate aim of immortality.


    Low realms, which includes the Earth, where Leon lived his first life, are weak in spiritual energy. Whether Cultivators exist there depends on the realm, but they must have enormous potential and ability or they will amount to nothing. Leon does not know whether any Cultivators ever existed on Earth. Low realms are extremely numerous.


    The Higher realm may or may not be the only one in existence, but Jin Li only knows about the one he descended from. He is not entirely sure how he came to the middle realm, but it is possible for people to be sucked into spatial tears and transported elsewhere. This is very uncommon. Jin Li would have died had it not been for his cultivation which was a little damaged in transit. No matter what happened to him, he considers this somewhat an act of fate for he would not have his Dao Companion had he not come to Xulaphrey.


    Ascending Mountain Institute


    Xulaphrey is made up of two continents, simply named the West and the East. The Ascending Mountain Institute is located in the Sky Reaching Mountains to the North East of the Eastern Continent. The Sky Reaching Mountains is a vast range, therefore although the Institute is fairly large, it only owns a small portion of the range.


    The Ascending Mountain Institute is made up of five schools, which are then separated into Outer and Inner schools.


    The Inner schools accept those with the most talent and potential. They usually gain the better resources, have better living accommodations and access to more interesting tasks.


    The Outer Schools accept all the others that can become Cultivators. Often their resources are basic, the boring or unpleasant tasks are assigned them and their standards of living are adequate but not great, living many to a room (with the exception of alchemists, who really need their individual space or others could be caught up in their explosions). Those without the will to learn often drop out.


    Should be noted, towards both schools, talent does not always beget hard work. Those who do not strive forward in the inner school often are transferred out to the outer school. Likewise, those who are recognised as exceptional in the outer school are transferred to the inner school.


    The Institute does not base acceptance on background, be it class, wealth or connections, but it also doesn''t turn away those with the money to gain perhaps otherwise considered unfair entry. However, once in, all students are treated and are expected to treat other students equally. In order to help enforce this, all first years are banned from certain activities where prejudice might affect them, such as in the Standings. Most students stop using class distinction as an excuse to bully others by the second year of school. This is not always guaranteed.


    Five Schools


    There are five schools within the Ascending Mountain Institute where students can focus and hone their arts. These are:


    The Martial Arts School


    This is the most popular school at present, with the Beast Taming School and Mage School in close succession. There is a particular undercurrent between the Martial Arts School and Beast Taming School, both looking down on each other and both unaccepting of the others strengths. Neither look down on the Mage school.


    Both the inner and outer school look much like the other and there is less of a gap between the two in terms of appearance and comfort. The outer school holds more students in a smaller area, thus there are usually four to a room. The central arena is smaller as well and holds less spectator seating. Otherwise the food is abundant and the students respectful of each other in the most part. There is usually a competitive spirit to be found amongst students.


    The Mage School


    This school accepts those with one or two major or minor roots and with large inner seas. This seems narrow minded to some, but trying to teach others would really be a waste of resources; without these requirements, the student can never be more than weak in the art of magic. It does not detract from its popularity, in fact it makes it more popular as there are restrictions!


    As mages focus on making their abilities into weapons rather than their bodies, they are often physically weaker than other offensive Cultivators, which is why they do not come to blows with the Martial Arts or Beast Taming schools as these physically strong students have to protect them in battle, despite their magics being so much more dangerous than sword or hammer.


    Beast Taming School


    This school accepts those interesting in working with, breeding and taming various beasts, from wild animals to magical and spirit beasts.  They have a long standing rivalry with the Martial Arts School.  The students tend to be an earthy lot, not afraid of getting dirty and loyal to their beast partners, though there can be the usual showing off when it comes to rare or valuable pets.


    Scholars School


    This school is one of the two support schools and generally is dedicated to raising students who wished to pursue paths in careers requiring intelligence and wisdom rather than muscles and power.  It covers a vast array of subjects from research, documenting to creation of paper talismans and charms for exorcisms.


    Alchemist School


    This school teaches the art of Pill and potion making.  Usually, it favours students with wood and fire based roots, however due to its lack of popularity in recent centuries, it will take anyone willing to learn to cultivate herbs, sit around a cauldron all day and who are not afraid of explosions.  Alchemy tends to be an expensive and underrated career as basic pills and potions are easy to make, numerous on the markets and therefore not very profitable, hence it''s unpopularity amongst students of the current generations.  However, an excellent and talented Alchemist is hard to find and so often valued much more than a Martial Artist of the same level in Sects and Noble Households.


    Julip Town


    Julip Town is located at the base of the Ascending Mountain Institute and is spilt into two distinct areas; New and Old town.


    The old town is mostly made up of those native to the town and area, whose bloodlines have always lived at the base of the mountain.  If it wasn''t for the long winding streets of small, squished together houses, it could be likened to a large village where everyone knows everyone else''s business.  However, due to the fact that it is not wealthy in terms of money and resources, it also attracts a fair few unsavoury folk so there are many beggars and thieves.  A red light district has also appeared close to the river which splits Julip town in two.


    New Julip town sprung up initially due to the Institute and has continued to grow in affluence.  Shops with overpriced merchandise, the Auction House, Griffin Tower and quality restaurants line the heart of the town, ready to sell their goods to the friends and family of existing and aspiring students as well as those seeking audience with the Teachers of the Institute.  There are small green spaces to add to its charm with spacious town houses sprawling around about them.


    Characters


    Leon Our M.C.  He thought he had transmigrated here overnight from Earth, but it now appears that he was reborn as a boy called Leo, who was beaten to near death.  He suffered a silent cultivation deviation, awakening his memories from his past life while sealing those of his existing in the process.  Because he knew nothing of this world and his purpose here, he had to start from scratch, but with the help of Leo''s diaries and the shared love he came to have for alchemy, he worked hard and finally became recognised for his strengths.  He managed this despite having to raise a bottomless pit of an arrogant and overbearing Martial Artist at the same time. His root is Celestial or Star body.


    He tends to be calm and a bit shy as well as quite innocent at times due to his lack of background knowledge.  But others find him comfortable to be around and easy to trust as he lacks any scheming and demanding nature common to this world.  He is currently nineteen years old, has black and white skunk streak hair that reaches to his thighs.  His eyes are large and black, but made larger by his spectacles.  He usually wears plain natural or pale blue hemp robes tied with a leather belt and adorned by wooden charms and his interspacial bags as well as a simple oriental crown gifted him by Jin Li.


    Jin Li Male lead.  This youth is overbearing, proud, arrogant and has a habit of speaking harshly and without censure, even when he means to compliment rather than critique.  His stomach is like a bottomless abyss and he favours eating meat.  Although he will not admit it, he prefers eating Leon''s homely and often basic meals to restaurant style cuisine, but really, he''ll just eat whatever is in front of him. He acknowledges anyone who he thinks worthy of it and dismisses to the point of forgetting anyone he doesn''t think worth it. He wasn''t slow to fall in love with Leon, but very slow to realise it, making for some clashes between them as one was too unaware of his appeal and the other to boorish to admit it, but he has unleashed a huge possessive side since admitting it. He accidentally descended from the Higher realm. He is seventeen years old. His root is Lightning.


    He has long midnight black hair that reaches his lower back, which is always worn in a gold crown with red jade pin, the latter gifted by Leon. He has black, Phoenix feather shaped eyes and slender brows and exudes a noble, but arrogant aura. He is tall and willowy in structure, but not weakly so. He usually wears loose trousers and short robe sets with elaborate, bold embroidery. He prefers silk, but owns clothing made of hemp as silk is currently beyond his budget.


    Sun This brown haired youth is no taller than Leon, but has much more presence. He attends the Martial Arts School with Jin Li and considers himself Jin Li''s best friend. Jin Li used to avoid him and he blamed Leon for it and hated his commoner status, but Sun''s got over himself now and things are more harmonious. He has a sunny, very youthful look about him and is seventeen years old. His root is Wind/air


    Maimai With curly hair and pretty twinkling eyes, she is a very popular girl in the alchemist school. However, she would rather hang out with her best friend, Leon and observe his relationship with Jin Li develop. She really is not talented when it comes to alchemy, but her dear, doting daddy refuses to let her get hurt by attending the Martial Arts School, so she has to put up with it.


    Merylin Maimai''s older sister and born of the legitimate line. She is self-confident to the point of being over confident at times, is very beautiful and aware of it and due to her high status has never considered that there would be something she couldn''t obtain. Until she met and fell in love with Jin Li. He can never remember her though, except in her imagination. She attends the Inner alchemist school.


    Pike This youth is Jin Li''s senior at the Martial Arts School and took a liking to Leon and later to Jin Li and Sun. He has taken on a big brother roll over all.


    Bowyer Jin Li''s senior and Pike''s friend. He often seeks out Jin Li as a fellow sword user and they spar on a frequent basis.


    Teacher Sagi A kind and benevolent type of Teacher, he took Leo and then Leon under his wing and finally accepted him as one of his direct students, teaching him much more than other students in his general care.


    Teacher Corvus Sun''s Master-Teacher, a bit of a carefree and unpredictable sort of man. Sun is his first Student and he takes his role very seriously.. if not too seriously at times.


    More Teachers:


    Corne Master-Teacher to Pike, elder brother of Corvus


    Vane Serious, strict and sour man, Martial Arts Teacher


    Volun Teacher of the Beast Taming School, very kind and ethereal like person.


    Headmaster mysterious person


    More Students


    Caprian Bully, responsible for Leon''s deviation and memory switch. He has been expelled.


    Tor Former Bully, regrets his part in Leon''s accident. Has conflicted feelings for Leon now. Transferred to Beast Taming School.


    Virgal Bully and ''follower'' type. Current status, unknown.


    Hue Leon''s direct senior, a slow and deep thinking person. Good at making pills requiring patience and effort.


    Stygar Leon''s direct senior, a sharp, cynical person, lives with Hue. Good at raising rare herbs.


    Townspeople


    Mr Clawse Pharmacist, purchases Leon''s healing pills regularly.


    Mr Minos Blacksmith


    Ursam Former cultivator, a bit of a pervert, runs a pill shop with his wife.


    Wife long suffering wife of Ursam, but not some wilting white lotus.


    Minos Works with his mother at the alchemist school, mostly doing odd jobs and deliveries.


    Non-humans


    Xiao Xiao Tor''s Cooshee partner


    The Coeurl Cub Leon''s pet-partner


    The Coeurl Adolescent Jin Li''s pet-partner


    And lots of others I may not have mentioned usually as they are yet to have names or were only mentioned as background characters!

 Chapter 201 - - Winter break is about to start

    The world as we know it is round and is part of a vast universe, made up of stars, which form galaxies and this world of ours can be considered insignificant comparatively.  The world as we don''t know it, is a realm considered to be of low origin, at the bottom of the pecking order and one of billions.  These form the base of a pyramid where the highest, largest and most powerful realm sits as emperor looking down upon his officials, his armies and his people.


    Somewhere in the middle is a realm known as Xulaphrey, which itself is made up of two large continents, one considered to be where the sun rises and one considered to be where the sun sets.  These are naturally known as East and West Xulaphrey.  In the north of East Xulaphrey stretches a large mountainous range and in the eastern region of this range there is an influential and powerful organisation.  It is named the Ascending Mountain Institute and is a place of education and at this moment, it is preparing to wind down operations for Winter Break.


    One Xulaphreyan year is made up of 500 days and four seasons.  Winter is naturally one of these seasons and although the north of Xulaphrey cannot be said to be worse than temperate of climate, does not mean that in the mountains that they won''t feel the cold and suffer bouts of deep snow.  Actually approaching was the time when the snows in certain parts would settle so much as to reach the base of a man''s spine, thus it was a good time to close the school and send the students to their respective homes.


    As it happened, not all students could or had homes that they could return to.  For some the distance was just too far.  The school would only be closed for six tenday weeks, what was the point?  And others, home was the school.  Most of these students would therefore stay at school, usually in either the outer alchemist school, due to its sheltered location in between two large mountains and not too high from the mountain ranges foot or in the outer beast taming school, in its forest basin.  Plus, herbs and beasts still needed to be taken care of, so it was natural to retain some students to complete these tasks.


    One such student, who originally had no intention of leaving the school, rolled out of his warm covers and placed two feet upon wooden plank floors.  He reached over onto the stool beside the bed, groped around upon its surface until his hand found what it was he wanted and this he carefully placed upon his face to sit upon his small nose.  Two, large black eyes suddenly became focused as the lenses before them cleared away the mistiness of poor vision.


    The youth, who was no more than nineteen years of age, yawned broadly, before rubbing his waist slightly as he rose to his feet and moved towards a small table on which was a comb, a copper mirror, a jug of cold water and a large bowl and cloth.  Pouring the water in the bowl, he wet the cloth and lifted his glasses to wash his face and away the remnants of sleep.  He sighed heavily as his mind now noted an unpleasant sensation of stickiness, but he was feeling too weary to heat up a bath.  So, after tossing aside his sleeping robes, he wiped himself over, shivering beneath the coolness of the wet cloth.


    "Anyone would think that you wished to seduce this Lord once more," a deep toned voice emanated from the large bed and Leon glanced over his shoulder towards the speaker.  Lying in his bed, which happened to be built from sturdy wood and easily could accommodate two, and brushing back the heavy curtains with one slender hand, was a man.  With lazy, phoenix eyes his vision swept over Leon''s pale form and the cloak of yin yang hair hiding much of the jade white skin from his lustful view.


    Leon blushed and shook his head in denial.  Any more of that type of exercise and he would break!  Just when had they finally fallen into sleep last night anyway?  "Would you l-like some t-tea?"  Leon asked as he rushed to wrap himself in his inner robes, his small stutter adding to the image of a tiny rabbit trembling before a ravenous wolf.


    Said wolf smirked and gave a small sound of agreement.  He followed his rabbit out of their bedroom and into the main room of their courtyard home.


    Some months ago, Leon had impressed the Headmaster of the school with his ingenuity when it came to making pills and unusual talent of creating magical wooden charms.  He naturally wanted to create a connection with the youth, giving him all of the resources he required to continue his research in return for some of his findings.  Part of the agreement was Leon''s wish to continue to be low-key and so the Headmaster had not moved him from the tiny hut some distance from the main accommodations of the outer alchemist school, but he had improved their living space.


    Now the small hut that Leon had called home for so long had become solely his space for his alchemy practice and experiments, with just the roof and narrow beams replaced as they had not been in good condition.  The shed outside the hut had been torn down and using this space and much more, a building in the shape of a shallow ''u'' had appeared and divided into a few rooms.  The main room and the bedroom stretched from corner to corner, the former more than twice the size of the latter and of the two wings, one held a storage room and a bath house, the other a light sun room, filled with currently empty pots and shelves.  All the rooms, with the exception of the bedroom were accessible from the courtyard, which had been paved and decorated with pots of common herbs.


    Leon padded with now socked feet across the rug covered floorboards and to the iron stove at the other end.  This was an improved version of the original, which still resided in the hut beside the house.  For the most part, it did not seem to be much different, however, it was far less crude in design and more scroll work had been added.  These things were something the young blacksmith had taken upon himself to create, Leon would have been content with a replica of the original.  He did like the fact that there was an additional plate upon the top where he could keep things warm.  He placed the teapot here while it stewed Jin Li''s current favoured Medicinal tea blend and proceeded to cook rice for porridge.


    Jin Li''s eye''s suddenly narrowed and he moved towards the front door, ensuring it was locked.  The edges of his lips curved as he glanced out of the small window beside the door then satisfied, he sat and made himself comfortable upon the cushioned stool beside the wooden table. Not long after came the sound of metal jiggling as someone tried to open the door from the outside. Meeting failure, numerous thumping knocks proceeded to hammer upon the door.


    "Jin Li! Leon! Are you guys not up yet!? Come on! You promised!"


    Leon sighed and glanced over his shoulder at his contented partner, who had no intention of moving from the stool. "We d-did p-p-promise," Leon coaxed him.


    "Tch."

 Chapter 202 - - Our promise to Sun

    Technically speaking, Jin Li did not live in the little courtyard house that was built for Leon and the latter had been most surprised by the addition of the large, curtained bed.  Clearly, when all of the accommodation, with the exception of some guest rooms and Teacher facilities, had single beds and as many as four to a room, his new bed looked out of place.  And that is only when you consider the size.  Most other student rooms were not blessed with draft-excluding curtains!


    So, although Jin Li accepted this privilege as if they were entitled, his actual room could be found in the inner school, in the first years block.  His bed was one of those unadorned, single beds, (though its general comfort was still on par with Leon''s new one) and his was not the only bed in the room.  Inner school accommodations for students was two to a room and therefore the other bed naturally had an owner.  The owner of the bed was named Sun, self-proclaimed best friend of Jin Li and bubbly, energetic, albeit diminutive Martial Arts student.


    Sun was the same age as Jin Li, both were seventeen, though Jin Li claimed to be turning eighteen mid Winter, thus senior by a four ten-days than the other.  It was his excuse to boss him about when he felt like it anyway.  The youth had a length of brown hair that he usually wore up, bright eyes and a smattering of freckles upon his nose.  He had a background of affluence meaning that he occasionally couldn''t see others of lesser background as being equal to him, but much of that snobbiness had been broken down and been swept away as had his habit of idol worship.  After all, idols were better off worshiped afar, less said idols ruin the glorious image one held of them by normal or annoying habits.  Such as insisting on carrying a person princess style when one''s legs collapsed from exhaustion... that sort of thing.


    The slightly more mellowed youth that was Sun, who had once clung to Jin Li as a golden thigh and the protagonist of a story that no one had read, banged upon the front door of Leon''s courtyard home once more.  "Jin Li! Jin Li! Open up!"  Finally the lock clicked and the boy sighed with relief before his beaming smile returned and he entered the little house as if there had been no obstacles barring his way in the first place.  "Yay! You are up! Are you ready to go?"


    Leon glanced at him as he placed the porridge on the table and served Jin Li a bowl of it as well as a cup of tea.  "N-not yet," Leon admitted and then blushed furiously as he recalled just why they were so tardy this morning.


    Perhaps Jin Li knew what his small alchemist was thinking because his face was quite smug as he picked up his spoon and began to devour the simple breakfast.  "There''s no meat," he complained, but this was in between mouthfuls.


    "We''re ab-bout to leave f-for a while," Leon reminded him, his habit of being frugal came from his last life, but knowing what he did about his forgotten past in this life, he likely would have retained this habit regardless.  It seemed destiny would have him be born to poverty and hardships compared to others.  That said, in his last life, things could still be considered comfortable compared to that which his diaries claimed he lived like before he came to the school.  A villager, with just a grandfather for company and the man''s earnings as a creator of blank books from purchased parchment.  When food was scarce, he''d had to forage for wild herbs and vegetables, too weak to hunt or fish.  However, it was this learning about herbs and his basic skills in reading, that helped him pursue the alchemist path in the end.


    Jin Li clicked his tongue, but still did not hesitate to move his spoon.  In the end, the rest of the pot of congee was consumed by him as well.  Sun had already eaten, so just drank tea while he waited impatiently, while Leon pottered around, cleaning up their dishes and folding his and Jin Li''s things ready to pack.  "Oh, I should see to Li Ming and Wu Ye!" Leon suddenly announced and scampered out of the door.


    Sun watched him leave then turned to Jin Li who was pouring himself a second cup of tea.  "Aren''t you done yet?" Sun complained.


    "No."


    A chill breeze drifted across the courtyard, teasing the boy who stepped out into it from his warm home and he shivered and began thinking of his warm, snow foxbear pelt coat indoors.  However, his scent had caught the attention of those in a sheltered stable nearby and loud yowls excitedly sounded from it.  Leon''s lips curved as he braved the wind and quickly covered the short distance to the stable.  Out of the wind, it was a bit warmer and four bright, feline eyes flashed towards him as he entered.  Those belonged to Li Ming and Wu Ye.


    Wu Ye, meaning midnight, had grown into its pre-adult form simpler and not yet of the mass of a full adult. Still, its line of sight easily met Leon''s as it stood on its four strong, scaled legs.  All of its baby fur had now been lost and it was coated in pitch black scales that while tough were smooth to the touch.  Light did not reflect off of its skin; it would have been the perfect nocturnal predator had it not been wounded as an adolescent and rescued by the beast taming school.  It shook his feline head at Leon''s appreciating gaze and turned its head aside, arrogantly.  It was quite the match for its chosen rider.


    Li Ming was younger than Wu Ye and formally was the runt of its litter, thus only currently reached Leon''s waist.  Its eyes were an azure blue and its rounded ears and much of his neck and long, thick tail still retained the fluff he was born with.  It yowled for attention, nuzzling at Leon''s body as the youth entered, still very much unaware of its own strength as it knocked the boy to the ground.  Leon chuckled, unhurt and stroked the soft striped fur of black and white at the coeurl''s neck.  Coeurls were magical beasts, large felines, but (with the exception of cubs) had no fur, instead a coat of scales and a thick lizard like tail.  They did not have whiskers per say, but two long tendrils that sprouted from their cheeks and stretched down the length of their bodies, wavering in the air.


    Li Ming''s tendrils were short, only reached to the nape of its neck, but Leon thought them cute.  Its fur and scales were patterned in long stripes and it had once reminded Jin Li, its rescuer, of the small alchemist, who later became its chosen master.  Li Ming, which meant dawn, was not big enough for Leon to ride, but the youth did not tend to leave it nor Wu Ye behind when they went away on their trip.


    Leon fed them a portion of the prey that Wu Ye and Jin Li had hunted last weekend (a four day period in which the students need not attend lectures or school duties), before hurrying back to finish packing.  He was really looking forward to this trip!

 Chapter 203 - - We leave for Cenapar City

    In Leon''s current memory, he had not really left the confines of the Institute much although he had made visits to other schools within the Institute; the outer beast taming school, the inner alchemist school and both martial arts schools... he did once end up in the Healers Hall, but that was a different story.  The only place he''d been outside of the Institute was Julip town, which could be found at the base of the Ascending Mountain Institute.


    This time, they would be travelling from New Julip Town''s griffin nests to a city some distance south and west.  The city was named Cenapar and according to the information that Leon had read about it, it was the second largest city in East Xulaphrey.  It majored in trade as it was at a central point of several large river routes, one of which was directly connected to the ocean and a massive port that had been erected there.  It also boasted picturesque scenery and major tourist destination and was home to several palaces belonging to the three eastern Kings and their families, though its borders were its own and it remained neutral in any regal conflict.


    It was also where Sun''s ancestral home was located.


    Sun actually did not have much of an attachment to his home; it was the place where his shortcomings were most obvious and it was also the residence of all of his annoying relatives.  So he would have preferred to have remained at school during Winter break, had he not received a summons to return home from his father.  That had ended all thoughts of rebellion and ''there''s no way I''m going back to that place! Not in a million years! Not for all the Celestial Pearl Grains in the west!


    He couldn''t even use his Master-Teacher Corvus and his strict, overbearing training regime as an excuse; that man had left with his own older brother Teacher Corne on some secret mission or other... actually it was far less glamorous, just hunting slime ghouls from the Cascading Fungus Swamps.  The swamps were home to numerous types of fungus, some quite odious and unpleasant, sticky and pungent and the ghouls even more so.  The ghouls weren''t even a challenging type of undead, just bred like rabbits... because they often were formed of the corpses of rabbits that drowned in the murky muds!  But he wasn''t about to admit this to his cute student...


    So with Sun''s crumbling resolve, he could only try to improve his pitiful situation and drag Jin Li and Leon with him.


    "Please!"


    "No."


    "Pretty please!  I''ll do anything!  I don''t want to go back alone!"


    "This Lord has no intention of leaving one''s alchemist alone in school," Jin Li had declared.  His small lover was a walking target for rogues and thieves, no doubt he''d be bullied the moment he, Jin Li, was not in the vicinity.  He refused to give them the opportunity.  Only he was allowed to bully his lover.  His mind had wandered as he recalled the numerous times he''d tossed his alchemist to the point of tears and a satisfied expression appeared upon his face.


    "Leon can come, of course Leon is invited!" With large, hopeful eyes, Sun had poured his attention upon Leon who had been watering the herbs in the courtyard at the time.  Leon''s garden had somewhat become fallow, with only the hardiest herbs still lingering in the beds.  Had he stayed, he might have tried raise some common winter herbs, but at this point it had only just crossed his mind to do so.


    "Huh?" Leon had chuckled nervously, his eyes flicking from Sun to Jin Li, wondering what it was he was supposed to say. "I thought you d-didn''t like m-me so m-much."


    "What are you saying?!" Sun had suddenly couldn''t meet his eyes as he scratched his cheek with a finger. Actually, he''d had stupidly high expectations once arriving at the school, about adventure and heroes and said heroes'' followers and harem... a little commoner like Leon had marred his previous fantastic image was all.  But that little commoner had proved that one really couldn''t assume that class and image were that which made a man.  Having connections with Leon was a good thing, just as were those connections he fought for to proudly stand beside Jin Li!


    Even the fact that this pairs'' relationship blew away his three views was now a distant memory buried at the back of his mind.


    So in the end, Sun''s imitation of a puppy on its rear paws with front paws curled up in a pleading manner had softened Leon into agreeing to visit the boy''s household with him.  Jin Li, therefore had no choice but to tag along.


    *****


    The plan was to travel to New Julip town at take the overnight griffin to Cenapar city.  Clothes, snacks, tea and greeting gifts were packed away in interspacial bags as well as meat for Li Ming and Wu Ye.


    Taking the two adolescent Coeurl aboard a griffin was not as strange as it sounded.  For one thing, the griffin in question was not a young buck that would ordinarily fly with less than a handful of passengers upon the cradle on its back over short distances.  And it was not like the mother griffin in school, whose size ensured that she could carry around twenty passengers in the same way. This griffin was a middle-aged Beast, proud and certain of its impressiveness. It was greater still than the biggest griffin Leon had seen by at least twice and held a carriage strapped to its belly as well as the one upon its back.


    The upper carriage held twenty good sized rooms, which could be reserved by people at a decent price, while the lower carriage held many more rooms, much smaller and which held narrow cots for the most part, with the exception of the large room that acted as a stable. One paid per bed, this was an overnight trip after all, and it was first come first serve.


    Sun was sent to reserve three cots while Jin Li and Leon ensured the comfort of the coeurl''s in the stable. They were noticed by a man of middling years, with small eyes and a weathered face. Grey hair tinged the lengths of red tied neatly upon his head and even were it not for his servant, the cut of his cloth announced that he was someone with wealth.  He was currently inspecting his equine mount in the stables when he found interest in the handsome, young coal-black Coeurl and the unusual yin yang striped adolescent stabled by two youths.


    "I''m somewhat interested in your beasts," he declared, haughtily. "Name your price!" His tone was cast in the arrogance of a man used to getting what he wanted and he had no doubt that the same would occur now.


    The coal-Black Coeurl flattened its pointed ears against its head and growled angrily, before nudging Jin Li with its thick paw. "What?" Jin Li raised a brow in question. He''d been thinking on how to wheedle those snacks from Leon''s belt, not listening to outsiders babble on.


    "Sorry, our b-beasts are n-not for sale," Leon stuttered, as Jin Li retained his questioning look. With a flash of understanding, Jin Li looked over at the arrogant rich man, before his eyes fell back upon Wu Ye, with contemplation. As if Wu Ye couldn''t understand what its human was about and it glared back, daring him.


    Jin Li sighed and repeated Leon''s words to the disbelieving Noble man. "Want our things? You cannot afford," Jin Li sneered and an equal look of disdain seemed etched upon the coal-black Coeurl''s face. The wealthy man looked infuriated and cried out;


    "How dare you speak to me this way!" He blustered as the servant behind him lifted his chin in reflected arrogance. "Do you even know who I am?!"


    "No," came the blunt response and an arm fell about Leon''s nervous shoulders and tugged at him to leave. But not before Jin Li glanced at the coal-Black Coeurl. "You have permission. But do try to not to make too much trouble."


    As if I need your permission to protect myself and Li Ming, the Coeurl thought with a snort, as the two humans left them to their own devices. The Coeurl sent one more threatening look the way of the person that smelled like shiny metal, before nipping gently at the yin yang adolescent''s ear. Blue eyes looked up innocently.


    What''s going on?


    Don''t worry about it. Just sleep.

 Chapter 204 - - He is the pride of the mage school?

    Jin Li and Leon were not the only ones to experience some disturbance before their journey had even begun. Sun had deftly claimed three cots all side by side and was cleverly parked upon the centre one, even though he knew he would have to give that up once Jin Li returned with Leon. Only during school weeks, when learning new techniques and training seriously, could that overbearing Martial Artist bear to be away from his small alchemist! So many public displays of affection, thankfully, the majority was behind the closed doors of Leon''s humble home or others would have to suffer glares and perhaps the sword of an angered Martial Artist! Really wasn''t looking at your little lover, honest!


    Even Sun and Leon''s best friend, Maimai were not exempt from causing Jin Li to eat vinegar on regular occasions!


    So, for now, the three cots had, in turn, Jin Li''s things (which he''d forced upon Sun before following Leon like a shadow), one brown-haired youth and Sun''s luggage, which happened to be a full chest in outside space.


    The space within an interspacial container was just enchanted space, allowing it to be several times larger than in reality. But there was a limit, for the original space wasn''t that large after all. So for increased needs, if one didn''t want to spend half a country''s wealth on a rarely obtainable celestial quality pouch, one needed a container that was larger and could contain that much more enchanted space. The space in Sun''s chest could be measured to be the same as twice the size of Leon''s house and that was due the fact that it was of average quality and expense. It was a gift from this young master''s mother, who feared that he did not have enough clothing, armour, accessories, blankets and toiletries for when he attended school and that did not include the boxes upon boxes of medicines just in case he caught sick.


    The room within the undercarriage actually had a total of six cots, with the space between the cots being no wider than Jin Li''s thighs. It wasn''t any different to any of the other rooms in the undercarriage, except that Sun had quickly claimed half of it for he and his companions. A head peered into the room and called back to others out of sight;


    "This room has enough beds!"


    Four youths came sweeping in and following frowns and whispers, went to sweep Jin Li''s things from the cot.


    "Hey!" Sun exclaimed, furiously. "Can''t you see that cot has been claimed?!" The four youths turned to sneer at the boy. Collectively, they did not look much older than Sun, the youngest still having similar bloom of childhood still in his cheeks. Most likely they were also students of the Institute, but Sun did not recognise any of them, so doubted that they were martial artists.


    "So what?" One, who was two heads taller than Sun replied.


    "I see no claimant," another smirked and leaned down once more to sweep away those things. Actually, it was just Jin Li''s overcoat and a interspacial bag about the size of a satchel. This is what Leon had packed for his lover.


    The coat was fox red and midnight black, made of suede and fur from beasts Jin Li happened to hunt with Wu Ye. He usually gifted such quality skins to Leon, usually with the line that he happened to have excess and these weren''t worth selling for money. Leon knew a talented tailoress in town and asked her to make them into an overcoat for his man. The result was worthy of a noble''s purse, black suede made up the body of the coat with red fur about the neck and cuffs and two embroidered koi curved up the front panels.


    That the youths would have the arrogance to touch such a coat indicated that they had a background that they considered couldn''t be challenged. But who was Jin Li?


    "Tch," he clicked his tongue as he entered the room unannounced. "Do you see this Lord now?" He strode in and stood before the cot with his things upon it, then glanced towards Sun. "Move." Sun rolled his eyes and vacated the cot he sat upon.


    "This Lord?" One of the other youths sneered. Didn''t see nor hear the smaller youth with yin yang hair sighing as he came to witness this scene and quietly enter the room.


    "Seeing as that cot is now vacant," the tallest youth did not so much suggest as demand, "you can now move over as well. This cot is required by us."


    Jin Li ignored them and proceeded to lie upon his cot. "Leon, you may serve this Lord tea. And snacks."


    Leon simply rolled his eyes as he walked over to his cot, but the four youths attention was still wholly on the ''ignorant bastard'' before them.


    "Have you no wish to live?" The plainest of the four suddenly piped up. "Here is the Young Master of the Ibis clan and the pride of Mage School, Luchus. What are you to not give way to us?" Sun glanced over and saw said Luchus posing ''majestically'' and suddenly snickered behind his hand, but said nothing.


    His comrades were not, but Sun was aware of the Ibis clan which was located in Cenapar City, as was his own family. It was not actually a large clan, but it had made its presence known as a clan of mages, just that theirs was suppressed by the Cygnus clan who boasted several famous mages, enchanters and scholars throughout history. In fact, if he recalled correctly, the top student in the Mage Standings just happened to be from the Cygnus clan... so what ''pride'' exactly was this young master?


    "Noisy!" Jin Li muttered, giving them no face.


    "J-jin Li?" Leon murmured softly, now making others aware of his presence. "Is Umber leaf t-tea alright?" Umber leaf was a purchased flavour that Jin Li had considered adequate.  A soft yawn escaped Leon; it was too late to prepare any medicinal tea Jin Li had come to favour now, too time consuming.


    "It will do," Jin Li declared with a dismissive gesture.


    "Give it up," Sun said aloud as the four youths looked fit to explode in anger. Indeed, there were tendrils of spiritual energy wavering up and down Luchus'' body as his magic leaked thanks to his tested temper. "We were here first, Young Master of the Ibis clan and the rules are first come, first serve. Hmm, perhaps your clan ought to spring for a room on the upper carriages next time?"


    "Everyone needs to settle down," came a voice of a griffin attendant at the door. "We''ll he leaving shortly!"


    In the end, the Young Master sat down on the furthest cot and had the youngest of the four take a bed beside his, while the two others located cots elsewhere. The remaining cot was claimed by a late comer, who just nestled down in the first available space, ignorant of the tensions.


    "I will remember this slight!" Luchus muttered, before turning over to sleep. But if Jin Li heard him, he made no note of it, too busy finishing his cup of tea and devouring most of the snacks before pulling Leon on top of him to rest throughout the journey.

 Chapter 205 - - Sun really doesn’t want to go home

    Naturally, as the griffin flew beneath the humble light of the moon and distant stars, there would be very little for the passengers to view of the landscape as they soared overhead and that is when the clouds were not creating a distinct separation between earth and heavens.  So it was that the greater majority of its passengers would sleep throughout the flight and if not, they might cultivate.


    This far into the year and being not far away from Winter''s midpoint, the nights in the north stretched on greatly and the sun chose to begin its climb after lazily peering above the horizon late into the morning.  And it was a little more than an hour after dawn had cast its hazy colours over the previously dark sky than when the city of Cenapar appeared in the distance.  At this point in time, Jin Li and Leon were awake and bickering softly;


    "So where is this Lord''s morning kiss?"


    "J-Jin Li, we''re in p-public!"


    "So?  Tch.  Then this Lord expects you to make it up to me later."


    Leon refused to ask just how.


    "What is for breakfast?"


    "You ate it, last n-night."


    There was a slight pause in the conversation.  "You expect this Lord to go without sustenance?"


    "I only h-have one steamed b-bun left!  Hey!"  Leon fought with Jin Li over his interspacial bag, but due to his lack of strength, naturally he lost the fight and had to watch as the breakfast he had painstakingly hidden for himself was snatched away.  He pouted as the springy bread entered the mouth of the bottomless pit lying beneath him.  Half, a small half, was torn off and offered back to him, which he could only accept with reluctant gratitude.


    Sun had long since tired of wearing out his eyes seeing the two youths play and had wandered out onto the deck that wrapped around the bottom carriage and was protected by magic from the rushing winds, insects and dust.  He watched as a myriad of green shades flowed into the distance beneath them.  These low hills and plans were occasionally intersected by skinny, rambling yellow roads and split in two by a wide winding river.  And ahead of them, in between the huge forelegs of the gliding griffin, was Cenapar.


    The heart of Cenapar was built upon an island surrounded by the meeting of the rivers that served it.  The eastern kings palaces could mostly be found here, as well as the palaces of many important clans stationed here.  The city then stretched via a series of bridges to other lands around it, the rivers themselves creating distinct borders between merchants, lords and commoners, between places of commerce, places of stunning beauty and the hidden slums, between several branches of local Sects and the mortals who could only dream of immortality.  Bridges connected the segments, arching over the wide rivers and covering newly built canals that intersected those rivers in various locations, bridges even hopping over natural streams that did the same.  Any land between water had been tamed, for use as property or garden, park or road, none escaped the city''s sights.  And even then, the city continued to sprawl outwards as new palaces were built, new market shops and commoner housing and new walls to indicate its current boundaries.


    A griffin this size could only land in one of these border areas, just inside the lowest built wall, that seemed to have been thrown up without concern of bandits nor wild beasts destroying it.  This griffin nest was home to five massive beasts, all of which could journey to other cities or notable towns.  There were also some smaller adults and cubs for more local flights.


    Of course, the griffins were not the only way to travel, many cities had long ranged transport portals and it was said that those in the largest cities could even transport one to another realm. However, it was highly expensive and far reaching portals tended to leave a mark on mortals, making them feel dizzy and nauseous amongst other symptoms.  Spiritual energies could abate these in the long run, so mostly Cultivators, nobles or messengers with urgent news would spend the money to use them and the latter would purchase special talismans to weaken the side effects. It was a moot point for the youths; there were no portals located in Julip town.


    Sun, Jin Li and Leon left the undercarriage in an unhurried manner, due to the fact that the former was dragging his feet and the other two and their beasts could only follow.  By the time they had left the range of the griffin nest, most of the passengers had dispersed, either on carriages sent by their families, by wagon or on foot.  The paved street was actually relatively empty at this point in time.


    Sun gritted his teeth and swallowed some bitterness.  His family knew he was returning this morning, he''d sent a letter ahead, and yet despite their home being quite the distance away from the griffin nests, not a carriage was not in sight.  He didn''t assume this was on purpose, he knew full well it was.  This was one of the many reasons he hadn''t wanted to come back here!


    "Um," Sun looked over at his friends and chuckled despondently.  "Let''s look for a public carriage over there."


    Fortunately, where one could find one travellers, one could find transport willing to shorten their journey''s for a price and Sun handed over two silver pieces without question to the carriage driver, who ushered them in the plain wooden vehicle before leading his two horses up the street.  Li Ming lie at Leon''s feet, purring heavily as its human scratched the fur beneath its ears.  Wu Ye padded along side the carriage, content to stretch its legs.


    "What''s your h-home like?" Leon asked Sun in passing conversation.


    "Oh, you know," he replied, offhandedly.  "It''s pretty much like any house.  Wall, floors, a roof.  It''s a small courtyard... really."  At least his was, anyway.  He had three rooms in all, not including the servant rooms and small kitchen.  One of those rooms, he used to use as his study, before replacing most of the books and shelves with swords.  It happened to also contain a small cot bed and he''d asked his big brother if he could add a second cot in there so his friends could stay over.  He didn''t receive a reply, but his big brother was a reliable sort.  They didn''t get on well, but that didn''t mean his brother would do him wrong either. The missing carriage, for example, would not have anything to do with him.


    "Oh," Leon scratched his head for something else to say.  "H-how about your family?"


    "Normal... normal..." Sun said quickly.  "There''s my father and my mother and big brother... older sisters... though they''ve all married out now. And there''s my grandparents, some uncles and aunties... cousins too." Sun''s voice seemed to be becoming quieter with each word and his face looked a little pale and green. He tugged at Leon''s sleeve, suddenly, almost setting off the fury of the alchemist''s big husband, but given pause as Sun whispered; "Thank you for accompanying me."


    Leon was startled at Sun''s lack of spirit and demure attitude, while Jin Li''s eyes narrowed in contemplation. Although Sun had never mentioned anything to him, though he likely wouldn''t have been listening even if he had, he knew of some of the inner workings of a wealthy, influential family. While indeed Sun was a Young Master and had the temperament of one, did not mean that he was happy existing in a flight of dragons and phoenixes. Jin Li had witnessed the schemes of his many, many aunts and his numerous cousins both di and shu and the fall out of those battles. Thankfully, he rather got on well with his own older brothers and while they were also arrogant, they were not insufferably so.


    Still Jin Li was not completely about to let Sun off for touching his small alchemist and grabbed Leon about the waist to pull him into his lap, claiming ownership.

 Chapter 206 - - We enter Sun’s family palace

    When people are away from that which makes them unhappy, it is easy to form an illusion of self, of perhaps an untainted nature, when one is feeling shameful, or of an aloof existence, when one is usually quaking in one''s boots. For a petite youth like Sun, it is easy to form a persona of sunny, energetic youth, when reality had once drained his spirit listless. His sister''s friend''s little shu sibling wanting to make him be her husband so she could enjoy this not entirely favoured son''s family''s status was actually the last straw that sent him fleeing to the Ascending Mountain Institute.


    Sun''s family pursued Martial Arts, but not every Martial Artist in the family had been fortunate enough to be born with roots in which to cultivate and gain strength. So when the second son of the second son of General Ramas happened to naturally awaken his root, there was some celebration, but also there was envy. This envy turned to scorn as time passed and this ''natural'' protege failed to break through the boundary of Secondary cultivation. Not only his cultivation, but his height and stature were inherited from his mother, considerably lacking compared to other men in the family. So what that he had awoken his root without pills, not only was his a mere minor root, he clearly was a failure, a short, insignificant failure.


    His grandfather became increasingly displeased with this grandchild, who looked feeble in comparison to even his third son''s small shu son, who had just had his root forced to awaken and it was a major root. Many of the resources that once were Sun''s were redirected to the illegitimate child. And then the Iondis family matchmaker came to call...


    Sun shook away his despondent thoughts. He was not the same now, he''d broken through that barrier, reached Secondary stage. They could no longer claim he was a waste, without anymore use than to form a connection with another family for money.


    The carriage pulled up outside a gargantuan estate.


    Leon glanced outside, his jaw dropping as his eyes fell upon the imposing stone walls, in which a few tree tops could just be seen peering above the heights. Two stone columns rose either side of a large wooden gate, each topped with a stone dragon with fierce expressions. Guards stood at the gate, broad of chest and dressed in leathers and wearing swords. A plaque upon the column stated that this was the Ramas estate.


    "This is your h-house?" Leon whispered in disbelief, while Jin Li shook his head with indulgent eyes over his small alchemists naivety.


    Sun sighed, head sagging to his chest as he mumbled. "No, this is my family''s palace. My courtyard is just a small part of it."


    As the three and two beasts left the carriage, one of the guards eyes widened in recognition and he nodded to the other and slipped inside the gates for a moment. Not even had the other guard completed his greeting than did a tall man, with similar colouring to Sun and more mature of appearance, stepped outside to welcome him.


    "Little brother," Mond greeted him. His expression was quite stoic, but his eyes were curved with genuine happiness.  Sun was startled, he''s thought that Mond didn''t care for him very much.


    Mond was truly Sun''s first idol and hero and his heart still recalled the warmth of affection from before his big brother went to train with the army. Mond did not have a inner root, but this never detracted from the strength he exuded, nor his talent with standard Martial Arts. It was just that, when Sun continuously failed to breakthrough, Mond''s eyes held the most obvious of disappointment, breaking his heart and damaging the bond between them.  Perhaps it had been his own perception that was wrong all along?  "Big brother, I''m back," Sun smiled more brightly than before.


    Mond nodded in recognition, before his eyes settled upon Jin Li and Leon behind him. He also showed some appreciation for the two eye-catching Coeurl beasts accompanying them. "These are the friends you mentioned?" Mond queried.


    "En," Sun replied and indicated one after the other. "This is Jin Li, my room mate and fellow Martial Artist and this is Leon, his alchemist. The two Coeurl''s belong to them."


    Mond gave both a nod in greeting, before indicating that they should continue on inside. "Grandfather has been waiting for you, little brother." Sun almost crumbled at the thought, but took his best step forward into the walls that suddenly felt more like a prison.


    Walking through those guarded, tall walls was not too dissimilar to stepping into a transmigrator slipping through the cracks in one world and into another without the need of death''s flesh-less hand guiding them.  Leaving behind them the wide, yellow paved street, the world around them became almost ethereal, in a man-made sort of way.  Four steps in and they came to see something Cenapar was famous for; a bridge.


    The bridge was made of painted wood and solid of construction with just a hint of embellishment as dragons wound their way up the first and last posts of the structural feature.  The bridge itself arched over a large lotus pond which was fed by a small stream that trailed off into the distance.  Visitors would not know this, but it was a fact that this water came from one of the great rivers and the pond was not artificial in its creation.  Although the path beneath their feet lead off to the left and right, the two brothers guided them towards the bridge, only pausing to glance at the two Coeurl before looking towards a passing servant.


    "Take the beasts to the stable and ensure their comfort completely," Mond instructed the man, who nervously looked at the two beasts.  Wu Ye yawned, revealing all of his sharp teeth telling one side that he could indeed do with a nap, while warning the other that he was no kitten.  Li Ming was less inclined to be stabled.


    Leon reached out for the Coeurl with one hand and picked out a solid wood carving of a dream hare, with long upright ears from his pouch with the other, before waving it before the beast.  "B-be g-good," Leon smiled and the Coeurl yowled softly then snatched away the gift proudly.  He followed Wu Ye quietly after this.  The latter rolled his eyes before staring at the servant who had no choice but to try still his trembling body as he lead the way.


    After this, the brothers lead them over the bridge of the lotus pond, which was decorated in bare willow trees and sweeping shrubs.  Small rockeries created fake mountains either side of the bridges end as it curved a hidden corner and returned to the path on the other side.  In late spring and summer, the garden would have been even more impressive, with large, rare flowers and colourful blossoms to highlight the greenery.  At the moment, it just seemed cold.


    Beyond the rockeries, the path opened up and split into two, both which lead through large moongates in white walls.  The brothers took one at lead deeper into the grounds, the other would have lead to a Hall and courtyard meant for waiting guests, but Sun was too nervous to voice this in passing.  Beyond this moon gate was yet another garden, this one filled with sizeable canals that were straight and long.  These canals also were staggered, the bottom most length horizontal and across their path, whereas the next length was coming towards them before tipping its contents into the lower canal.  And there was a third staged higher up, built upon a wall and tipping its waters into the second canal.


    The lowest canal had a bridge in which the brothers wandered over before the path lead them to travel along the length of the canal.  There was even a pleasure boat floating in its waters, though Sun was relieved to know there was no one aboard right now.  This pathway lasted quite the while before they came to a cross section of paths and finally walked away from the canals and towards another wall and moongate.  This one lead into a large and structured courtyard with a very imposing building wrapped about most of it.  The courtyard itself was mostly unadorned, with the exception of another pair of dragon statues in the middle.


    The brothers approached the rear section of the building, which had a length of fixed wooden awning, stretching from wing to wing, providing a little shelter from the elements without needing to enter the building itself.  Posts held up the covering adding to the structural feel it emanated.  A manservant stood outside of the door and greeted both brothers, before requesting their patience as he went inside to announce their presence.  It wasn''t long before the two brothers went in, however, Jin Li and Leon were forced to wait outside.

 Chapter 207 - - My servant label reappears

    Leon glanced nervously over at Jin Li, but to his surprise, the Martial Artist was not angered by the fact they were abandoned and left outside.  Actually, that was only for a moment as the manservant quickly returned and guided them to a side room and even sent for tea.  The room was ornate, with varnished sidetables of which the stand was carved into long curving leaf shapes, the table nestled upon them and matching sofas with every inch of the cushioned seating embroidered with fine silks.  Paintings and calligraphy adorned the walls, metal scrollwork braziers stood in one corner and fine rugs of beautiful fur lie at their feet.


    Jin Li took all of this in his stride and lounged upon the sofa as if it were no matter, whereas Leon sat more gingerly, worried to dirty the sofa; they had travelled along way and had yet to freshen up.  "Sit still," Jin Li ordered, before tugging him closer to his side.  "All of this is for show."


    "What d-do you m-mean?" Leon murmured softly, unsure even on whether he should raise his voice.  Jin Li brushed away at a loose strand of Leon''s hair, which so annoyed him in the end, he stood up and tugged the snow jade pin in his hair loose.


    As the familiar sensation of long, slender fingers began tugging his hair to untangle and neaten it, Leon couldn''t help but relax and even lean closer against Jin Li''s legs.  "If we were unwelcome or just mere acquaintances of Sun, we would not have even walked this far, but rather been shown to a reception room closer to the main gates," Jin Li explained as he wrapped the silver metal crown about Leon''s hair and once satisfied replaced the pin.  Jin Li had him turn and lifted his chin in order to better exam his work.  Pleased, Jin Li nodded and sat back down upon the sofa.  "Instead, we have been welcomed to a room likely attached to the patriarchal hall, where resides the head of the house.  That indicates trust, however, it does not mean that they will not continue testing us.  Showing off wealth and power, seeing how we react to all of this and to waiting an inordinate amount of time."


    "Oh," Leon didn''t really understand it, but if Jin Li said that it was alright, then surely it must be.


    Actually, thinking of his own family, Jin Li''s parents weren''t really known for these tricks, however, his old grandfather had been and so his eldest brother had been taught practically at the man''s knees while growing up.  But old grandfather had an incident while attempting to break through to denary stage cultivation and incurred Heaven''s wrath.  He had survived it, but had fallen to the level of an idiot.  Out of filial duty, he was taken care of, but his place as head of the family had fallen onto Jin Li''s father''s shoulders... though not without some bloodshed.  Those foolish branch families had thought they could steal the reigns of power?  Such laughable dreams.


    It took the time in which Jin Li polished off two pots of fine tea before they were granted audience with the Ramas family patriarch.


    When strangers meet for the first time, it is natural for there to be an in depth evaluation, whether that be by word or just by sight. Jin Li and Leon came to be guided in front of an elder man, light wrinkles upon his weathered face and white and silver streaking his faded auburn hair. His eyes, though set deeply into his face, that held no excess fat or luxury, were bright and sharp and not tired nor dulled with age. He gave off an aura of a man who it was not wise to trifle with.


    To one side of him sat five men each with varying features that seemed to stem from the man. The first had similar eyes, but the sharpness seemed to stem from cruelty rather than shrewdness, the second had similar lines of face and expression, yet it seemed cold. The third and fourth were almost like a parody, both showing varying stages of indulgent behaviour that morphed the older man''s features into something entirely else. The last was the least like the old man, just had his colouring, but his mood seemed distant and his mind clearly elsewhere.


    Mond and Sun stood behind the second man stating that this man was their father.


    Jin Li bowed formally towards the senior man, with Leon following suit. Though they might have private criticism of Leon''s awkwardness, none could fault the elegance and respect held in Jin Li''s greeting. This made shrewd and interested eyes that much more open and evaluating than before.


    Sun stepped forward to offer introductions. "Grandfather, father, uncles," he said giving order of obeisance. "These are my friends from the Institute. Jin Li and Leon."


    "Oh? No family names?" The most round of Sun''s uncles inquired, revealing his disdain immediately. "Since when do our family''s sons make friends with commoners?"


    Sun''s face altered from its current wane shade to red, but it was a mix of shame and anger that tinted his skin. A hand fell upon Sun''s shoulder, father giving pause to his son as his grandfather voiced; "Since when do my family''s sons forget their manners in front of guests?"


    The old man was once a general and though now retired, he had naturally commanded men of varying backgrounds. He had seen both commoners and nobles fight until there was no breath in their bodies and both tremble in fear as the ''glory'' of war became a reality of mud and carnage. So he would not judge as easily as this disappointing son whose swordplay was long forgotten and the only exercise was lifting chopsticks to his mouth. His third son''s face soured, but he daren''t whisper a breath in front of his old father.


    "Sirs, this one''s surname is Jin," Jin Li rarely spoke of his family, not as he had no feelings for them, just he felt there was little point declaring it in front of middle-realmers who did not know them, but that did not mean he would have others dare ridicule them. "This one''s family are Martial Artists and known well in one''s place of birth. Naturally, this one followed the path set for one at birth and can modestly declare oneself a Martial Artist, in training."


    "A filial son," General Ramas said, approvingly, his eyes flashing grievance at his own offspring. The second and fifth son had some talents in Martial Arts, but neither could be said to be his heir of title. His second son, even without internal roots, was too inflexible as a commander and his fifth son would follow more the path of a Beast Tamer with his love of equines over weapons and battle. His sixth grandson had awoken roots, but his physique was too lacking. No one could take him seriously as a Martial Artist. His hope now lie on his eighth grandson, who was some seven years junior.


    The old man turned his attention to the other before him, a frown marring his forehead. The white stripes upon his jet black hair suggested he suffered deviation in the past, yet Sun would have this one still called a friend? Still, the old general was not quick to make judgement. "And you, young man? Do you study Martial Arts as well?"


    "N-no," Leon replied, awkwardly. "I st-st-st... I''m an alchemist."


    Five sets of eyes to one side immediately had faded interest. Ah, so this one was actually a servant after all.

 Chapter 208 - - The General’s assessment of us

    Should be mentioned that it was not entirely the fault of the general''s five sons that Leon was labelled in their mind this way.  His snow foxbear coat, that gave him a more ethereal and otherworldly look had been stowed away while they were drinking tea, for Leon had become too warm and his current robes were harshly plain and made of cheap hemp.  True that Jin Li had also hemp clothing, but it had been embroidered quite stunningly, suggesting that he was at least a man of some means, even if they could not place the name of Jin as being one of the elite.  Leon without a surname was obviously just a commoner.  For him to attach himself to others had to be as a servant.


    If others could read their thoughts within their minds, one could understand more clearly just where Sun''s former attitude stemmed from.


    Again, the general was not so narrow minded.


    Jin Li, however, was of narrow mind, just not the same sort.  Others were disdaining his man? Then that is what will be offered in return.  His respect for Sun''s uncles disappeared and Sun''s father could only hope to retain a smidgeon due to his relationship with Sun.


    Leon was oblivious to this tension and shyly scratched at his jaw before saying aloud; "In g-gratitude for your hospitality, J-Jin Li and I p-prepared some g-gifts. I h-hope that is alright?"


    General Ramas felt his hard heart soften a little for this honest youth before him.  It has been a long while since he had seen eyes so clean and without ill intent.  He offered a sharp nod of acknowledgement and offered warning glares towards his sons who dared sneered in suggestion; what sort of poor things could these youths hope to offer?


    Leon summoned the two chests from his interspacial bag, one large and one small, though both were clearly of common, cheap wood.  Leon bent down, placing the smaller one to one side and opening the large chest.  Inside were a few spare pelts from what Jin Li and Wu Ye had hunted together, mostly small, but soft furs, including one from a dream hare that was a rich purple in tone.  Plus there was a large, Dire tiger pelt, the rich oranges in contrast to the velvet black of the stripes naturally caught the eyes of all of the men.


    "These were h-hunted by J-Jin Li and his C-C-Coeurl," Leon stroked the tiger pelt, he quite liked the colours, even though he''d mourned the loss of such a stunning creature at first.  However, he had no where at home for it and he also felt it would be uncomfortable to wear as a coat.  To him, it suited a warrior more, but Jin Li was not interested in it either and it would have been sold if not for Sun''s request to have them accompany him home.  Leon lifted two carved objects from on top of the pelt.  They were hair pins shaped from an off-white material.  It happened that the Dire tiger''s sabre teeth were ivory rather than bone.


    "They are a b-bit cr-crude," Leon mentioned, shyly.  "I c-carved them m-myself and have n-not worked with ivory much b-before."  In fact the first two things he''d practiced with hung from his and Jin Li''s belts respectively.


    He looked nervously about, wanting to gift one to Sun''s grandfather and one to his father, fortunately the servants shadowing the walls became aware of his predicament and came to help him.  "I only h-have t-two..." he felt awkward.  He hadn''t known he might face Sun''s uncles, Sun never mentioned them at all.  Jin Li offered him a small smile of encouragement which immediately made him feel better, so he did not see the black expressions upon the other men''s faces.


    General Ramas did not immediately accept the hairpin, just examined it as his trusted servant held it before him, but he couldn''t help but reach for it in the end.  The tiger upon the smooth pin was indeed not perfect and only the head and upper body and forelegs were carved, yet it held the essence of a tiger leaping to catch its prey.  The pin could not be mistaken for jade, but the General felt that he liked this raw material more at that moment.  Sun''s father had also accepted its twin, one with just the head of a tiger mid roar, each sharp tooth clearly visible.  His cold expression eased and his eyes cast a slightly fresh evaluation of the commoner boy.  At least he had taste in gifts.


    Leon had not finished, for he had one last thing to offer, though, for now, the reactions would be much less and solidify some impressions in the hearts of Sun''s uncles, much to their lament one day when there was nothing they could do to reverse this.  In the smaller chest there were numerous jade bottles and swinging delicately from each bottle was a small, wooden tag, hand carved.  "You p-probably have access t-to p-pills, so tr-treat m-mine as a t-token?"  He handed the chest to General Ramas'' manservant, who took it for the elder man to see.


    Leon had not known what to pack, Sun had only vaguely mentioned that his family had had hopes for him as a Cultivator and that his grandfather was a general.  So Leon had packed a few clear spiritual pills and cloudy spiritual pills as well as the medicines that he was good at making.  There was also two bottle of his personally created pills; the Smouldering Energy Pills and Bursting Energy Pills, the two variants of Burning Energy Pills that primary Cultivators could use to raise their fighting ability temporarily.


    After accepting the gifts, General Ramas had Mond and Sun guide the two youths to Sun''s courtyard and slowly Sun''s uncles filtered out of the patriarch''s hall with their own thoughts and feelings regarding them.  Have to say, Jin Li had a bit of acknowledgement, for his obvious hunting skills and Leon did not.  Those ivory pins were not high in quality, nor in artistic merit and most importantly, not in their hands!  The pelts as well would likely go into the treasury, though they felt that the patriarch would claim the tiger pelt for himself.  The general held back Sun''s father for a bit.


    "What do you think?"  He asked his second son.


    "I do not know of this Jin Li''s family, but he has presence and clearly skill," he answered, honestly.


    "The habit of placing a family name before a given," General Ramas mused, "This is not unheard of in West Xulaphrey.  I''ve also heard that in other realms the practice is more common.  His bearing is not simple."  His son nodded in agreement.  "And of the other?"


    Sun''s father was generally inflexible, but he was not unmovable.  "This boy... I thought he might be a servant of the other," he admitted, "but that does not seem to fit his bearing.  His status is undeniably low, however."


    "En," the General replied.  "I would not stop Sun from associating himself with the child."


    "How so?"


    "It is rare for a youth to be so untainted from the reality of life and schemes of others," the General replied.  "Not that he is foolish, just clean.  For Sun to have a friend that he does not have to be even the remotest bit wary of is not a bad thing."  Sun''s father thought of the schemes of his own brothers and cousins in branch families and couldn''t help but agree.  "Plus, I don''t think that boy is so simple."  He picked up the bottle labelled Smouldering Energy Pills, causing Sun''s father''s eyes to widen.


    "Are they not the newly marketed pill?" The man commented.  "The supply does not yet meet demand... how did he manage to get hold of them?"


    "It is said that the Institute has the recipe and rights to the pills," the general placed the bottles into the chest and quickly told his manservant to place those pills under lock and key.  "This Leon is a student there also, but unless he is trusted, he would not have access to the recipe as yet, let alone be able to keep some for himself."  The Institute was indeed a place of learning, but it was also a business.  Pills that brought in good income would be an asset, not to be wasted or flaunted unless their value decreased.  "Treat Sun''s friends well.  I find them interesting."


    "Yes father," his son bowed respectfully.

 Chapter 209 - - Butterflies begin to circle Jin Li

    Looking at the slumped shoulders before him and so not used to seeing him so, Leon couldn''t help but grasp Jin Li''s sleeve in worry.  At school, Sun had always been an abundance of energy, often to the point of being exasperating, but it had almost always been a positive sort.  And now, that same quickly moving youth seemed drained, an air of gloom about his person.  Jin Li sighed as he saw the worry etched upon his lover''s face and was of half a mind to kick Sun out of his funk and so he did.


    "Ow!" Sun complained, rubbing his derri¨¨re and sending a glare behind him, though Jin Li''s face of indifference made him question what he had just experienced.  In the rambling gardens in between palace courtyards, he didn''t feel like he could be as uncouth as to ask Jin Li if he''d really just kicked him!  Mond paused beside his younger brother, a frown upon his face as he wondered what had happened.


    Still, Jin Li''s face revealed nothing and he even questioned Sun''s reaction; "Well?"  Sun pouted, but said nothing, however before he could turn away, the other suddenly continued to speak.  "Just to remind you, you owe this one a sparring session."


    "What?" It was Sun''s turn to frown.  Since when did it become his roommate who pushed for such?  Their usual trips to the arena were all instigated by himself!


    "Was it not yourself that invited this one to travel a distance from one''s humble abode, all that you could attempt to impress me with the size and architecture your family home?" Jin Li questioned offhandedly and Leon attempted to hide a smile behind his sleeve.  Mond saw this and found himself somewhat enlightened and he too began to relax.  Sun took another moment, before shedding the grey clouds about him like a cloak and replying;


    "Wait until you see the training grounds, Jin Li!" He grinned, cheerfully.  "Much better and well equipped than even the ones in the inner school!"


    "We shall see," Jin Li replied, the corners of his lips curling upwards a tad.


    Just as his name suggested, the wintery gardens suddenly felt warm as a more familiar Sun reappeared before them.  "Big brother, did I tell you that I made it into the inner school?" He asked, giddily of his brother.


    "Indeed," Mond smiled, before glancing back at Jin Li and nodding his thanks.  Sun continued to babble on about some nonsensical things that had happened at the institute recently, while Leon sighed with relief.


    "You are too soft hearted," Jin Li murmured close to his ear, which proceeded to turn red as the warmth of his breath brushed against the sensitive lobes.


    They entered a slightly more subdued garden with leafless cherry trees scattered here and there and the path leading in several directions.  This section of the palace could be said to belong to the Second family''s courtyard properties in its midst.  Mond indicated that his and his brothers homes were nearby, if one took the paths down past the two largest trees, while their father''s rooms were just up ahead.  Further still, they would come to a wall where the women, their mother and father''s lone concubine of the inner palace resided and where their sister''s formally resided.  He need not tell them that they were not welcome there.


    Mond was about to bid them good partings, when a voice called out to them; "Well, well, if it isn''t sixth brother Sun.  Hime had heard from Second Aunt that big brother Sun was due back soon.  Didn''t think it would be today!"


    "Oh that would have explained the prepared coach this morning," another female voice of a higher tone said softly, though clearly with intent to make trouble.


    "That coach?  The one we used to make a trip into town?" The first girl questioned, before turning to Sun with a faux embarrassed expression.  "Is that so, Elara.  Oh, big brother Sun, do forgive us!  We were in a rush and didn''t question it!"


    Leon shuddered, as first impressions went, there really wasn''t anything to say.  There were three girls in front of them and that was if a person didn''t count their entourage.  All three girls had varying shades of brown hair, partially pinned into elaborate styles.  Powder decorated their faces and the sweet scent of perfume drifted into the air from their bodies, which were wrapped in bright silks and finished with gold jewellery.  The first girl had a round face and large brown eyes, the second was taller with high cheekbones and plush lips and the last girl, who had not spoken so far, was most abundant in feminine blossoms and her sultry eyes held a hint of dark intent that made Leon''s blood run cold.


    Mond frowned, he had wondered why Sun had appeared in a plain, travellers coach rather than one of their own.  His countenance turned cold and unforgiving.


    There were many little misses in their family and only a couple of Mond could consider virtuous and obedient, both happened to be shu born girls.  And there was Dia, but that girl was a law on to herself; running away and joining the army.  She had always been more interested in Martial Arts than make up and Grandfather had indulged her so...  these girl-cousins before him, Mond had no time for at all.


    "What are you girls doing here," he said, coldly.  These unmarried girls all resided in other parts of the palace and in inner residences.  There was no reason for them to be walking through the Second Family''s gardens.


    The girl who called herself Hime piped up; "Ah, we had just met with Second Aunty."


    "That''s right," the second girl, Elara, confirmed, "Fifth sister came to visit."  Fifth sister happened to be one of Sun''s older sisters of which there were three, one di and two shu.  Fifth Sister, Lunisa, had been married out two years ago to a man, who was a cousin to one of the Eastern Kings.  Despite his family being of a distant branch, Lunisa was surrounded by a wealth of things and often brought jewellery and valuables back with her when she came to visit.  So really it was no surprise that the girls rushed over once they had heard she was in residence.


    "Then you should quickly return," Mond insisted and indicated to Sun that they should also move on.


    It was then the silent girl chose to speak.  "Are you not going to introduce us?" Her voice was like liquid velvet, seductive and warm, but her eyes were like arrows focused upon their target, unwavering and filled with interest.  Without waiting for Sun''s answer she stepped forward and introduced herself; "My name is Carmen and you are?"


    The tall, striking man before her glanced down, his dark eyes were like two jet black gems frozen in ice and she shivered involuntarily, but if anything, it reinforced her resolve.  The man sneered and looked towards Sun.  "This place is so noisy," he complained.


    Sun grinned and replied; "Yes, it can be at times.  Let''s go to my courtyard, it''ll be quieter there."  He did not hide the obvious smirk upon his face as he gauged his cousin''s reactions.


    "Lead the way," Jin Li demanded and gave Leon no time to hesitate, pushing him that he should follow Sun.  He knew that his lover was likely already worrying over their rude actions towards Sun''s kin.


    Mond also gave his cousins no face.  His family was not one to hide their daughters from the world nor suppress their ability to learn and think, but there were still rules of etiquette to be followed and he felt that these girls had broken one too many too many times.  He walked in the direction of his own courtyard and decided to have a servant inform his grandmother about their behaviour later, less ill rumours begin to stir and do his little brother and his friends harm.

 Chapter 210 - - I don’t understand these complicated relationships

    General Ramas had been born of a declining family, one that had titles, but lacked money for various reasons.  The man had been a di born son, but born to his old father''s third wife and was named his seventeenth son amongst brothers and paternal cousins so his importance was almost as lacking as a few of his shu born brothers.  Just as with the previous two wives, the family bled this wife''s dowry dry and began seeking other money to fund their spend-thrift ways; selling off daughters as concubines, taking new ladies from merchant families as brides... it was all quite disgusting and the boy, who''d been seventh born awoke his inner root in anger.


    A child who could cultivate would seem as a treasure in most families, more so in a greedy one like this.  But immortal sects would have a child cut off their relations from the past in order to focus on cultivating, this family desired his life blood to make their lives more comfortable.  The seventeenth son was intelligent and had others suggest that they enrol him in the army to learn the ways of a soldier.  He''d learn to cultivate and be paid a soldier''s wage.  It was a pittance, but they would not need to give him money to live and could press on filial duty to have him send any treasure or access funds back to them.  And so, the child grew up mostly in the confines of the first King''s army, rising through the ranks through battle and blood.


    He returned home a seasoned officer, that while not high ranking, had decorations of merit all earned by himself and not through family links.  The family were happy, wanting to leech, suggesting brides from wealthy, even noble families who would be quite happy to wed a warrior such as himself.  He sneered at their ridiculousness; who didn''t know their ways by now?  He only came for his mother''s bones and mourning tablet, for she had met her death when he''d been deep in campaign and was unable to investigate the circumstances before they buried her.  Not being able to save her was his deepest regret.


    The First King had granted him one request and he had only asked to be able to separated from the parasitic family and form his own branch.  The King had hesitated, for he believed deeply in filial duty, but he was not unaware of his soldier''s family history and so he agreed to it, only stipulating that he would have to send to the main branch some silver each year as filial reparation.  After renting a courtyard on the outskirts of the First Capital, the man had returned to fight for his King.


    It was many years before he''d been decorated as a general and many years as he built his King''s forces, before declaring independence from the kingdom for political reasons and moving to Cenapar, forming his own mercenary forces and his own family.  He married a genteel woman from an official''s family, a third born daughter, hoping to instil the manners and understandings of such into his own children, that their opportunities in life be better than his own.  During this time, he''d broached the bottleneck of Core Formation and failed to step through it.  None of his sons nor daughters were born with inner roots, nothing to awaken and so he''d placed all his hopes on the next generation.  But one grandchild after the other...


    Sun was not the first born with roots, he was actually the fourth.  The first two had tertiary roots, waste roots, the third had his root accidentally destroyed when an awakening was attempted and later died to pneumonia one winter.  This was unforeseen and he was mourned.  And then Sun was born...


    "Currently," Sun concluded over tea, "Eldest Uncle has one Di son and one Di daughter, Dia.  Dia ran off to join the First King''s army rather than marry the man First Aunt picked for her.  My father was second born and is an officer in the General''s army.  Third Uncle... he is the father of cousin Elara and cousin Hime, two of those girls and plus my shu cousin, Sky, who awoke a Fire root and is now Grandfather''s hope.  Even though he is not their full brother, they became more open in their conceit.  He''s been adopted by Third Aunt to improve his status too.  Fourth Uncle only has daughters, but that''s not from want of trying.  I think his ninth daughter was born just a few months ago.  And Fifth Uncle only has Carmine, her mother died in child birth and she was raised by my grandmother.  Fifth Uncle never remarried nor took in concubines, so she has no competition in the fifth branch.  She''s a bit... two-faced.  She has three roots, a minor root and two body roots, making it difficult for her to cultivate well.  That... and she doesn''t like to cultivate much."


    "And?" Jin Li''s expression was less than impressed by Sun''s family matters.  "When will the tea be finished?"


    "D-done!" Leon smiled, triumphantly and placed the honey coloured beverage before Jin Li with a slight flourish.  A look of amusement flickered over the Martial artists features and Leon blushed with embarrassment.  He attempted to retreat but was captured by the wrist and tugged into Jin Li''s lap.  As his waist was captured, Leon could only hide shyly against the other''s chest.  "This is sp-spring orchid leaf and sunset n-nettle t-tea, m-meant to help ch-ch-ch... see away fatigue and r-refresh the b-body."


    Medicinal tea was a fairly new thing to Leon, but he caught on quite well to the concept. Also, the tea was much less potent than Medicinal Cuisine or Medicinal Wine, so though the benefits were less impressive, the teas could also benefit non-Cultivators. There would also be hardly any side-effects if the brew was not produced correctly, just would not provide anything of value either. As the teas required precise amounts of herb to water, Leon had also pre-measured some of the herbs carefully and placed them in labelled jade bottles before they had left, in order to make Jin Li''s favourite teas at anytime.


    Jin Li''s black eyes which often reflected the abyss in cold and darkness, had softened to resemble warm velvet and although he was tempted to whisk Leon away to show his appreciation in a more physical sense, he held in the impulse and elegantly picked up the tea cup in order to taste the beverage. It was slightly bitter with an aftertaste of sweetness and infused his stomach with a feeling of refreshment. "It is well made," he complimented, before biting the lips that curved into a smile before him. They were just too inviting!


    Sun coughed and glanced away. "Um... my grandmother is a bit... forceful and straightforward. Her mind is very hard set, inflexible. If she says things... anyway, she won''t go against grandfather and he''s accepted you. I''ll sound her out during morning greetings."


    "Your family is q-quite large," Leon said, more as he couldn''t really think of a compliment. It was fine for Sun to complain about the unpleasant sides of his relatives, but just too rude for an outsider to say things. In his heart, though, with perhaps the exception of Sun''s older brother and grandfather, he really had no good impressions of Sun''s family so far.


    "Young Master..." as a son of a prestigious family, Sun had a few servants, mostly males as he had driven off any potential tong fang a couple of years ago as he had found them quite irritating... but this older woman was not one of his people. She bowed politely, her eyes having already scanned over the two youths sitting with her employer''s offspring with calculating eyes. "Young Master, Second Madam asked this servant to bring you to see her."


    Sun''s expression was a little complicated. "We''ll be summoned for the family meal soon, won''t I see mother then? Mother is always in such a hurry for things." He fidgeted in his seat as he glanced over at his friends. After the three of them had arrived at Sun''s humble courtyard (which was much less humble than Leon''s own, honestly, the study was the size of Leon''s main room by itself!), the servants had provided them with hot water and towels in order to freshen up and they had changed out of their dusty clothes into something new, before sitting in the courtyard and enjoying the only slightly bitter air.


    Leon caught the frown on the older woman''s face, clearly disapproving and nudged at Jin Li. The other just rolled his eyes and said; "My mother''s last summon was in order to test my sword skills. I lost. She did not go easy on me at all." Leon was out of his depth in such complicated family situations and had hoped Jin Li could provide the answer, but clearly such was wishful thinking.


    He thought of his own mother, who would sometimes sit with him at dinner, even when she''d eaten free at work, just to keep him company. A twinge of discomfort settled in his stomach. That had been the mother of his last life, not this one. He would never see the woman who painstakingly raised him by herself again no matter how much he missed her. He didn''t know the relationship between Sun and his mother, but he knew if it were him, he''d want to accompany her if he could. "M-maybe," Leon murmured, "since d-dinner is shortly, Sun c-could accompany her t-to where we will eat?"


    "Yeah, I suppose," Sun sighed and rose to his feet, before instructing one of his men to guide Jin Li and Leon to the hall in half of an hour. His mother''s servant''s eyes softened and without knowing it, Leon had gained her approval.

 Chapter 211 - - We meet the Matriarch

    As fore-mentioned, the family palace was large and could be divided into six parts - not including second and third rank servants quarters, gardens, stables and training grounds - one part for each family branch and one part for the patriarch and matriarch.  These could further be divided into ''outer'' and ''inner'' courtyards adding a separation between the men and women of the family and tucking away concubines from outsider''s eyes.  Leon would never be able to understand the patriarchal tendencies to keep harems; being both gay and brought up in a world that tends to favour m.  Besides that, one Jin Li was enough.


    Generally, the branches of the family were not too close, despite the five sons of the general being blood brothers, the old man had no concubines.  So unless the matriarch wished it, meals were usually taken within their own sections or even alone in their own courtyards.  However, during celebrations, birthdays, festivals and so on, the family would head to the large dining hall located between the patriarch and matriarch''s courtyards where the matriarch''s maids would serve their mistress and mistress'' descendants all sorts of delicacies, chosen by the old woman herself.


    Leon glanced down at his chopsticks with slight apprehension; despite practicing over the past half-year, he was inelegant and clumsy with chopsticks and favoured a spoon whenever it became too tricky.  Fortunately, they were not placed too close to the General, tucked in between Jin Li, who sat beside Mond and Sun.  Due to their presence, the women were at a table opposite but separated by screens, so his poor manners would not be witnessed by them either.


    Once the meal was finished and even Jin Li had reluctantly placed down his chopsticks so not to seem rude now the elders at the head table had finished eating their fill, the screens were removed and the numerous girls, as old as sixteen and as young as six, had eyes that swept over the table, settling upon the unknown faces seated there.  A few of the older girls suddenly became shy, their powdered cheeks failing to hide the slight blush rising in their cheeks and their sight cast down at the table or coyly continuing to stare through long lashes.  The youngest girls had no such reserve, their eyes wide open as they examined the strangers.  The one known as Carmen acted as a younger child, despite being one of the older ones, however her expression held intense interest as her eyes remained fully upon the taller youth opposite them.  The women seated between them sent warning glances to each and every girl.  Not all noticed.


    Beside the general sat an elder woman, her hair heavy with silver and decorated with pearls.  The lines of her face did not detract from her face and it could be seen that while she may not have been a great beauty in her youth, she would have been someone who seemed sharp and intelligent.  Thus her age actually enhanced this appearance, while also adding a mature elegance and poise that she possibly lacked in her past.  She wore silks of navy blue, embroidered with cranes and clouds and a soft fur draped over her shoulders.  With a slight cough, her throat was cleared and as if warned by some sort of signal, all of the girls stopped staring and all turned their attention to the woman.


    She nodded with approval at her granddaughters, before turning her attention to the grandson she had not seen in several moons. "Sun," her expression was stern and there was not really much affection in her eyes, but her tone was still soft. "Your grandfather has advised me that you have made some advancements within the Ascending Mountain Institute."


    "Yes, grandmother," Sun replied, but didn''t embellish.


    "That is good news," she said, agreeably. "However, do not get complacent. You must continue to work hard and bring honour to your father and grandfather and ultimately, this family."


    "Yes, grandmother."


    The woman gave a curt nod, yet her lips did not curve in the slightest. In all honesty, she wasn''t fond of this grandchild. In both build and personality, he was much too like his mother and that woman was not one that she had chosen for his father to wed. This matter had caused a rift between mother and her son, who up until this point, had been obedient and agreeable. She had wanted him to marry her cousin''s daughter and her son had defied her and brought home Sun''s mother to wed.


    The older woman had then widened the rift in her ire, marrying to him a Concubine who in the end only bore him daughters. This impulsive action of hers, she did regret. Especially when her second daughter-in-law finally gave birth to Mond, who grew into a strong and handsome youth much like his father had been. Bearing a second son had cemented her daughter-in-law''s place in her son''s heart and home, but this child reminded his grandmother too much of the past. Not only that, he was once the apple of his grandfather''s eye making him even more displeasing to her own, thus when he gradually formed into a disappointment, she had turned a blind eye to the bullying in her own backyard.


    The general''s wife knew that she was being petty, but when one has made a mistake, refuses to admit it and allows it to fester for a prolonged period of time, it became a splinter buried beneath layers of skin and the wound created by digging it out was too painful to bear, even if the healing of it would bring benefits to all. She was old now, her looks had faded, her skin was no longer smooth and unmarked and she could no longer eat as she pleased, nor wear the bright colours she favoured. So her pride and self-respect were even more important to her than mending the rift she had a hand in causing.


    Still, it seemed, as little as she understood it from a mortal''s point of view, that her grandchild had not let her down at this school for Cultivators, so she would offer praise even if her heart wasn''t really feeling it.


    Her eyes glanced towards the youths seated beside him and his brother. As they had been invited by the grandson she did not love, she was predisposed to dislike them, however seeing Jin Li''s poise, his straight spine and nearly regal posture, she was reminded of times in her youth visiting the eastern Kings'' palaces for banquets and celebrations. Her first love had been the already married second Prince, whose aura had been not unlike this young man. She felt a little wistful as she spoke; "And I see that we have guests this evening."


    "Yes grandmother," Sun''s tone brightened and not unnoticeably. "These two are my friends from the Institute. Jin Li, who is my roommate in the inner school of Martial Arts and Leon, who is studying alchemy!"


    Jin Li stood up, cupped his hands and bowed, offering his respects to the elderly woman. Leon was quick to follow suit. "This one in thankful to old Madam for her hospitality and allowing this one and this one''s alchemist to stay within the walls of your home." Sun''s grandmother felt a slight heat in her cheeks, nodding to herself that this youth had much the bearing of the late Second Prince. If it were not for the fact that their appearance was very unlike, she might have even suspected his origins. Even amongst his brothers, nephews and own sons, Second Prince had a unique temperament and aura that few could emulate, especially to such a natural degree.


    "No need for thanks," the matriarch offered a small, but genuine smile, indicating with a gesture that they should return to their seats. "You both are most welcomed." She turned to her Second son''s firstborn son and asked; "What arrangements have been made for their stay?"


    "This grandson has cleared space in Sun''s study, as requested by sixth brother," Mond replied.


    The woman frowned, disapprovingly. "Nonsense. Are there no guest courtyards in your palace? How can such distinguished guests stay in a study room?" Actually, she had heard mention of this, but had not concerned herself with it before. Hearts change as well as thoughts on first meetings.


    "This grandson was negligent," Mond was flexible enough to bend in the direction of the changing winds. "This grandson will of course have the guest courtyard arranged for Sun''s friends."


    "Thanking old Madam," Jin Li''s face remained stoic, but his eyes deepened with an unexplainable satisfaction. At least, others could not explain it, Leon was far more attuned to his mind and began to blush.

 Chapter 212 - - I’m back behind a cauldron

    As generous as it had sounded once offered by the matriarch, a courtyard was not going to be completely ready for guests to rest in so soon, especially not now as the sun had long since sunk beyond the horizon due to the shortened winter day. Leon and Jin Li would still need to sleep in Sun''s study for at least this one night. So after the patriarch and matriarch retired for the evening, everyone else then to followed suit, heading this way and that, and Sun, who was a little more cheerful having escaped the confines of the Hall lead his friends back through the extensive gardens towards his place.


    In the dark of the overcast night, the gardens took on a new look and while it couldn''t be said to be romantic, due to most of the trees being without their coats and swaying in the cold breeze eerily, there was still a different sort of charm to it. Currently, the paths had been lined with small mage lights and decorative lanterns hung from hooks in choice places. Tiny night pearls hung as beads from trees near ponds and etched into fake mountains, giving an appearance of wasteful extravagance. Sun''s personal servant held a lamp in front to further light their way.


    Leon shivered slightly as a cool breeze took him by surprise and he clutched his coat together nearer the neck, the fur soft against his skin. A source of warmth leaned closer to him and he looked up to see Jin Li walking so close that their arms brushed together, but still looking nonchalantly ahead as if it was of no moment. Leon bent his fingers in Jin Li''s direction, which then became entwined with the other''s and this also added another type of charm to the night.


    The following morning, after a large breakfast with varying dishes, Sun excused himself; he had to go pay his respects of his relatives. He was not looking forward to it, but his grandparents were liberal for the most part and didn''t expect them to pay obeisance every day, just once every week unless otherwise summoned. Leon likened it as the elders reminding the younger generations just who is in charge in the palace, the C.E.O''s holding a meeting with their employees. Jin Li was feeling antsy; it had been many days since he had practiced his martial arts and so he moved into the courtyard to stretch and dance in deadly yet somehow graceful motions.


    Therefore, Leon was left to his own devices. He decided to create some pills while he had the chance.


    Plying his own trade in the cold courtyard was not something he wished to do, he could only enquire whether there was a free side room with nothing valuable there in, just in case of accidents. The servants had already been informed that the youth was an apprentice alchemist and so he was lead to a room that was currently empty, only holding a plain single bed (it had once expected to have a tongfang room here, but that never occurred in this courtyard). Satisfied, Leon withdrew the valuable, portable stove the Headmaster had gifted him as a core student and looked through his interspacial bag to see what herbs he had available for use.


    Recently, he''d been trying to perfect a new type of cultivation pill, however it was not for humans, but for beasts; the Earth Qi Pill. Tor had attempted to explain it, that beasts had a natural instinct to gather spiritual energy from the surrounding atmosphere and it would aid the beast in its growth to adulthood and into its elder years. An Earth Qi Pill was formed from draining the spiritual energy from plants and turning into a Pill. However, it wasn''t something humans could digest into their systems, to dangerous to their innersea and meridians, thus humans could only rely on spiritual pills improving their general cultivation. Just like with humans, however, the Earth Qi Pills would only satisfy beasts of a certain level before they needed pills with stronger spiritual essence.


    Earth Qi Pills required a series of different grasses and each grass required a different heat, a different length of time dissolving in the cauldron and one grass was too resilient, requiring the only non-grass ingredient to begin the reaction; Verdant Holly sap. Leon had only managed to produce a few Earth Qi Pills so far, usually due to external distractions and once as one of the grasses had unnoticeable problems. But so long as he had a good three hours without interruption, he should managed to produce a pill or two from the numerous ingredients in front of him.


    One by one, the grasses were placed into the cauldron. Leon''s spiritual energy was split in two then four as he prevented certain grasses from over heating, while drawing extra heat to others. The stove''s flames tipped askew as they greedily drank energy from the mage stones within and heated the cauldron on top. Beads of perspiration began to form upon his forehead as the heat from the fire and the strength of concentration began to wear him down.


    Two hours later, the grasses were mush in the base of the cauldron and the flames were lowered and spread more evenly. Leon withdrew part of his spiritual energy, leaving just enough to stir the compound within the cauldron and encourage it to take shape. Not a drop could be left to stick upon the metal frame to burn or the whole contents could be lost. Just as the third hour ticked past, Leon successfully formed the pills. Three were decent, two were trash and could only be binned. Satisfied, Leon popped them into a jade bottle and stretched his spine to ease the ache.


    A face appeared above him.


    "You have the gall to abandon this Lord and make Pills for those two beasts?" Jin Li sneered.


    Leon simply offered a smile. "You l-look very d-d-dashing when p-practicing," he complimented, "b-but it''s c-cold outside. I c-couldn''t stay t-too long." Jin Li''s eyes softened ever so slightly, but Leon could tell he wasn''t quite ready to forgive. "Why d-d-don''t we g-go for a walk, see the C-coeurl for a b-bit?" It had been a while since he''d made Earth Qi Pills and both the Coeurl were usually very attentive when they realised that he''d brought them treats.


    "See, already you place those beasts above me," Jin Li complained, but continued to follow Leon into the study where his hands roamed freely as his small lover changed and wiped away the sweat from his body before adorning clean robes. It took quite sometime in the end and the small slaps that Jin Li endured were but mere tickles causing a slight itch. Very good. It was well that they would be changing courtyards this afternoon. It seemed his small alchemist needed a fresh lesson or two...

 Chapter 213 - - I hit a girl!

    The guest courtyard, that became available to them that afternoon, was not large.  It was comparable with the basic courtyard home that the pair shared in the Ascending Mountain Institute. Just that the side rooms were meant for close servants or young children and there was no small kitchen. The contents of the room were far more luxurious than their own home, even though they were generally simple in terms of ornamentation. The curtains were made of brocade, the sheets upon the beds were silk with heavier blankets placed on top that had been embroidered with simple, but elegant patterns. The chest and vanity tables were not ornate, but made of high quality wood and finished superbly.


    They''d been guided by servants to separate bedrooms within the building, to which Leon was too shy to amend and Jin Li was too lazy. They reunited in the common room located inbetween the two bedrooms, where Jin Li requested a servant to bring a kettle of hot water. This servant and several others had been assigned to serve them during their stay, but they also found that these unusual masters did not want their close attentions; meaning their usual aid during grooming, nightly duties nor even the simple matter of pouring tea. Some of these duties actually fell upon the smaller youth''s shoulders, which confused them for even though he was a commoner, his manner was not actually like a servant, born in house or otherwise! Not even a favoured servant would dare bicker so openly with their Master nor would a favoured servant be given their own bedroom in the main living area, but rather still be shown a side room. Plus... there was something ambiguous about their relationship...


    They couldn''t evaluate it overly for they were shooed out of the courtyard with the exception of just two, who were told just to remain in the servants rooms in the front of the courtyard until they were needed, as ''cultivation required an environment that was unhindered by external factors.'' What did mortals understand that while this sentence was actually true, they were simply considered nuisances by a certain Martial Artist who didn''t want his small alchemist worried that their interactions would be heard by servants guarding their bedroom doors waiting to attend them at immediate notice.


    That done and tea consumed, Jin Li tugged his small alchemist''s wrist, the heat in his eyes no longer hidden. Leon blushed and made some excuses about cleaning up before coming to his room tonight then fled to his own room. There, Leon washed his face and took care of a little personal business before slipping into his night robes. Feeling a little more settled, he didn''t delay any longer less his impatient gong decide to come seeking him, however he had barely made a move towards the door when he heard a feminine scream, the source of which was down the hall of this courtyard!


    Rushing into his lover''s bedroom, he came upon an unexpected scene; a girl of about sixteen years crumpled upon the floor with the silk sheet of Jin Li''s bed wrapped about her otherwise naked form. Tears streamed down the girl''s face, while Jin Li stood a few paces away, looking down at her with sparks of angry lightning in his black eyes. Leon could only stand and stare, his mind a blanket of nothing due to shock. Less than half a minute later and the two servants that had been allowed to stay in the guest courtyard arrived and stood behind Leon, surprise also evident upon their faces.


    "What is the meaning of this?!" Jin Li''s crisp tone was heavy with anger as he pointed at the girl who had crawled into his bed. It was not as if he hadn''t experienced this sort of thing before; his Uncle had tried once to gift him with a tong fang (bed servant) and there had been a couple of servant girls with their heads more in the clouds wishing to experience the dreams of a Phoenix, however that sort of thing had been nipped in the bud in an extremely swift and once bloody manner. None had bothered to attempt to actually climb into his bed since he was fourteen, too fearful of his and the Madam''s (his mother''s) reactions. Definitely wasn''t expecting that sort of thing to occur in the guest courtyard of someone else''s palace!


    "Honoured sir," one of the servants stammered, "this..."


    "Our Master certainly would never approve of this sort of thing!" The other servant was much more certain of this matter than the former and looked coldly at the girl, who shuddered beneath his icy stare.


    It should be mentioned, that Mond had assigned them male servants. For one, although he, himself, had a couple of female servants, they were older women that had been with him for years, not tong fang. He''d once had a tong fang, but once his engagement was set to a young girl of another military family, he felt that it would be an insult to her if he accidentally brought a shu child into the world before she had even been carried through the gates. Thus, his tong fang had been assigned elsewhere.


    Mond also understood his brother''s nature; Sun did not like women attending him. Even his old wet nurse was retired when he was assigned his own courtyard and he chased away the girls their mother had given him as potential tong fang. His innocent, bright natured mother didn''t know it, but those same girls had once been amongst those who had mocked and ridiculed his little brother for his poor performance as a Martial Artist and Cultivator. Although they were cautious with their words, they still relished a Master''s misfortune, who would want them?!


    So it had not occurred to Mond to assign Leon and Jin Li women to serve them in the guest courtyard. And even if he had, they would not be given to them to attend to their sexual needs!


    The girl reached for Jin Li''s robe. "M-Master..." her fingers stretched to him, the gamble she had made while thinking she had excellent odds in her favour becoming shockingly unrealised.


    She was pretty, she had many of the servant boys dancing in the palm of her hands, though she kept them all at arms length, hoping for more. Then this guest of the family had caught her eye. He was incomparably handsome with a cold yet noble temperament. Even the Matriarch seemed to approve of him, so while his background wasn''t clear, if he was a noble as assumed, she had a chance of becoming his Concubine, while if he was not, it would still not be so bad to become his wife!


    She had definitely not expected any virile youth to be able to resist her unleashed charms! Panicked, for she only now thought about the consequences of her actions if she failed to capture this man, she could only beg him to accept her. "This lowly one is pure and has now been seen by you.. this slave dares not dream any longer unattainable dreams, just wishes to serve you wholly!"


    Her head suddenly and sharply swung to one side as the sound of a slap echoed through the room. Jin Li sneered at the girl, but his heart felt incomparably full. He tugged his incensed alchemist to his side and unfurled the youth''s reddened hand. "Does it hurt?" He asked Leon who trembled with both anger and the shock of what he had just done. He''d hit a girl! Perhaps it was a good job his mother wasn''t in this world, wouldn''t she berate him for doing so? But he had been so angry that this girl not only crawled into his man''s bed, but propositioned Jin Li so openly in front of him and now that Jin Li mentioned it, he realised that his hand did sting a bit from smacking that woman''s thick face.


    "En," Leon lowered his head before his man, not daring to look at the feverish eyes staring intently at him. He tried to tug his hand free as he suddenly recalled that they had an audience, but Jin Li would not let go.


    "Tch," Jin Li glanced over his shoulder at his messy bed. "This Lord''s bed has been defiled and now stinks of perfume. We will retire to your bedroom." Leon blush deepened. Turning to the two Male servants, Jin Li added; "I trust that this Lord does not need to tell you to clean up here."


    All three servants felt as if their three views had been turned upside down, but while the girl paled white, her longing expression morphing into disgust and the nervous man, froze completely out of his depth, the other man nodded as if he hadn''t been unmoved at all. "Yes, honourable guest. This humble servant will indeed, clean up here. I hope both sirs have an otherwise pleasant night." Not only would he clean up, but would assure that talk of what occurred here was minimal.


    Jin Li gave no more attention to the girl upon the floor nor the two male servants as he too wished to explore what would make his night more pleasant and dragged Leon away to the other room by his wrist.


    The following day, the girl servant was dismissed by the angered Matriarch and thrown out of the palace gates. Details of what had happened were originally kept under wraps, but no matter, there was still a tiny leak voicing a little of the girl''s deed and intent. Thus other servants and young women of the palace began to gossip in corners, their disdain about this former servant clear. How dare she think she can rise through another''s household and shed her status as a servant. What a slut! One young woman with sultry eyes, who was glad to finally get rid of that eyesore voiced; "What did she expect? That man is clearly refined and would not fall for such a cheap thing. The place by his side is only worthy of one who is incomparable to others, with talent, poise and grace. One who is raised noble and has a strong family background."


    "Such as yourself?"


    The young woman just smiled.

 Chapter 214 - - We go window shopping!

    The gossip about the brazen servant girl would die down in this sort of place as quickly as it flared up for there would always be news or tales to replace it. So it was really not dwelled upon overly. And like a blazing fire that had swept through short dry grasses, the matter was over as quickly as it began. Mond had chastised the male servants he''d assigned to the guest courtyard for allowing the girl to slip into Jin Li''s bedroom, though not too harshly as he also was aware that they had been chased out of the courtyard for the most part by the guests in question. Sun had snorted, when he had heard the news; who knew better than him that no female could interest the man who was first wed to his alchemist and secondly to his sword. Hadn''t many girls in school tried and failed to gain his attention?


    As for the man at the centre of this storm himself...


    Jin Li woke to find that his bare chest had not the warmth of blankets, but was instead covered by a long silken mane of yin yang hair and his skin at his collar was subject to the soft breaths of his sleeping alchemist. He didn''t bother to wonder over the time, the pair had experienced coital bliss deep into the night, his lover as deeply involved as he. His smooth fingers had gripped Jin Li''s arms as the other moved above him, his pelvis lifting to allow their connection to deepen more than normal and not a few times did he call out his name in pleasure. Jin Li has lost himself in the depths of this welcome embrace more than once and would have done so again, were it not for Leon passing out in the end.


    So as this was the case and neither man stirred until the sun had reached its zenith point, neither knew what had occurred to the maid, nor did they hear any of the gossip, for by the time Sun dared disturb them for a midday meal, the servants were whispering that fourth Son had possibly impregnated his seventh concubine''s personal maid...


    Following six bowls of rice, a plate of strips of smoked bacon, a cup of sweet potato soup and five steamed buns, Jin Li placed down his chopsticks and reached for the fresh cup of tea that Leon had poured for digestion. "This Lord feels as if one has lazed around enough," he declared after emptying his cup.  "What to do?"


    "Is it t-too late t-t-too explore the city?" Leon asked, demurely, the slightly hoarse tone of his overused voice making Jin Li terribly itchy once more. He settled for stroking the other man''s throat gently with his fingers, feeling the gem within move in response.


    Before Sun could gleefully offer to take them on a tour of the city, showing them all of the places he used to hang out when he lived here, an older maidservant came to find him.


    "Young Master, Second Madam wishes to speak with you," the woman had the same no nonsense tone as the one who''d come to collect him the other day. Sun pouted, but acquiesced in the end. If he didn''t that woman was sure to come to him later and use tears to make him feel guilty. And Jin Li was not one for leaving him an escape route. Why would he? This probably suited him better!


    He was not wrong in his thoughts; this did suit Jin Li better. If Sun left, it would be just he and his small alchemist once more. What was there not to like?


    The Ramas Palace was not located in the most prominent inner ring of the city, but it was in the next best location; the northern section of the city. The land beneath this location was a web of clear rivers and streams with parcels of land on which the affluent northern town was formed. It was spectacularly beautiful with parks and paved roads separating the large residences.


    Large ornate carriages were pulled by strong, healthy looking equines, while smaller, less ornate ones traipsed behind pulled by the lesser cousins known as horses. There was a politeness as one train of carriages pulled over to exchange words with another train going in the opposite direction and once priority had been established, one of the trains would allow the other to pass. Curtains flickered in both carriages as the occupants evaluated the prestige and wealth of the other, though if there was discontent or disdain, it was kept out of public sight.


    Naturally, this had nothing to do with Jin Li and Leon, who walked along the side of the paved road, deeper into the pristine streets until the stately homes melted away revealing something else. Where there was money, there would be naturally places to spend it. The line of businesses included two restaurants, a fine fabric and dress shop, a pavilion of jewellery and a store that produced exquisite weaponry. And naturally, there was also an auction house. Of course, none of these establishments were going to offer their products and services for small silver.


    Leon shuddered over the eye-watering cost of the rare and seemingly vibrant honey moon rose within the Majestic Herb emporium. Seemingly...


    "This rose has been grown from a seed obtained from the Cardinal King''s Imperial consort''s treasured garden," a haughty salesman approached them, with considerable contempt in his tone. "And as everyone is aware, the Imperial Consort is the granddaughter of the sect leader of the highly notable Heaven Arts Medicinal Sect. Each and every herb within her garden could be considered priceless. This rose may be out of your particular range."


    Jin Li ignored each and every word spilling from the marks mouth, simply turning to his small alchemist with one simple question; "Do you want it?"


    Leon shook his head. It was stupidly overpriced, plus if he ever did need the petals or leaves from the rose, he could ask his Senior Brother, Stygar, to pluck a few from his specimen. At least that one was healthy. "N-no," Leon voiced aloud, before turning to the salesman with a generous smile. "It h-has Rose P-pox. You sh-should g-get it t-treated, less it sp-spreads."


    They left the flabbergasted salesperson and left the store. Leon had only ever intended to window shop here. He could see from the elegance of the architecture to the silk adorned clothing of the patrons that his purse, no matter how healthy it had become in recent times, it would not stretch to afford the obscene prices of products within the stores. Jin Li also carried a purse upon him. It probably held no more that Leon''s but as usual, the other man had little concept of cost, thus he would willingly part with it all without question if he wanted something.


    Fortunately, just as Leon had spied that the herbs and plants within the Herb Emporium were more glitz than glamour, such was also true of the Victory Lies Within Excellence weapon''s store. Unlike Leon, who had shown a little tact in the Herb Emporium, Jin Li''s uncensored tongue felt too lazy to apply filters. "They call this a sword?" He sneered as he withdrew a long, slender blade from its protective sheath. The silver metal shimmered in the light of the store, but its colouration was bland in comparison to the twinkling rubies set within its finely moulded handle. "Isn''t this just an ornament pretending to be a weapon?"


    The shop''s representatives were angered and embarrassed and wished to shoo the youth out of their store, but his aura declared that they shouldn''t attempt to, thus could only swallow the insult. As it happened, they managed to restore their battered pride after the disagreeable youth left, for someone bought that ruby encrusted sword with a handful of glittering golden coins.

 Chapter 215 - - I’m bedazzled by treasure...briefly

    After leaving the weapons store, the conspicuous pair wandered down the neatly paved street towards the shop closest to it, more as it was on route than for any reason of want or curiosity. Conspicuous? Who else would walk so brazenly in amongst the genteel crowds all adorned in silk treasures and rare gems, wearing just neatly sewn hemp clothing, simple jade and carved wooden talismans? Even the servants of the wealthy were better dressed... or at least more expensively!


    However, although they seemed out of place, perhaps it was the auras they seemed to exude, they were left alone and not bothered for the most part. For the most part, which madam and master had not witnessed or heard of what the results of crossing crouching tigers and hidden dragons within their midst? What white lotus or good-for-nothing? Believing a stupid maid or ragged soldier could not hurt you just because of their lack of wit or wealth? Such was a joke! In addition, this was a world with Cultivators! When it came to such people, the eyes could lie and ignorance could lead to death! There was a legend that a great Immortal used to descend from the mountain peak that no others dared step foot on and dress as a beggar and sit on the streets once every hundred years. If that beggar was gifted generously by a benefactor, that benefactor''s luck might turn great for his lifetime, but if the beggar was abused... of course rumours were rumours, but not worth risking one''s seven generations for!


    So if a tall, black eyed youth in deep blue colours decorated with simple patterns and a petite boy with an array of wooden charms at his waist walked around these streets as if they had as much right as the wealthy elite, so be it! Just ignore them and hope no trouble will come and disturb the peace!


    Of course, not everyone received the memo.


    "The proprietor would be wise to ensure that they have the money for it!"


    The shop closest to the weapon''s store was actually a jewellery store. Once they had entered, Jin Li had sneered, losing interest immediately, but his small alchemist had paused once they entered and he had thought that the youth had found something of interest. Actually, this wasn''t so; Leon was simply dazzled by the gold, silver and gemstones upon display. Amulets and necklaces, brooches and hair pins, rings, bracelets, crowns and earrings... and unbeknownst to him, these were just the lower market range. The more expensive and exquisite pieces were hidden away for only the most noble and wealthy of clientele.


    Once the initial blinding sparkle eased and Leon''s awareness returned to his body, he knew instinctively that even if there was something in this pavilion that he would have liked to buy, his and Jin Li''s purse combined would not be able to afford it.  They would not even be able to pay for the most measly ''cheap'' thing in here.  Actually, this sort of window shopping, look but don''t bother thinking you can purchase a single thing, was not something that could sustain a person''s interest for long.  Either they might become infuriated, blinded by self-loathing that their wallets contained more moths than money or they would skitter away in a panic that such prices even exist!  Fair enough, these reactions were extreme versions, but Leon''s was definitely more towards the latter and he was ready to call this trip to an end.


    So as he wasn''t actually about to purchase anything, the thrown out sentence could not be for him?  He glanced back at Jin Li who''s face was one of indifference.  His eyes did not take in the treasures at all.  Who cared what obscene price tag was placed upon each piece, he''d seen more interesting things.  The vaults of his birth home had more abundant treasures, having been brought into the family with his grandmother''s dowry.  Though she had long since past, his father and mother kept those treasures safe or else they would have fallen into his uncle''s concubines hands until not a piece was left.  It was his grandmother''s wishes that they be divided into the dowries of female descendants of the main line, but she bore no daughters and his mother also bore only sons.  And as for Uncle... least said.


    The speaker was a young woman with long indigo hair that had been half swept and pinned into an elaborate style then decorated with rose jade blossoms. Her eyes were a startling sky blue, something that Leon was unused to seeing in the months of viewing gems of black, burnt umber or other dark shades. She waved a lace fan lightly before the lower half of her face as if warding off a summer breeze, an impossible feat in Winter. Her line of sight was seemingly upon a head piece made of delicate silver chains and turquoise beads, the teardrop sapphire centre piece of which ought to lay demurely between a woman''s shaped brows. However, Leon could see that her attention was not on the head piece, but actually on another young woman, who had been examining a ring.


    "Ho, it is interesting that a boudoir bound lady of the Ibis clan," said that young woman without her sight wavering from the ring, "is so well informed of the financial status of the Heron Clan."  Her eyes flickered towards the middle-aged man currently holding the wooden box containing the ring.  "What sort of capacity does this interspacial ring have?"


    This statement caught Leon''s attention, for he had never heard of interspacial jewellery.  Was it something like the small embroidered bag hanging from his hip or the larger chest container that Sun owned?  He glanced up at Jin Li, who as if reading his thoughts, nodded slightly.


    "It is not that I have doubts of the Heron Clan, of course," the indigo haired woman snorted, "everyone is well aware of the prestige of the Heron Clan.  What is there to doubt?  Though an interspacial ring is indeed a rarity, one could not doubt the Heron''s Clan''s ability to afford it."


    "Then what is the point of your previous remark but to cast doubt?" The other girl asked as if curious.  Her hair was bundled up in an equally elaborate display, but her''s was an unusual lilac in colour and was decorated in complimentary purple jade, but her pin was far simpler in style.


    Jin Li yawned as the girls banter continued and leaned down towards his small alchemist and whispered; "You seem to be enjoying this show."


    Leon shook his head as the young woman voiced that she was only warning the proprietor to take care, after all, who knew what sort of rogues might try and take advantage of them should they not be aware of just whom they are serving.  He glanced up at Jin Li with a thought; "Sh-should we g-get something t-to eat b-b-before g-going back?"  He was rewarded by a smile of approval and the pair made their way towards the exit.


    "A shu daughter is not a Di daughter after all," the woman from the Ibis clan was continuing to say behind them.  "From status to allowance, otherwise masters might be accused of favouring shu children over Di children and therefore concubines over wives!"


    "This shu and d-Di thing," Leon murmured to Jin Li as they stepped out of the shop.  "Is it really such a b-b-big d-deal?"


    Jin Li stroked a finger across his lover''s naive face.  "It is and it isn''t," he replied with a lazy drawl.  He''d only ever respected those who had ability regardless of their birth status.  In his opinion, birth status was as much luck than anything else and didn''t always guarantee privilege.  However, if one decided to use their or others statuses as an excuse, then Jin Li had no time for that person at all.  "Such doesn''t effect you, so don''t bother to think about it."


    Leon thought about it and decided to nod in agreement.  Maimai was Concubine-born and Sun born of the legal wife, but both were still his friends.  He, himself, had been brought up by his grandfather and had no status per say, yet Jin Li, this man who was born of privilege in the higher realm, didn''t treat him less because of it.  And that was all that mattered really.


    Not long after they left the jewellery shop, the girl from the Ibis clan followed suit with a look of irritation in her eyes, though the rest of her scowl was hidden well behind the lace fan covering her lower face.  Speckles of snow began to descend from the heavens and melt upon her pale pink quilted coat, annoying her more.  However, before more than a spot or two could mark it, an umbrella appeared above her head, held not by her servant girls but by a young man with a concerned expression.  If Jin Li and Leon had still been around, they might have even recognised him... well Leon anyway.


    "What has upset little sister so?" He said, warmly.


    "Second brother," the girl pouted, her eyes full of wounds, while her heart was full of schemes.

 Chapter 216 - - I learn secrets behind Interspacial bags

    Of the two restaurants in this affluent street, neither stood out above the other in terms of decor, price nor fawning ability of the waiters.  In addition, they were opposite each other, so there was no real thought to the decision to enter the one on the same side of the street that Jin Li and Leon happened to be walking down.  They were rather rapidly shown to some seats upon the ground floor before their waiter ran off to attend a group of arrogant young men whose wealth was much more apparent and on display.


    Fortunately, there was a clear menu and only certain dishes would damage Leon''s purse.  Jin Li liked food and had little care of money, but on seeing the ''Swan swims over a fish filled lake'' seemed actually just to be a pot roasted chicken sitting in soup made of fish and shrimp, he lost interest in the elaborately named dishes.  And so Leon gained the freedom to chose a few dishes to share between them without worrying about the silver he''d have to pay out later.  He did make sure that three of the five dishes were meat and the soup also was meat based.


    As they were waiting for their dishes, Leon attempted to sate his curiosity; he couldn''t help thinking about that ring.  "What is a intersp-spacial ring?  Is it l-like a b-bag?"


    "Yes and no," Jin Li replied.  His sharp vision had caught side of the small silver ring with scroll like detailing, but the distance had been too great to be able to judge the quality of it.  Considering that it had not originally been on display and had actually been brought out on request, he assumed that it couldn''t be that bad.  "Interspacial bags and chests use a material called Void stone in their creation.  As it sounds, it''s a type of rock.  Crafters use it when making the bags and chests."


    Void stone was deep grey in colour and without much sheen. The surface of the stone was almost as soft as gold and just as the latter could be melted, shaped and moulded into thin bars or even thinner threads. In the case of the interspacial bag, Leon would learn later as his curiosity would not be stated by Jin Li today, the thin threads would be sewn inside the bag in certain patterns known to enchanters and powered by tiny mage stones. This would warp the space inside the bag, make it several times larger than it should be.


    "As I understand it," Jin Li continued, after thinking more on his meagre knowledge about the subject, "void stone naturally warps the space around it.  Makes mining it a pain."


    Jin Li was a martial arts fanatic, his knowledge built after the foundation of other important subjects heavily leaned towards martial arts. What was not martial arts, he was not really interested in so didn''t go out of his way to learn. But Jin Li knew somewhat about void stone and its uses as his eldest brother had managed to obtain a mine through some means or other. The mine did not seem to have many decent clusters of the rock left, though Jin Sha had always claimed there was enough to create a modest profit.  As it happened, two rival Cultivators happened to cross paths violently in the nearby area, killing a few of the minors due to cave ins caused by their disruptions.   During the clean up after the fight, a fresh source of the stone was uncovered and this vein was abundant.  It also hid even purer treasures in its depths.


    "Rings and bracelets are not made of the stone," Jin Li told him. "To make these, one needs Void Gems. These are harder to find, because they can only be found inside very few Void stones."


    Oh and how Jin Sha had bragged however subtly about the void gems discovered in his cheap mine.  Even forgetting the ones used to create a ring for the Emperor''s birthday and a bracelet for their mother, these could ensure the Jin''s family wealth continued for several generations.  So long as they were able to protect them and the mine, that was, but doubts of inability never once formed in Jin Li''s mind.  His family would not be worthy of the surname Jin if they were incapable.


    "Void Gems carry with them small pocket dimensions many times larger than an interspacial bag and things contained within them are as unaffected by time as when using an inter-dimensional container. Still can''t put a live thing inside though."


    Leon had once been interesting in purchasing an inter-dimensional bag, that held timeless space within, but had decided it was a pipe dream.  A single bag could cost several gold pieces and that was a low quality one with not a great deal of space inside.  Thinking of this, he could just imagine how costly that tiny ring could potentially be.  The gold required must be more than an entire village would be able to gather in two hundred years!  If not reaching into jade coin figures!  He was not wrong, but would have been closer if he tripled his estimates.


    He sighed and put away his interest for a few moments as their dishes were placed before them with clean chopsticks.


    Glaring at the tools of torture, he picked them up only to find that a piece of soy-braised carrot had been placed before his lips.  "Well, open your mouth," Jin Li ordered him, causing him to blush profusely.  He did indeed open his mouth to protest, but couldn''t as the vegetable was pushed inside.  Having no choice but to chew, he bowed his head, listening to the sound of those chopsticks clicking over the meat dishes, at a rapid pace.


    Leon slowly managed to use his own chopsticks to save himself some face, but it was ripped away a few times with Jin Li''s insistence that he feed his small alchemist, otherwise the meat he''d ensured had formed upon the youth''s body would surely be lost. Jin Li didn''t want to the person in his embrace to be an uncomfortable sack of bones. Not attractive at all!


    After finishing the soup and rinsing their mouths a little with refreshing tea (this was naturally supplied by Leon, the restaurant was only asked for hot water), the pair asked for the bill. Leon felt his heart ache a little when handing over the silver, even after bracing himself and they left the place soon after.


    The sky had darkened, becoming a tarnished silver-grey and although the snow had not amounted to much, a cold wind brushed past them and swept the remnant white dusting of it along the ground. Fortunately, the soup had been a warming sort and left a glow in both their bellies, so once the winds died down, Leon did not feel too abused by the turn in the weather. And besides, with Jin Li walking so close beside him, sharing his natural warmth, how could he feel cold for long?


    In their personal bubble, they walked down the street in the direction of the Ramas palace, while others slowly abandoned their own shopping trips wanting to escape the dropping temperatures within their carriages and eventually their own homes.

 Chapter 217 - - Sun visits his mother

    While Jin Li and Leon were beginning their explorations in the wealthy section of the city, Sun was sitting in the reception of his mother''s courtyard, accompanying the older woman.  A cup of tea had been placed in front of him, but the sweet scent was too floral and light for him having been subject to both Jin Li''s preferences and Leon''s medicinal teas. The walls seemed to be lined with his mother''s personal maids, all ready to attend their needs, but it made him really uncomfortable, which was one of the reasons he disliked coming here.


    As for the mistress of this courtyard...


    Sun took after his mother; this was one of the reasons his grandmother couldn''t help but find fault with him. They both shared the same long, straight, dark brown hair, the same round, sunny face gently touched by a smattering of freckles and bright, expression-filled eyes.  Sun was taller than his mother, but it was not as if this was an impressive thing; her lack of height meant even the most diminutive of her maid''s did not challenge her for this trait.  Three children and a generally comfortable way of life had given the woman a wider hip, breast and waist over the years and being small on top meant she resembled a cute dumpling rather than a sophisticated lady, but few were as happy and content as she.


    If there was one true blot on her cheerfulness (harsh words of family members were like a punch on a large wad of cotton wool) it was that her baby boy had left home to attend school.


    Any wife could be proud to birth a son and content to birth a daughter, but she had not only been blessed with both, she had born her cute baby boy as well. Her first son needed to be educated and strong in order to follow in his father''s and potentially his grandfather''s footsteps. Her daughter needed to be taught skills and grow beautifully and wed a capable man worthy of her. Her second son had not these responsibilities and could be totally spoiled her, his mother.


    She''d been so proud when he unlocked his potential as a Cultivator, but also so worried. Could her happy and lovely baby boy cope with the expectations of him? Could he cultivate well and with ease? Her heart faltered when she saw him trying to be so strong and broke when his smile began to fade, the jealousy of others finally wearing him down. And when that little relative of her brother-in-law''s daughter''s friend convinced her family to send a matchmaker to her mother-in-law wanting to marry in, marry her precious child, she was dead set against it!


    Fortunately, no matter how her mother-in-law half-heartedly considered it, the General would not.  After all, the little girl was a concubine daughter and Sun was born of the main wife of his second son, their statuses did not match and she could only be his concubine should she marry in.  However, Sun had no wife yet and unless one was a Prince, it was unusual to marry in concubines before wives.  Still, the idea of having Sun marry was there now and even if the child himself was unwilling, he could not easily go against his elders should they make a decision on his behalf.


    At that time, Yunisa had come home to visit and mentioned her husband''s cousin was due to graduate from the Ascending Mountain Institute as an honourable scholar.


    "Ascending Mountain Institute?" Mond had queried. "Is that not a school for Cultivators?"


    "Hmm," Yunisa had agreed and proceeded to tell her family how the Institute was actually made up of five schools studying separate main subjects. "A student who graduates usually not only has skills beyond his peers, but has had the opportunity to make connections to others of excellent learning. I do not know much about Cultivators, but I''ve heard that it is an extremely rare thing for a student to still be at Primary level when graduating. Most are of Secondary or Tertiary Stage or even stronger!"


    Immediately, within Sun''s mind, the seed had been sown and with an obvious renewed enthusiasm for life, he and his servants had learned all that they could about the Institute before Sun had begged to be able to attend. As his mother, wanting him to smile, wanting the best for him, how could she not put in a few words of her own while lying on her husband''s pillow? But she did miss him terribly!


    So it was only natural for her to summon to her side her cute and grouchy little sweet Osmanthus pudding cup!


    "So, are you getting on well with the other Cultivators?" She asked him as she sipped her tea.


    "Mom, it''s not a commoner school for boys, you know!" Sun rolled his eyes and crossed his arms about his chest as he leaned back upon the soft couch.


    "I know that, dear," she reassured him, "but I don''t want to see you getting hurt by fighting with the other boys!"


    "They''d have to catch me first," Sun muttered beneath his breath then sighed.  "It''s fine.  I''m friends with a couple of seniors, good guys and then you know there''s Jin Li, my roommate and his... I mean Leon." He scratched his chin in thought and quietly added; "I suppose Maimai could count as a friend."


    "Oh!" Her dark eyes began to sparkle with glee.  "Is that a girl you like?"


    "What? No, mom!" Actually Sun did once have a small crush on Maimai, she was, after all, a very pretty girl.  But she was also... really... unique.  For one thing, she was slightly obsessive when it came to knowing all about how Leon and Jin Li were doing as a couple.  And there was the way she occasionally looked at him, as if she were examining the potential of some rare species, never as a man!  She was also a bit dangerous, whether it be her cauldron flying randomly or her fist flying in a very specific direction, both would definitely hurt if they made contact.  "Maimai happens to be Leon''s best friend and attends the Alchemist school with him."


    "So your friend Leon likes her, then," his mother concluded, "but that doesn''t mean you need to step away if you are interested in her.  After all, as sweet as your friend Leon seems to be, you are definitely a better catch!"  Sun blinked, trying to figure out in which direction his mother''s thoughts had wandered off to.


    "Mom, I do not like her that way," Sun said, firmly.  "And neither does Leon.  She is just a friend."


    "Oh," his mother looked slightly downcast; she had been warming up to this subject.  "So is there anyone at the school you do like?"


    "There''s no one," Sun replied.  All his crushes ships had sailed.  That''s what happened when you hung around with dashing figures like Jin Li and Bowyer or strong, protective types such as Pike.  The small, cute type apparently lacked the same appeal.  That and the moment any of those pretty girls had acted beguiling towards the men they liked and out of character, he immediately lost interest anyway. "And I really want to focus on improving my martial arts and cultivation." His Teacher, Corvus, was a weird one, overbearing and stupid at times, but all the things he taught Sun were an excellent fit for him.  This was probably due to the fact that they both shared the same root, thus Sun was benefiting from Corvus'' many decades of experience and refinement of wind-based skills.  His Cultivation, which had remained stagnant until he began attending school, was now rapidly improving, thanks to Leon for helping him smash through his bottleneck and Corvus'' Cultivation method.


    "Well, if there is someone," his mother was not as ready to let go as Sun was, "then you just tell me and I''ll see about her background and approaching her family!"  Sun remained silent, knowing this battle was lost.  The woman took his silence as acquiescence and smiled, before taking a small sip of tea.  Unfortunately, she now had to broach a subject she didn''t really want to, but her mother-in-law had been insistent.

 Chapter 218 - - Just who is Jin Li?

    Her mother-in-law''s words had been along the lines of; "Find out from young Sun the family background of the young master Jin Li."


    Actually, it was not just Sun''s grandmother who wished to know this; the one who had instigated her was curious as well, but to that one''s mind, so long as Jin Li was not a poor peasant or a good-for-nothing, what did his background matter? He could always marry into their family and be added to their genealogy should his background not be equal nor better than theirs!


    There was also General Ramas, but that wily old fox was not just interested in the family background of Jin Li, he also wished to know about his ability as a Martial Artist. That and he did not rule out Leon from his investigations, as he was sure that there was more to that boy than met the eye.


    Sun left his mother''s courtyard in a bit of a daze thinking; actually what did he know about Jin Li?  He''d vaguely mentioned in passing that his immediate family consisted of his father and mother, two brothers and himself.  There seemed to be no concubines nor shu siblings included in the family, as far as his knowledge went, but then he did not know whether those brothers descended from the same mother either.  Jin Li had mentioned that his mother was a tough one, a Martial Artist in her own right by the sounds of things, so he couldn''t quite picture her as being a concubine or wife that would put up with other women in the background... but what did he know what was within a woman''s mind.


    Oh... but wasn''t there an Uncle too...


    As for everything else, he met Jin Li on the day they were assigned rooms.  Jin Li didn''t talk much about himself... or anything else at all really.  He never even knew that Jin Li had an acquaintance in Leon until the alchemist first appeared before him.  He felt shamefaced recalling that he thought the older youth was Jin Li''s servant at the time, but then, wasn''t that what Jin Li had told him...


    After that, Jin Li would disappear often to visit Leon and leave him behind. Jin Li randomly took him on missions for points, but then spent those points on Leon. Jin Li bossed both he and Leon about, yet if anything happened to Leon, Jin Li would take care of him. Sun began to pout. He never took care of me, though. A sigh escaped him in the next moment as he supposed that was the difference between a friend and a boyfriend.


    Other than that, he realised that he really didn''t know anything about Jin Li, his past, where he came from or anything before they enrolled in school. He wondered vaguely why he''d never asked, before shrugging. It was not as though Jin Li was the approachable type prone to sharing, it was probably due to his cold, aloof aura that prevented him from asking.


    He conveniently forgot the background he''d originally imagined for Jin Li back when he''d first had stars in his eyes after meeting the ''heroic'' Jin Li and then becoming roommates with him, which became so ideal to him that it never occurred to him to ask for the truth.


    Flakes of snow fell upon his nose and the chilly breeze awoke him from his musings and he hurried back to his courtyard to warm up by a coal brazier. He then sent one servant to go to the guest courtyard where Jin Li and Leon resided to ask them whether they wanted to join him for the evening meal and called to another to draw him hot water for a bath.


    The first servant returned while he was soaking in the warm waters, thinking that it was a pity that he didn''t have Leon''s bath salts to saturate his meridians and improve the movements of his spirit energy through them. That servant had to say that young masters Jin Li and Leon had not yet returned and so he had left a message with the servants assigned there. This caused Sun to pout once more thinking that the pair were off having fun without him again and his bath no longer felt satisfying, so he got out of it. He dismissed the servant who attempted to help him dry and dress, having now the habit of performing these small tasks himself, but he did allow the man to comb and pin up his wealth of brown hair.


    Once more soothed, the message came that Jin Li and Leon would indeed join him for the meal. Sun became cheerful once more and sent someone to put in a request for dishes for the three to be sent to his courtyard at a later hour.


    The Martial Artist and his alchemist were completely unaware that their friend had spent much of the day in contemplation about them. This pair had not returned for long, but would have returned sooner had they not been delayed by an obstacle of the female persuasion.  After entering the reception room, the servant had relayed the message and received in return; "Yes, whatever," From Jin Li, along with; "prepare hot water for this Lord and one''s alchemist''s bath."


    The servant bowed in acquiescence before coming to the conclusion that the words included an affirmative to Sun''s invitation and sent a return message accordingly before helping his colleagues in heating water.


    A short while later, two bodies squeezed into one tub, despite the small alchemist protesting that they would not fit together and the tall Martial Artist insisting on proving otherwise, their bodies warming in the water and removing the remnant chill.  Leon lie with his back upon Jin Li''s chest and nestled between Jin Li''s legs, fully aware of every part of his body in between, but his reddening skin could well be explained by the heat of the steamy water so he pretended not to be embarrassed by this.  He turned his head, blinking as he tried to bring Jin Li''s smugly contented face into some focus, before saying aloud; "I w-wonder what was w-with that g-girl."


    "What girl?"  As usual, Jin Li''s quirk of failing to recall those he had no interest with reared its head, despite that encounter being no longer than the burning of two incense sticks ago.


    Leon did remember that the girl he spoke of was called Carmen, a lady of the palace so naturally one of Sun''s numerous cousins.  As they had come through the garden of canals, heading towards the specific moon gate that happened to lead more directly in the section of the palace which belonged to the second family, the girl had been kneeling there.  It appeared that she was examining a garden herb, Leon had happened to recognise and knew flowered in winter.  The bloom had budded, but it was not time for it to reveal its inner beauty.


    She, who was accompanied by two maids, had seen them and had risen to her feet quite elegantly, before bending her knees a little in crusty to greet them.  Leon had made to bow back with cupped hands, but Jin Li had just nodded a bit, making his small alchemist feel a bit awkward.  The girl had said nothing about their return greetings, just smiled, her eyes directed unsurprisingly at Jin Li and began; "This humble maid was just admiring the flowers and wasn''t expecting that one might cross paths with you, sir.  But I am glad of this chance to properly thank you."


    Jin Li had remained silent, raising his brows, but Leon had known from experience that he was a bit irritated.  Leon hadn''t been feeling much different, he was cold and wanted to get back to their courtyard in order to warm his exposed hands and face.  But the girl had remained still standing there with her affectionate smile and expectant expression.  She hadn''t seem the least bit bothered by the lack of conversation, patiently waiting for Jin Li to proceed with the next sentence.  In the end, his teeth chattering, Leon had blurted out; "W-we have d-done n-n-nothing that r-requires thanks, M-m-miss."


    The Martial Artist looked around sharply at the other, causing a certain miss to make assumptions that leaned towards reprimands, making her somewhat satisfied and completely missing the fact that she''d upset the tall youth more.  His small alchemist was suffering.


    "Indeed," Jin Li had agreed with him.  "This Lord has done nothing that warrants thanks from you."


    "So humble," one of the personal maids had murmured to her young Miss, completely missing the hidden meaning in his words.


    "But of course, this Sir is joking," Carmen had laughed, softly, her practiced giggle like pure silver bells chiming in harmony.  "My dear cousin has returned with studious merit, delighting my grandfather with his achievements and found ability.  You say that you have nothing to do with fifth brother''s improved cultivation and skill?"  Leon had been confused by the terms, what studious merit, what achievements?  Was she talking about the points he earned?  But then, how would she know?


    "Sun''s achievements have nothing to do with this Lord," Jin Li had sneered.  "But was all his own hard work and the teachings of Institute.  If you wish to offer praise, try redirecting your words, this Lord can''t accept them." He had then grabbed Leon''s wrist and they had left the girl and her maids behind.


    Leon shook his head, the bath water rippling with the motions his body made, but a smile came unbidden to his lips.  It fell away a moment later as wandering hands wandered too far.  "J-Jin Li, ah! We''re m-meant to visit Sun for d-d-dinner!"


    "Tch!"


    Fortunately, the dishes were not cold when the pair finally arrived at Sun''s courtyard later that evening.

 Chapter 219 - - Our best laid plans...

    The meal consisted of six meat dishes, three vegetarian and one soup as well as a bowl of rice each, which seemed a bit extravagant to Leon considering that it was just Sun and two guests, but neither Sun nor Jin Li said a word about it, as if this was a normal fair to be had.  Leon did not know that usually the servants were given the left overs to eat, hence the quantity, but he also did not know that this was not Sun''s usual practice either.  In the second family''s part of the Ramas Palace, such was just not done, servants should not be given scraps but served their own meals, however the kitchens dished out food to their Masters equally on the instructions of the Matriarch and this was the result.


    Again, this was a pointless detail, whether there would be leftovers or not, only Jin Li''s stomach was aware.


    Small talk revolved mostly around what Jin Li and Leon had been up to today and though the more personal details were left out, Sun came to understand that the pair had explored the extravagant north town and its many expensive shops and venues.  As expected, they came away as empty handed as they arrived.


    "I''m not surprised," Sun admitted as his chopsticks grabbed quickly a few pieces of red braised boar into his bowl before Jin Li could sweep clean the juicy chunks of glistening meat and leave him without.  When it came to dining, Sun could admit that he preferred Leon''s company, at least the alchemist''s tastes were light and would not fight him for the richer flavours available.  They only shared a liking of sweet dishes, but again Leon was too polite and would always concede to others.  Not that it was a problem at the Institute, there was always plenty of food to go around, it was buffet style and one filled their plate as they liked, but when it came to dining such as this...


    Jin Li did glare at him for half a heartbeat, but his chopsticks redirected their path towards the sliced horned oxen in chilli sauce and attacked this delicious dish instead.


    "I know! I''ll take you both to the west town and market!" Sun continued between savoured bites. "It''s nearest the river to the port town, there are always interesting things to look at there! Plus the shops prices are more reasonable, even though they aren''t cheap, the things aren''t bad either."


    This agreement, the weather did not agree with and the heavens that had not managed more than a smattering of snow released a cold fury onto the land below it, suddenly covering everything in white. It was not much more than ankle deep, but its slippery legacy would make carriage travel more difficult and as the trip was not urgent, they did not feel brazen enough to request horses nor wish to unkindly drag servants from the palace in order to care for them. The labour servants had it difficult enough clearing the paths of the palace in order that their Masters did not trip and damage their tender skin.


    Knowing their trip was cancelled, Jin Li and Leon lingered over tea following breakfast, but unused to feeling so lazy, Leon headed to a side room prepared as his alchemy space and began to prepare herbs. Jin Li had followed him like a second shadow, glancing about the space for one second and losing interest within the next. While the Ramas palace did have a few alchemists living in an area to the rear and technically just outside the palace walls, which was where all of the Ramas army and personnel to support them lived, these had a high sense of their own existence and looked down on others. So all the things in the side room had been brought along by Leon and he had arranged them much as he would at home, so there was nothing really new to look at.


    The currently empty kegs had been placed against one wall. Herbs had been organised into baskets or bottles, depending on their state. The single, portable stove had been placed upon an old table (which was one of the very few things that didn''t belong to Leon) and empty jade bottles lined the shelf, ready to be filled. Leon''s cauldron and the old kettle he''d kept for boiling water to use for potions were also on the table in wait.


    The stove''s mage stones were activated and Leon placed the cauldron on top. His able fingers had already reached for familiar herbs used in making his improved one heart pills, which he made at least once every ten days to keep in practice. Improved One Heart Pills were a little trickier than normal ones after all, as were Improved Blood Pills, so he liked to remind himself of their recipes. These sold well and steadily in Pharmacist Clawse'' shop back in Julip Town anyway, so it was of no loss to Leon to continue making them.


    However Jin Li was not resigned to watching Leon making pills for very long, as although he often enjoyed watching the serious concentrating expression on his small alchemist''s face, he also enjoyed the expressions he made when frustrated, tearful, lost in pleasure...


    Sun arrived as the sun was nearing its lazy zenith, to hear a small explosion and witness a cauldron shattering the wooden window of the guest courtyard side room followed by a cross little alchemist pushing a not remorseful Martial Artist out of its door. With a puffed up pout, the alchemist stormed across the courtyard to pick up his cauldron, before continuing the show back into the side room and shutting Jin Li out. Sun hesitated, feeling really awkward for a moment and not thick enough of face to ask what happened.


    "Well?" Jin Li demanded of him, inadvertently rescuing him from becoming a permanently silent accessory in the guest courtyard''s outside space.


    "Er... I just wanted to know... do you want to see where we can spar?" Sun blurted out.


    Jin Li glanced over his shoulder, slightly sullen, before looking back at his roommate and giving the other boy a curt nod. Sun exhaled, feeling relieved.


    The training grounds that Sun took Jin Li to happened to be in the army base, however it was also considered off bounds to the majority of the soldiers and others who lived there.  This was part of a compromise between the patriarch, General Ramas and his wife.


    General Ramas, as one who had practically been raised within an army, wished for all of his descendants to learn martial arts and experience life as a common soldier in order to understand the men better if leading them.  Lady Ramas, as one noble born, wished for her sons and grandsons to also have the option of following a scholar''s path, becoming officials in the future perhaps and wished for her female descendants to hone their talents and marry into good families.  She also felt that her sons might be bullied by commoners due to jealousy of status and did not want them mingling overly with the soldiers, less they develop bad habits.


    Have to say, that in hindsight, bad habits can develop no matter the status of a man and his peers.  Two of her sons caused her endless shame, but she couldn''t abide others pointing fingers and speaking unkindly of them nonetheless.


    And so a private grounds for the Ramas descendants was developed and only a chosen few outsiders with potential could also spar here.  It was much unlike the soldiers own basic grounds, which in turn were not unlike what could be found at the institute either.  The latter did not need fancy equipment nor artificially created rugged terrain, they were surrounded by trees and mountains!  And if there was a want to experience a more life-like scenario, there were the mage induced illusions in which one could fight beasts and spirits and other Cultivators in numerous terrains along with the injuries and mental statuses, pain and agony they might have to deal with in reality.  In fact the only thing that would not happen is true death.


    In this private area instead, of which trust servants had already cleared of some of the snow, General Ramas may have taken inspiration from immortal fiction, with a series of thick bamboos staked into the ground to create a tall forest of beams for one to spar within or on top, as obstacles or points of balance.  There were also pits and traps, though nothing that would cause fatal injury, plus tall but fake rockeries and small plain of uneven mounds.  There was also a riding grounds and an area to practice long range attacks such as archery and magic.


    Jin Li felt the cells of his body lose the sullenness of early and become tense with anticipation.  He glanced towards Sun with raised brows and his lips quirked into a satisfied smile. Sun grinned, cheerfully and both boys vanished into the bamboo stake forest, oblivious to the added difficulty of the patches of icy ground beneath their feet.  A clash of swords rang out.

 Chapter 220 - - We explore the market of west town

    The snow naturally melted over the course of the following day and after breakfast on the day proceeding, Jin Li, Leon and Sun stepped into a carriage arranged by Mond and began their journey to the west town.


    In passing, the day before was spent grooming two idle Coeurl after taking them to exercise at the riding grounds of the army''s base, less their muscles and instincts become numb from inactivity.  The pair had cruelly chased a stubborn horse that had been ignoring the soldier attempting to coax it.  Without the intelligence of an Equine, the horse had become startled, throwing off the soldier before fleeing (he wasn''t hurt) unaware that the Coeurl weren''t planning on actually hurting it.  Of course, if prey runs...


    Grooming was another affair.  Coeurl''s were felines but they were not cats, especially Wu Ye who no longer had fur.  After washing in water of a decent temperature, Coeurl scales liked to be oiled less they harden and crack and have to be shed exposing the fragile flesh beneath.  In the wild, a Coeurl might use the oils obtained from the fatty parts of its meal to coat itchy parts of its hide with its long tongue, but there were always places difficult to reach.  Plus, the scent of raw animal fat was not exactly pleasant.


    Li Ming, on the other hand, had areas about its neck to gently brush with a comb, which also did not want to be coated in oils, plus the excitable beast was not easy to settle now it had its human''s attention.  Leon had spent some time grooming the not so little Coeurl draped across his lap.


    That had been yesterday, today was another day.  The Coeurl remained in the stable, teasing the servants occasionally, lazing about otherwise, while their humans were travelling and exploring another region of Cenapar.


    West town was likely the place most merchants gathered, due to its river linking sea and the fertile southern farms. Thus there were a hodgepodge of courtyard properties and small palaces half circling the area more abundant with shops and stores, restaurants and teahouses.  There were also areas with market stalls and opportunist vendors, who would throw blankets on the ground to display their wares rather than rent a basic stall for a month.  At least until the guards came along.  At that point, if they did not flee with their things and earnings, they would likely have to pay a fine (also known as a bribe) before being let off with a warning.


    Of course this town would naturally have a red light district as well, but this was off to one side and not a place Sun had ever visited for all his trips to West town.


    Even though the air was still cold and the sky remained a steely grey, the streets were filled with the bustling of people, their raucous calls, bantering and bartering.  The clinking of coins was often heard in this market area, the chime of brass coins rather than silver and for the most part, buyer and seller departed content.  Numerous aromas also filled the air, but the scent of hot oil and spice rose above them all to become dominant.


    As the three were jostled, Leon found his hand captured by Jin Li, but poor Sun had to rely on himself to ensure that the trio remained together.  Fortunately, Sun was light of foot or he surely would be separated in this kind of crowd.


    Leon''s eyes wandered past the various food stalls with the heavy smells not sitting comfortably with his stomach and instead were drawn to others. Such as the stall selling silver trinkets and the stall selling wooden dolls for children. There was also a stall selling embroidery threads and handkerchiefs. This latter he bought two white, silk ones for Jin Li, one embroidered with the a golden koi swimming in blue waters and the other with a brightly coloured persimmon growing on a branch with green leaves. In return, he found stuffed in his own hands a handkerchief embroidered with a magpie in a wutong tree.


    Sun rolled his eyes at such dog-food, recalling what his Di-sister once told him about the symbolism of the last one as she embroidered a similar pattern upon a token pouch for her husband; the wutong tree along symbolised longevity, but with a magpie in its branches it could express sharing joy together in this long life.


    After this stall, Leon became drawn to one selling herbs, but the quality was only so-so and instead he ended up bartering for the seeds of a few common herbs that he did not already own. This was because, while they were easily cared for once established, growing them from scratch was another matter. So seeds were not distributed to students at the institute, nor would most shops bother to stock them, simply the buying the herbs from farmers in the industry instead. The vendor therefore thought Leon must be a bit dumb and so easy to trick coin from. He did not bargain on the malevolent shadow standing behind the small youth, so while he did not make a loss, he did not managed to take advantage either.


    Sun purchased some sweet pastries, which he and Leon enjoyed as they paused for a break, while Jin Li wandered off after discovering a stall selling weapons, unable to resist the lure. He returned with a conceited expression of one who has managed to find a treasure hidden in muck and the glint in his eye suggested that he had further more secured it at a fraction of its actual worth. Indeed, the vendor had been vastly unaware of what he held in amongst the blunt blades and rusted knives to one side that he was pretty much selling as scrap. Only the discerning eye of a martial arts cultivator would ever be able to spy that the tarnished sword coated with a thin layer of red rust held a matrix of spiritual energy in its handle and blade, waiting to be activated.


    To this end, Jin Li later purchased vinegar and mineral oil as well as a soft bristle brush. That evening he would soak and brush and tenderly treat this sword with the touch of a lover. The rust removed and the sheen of the blade restored beautifully, he would continue to polish and coax the weapon, marking it with his blood to claim a bond of ownership with his spiritual energy. And eventually, it would be a pouting Leon who grabbed him and dragged him to bed, where Jin Li found that he would have to coax his unhappy lover with a much more attentive touch and finally subdue him in a night of dual cultivation.


    As the afternoon wore on and their purchases began to mount, their stomachs overfull as well with treats and fried food, they began heading back to the carriage and awaiting driver, when a voice called out suddenly from the crowd;


    "Leo? Leo! Is that really you?!"

 Chapter 221 - One - I meet Leos childhood friend

    The person calling out to him was a young man, mostly likely the same age as Leon, which would be nineteen.  His mahogany coloured hair, that was tied at the nape of his neck by a thin cord, was long enough to reach his shoulder blades, not the usual length that most people favoured.  His skin was ruddy, peachy tones with the red of someone flustered staining his cheeks.  His eyes were narrow and thin, sheltered with deep coloured lashes causing them to seem as if they were smiling, crescent moons.  He was not very tall, possibly a couple of inches more of height than Leon and his body robust and dressed in slightly frayed hemp clothing, the coat of which was held together by grass rope.


    "I almost didn'' recognise ye!  Wot happened to ye hair an'' wots with ye glasses?" The boy was saying.


    Leon felt a wave of familiarity before vague images flashed before his eyes, firstly of a tiny, round faced boy with gaps in his teeth and of a slightly older boy dragging him through a field.  However, the details of those memories did not etch deeply onto his mind once a name came unbidden to his lips.  "You are R-Russ," Leon blurted out and the other boy grinned brightly.


    "Aye!" The boy confirmed.  "I see that fancy school ain''t fixed ye stutter!"


    Leon was startled, but quickly covered his surprise with an "En."  He hadn''t known for sure just how many of his traits existed before his spiritual deviation, at the same point Leo lost his memories and Leon awakened his.  Now it could be confirmed that Leo had always had the speech impediment.  Leon wondered now how bad it had been in the past since he so long as he was not nervous or tired, his stutter notably had improved this past half year.


    Jin Li''s eyes narrowed and he glanced down at his small alchemist.  "You know this person?"


    "En.  This is Russ. I r-r-remember him."  Leon had no secrets from Jin Li, so the young man knew just exactly what Leon meant by these words.  Leon had regained lost memories of his former self.


    "Phew! Ye granda'' was all a-worry, thinkin'' summin'' had happened to ye," Russ began as if no words had passed between Leon and the other.  "Why did ye not send word to us fer so long?"


    "M-my g-g-grandfather?" Leon whispered, his eyes suddenly filling with watery emotion.  He cleared his throat and looked pleadingly to the boy before him.  "Is he w-well?"


    Russ scratched his head, uncaring that his dark hair was pulled out of its tie by his broken figure nails and said; "He were fine wen I came here lookin'' fer work.  I go'' a job on the river docks las'' moon.  I go'' me first pay check so I''m buyin'' stuff fer me mam and me sisters fer new year."  The boy looked very proud of himself with his chest puffed outward slightly and Leon felt his lips curve upward in response.  "Are ye gonna come back to the village soon, mebbe visit ye granda'' fer new year?"


    Leon''s expression crumbled slightly and his head bowed low as a longing filled his chest.  Jin Li still held his hand, though this was hidden from view due to the draping of their long coats, and he squeezed it reassuringly before answering for him; "Naturally, it''s ones duty and honour to greet one''s ancestors and be with ones elders to usher in a new year.  However, Leo met with a mishap and his memories became hazy, no longer could he pinpoint his ancestral home.  This is also why he could not send word."  Hearing Jin Li say his old name felt awkward, but he was grateful to his lover for speaking up for him.


    It took a moment for Russ to understand what exactly the tall man standing with his old friend meant, but when he did, his mouth formed a circle and his narrow eyes widened a tad that the earthy colour of them could be seen.  "Ye can'' remember where the village is?"  Leon shook his head with a sad smile.  "I didn'' expect tha''!  Well, why don'' I take ye?  It be only two days travel by wagon from here.  I''ll be goin'' back in five days me-self."


    "I want to go!" The forgotten Sun suddenly piped up behind them and seeing a youth of noble dress, the village boy couldn''t help but bow awkwardly a couple of times.  The others amicably turned a blind eye to his panicked greeting of respect towards a person of higher status.  "We can take a carriage!  My brother will arrange it for us!"  Sun was getting on quite well, he felt, with his older brother, although Mond did not say much and his face was still quite stoic, his eyes were welcoming whenever they met either in passing or with intent.  This and his grandfather was more approving of him since hearing all about his days in the Institute and learning of his betterment of body and spirit.  In addition, due to the cold weather, his cousins were not specifically visiting to make trouble every day, so he was feeling that it was not so bad to return home after all.


    The boy''s eyes grew wide again not knowing how to respond to the over-enthusiastic noble youth.  Seeing him, it had made him take a renewed look over Leo and his other friend.  Both were wearing warm coats made of animal fur and skin, which had also been embroidered with ornate designs and looked very different to the stuffed, layered hemp one that he wore in an attempt to keep him warm.  All three wore the crown and hairpin''s favoured by wealthy young men to restrain their wealth of silken hair upon their heads, Leo''s hairpin even seemed to be of snowy white jade!  Leo''s glasses were also much different and no longer obscured his large, midnight eyes.  All in all, if Russ did not know better, he would have thought Leo was a noble or rich boy rather than a commoner like himself hailing from a small village.


    But even as he thought this and began to become uncertain, his old friend turned to him and offered the familiar, warm and slightly shy smile he recalled.  "Then w-would you g-g-guide us b-back, Russ?"  Russ inwardly sighed, this was still Leo, same quiet manner, same little stutter and same pleasing aura.  No matter how fancy he was dressed up.  He reckoned that the school had just been generous and helped him fit in.  It did not occur to him that all what he saw was a combination of his own hard work and gifts from his lover and friends.


    "O''course I will!" He grinned, brightly, feeling warm and happy from top to toe.  His old friend was back, how could he not be happy!  Plus, it would be good if Leo recalled the promise they made when he went away.  Then things would be even more perfect.

 Chapter 222 - Two - Jin Li contemplates closed cultivation

    The sea of swirling stars twinkled as tiny sparks shot between them.  As each speck of light was struck by the thin lightning bolts, they brightened and were it not that they resembled a galaxy as seen from billions of miles away, the light might be considered blinding.  The outer spiral of stars and flickering bolts separated from the sea to travel along a conduit leading to a network of pathways that stretched outward like veins and capillaries, weaving between the mirrored scene of blood vessels and the fine web of nerves.  Occasionally, the speckles of spiritual energy seemed to brush against the already sensitive nerves and the foreign lightning forked outwards to further tease them, sending messages to the brain that spoke of increased pleasure.


    A groan escaped Leon''s throat as he released acknowledgment of the feeling, despite being deep within the cultivation state and his body tightened around the object pressing within him instinctively.  In turn, the consciousness of the owner of said object stirred and let loose a breath as he circled the fine, white lightning bolts streaking through his own meridians before returning to an innersea that no longer looked like a hellish storm depicting a scene of nature''s full fury, but a stunning display of electricity connecting the sky to the earth in a controlled display of glorious power.


    He nudged the consciousness of his Dao Companion, gently encouraging the latter to prepare to withdraw from their joint Cultivation, just as he intended to do.  And so their minds parted, but their bodies remained joined and Jin Li pushed down the alchemist seated within his lap in order to better cover him.  Leon had barely come to his senses when the friction of the first thrust against his innerwalls filled his mind once more with pleasure and unable to take it in his sensitive state, his essence spilled from him violently.


    A proud Jin Li that had caused his body to tremble so, continued to slowly plunder his body, marking his neck with strawberry kisses and shallow teeth indentations as he did so.  Leon could only cling to his neck as he was taken advantage of thoroughly and completely.  Their lips came together and their tongues entwined as suddenly Jin Li''s movements became more urgent and he quickened his thrusts until it was he who had to surrender to the pleasure that being within his small alchemist caused him.


    Leon came once more with a small sigh, barely awake as Jin Li reluctantly left his body, then drifted to sleep as a warm cloth cleaned his naked skin.  His Martial Artist then rose from the bed, tucked the covers about him before placing a light kiss upon his sleeping face.  Unlike his small alchemist, he felt quite energised and awake, so he left the other to rest, quietly throwing on his inner robes before retiring to the reception room.


    He threw a bolt of lightning into the brazier, causing the coals within to alight, but soon the flames quietened to a smoulder releasing more heat than the scented smoke of them and the essence sprinkled upon them, warming the room a little.  He then sat down upon the couch, stretching his limbs in a lazy, languid fashion and resting his chin upon his hand as he contemplated. While he had Dual Cultivated with Leon, he had felt that his innersea was becoming too small to contain his spiritual energy.  This sensation had become noticeable in recent days and Jin Li believed that this was due to reaching the peak of tertiary.  Soon he would have to attempt to breakthrough the first bottleneck all Cultivators must face. This, his Teachers would never predict, with the exception perhaps of the Institute''s rather astute Headmaster.


    But the time was not now.


    A breakthrough to quaternary stage did not occur for everyone, it could be considered the second true test of a cultivator, if awakening one''s root was the first.  If the breakthrough was successful, then all of the spiritual energy within his innersea would condense and become the golden core of his immortal being.  Not that he could be considered immortal at this point, however once the core was formed, his spiritual energies would then begin to temper his body, strengthening his muscles, quickening his responses, sharpening his senses and refining him above and beyond what just martial arts could do.


    Having the opportunity to temper one''s body, this was the goal of every late stage Core Forming Cultivator, just as having the opportunity to temper one''s mind would be the goal of every late stage Body Refining Cultivator. But this opportunity could only come once he had broken through the bottleneck that defeated many.


    An ordinary breakthrough was a vulnerable time for a Cultivator. Any disturbances or accidents could result in deviation of spirit and the horrible side affects concurrent with such. Leon''s deviation had not been a result of trying to break through and even then it had been a curse and yet a blessing for him, but that was an extremely unique case. Most suffering from a failed breakthrough would experience physical harm, their meridian''s damaged, perhaps their roots as well and this was if they were lucky. Some might become disabled and unable to ever cultivate again. A few might even lose their lives.


    And so as long as the breakthrough was expected, the Cultivator might hide somewhere safe briefly, perhaps surrounded by mage protection formations or even ask assistance from someone trusted to watch over them. This was known as Closed Cultivation, though it was not only for attempting to make breakthroughs, but some also found it useful to enter in order to advance more rapidly without outside interference. Closed Cultivation for a normal breakthrough was usually brief, a matter of days for those of low cultivation at most, weeks or months as strength increased. But for those aiming to breakthrough the bottlenecks every three cultivation levels, it could be three or four or even more times that, for it was harder and more focus and energy required than of normal times.


    Note that only fools and those with a death wish would not enter this state during a breakthrough of a bottleneck. That is how extremely vulnerable they were in this prolonged period, where death would be the most likely result of deviation at this critical point. Thus Jin Li would also follow suit, taking advantage of the Institute''s Hollow Mountain, where students and Teachers could enter Closed Cultivation at will.


    Such would have to wait, though, for he was not at the Institute now and he wished to spend these few weeks before returning with his beloved Dao Companion. If he had the choice, he would drag Leon into Closed Cultivation as well, but the small Alchemist neither needed this nor would it benefit either of them, perhaps even cause delays in his, Jin Li''s progress. He knew himself well, even if he would not openly admit to it.


    After this, after successfully breaking through to Quaternary (for he never doubted his ability to do so), he would be able to make the journey between realms with less of the risk that was otherwise attached. He would be able to return home. This had once been his intention; regain his lost cultivation, breakthrough and return. This was still his intention, but there would be a while longer before he did so. For he had no intention of leaving without his small alchemist by his side.

 Chapter 223 - Three - We deal with a bit of nuisance at the front gates

    A few days later, Leon and Jin Li prepared luggage to take with them to Leon''s village. Or rather, Leon folded and packed clothing and checked over the gifts that they had purchased and had prepared to take with them, while Jin Li drank tea and waited for his small alchemist to finish. Following that, the pair made their way to the stables as it was planned that they would take Wu Ye and Li Ming with them.


    Li Ming leapt about Leon excitedly, rubbing his whiskered face against Leon''s thighs, while Jin Li and Wu Ye looked on with sneers of disdain etched upon their respective faces. Just look at this pair of Master and Pet with their public displays of affection! However, the beast and Martial Artist opinions differed on just who should be the Master and who should be the Pet in the human and coeurl pairing.


    Leon scratched beneath Li Ming''s chin once more, before the ''family of four'' headed towards the front gate of the Ramas Palace to meet with Sun. Older brother Mond was with the round faced youth, but he was not the only one.


    "Please do forgive me, third brother, sixth brother," the girl, whose personal maid had been arguing that the sky was green with the personal servant of her sixth brother over some nonsense or other, suddenly spoke aloud as she noticed them appear in her peripheral vision.  The two brothers looked momentarily confused, until they happened to notice Jin Li''s approach and eye rolled inwardly.  So that was the reason she was dilly-dallying around the front gate instead of instructing her maids to fix the problem that she had mentioned.


    "I honestly assumed that the carriage was the one arranged for me by Grandmother!" Carmen added as she continued to glance through shuttered lashes at the dashing man walking her way.  His servant was ever present, although of very low birth from what she had discovered, not even born within Jin Li family walls, at least he was attentive.  Should he continue to serve her future husband well, she might even find him a good wife so that his sons could take good care of her sons...


    Sun''s words drew her from her happy thoughts.  "Well, now you know otherwise, eleventh sister," he told her, referring to her address rather than her name.  Their ages might not be so different, but there were far more sisters within the Ramas Palace than brothers. Sun could clearly see that Carmen was not looking at him at all, nor likely paying him any attention, but as his best friend and other friend had reached them, he couldn''t not acknowledge their presence and keep closed the opening the girl was obviously waiting for. "Good morning, Jin Li, Leon!" He looked less enthusiastic than he sounded with his greeting.


    Jin Li returned Sun''s greeting with a small nod and acknowledged Mond with a slightly more respectful bow. Mond turned to the side as if he was not worthy of such a respectful bow and simply gave the youths warm smiles suggesting that they need not be so formal. "You are my little brother''s good friends," he reminded them, "therefore, you can refer to me as older brother as well."


    Both youths then bowed greetings towards Sun''s cousin; she was still his family and this place was her home. She curtseyed in return and batted her long lashes towards Jin Li. Her grandmother had always complimented her for them that framed her beautiful eyes, making them stand out that much more.


    She glanced over the two Coeurl beasts walking either side of the pair. "Are these your Coeurl?" Carmen offered a smile of appreciation. "They are young and this maiden''s knowledge is poor, but even I can tell that they will become mighty and fine creatures in the future!"


    Little Li Ming proudly glanced up at its human and nudged the youth''s legs. Hee hee, I will be grow up to be awesome!


    Fool. Wu Ye''s eyes might have softened over Li Ming''s antics, but it was not so easily tricked by pretty words. It was absolutely obvious that it was a mighty and fine creature and would be more so in the future. Did not need this little two-legged creature to throw meaningless compliments!


    Wu Ye''s instincts told it that the girl did not like them at all, despite her words.  Indeed he was correct.  In Carmen''s eyes, the two Coeurl were not furry, small and cute, like her own pet, did long have delicate feathers and sing pretty like her Grandmother''s caged birds, nor were as noble and useful as her daddy''s equines.  They were aggressive looking, ugly and vicious with unpleasant scaled skin.  These wild things were better off dead and were definitely not suitable for her future husband to keep!


    "You over compliment them, there is no need."  Jin Li''s words earned him a bitten arm, but the skin was not pierced so the black beast was ignored.


    Carmen smiled covering her uncertainty on how to carry on the conversation, being cut short so neatly.  Her maid tugged her sleeve discreetly and indicated the carriage waiting outside of the gates and she was enlightened.  "Third brother arranged a carriage for yourselves and sixth brother?  Would it not be alright for me to share it with you?  I was planning to go into town to purchase embroidery threads that I might sew a new handkerchief...oops..." as she had been speaking, she had withdrawn a handkerchief from her sleeve, one embroidered cleverly with daffodils and butterflies.  It was not actually sewn by herself, her own embroidery was not good as just with cultivation, she disliked spending time and patience upon it.  The handkerchief slipped from her grasp only to float a little to Jin Li''s feet.


    She placed fingers upon her lips in feigned worry, her large eyes glancing from the silk to the man shadowing it.  But Jin Li was unmoved.  Those aware of her scheme narrowed their eyes, though hid their irritation well, those not aware... Leon would have moved to pick up the cloth, politely, had he not be held firmly back by an overbearing Martial Artist, so it was up to the cute and mighty Li Ming to save the day it seemed!


    Wu Ye shook its head, flinging it''s long whiskers like whips as it did so, even causing a minor injury to the human standing beside it.  It ignored the sudden glare it received as if it were nothing to do with it.  Unknowing of the play behind it, Li Ming innocently dropped the picked up handkerchief at its owner''s feet then looked up smugly, seeking praise.  Smirks and chuckles were hidden poorly behind fists and flowing sleeves, while the girl who failed to scheme could only stare at her drool marked handkerchief before her.  Her maid quickly removed it from her sight.  "Thanks..." Carmen muttered between clenched teeth.  She would definitely have the beasts killed once she married over...


    "Eleventh sister," Mond spoke first, having the most control of his emotions, "I won''t mention the inappropriateness of an unmarried maiden sitting in the same carriage as outside men, just that this carriage is not intending to head to the north town.  So even if there was no other carriage for you to use, it is useless to consider sharing this one."


    "Not going to town?" She tilted her head as if this had never occurred to her.


    "No."


    Carmen waited for one person to enlighten her, but no one felt like playing to her whims any longer.


    "Shall we go?" asked Sun, brightly, having renewed cheer thanks to a silly Coeurl adolescent and a handkerchief.


    "En," Jin Li agreed and ushered his small alchemist towards the gate and subsequent carriage.


    "See you in a few days, big brother!" Sun waved purposefully as he hopped on the carriage and amused himself with Carmen''s unhappy expression.  Mond offered him a nod in acknowledgement then watched as the carriage rumbled away.  He turned to renter the palace, heading towards his family''s section of it, but not before giving his female cousin a knowing look.  He wanted her to know that she was aware of her intentions and he did not approve.  However, as both were aware, he was not her elders and while she had to be respectful to him, he had no say in her marital arrangements, thus she ignored his leaving look and turned to her maid instead.


    "Do what you must," she whispered, "but find out just where they have headed to."


    "Yes, young mistress."

 Chapter 224 - Four - My family matters are complicated too!

    The wooden carriage was a larger model with four wheels, crafted from a heavy, rich hardwood requiring two strong horses to pull it rather than a lone beast.  It was not as ornate as many of the other family carriages, but it was clearly not so plain that the occupants might be mistaken as servants.  Therefore it was not surprising that a certain country bumpkin was completely overwhelmed when it paused at the southern gate and opened its brocade curtains to allow him entry.  He shook with nervousness, worried about marking the wood with his bitten nails, or dirtying the step with his dusty boots.  His fears were only made worse when he came to see the inside of the carriage.


    The opening was near the front of the carriage, which also lead to the carved bench that the driver nestled upon, while the masters sat comfortably in the rear of the carriage.  Along the very back was actually nestled a bed with short curtains for privacy, while along its exposed length was cushioned seating.  Nailed in front of this was a small table for tea and snacks.  There was also a narrow bench, likely for servants nearer the entrance to the carriage and along the opposite wall.  It was all a bit fancy for x, he wasn''t sure what to do with himself.


    The rear sofa was occupied by his friend Leo and the tall Martial Artist that had stood awfully close to his friend when he last saw them and was just as close to him now.  Then leaving a more decent space was the young master he''d also met that day.  A stranger, a man wearing simple cut clothes that were still better than his own, sat on the narrow bench with a straight spine and at readiness to move.  And two other men sat in the driver''s seat.  The Young Master seemed to have no maids serving him, which was the only good point about this whole thing; he wouldn''t know where to look at all if there were women on board too!


    Leo waved him over and attempted to make room for him on the cushioned seating, pushing the Martial Artist over, who made a strange sound with his teeth and tongue... it sounded like he was a bit irritated.  Russ wasn''t sure what he had done, just scratched his head, before nervously making his way over.  The Young Master hadn''t said anything about him sitting on the sofa, so it should be alright.


    "Hi, Russ," Leo smiled warmly as he gingerly took his seat next to him.  "Ah, I d-d-didn''t introduce you the other d-day, b-but these are m-my friends Sun and J-Jin Li."  Russ failed to notice the slight shy tone as Leon said the latter''s name, but he did see the Martial Artist give his friend a very unhappy glare.  It seemed like the man named Jin Li really didn''t like him, this fellow from the same village as Leo, maybe he had a dislike for mortal commoners...


    "Er, hullo," Russ greeted the two other young men.  The sunny faced Young Master gave him a bright grin, which put him a bit more at ease, despite the indifference from the Martial Artist.


    "This is exciting!" Sun cheered.  This was like going on an adventure!  The hero, the best friend of the hero and the hero''s wife, all travelling with a guide to the middle of nowhere to find the hero''s wife''s lost family members and reconnect with them!  Perhaps at the end of the day, there would be a family heirloom that was stolen and the hero''s entourage would need to go liberate it... Sun quickly became lost in his own fantasies, dreamily glancing out at the rolling green pastures and burbling brook outside the carriage''s wooden window.


    Of course, Russ wasn''t aware of this, he was too busy trying to eat a flaky pastry given to him by Leon without the crumbs falling upon the silk cushions and carpeted floor.  Leon and Jin Li were not worrying over Sun either as they leaned lightly together drinking hot tea.


    Inwardly, Leon was actually quite nervous.  All of his knowledge regarding his family in this life came from his own diaries and while they had only mentioned his grandfather, he felt as if there should be someone else as well.  Vague impressions had disturbed his dreams this last few nights and he even recalled the image of a crusty old man with white bushy brows and thick glass spectacles, believing this must be his elderly relative.  But what then had happened to his parents, his mother and father in this world, why couldn''t he recall nothing about them?  The diaries hadn''t mentioned either,  indicating that he was raised by the elder.  The curiosity got the better of him and he turned to Russ and began to inquire.


    "M-my m-m-memory is still n-not g-good," he mentioned to Russ, "I only remember m-my G-grandfather.  Is there n-no one else in m-m-my family?"


    Russ looked at Leon with heartfelt sympathy, before finding his own feet more interesting as he shook his head.  "I heard tha'' yer mamma died when ye were like one or two.  Of sickness.  Don'' know about ye da''.  Oh but I guess there is yer aunt, just tha'' yer granda'' don'' really get on with her."


    A flash of fragmented memory came to the fore.  In it, there was the figure of a petite, scowling woman with her arms crossed about her ample bosom.  Leon felt that she should have been pretty, but her frown wrinkled her forehead and her almond eyes were narrowed due to her scowl.  Her lips were stretched thin and curved downward as well.  His aunt was his mother''s older sister, he suddenly recollected and he liked her no more than his old grandfather.


    "She married landlord Arion as his second wife and she bore him like four kiddies, they bein'' ye cousins," there was a slight glint in Russ'' eyes as he warmed to the subject and began to share gossip.  "Me mam said tha'' this made ye old granda'' mighty unhappy, ''cos like old Arion already had a couple of kiddies by his dead wife.  So ye aunt married in as a stepmam.  Me mam said tha'' she only married him ''cos he has some money, bu'' he inna all that rich really.  There was this big arguemen'' when ye aunt wanted t'' move the family to town, bu'' old Arion refused.  Me mam said tha'' was ''cos it''s expensive t'' move int'' town."


    "So I have c-cousins as w-well?" Leon asked after absorbing all of this information.  He didn''t recall anything about this argument that had clearly become the gossip of the entire village at some point, perhaps it had happened once he''d already left, but he did feel as if this was in line with his feelings regarding his aunt''s character.


    "Aye," Russ continued and began counting them off on his fingers as he named them. "Yiaren and Eries being Arion''s from his first wife.  They be married an'' gotten theirs wives pregnant a few times so ye aunt can be counted as a grandma herself.  Then there be Sanri, Siri, Wuren and Luron.  Sanri be ye senior by two years and Siri be ye only girl cousin, and Wuren and Luron be twins.  Sanri be engaged, due to marry the village chief eldest daughter in the spring, so I reckon ye aunt''ll tell ye tha'' when she hears ye back."


    "Okay," Leon felt that his cousin''s marriage had nothing to do with him anyway so had no opinion on it.  However, Jin Li caught some unspoken words in Russ'' narrative and reached sneakily about Leon''s waist.


    "Could it be that your aunt wants to steal the family heirloom from you to gift to your cousin on his wedding day?" Sun said suddenly, causing all attention upon him.


    The other three stared at him in complete confusion. "What are you talking about?" Jin Li sneered. Sun shrank in his neck realising he''d let his imagination run away with him again.


    "Um... nothing?"

 Chapter 225 - Five - We arrive at my home village

    They travelled with only a couple of short breaks, in order to let the horses eat and drink before carrying onward at a sedate pace and being that the road was a main thoroughfare for many farming villages and established towns, it was peaceful for the most part. This was not because there were no bandits in these regions, more that in these rolling plains without much tree coverage and with guard towers placed at forks and divisions, a bandit might as well be a beggar for all the wealth that could be taken from carriages and wagons on this route.


    Despite this, when they stopped for the night, they did so fairly close to one of these guard towers, but not so near as to give the guards concern regarding their identities and still the two drivers and Sun''s manservant set up rolling duties to be on guard. All were highly trained in the arts of martial combat, something required by the General of his servants. In the meantime, the four youths slept more or less comfortably within the carriage.


    It possibly would come as no surprise that the Dao couple claimed the bed to rest upon, or rather Jin Li pushed Leon upon it to rest and dared Sun to complain. Of course this Young Master was not courageous enough to! The bed was spacious enough for two and who else would share one mattress anyway? Sun slept on the cushioned sofa instead. This left poor Russ the choice of the carpeted floor or the hard wooden servant bench. He chose the latter, it was still fairly good and the Young Master had thrown him a blanket, so he couldn''t complain about being cold. All in all, it was better than sleeping outside on the cold ground or huddled with strangers in the open bed of a wagon.


    By lunch the following day, they reached a small town known as Cedar Town, due to the cedar wood trees that lined its streets. The houses scattered over the area were a mix of small stone cottages and old courtyard buildings, both were built in terrace lines with cobblestone roads connecting entrances and gates. Shops clustered together either side of the widest streets, which had a smattering of stalls down the centre. Naturally, large carriages could not breach the crowds of people gathering here, one would have to take a small, two wheeled cart drawn by horse or person if one did not wish to use their own legs.


    Sun and the others got out here, planning on grabbing something to eat for the midday meal before moving on towards the village.  In the meantime, Sun''s drivers took a backstreet in order to avoid the crowded area as advised by a local guard.


    Seeing the silk dress of a Young Master, the waiter eagerly guided them to a room with a balcony and made a suggestion regarding food and wine before rushing off with Jin Li''s suggestion that it all sounded good (aka "That will do.")  As they waited, Leon''s eyes were drawn to the bustling streets below and an unfamiliar memory flashed before his eyes...


    Those stalls were replaced by tables and proud looking men and women all of whom appeared no older than their mid-twenties and who were sitting or standing at those tables. Youths in various states of clothing, mostly of hemp for there was only a handful of families who could afford silk in town, lined up at the tables. The boys, for he did not recall any girls in amongst them, just a handful of mothering women, would step forward one by one and were tested for age and aptitude. He himself eventually reached the front of the queue and placed his hand upon the thick plate.


    "Age sixteen, primary cultivation, body root..." the adult glanced up looking at him with some pity and resignation.  "Look kid, I''m saying this for your own good, but are you sure you wish to study at the Ascending Mountain Institute?  With your aptitude, it really will not be easy."


    "Want t-t-to," he replied as firmly as he could.  Everyone knew that people that studied at school could have a better life in the future, but it was costly to go to ordinary school, most commoners could not afford it.  So once his grandfather had heard that the school for Cultivators, the Ascending Mountain Institute was recruiting in their area this year, he sent his close grandson to try his luck.  Neither of them knew whether he''d have a chance to be a Cultivator in the future, not knowing if Leo had the fortune, they could only hope.  And though it seemed his luck wasn''t great, it wasn''t awful either and he did not pass up the opportunity to study for his future...


    Leon''s mind came back to the present.  The memories felt odd to him, for while he knew that they belonged to him, they still somehow felt as if they had occurred to someone else.  Perhaps it was due to the fact that he had believed that he and Leo were two separate entities for so long before learning otherwise, he was still not quite as resigned to the fact that they were one as he had originally thought.


    A steamed, white bun was placed in the bowl before him, its scent distracting him from his thoughts and he glanced up at the man who had placed it there.  "Eat," Jin Li commanded, before he began to devour the various plates of food without reserve.


    "En," he agreed.


    Sun was quick to fill his own bowl before slowing down to at least show he had some manners, but seeing the country bumpkin beside him shocked silly by the volumes disappearing into one stomach he instructed; "If you don''t grab something now, there really won''t be anything left."  This jolted Russ from his frozen state and he quickly followed Sun''s example, though he shared Leon''s awkwardness when it came to using chopsticks.


    Quickly the plates were cleared and the four had satisfied stomachs at last.


    *****


    The name of the Village was Herb and the men and women that lived there raised pigs and chickens, grew vegetables in their gardens and potatoes and common herbs in their fields.  There was also an abundant woodland close to the village''s eastern outskirts and this was where many wild herbs grew, therefore the villagers were easily able to supplement their small incomes after harvest and before winter came.  But that did not make it any easy life.


    For example, Russ'' family was large, consisting of his grandmother, his own folks, uncle and aunt-in-laws, plus numerous sisters and cousins. However, there were far more women than men and his grandmother had spoiled her sons to the point that they were lazy and only did the minimum of work necessary. His father also liked to drink, so whatever money he did not give to his old mother, he kept for himself and his habit, forgetting that he had a wife, son and three daughters to feed.


    Therefore it could be said that his wife and children lived on his mother''s charity, but in actual fact, for sometime, they had lived by earning their own pennies, selling embroideries, selling wild herbs and the earnings Russ had obtained by taking odd jobs. Actually, it was not that his old grandmother gave them nothing, more that she only gave allowances based on the number of grandsons born and Russ'' mother had just one son and many daughters. Russ really wanted for his mother to divorce his wastrel father and separate from the rest of the family, but this was against the rules of filial piety and respect, so he could only hope to improve his immediate family''s lot in other ways.


    The carriage caused quite the alarm as it entered the village, the old village chief dragged himself from his dinner to meet the wealthy dignitaries, but their carriage did not stop before his house. He watched as crowds of curious onlookers followed the carriage as it finally came to a stop outside old man Leonard''s house. His wife then helped him put on his coat and boots that he might see what was going on.


    A driver leapt down and pulled back the thick curtain and a man with a straight posture and plain, but well tailored clothing stepped out, before turning back to focus on the exiting occupants. The first was a boy with long, brown hair tied neatly in a white silver crown, a thick furred coat about his shoulders and a curious, but sunny expression upon his face.


    "This is your home, right?" He called into the carriage.


    "En," came the reply and another boy with Yin yang hair stepped out, all in white and also wearing a silver crown to tame his wealth of hair.  He adjusted his glasses upon his nose as he looked about.


    "Eh?" The village chief suddenly blurted out. "In''t tha'' our village''s Leo?"

 Chapter 226 - Six - My Grandfather is not an old gentleman

    Leon felt his nerves were shaken; not only was he about to come face to face to his old grandfather, for whom this body of his felt warmth and affection, even if his memories of him were hazy and distant, but the whole village seemed to have poured from their houses to bear witness to his arrival. As his black eyes cast over them, each caused an awakening of a memory, some good, some bad and some he could not make sense of for each focused on different times, places... he rubbed his temples as the assault became a flood and caused a painful headache to form.


    A familiar touch lightly grasped his wrist, his body relaxed automatically and he felt the memories were washed away with the image of one man covering them all. To that man, to Jin Li, he nodded and gave a reassuring smile, before turning back to the small village house before him.


    To call it a courtyard would be to exaggerate somewhat. It looked like it may have been originally, but the wall surrounding it had crumbled in places, patched in some, while others were ignored. Hardy weeds grew in the flowerbeds and brown grass where some sort of dirt path should have been. The roof on the rear part of the property seemed more or less in tact, although the thatch had seen better days, while that of the side building was full of holes and open to the elements. It was clear that it had been ignored for want of more urgent repairs. Fortunately, the walls of the main property seemed sound and the door solid. Leon quickly bowed to the crowds to acknowledge them, before hurrying to knock on this door as well as calling out; "Grandfather, it''s m-m-me..."


    The crowds whispered amongst themselves in speculation and gossip.


    "''Ere, didn'' he go off to some fancy school in them north mountains?"


    "Mrs Arion said he''d likely drop out! Probably come home in shame!"


    "Tha'' didnae explain the posh carriage an'' young masters..."


    "Ye reckon Leo sold hisself to bein'' a servant?"


    "Well his dress is a bit posh..."


    A more enterprising auntie spotted Russ also getting out of the carriage and beckoned him over. "Wha'' is it, auntie?" He asked politely. He was well aware that the old biddy was after gossip, his family was often at the centre of it, he felt a little torn that the central subject was now his best friend instead.


    "Tha'' some mighty nobby fellows, how is it tha'' you and young Leo got to be riding in his carriage?"


    He rolled his eyes inwardly, but decided the truth wasn''t anything bad. Anyway, the whole village would know some enough. "They be Leo''s friends from his school. We met in Cenapar city, as you know, Aunty, I was there seeking work. The carriage belongs to one of them and it were their idea to come back with Leo for a bit, to see his old granda''."


    "Such a filial child," the old Aunty murmured.


    "Tha''s what you think!" Muttered a neighbour, but before anyone could question what she was on about, old Leonard opened his front door.


    Tears instantly blurred Leon''s vision as a comforting familiarity swept over him at the sight of the wrinkled face. The old man really could only be in his sixties, not old by terms of his previous life, but clearly the years had worn down this white haired old man. His brows were still as bushy as the memory that had appeared in Leon''s mind and the glasses beneath them were just as thick as the ones he''d originally used back in the summer, before the accident had seen them beyond repair.


    "Leo? Is that really you?" The old man should have been equal to Leon in height, but his spine was curved and shoulders stooped as he leaned on a roughly carved wooden cane, so he had to look up to see his grandson clearly. The lines of this grandson''s face had not changed much, still as familiar to him as his own and a relief swept through his old frame. He lifted his cane and bopped Leon upon the head. "You unfilial grandson!" He began yelling. "After no hearing from ye for half a year ye dare jus'' show up like this?"


    Leon rubbed the aching spot and lightly laughed, sheepishly. "Sorry g-g-grandfather. I d-d-didn''t m-mean t-to worry you."


    "Tch, alrigh'' well I guess ye be here now," the old man said in a gruff tone. "Get inside. It''s cold out and ye never did well in the cold."


    "Yes, g-grandfather," Leon smiled, he turned to gesture to Jin Li and Sun, while Russ waved from a distance and mouthed that he was headed home and would come back tomorrow.


    The old man frowned, noticing the two young masters and their servants as well as the crowds of villages hovering around. "Ye all go'' nothing better to do than gawk?" He demanded of his neighbours, whom all tutted and verbally complained beneath their breaths before heading home. Old Leonard rolled his eyes openly, but he was a little more respectful to the village chief, basically nodding his head and greeting him by name before ignoring everyone and entering the dubious warmth of his home.


    The inside of the property was in a better condition than the outside at least and was divided into two rooms, one the hearth and home with a stone stove on which large metal pots were placed and a brick, heated bed topped with thin blankets. This room also contained a wooden desk with paper and bindings strewn across it and a rocking chair, in which the old man now sat within. The only light came from a couple of candles placed upon the stove, the fire beneath the brick bed having not yet been lit. It made the room quite cold.


    Leon automatically moved to place coals beneath the bed as if he was used to this sort of thing. "G-Grandfather sh-shouldn''t let this p-place g-get so c-cold," he chided the old man, the words spilling off his tongue naturally, as if his amnesia had never existed. "D-didn''t you say your b-bones ache in the c-cold?"


    "Eh," the old man grunted, unkindly, but Jin Li recognised the warmth in the old man''s expression, despite the familiar thick lenses obscuring his eyes. "So ye have some explainin'' t'' do me boy. Who are these people for a start?"  He also eyed the two Coeurl, one large, one small following the crowd, warily.  The bigger, black beast fortunately sat obediently just beside the door and pressed one paw down upon the tail of the smaller creature, stopping it from running wild, allowing the old man a little relief.


    "These are my friends, J-Jin Li and Sun..." Leon indicated them in turn and they respectfully bowed to the elder, who dismissed their gesture with a disgruntled wave of his hand. "They study m-m-Martial arts in school.  And this is Wu Ye and Li Ming..." Leon felt his knees give way, his body more able in front of the old man than his memories and knelt before him. "S-s-Sorry, g-grandfather, for worrying you. Something h-happened."


    "I''m assumin'' you are still in school," the old man muttered, "seein'' as you be introducin'' these folk as friends no masters."


    "En," Leon nodded in agreement and proceeded to explain as best he could about the deviation, how his hair had turned partially white and his memory became a blank. He did not mention that he had awoken the memories of his past life and he was vague about the extent of his injuries, just mentioning that the party responsible was no longer attending the school.  Li Ming scrambled to get to its master and nuzzle his shoulders comfortingly.


    His old grandfather glanced sideways at the beast before returning his attention back to his grandson and sighed. "Tha'' had been me one worry. Ye is too soft, me boy." He glanced up at his grandson''s friends. They definitely had the air of young masters, but whether it was a good thing that his Leo had mixed in with them remained to be seen. He worried that Leo had as poor a judgement of people as his youngest daughter, Aleora had that time. "Thankin'' ye both for takin'' care of me grandson. Ye will have to forgive me, though, this humble home no'' go'' enough food for this old man to eat, besides tha'' it''s no'' what ye young masters are probably use to. I can no offer ye somethin'' t'' eat."


    "That''s okay, Grandfather," Leon reassured him with a pat on his weathered hand. "I p-p-purchased rice and things in the c-c-city. I''ll start the f-fire and c-c-cook now, okay?"


    "Wait... you can cook?" The old man said startled, even more surprised to see Leon''s confident nod, before he moved to the stove.


    "This Lord wants meat," Jin Li demanded, approaching his lover, while surreptitiously poking him in the waist a few times. Just wait, he thought. Twice now he''d been labelled as a mere friend. This would be added to a mental list of things that required repayment.


    "I''ll just tell my servants to head back to town," Sun added gleefully. "I want to eat Leon''s cooking!"  Li Ming yowled in enthusiastic agreement, however it was thwarted from pestering the masters by its big brother, who nudged it out of the door Sun left open.


    Old man Leonard frowned, seeing his small home bustling with youthful exuberance, seeing his grandson happily cooking even as his tall friend hovered close and the excitable one bounce about asking questions of him about the village and its people and Leonard couldn''t stop himself from smiling. It had been a long while since it had felt as if these four walls contained life. He leaned back in his rocking chair, feeling the heat of the two fires fill the room and his body sighed in contentment. Now if he could just find his pipe, everything would be perfect.

 Chapter 227 - Seven - My aunt pays us a visit

    The small second room also contained a heated brick bed as well as a small stool and a wooden chest. This room had belonged to Leo. Unfortunately, due to the side building being open to the elements somewhat, it had become a bit of a storage room with a metal casket of coal and a barrel with a bit of coarse rice at the bottom of it. These, and a few other things, were tossed to one side, a worn out futon rolled out on top of it and three youths spent the night sitting in cultivation above that.


    Leon came out of the meditative state before dawn, blinking as he tried to recollect where he was. He certainly hadn''t been expecting to see Sun''s face first this morning! That person was now leaning uncomfortably against the wall, snoring with dribble sliding down his chin. The heat of another body came from behind him and Leon turned to see Jin Li lazily looking his way with a contented expression upon his face. Realising that he had his small alchemist''s attention, he stole a kiss, before inquiring about breakfast.


    Breakfast was a simple affair, though Leonard grumbled about the coins his grandson must have wasted on the dried salt pork that was added to the white rice porridge and just how much had it set him back to purchase such fine rice anyway? His bowl was completely cleaned regardless and he even fought with Jin Li over seconds.


    Sun''s carriage returned to the village not long after breakfast; he had to return home to spend the new year with his family. It was already clear that Leon was going to remain in the village to reacquaint himself with his grandfather and where Leon was, Jin Li was naturally going to be also. However, before hand, the two drivers were recruited to help patch up the roof of the side building and Sun''s servant helped clean out the room.  Wu Ye, Jin Li and Sun had left to explore the woods, likely for prey, while Leon remained in the doors sitting beside his old grandfather with Li Ming dozing at his feet.


    Leonard was binding papers into blank books ready for scholars and students to purchase and use, while Leon was carving a strip of wood hoping to replace a rotten window frame.  It was all very harmonious.


    "Who the hell are you people!"  The shrill voice was so familiar, Leon couldn''t help but wonder how it could ever have been forgotten.  He glanced up at his grandfather, as his stomach felt as if it were sinking suddenly and echoes of past nerves caught his unawares.  The old man sighed then grabbed his cane to help him to his feet. Leon automatically stumbled to his own in order to be additional aid. "What are you doing to my father''s house?!"


    "Pipe down, Lessa," growled Leonard as he stood in the doorway of the house upon Leon''s arm, whose glasses had begun to fog due to the mix of the cold air of the outside and the escaping warmth from inside. "These ''ere men are jus'' kindly fixing a few things for this old man on account o'' their Master''s request. Didnae have anythin'' to do with ye."


    Leo''s aunt was just as Leon had pictured her, though some of those frown lines had etched more permanently upon her face, proving age will claim any outer beauty in the end. There was white in her hair which he recalled was once more a mousy brown. Most of the villagers had tones similar, ranging from a dark ash brown to a colour similar to straw. It had never occurred to him before, but Leon''s own midnight locks were actually unique here. So with Yin streaks, naturally he would stand out more in the future.


    It wasn''t certain if that''s what the older woman noticed first about him, because she blinked twice before her eyes narrowed in both thought and speculation. But whatever crossed her mind was dismissed in the next moment as she saw that while the cut of his clothing was better than the second hand, oversized clothes he''d left in, he was still dressed in hemp, like any other commoner. Her own was at least dyed an attractive plum and embroidered with peonies.


    "So long as they aren''t trying to con you out of coin, father," she grumbled, though her tone clearly held hidden meanings.


    "What are ye doin'' here anyway," demanded the old man, gruffly, causing her eyes to snap to attention.


    "Can''t a daughter pay respect to her father now and then?" She asked, despite the lack of any respect in her tone. His dark eyes peered out from beneath his bushy white brows and he stared her down until she added; "I also was told that my nephew had returned. I thought it best to see for myself."


    "Ye''ve seen," Leonard waved a dismissive hand. "Ye can leave now. Wouldn'' wan'' to keep ye when ye are busy with all of them responsibilities." He turned, continuing to lean on Leon as he reentered the house. Behind them, Lessa''s eyes narrowed and her brows furled into a frown, as words from their past were flung back at her. She sent a sharp look at the men patching up the old side building before following her father and nephew into the house uninvited.


    And then she shrieked.


    "What in heaven''s name is that?!" The little white and black striped Coeurl hissed unhappily. It was not a ''that!'' It was Li Ming!


    Leon knelt down and murmured softly to it. "G-go lie in m-m-my room alright." It nuzzled Leon''s hand with a purr before giving the loud woman a practiced look of disdain (Wu Ye had taught it well) and then it padded off into the room. The woman clutched at her skirts as it passed and leaned close to the wall.


    "Are you trying to get your grandfather killed, idiot boy!" She cursed at Leon, her courage somewhat returned now that the beast was not in sight. "Letting wild animals loose inside a house! It''ll kill you in your sleep!"


    Leon knew that it was futile to argue back.  From the moment he had seen her standing, scowling and angry for no apparent reason outside in the courtyard area, his mind had become filled with memories of this woman.  She had considered him a disgrace, a burden and a stain on her reputation.  Idiot boy was one of the more polite terms she had used rather than his name.  He recalled times when she had screamed at him so much that he had become flustered to the point he could no longer speak, let alone stammer out words.  Thus he sat back upon his stool and continued to carve as if she wasn''t there.


    Unfortunately, this infuriated her.  "Father, you are old," she said in righteous anger.  "You cannot support this burden any longer!  Wasn''t that why you sent him to that school in the first place?  And look, kicked out and leaning on you once more, just like I stated back then!  A waste of that silver coin you gave him for the journey!  Give him to me, I''ll train him into something useful, perhaps he can even be relied upon to til the fields in the spring."


    "Lessa..." there was a vein pulsing at his grandfather''s temple, Leon noticed as he glanced up at the old man.  However before Leonard could say any more, the door opened behind her and the woman nearly fainted in shock.  Wu Ye, this overly large feline who took up too much space within the small house, just sniffed the air before licking it''s muzzle and padding nonchalantly into the second room.


    Leon''s aunt gasped for breath, pointing a trembling finger at the doorway of the second room before that finger then was redirected at her nephew.  "You...!"


    "We captured a hare!" Sun said cheerfully as he entered revealing the spoils.  "It''s just an ordinary one though."  Most of the animals that lived in the woods had gone into hibernation, so it was of no surprise that not much game was found.  The hare was a fair size though and fresh meat was always welcome.


    "Th-that''s fine," Leon sent him a smile that did not hide the relief he felt for the interruption.  "G-grandfather c-c-can''t eat m-meat from a sp-sp-spirit b-beast."


    "Oh yeah!" Sun grinned and Leon inwardly laughed at him.  He reckoned that this innocent young master had never actually hunted for his family''s dinner so wouldn''t know of that ordinary people couldn''t eat the meat from most beasts, with perhaps the exception of dire beasts.  In fact, he would not have known if it wasn''t for the fact he had practiced cooking with Mino''s mother a few times in the past few months, wanting to improve the skill.  His eyes lifted to see Jin Li enter and Leon''s smile became warmer.


    "Make this Lord a pot of tea," Jin Li demanded.  Leon rose to his feet and went to heat water in the kettle.

 Chapter 228 - Eight - She wants to make trouble

    Lessa was the first born of Leonard and his deceased wife, who passed due to an illness not long after his second child celebrated her first birthday.  He chose not to remarry and his old mother never pressured him to, being aware just how much he missed the woman greatly.  So the two girls became the apple of his eye and he worked hard so that he could spoil them, especially his eldest, who resembled her dear mother so much.


    When his old mother passed, he chose to move from town into the village of his father''s birth. This old courtyard house was in his family''s name, while the townhouse was rented; he hoped to save the extra money for his daughter''s dowries when they were old enough to wed. As for their husbands... truly, he only wanted them to be happy and looked around at prospective son-in-law''s with this in mind. However one daughter had one eye on the ground and the other at the heavens and the other daughter was a bit of a wild child who did not want to settle and be some little wife at all!


    Thus his older daughter married a widower for his wealth and his younger daughter ran away seeking adventure. The whole village felt pity for the old man, who was otherwise respected in their village for he knew some letters, would even help them read messages sent from loved ones who''d gone away for work or to enlist in the armies.


    And then his younger daughter reappeared in his life, carrying a two month old baby; his grandson Leo.


    Lessa never liked her sister. Aleonara was not a pretty girl, she looked too much like their father and acted more like a boy than a girl. She would sneak away when there were chores to be done, yet would avoid getting into trouble with peace offerings of wild mushrooms and vegetables to grace the pot. So the boys of the village would flatter Lessa with words regarding her appearance, suggesting they wanted to marry her when they grew up, but it was Aleonara they turned to when seeking wild plums in autumn.


    After Lessa married into her husband''s family, she had a hard time with her new mother-in-law because she was a peasant girl; all of the respect her father had from the village meant nothing in her husband''s home. It became easier once she had given birth to her first son and better still after her second was born. But then Aleonara had to spoil things by bringing home a wild child of who knew what ancestry. Lessa tried to convince her old father to throw the brat away to an orphanage, claim he died or something, anything to improve the reputation of her birth family that had soured her relationship with her mother-in-law so badly. Leonard had refused.


    When Leo was just five, Aleonara passed away, destined to die young and in a similar manner as her mother. A lot of villagers also lost family that year for the sickness that passed through the village was cruel. That left only Lessa''s father and nephew in the old courtyard house and the old man was even more determined to raise him as the successor to their family.


    Lessa felt that was unfair. She had always hoped to inherit her father''s possessions and give them to her own children as her husband had already declared his eldest son from his first marriage would inherit his land and head the family. But now this wild child was going to take his things and his house and there was nothing she could do about it. So she bullied her nephew more in retaliation and tried to sway her father''s mind, make him dislike the brat as much as she did. Leonard was not a stupid man, he knew that his daughter was unhappy with his decision, but he was not about to change his mind. A married daughter was like spilled water after all; her family was her husband''s family, her children took his name and were part of his ancestry. Leo was Leonard''s hope for his bloodline''s future.


    There was probably no one happier when Leo went away than Lessa, the woman thinking that his absence allowed her more opportunities to get the old man to change his mind or for accidents to happen;who knew if the little bastard would ever come home at all?!  But there was also no one unhappier when he then showed up out of no where and on a carriage that outshined any her husband could even hope to own.


    The woman who came to gossip that morning hinted that Leo had been kicked out of his school and that he had become indentured to a wealthy young master, who brought Leo here along with many other servants.  However, Lessa was not a fool, she knew just how warped words spread from tongue to tongue could become through exaggeration and embellishment.  She came to see what was going on herself.  Just seeing that brat all comfortable, no master around and acting all loving and filial to her father, she was transported back to before the boy had left this place and blurted out what was on her mind.  But she did mean her suggestion of taking the boy away and making him work for her family.  She''d let him know his place then!


    However, those two youths returned, the smaller one dressed in fine silks and wearing leather boots was definitely a notch above her landlord husband in social status and the taller one had an air about him.  She reckoned he was an illegitimate noble boy, acting as a companion to the young master.  She sneered when her nephew became subservient to the tall boy thinking that her nephew was so useless, couldn''t even become a servant of the silk dressed young Master.


    "Here G-Grandfather," Leo stuttered, handing a cup of hot and fragrant tea to the old man.  "This t-tea p-p-promotes b-blood circulation and warms the ch-chest.  G-g-good for w-winter ch-chills."  The old man couldn''t help but smile as his grandson served him.  Lessa''s eyes narrowed and brows lowered; she was the idiot boys'' elder too, where was her tea?  Actually, Leon had not forgotten and did pour her a cup, passing it to her with a few words.  "I added honey t-t-to yours, Aunt.  T-to c-c-c... reduce the b-b-bitterness."


    Leonard snorted with mirth.  His good grandson had gained a bit of backbone in school it seemed, perhaps gaining it after the bullying incident he''d mentioned.  He had no idea that the boy was still being bullied, just behind closed doors.  That person would also get retribution on any who dare attempt to harm what was his.


    Whether Lessa decided to ignore the insult or whether she just was not aware of the double meaning, only she knew.  She placed down the cup, angry that the beverage was definitely of a quality that even her husband had never touched before inquiring; "Now that your plans to become educated have fallen through, what are your plans now, nephew?  I assume there''s a reason you brought your masters here to this poor village?"


    Said ''masters'' looked at the woman with confusion.  Leon, on the other hand, barely looked over his shoulder at her, busy chopping the skinned hare into portions ready to cook.  He hadn''t cooked with it before, but he figured one couldn''t go wrong braising it into a stew.


    "Why do ye insist on sayin'' tha'' Leo is no longer at school?" Leonard asked in a low tone.  A heavy sigh escaped him.  This eldest daughter of his so resembled her mother in face, but she had none of that woman''s cheerful and optimistic temperament.  He could grudgingly admit that her sourness came from him as did her stubbornness, but her avarice nature and constant dissatisfaction with her lot, that was nothing to do with him nor his wife at all.  Perhaps it came from his own father, that man died chasing the next silver coin.  Either way, Lessa disappointed him.


    "Isn''t that why he''s return all of a sudden?" She blinked as if surprised that her thought dared be questioned.  "Otherwise why didn''t he come back before?"


    "The Institute is s-several d-d-day''s journey from here, Aunt," Leon advised her.  "And the j-journey c-c-can c-cost a lot.  This t-t-time, I had s-saved some m-m-money and had help from m-m-my friends as well.  B-b-but I have t-to g-g-go b-back to school after winter b-b-break."


    "Yeah, there''s no way Leon''s Teacher and the Headmaster will let him leave school now!" Sun added, brightly.  "He''s invaluable to the school!"  He really just wanted to help his friend get this unpleasant woman off his back, just as Leon and Jin Li had helped him cope with some of the drama in his own household.  Unfortunately, some words have a tendency to backfire.


    "Invaluable you say..."

 Chapter 229 - Nine - We think about matters of money

    "En," Sun continued, breezily. He was quite proud of his association with Leon, their previously and very one sided enmity at the beginning of their relationship completely forgotten. "Teacher Corne of the martial arts school considers Leon.. Leo very reliable and consistent. And I heard from my Teacher, Corvus, that Healer Lepus likes to keep a stockpile of Leo''s pills in stock for emergencies."


    "Pills?" Lessa latched onto the word in the paragraph with some fervour.


    "Leo''s a part of the alchemist school..." Sun tilted his head realising that something was amiss.


    "Sun, shut up," Jin Li commanded, before refilling their cups, but it was too late to retract his words.


    Men and women of the countryside relied on herbal medicines for ailments, which were almost always bitter and unpalatable and unfortunately not always reliable. Herbal medicine relied upon the prescription, thus the knowledge of the doctor, the quality of the herbs as well as in small part, the skill of the one to boil it into medicine. However, it''s not as if they did not know about pills. But in comparison to Herbal medicine, many pills were that much more expensive and then a reliable pharmacist would not sell too many freely. Who would purchase a soft ice pill for fevers when herbal medicine coupled with cooling towels cost half the price, even after paying a doctor''s fee? Granted a pill would ease the fever in the time it took to burn two sticks of incense, while the latter method could take a couple of days. But that extra money could provide food for the rest of the family for a few days, so it could not be easily parted with.


    However, if she could get her hands on pills for free...


    Her lips curved into a smile that seemed so out of place upon a face etched with scowling lines, it terrified Sun. The boy looked over his shoulder to offer an apology with his eyes, sorry that he had inadvertently dug a huge pit for his friend rather than helped him out as was his original intention. Leon simply shook his head; it wasn''t Sun''s fault. His aunt was just that sort of person. If you were a hinderance, she hated you. If you were useless, she had no time for you. But if you had something she wanted, a bloodsucking leech would be easier to get rid of.


    "My dear Nephew," she beamed and rose from her seat, though Leonard glared at her as if he could ensure she remained. Such was futile to a woman with determined intent.  "You know Aunty was hard on you because I could see you had potential but not the will to succeed."  Leon noticed the avarice in her eyes and shuddered in distaste.  It was even more unpleasant than dealing with the hare''s guts and organs in order to provide the two Coeurl a meal.


    Jin Li also noticed her behaviour and immediately moved to shield his small alchemist.  How dare she covert his things!  Of course Lessa did not want to provoke the Martial Artist, she knew where the line was even if she did not like it, she could only force down the dissatisfaction in her heart.


    "Lessa, go home," Leonard sighed, grouchily from his rocking chair.  "This house cannae cope with a big woman such as ye self."  The woman sent her father an unhappy look, before waltzing out of the door, though not before declaring that she would return to see them both soon.  Those young master''s wouldn''t stick around in the poor village for long, it was all a novelty for them, they''d soon understand the difference between them and the villagers.  And then Leo would only have her father as a pillar of support.  The old man was crumbling, how could he compare with her husband''s household?


    And naturally her husband thought it would be an excellent boon to his family and heir that an alchemist be related to them, it would be good for both connections and reputation.  Even her mother-in-law insisted that the youth be invited to visit as soon as possible.  Lessa glanced at the beaded bracelet on her wrist which she had coveted for an age, but the old biddy would never have let her touch before.  Now it was hers, a reward for being her nephew''s aunt.  Now she just had to figure out how to improve the ties between them, too aware that blood was not everything.


    *****


    Just after the lunch of hare stew, Sun grudgingly left the village with his drivers and servant-guard. He planned to stay in town for the night before making his way back to the city, where they should arrive a few hours after dusk the next day.


    If Leonard was surprised that Jin Li did not go with him, instead staying with his grandson, he did not mention anything.


    The two Coeurl, as well the refreshed supplies of coal, rice, corn and dried peas were reallocated into the cleaned out side building. Leon had purchased a new belt and teacups as gifts for the old man, but he had been unaware just how impoverished he and his grandfather had been and how matters had worsened since.


    He recalled that a few times, before he became Leon, he had swapped pills for brass coins with fellow students when they needed some to make up quotas for requests that they had undertaken. These coins he''d dutifully sent to his old grandfather with a letter saying how he was doing. But after he was targeted by Caprian, he was seldom approached for help, plus he often got lost in his own pill making and research even before that, so he couldn''t say he sent much money.  He had no excuses, just never had much of a concept of money.


    Before, as a child, he''d grown simple vegetables in the courtyard to supplement their meals of rice and potatoes, while grandfather had earned their money with his craft. When he had grown older, he''d scavenged for herbs with Russ in the woods and sometimes by himself, Russ would then take them to sell in town and hand him money, which he in turn gave to his grandfather. Sometimes grandfather would try to make him take some if not all of the bronze coins back, but Leo never had any plans to buy anything so just made his Grandfather keep it all, while he happily returned to the garden or practiced letters in the scrap paper book the old man had made him for new year each and every year. These had later become his collection of diaries, some of the older versions could still be found in his room, dusty and worn.


    When Leo had become Leon, understanding about money came along with the knowledge from his past life, so he was frantic to earn it in order to live comfortably. But he had forgotten about his grandfather and his home so had no way of sharing his earnings with the old man. He now had the ability to rectify this and planned to do so in the morning. He spoke of his plans to Jin Li as they lay upon the heated brick bed together that evening.


    "Good," Jin Li complimented his suggestion. "That old man raised you. It''s only right to now take care of him in turn. This place is lacking, but I also wouldn''t purchase too much."


    "Why n-n-not?" Leon questioned, snuggling deeper against Jin Li''s warm chest. The thin blanket of the bed did little to keep him warm, he could only rely on his lover''s body for much needed warmth.


    "Do you really think your grandfather would except it if you threw around your money at him?" Jin Li pointed out, bluntly. The old man was clearly a proud individual who did not like to ask for assistance or favours. Even if help was offered, it was doubtful that he''d accept. The grain was different; they needed to eat too and Leonard''s stores had been practically empty until the next time he could exchange the blank books for money and the money for rice. He''d only accepted Sun''s people fixing up the side building as it was really hard to reject the jubilant boy. Jin Li understood that more personally than anyone. Of course, he was not so easily swayed by Sun''s enthusiasm, but that was a different matter entirely.


    Leon understood what Jin Li was getting at and murmured softly in assent as he drowsily breathed in the other man''s scent. He felt Jin Li''s fingers comb through his long hair once or twice, before succumbing to sleep.

 Chapter 230 - - He remembers the promise we made

    Russ came to visit the next morning sporting a rather prominent black eye, sealed to the point that he could barely peek through the swelling and Leon felt aggrieved for him.


    "Your d-d-dad?" He wondered whether to rummage around in his pouch for a blood pill, eventually deciding to do so later and more discreetly as he also noticed the other boy was having difficulties getting about.


    "It''s no'' so bad," Russ lied as he tried not to limb over to his friend.


    Leo and Jin Li had made plans to head to town to purchase some things for his grandfather''s home and also to help the old man get by this winter. There was also the new year to celebrate. Leonard could cook basic things, but around this time, most villager would eat more festive foods. Those with chickens would find people asking if they could exchange sweet potatoes or herbs for eggs and those with pigs would find people asking if they could spare a trotter or snout from their annual feast in exchange for dried peppers or pickles. Leonard usually relied on the spare bronze he''d saved all year round and most of the villagers accommodated him, selling him dumplings and meat filled steamed buns, pickles and eggs for his and Leo''s New Year''s Day. After all, he was a man of letters and to be respected. In turn, they''d give a few of these bronze coins in red envelopes to the children under ten in their families as a new year''s gift.


    Russ had appeared at the wall of the courtyard as Jin Li saddled Wu Ye. Wu Ye was just about big enough to ride and it was more than strong enough to carry it''s human and the other one, just that Jin Li did not like to ride it anymore than Wu Ye liked to carry others. Their tactic understanding had them working side by side to hunt and ignoring each other at most other times. However, it was a good couple of hours to ride to town in a carriage, let alone walk by foot. Jin Li had no trouble with it, but his small alchemist could be inconveniently weak at times.


    "D-did he st-st-steal all of your earnings?" Leon''s memory on something''s were much more clear now. Things that involved his grandfather and Russ were more easily remembered, with his aunt as well, but those memories with her mostly involved matters he didn''t care to recall.


    Russ glanced over his shoulder before leaning forward to whisper; "I managed t'' keep some from him. I give it to me ma." He grinned brightly and Leon couldn''t help but return the smile, not noticing an increasingly darkened expression behind him. "What are ye up to?"


    "G-going to town," Leon replied. "Wanted t-t-to b-buy some supplies."


    "Eh, I''ll go with ye!" Russ declared and shivered thinking he needed another layer of clothing, the temperature was definitely lower than yesterday. "Me sister''s and me ma go'' some cold growin'' herbs t'' sell and I need t'' buy flour and oil. Grandma didna think our lo'' needed i'' seein'' as I were away."


    Leon frowned; "Not even for your d-d-dad?"


    "Ye know tha'' big aunt is me grandma''s favourite," Russ scratched his scruffy hair as he spoke.  Leon nodded, that woman had given birth to two sons, no daughters and was also the wife of Russ'' eldest uncle.  "So big aunt cooks for grandma and me da'' and uncles an'' by doin'' so gets the best stuff for her sons and sneaks a bi'' for herself.  So grandma gives her mos'' of th'' oil and flour and tha'' while me other aunts and me ma can only ge'' a wee bi''."


    "Based on n-number of g-grandsons?" Leon guessed with a heavy sigh.  He felt it was really strange when a woman suppressed other women in favour of the males in her family.  She had once been in their position after all, why insist on hurting them so?  He shook his head.  Everyone had family members who were not nice people, but if he had to choose, he''d suffer his horrible aunt who lived in another household than Russ'' biased grandmother who made his mother and sisters suffer under her roof so badly.


    "Aye!" Russ said without a shadow of defence in the old woman''s favour.  "I''ll go saddle up Bol'' then we can ge'' goin''!"


    Leon nodded and watched as his friend half ran, half limped away.  Two fingers pinched his chin and forced his head to turn around.  Leon found himself glancing up at a very unhappy lover.  "W-what''s the m-matter?" Leon asked completely oblivious.


    "Why are we waiting for him?" He demanded to know, sullenly.


    "Is it th-that m-much of a p-problem?" Leon questioned, still confused.


    "This Lord expects you to make up for it later," Jin Li told him and finished dealing with Wu Ye''s saddle, leaving Leon feeling as if he had missed something.


    *****


    Bol'' or Bolt was an ugly looking, wall-eyed donkey that belonged to Russ'' second uncle.  This uncle was a mild mannered man, who while did not agree with his mother''s ideas, (mainly as he also had three daughters and not yet any sons thus his household didn''t receive much from the family pot) was also not the sort of man to stand up to his oppressive mother.  He owned the donkey and a small wagon and would earn money by taking villagers or herbs and other things to and from the village.  But it was winter and there was less demand, so he currently only travelled once or twice a week now rather than every day, so he was fine lending his nephew the wagon and the donkey for the day.


    It was naturally not Wu Ye''s opponent when it came to speed, so the beast, which was carrying a small alchemist on its back, was a bit cross that it could not stretch its legs and had to actually wait for the inferior creature.  Li Ming, on the other hand, didn''t really care and curled up in the wagon base in amongst the small sacks of herbs, to nap for a bit.


    On the way, Leon passed Russ a blood pill which would heal his inner injuries, such as the majority of the bruising.  Any surface wounds, cut and scraps, would remain, so no one would think that Russ hadn''t taken a nasty beating, but Russ would no longer be in pain nor limp from it.  Russ took it, more out of good will than thinking that it would be of use.  Naturally, he trusted his best friend, but he didn''t understand much about medicine.  Despite the beatings over the years, he never got sick and although his sisters had once or twice, their old grandmother never spent the money on medicine for them.  He was very surprised when his eye opened, the swelling practically gone and the aches and pains eased until he no longer felt them.  It made him even more certain that that he was right to make that agreement with Leo in the past!  He talk to him about it later, when they returned home.


    While Russ went about his business, Leon bought some dried meat, potatoes and pickles to increase the food stores at home.  Next was candles, soap, salt and oil as well as a small lump of ink.  He then found a store selling cheap hides, such as oxen and bison.  Many people raised these animals for milk and heavy chores, their fur was a bit on the rough side, so their hides were not as valuable as some wild animals and much less than wild beasts.  Leon bought four that were reasonable in size and quality, thinking of the warmth they''d provide at night for him and his grandfather.  It would be nicer to have a duvet, but these tended to be filled with feathers or wool and sewn by the women of the house, it was not so easy to find one for purchase.  Leon definitely could not sew.


    Lastly, he purchased a new broom and two sets of plain, but new, hemp clothing for his old grandfather as well as a cloak and boots.  He suspected the old man would attempt to refuse him so much new clothing, so he would gift them for new year, when it was considered inauspicious to reject.  People believed doing so was not a good sign when ushering in a fresh year.  Jin Li suggested that they split the packages into two, with himself gifting the cloak and boots in order to further give the old man less reason to refuse the good intentions.  Leon agreed that it was a good idea.


    With their purchases tucked away, they waited on Russ, who rushed over with the oil and flour he had bought and the three began to make their way back to the village.  They entered Herb village just as the sun was a couple incense worth of time above the horizon and the houses were darkened by the long shadows of their neighbours.  "Leo," Russ began as they reached Leon''s grandfather''s home.  Li Ming jumped down from the wagon bed and rushed over to Wu Ye''s side.  "D'' ye remember the promise we made before ye wen'' away?"

 Chapter 231 - One - Just who am I marrying?

    Leon couldn''t help but be startled and automatically rummaged through his memories trying to figure out what had been said.  Just, while he remembered a lot of things involving Russ, did not mean he recalled everything. Plus it was in the nature of children to make promises all of the time, some were kept, some were forgotten, but seldom were any that serious.  It also didn''t help his concentration that Jin Li gripped his waist more tightly, mounted together as they were on the back of Wu Ye.

 Chapter 232 - Two - I’m the person who can walk beside him, always

    Leon''s gem-like eye''s blinked rapidly beneath the crystal lenses that enhanced his vision, unable to stop staring at Jin Li due to the audacious claim made by the man still holding him in his embrace.  Jin Li said he was his husband.  A blush painted his cold cheeks and then his lips formed a slight pout that went unnoticed by most others, but not the one who was most conscious of him.  Since when had he married Jin Li anyway?  Not that he was against it, but it would have been nice to be asked and then there was supposed to be some sort of ceremony wasn''t there?

 Chapter 233 - Three - They attend a Royal Celebration

    Jin Li was very blunt in his explanation regarding their ''marriage'' as they lie upon Leon''s kang bed together that night.


    "When this Lord decided to Dual Cultivate with you, naturally you were honoured and bound to this Lord as Dao Companion and spouse. You did not disagree with it."


    Leon had blinked, digesting this information before a deep red painted his face. At that point, not only was he flush in the aftermath of sex thus very weak to Jin Li''s demands, he hadn''t really known the consequences of accepting Jin Li''s ''favour''. His lips formed a slight pout which was in turn bitten by Jin Li in a mixture of lust and warning; little husband dare to reject him now?? Of course Leon wouldn''t, he was far too entwined in this relationship now, extracting himself now was unimaginable. Just to prove that point, Leon wrapped his arms about Jin Li''s neck and placed a chaste kiss upon the other''s lips.


    Surprised for half a heartbeat then dissatisfied in the next, Jin Li chased his parting mouth and pulled his lips back into a much deeper kiss with his tongue diving into the Leon''s warm cavity claiming ownership of the space. And simply to make clear just whom Leon belonged to once and for all, Jin Li pressed forward with an even more intimate suit. Leon could only cling to him, biting his tongue as he tried desperately not to let his voice escape and disturb his grandfather. For his elder to know what he was up to in the privacy of his small bedroom was just too embarrassing.


    *****


    Elsewhere;


    Just as there were to be New Years celebrations in the village and nearby town, there would be New Years celebrations elsewhere, including in the city of Cenapar.  The celebrations in the poorer and frugal areas of the city wouldn''t actually be too unlike those in the village, while the merchants and people with a comfortable amount of wealth would have saved a pot of silver and gold to celebrate with more fervour.  However, it was in the centre and in the North of the city where the social differences over welcoming the start of another year would once more become obvious and apparent.


    Those without the social connections, money or status most likely could only imagine the way the wealthy celebrated, some might be envious of what occurred in their dreams.  They imagined all sorts of delectable and delicious delicacies from all across the globe being present on the table and most of that would be meat.  They imagined the women would be beautiful, elegant and graceful, clothed in stunning brocades and the smoothest silks, adorning lustrous jade and gleaming silver.  While the men would be handsome and surrounded in beauties, or they might be fat and still surrounded by beauties, while also wearing ornate silks cut to be charming and intimidating and gold to show their wealth.


    (Let it be mentioned, that being fat was not an unpleasant thing to these dreaming and sometimes hungry lower class, a wide girth simply represented being well fed and having access to rich food, perhaps having a lazy life of indulgence.  How could such a thing be considered bad?)


    There might be dancers or operatic troupes invited to their celebrations to entertain them and there most definitely would be fireworks.  Those fortunate to live not to far managed to basque in the beauty of some of these displays, while further away they heard the loud sounds and a whisper of colour from time to time lighting up the midnight sky.


    However beautiful a picture they might paint and while much of it was true, every light had a shadow and every rosebush had thorns.


    Still, Sun didn''t care for any of these things, he was unhappy enough to have been dragged along with a handful of other family members by his powerful grandfather and intimidating grandmother to the celebration held at the palace of the first King in Cenapar.  Actually, it was not the first King who was throwing this party, but his sixth son; the King himself was in his own kingdom''s royal palace and enjoying his own celebrations with his wives and concubines.  But it was not unalike for many of those matriarchs, patriarchs, eldest sons and first daughter-in-laws were leading their unmarried children to the celebrations in order to possibly find a match... or rather, what they considered a match.


    Prince Drake was forty and not unmarried, widowed or divorced.  His princess was his only princess and he had never taken a Concubine or shown interest in other women.  This had created much gossip in the past, painting his princess as a jealous woman following the Prince rejected suits of others, but after the princess gave birth to his third son, the rumours died down somewhat.  This woman was so very favoured even though her hips and breast had grown with each child and with three sons (and later, a much desired daughter), her position in his royal household was too strong.  An interloper might make a small foothold, but unless she could steal the Prince''s heart and wrap it in infatuation, she would never make much inroads.  Even bearing her own son would not help for there were three princes above him, what chance did her own boy have to inherit any title in the future?


    But that was the past, this was the present and at present, two of the Prince''s sons had come of age and were as yet unmarried.  There had been rumours that the first son was engaged, but no one knew to whom or whether she would become his Jun Wangfei, so there was hope for the darling daughters to take this title. There was also the position of the second small Prince''s consort wife and both could also take concubines. Even if their daughters could not be placed in these lesser royal households, what of the those noble and influential households around them...?


    The General did not care for these things; he wished to catch up with old comrades and friends as well as greet the prince who he once bounced on his knee after the child had walked in on a meeting between the young General and his Royal Father and other army leaders. Of course, he planned to show off his grandsons, particularly Sun, who had attained Secondary stage cultivation (note, he could only brag about his seventh grandson, Sun''s ''rival'' in the family, for the boy was too little to attend this event). So Sun had to attend, as did his older brother and one Male shu-born cousin, none of whom happened to have spouses.


    Naturally, this little condition of taking just the unwed grandsons and leaving the wed ones to attend other less prominent gatherings was of the matriarch''s. She also brought along several female cousins, including one pouting Carmen, who wished to be here less than Sun. What was the point when she had already met her future husband?? Grandmother had not agreed.


    So after her Grandmother had gently pushed her to go and mingle with other young maidens of her age, the facade of a kind and virtuous yatou that she always presented in front of her Grandmother slipped a degree or two.  She was not about to bother competing with the other girls when he was not here to impress.  However, despite her sweetened appearance being not so anymore, she had quite the circle of friends for whom she revealed a different aspect of herself.  To them, she was not a glowing paragon of virtue, like their mothers wished them to learn from, there was something about her that attracted them.  She could be brutally candid to the point of being hurtful, but her eloquent, sly words were saved for others.  She could be a bit stingy with praise, but at least her praise was honest not something she did not mean.  Better than some white lotus who projected purity and virtue to the point of making their teeth hurt.


    Sun would have said that this was still not the true her, that this was just another act, but they did not know that.  And right now, as she sat with them her posture sulky and her pretty mouth forming a sultry pout, they fluttered towards her like bees to honey in order to gossip and have a little fun at this celebration cum matchmaking event.

 Chapter 234

    "Master Cygnus."


    "General Ramas. There seems to be a lightness to your step this evening."


    While butterflies flittered elsewhere, two silver haired men smiled at each other and made small talk, however although they appeared of similar age, there was actually a few decades between them. The much more stout of the two, for his figure resembled a plush ball unlike the robustness of the man with sun darkened skin, was actually some fifty years older. However, they both had experienced stagnation in their cultivation, although at different times, so the years had taken hold of them and lined them both. This similarity between them and joint wistfulness of fate had formed a bond of friendship that stretched now ten long years. Both also shared the hope of their dreams within their grandchildren now, their own offspring being ordinary. However, while General Ramas was the head of his family with shallow roots, Master Cygnus was born of a branch within the extensive and ancient Cygnus clan. He grew to head this branch family that had been dying away were it not for his tenth grandson and current hope.


    The old man''s name was Winter, but as he represented the clan within Cenapar city, others respectfully called him by the clan name.


    General Ramas smiled brightly, even as he dismissed the compliment. "My wife invites new doctors all the time to create tonics for me. Perhaps this new bitter medicine is actually taking effect for a change. But I see that there is a sparkle in your eyes this night, perhaps you received good news?"


    "Not so, not so," the old man was equally as dismissive, but allowed; "although this one''s Grandson happened to return home to visit this New Year and it is always the delight of the elders to welcome home their descendants."


    "This is true," General Ramas agreed. "It so happens my Grandson is also back for a visit."


    "Is that so? Ah I recall that you mentioned that you allowed him to attend the Ascending Mountain Institute as a Martial Artist. May I assume he is progressing well then?"


    "When will that stinky boy ever progress well?" General Ramas scowled even if that did not reach his cheerful eyes. "However, I bet that your Grandson is performing brilliantly as usual as a Mage at the Ascending Mountain Institute?"


    "Not bad," the man stroked his impressively long beard that dressed his round stomach like a second scarf. "His talent is mediocre, only just managing to breakthrough to tertiary level a little less than a moon ago. His sea is now all over the place and so I let him remain home to rest." These depreciating words were only upon his tongue and clearly not in his heart as each one was filled with pride.


    "Isn''t he a little over twenty one? And you consider such talent mediocre," General Ramas snorted. "Should I remind you how long my sixth grandson lingered in primary level? More than ten years to break through to secondary! Were it not that he gained an attention of one of the Teachers, who took him as a direct student, I''d worry that it would be another ten years before he even approached the peak to enter tertiary stage!" His arms were crossed as if dissatisfied, but Master Cygnus heard the relief, the hope and the joy in his voice.


    Both old men stood as if their grandchildren were the epitome of greatness, even as they berated them verbally. Naturally, others began to bemoan their grandsons and daughters just as happily as well. This one''s granddaughter had only just finished reading ten books about medicine, this one''s grandson had managed to enter the Imperial Academy by some luck considering his weak calligraphy and this one''s grandchild had sold all the recent batch of wine brewed by his own recipe and hand and only saved him a single barrel of the highly in demand beverage.


    "My youngest grandson is so unfilial, he''d rather cultivate than spend the time hunting spirit beasts with this old man," a gentleman groused from beside them and all had to take a second look.  This man had long black hair that reached to his knees even threaded high upon his head and through a simple crown that it was.  He wore a long midnight blue silk tunic with swords embroidered about the hem and ivory silk trousers tucked into long, black leather boots.  The belt about his waist shimmered like scales and jade beads dangled from it as well.  His silver eyes were shaped like Phoenix feathers, his skin was only a shade darker than milk and his lips were reddened by wine.  By no means should this ''youth'' be a grandfather, but they couldn''t doubt his words.  There were immortals amongst immortals.


    The tall and rather stunning man had attracted many glances and contemplation, but suddenly warned, these old men felt the need to warn their wives not to look in his direction.  It was very unlikely that this man was here seeking a young bride, more than likely he was a special guest of Qinwang.


    He suddenly swaggered off towards the palisade outside, after glancing at his empty glass for a few moments and the old men sighed, before beginning another round of bragging.  Slowly, as the wine flowed, the depreciative words covering their pride were forgotten for more outrageous comparisons, each trying to one up the next.


    "Ah so what if your granddaughter wrote a poem that impressed the Headmaster of the Imperial College," slurred one old man, "my granddaughter composed a piece of music upon the qin that impressed the princess consort''s mother!"


    "My Great Grandson has been accepted as a disciple of Teacher Dean, the most famous scholar of the Ascending Mountain Institute!  It''s said his knowledge is no less that the Deputy Head Master of the Institute himself!"


    "My Grandson has not only been accepted as a disciple of Teacher Quan Zhang, the immortal Mage from across the oceans.  He heads the Magic school of the Ascending Mountain Institute!"  This man was Master Cygnus'' old rival and happened to be of a slightly smaller clan devoted to raising Mages amongst its children.  Master Cygnus had once hoped also to be a Mage of the Cygnus clan and had never gotten along with this Master Ibis of the Ibis clan.  Now their descendants had the fate to attend the same school and be pit against each other in their Elder''s stead.


    The two men''s eyes met and illusionary lightning seemed spark between them.


    "My Grandson''s place in the Standings was some ten places above your Grandson," Master Cygnus decided to remind him, "if I recall correctly."


    "But isn''t your Grandson only a branch family member and so oppressed by the main house''s young Di daughter?" The other man sneered. "At least my grandson is of the main bloodline, so all the resources are his to use. He naturally will exceed your Grandson in the future!"


    The vein of the Cygnus old Master throbbed at the side of his temple. But before he could retaliate, a servant approached him and murmured in his ear. He took a deep breath that did little to expel the redness in his face. "Excuse me, gentlemen," he bowed slightly, though was slighted by the old Ibis Master who stepped aside insulting him by refusing to accept his departing gesture of respect. Winter Cygnus gritted his teeth and vowed for all to hear; "The Inter-School Exchange is not far from being upon them.  We''ll see who has the last laugh then!"


    "Ha, we shall!"  The old men flicked their long loose sleeves in each other''s direction then turned on their heels and left abruptly.


    General Ramas looked gloomily at the crimson liquid in his glass; Sun had never spoken of these school events to him.  Unfilial child!  He must get an explanation at once!

 Chapter 235

    Little servant girls looked demure as they poured tea for the ladies while little servant boys appeared tall and amicable as they poured wine for the men. The guests were very satisfied. One little servant girl bent at the knees as she presented a tray of little cakes and sweets to a group of girls before being jovially dismissed with the wave of a hand and a small pouch holding a silver coin passed by that girl''s personal maid. The girl, who happened to have burnt umber coloured hair prettily braided and caught in a half bun upon her head turned to ask a question of the girl beside her.


    "Are you also here to see Qinwang''s sons?" She spoke behind her lace fan as if attempting to hide her blunt words.


    Carmen huffed and glanced at that girl''s colouring, admittedly jealous that the girl had such a wealth of rich hair, while hers seemed so dull in comparison.  Of course, there was no comparison between skin tone; Carmen''s was like milk, this old Marquis granddaughter had to hide the ruddiness of her skin with pearl powder.  "I can''t say that is not what my Grandmother might be thinking," she replied with some evasiveness.


    The girls all nodded; they knew that Carmen was her Grandmother''s favourite.  "They are quite handsome!" A girl with indigo curls sighed as did the others, causing Carmen to almost sneer in front of them.  Could they not be any less like sheep?


    Her sultry eyes glanced over at each princeling in turn.  The older brother was much like his father, but virile in his youth with a pointed chin and narrow eyes.  Two sword shaped brows neatly finished his handsome face and his dark steel coloured hair was captured in an ornate silver crown.  He was very broad of shoulder.  The younger brother was known to take after his maternal family more, he was round of face, which was very youthful and his hair was like strands of spun gold held in a crown of the metal with the same name.  His height just about reached his brother''s chin.


    "They are alright," Carmen finally gave her response.  It was just that hair as black as coal was more appealing, a man who was tall and strong but not build like an impenetrable wall... ("I question your eyes," Sun would have said if he had access to his cousin''s mind.)


    The girls all looked at each other, enlightenment suddenly lifting their features and with a rustle of silk, they all took a seat about her with broad smiles upon their lips.  "Just which cad has attracted our Carmen''s attentions?"


    "Yes, yes," the Marquis granddaughter tugged her sleeve coquettishly, "is he here today?  Surely we should confront him!  How dare he steal our Carmen''s heart and leave her so melancholy!"


    The girls all giggled, but Carmen just smiled, coyly and allowed them to coax and please her for a while. Eventually, she gave them a little fodder for their thoughts. "His name is Jin Li."


    More glances were exchanged and a girl with hair the colour of grape wine asked aloud; "Is that person of West Xulaphrey? He sounds such with that unusual name."


    "I couldn''t say," Carmen allowed, not admitting that actually she knew very little about the young man, not that she hadn''t attempted to find out. But Sun''s servants never showed any face to her maids when they inquired. "He attends that school that my sixth brother attends." Although they were cousins, as they had the same genealogy, it was natural to refer to him as such.


    "Speaking of your sixth brother," said the girl with indigo hair, who happened to be related to a duke but not close enough to be considered for marriage amongst the purple. "He seems to have matured somewhat over this half year."


    Carmen scowled using her fan to discreetly hide this from the Madams who happened to glance their way from time to time.  "How so?" She wanted to know what was going through this silly girl''s mind.  They looked at her as if her eyes had no sight to see.  "What?  Do you look at the brothers in your family and think they have grown up during the time that you had not seen them?  Besides, what is half of a year?"


    The girls looked sheepish; she had a point.


    Sun shuddered as he felt too many eyes boring into him, like he was some object upon display.  "Are you alright, brother?" Mond asked him, lightly as he stood beside him, their grandfather having wandered off in some other direction.


    "I... I''m fine, I think," Sun replied with slight hesitation, before pouting.  "Why was it that Grandmother insisted we attend tonight?  I feel as if I have been put out on display at auction as one of the lots!"


    "At least you are not considered one of the most valuable items, little brother," Mond indicated the starry eye girls practically lining up to greet the second princeling with their parents.  The man''s bright smile remained upon his lips, but his eyes seemed very weary.  Their Grandmother was not the sort to throw her granddaughters in front of men''s eyes to try gain their attention, so neither she nor any of her granddaughters were amongst that crowd.  And with Grandfather remincising elsewhere, the elders in the room did not approach them as that was beneath their status and was inappropriate.


    "You''re the luckiest, brother," Sun was not resigned.  "You are already engaged; they won''t look at you like some prize bull, ah!"


    "Not entirely so," Mond denied.  The elders were not considering him and his future wife''s family were not present at the affair this evening, but he''d felt a handful of burning stares regardless.  He then decided to tease, albeit clumsily, his little brother.  "So you want Grandmother to find you a wife, I should inform her."


    "Don''t you dare!" Sun leapt up at him and covered his mouth with his hands, attracting a fair bit of attention before realising he''d been played.  His face reddened brightly as he lowered his hands, his older brother apologising to him, even if he offered others stares of indifference.  "Brother!" He wailed softly after the crowds resumed to chatting and making uncomplimentary compliments with each other, letting them slip away unnoticed.


    "What do you plan to do?" Mond asked with some curiousness.  He''d not the options that Sun currently had available, he was an ordinary person after all.  Marrying, having a young wife to return home to once he''d gained some merit in the army then raising children with her had never seemed a bad notion to him, however, so he was not jealous of Sun.


    Sun beamed as he answered; "I''m going to prove to everyone that a wind root is not lame!  Did you know, my Teacher Corvus has just a wind root, yet he''s amazingly strong and fast!  Admittedly, he can be a bit weird sometimes and annoying, impulsive, doesn''t think things through, likes to show off... a lot and he doesn''t understand the concept of privacy at all, but he''s taught me a cultivation method that is perfect for me as well as some techniques I didn''t know were possible!  I get a cloudy Spiritual Pill every month, access to the medicinal baths everyday, the food isn''t bad and no one looks down on me because I am short!  Well, some of the other first years did in the beginning, but those idiots alienated Jin Li because they were jealous, so that type of people aren''t worth my time anyway!"


    A small smile curled Mond''s lips as he listened to Sun rattle on, uncaring that he had heard much of this before.  Sun began to once more embellish some of his adventures at the school, some including his Teacher, some including the young Master Jin Li and the alchemist boy, Leon.  As his brother spoke, he noticed from the corner of his eye someone pause in the shadows of the palisade, but as he turned about, there was no one to be seen.  So he simply dismissed it and returned his attention to his little brother, enjoying the renewed connection with him he''d thought some ten years lost.

 Chapter 236

    New Year''s in the village had a slightly different atmosphere in some houses than in previous years.  Women still gathered in the kitchens making use of the meat and eggs and precious white flour that they had traded and stored away just for this one day''s celebrations and these women still gossiped.  Meanwhile, the men would do a few menial chores such as feed livestock and clear the light snowfall from the paths and bring in more firewood or gather to hunt in the morning.  And later these men would share cups of wine with their elders and ancestors and ruminate about political things that sounded very important but had otherwise little effect on them.


    However, the gossip also included mention of their village''s respected elder Leonard, who had some learning and his little grandson who had stepped off the beaten path and would leave no descendants to continue Old Leonard''s family line.  Forgotten was the fact that Leo himself should have taken another person''s name, that was a hushed subject that no one bothered with anymore, not wanting to speak ill of the deceased.  Both men and women would shake their heads while lamenting on behalf of Leonard, but the man himself was not bothered at all.


    He still went to a few houses to exchange for dumplings and moon cakes (neither could Leon make). Some of the families were cold, even tried to charge him more to which he rose an eyebrow and simply walked away. Others were far more generous than usual or tried to be as Leonard really didn''t want their sympathy. Besides, behind at least one person''s eyes was calculation that reminded him of his daughter. Why did these fools think like that woman, thinking that he was holding some sort of legacy behind his doors? Just because he could read, did not mean he had wealth. In fact, all he had was the courtyard house, which had seen better days, and a bit of farming land that he rented to the next door neighbour for a couple of sacks of rice a year. Most families had much the same and could even earn more money as they could raise herbs on their farms and had many sons who could bring money in from elsewhere.


    The village chief was not like the rest; he could be seen as to be a little more worldly than the villagers.


    "I know don'' know much abou'' the immortal realm, bu'' there''s this Cultivator who makes special trip t'' the village every ten years or so," he had mentioned, "an'' tha'' fella will sit with me, like he sa'' with me father and me grandfather and me great grandfather, an'' tell us stories.  It''s no'' unusual for men to couple for there are fewer women Cultivators.  A Cultivator would risk them heart demons if he had t'' continuously watch his brides die, cos she cannae be an immortal like himself."


    He was quite correct in his analysis. There were fewer female Cultivators for many reasons. For one, in poor families, the eldest son was the only valuable resource; didn''t matter if anyone else had ability, a family would not give them money to aid them and learning, whether it be scholarly or cultivation, cost money. So no other boys got the chance unless a sect or school found they had something rare, let alone the daughters. And in more affluent families, daughters were often considered valuable in creating connections through marriage, while surplus sons having ability would be literally given to sects and sent to schools in order to use their worth for the family. So only unmarriageable daughters and daughters of cultivating families might be blessed to walk the path of a cultivator along with the rarest amongst the gifted.


    There was also the fact that two Cultivators might not be able to procreate and bring a child who could follow them on their journey to immortality, though the chances were indeed higher. A woman who had carried this little bun for two hundred and eighty days within her might not easily accept that they would lose the child as soon as eighty years, while living on for centuries after the loss. So while finding a partner to Cultivate with upon this path held some importance, gender was no longer relevant.


    The gossip itself was not pleasant, but not detrimental in the end. Leon''s memories of this place were much like movies starring someone else, even if they did happen through his eyes. It was not that he disassociated them from himself, but that the him now would not necessarily have behaved like the him then; their personalities weren''t too much different, but the environments in which they grew up in were a lot. So while Leo would have been most upset with ruining his small reputation and friendships within the village as well as the hurt he might have caused Leonard, Leon didn''t care so much (with the exception of upsetting his grandfather, who was very good to him and had accepted the situation anyway).


    Besides, just the night before, something occurred that muted gossip about him a little and gave those men and women something else to shake their heads and talk about; Russ'' father got exceptionally drunk in town and on his way back, slipped on a patch of ice and tripped and fell into a deep ditch. He broke his leg in two places during the fall as well as fractured his arm.


    A doctor had set his limbs with splints and had advised him to stay off his leg and mind his arm and charged three silver for the late night call and prescription.  He also had warned that the man might not have full use of the leg in the future, though the arm would heal well enough. Russ'' grandmother had wailed so loud that she woke up many neighbours and insisted that Russ go beg some alchemy pills from Leo.  Unfortunately for Russ'' father and the old lady, Leon was still at a low level when it came to making pills and he certainly couldn''t make Bone Regrowth pills yet.  Plus many of the herbs were fairly rare so more expensive than the average pill, Leon didn''t even know if the money he brought with him would even cover the expenses even if he wanted to make the pill for the unpleasant drunk.


    Still, just to help Russ keep face, he did give him a bottle of False Recovery Pills, which would be better as painkillers than the bitter medicine that the doctor prescribed.  However, he had told him that the man could only take one a day.  The more he took, otherwise, the shorter they would last to the point that they were not effective at all.  He didn''t say that once they wore off, the man might feel a slight increase in pain; all medicines came with the risk of side effects after all.


    So New Years was a strange affair in that family, with Russ'' father hollering for a drink and wailing that he was in pain... and where was his drink (dammit!) while his Grandmother wept and blamed Russ'' mother for letting her child drink to excess and causing this to happen. Russ had scorned all ''filial piety'' at that point and told the old woman clearly; "My da'' is a grown man who eats meat an'' can lif'' up a couple sack of rice, while me Ma is lucky if she has a bowl of rice soup fer a meal. How is me Ma mean'' t'' stop ''im?"


    The old woman paused for half a heartbeat before wailing again; "I shoul'' ne''er le'' him marry ye an'' now ye son is as unfilial as ye! Ye is this family''s unlucky star! I''ll have our secon'' divorce ye!"


    "Bring i'' on!" Russ sneered.


    "Russ..." his mother tugged at his sleeve, pleading with him.


    "No, Ma," Russ put his foot down. "Did she once think abou'' ye when Da broke ye fingers ''cos he though'' ye had some dowry left t'' sell for a jug o'' wine? Le'' me take care of ye and me sisters. They won'' have t'' go bed cold an'' hungry anymore!"


    "Slanderous, unfilial boy!" Russ'' Grandmother continued to stammer and wail. "Jus'' because me poor son cannae bea'' manners into ye, don''t think this old woman cannae!" She began hitting the floor with her cane, but when it landed on Russ'' body a couple of times, it snapped in two! She finally realised that this child was not a weak boy anymore and wanted to call in her sons to deal with him. Only as they rushed in, Russ'' mother was finally standing tall and declared that even if the old woman wanted to have her son divorce her, it wasn''t possible, as she would request a divorce first!


    Stunned, she swept out of the main room to her own tiny compound before instructing her eldest daughter to request the village chief to come to the family. Russ first uncle attempted to soothe his mother, reminding her that a divorce in the family would ruin the family''s reputation as her daughter-in-law had not, to this point, broken any of the women''s stipulations (she had borne a son and she was usually very filial to her elders as well as obedient to her husband). And his third uncle attempted to soothe Russ'' mother, who was far too upset to be pacified as she recalled all of the times that she had failed to care and protect her children from their selfish father and grandmother.


    The village chief spoke to everyone, including Russ'' father, who said she could leave only when she had given him ten silver (enough for a several barrels of cheap wine). She had tossed the pouch of all her savings (and Russ'') for her precious daughter''s dowries upon the bed he lie in, before providing her thumb print and walked out with her packed things. Russ'' Grandmother hadn''t ever thought it would go so far and had fainted completely away. The village chief had only shaken his head and helped the woman and her children settle into a courtyard that belonged to his second son, who''d moved to town some years ago, temporarily so at least she wouldn''t have to spend the winter in the cold.


    Other than that, it was up to the family''s themselves to deal with and regret.

 Chapter 237

    By the crackling fire, Leon served the rice, braised meat and beans, egg drop soup and dumplings, along side the moon cakes and warmed wine. He was filial, serving his old Grandfather first, followed by a sour lover, who nudged him when he felt he''d been ignored long enough.


    And after the meal, Leon and Jin Li presented Leonard with the gifts of clothing as well as a new cane that Leon had carved himself. It was much smoother and more attractive than the old man''s previous one. His gnarled digits stroked over the leaf patterns and discreet symbols that he did not recognise as anything other than interesting additions. In return, Leonard gave Leon some books made from the scrap paper that could not be used for the book store and to Jin Li an old dagger that actually turned out to belong once to Leonard''s uncle. And for both of them, two matching silver pendants, which had also belonged to Leo''s parents.


    "Aleora lef'' these things fer ye," was all his explanation, his tone a little gruff.


    "W-will you c-come b-back with us?" Leon asked him with reddened eyes as he stared at the small silver fan with a tiny blue pearl dangling from its lower point. Jin Li''s was the same, but with a jet black pearl.


    "Eh, ye wan'' this old man t'' go t'' school with ye?" Leonard joked as he puffed upon his pipe.


    Leon wrinkled his nose, scratching the tip, sheepishly. "I thought you c-c-could live in J-Julip t-town."


    The elder leaned back in his rocking chair and blew out the blue-grey smoke, before waving his pipe dismissively. "This old man only has a couple of year'' left, I don'' feel like upping sticks an'' movin'' now." Leon lowered his head, stuttering out that Leonard shouldn''t say such unlucky things and the old man patted his hand affectionately.


    Jin Li nudged his small lover with one finger and indicated that the other ought help him adorn the pendant about his neck; this represented his man''s family approval for him to take Leon as wife, naturally it must be worn, just as Leon had to wear his. He did not once question the terminology in his mind for Leon''s status. The alchemist was obliging and as usual completely unaware of Jin Li''s thoughts, although it did occur to him as he glanced from his to Jin Li''s how the pendants were a matching set. The thought caused him to blush a little, but inwardly he was very pleased.


    Seeing as Leon could not convince Leonard to move, he instead wished to stuff the small village home with practical things, making life for the old man more comfortable and proved to be the old man''s descendant when it came to stubbornness; refusing to take back what was gifted. As he placed the thick duvet over the Kang bed in the main room that he''d finally managed to obtain a tenday later, he stated as Leonard tried to wave it away; "C-Can''t I m-make m-my home m-more comfortable for when I c-c-come b-back?"


    Leonard was stumped, unable to refute and said slightly red red eyed and quite gruffly; "Well, I''ll just keep these things until you come home then." He received a bright smile from Leon and decided it was well worth it.


    The duvet cover was the product of Russ'' mother, with help from her oldest daughter. Surprisingly, it had been Jin Li''s idea, when Leon had lamented that he wished he could help them. The tension in the woman''s shoulders had lightened since she moved out of Russ'' Grandmother home, but her eyes were still dark with worry. All of their savings had gone after all and it was winter. They were used to surviving on little, but no one could survive on nothing. She was now considered a fallen woman, so there were few but the kindest souls that wished to help her in the village, superstition and rumour had a tendency to overplay things; they thought she would bring bad luck to their families. Fortunately, her eldest daughter''s marriage was not affected, her future mother-in-law was not about to let a willing bride vanish before her eyes considering that her beloved son''s prospects had been poor to begin with.


    "Tch," Jin Li had spat out, thinking his small lover ought to be thinking about his husband rather than other people. "Isn''t it just money they need? Maybe while you are at it, you should just hand over all your bronze and silver to the people in this village to share. Then we can finally be done with them."


    "I want t-t-to," Leon had replied then saw the incredulous expression on Jin Li''s face as he''d washed his bloodied hands due to dismembering a carcass of a hunt, separating meat he wanted to eat from the scraps for the two Coeurl.  "N-n-not the whole village," he had quickly corrected, he couldn''t help everyone and honestly didn''t want to after many had changed their treatment of his grandfather of late, "b-b-but Russ was m-my b-best friend gr-gr-growing up. I c-can''t j-just ignore him like this."


    "Why not?" Jin Li had retorted, increasingly more sullen.


    Leon had ignored his words, choosing to soothe him instead by gently drying his hands for him. He had smiled inwardly as he had noticed Jin Li''s mood lift. "Any s-silver would b-be stolen b-by that man," Leon had then thought aloud, thinking that he doubted Russ'' father would let him and the girls go, just because he divorced their mother. "B-better t-to g-give rice and f-flour. B-but how t-to g-get them t-to accept."


    "How is it that you can improve pills that no one else will touch the recipe of," Jin Li had scowled, "but you can''t think of a simple solution to such a measly issue? Did you not complain that you could not purchase a duvet for our bed as such was usually made by the women of households for personal usage? Of course, that is if that woman can sew."


    And she was more than competent in this area, accepting the request with a bit of reluctance as she was well aware what Leon''s motives likely were. However, she also did need some way to provide food for her children over this period, Russ'' wouldn''t be paid from the small job he''d managed to find for a while and Leon was here thrusting good cloth, needles and thread as well as a deposit of a bucket of rice upon her. She was sure that this plus the further two buckets of rice, a sack of flour and a sack sweet potatoes was definitely too generous for payment considering it was only her time and effort that he needed, but seeing her the hungry faces of her two youngest daughters, she also couldn''t say no to it.


    Also as there was no money involved, so there would be no chance for her ex-husband and mother-in-law to find fault.


    More than Russ'' father retaliating in anyway, Leon''s main concerns had rather been that his Aunt might cause worse trouble once he had gone back to school. Actually, she had yet to do anything since she''d screamed in his face and Leonard had not been worried about it whatsoever.  After all, she represented her husband now, continuing to be unfilial and shameless in front of her father was the same as her husband acting unfilial and shameless.  There was no way neither her husband nor mother-in-law would be satisfied with her behaviour if they were aware of it.


    Indeed they had not been.


    They''d had this chance to make strong connections to a young potential alchemist, perhaps offer to support him as he continued learning and even after when he needed herbs to make his pills.  He would be grateful and naturally express such.  The family''s status potentially would rise along with his identity.  Their relationship would be fruitful for both parties and harmonious.


    Only Lessa had severed the chance with her shrew like behaviour.  Her nephew would never want anything to do with her now!  She tried to defend herself, but the old lady, much like the village chief, had seen a little more of the world that the close-minded woman and while she might not agree with the boy becoming a male wife, she would not sever potential connections with him as an alchemist because of it!


    Worse, the village chief had felt that he did not want his eldest daughter to marry into a family where the mother-in-law was without virtue.  Wouldn''t the little girl suffer under such a roof!  Thus Lessa had ruined her son''s engagement as well, not to mention her daughter who now was stuck with the reputation of being thrown aside by her future husband for a man!  Lessa had been forced to reflect in the Ancestral Halls while writing scriptures and maintaining a vegetarian diet.  There was no time for her to bother her maternal family.


    As the first tenday period of the new year ended, so did Leon and Jin Li''s time in the former''s ancestral village. If they wanted to return to school in plenty of time for the new term, they would have to leave upon the morrow. They ate a rich feast of rabbit stew, rice and sweet potato porridge that last evening as well as gifting Russ a large bowlful of the tender meat for his family.


    "Don'' worry abou'' ye granda!" Russ promised him. "I''ll look ou'' fer him!"

 Chapter 238

    "Ah and then I had to reassure the General that there was no point him attending the Standings nor the upcoming Inter-school exchange!  That I couldn''t participate even if I wanted to!"  Sun was amidst sorting out two large interspacial chests in the room he shared with Jin Li, spilling out everything that had happened to him after he and the other had gone their separate ways in the village before the New Year hailed in.


    Naturally, Jin Li wasn''t listening.  He appeared stoic, cold and uninterested as he sat upon the wooden bench in the shared space of their accommodation and indeed he was.  He didn''t look as if he was sullen and sulking at all.


    The student accommodation in the inner Martial arts school was a little more comfortable than that of the outer school; for one thing, there were no rooms that slept four.  In the outer school, one''s room was based on one''s place within the Standings as well as whether one had attracted the attention of a Teacher.  Most first years were placed in four person rooms.  In this situation, Jin Li and Sun had been fortunate that they had managed to secure a two person room when they were in the outer school.


    Within the inner school, however, accommodation was based on one''s points.  Free accommodation was much like the small two person room they had vacated in the outerschool.  Their current place had three rooms; two tiny single rooms with enough room for a decent bed and small storage and a shared space where they could stretch their limbs or cultivate.  And to mention, a slither of a thin vein of solidified spiritual energy ran beneath this type of room making it far more comfortable to cultivate.


    This place was the cheapest type of room for inner school students to afford, costing nominal points, something larger or on a stronger vein would be more expensive and accommodation meant to house just one person was dearer still.  However, the two youths did not actually spare a point for this place, thanks to Sun being Teacher Corvus student and thanks to the fact that Sun preferred to keep Jin Li''s company (the Teachers preferred this as well).


    Still, Jin Li didn''t care about all that; he was bothered that he''d been kicked out of Leon''s place one day before school started and one day too early as far as Jin Li was concerned.  He would have liked to have left in the morning tomorrow, preferably after a last night tasting the pleasure from teasing his small alchemist.  It was his last chance, after all, before entering closed cultivation for a period of time.  Leon had not wanted to walk to his school on fawn legs and aching hips, so had, with the help of two Coeurl, exiled him, despite knowing this. It was of Leon''s opinion, in addition, that Jin Li had taken advantage of him so often in the past few weeks, that the petals of his chrysanthemum had completely wilted, never to be the same again!


    Have to mention that Li Ming was just following Leon''s instructions, finding it fun, Wu Ye was getting revenge for being used as a mount for two riders as Leon and Jin Li had made their way back to school - using the scenic route.


    The first leg of their journey had been the shortest, just to the nearby town, where they ate and inquired about the roads.  Originally, they had planned to sleep this night, then leave in the early hours for Cenapar City.  Only there was mention that another town over, there was a First Moon festival, a favourite amongst couples, who also prayed at the Temple located a top the hill beside the town for good fortune and good fertility.  Leon''s eyes had sparkles with curiosity and they had taken this detour in the morning.


    The ''hill'' was closer to a small mountain, but the pair had made their way with tens of other couples up the numerous stone steps leading up its heights.  Occasionally, there was a small pavilion area where they could get water or weak tea before continuing their journey.  These pavilions were also very scenic, within small gardens or carved into the hill itself, looking down onto the town far below.  They did not reach the apex; the Temple was split into portions, that which was reserved for only guests of the Abbot who resided at the highest point.  Others could pray to the heavens in other places and those other sections were dedicated to individual, popular gods.


    Such as the god that most villagers secretly prayed to; the god of harvest.


    For the festival, most would visit the goddess of fertility or the moon god; in some stories this pair were wed, in others they were siblings.  Heaven''s knew the truth.


    After a token prayer and parting with a handful of bronze for the privilege, Leon and Jin Li made their way back to town to enjoy the night festival and then Jin Li decided they should enjoy the true meaning of it, leaving Leon to need to sleep upon Wu Ye''s back for much of the journey to the next small village.  Unfortunately, the villagers of this place were not very accepting of strangers, narrow minded of even Cultivators, who they considered as going against Heaven''s Will.  So they could only sleep in the barn of a slightly more generous person, who worshiped the unnamed god of money.


    As the weather, while brisk, was calm and cloudless, they left before dawn.  Leon nestled into Jin Li''s arms, warming his cold hands against the other''s body.  Jin Li was satisfied with this, so even though they found a warm inn along the side of a busy highway that night, Jin Li dragged Leon out of bed the next morning very early so he would be forced to rely on him some more.


    Fortunately, this highway was one that eventually forked towards Julip Town.  They only need spend three more nights in other passing villages prior to that before reaching the outskirts late that evening.  It was difficult to find a room in the inns in new Julip Town, but they happened to cross paths with a slightly drunk Ursam, so ended up imposing upon his wife, who welcomed them even as she told her husband he was banished to the small sofa in the living room!


    Yesterday, they had finally arrived home, in their small courtyard in the outskirts of the outer alchemist school.  It was too tiring to hunt, they could only trek to the Food Hall and then the Stables in order to get some warm meat porridge for their beasts.  Not as tasty as their own hunted food and Leon''s cooking, but all four slept well on full bellies for much of the day and subsequent night.


    Lazing around on the last day, perhaps adding a dual cultivating session in the afternoon as well as more rigorous activities that night had been Jin Li''s ideal plan.  Leon had actually not annexed this thought, just delayed it... plus there would indeed be interest added.  But Leon would not be aware of this for sometime.

 Chapter 239

    On the first official day of school, all students reported in to their teachers or to their seniors, either way, if there were any absentees, the schools would quickly become aware of it.  As for those who were foolish enough to not attend without a damn fine reason, they would not have the opportunity to return until the next enrolment, if they could pass the entrance tests.


    Leon reported in to his Teacher, Sagi, while Jin Li reported in to Teacher Corvus... because it was convenient.  And then the Martial Arts student was given permission to go into closed cultivation for the duration.


    Closed cultivation, for both Teachers and Students, usually took place in a mountain to the north of the Institute, a fair distance from any of the schools.  This was because of the lightning tribulations.  Lightning tribulations were considered to be both a test and punishment from the Heavens, for Cultivators were considered upstarts who dared challenge them.  Whether this was true or not, or whether it had more to do with the balance of the world, when Cultivators breached certain bottlenecks in their cultivation, it was highly likely to draw the phenomenon to their location.  As it happened, completing core formation was one of these certainties.


    So, those needing the shelter not only to protect themselves from the ambush of the lowest scum of life, but also in order to face those tribulations, Teachers and Students would seclude themselves in White Stone Mountain.


    In ages past, the numerous caves that pock marked the mountain were simple; smooth walls and a sealing boulder that only the occupant, if still living, could open.  Nowadays, Cultivators have realised that ''simple'' did not have to mean ''uncomfortable'', so the cold stone floors had been covered by soft rugs and Mage globes sit in small indentations along with some clean cloths and an Enchanted Bowl of Refreshing Water.  There was also a wooden bed.  As it was winter, a single Fire Mage crystal expelled warmth into the cold interior from a small side table. Jade bottles of fasting pills were given to those who had yet to complete Body Tempering, namely the students.


    In one of these caverns, Jin Li sealed the opening with his spiritual energy then sat upon the bed in lotus position.


    Meanwhile, Teacher Sagi was speaking with his three immediate students; Hue, Stygar and Leon.


    The weather was still cold, even if the freezing temperatures and heavy snows that covered certain mountains in the region had abated somewhat. In the outer school of alchemy, they were somewhat sheltered, but the effects of their surroundings could still be somewhat felt. This meant that only the hardiest of herbs would grow in the fields, such as purple spirit grass and sweet sunclover, or those that favoured cold weather. Others had gone into a period of dormancy; these were usable if already mature, but seedlings were generally of no use. A few had wilted and died, leaving their seed or roots in the shelter of the ground ready for the spring in which they would reform once more, the latter as well as the dormant had the chance of becoming coveted one hundred year or even one thousand year herbs one day.


    As the weather was not very pleasant, the four, one Teacher, three students, had gathered in one of the rooms in the lecture hall. Stygar had a particular aversion of the cold and had placed fire mage crystals close by, which warmed the air. Leon was particularly glad of this and was thinking of asking his senior how to obtain some of the crystals for his own home, which currently relied on the kitchen stove for warmth.


    "In a few weeks, the Interschool exchange will begin once more," Teacher Sagi reminded them, to which Leon looked completely blank, as did Hue for a different reason, while Stygar sneered. "Now, now, you are all seniors and talented, it''s not like there won''t be anyone seeking to add you to their teams."


    "Er..." Leon wondered how to bring up the fact that he had no idea of what his Teacher was speaking of.


    Since returning to the school, perhaps due to the fact that meeting his grandfather and Russ had jolted his previously locked memories, a few others had awakened in his mind. For instance, he recalled that he''d been a bit of a loner before, not making friends easily, but the one or two he had had abandoned him thanks to Caprian''s campaign of ruling over the outer school and abusing him. So he often ate alone in the Food Hall... if he remembered to eat at all; he really was obsessed over making pills. At first, he''d wanted to learn as much about alchemy in order to earn money and provide his grandfather with a better life as well as prove to his aunt that he was not a useless burden. But later, he just really liked it. Perhaps because of this, activities such as the Standings, the Five School Festival and now the Interschool exchange, he really had no knowledge of because he had no interest in them.


    As if a similar notion occurred to him, Teacher Sagi turned to him to explain; "You didn''t attend the event last year, if I recall correctly, you went into secluded training for that time. I don''t think you would have left your room had you not run out of herbs. Also, I recall you fainted straight after leaving and had to be sent to the Healers'' Hall."


    Leon blushed, shamefaced; had there been something that happened like that?


    Stygar and Hue left after discussing some other things, while Sagi led Leon to the library wanting to show his youngest student something he managed to locate in the Winter break. As he did, he began to explain about the Interschool exchange.


    It was not, as had been Leon''s first thought, an exchange program for students involving other learning institutes. This event only involved the five schools within the institute, but unlike the Standings, students would battle and share their learnings with students from other schools. There were two main events. One was where lone students could fight each other in a ring after begin challenged. Points could be earned or lost due to challenges, though placements on the Standings would not be affected. It was open to all, but generally, alchemists and scholars would not get involved. Of course, there were always exceptions.


    The second event was a team battle, in which there would be up to sixty teams. These teams would be led by the top twenty students in the inner martial arts school, inner Mage school and the inner beast taming school. The teams consisted of six students and all five schools had to be represented. The sixth place was left to the discretion of the team leader, but could not be in the top fifty of any inner school (though any of the other five could, just not naturally in the top twenty for obvious reasons).


    It would stand to reason that the top students would try and grab the twenty first through to twenty fifth of each Standing to their team, but this would not necessarily give them the best team. Dynamic and team work was also important or they would ultimately fail. Plus, there was talent to be had in the outer schools that couldn''t be underestimated; the Standings involved skill and strength indeed, but also luck.


    "T-Teacher?" Leon had to ask. "Why would a t-team n-n-need an alchemist or scholar?" Surely a team would be dragged down with these two non-combative occupations.


    "Think about it," Teacher Sagi told him. "Outside of school, martial artists and other Cultivators that rely on their strength of body and mind still often need the pills an alchemist can provide, whether it be for healing or self-improvement. Also there are times they need to quick wit and intelligence of a scholar for who else can translate ancient tombs or help them adjust their cultivation method to their specific needs? Only an ignorant individual would deny the support you offer. That is partially what this exchange is all about. Also it is good training, for the talents of others can not be underestimated. A person who looks weak might be suppressing an immense strength. A person who looks strong, yet dim, might be hiding a sly wit."


    Leon nodded that he understood. He''d not been one for reading fictional novels in his past life, unless it had been an assignment, but that didn''t mean he didn''t take the time to watch movies once in a while.

 Chapter 240

    The light crunch beneath their feet deepened and lengthened, just as the white dusting coating the forest floor deepened to much more substantial snow. Before the ravine drop, there was no shelter from the canopy and the bridge, however sturdy, was subject to the natural elements. Numerous students swept the bridges leading towards the central floor of the tall, towering library, though only a few wore those recognisable robes embroidered with purple emblems.


    Officially speaking, all schools had their own uniform robes, just that few wore it.  Dealing with exploding cauldrons, animal poop or battling with sharp weapons or elements such as fire, did not encourage the wearing of those robes.  Each student only received one set and would need to purchase further ones; Leon recalled that his had been stolen from a temporary washing line after he''d cleaned them after the only time he''d worn them in the first year.  It had been someone''s idea of a prank, only not only had Leo not bothered to search for them, he''d forgotten about them altogether after creating a blood pill for the first time.


    However, those uniforms were often considered to some as a matter of pride.  The Scholar''s school were particularly fond of displaying this pride in front of all others.


    Teacher Sagi lead Leon into the library and then to the portals that were located behind the reception desk.  This library had many floors upward and just as many below, but only the floor above the central floor was accessible by stairs.  Above that, the next five floors held much more detailed books that were linked to the individual schools within the Institute.  Each outer school senior could access their respective floor once every four tendays, while each inner school senior could access the floor once every tendays.  As a direct disciple, Leon could go to the sixth floor which held the alchemist books, every day, otherwise he might not be able to run errands requiring access for his Teacher.  Otherwise, if a student wanted more access, they would need to earn it, perhaps via points or a rewarded library pass.  This was part of the reason that outer school students were less picky with the request systems and did a lot of the grunt work that inner school students might stick their noses up at.


    The five floors above those were also related to each school, but held far greater secrets, a student might only gain access under very special circumstances.


    The lower floors of the library also held secrets, but these were usually only accessible by Teachers, for these contained such things as secret maps, forbidden arts and peak level skill books that most students would never require in their time at the school nor would be able to use in their entire lifetimes.  Strangely enough, Teacher Sagi took Leon to one of these mysterious levels.


    The room was rather dusty and was filled with antiques, but not the sort that could be considered worth something, more such that could not be identified or were useless.  There was also a bookshelf with a few tombs upon it.  Leon noticed that one seemed to be just half of a book, while another had obscure writing on it that made his eyes feel dizzy after a while.  Sagi took a thin book that was no more than a thumb nail thick and whose pages were not of paper nor parchment but of delicate slats of cut jade.  The older man blew the dust from it before looking at his young student.


    "The Headmaster recalled quite some time ago that we had in store a cultivation technique specifically for celestials," he mentioned as he glanced over what he held.  "However, we couldn''t find it in the upper levels with other cultivation techniques nor in the treasury.  Eventually, it was traced here."  He waved his hand as if something occurred to him.  "We probably could have moved it to a better location, but the less people are aware of its existence, the less people will become aware of yours.  No one would think to seek for something like this here and besides, it is useless unless the one studying it has a pure celestial root such as yourself."


    He handed it to Leon, who took it gingerly, worried he might break it.  However, the pale green ''pages'' were not so delicate to break, just as their edges were actually not sharp enough to cut.  The slats were tied together with tarnished silver wire and once opened, they would unfurl not unlike a scroll.  However, that wire held them closed at this moment, so all Leon could see was the top piece of jade with a carving of a star upon its surface.


    "Study it here," Teacher Sagi recommended.  "I''ll return for you in one hour.  If someone comes by, just suggest that I have you cleaning up in here or something.  There should be a broom in the corner."  They both glanced to where he pointed to see the bristle broom covered in cobwebs.  Teacher Sagi coughed before saying; "it''s very doubtful anyone will come in here."


    Leon nodded and watched his teacher go before he tried to open the book.  The silver wire fastening refused to budge beneath his fingers, causing him to frown.  Shouldn''t he be able to unlock this thing?  How else was he supposed to read it?  He tried a few times to force the slats to separate so he could read them, but to know avail.  So he placed the book down with a sigh, before sneezing.  It was really dusty in here.


    Reaching for the broom, he shuddered as he wiped off the cobwebs and forced the spiders to run and hide elsewhere in the room.  And then he began to sweep.  Very frustrating.  He''d been given the opportunity to learn a cultivation method that best suited him, but here he was cleaning the room in which it was held.  He didn''t mind cleaning, but he would rather have been studying how to improve his spiritual energies...


    A thought occurred to him and he looked at the sealed book for a long moment, then leaned the broom against the shelf before picking it up once more.  Then he directed a slither of his spiritual energy into the fastening, just as he might have his potion barrel.  It unlocked with a snap.  Huh, so it was that simple?


    Actually, he was not aware, it really wasn''t.  Only one with pure celestial spiritual energies could hope to unlock the little jade book and release its secrets.  However, unaware, Leon sat down on the part of the floor he''d swept more or less clear and began to read.  It was not easy to read the carved slats and the further he read, the more difficult it became until the carvings seemed more like squiggles from a toddler in art class.  Rubbing his eyes, he returned his attention to the first two pages.  These words at least made some sense to him, his lips softly formed to words just as his fingers practiced the odd, physical signs.


    Inside him, his galaxy-like inner sea began to stir.

 Chapter 241

    Leon had managed to memorise the first couple of pages before his Teacher returned to collect him, but he still couldn''t understand the script that followed. He tried to explain things to the older man as he resealed the book and placed it on the dusty shelf. Still, despite him not being able to read the entire thing, those first pages were enough to benefit his current cultivation.


    Teacher Sagi looked thoughtful for a moment then declared; "I wouldn''t worry too greatly upon this.  It''s clear to me now that the book is more of an artefact left behind by your predecessors.  You''ll likely come to understand it when it is time.  But it does look like I best find a better place for it to be stored so you can access it in the future.  I''ll speak to the Headmaster."


    With that, he led Leon back through the portals and out of the library.


    As they stepped outside, Leon dusted off the dirt upon his white coat, but fortunately the dust fell off with ease and didn''t leave obvious marks.  The air had cooled further as the sun began to set; the winter days were especially short in the mountains.  A series of Mage globes were flickering to life about the tall building behind him as well as softly glowing at certain points along the length of the bridges.  Leon could even see a trail of ones he hadn''t noticed before appearing in the canopy of forest trees upon the alchemist''s mountain slope. Presumably, they lead back to the school pavilion; Herb Hall, Food Hall and the like.


    "Greetings!  Isn''t this Leon? And Teacher Sagi!" A jovial voice called out and Teacher and student glanced up, following the sound to the bridge that extended its reach to the ridge leading to the martial arts school.


    Two men stood upon the bridge now empty of students, one had a broad grin upon his face and the usual casual air about him as he strode forward to greet them. This was Teacher Corvus, Sun''s Master and younger brother to Teacher Corne, Pike''s Master. Honestly, apart from the shape of the man''s jawline and narrow eyes, there was not much about the two brothers that were the same. Teacher Corne had an air of intimidation and discipline; his eyes were narrow with seriousness and not a hair would be out of place when it came to the dark hair on his head nor the neatly trimmed beard upon his jaw. Corvus, in comparison, had eyes narrowed with mirth and his wiry curls would come loose from his top knot and be left to dance within the wind. Sometimes he would be clean shaven and other times he''d reveal several days of scruffy growth upon his jaw, but he never seemed to care much about it either way (unless his cute student happened to mention something).


    At this time, he had company, a youthful looking man with a willowy appearance, tall and with long, obsidian hair captured in a white jade crown. His face was oval and cheekbones high, though not prominent beneath the somewhat sparkling pale gold skin. He wore a long silk coat of indigo blue, with generous sleeves and narrow cuffs over robes of a similar colour. All were finished in patterns of silver and white, the ones on the coat happened to be large cranes flying about long, ornate blades. The man''s dark eyes revealed a wisdom that seemed out of place, hinting that his age did not actually match his appearance. However, Leon was now a little more used this world where age really could not be calculated by the lines on one''s face and didn''t think much of it, except for becoming aware that this man was not a student.


    As if to clarify this, Teacher Corvus introduced him. "This is Jian Juren, Teacher Jian. The Headmaster asked me to show him around parts of the school. Jian Juren, this is Teacher Sagi and his student Leon of the outer alchemist school." His name was not the usual of East Xulaphrey and hinted from the West continent. However, that was not something rare in this school, just uncommon.


    The tall man bowed, though his hands remained clasped behind his back as he did so, while Leon gestured more respectfully, cupping his hands before him as he should. Teacher Sagi bowed as well, but his was a little more shallow. "Which school will Teacher Jian be based?"


    "For now, this.. I will be staying at the inner martial arts school," the man replied. His voice was almost melodious in pitch, but held some amusement in its tone. "However, my lectures will be for all schools and I''ll likely be a frequent visitor to the inner alchemist school."


    "Oh?" Teacher Sagi couldn''t help but question. "For what reason?"


    "Ah, Teacher Jian happens to be a specialist when it comes to poisons," Teacher Corvus mentioned lightly as if it were of no import.


    Seeing Teacher Sagi''s expression turn sour, Jian Juren gestured in a peaceful manner. "Do not worry," he chuckled, "I will not be teaching the children any harmful poisons. I happen to know many diversionary pill recipes as well. After all, alchemists are generally not known for being able to protect themselves. It is simply that I happen to visit the school for personal reasons and the Headmaster asked me to teach the students about such matters in order that they are better prepared for the future."


    Diversionary Pills were also often known as Trick pills in certain circles and were not the sort to be digested, but rather the sort to be thrown to the ground or crumbled into the air. They could create all sorts of distractions from smokescreens to disgusting smells or loud noises. However, they were not that popular in East Xulaphrey; combative Cultivators tended to prefer to rely on their own abilities, while support types tended to be protected by them in exchange for their pills or knowledge. This arrangement, though, would not work well for everyone and who knew if the protection offered would be reliable if the protectors were pressed to make life and death decisions? Only the most prominent alchemists and scholars might have more surety.


    As for poisons, excluding the types made by evil and demonic Cultivators and mortals for nefarious reasons, there were many types in the wild produced by beasts or plants. Simple panacea''s taught in school could only detoxify certain types, it was better to know what to avoid and have knowledge of different poisons in order to seek a true cure if necessary.


    Teacher Sagi nodded, agreeing with the Headmaster''s reasoning. Alchemists and alchemy students were known for being weak. Unless they could latch on to a strong thigh such as a Sect or had a good family background, they were vulnerable to abuse or worse once they left the protective atmosphere of the school. Hue had a reasonable background, despite being a bit slow of mind, plus he had his twin brother, a beast tamer and other strong relations. Stygar was an orphan, but sly and also very close to Hue. He would likely not suffer in the future.


    However, Sagi worried for young Leon, especially considering his youngest student''s situation and ability. It was true that he had Jin Li and that one was apparently from a background with deep roots, but those roots were not on this plane, so who knew what Leon might suffer in the future. It would be good to know that he had some ability to protect himself as well.


    "Then I might impose on Teacher Jian," Teacher Sagi mentioned, "and ask if you couldn''t teach a few things to a select group of outer school students as well." Not only Leon, but there were a few reaching the age of graduation who might benefit from learning a new thing or two.


    "I should think that this would be of no problem," Teacher Jian agreed.

 Chapter 242

    It snowed once more in the middle of the night, but beneath the sheltering trees dotted over the slope of the mountain, only a few patches could be found here and there upon the ground. One such was within the centre and near surroundings of Leon''s courtyard home. Of course, this came of little surprise as there was no evergreen canopy to protect his home in its open glade from the crystal offering of the sky, so after quickly refreshing his face after waking, he knew he would need to sweep the tiles outside his door today.


    Breakfast was simple, just porridge and hot water; there was no Jin Li to impress and his cupboards were quite empty of those little extras such as meat, fresh vegetables and honey. But there were two hungry souls waiting for at least one of those three things in their own abode attached to his home that he also had to keep in mind. So after he ate his fill and swept away a mass of fluffy snow to create a path from him to them, he tried to ignore the four large, hopeful eyes as he pondered on what best to do. Have to mention that Wu Ye was a lot less disobedient and contradictory than when his master was about.


    In the end, he let them out, deciding to take them to the stables and make a request for supplies for them. Actually, this had originally been the suggestion of Teacher Volun when the man had insisted that the two Coeurl be placed with himself and Jin Li after both beasts took a liking to their masters (or rather, Li Ming claimed Leon, while Wu Ye decided that Jin Li had no choice but to take care of itself). However, Wu Ye and Jin Li favoured improving their abilities while hunting for their supper, so apart from when the house was being built, the two Coeurl had never eaten with the other mounts and tamed beasts in the stables located on the alchemy slope.


    Li Ming was still too small to be ridden, while Wu Ye would only suffer to carry a rider when pressed into doing so by Jin Li and therefore had no obligation to Leon otherwise, so the alchemist could only trudge over the frozen grounds as they made their way to the school and beyond. In the end, Wu Ye grew impatient and nudged the alchemist before lowering its body a bit to indicate Leon should actually ride him. It would allow it this time. Leon did receive the hint, but he was a bit too short to climb upon Wu Ye''s back and the beast snorted before squatting lower, offering a feline sneer as it did so.


    Finally, the two beasts ran more freely, with Li Ming yowling happily as it attempted to roar, but could only produce cute meowing sounds instead. Wu Ye was ever the silent type and simply enjoyed stretching its lithe limbs. Leon could only grasp about its neck for it had no mane to grasp and there was no saddle to stabilise him. Fortunately, Wu Ye''s scales were smooth and linked together without obvious gaps, so his coat was not scuffed and his skin remained unscathed.


    The beasts slowed down once they reached the path leading through the domiciles, but they did receive a few wide eyed glares from students running to and from the Food and Lecture Hall.


    Things in most schools did not change too much from day to day, despite the season being at its coldest, for most schools, though the beast taming school did have to prepare places for natural hibernators late autumn as well as ensure good stocks of food for winter as the griffins did not like to fly through heavy rain nor any snow.  But as many herbs would not be as available in the winter and many of the fields would be fallow, an alchemist''s routine would be effected.  Without certain herbs, many common pills let alone rare ones, could not be refined, so once the stocks were emptied, Students were encouraged to do other things; cultivate, visit the library or attend more lectures that did not involve refining pills.  There would be quite a few in the inner school at least, who would consume a fasting pill and lock their doors for several weeks to solely cultivate, while in the outer school, they more often attended lectures just to grab some extra warmth from the Fire crystals within.


    Fire crystals, Leon had learned, were not as easily obtained as he hoped.  The initial crystal was not cheap and then had to be recharged by a fire Mage every few tendays.  Stygar was a man who built connections and had become the middleman between a fire Mage and Hue, this giant who made high quality, valuable pills.  Therefore, he not only had access to the crystals but could have them recharged whenever he wanted.  What did Hue gain from this?  Well, naturally as the two men lived together, he was not hard done by in this deal, but also because Stygar raised rare herbs no matter the season, he could also obtain many ingredients that others could not.


    As Leon passed the girls'' domiciles, he attracted the attention of a different sort.


    "Leon, long time no see!" An exuberant, feminine voice called out, causing Leon''s lips to curve in a genuinely happy smile.  Dressed in a thick fur coat, Maimai stepped out of her small home with her curls still in a mess a top her head and her cheeks reddened by the chill in the air.  "Wu Ye is looking the fine Coeurl as always!  Where is Li Ming?  Has he lost the rest of his baby fur as yet?"


    Maimai loved beasts, but unfortunately, they didn''t necessarily share her enthusiasm.  The flattery was accepted, but Wu Ye always felt it wasn''t worth mentioning; it knew it was a fine creature.  Li Ming felt that being teased due to retaining its fur was mean, so looked tearily eyed at its Master for sympathy and ignored the girl, who actually meant no harm.


    "M-Maimai, how was your b-break?" He asked, though he was unable to dismount from Wu Ye, who padded the floor impatiently before glaring at the girl who''d blocked them in its opinion.  Actually, it didn''t need to stand around and wait... did it... Maimai was forced to catch up as Wu Ye suddenly moved forward despite Leon''s protests.


    The girl didn''t seem bothered by it though and began chatting about a few things that happened back at her Sect.  "Mother is trying to settle Merylin''s engagement, but my sister is not willing," she gossiped as she walked beside the large Coeurl, while the littler one ran at his other side.


    "D-does she still like J-Jin Li?" Leon couldn''t help but ask.  He wasn''t worried anymore that Jin Li would leave him for the girl having finally learned a bit more about Dao Companion''s from his stubborn lover''s mouth (at a price), but he kind of felt sorry that she had this unrequited love for him.  After all, loving someone who did not love you back was uncomfortable at best, but painful to those who could not move on.


    Maimai thought about it for a moment then shook her head.  "I don''t think she''s not interested, but she''s finally accepted that he is not, I think," she replied to his question.  She felt that her stubborn sister still did not understand where Jin Li''s heart lie, but that her imagination had led her into considering that Jin Li was just unattainable.  Perhaps he had an engagement he could not get out of or perhaps his eyes were still too focused on the path of cultivation to see her waiting.  Merylin had decided that as ''star-crossed'' they had no fate at this point, she would reserve a place in her heart for him, but not wait any longer.  Maimai thought she read too many of the wrong sort of romance book.  Seriously, even trying to ship two shou was an impossible thought let alone a man who sought chrysanthemums being shipped with a peach blossom.


    "What ab-bout you?" Leon teased, thinking that the sisters were not much of an age apart.  Merylin had been born of the legal wife, while Maimai was just a few tendays younger and born of a favoured concubine.  The woman Maimai called mother was actually Merylin''s mother, not the woman who shared her blood.  But however complicated such inner courtyards could be, the girls and their three little sisters were actually all equally doted on by their overbearing father, who often skived off of his duties just to visit the older girls or play with his younger ones.  In comparison, his few sons were all tossed to the bottom of the mountain when of a certain age, to prove themselves on the climb back up with the rest of the young ones seeking to strive for placement in the Sect.


    "Until Merylin becomes engaged," she smiled happily, "I don''t need to worry!  Such is the fate of the eldest, hee hee!  The longer she holds out, the better off I will be, so I''m not worried."  She''d previously planned to runaway the moment mother brought up the matter of marital relationships for herself anyway, however, as her sister was steadily becoming more prominent as a talent in alchemy such things would likely be pushed back for a long while yet.


    Soon, they arrived at the stables, where Leon sought out a beast tamer student working there, while Maimai went and visited her chubby Baku stabled there.

 Chapter 243

    Wu Ye and Li Ming tucked into a bowl of thick meat porridge, the steam pouring off of the concoction fed to the predators of the stables before dissipating into the air, while Leon talked to the beast taming senior about getting a supply of meat and oats in order to feed the pair for the next few weeks.  They also discussed the best care for the growing pair for while Leon knew somethings, this subject really wasn''t his forte.


    Coeurl did not tend to hibernate through winter, though it''s not that they don''t hibernate at all, for like Cultivators and other spiritual beasts, they had moments they needed to hide from the external world in order to lick their wounds or securely birth their cubs or even evolve.  They were not very active creatures unless hunting or defending their territories and then they would pour all of their energies into the task.  As tamed Coeurl often did not need to hunt or fight, they needed bursts of exercise in other ways.  However, Wu Ye had had the best of both worlds; it hunted with Jin Li and was expected to defend their territory, so Leon hadn''t bothered about these things for it before.


    As for Li Ming, the Coeurl was honestly turning into a pet and needed its lazy habits broken or it would not make a useful companion for Leon in the future.  If this world was as peaceful as his previous one could be, this would not be an issue, but Leon could not afford Li Ming to be an overgrown, fat and overly indulged kitten here.


    Just look at Maimai''s Piku.  It was a beast of burden that couldn''t travel far for its owner nor carry heavy loads.  It was fortunate that Maimai rarely travelled far and did not weigh much at all.


    The senior left Leon alone to think about what to do about training Li Ming and helping Wu Ye stay healthy and Maimai returned after (over) feeding her beloved Baku.  Li Ming had filled its small stomach and yawned drowsily, while Wu Ye licked its muzzle before running its long tongue over Li Ming''s face and shaping its remnant fur into a Mohawk.  The adolescent beast yowled angrily before extending its clawed paws in protest.  Wu Ye simply got up and headed out of the stables.


    "Wait!" Leon yelled after it, lifting the tied together small sacks, one containing mixed grain and the other chunks of miscellaneous meat.  They didn''t appear to be large, as they were actually really cheap interspatial bags, but their capacity was only as much as the purse upon his belt and the overall weight was only so much reduced.  Wu Ye expressed his disdain, but aware that these were for itself and the little one, it allowed its Human''s mate to drape the sacks over its neck.  It was not going to allow the youth to ride upon it anymore, though.


    As Leon took the care to make sure Wu Ye''s neck was not chafed by the rope between the sacks, a muscular young man with unusually short hair, appeared hurriedly in front of them.  His eyes were brimming with a strange glee and not a small amount of smugness.  "Leon, I finally found you!"  His eyes darted about, before a grin stretched upon his face.  "Has anyone asked you to join their team for the Interschool exchange?"  The alchemist frowned slightly, but shook his head.  "Great!  Then join my team!"


    "Wha-what?" Leon starred at Pike open mouthed.  He was just a small alchemist of the outer school who created mostly common pills, why would the senior Martial Artist ask him?  Actually, he had thought that there were so many talents in the inner school that he and his schoolmates were unlikely to be asked.


    Maimai squealed cheerfully as she squeezed his arm, expressing her happiness for him.  While this wasn''t a serious event, it was still great to be asked, it meant that you had been acknowledged for your craft by the top students in school.  She was a first year, couldn''t join in, but she knew that a few of the Sect still in the Institute looked forward to this event every year.


    Suddenly, there was a rush of air as Bowyer appeared from the trees, running towards them as quickly as Pike had.  "Dammit!" Bowyer cursed as he noticed Pike happened to be here, before he glanced at the bewildered alchemist.  "You haven''t said yes yet right?"


    "Wh-What?"


    "What''s it to you?" Pike crossed his arms about his broad chest as he glared at the other man.  "The deal was whoever found Leon first had the right to ask him to join their team first, not that the other could cut in and try steal him away!"


    "But you cheated!" Bowyer accused him.  "You told Pria where to find me and had the girl block me before you darted away!"


    "I was just helping you discover spring," Pike grinned with a sly smile.  Bowyer''s cheeks reddened from more than exertion, while Maimai tilted her small head, her almond eyes narrowing in thought.  The curls from her hair cascaded down the side of her face as they came lose of her pins.


    "What spring?  I need no spring!" Bowyer flung his arms outwards, but the thin cuffs of his arms lacked the impact of his looser robes.  "Worry about your own spring in future!"


    Leon sneezed.


    The two young men stopped their arguing to realising that the small alchemist had not the strength of body to resist the persistent cold of the air and apologised, asking him if he was alright.  He nodded; "I''m okay.  J-just cold."


    "I think that we should go back to Leon''s and boil water for tea," Maimai suggested, "talk about things there." She curled her arm about her bestfriend''s while not taking her eyes off of the potential she saw before her.  Could it be a muscular shou with a tough exterior and soft heart versus a tall, flexible gong with a straightforward, persistent nature or a dominant gong versus a hot-headed shou that could easily be brought to tears.  It was a good job it was winter and cold enough to cool her blood or she wouldn''t have enough silk handkerchiefs to endure!


    Pike agreed to tea, while Bowyer stalled, uncomfortable beneath the pretty girl''s stare.  Neither had actually met Maimai before, their paths just had not the fate to cross before, but thanks to Sun''s description, they could figure out who she was.  They made their way back towards Leon''s home, guided by the two alchemists, but soon began to bicker once more.


    "Since you have Leon on your team," Bowyer pointed out, "You should let me ask Cynus first!"


    "Oh good luck with that," Pike gave him a knowing look and smirk, making the other narrow his eyes in response.


    "What do you know?" Bowyer questioned him, then narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "Wait, you''ve managed to get him onto your team?" Pike shook his head in denial, allowing Bowyer to exhale in relief. However, that was premature.


    "He''ll be joining Mute''s team," Pike had predicted this some time ago. "He is a Cygnus after all." This gave Bowyer pause.


    "He is? But isn''t he a scholar?"


    "I''m curious," Maimai piped up from in front, glancing over her shoulder. Her honest inquisitiveness made Bowyer wonder if the intensely calculating expression of hers before was his illusion. "Who are these seniors? The Cygnus is a clan which focuses on magic isn''t it?"


    Pike gave her a small smile and nodded, unsurprised by her general knowledge. She was the daughter of a sect leader after all, it would be ignorant of her if she did not know the large clans and sects in their continent. "Mute is the number one Mage of the inner school of Magery. As such, she has to form her own team for the exchange, but it''s tradition for clans to chose their own above others first. There are a few Mage from the clan to pick from, but I predict she''ll chose Tundras, who is currently sixtieth in the Standings. Cynus is a rare non-Mage in the clan, but his talent is really high in the inner scholar school. There is no way she''ll let him join some other team considering their relationship."


    "I''m still going to ask," Bowyer insisted.


    "Stubborn," Pike shaking his head due to his friend''s poor luck this time. As for Leon, he knew the small alchemist wouldn''t be able say no to joining his team. He''d concluded already that Leon would be expected to take part as a direct student if asked and not only that, the youth was a core student like himself. His refusal or avoidance wouldn''t be allowed by anyone this year.

 Chapter 244

    The Shattered Empyrean Isles was not actually a hidden or secret dimension nor was it a wild realm, easily exploitable without development and natives.  In fact, according to the information in the library (available on the five floors for seniors), it could actually be classed as a middle realm.


    Some hundred thousand years ago, a great disaster occurred which could only be likened to an explosion of unimaginable magnitude that shattered the land into fragments.  However, rather than these chunks of earth be lost to the surrounding atmosphere, like Leon imagined might happen to an exploded world or moon in the universe he had some understanding of in his previous life, they became like meteors circling around a sun.  Or in this case a gigantic, solidified crystal of spiritual energy.


    Of course, such a concentrated treasure would be coveted by Cultivators and exploited were it not for one small detail; this crystal had gained sentience of sorts.  It was not the sentience of an intelligent being knowing of schemes, lies and whatever can be learned from a book, but it did have the instinct required to protect itself.  This in itself would not stop the most determined Cultivators from attempting to steal a least a small part of its essence, but being that it was so naturally powerful, the greater majority of those immortal beings had discovered their mortality, unfortunately as they drew their last breaths.


    Now there was a restriction in place; only Cultivators of Body Tempering and below could walk without fear of being obliterated by the Heart of the Shattered Empyrean Isles.  But that did not mean that they were safe.  For one thing, that which separated the isles was air not sea and there was no apparent bottom to it.  Could not say if a Cultivator who fell from the isles would not fall forever and ever and simply die of starvation or lack of air.  If the isles clustered together for a time, might be worth the risk, but if they remained far, far apart, definitely not.


    Also the isles had many types of spiritual beasts nurtured upon them, though perhaps understandably flying types had the greatest strength and survivability.  These creatures guarded their territories from interlopers fiercely.  A cultivator was not a natural Hunter here, but could easily become the hunted.  Still, if the beast became too strong, it might still find itself annihilated by the restrictions, especially if it gained intelligence and began to eye the crystal like a freshly boiled ham.  So there were very, very few beasts that could kill a Cultivator on the brink of completing Body Tempering (late senary stage).


    Being a middle realm, one could journey there through portals and the risk of travelling to other middle and to lower realms was not so great (though travelling back from a lower realm was extremely difficult), especially when the portals were supported by several top mages and several more decent ones protected those crossing over.  Plus as long as the pathway was kept open, the risks would be vastly reduced some more, though that cost a great deal of spiritual energy to ensure.


    This land that was inhospitable at best to Cultivators, hostile at worst, still could count as an excellent place to train young talents.  Indeed, there were risks, but these risks could be counted as being lower than many locations within their own realm, so long as they were astute and careful.  This was also why only teams lead by the best students within the Institute were allowed to take on the challenge that this realm presented and only for two ten days.


    But to a small alchemist of secondary cultivation, this ''challenge'' was terrifying.


    Leon closed the thick book describing the Shattered Empyrean Isles; there were other books about it, describing in more detail the flora and fauna that could be found there.  There were even names and rough maps that gave a comprehensive detail for the larger islands; but they did not know which island they would appear on until after the connective tunnel was formed between there and the only portals leading to it, which happened to be located on the Institute grounds.  In fact, there were more than thirty large islands on which they could appear.


    As the event occurred once a year and had done so for at least five hundred years, it was unlikely that the ruins of the civilisation that once lived there had any treasures still within their depths, but some smaller islands only floated close to the main ones every hundred years or so, it could not be said that there were not things to find there!  Most teams would not take the risk, but no one could say none would.


    The event was about teamwork and survival, but it was also a competition and points would be calculated on a number of things; collected Beast trophies, herbs and treasures both natural and manmade.  The rarest ones naturally gained the team more points while some of the most common would not be counted.  Those common ones would still be gathered, these might not win a competition, but it''s not that they had no value at all!


    Plus, to make things a more fair playing field, the number of pills, weapons, equipment and food the teams could take with them had a limitation; each team member could only take a small personal interspatial bag with a metre square space.  After some essentials were thrown in the space remaining was next to nothing!


    Which was why alchemists were relied on to distinguish herbs and make pills during camp, while Scholars might be relied on for other things such as which fruits were edible and which sheltering ruins were not filled to the brim with self-resetting traps!  Beast Tamers were learned about beasts and their territories so had this advantage as well as being able to hold their own in a fight.  Mages could create protective arrays or blast areas to smithereens, while martial artists were as sharp and deadly as the weapons they wielded and could both attack and defend, follow and lead as necessary.  It could clearly be seen that choosing one''s team members was as high importance as anything else.  So why was it that Pike decided to chose him?  Leon couldn''t help but wonder.


    Not only that, Bowyer had also wanted to choose him to be his alchemist.


    Leon thought about it and thought that maybe it was just because his healing pills were better than most.  He could not think of any other reason.


    The cost for him becoming a Core student, albeit temporary one, wasn''t actually as big a deal as others might think.  He''d simply shared a few of his recipes; the two alternative Energy Pills, the beast calming pill (of which half of the recipe had already been figured out anyway) and the One heart pill.  None of these recipes had been new, just slightly amended by himself.  These pills were not something hugely amazing after all; Energy Pills could only be effective for primary Cultivators, beast calming pills only helped tame weak beasts and the one heart pill was the most common of the healing pills dealing with external injuries.


    However, making the improved Pills was not quite as easy as the usual recipe, more fiddly and requiring more attention, even more spiritual energy.  Only a few advanced, inner  school seniors and one outer school student (Hue) had the complete knack of them so far, but even then, most inner school students favoured focusing on more advanced, tricker pills that would given them more fame and fortune in the future.  (Hue didn''t mind what Pill he made, but his cauldron only ever produced one pill at a time, so his slow speed couldn''t be helped).  Had to be said in passing, the Teachers could make them, but there wasn''t always the time and they weren''t competing anyway.


    So as much as his improved pills were in demand, the sources were few and far between at present, inadvertently increasing Leon''s value.  He didn''t think it was for his talismans as Mage arrays were far more formidable.


    This evaluation was not completely untrue, but Pike was not so shortsighted to consider this point only.  He also suspected that Leon had potential that he''d not revealed.  Plus his talismans had an extra benefit that Leon never considered; they left no noticeable imprint on their surroundings and were more subtle of nature.  However the main reason that Pike and Bowyer fought over the small alchemist was just because they liked him and his character and that was that.

 Chapter 245

    Of course as mentioned, it was also important to build a team with individuals that can trust and rely on each other as well as get along with each other. In this matter, Pike actually stumbled upon a snag and as it happened, that snag also happened to involve Leon.


    Should be mentioned, that Pike had been swift in his selection of recruits, choosing those who''d made some good impression upon him during the past year or those he''d teamed up with before. For example, the Mage was someone who he happened to team with during an external mission and who had impressed him with his quick wit and skill. He was about the same age as Leon, had even entered the school the same year, though through other channels, and had excellent control and range of his fire abilities. Pike considered that he would add good offensive power to the team.


    However...


    "I will not remain in this team if that one stays."


    Pike had asked the five members of his team to gather at a remote noodle shop in old Julip town for the rest day period in order to acquaint everyone. As with most of the twenty martial artists, he''d also chosen a second martial artist to join his team and that youth happened to be Troy, so he and Leon already somewhat knew each other, though Leon flushed red recalling the embarrassing circumstances of it. Troy''s grin was slightly lopsided and jovial when remembering the same thing and teased the alchemist who''s height only fell short of his own by a half-inch. This also made Troy feel gleeful that he was not the only diminutive one.


    Leon had met other beast tamers, but had never met Velana. If he had, he felt he would never have forgotten her. She was a very beautiful woman, yet her beauty did not fit the standards that he understood of this world. That in part was due to her height, for she was quite tall, almost matching Pike, and part due to her strong figure, of which hinted at voluptuousness if one could look past the compact muscles in her arms and legs. Leon felt that if he were to compare her against others, it would be the Amazon women of Greek legend.


    Her partner was a fox-type beast with long, gem like eyes and three tails, just unlike other foxes, its tails were not bushy, but sleek and the tips all varied in colour. It''s fur also was a mishmash of those colours; the burnt orange, steel grey and snow white of the foxes from various species of Earth. Unsurprisingly, this large vulpine was aptly named a tri-coloured fox. Velana called the beast Velone.


    The scholar was also a stranger, but that was no surprise for Leon hadn''t actually crossed paths with many students from this school nor the Mage schools. His name was Roman. He was tall, quite thin and had a small mole beneath his indigo eyes that gave his otherwise plain face a more bewitching appearance.


    And then there was the Mage.


    Honestly, Leon had only crossed paths with this man once in his recollection and that matter had been so long forgotten by himself seeing as so many things had occurred since, if the Mage himself hadn''t revealed their enmity, he would never have recalled it. Really, even the word enmity was too harsh a term. Really, Leon had been a passive participant in the minor argument that caused the other to hold a grudge. As for the other pair involved, likely, they never held it in their hearts either.


    Leon looked at the young Master, who spat out his ultimatum, before his and all other eyes glanced towards Pike. The usually jovial martial artist could not help but frown.


    "For what reason?" Pike asked the young man.


    "He and his Master gave this one no face, even had the audacity to mock this one," the Mage complained. Leon had to think about it for a moment before recalling; this was the Young Master of the Ibis clan, whose lackies had claimed was ''the pride of the Mage school''. Leon had meant to ask Sun about it after they had landed, but as Jin Li stole his breakfast and then Sun had become all melancholy over a missing coach, it had slipped his mind.


    "Your Master?" Troy whispered. It wasn''t that there were no master-servant relationships amongst students, but that these ties were not recognised while within the Institute. If a young Master or Mistress wished to be pampered by his/her servants, they could go back home to receive such and forget about returning to this place of serious learning and hard work.


    "Ah... I think he m-m-means J-Jin Li," Leon tapped his lip with his finger. Pike''s face seemed to attain enlightenment, through at the same time he rolled his eyes; Jin Li seldom gave anyone ''face''. Young Master Luchus would not be the first to fail to be recognised by that one. "He d-didn''t m-mock anyone though. Is Luchus m-m-mistaken?"


    The other youth frowned, flicking a stray lock of long indigo hair off of his shoulders to rejoin the half head of loose lengths cloaking his back.  The rest of his hair had been knotted at the back and decorated with a silver piece encrusted with two thumb sized gems, a Sapphire and Ruby.  His face had a handsomeness that was more scholar-like than their actual scholar, but it was distorted by his unhappy emotions.


    "I do not make mistakes," Luchus crossed his arms about his slender chest.  He had sworn that he would remember the slight of back then, when this youth and the others had not given he and his people face by allowing them to share the same room aboard the griffin flight back then. And what was worse was that this servant/bedwarmer did not even sleep in his own cot that night! Was that just not rubbing their audaciousness in his face!


    "But it seems that I do," Pike sighed.  The brawny martial artist had leaned back in his chair in contemplation, but just based on the little that he had heard, he was quick to make a decision.  "Luchus, you may leave."


    The young Master''s face became stiff, the smile that had been forming whilst thinking that Pike would surely remove the waste in order to keep himself, froze.  "What?"


    "I said that you may leave," Pike repeated. "I will find another Mage to fill the space."


    Luchus thumped the table in front of him with his fist. "You are choosing this servant over me?"


    "There are no servants within the Institute," Troy said in a mocking tone, causing Luchus'' eyes to redden with fury.


    "And even outside, Leon is no person''s servant," Pike advised the Mage. Just really soft hearted to the husband that liked to order him about. As for that one... well, he was Pike''s junior and despite his stinky personality, he was strong, reliable and never slighted Pike nor Bowyer. "Let me give you some advice, Luchus. Forget your family status here, its neither wanted nor is it constructive to your advancement."


    It was apparent that Luchus would not take his advice to heart, however, from how he stormed off in a rage. Leon watched him disappear down the street, slightly worried. Honestly, he thought Pike might have let himself go; he didn''t have the same ability as that Mage after all and there were plenty of better alchemists. "Will it b-be alright?" Leon inquired cautiously.


    Pike glanced at the nervous alchemist and then a bright, familiar grin reappeared on his face. "Don''t worry about him," he reassured the youth.


    "Yeah," Troy agreed as did Velana and Roman with frequent nods. "He clearly has failed to let go of ''class distinctions'' and it won''t help him in the end." How many commoners became notable and impressive immortals and how many wealthy young masters failed to pass through the bottlenecks of Core Formation or Body Tempering? The wealthy elite from famous or notable families and clans just had a head start, not a guarantee upon this long and winding path.


    Troy happened to be a farmer''s child, Pike, a shu-born son who cut ties with his noble household when he followed his master. Velana was the granddaughter of one of the Teachers of the Beast Taming School, while Roman was a merchant''s third and most disappointing son. Yet each and everyone of them were recognised with their own merit either obvious or subtle, none to be underestimated.


    On that note, Roman shyly raised his hand. "Actually, I know of a good Mage, if you are willing..."

 Chapter 246

    Receiving the support from Pike and his other team members had humbled Leon, who had been so formerly sure that the martial artist had made a mistake by choosing him to be his alchemist. So what if there were others who were possibly a better fit, more accomplished in the art, seeing as Pike had confidence in him, he keenly wished to repay the man''s faith.


    So on returning to his home, he rolled up his sleeves, determined to give his team the best pills he possibly could! There were still twenty days until the Teachers opened up the portals for the event, Leon decided to use it wisely. He would focus on making pills as much as possible, only pausing to feed the Coeurl as well as himself, saving cultivation at night, when he was unable to sleep.


    Leon was honest enough to acknowledge that his sleep was lacking as one side of his bed became increasingly cold. The novelty of not being tossed for the first part of the night until exhaustion set in had long since worn off, his rested body now longed to be held, even in the platonic sense, by Jin Li. He really missed him, missed his warmth, missed his company, even missed his off handed jibes that he voiced when his E.Q was particularly low (he kept it to himself that this happened to be quite often). So he had taken to cultivating at night when he could not sleep; at least he felt rested in the morning following that way.


    He shook off his melancholy, cross that he''d wasted an hour feeling sorry for himself, then went to his kitchen to put on a large pot of soup. This way, his lunch would be ready for him to eat and the leftover meat and vegetables could also be pared with rice, the remaining soup would be for breakfast with steamed rolls. Satisfied with his plan, he began preparing the vegetables, considering what sorts of pills he should make.


    Improved One Heart Pills and Improved Blood Pills were for certain. It would also be useful if he could supply his variant (burning) Blood pills, though this would be the equivalent to confessing that he knew how to make these. He''d not actually handed the recipe for these to the school. It was not that he didn''t plan to, eventually, but it was also true that these two pills were providing him with good finance, more than many of the other pills, though the Improved healing pills gave him a more regular income.


    Cultivation pills were not necessary and cosmetic pills... enough said. Sea Moss Elixir potions, which were good for removing common, natural poisons were in his capability, but potions would take up much more room and might not be useful if the poison was from a spirit beast. Perhaps he should try to see if he can make the advanced form; Sea Sage Elixir?


    That and what of other combat pills? He decided to consult his diaries once the soup was simmering in order to be assured he was certain he hadn''t missed something. He was not quite as meticulous in some aspects as he had been as Leo, although with his experience as Leon, he had improved in others.


    Sure enough, he hadn''t considered looking at types of transformation or beast pills and there were more than a few that might prove useful. Such as the Vision at Midnight Pill, which would help them see in the dark or the Hidden Mist pill which could reduce their scents. Ah, actually, he would need the Hidden Fog Pill, considering that the former was for primary Cultivators.


    But what really caught his attention were the three Feather pills. These didn''t depend on the strength of the Cultivator but provided different results when it came to defying gravity. Considering the fact that The Shattered Empyrean Isles were floating islands within their own space, at least two of these could be considered as life saving so long as one reached land before the effects wore off. The other was only useful in delaying death, but also could increase the chances of being rescued, perhaps.


    Seeing as he had never made any of these pills, he would have to start from this, the Feather Fall Pill as it was simpler in terms of recipe than its counterparts, the Feather Float and Feather Flight Pills. Naturally the last mention would be the hardest to create and used herbs that he had never seen before in either of his incarnations, he doubted he could produce even one before the competition.


    Placing the diaries to one side, Leon sought his brush and ground a little ink, sighing as he still disliked writing this way, and began to sort through what herbs he had in stock and which he required. As a core student, he no longer had to exchange his pills in order to get more pills, instead, he had to fulfil quotas now and then as requested by the Institute through his Teacher. This meant that it did not matter how many pills he had to hand, he could get what he needed so long as it was available in the Herb Hall. Of course some herbs might be tricky, if they were rare or could not be grown in the winter months, he would have to head into town and purchase them himself; some stores imported herbs from warmer climates.


    He also felt that he would need a great amount of herbs, not as he needed or could take a great amount of pills, just that he was excellent producing average quality pills, not so good at producing good quality pills. Even his improved pills were actually lacking in quality, just that the adjustments in recipe actually made up somewhat for this. So what Leon planned to do was create pills en masse and pick out the best ones to take with him. Higher quality pills naturally had better effects and less impurities, meaning Leon wouldn''t need the quantity others might rely on.


    The list was fairly long, with many new herbs that were neither in his stocks nor had his hands touched before, but such was exciting in a way.


    He stirred the soup once more before replacing its lid as the ink dried on the paper. Then he carefully folded it, tucked it into his sleeve and grabbed his coat with a cheerful smile, which froze in the sight of his courtyard; it had snowed again while he was pottering about in his kitchen and the amount was not small. Grabbing his broom, he stepped forward to tackle it.

 Chapter 247

    Slowly, the scent of herbs began to fill the small round hut in the mountain forest until the air was pungent and the aroma had permeated into the floor cushions, the wooden table and shelves. Even the thick wood beams above would from now on give of a hint of fern and grass which would constantly lingered in the air around them.


    To one side, five sizeable potion kegs were beside the rear wall, all sealed and protecting their precious contents. Upon the low table were numerous jade bottles, most filled with rounded pills, yet separated in two piles. The larger one, which was close to spilling off the table at this moment, was some five times larger than the smaller one, but that still held a respectable number of pill filled jade bottles.


    A sturdy cauldron rocked slightly upon a cast iron stove and a delicate scent poured out of it. At first glance, the black cauldron seemed like any other used by the poorer students within the alchemy schools, but if one looked closely, one could see a thin silvery-blue lines forming a simple array.  Honestly, the Headmaster actually wanted to hand Leon an ostentatious looking cauldron cast in gold and glittering with Mage crystals, but such petrified a small alchemist!  Although it wasn''t gaudy, how would he feel comfortable bringing that out in front of people?  Wasn''t he asking for trouble?


    Jin Li, in a rare moment for himself, had agreed.  He wasn''t an expert when it came to alchemic treasures, however anyone could see that this cauldron was not some simple, valueless piece, plus the thickness of aura surrounding it was almost visible!  In the end, the Headmaster ordered this cauldron for the core student he''d recruited.  The black metal was alike in appearance, but not the same as the material used for common cauldrons.  Plus, though the array upon the side could be found upon common cauldrons as well, this one was drawn by an experienced and talented master, not a lowly apprentice or initiate.


    Its aura was faint, only those at the top of the alchemy pyramid might sense its uniqueness and who of those would ever cross this student''s path to notice?  So Leon gained a cauldron that was discreet in appearance but much, much higher of quality and value than it seemed.  He''d not taken it on his trip to Sun''s home, worried it might be lost.  In fact, he seldom used it for pills he was not confident in creating, worried it might break, not realising that it would take an explosion of immense magnitude to actually cause more than a scratch.


    These past few days was actually the most that Leon had dared use it, as this cauldron increased his chances of getting good and even excellent quality pills.  Hence why the smaller pile was only four to five times smaller than the larger pile of bottles and not much more.


    Leon''s hand shook slightly as he withdrew a whole five pills from its bottom, the clean aroma of improved blood pills strengthened in the air.  This time, three actually came out better than average and one even was excellent.  He placed these three types in three separate jade bottles, sealing the bottle filled with average pills and adding it to the large pile.  After sorting these, he intended to take half of the healing pills and half of the combat pills to Mr Clawse and Ursam respectively.  The rest of the improved One heart pills and variant (burning) blood pills, he would give to the school.


    As for the improved blood pills, he would keep those for his own stocks for now, undecided on whether to share them or not.  As for beast type pills, he had made less of these so intended to keep all quality pills for now in case he had too few for the foray into the Shattered Isles.


    Just as Leon was wiping the sweat from his brow, his eyes sweeping over the remnant piles of herbs prepared for more improved blood pills (there was not much left, especially of the red lantern flowers, which he''d placed in water to keep fresher for longer), the door to his hut slammed open.  A fresh, but chilling breeze swept the thick scent of herbs out of the room, leaving only a hint as well as a more pungent male smell.


    "Ew!" Maimai complained as she cast her eyes over her best friend. "When did you last take a bath?!"


    Leon gave her an expression of someone who''d been wronged. "I w-wash once every d-day!" He muttered, crossing his arms and finally realising the dampness of his robes. He blamed it on the humidity caused by the constant use of his cauldron over this morning and afternoon. "W-what are you d-doing here?" He asked her, quickly sealing the partially filled bottles of pills so they did not lose the potency of their contents while he entertained his friend. Plus, he did wish to use this chance to change his robes; the dampness coupled with the cold, outside air was causing him to shiver. His stomach also rumbled violently.


    "While I was out, exercising Piku," Maimai mentioned, having taken the stable-hands'' advice a bit, but not too seriously at the same time, "I happened to notice a certain black coeurl chasing after a skinny scrap of a wood rat. It surprised me. After all, why would a beast as proud as that one hunt something so weak?" Leon had stepped towards the main courtyard of his home, after beckoning her to follow, but had to pause due to her words.


    "B-b-but I fed them this m-morning," Leon frowned. A particularly bitter blast of air had him shiver profusely, so he hurried into his home. Only it wasn''t very warm in the main room either. Had he forgotten to add coal to the stove? Did that also mean his dinner was uncooked? Dismayed he ran to check.


    Maimai looked at him in contemplation then asked; "which morning?" He appeared confused by her question so she asked another. "How many days until the competition starts?"


    "Six," Leon said with certainty.


    Only Maimai shook her head. "No, five. Well, actually," she amended as she glanced at the dimming sky, "closer to four. Leon, I think that you''ve been shut in your hut almost two days!"


    Leon glanced at the cold stove and the soup, which was cooked, but also very cold. Fortunately, he''d a lid on the pot or it could have burned to the bottom and boiled dry! With a sigh, he swept out the ash, added a fresh shovel of coal to the oven and lit it with his flint and steel. He pushed the soup to the main ring, before placing a kettle of water beside it.


    "I''ll b-be right b-b-back," he informed Maimai, indicating she should sit, before he took a fresh set of clean robes to the bathroom to wash up.


    As he was hurried, he didn''t heat the water here, just endured in silent complaint as he cleaned the dirt and sweat from his skin in cold water before dressing in the plain robes. He then hurried to nearly kowtow before a very pitiful coeurl adolescent, who looked at him with large blue eyes filled with hurt, while an arrogant adult sneered in that feline way and batted the youth with his paws a few times to vent. He gave them with an amount of dried meat strips before rushing off to prepare a massive bucket of meat porridge in recompense.


    After that was done, in which time, he also served Maimai tea (she had offered to make it, but he turned her down, fearing his empty stomach couldn''t take her witches brew), he concentrated on his own food. He was very hungry and although there was a lot of soup, it was mostly mushy vegetables and shredded meat. He wanted something more filling, something to chew on, so he grabbed a pot of flour from the shelf and prepared some fresh noodles.


    Curious, Maimai glanced over his shoulder. "Are those easy to make?" She asked him.


    "N-not too d-difficult, why?"


    Her pink lips formed a pout. "Although my mother is excellent at making sweets, which is how she attracted my father in the first place," that was the old man''s secret, he couldn''t pass by a delicious sweet pastry wanting to take a bite, "he won''t allow her to teach me."


    "Why?" Leon questioned again, cutting the flattened dough with a knife to make long ribbons. He hadn''t the skill to make round, thin noodles, but this much wasn''t out of his abilities. He popped them into the bubbling stew with a more splash of water from the kettle to thin the soup and allowed them to cook for a bit.


    "Kitchens are hazardous," she mimicked her father''s tone and words. "There are knives and flames! What if I got cut or burnt by the fire or hot water or oil? So, no!"


    Leon chuckled; "Yet an alchemist''s t-tools are m-much d-different." Not to mention that Maimai was famous in the outerschool not only for her beauty but her numerous explosions.


    "I know right?" Maimai smiled. "But then, my father doesn''t know so much about alchemy and the head of Sunset peak doesn''t use (Magic)stoves or fires to make his pills."


    Leon dished up two bowls of the meat and noodle soup and handed one to his friend. "How d-does he d-do it then?"


    "I was curious as well," she replied sitting down at the table with him, taking also the offered spoon and chopsticks. "So Merylin and I went to visit Sunset peak during the holidays." One positive change for her older sister was definitely her new found talent in alchemy. This made the girl more than just her father''s daughter and mother''s marriageable pearl, giving her more face and value as a sect member as well. The head of Sunset peak had not said anything, but Maimai felt that he was definitely watching her, seeing if she had the talent to join his peak... if her father, the Sect Leader, would ever allow it, that was.


    "Anyway, we found out that the Head has fire roots, like my sister, so he can use his innate abilities as a substitute for normal flames," Maimai continued, her eyes glittering. "However, its not enough in the long run as that way uses spiritual energy much faster than normal. So when he was younger, he found a flame wisp and integrated it into his inner-sea. So his own fires are much more potent and he very little extra spiritual energy when making his pills this way these days!"


    Flame wisp?

 Chapter 248

    Leon learned several things he''d not known during their conversation, all these words of wisdom coming from the Head of Sunset Peak of Maimai''s Sect.


    Firstly was the matter of flame wisps.


    In this world and many others, there were such things called elemental essences.  These weren''t the same as elemental spiritual energy, being spiritual energy more pure of a certain elemental in a similar way oxygen was to air.  However, where there was elemental spiritual energy, there was often an elemental essence formed in the same region.  Some said they were a type of spirit, some said they were a product of aspects coming together, there were some that even claimed they were a ghostly type of spirit beast.  This latter was felt by most to be untrue as they could not be tamed and those under 500,000 years had no intelligence and those under 50,000 years had little or no instincts or awareness.


    Wisps were a type of these essences, could be said as the weakest type and most numerous, though even then they were quite rare.  Then there were elemental sprites and elemental souls, the last being the strongest of the three and as rare as hen''s teeth.  Also, very few cultivators would dare integrate these into their innersea for the risk to their bodies and souls was extremely high, death was not the worst outcome but having their soul''s disintegrate and never able to reincarnate.  But while the risk was high for integrating essence, the rewards were invaluable.


    For example, the Head of Sunset peak''s flames counted as just one.  There would be an increase to cultivation, even at the tough, highest peaks that struggled to see benefit through cultivating.  One''s combat powers would obviously be improved, the body would experience improved resistances to most elements, even immunity to their own.  One''s senses to their own element would increase, meaning that a person of metal element could sense all locations where metal could be found in a certain distance while before it would just be concentrated sources.  They could also sense the pureness and quality.


    However, there was restrictions; a person could only integrate an essence that matched them, a fire root to a fire essence and it was much more difficult if a person had two or more roots of different elements, impossible if one''s body contained conflicting ones.  Those with single secondary roots were unlikely to find an essence that shared theirs, unless they were direct weaker versions of the five main roots, such as ice is to water.  Sun obtaining an air wisp was almost as difficult as Pike obtaining a fire soul.  As for someone like Leon, who contained a lone body root, the likelihood was so remote it could be considered as likely as a single wealthy person from his previous world, winning five different countries lotteries jackpots on the same weekend.


    Best not to think about.


    However that was not the only thing that he learned.


    Maimai seemed to have been a little upset that she would never be able to use this fire method like her sister, her element was wood.  This was still good for alchemists as often the herbs they grew were healthier and better quality than a person without, but also they had more instincts when it came to combining correct amounts in their cauldrons.  If Maimai''s control over her spiritual energy and the fire beneath her cauldron was better, it was unlikely she would be weaker than her sister in terms of alchemy.  However, Maimai''s spiritual energy was very much linked to her emotions and her mind was wired in a way that better suited a martial artist in terms of alertness, so her concentration was also less solely focused and more sharp, fit to burst into action.  Hence cauldron explosions from these bursts or Pill failure from outside distractions.


    Uncomfortable at seeing her upset, the often shut-in Head alchemist decided to reveal a different, advanced path that actually would be difficult for both of them, but interesting nonetheless.  The creation of pills using the Cold refining method.


    There were a small, little known range of pills that had to be formed through this unusual method.  Naturally all were considered very rare and advanced pills by those who had the knowledge.  Also, it was rumoured that some pills that were created by fire methods could also be formed this way, but the Head had strong fire roots, so he''d never much experience nor talent in the Cold refining method and couldn''t be sure if this had any truth to it.


    "He didn''t go into much detail," Maimai rubbed her stomach feeling as if Leon''s food was definitely no worse than that of the Food Hall, yet it was much more pleasant to share in this private space, "I guess he was trying to say that there were things even he could not do well, so to make me feel better."


    Leon smiled before helping himself to a second bowlful of food.  "I will also s-stick t-to what I c-can d-do," Leon said in response.  "N-not worry about w-what I c-can''t."


    "Yes," Maimai agreed.  She''d not been upset about the whole fire thing to be honest, more that she''d be unlikely to have a chance to run off one day and seek out a wood wisp and gaining the benefits in order to become even better a martial artist!  Daddy didn''t want his fair daughters to come home touched by a little dirt or with crumpled silks and Heaven''s forbid she ever was wounded!  Scratched by a twig?  That twig must burn!  Bruised due to a fall?  That rock that tripped her must be destroyed!  And fight with someone?  Are you kidding me?!


    Ah, speaking of which, if daddy did realise the dangers of alchemy, there would likely be consequences because of that as well.  She should speak to Merylin about covering up their activities and burying the truth.  What her father didn''t know...


    When their father tried to make excuses to come and watch the Interschool exchange, something he''d never bothered about before, he found that the Head of Sunset Peak expressed an interest to do so in his place.  The Sect Leader had to pause and give the man face; he was his elder of several hundreds of years and he was aware that the elder was interested in his little girls'' talents (actually, it was just Merylin, but no daughter outshone the other in the Sect Leader''s eyes).  If one Peak''s Head left the Sect for a time, then it was not wise for him to weaken the sect further by also leaving, even if it were a short while.  He did try many ways to get around it, but the other elders expressed their displeasure, so he had to give up on it.  He sulked for a whole ten days, but that is a different story.

 Chapter 249

    There are many types of arrogance or rather there are many ways to express it and many more ways to misinterpret it. For example, self-confidence could sometimes be interpreted as arrogance, but actually it was that self-confidence that could become arrogance when ego was kept unchecked or was fuelled by outside influence. Leon had self-confidence in his ability to make certain pills, but did not have arrogance for he felt he lacked in other ways. Jin Li had both self-confidence and arrogance; however one was due to his ability and the other was due to his background; he was well aware of his strengths and weaknesses as a martial artist.


    Each school suffered from some sort of arrogance. Martial artists tended to be arrogant in the face of danger, laughing at the survivability of fellow Cultivators, pitying the commoners who might become trampled underfoot should they be lazy in raising their weapons and becoming their shields. Beast Tamers were as arrogant as the beast beside them, often flaunting the size, the agility, the offensive ability of their partners as if to say; if their partner was wild, then meeting it could easily mean death. Laozi tamed this beast! However, in the face of huge appetites of said beasts and the later results of that, their arrogance usually fizzled in private.


    Scholars tended to look down upon both of the above, believing highly in the old phrase that the pen is mightier than the sword until that sword is pointed at their hearts, but even then, they''d curse such ''uneducated brutes'' in the corner''s of their brains. Alchemists were quieter, their arrogance simmered beneath the surface, only coming to full effect once they reached the peak of their career; you want my pills? Down on your knees and beg!


    Mages'' arrogance was formed upon a different line; the superiority of their existences! If an equivalent school was developed upon a small blue world, third from the sun and whose people loved lists and labels, there would be a checkbox entry requirement, three ticks out of four requirements in order to enrol. One; thick meridians (thus the ability to circulate spiritual energy was improved). Two; an abundant innersea (do not believe that all dantian''s are the same, one unable to store much spiritual energy would definitely have more difficulties forming their core and using any abilities requiring spiritual energy. Such would be encouraged towards beast taming or becoming a scholar or worse, accepting the fate of an ordinary person). Three; A primary root (the only exception would be having a lightning root, not that other secondary roots couldn''t make a Mage, but that they''d have to pass the other requirements). Four; Having a single root (exceptions could be made, for dual roots, but never for more). It was also important to having excellent learning ability and mental endurance, but such could be trained.


    If one could tick three of these boxes, already, they could be considered excellent, those ticking all four boxes were the cream of the crop. This school''s outerschool was also the only one where all students were considered provisional and could be dismissed at any point. Thus a Mage of the inner school felt that having met all of the stringent conditions necessary gave them every right to be arrogant.


    Hence why Luchus was as he was, not only had he met these requirements, he came from the background filled with mages, plus he''d been accepted by one of the best Mage teachers in the school. His arrogance knew no actual bounds, even not being within the top twenty of the Standings could temper it, let alone being rejected by Pike as a team member in the end.


    And he really was not the only one, for his replacement, Caelus, wasn''t really any better.


    Leon first met the round, squishy Mage the evening before Pike and his team were due to enter the gates leading to the Empyrean Shattered Isles. His small, midnight sapphire eyes glinted within the large frame of his face, but even then anyone could sense Caelus'' disdain. It caused a slight note of discord within the team, but it couldn''t be helped; even if the scholar Roman hadn''t nominated Caelus, the best or rather, the most amicable mages had already been stolen by other teams already.


    The only silver lining regarding the matter was that the arrogant, rotund Mage was not looking down upon Leon due to his commoner background.


    "Are you certain that this alchemist is reliable?" The man narrowed his beady eyes until they were almost invisible as he stared at the thick stripes of white within the otherwise ebony hair captured by a string upon Leon''s head.


    "I am sure," Pike advised him, not seeming to take offence on Leon''s behalf this time.


    The Mage waved his thick fingers uncaringly and continued as if he didn''t put weight on Pike''s words. "It''s too late otherwise to change alchemists, so he''ll have to do. Just try not to drag us down!" Leon flinched at this stab into his soft spot; he was already worried enough about doing so! No need to remind him!


    Meanwhile Troy exchanged glances with Velana; just who was leading this team? Pike again did not seem overly offended, so they kept their peace.


    "Caelus has a water root," Roman mentioned, quietly as he finished introducing the new member to the rest of the team.  He had been the one to suggest Caelus to Pike and felt it was up to him to point out the mage''s good points.  "Predominantly uses ice spells." A smug expression appeared upon the mage''s face and he glanced out of the corner of his eyes to gauge the other''s reactions. His face lost a little of his smugness, presumably as he didn''t see exactly what he wished to. Leon was quite curious though and asked what Caelus'' most powerful spell could do.


    Caelus in turn was happy to talk about himself and his abilities, happier still to see some signs of awe in the alchemist''s eyes, so forgot his earlier displeasure caused by Leon''s appearance and thought that this alchemist was not so bad. The discordant note quietened and Pike began to smile and finally pressed forward with what he wished to discuss finally seeing things settle amongst his team members.


    "Apart from Velana," Pike pointed out, "the rest of you aren''t familiar with the Isles.  So Velana will be second in command and take over if necessary." Caelus did look like he wished to argue, but was stopped by Roman, who pulled his sleeve and shook his head.  Caelus looked miffed, yet did actually abide by the scholar''s warning.  "The Isles aren''t a place to mess around, people will be injured and it cannot be said that this event has never resulted in death." Leon visibly gulped, as did Troy, who while was not as nervous as Leon, did feel some trepidation beneath his excitement.


    "Do not worry too much," Velana mentioned in a voice that was both smooth and a little liquid, like molten gold.  It was the sort of voice that somehow put people at ease.  "We will be give a set of totems by the mages.  Breaking one totem will bring teleport the entire group to the gates on the Isles side.  Naturally, we will only break them in a life threatening situation or when the time for us to leave is nigh, for once broken, our time participating in the event will also end."


    "Also, do not worry about leaving room to collect things in the interspatial bag I have given you," Pike mentioned.  "Take everything that you feel that you need, but is not superfluous to survival.  Bring a blanket, do not bring a bed!"


    "W-What about food?" Leon inquired.


    "Do you not have fasting pills?" Caelus asked with slight disbelief.


    Leon shook his head; "Don''t kn-now how t-to m-make them."


    Pike shook his head over Caelus'' sneer, before offering the crestfallen alchemist a reassuring wink.  "And where would Leon get the ingredients for fasting pills at this time of year?"


    Pike''s knowledge regarding pills was generally shallow, but fasting pills were a troublesome thing; high in demand, but supplies were fluctuating.  This was because one of the main ingredient came from a cactus that only germinated in the desert following the annual rains, took three years to mature and then would die after it flowered and fruited.  The sap of the plant was able to keep death at bay when a normal person was lost in the desert, but taking the sap would delay its maturation.  The delicious fruit was what was needed for the pills, but it was also a delicacy sought by royalty, so people would come far and wide to plunder the desert during the hottest time of the year.


    However the fruit had as poor a shelf life as the matured cactus and the fasting pill also took on a reflection of this trait.  So the peak time to make them was during the summer and they had to be stored in either an inter dimensional bag or at least in the highest quality jade bottles that extended their shelf-life to about a year.


    After Body Tempering was complete, fasting pills were no longer necessary anyway and food was inexpensive so although eating could disrupt meditation or study, it was not the worst thing.  Learning to fend for themselves was also part of this test, so even if fasting pills might appear in some of the interspatial bags belonging to students, Pike''s people would definitely not be alone in scavenging for food in the Isles.


    Pike let them return to their places of rest before it got too late, from tomorrow sleep would definitely be precious.  They were all leaving for the Isles tomorrow morning and the event would officially start.

 Chapter 250

    Leon blew out the candle after finishing clearing the thoughts that were spinning around his head by writing them into his diary.  Notes about elemental essences, cold refining were added to mention of Feather Fall and Floating Pills, of which he''d managed to make several of the former and only three of the latter in the end.


    Do not form above a fire that is hotter than smouldering coals, use water to cool the cauldron. He added with a heavy sigh.  He''d caused several craters in the walls while discovering that little thing.  Fortunately Feather Fall Pills were slightly more forgiving when it came to temperature control or there would be many, many more.


    Lastly, he wrote of what he''d learned about the Empyrean Shattered Isles so far, with the intention of adding to these notes when he returned.  He also scribbled down a note for Jin Li, in case his lover came out of his closed cultivation while he was away.


    Don''t worry about me, I''ll be back soon.  The coeurl are in the main stables being cared for, please bring them back if I cannot do so first.


    His brush paused and heat flooded his face as he quickly scribbled an endearment before blowing dry the ink and folding the note before placing it beneath a carving of a Coeurl cub On the table.  Rushing to his bed, he dove beneath the covers, still feeling a little embarrassed, but he quickly fell asleep so did not dwell on it long.


    As morning came, Leon automatically reached for the cold space beside him before waking enough to recall just why it lacked heat and he drowsily pouted for a moment.  He padded over to his stove to add a little wood to it in order to cook some breakfast, deciding to cook the last two eggs in stock to eat.  As they boiled, he checked over the things in his interspatial bag, which included a blanket and a spare set of robes.  Naturally, a lot of the space was taken up by jade bottles of pills and potions as well as an earthen jar of various dried vegetables and rice; he hoped that this would be good rehydrated as soup.  Being an alchemist, he was expected to take his cauldron, taking the portable stove wasn''t overly necessary, but wasn''t too much a burden and could heat a kettle of tea or soup.


    He did not linger over breakfast but wrapped himself with a warm, waterproof cloak he''d bought recently and hurried over to the outer school plaza with his things.  He was the only outer school student to be picked in the end, the other fifty nine members hailed from the inner school.  Leon even recognised a few to his surprise, some he had met as Leo, another as Leon, but he didn''t know any of them well.  They were guided by a Teacher to the griffin nests and one by one boarded the awaiting beasts.


    They flew above the tree line in a northerly direction, sharply descending at one point only for the beasts to find a strong air current that allowed them to glide upwards and high up the vertical peaks facing them.  They circled west for a short way, flying amongst the clouds, before descending upon an artificial stone platform carved into the mountain''s side.  Above the clouds, there was no snow here, just the crunch of frost beneath their feet as they made their way inside the mountain.


    Sheltered from the cold air and basking in the heat from two braziers filled with magical firestones, the alchemists relaxed visibly before slowly dispersing and finding their team leaders or team mates waiting around the edges of the massive cavern.  Pike was waiting with Troy and Velana had already met with them.  The taller martial artist joked as he stated that the mages would likely be last.  He was not wrong.


    Sixty teams of six was a great number of people, not to mention the Mage teachers and former seniors who were there having opened the portals or were waiting to guide the students through.  The cavern was quickly filled with bodies. Two mages would guide the ten teams of students through each time.  One would hold the key totem of each team, in order to guide them back as well as protect the portals and the other would follow the ten teams using enchanted origami birds to watch their movements.  This information would be sent by one of two twin crystal mirrors to the school, which would be sent to other enchanted mirrors in order that the students left behind could witness their favourite teams whenever they wished.  The spell was similar to the bubbles made for the illusion challenge of the Standings, just more anchored.


    Pike''s team came through the portal in the third wave, having drawn lots in the beginning.  The two mages gave out the breakable totems, which were the size of a waist pendant and also gave to each team one spelled interdimensional bag.  This had much more space than their individual interspatial bags, but was enchanted that things could be put in, not taken out.  Whatever it contained would be what they were judged on in the end and the team was also free to claim the contents and distribute it amongst themselves.  Of course, this was another reason for creating a team that had core trust amongst themselves.


    Leon took a deep breath as he followed Pike out of the cave in which this wave''s teams appeared in, Velana and her partner brought up the rear.  Troy was clearly excited, although this was restrained, still reminded Leon a little of Sun when it came to exuberant energy.  Roman was as nervous as himself, not able to hide it, but kept following the two martial artists with resolution.  Meanwhile Caelus belied his bulk by moving forward with much ease and lightness of foot.


    Pike looked around hoping to gain his bearings, though such wasn''t easy to do.  There were more than thirty lands they could have appeared on after all. In the end, Pike shook his head as he paused beneath a tree whose girth was worth at least five of Caelus'' "I don''t recognise this place, I''ve not been here before," Pike had ventured these lands almost four times, once as a team member and three times as its leader, "I''m not sure I can distinguish it via the maps I viewed either."


    He had Troy climb the large tree, warning him to be careful. The Empyrean Shattered Isles could be said to be ruled by monster birds after all. The agile youth seemed to vanish into the canopy, which barely moved as he traversed it and it was almost fifteen minutes later when he finally reappeared.


    "There is what looks like a lone mountain or volcano in that direction," Troy pointed west. "And some sort of clearing that way, but there''s also a large flock of birds circling around that area as well. The nearest edge seems to be that way," he pointed to the north east. "But these place is definitely dense with trees. That one only peaks over the main canopy, there are several taller trees that are two or three times as tall." He patted the massive tree behind his back.


    "Did you see any other isles?" Pike asked him, but he shook his head. It seemed they could only take their chances on this isle for now. With his description, Pike had narrowed the list of possible islands that they could be on down to about three, but he would have to see more of the land before he might be sure.


    "Let''s go to the clearing," he decided.


    "Are you sure?" Caelus blurted out in question. "What about the mass of flying beasts?"


    "I have a hunch," Pike grinned, patting his the fair-sized hammer at his hip as he spoke. "Besides, mountains contain minerals, minerals tend to be good for points so I suspect that most of the teams will head there first. I''d rather not follow the crowd or attract more attention from the wild beasts by being a part of it." He was the team leader, so they all agreed to follow him. Pike went ahead with Troy and Caelus following, Leon and Roman walked behind them while Velana and her fox partner continued to protect their backs.

 251 Chapter Fifty One - We begin exploring the Isle

    From a top the canopy, Troy could attempt to judge the distance to the clearing, but how far it seemed to be and how far it was in reality was quite different. The trees were a mix of thick and thin, tall and somewhat less so. Their trunks varied mostly in shades of rich and ash browns with the occasional oddity thrown in, such as the tree with lurid green bark. Saplings of many varieties attempted to climb to reach the canopy, but it was likely only a few could manage to do so. Due to the mostly green ceiling, the sky could not be seen, just that it was bright enough to be considered day. Troy claimed that the suns were quite high in the sky, so a night period was still somewhat distant.


    That was right, plural. There was more than one sun. Troy had only quickly glanced, for the two stars were extremely bright, but he mentioned that the smallest of the two seemed more orange than white and currently, they shared a similar space above them.


    Pike planned for them to reach the clearing, scope out the area and consider its potential as a temporary camp. There were currently no other islands to explore, so it wouldn''t be in error to camp in the same spot for the next few nights if the place chosen was the right one. He also would like for them to camp sooner rather than later on this first day to discuss strategy, however, he did not hurry forward.


    For one thing, although they were somewhat shielded from the view of most of the flying menaces this realm was known to breed, there were still plenty of dangerous beasts and even some plants to be found at ground level. ; In fact, less than five minutes into their journey as they traipsed through the foliage, a crowned serpent that was as thick as Leon''s thigh and five times in length against Pike''s height dropped from an overhead branch, looking for a quick takeaway. ; Unfortunately, all it gained was a quick death; Pike smashed it''s jaw with his hammer, nearly removing the bone from its attachment to the creature''s skull completely and Troy leapt forward with a long knife and cut off its head.


    Leon''s heart beat like thunder within his chest and his fists curled until they turned bone white. ; He took several deep breaths as the two martial artists claimed their trophy. ; This type of serpent, while it looked frightening, was the opportunist type and a scavenger, also quite lazy, slow and without poison, so it wouldn''t gain them a great deal of points as a kill, but its skin was iridescent, popular amongst the nobles in the form of belts or decorative boots so worth money. ; It would be a waste to leave it behind, but the whole ambush had still scared him. He also struggled to look at the bloody mess the two martial artists left behind and could only aside his eyes in the end.


    Continuing on, they came across a swarm of dire-hornets, but as they left the nest alone, the insects which were the size of Leon''s palm with stingers the length of his thumb, also let them be. ; Later, they came across two large felines fighting for territories. ; This time, Troy gestured in question, his face excited and hungry to test his abilities, but Pike shook his head; not worth the effort. ; The beasts were left to battle without interference. ;


    "Oh," Leon voiced in sudden surprise, causing the others to pause to glance at him. ; His face reddened as he raised a finger to point out a thick patch of herbs nestled beneath the exposed root crop of a tree. ; The branches seemed to lean over the herbs protectively and even their leaves somewhat hid them from sight. ; If not for fuchsia pink blossoms adorning them currently, Leon would never have noticed them.


    Caelus frowned, looking at the variegated, moon shaped leaves before recognising it; "Just some common Twice Crescent Elderwort. ; What''s their to be excited about?"


    "Ah, well," Leon mentioned as he cautiously crept closer, overly wary of danger that could be lurking. It was well known that beasts would seek out or even claim the herbs in their territory to use as medicines or aids to enhance their cultivation. ; Just because this herb was common, did not mean it had no uses. ; So it could be said that it was no surprise that an ordinary centipede crawling over one of the thick roots of the tree gave him a start, his tension drawn so tight. ; He took a deep breath to calm himself once more before explaining; "You see, this pl-plant only flowers when Celestial T-Tear herb b-begins t-to g-grow and flower amongst it." ; Leon gently swept the vine like foliage of the tree to one side and pointed towards a vine like plant with small, lilac coloured spots upon its leaves, which wound itself around the stems of the larger herb. ; Its flower had no petals, just a sticky teardrop shaped bud upon the tips of its off-shoot stem, which were coated in a silvery powder. ; "The Twice Crescent Elderwort seeds attach t-to the Celestial T-Tear''s seeds, which f-float to other pl-places to g-germinate." ; Leon recalled this herb as he''d found this symbiotic relationship interesting. ;


    Pike smiled. ; Unlike the Twice Crescent Elderwort herb which grew quickly and abundantly, spreading over its chosen bed like a weed, the Celestial Tear herb was slow to germinate and even slower to grow. ; Certain conditions need to be met or it would not grow at all. ; Therefore, it could be considered quite rare. ; Leon was clever to understand that the former was flowering only because of its presence, otherwise they would have walked straight passed this small treasure. ; On Leon''s request, not only did they harvested several whole Celestial Tear herbs including the intact roots, despite the difficulty of unwinding the vines, but also both herbs'' seed heads. ; Leon hoped to be able to grow both together in the future.


    Not long after a quick skirmish with a flock of red sparrows, the bold, powerless creatures attempting to channel the pride of their Phoenix ancestors and causing nothing more than an inconvenience before they fled, the six humans and one fox arrived at the clearing that had only been seen from a far. The trees parted to reveal both a pale, aquamarine sky and a large, still lake. Naturally, where there was water, there were beasts of all shapes and sizes, thus despite arriving, the team still had to remain beneath the shelter of the tree landscape bordering the clearing.


    From the shadow of one tree, Leon''s eyes gazed curiously over the diving flocks, the lounging packs and herds that gathered about the lake. There seemed to be what could only be described as a tentative ceasefire between the multitudes of herbivores and the carnivores close by, the former with nervous posture and eyes as they approached the waters'' edge, while the latter were as vigilant, seeking an opportunity but not being so bold as to try their luck as scavengers and other opportunists might steal away their prey if they moved too soon or too late. Of course the situation also was not ideal for the team; they could not hunt for the same reasons as the predators, worse, they could easily become the prey.


    Pike indicated for them to retreat slowly and carefully, before pointing upwards indicating the generous thick and level branches of one nearby tree. Leon felt arms reach about his waist, just as the shadows surrounding the tree seemed to lengthen, darken and solidify. His body was lifted off of the ground and he grabbed Pike''s strong forearm in surprise before landing in the tree. In the other arm, the martial artist held Roman who looked equally taken aback. Velana leapt up without aid, the fox scampering up easily along side her.


    The shadows then moved abnormally until they formed the shape of a doorway. Caelus was unceremoniously spat out of this space, followed by Troy, who complained as he strode out of the shadows. "How are you so heavy?"


    Caelus sat upright and crossed his arms about his chest. "I could have made my own way up," he muttered. Troy raised an eyebrow but added nothing to refute him and the shadows returned to normal with a silent twang. He then glanced at Pike before asking;


    "What should we do now?"

 252 Chapter Fifty Two - We make camp beside the lake

    The tree''s branches flared out like a large platform, almost perfectly horizontal in most directions before winding slightly down then rising upward towards the sky or simply reaching that way in the first place, thus forming a near perfect shelter. It was not surprising that this would attract a beast to nest in it at some point, but from the loose twigs and scraps of thin fur, it appeared to have been abandoned some time ago.


    Leon glanced down as he wrapped his arms around one of the thick branches in order to brace himself. This area was above ground about two stories of an average house and would not be an easy climb for most ground bound beasts and above them was still quite a healthy, green canopy of leaves each twice a palm size, hiding them from flying eyes. It was a good shelter and naturally Pike decided to make the most of it.


    They''d been walking for several hours and while Velana and the martial artists were not at all out of weary, same could not be said of Leon and Roman, though neither one complained about the lengthy journey and their aching limbs. Pike thought Caelus might be different, not due to his sizeable girth (there were martial artists that carried much similar bulk around and only a fool would underestimate them) but more because of a mage''s reputation as a physically weak, overly spoilt powerhouse. Couldn''t upset them, could only indulge them. However, Caelus had actually only broken a sweat in the past half an hour and still trudged on silently, impressing Pike to the point he reviewed his original first impressions.


    The sky was still very light, as one of the two suns still shone although it was lower in the heavens than before. Troy had leapt higher into the branches to watch over the lake and those surrounding it, but had found that many of the herds had retreated into the shelter of the trees. Currently a flock of Skull Armoured Herons were fighting with a pack of Dire Wolves over the carcass of a unidentifiable herd beast; Troy could only guess that the latter had found an opportunity to bring down prey only to need then fend off the Heron who tried to scavenge the corpse away.


    He watched as one Heron used the horned skull dressing its long featherless head to butt away a wolf leaping towards itself. These long, wading birds were a strange species with the long elegant bodies of their less intelligent cousins, yet with the plumage and habits of vultures. They wore the skulls of other birds upon their heads as both armour and status, one with natural weapons such as this would have a higher status than one wearing a smooth skull. But status did not equate common sense and as the bird met the leaping dire wolf mid air, the recoil from the collision forced both backwards. While the wolf regained its footing upon the ground, the Heron fell into the deepest part of the lake.


    "Hmm," Pike hummed as Troy recounted the whole event a short while later. "I know which Isle we are on now. It''s known for the dormant volcano at its centre and having this one large lake." He requested from Roman parchment and a piece of charcoal, which the other did indeed carry and he drew a rough sketch upon it. "I''ve only seen this in a book, I can''t say how accurate it is."


    The shape of the isle was not unlike a jagged edged gourd and the lake was shaped like an oval attached to part of a loosely spiralling crescent moon. The tip of this Crescent touched the volcano so Roman theorised that the lake might well be fed from either snow atop the dormant mountain or underground springs. They, themselves, were at the ''southern'' edge of the deepest curve of the main oval body. ''Southern'' as the Isles moved; could not necessarily be accurate to a true magnetic point on an ordinary world.


    The water was deep enough inland that it need not worry about falling out of the edges of the Isle, but it was the main source of water for the Isle as well. Although, as Roman had already mentioned albeit in theory, there were a few small springs scattered here and there, the majority of the beasts living on the Isle would need to nest nearby, likely there were many territory disputes. As for what Troy had seen...


    "It''s been nicknamed a guardian of the lake," Pike recalled what was mentioned in the book, "but whatever type of water-beast it is, it appears that there is only one of it as no others have ever appeared in the lakes waters. Plus it only appears during the cooler times of the day and it appears to live in the deep waters of this main area. From the reaction of the Dire Wolves, likely it can come to the shallow edges when it wants to eat though."


    "Even more reason to make camp now," Velana affirmed Pike''s intentions and he also nodded to agree with her words.


    Hearing this, Leon made himself comfortable and opened up his interspatial bag as did the others with their own. However, while they dug out some dried rations, he pulled out his portable stove, pot and kettle, before realising a problem.


    "You aren''t going to make Pills here?" Caelus said with a hint of his usual disdain, when in fact he was actually curious. Generally, alchemists would only create pills in locations that were safe. While there enchantments that could hide the herbal scent of their concoctions from interested foes and beasts, most students did not have the ability to obtain these.


    Leon shook his head as that hadn''t been his intention at all. "Wanted t-to b-boil water," he admitted.


    This caused Caelus to choke slightly on his rations in surprise, while Pike chuckled behind a fist. "Wait, the water is for Pill making right?" The larger man urged him to make this fact as he tried to regain his composure only for this to be in vain as Leon shook his head while looking slightly confused over Caelus'' reaction.


    "Soup."


    Pike laughed far more openly as Roman glanced about worriedly hoping his paper talisman-barrier was good enough to prevent the sound from escaping their small camp. It was a minor charm that he was within his abilities and could only do this as well as reduce their overall physical presence. It could not hide other factors, making him wish he had studied charms a little harder. However, he tended to focus on crystal research hence how he came to know Caelus, who was very reliable in recharging refined crystals for use in formations and arrays.  He''d also met Pike through this chance having joined an expedition to the Cliffs of the Saltwater Shallows, where an abundant vein of raw Mage crystals had been discovered.  As it happened the vein did not have as many pure, clear crystals as it first appeared, however part of Roman''s personal research was regarding ways to refine cracked or cloudy crystals for use, so he was quite pleased regardless.


    Caelus mumbled something about how unbelievable that an alchemist defile the purposes of his tools for something like soup, even as he summoned a ball of water just for Leon''s pot.  However, he swallowed his words sometime later as the aroma of the lightly seasoned soup drifted about their small camp.


    Roman once more glanced about worriedly, fearing the scents of the soup would attract beasts to break his barrier.  He need not have worried.  The guardian of the lake had more than enough aura to act as a deterrent while it was awake.  The six students could eat and sleep quite peacefully so close to its territory until both suns rose into the sky the following day.

 253 Chapter Fifty Three - I begin to share my expertise

    Prior to the rising of the second sun, Pike and Velana woke and made a tactic agreement before leaping down from the boughs of their camp-tree, leaving Troy in charge of the camp and the three still sleeping bodies within.  The paper talisman''s around them still fluttered in the wind, the fragile material holding on against the element, but they were joined by a couple of small wooden charms, simple pieces of cut wood about the size of a large copper coin with unusual markings carved into them.  Roman''s scholarly curiosity had been piqued and he discussed the runic symbols with Leon in some length before they finally succumbed to much needed sleep.  Needless to say that this pair were last to wake.


    Thanks to the conversion of dry vegetables into an aromatic soup, Leon had become responsible for their meals, so set up his stove to once more cook the same soup for breakfast.  Only this time, meat appeared upon the table; Pike and Velana as well as her fox partner, had been hunting.


    It was by luck that their venture had borne fruit.  The guardian beast should still be lurking awake in his watery hole, thus no large groups of beasts came near and they might not for several hours yet.  However, just as not all beasts lived naturally in packs, not all beasts would be able to remain within them either.  Old, weak and injured beasts were often left behind in favour of the survival of the majority.  But in the case of the Cockateal they killed, it was likely just stupid.


    Cockateal''s were lesser kin of the Cockatrice family, but their serpent fangs were not poisonous and their four feathered wings were too stubby to allow them much flight.  These ground winged serpents tended to eat large beetles, larvae or eggs, which just happened to include their own when they were starved.  However, Cockateals were covered in tiny brown feathers rather than scales so their serpent bodies were often hard to spot and they made even less sound during movement than other slithering serpents making them excellent spies and messengers especially while small and young, so they had their place amongst beast tamers.  No helping this older specimen with a sparrow''s brain however.


    The beast had nestled beneath the roots of a tree with its eggs, deciding to lay them while its pit of brethren were migrating to other scavenging grounds, thus had been abandoned.  The fact its eggs had yet been found by other scavengers was likely a miracle or as Velana suggested; just because they were laid only a short while ago.  The silly serpent itself had decided to crawl from its nest to find a meal or be forced to devour its own offspring and the sharp eye of the tri-coloured fox had caught the tiniest of movement as well as its scent.  It had died beneath the jaws of the vulpine and its eggs became spoils for the students.


    Ordinarily, the interdimensional bag cannot hold living things, however there were some ways to subvert this general rule.  For instance, if the interdimensional bag was of the highest quality, usually made of Astral Spider Silk and with the clearest and purest of Mage crystals woven into its structure.  The ''living'' entity had to also be in some sort of stasis, such as an egg, but a whole uprooted plant could also exist unharmed within its timeless depths.  Thus no harm would come to the cockateal eggs and these would definitely improve their overall score at the end of the challenge.


    Leon wrapped some of the oily meat within some leaves, intending to use it as a snack later after finishing his soup as the next part of their venture was discussed.


    The lake would soon be surrounded once more with life and facing this abundant amount of beasts would be suicide, so it was not wise to remain too close to the lake during this time.  However, if they left the leafy boughs too soon, they would surely come across some travelling herds or packs which also could be dangerous to them.  So it was planned that just Velana and Troy scout for the time being, as well as make a few traps a reasonable distance from the tree.  Then, once they were certain of the surroundings, they could bring the rest of the team down to explore.  After all, it would be good to have the expertise of Roman and Leon as well as the emergency firepower of Caelus in a pinch.


    Before the pair left, Leon called out to them and handed both some healing pills and a Hidden Fog Pill. This latter pill would completely hide their scent from some of the beasts that might be wandering around and reduce it a bit from some others. This would reduce the chances of them being discovered as they scouted the area. They took it gratefully, not dismissing anything that increased their chances of returning while and healthy as anything could happen in wild and unknown territory after all. Receiving their thanks, Leon hesitated for a moment before handing them both two more pills.


    "I d-don''t kn-know if these will b-b-be helpful," he said, almost shyly.


    Troy looked at the unfamiliar Pills, both of which resembled a Burning Blood Pill a bit with their cracked and pearlescent sheen, but not completely and asked curiously; "What are these?" The others gathered around, when hearing the question. Velana showed the pills to Pike more clearly, who picked one up with widened and excited eyes.


    "Um, Sm-mouldering B-blood Pill," he pointed to the deep, burgundy one, before indicating the fiery red one. "B-bursting Blood p-Pill."


    There was a momentary silence as the names were digested. Caelus was the first to speak and unsurprisingly in question; "Wait, don''t you mean those new pills, Smouldering Energy Pill, Bursting Energy Pill?" He shook his head, certain that he was correct in his assumption that Leon had made a mistake. "They won''t do much for non-primary Cultivators, so I''ve heard."


    Pike turned to Leon, there was an almost unrestrained energy rippling through his aura as he did so, causing Leon to step back half-a pace. "You... you made these?" To understand his excitement, one had to understand the current understanding around the mystery of the variant pills.


    For several lunar months, Smouldering Energy Pills and Bursting Energy Pills had been available to purchase at first just in Julip town and then in other stores, usually small Treasure Pavilions, that just happened to be secretly run by the Institute to aid their finances. Naturally there were other sects who would seek to figure out the makings of the two pills including the reputable Heaven Arts Medicinal Sect, renown for their abilities in alchemy circles. And just recently, it was rumoured, that the latter had some success in finding just how the pills were created. It should be mentioned that they could not be completely blamed for the length of time that it took to figure out the inner workings of the variant pills, after all their ingredients really did not seem to differ from the original; the Burning Energy Pill. Plus, Leon had been working hard to try and actually improve his original recipes, but that''s a matter for another time.


    But while all attention was upon these little variant pills, another pair of variants were dribbling slowly upon the market via auctions. These could be considered much, much harder to get hold of and thus hoarded by those who''d paid small fortunes to purchase them; not one person had managed to calculate its exact recipe causing the price of the elusive pill to actually rise rather than fall. After all, there were many Cultivators stuck beneath the first bottle neck upon the path so many more people would these two appeal to than the others. However, in the scrambling for any of these variants, a minor fact had been somewhat overlooked; that all of these pills first appeared on the market at the same time.


    Only the people who had been a part of that first auction knew this, though some had forgotten once the weaker pills appeared more abundantly and of easier purchase so long as you knew which shop to head to first. Also those same people, amongst others having discovered the little known shop owned by a married couple in New Julip Town, might not necessarily share this information with anyone. Of course, it would not be kept silent for long, but by that time, the pills also showed up elsewhere distracting those seeking the first source.


    To conclude, it really wasn''t surprising that despite knowing that Leon had become a core student due to some new recipes, thanks to his Teacher sharing the information that Pike might look out for him better and strengthen their friendship for potential mutual benefits later on, he really had no idea that the stronger pills were Leon''s doing as well. He''d thought, like many others, that a mysterious and advanced alchemist had taken the idea of the lesser variants and advanced the knowledge to work with Burning Blood Pills, which was why this was not as readily available as the weaker ones and harder to reproduce.


    Pike gloated inwardly as Leon nodded. He really was correct in his belief that Leon was very reliable and quickly pointed this out to the originally sceptical Caelus. The Mage could only gawk for a while, then decided to cheer for his own luck thanks to Luchus'' ignorant and foolish decision back then. This group really was proving itself interesting.

 254 Chapter Fifty Four - We can’t stay here

    Once the twin suns were above the tree line in the pale sky, the migration of thirsty beasts began.  Scuffles between predators and prey occurred in several places, some broke their fast with a decent meal, others went hungry as their hunt failed.  Troy and Velana were still away from their tree-camp, hiding from the sharp senses of vicious beasts, while the others quietly watched from the high branches as numerous beasts made their way to the lake.


    Just as it seemed that the majority of herds and packs had passed by the base of the tree, a distant and rhythmic thudding sound could be heard.  Pike leapt into the highest peaks of the branches, which swayed beneath him as he did so and looked out around the tree line.  The lake had quickly become surrounded as far as his eyes could see, which unfortunately did not count the furthest most edges nor where the waters began to stretch beyond a thick cluster of more trees and vegetation.  Just as the day prior, the herds were cautious and the predators sought opportunities as they lapped at the liquid in the shallow sides.


    The rhythmic thudding had become louder as he scanned the area, the varied-shaped ears of numerous beasts flickered and a general nervousness seemed to set in, not only amongst the herbivores, but the hunters as well.  Pike glanced over his shoulder, risking raising his body above the leafy canopy, to witness a flock of birds suddenly take to the skies, squawking angrily at whatever had disturbed them.  He estimated that whatever that was happened to be a mile away, but from the numerous sudden flights, it was heading towards the lake quite quickly.  He jumped down to the branches in which his team members awaited.


    "There''s something large heading this way," Pike mentioned, to which they all nodded, tense due to the increasing volume of the thuds.  The large beats against the earth had not increased in pace, Pike judged its speed was due to its mass, after all a giant might only need take one step to a mortal taking a thousand.


    The shadows caused by the thick canopy suddenly condensed further until an archway was created and Troy stepped out of it; this was one of the abilities he knew thanks to his root.  "I didn''t bother making any more traps," he sighed as he glanced towards the direction that his teammates were looking in.  "Thought they might be destroyed before they came into effect."


    "What should we do?" Caelus queried.  "Do you think it would be possible to kill... whatever it is?"


    The tree began to shake along with each loud thud.  The tremors were small at first, but Pike could tell from his slightly enhanced senses that they were worsening.  "I think we should hope it doesn''t eat meat," he sighed, half jokingly.  There was already a boss in the lake, what was the chances of them coming across one on land as well.


    "Velana is not back yet," Roman mentioned, adding to their trepidation.


    The tree felt as if it''s roots would be shaken from the earth beneath, each thud created a quake that had them all holding onto its branches for dear life.  Even Pike with his advanced cultivation could not keep his balance without aid.  Troy held Leon''s sleeve with one hand while Roman had been instructed to grab the corner of his tunic, thus he could whisk both away into the shadows if necessary.  And just as they thought they could take it no more, a massive, leathery beast came into view.  It was the strangest thing Leon had ever seen.


    At first glance, it could be considered a giant pachyderm, it''s skin was a rough green-grey, it''s legs were thick and body was broad.  However, it had six legs carrying its giant frame, which was so heavy each step caused a rippling tremor.  It had a large scooping round jaw that made up the majority of its face, so much so that its large eyes protruded from the sides of its skull and have a moving muscle behind its optics which could alter its view from forward to side giving it greater coverage of view.  And from the edges of its mouth hung two long tendrils, which at first seemed a bit like an unnecessary ''decoration'' upon its face, until they swung upwards and Leon came to realise that the tendrils resembled trunks.  The beast actually had two noses!


    It swayed slightly as it continued forward.  Saplings snapped beneath its weight, less sturdy trees were pushed until partially unrooted as it barged past them.  Any inhabitants of these trees leapt away or flew into the air as they were able, escaping the monumental beast''s destruction.  It brushed passed their tree-camp, causing the lower branches to creak and either give way or snap, but the tree itself remained rooted.  Leon shrank back as its eye scanned over their entire party as it passed.  It blinked but did not pause before finally reaching the lake, where it entered the shallows and even into deeper waters that it might be low enough to drink, its neck unable to bow low enough.


    Pike let out an audible sigh before gesturing them over.  They moved to his side quietly, hardly breathing, still unsure of the massive creature''s intentions.  "That is a Earth Terror, but despite its name, it''s actually a herbivore of sorts. Really can''t count small rodents, bugs and such scooped up in the bushes and shrubs it eats.  Unless we get in its path or attack it, it won''t do anything to us.  Still be wary, one that size must be at an extremely high stage of cultivation, yet it still lives!  There''s no chance for us to bring it down, so forget confronting it!"


    In fact, although Pike knew that there were Earth Terrors living on the larger isles, they should only be the size of an adolescent Griffin (roughly the size of an elephant).  No one had ever recorded one that was this beast''s size!  That said, it did not mean that it was the top of the food chain.  Its skin was thick not impenetrable, its greatest weapon was that massive jaw that was as tough as cast iron and its six heavy legs, but it was not agile.  A smaller terror might have speed on its side, but this one seemed to rely on its bulk.  If a large pack of strong predators wanted to, they could likely bring it down at some cost.


    "Let''s move away, just to be on the safe side," Pike decided and chose to head ''east'' away from the beast but still close to the lake water.  Their luck was to precarious here, what with the water guardian and now an advanced Earth Terror, better move on and find a new camp.  They left a prearranged sign for Velana to let her know where they were heading, but knew that her fox as well as her own tracking skills would allow her to find them even without.

 255 Chapter Fifty Five - He is supporting me?

    Back in the Ascending Mountain Institute, within the sheltered heights of a particular mountain with no road and the connective buildings that dominated the space and within one of the small, student dorms that contained two single cot-beds, something stirred beneath a mound of woollen blankets and warm furs.  Eventually, those blankets were peeled back to reveal a head of long brown hair, which was covered both back and face to the point that the person beneath could not be identified.  A loud yawn escaped from the person, the head of whom tilted back a tad before snapping back to its previous position and the blankets were tossed aside to reveal two pale, white feet peering out from the bedclothes worn.  Those feet then moved to firmly plant themselves into an awaiting pair of fur-lined slippers and the person shuffled out of bed and towards an enchanted bowl that kept warmed water from losing heat.  As the person did so, they swept back the unruly lengths of hair with practised ease until the hair formed a long tail upon their head and their face was finally revealed.


    Sun glanced down at his reflection in the water before taking a towel to dampen that he might freshen his face and send far away the remnants of sleep.  He shivered briefly as he stripped out of his sleeping clothes, washed sparsely with the hot water then quickly threw on a fresh set of robes with a sigh.  He adjusted the embroidered sleeves before a thought came to him and he rushed out of his dorm room in the next heartbeat.


    Less than a minute later, he rushed back in to change out of his slippers into his boots.


    Despite the early hour, the Food Hall was already filled with students and all were gossiping loudly.


    "Ah, Ari left his group behind again."


    "Ashton must be used to Ari''s behaviour by now; its always him who leads Ari''s group while Ari seeks hunting trophies for them."


    "Give Luna her dues, she always manages to rally good troops. They should place high!"


    "I thought Bowyer was crazy for choosing Borean as his sixth, being only recently placed on the innerschool standings, but I was wrong!"


    "Aunty, can I have the ginger and honey congee," he looked at the sweet porridge with anticipation before adding; "with peeled water chestnuts, please!"


    The aunt looked down at the hungry face with sparkling eyes and the corners of her lips curved upward. There was nothing better, she felt, than seeing a young man with a healthy appetite and polite attitude. However, just before she went to serve him a slightly larger than normal serving, she noted the jade bracelet on his wrist, which served as a symbol of his identity as well as recorded his points and remembered something.


    "Ah, Young Master! Your grandfather insisted that you attend him for breakfast this morning!"


    Sun''s face fell slightly. Didn''t know where his grandfather got the information from, but despite he himself not being able to participate in the Interschool Exchange, the old man decided to come anyway... his reason; to support young Leon!


    It had been five days since Leon followed Pike into the other Realm and in the afternoon of that first day, the General had shown up at school with this excuse. And he had not been alone either.


    So Sun wandered out of the Food Hall hungry and headed to the guest quarters, where the General was being served breakfast by his servant. Obviously, guests of the school were not like students and could bring with them their own people, there was nothing wrong in this. The school, however, only provided so many rooms, thus most of the wealthy patrons would only bring in one or two per family member. There was also a separate area for dining with kitchens, just that the patrons would have to suffer company of other patrons, much like in a restaurant without private rooms.


    A whole series of small savoury and spicy dishes covered the table where the General sat with Sun''s big brother Mond and cousin Carmen. Yes, he wasn''t sure how she managed to convince the General to bring her here, but he could fathom the reason of why. But Jin Li is still in closed cultivation, so she came in vain! This amused Sun immensely, made up a bit for her presence.


    Carmen was indeed pitying herself; her beloved was so dedicated that he cultivated to this extent, yet in doing so, missed out on some quality time in which they might cultivate feelings, together. As each day dragged into the next, she felt more and more morose about it. The challenge that Jin Li''s servant was participating in would only last another fifteen days and the institute''s event would end after five days following that. What if her beloved did not come out of closed cultivation by then? Would she have to wait until enrolling in the summer to see him again?


    While she sadly sat, fiddling with her chopsticks, Sun was glancing unhappily over the breakfast on offer. Ah, he really wanted to eat sweet congee this morning! He eventually picked at a bowl of sun dried tomatoes with garlic, adding them to a small bowl of rice. The family ate in silence, until three quarters full and the two servants then brought over bowls of scented water in which to clean their fingers as they finished. As the remnants were cleared away and the General instructed the servants to go get their own breakfasts, he then turned to Sun with slightly smiling eyes softening his otherwise stern expression.


    "Your senior that heads the group in which young Leon is a part of," his grandfather mused, "he is quite capable. You said that you shared a friendship with this fellow?"


    Sun smiled brightly and nodded, before adding aloud; "Yes! Both Senior Pike and Senior Bowyer take good care of me, also often give me pointers when sparring. Actually, there are many good Seniors here!"


    "Good, good," the General said, approvingly. Since visiting the Institute, he had become increasingly pleased that his second son encouraged him to agree to his grandson attending here. Just the martial arts facilities alone were impressive, let alone the methods and teachings he''d encountered. The changes in his small grandson had already been evident, the youth had also made many beneficial connections and did not seem to be complacent about them, not seeming to distinguish between a commoner like Leon and a man of more noble blood as Jin Li appeared to be. (Of course, he was not aware of his grandson''s initial behaviour and attitude towards the former, but even if he was, such had been long forgotten anyway).


    If there was one slight complaint the General had, it would be the frivolous nature of his Teacher, Corvus. However, Ramas would not verbally state this, that Teacher did pay much attention to his grandson and also gave him many resources. Plus, his cultivation was much, much higher than his own, even with the miraculous and unexpected breakthrough he''d experienced of late.


    That was right, the General had finally pierced the bottleneck into quaternary stage and formed his core!

 256 Chapter Fifty Six - He has his reasons

    Despite reaching the bottleneck many, many years ago, although General Ramas faced the reality of being mortal, it could not be said that he had completely given up; he would still meditate for a couple of hours after the midday meal before moving to the training grounds to temper his body. Admittedly, the mediation had not increased, but the amount of time in physical training had as the years caught up with him.


    After Sun returned to school, one of his servants, a sly little man with half an eye on a more senior position than he currently held which was that of second-class, approached one of the General''s most trusted men with a gift and some information.


    Just to clarify, there was hierarchy amongst servants within and without houses of the wealthy and elite. For example; a servant of a merchant house cannot compare to that of a noble house, while the servant of royalty can look down on most others. Obviously this a very shallow viewpoint. While a first class servant who serves in a merchant house might have to bow down to a second class servant of a royal household, very few respect servants cleaning out latrine pots!


    Those bottom of the rung servants, who did the hardest and heaviest duties such as scrubbing clean the unseen areas, transporting water and doing laundry and gardening not requiring skilful hands were generally underpaid and unsung, only mentioned in passing. But the though the work was hard, in the right household, the money was still not bad and did not require skill, looks and etiquette.


    Second class servants were more skilled than the third class, might be asked to take care of certain courtyards, cook in the kitchens or sent to fetch things outside. It could not be said their work was light, but it was not generally as physically intense as that of the lowest class. Also, second class servants were at most plain of face, not allowed to be ugly.


    The same could be said of first-class servants, but most likely, the maids would be pretty and the servants would look almost as noble as their masters. They were their master''s hands, eyes and voice. They served the masters directly and not only were paid better than second class servants, but were more often rewarded. Thus if a second class servant could rise above their station, they certainly would attempt to catch a master''s eye. That said, it generally wasn''t that easy.


    This came through a small pot that Sun had left behind.


    As someone who had served Sun for more than half a decade, the servant knew a little about the pills and potions Sun took for cultivation; the clear spiritual pills and the Light Chi elixir for his baths. However, when he was preparing the baths this winter, he was told that the young master did not want to bathe in the Light Chi elixir, but a different bath potion instead. The smell was a little feminine for his taste, but he could only obey orders.


    He bowed in greeting as Sun entered with his personal servant before vacating the room. As he was leaving, he happened to hear the young Master exclaim with a slight chuckle as he entered the waters; "Don''t wrinkle your nose! I''ll have you know that this is much more comfortable than the other elixir!"


    The small pot that the young master happened to leave behind was that same flowery bath potion. In fact, Sun himself hadn''t realised it was missing until he reached his dorm and had to lament as Leon would be unable to make more until the summer!


    The sly servant took the small pot to a first class servant of the General carefully mentioning that the young Master had used such with the heavy statement of it being better than the usual herbal bath salts, yet evading just where he''d picked up the potion, letting the other servant believe he had purchased it as a gift for the General. The first class servant was not unaccustomed to servants attempting to bribe him on behalf of the General, usually he happened to send them away, but the General had shown renewed interest and spoke enthusiastically about that grandson. So the first class servant accepted the gift, thinking the General would be interested.


    The old man was indeed interested, though that rapidly waned due to the floral, feminine scent of his evening bath waters. Still, he feigned his approval, wanting to wash now and not willing to wait for clean water and began to bathe, unwittingly slipping into meditation in the hot waters. Although the cold water roused him, sometime later, he felt the urge to continue, so after dressing in bed clothes, began to meditated once more upon a bamboo couch.


    The following morning, his first class servant began to panic; he could not rouse the General from his meditation! In the past, the servant would approach after a sichen, and the General would immediately open his eyes, but the General, who never usually meditated overnight, did not awaken this time! The servant was not a Cultivator, did not know what to do, but the General had always told him not to disturb a meditating man, so he could only find the old Madam.


    Old Madam Ramas, Sun''s paternal Grandmother, decided to send for a physician that happened to understand Cultivation matters and that man had quickly ushered everyone out of General Ramas'' room and courtyard after taking his pulse once. He even went so far to encourage Lady Ramas to move out of her neighbouring courtyard. He explained that the General was attempting to breach a crucial bottleneck in his cultivation and that the consequences of such could definitely be detrimental to other Cultivators not to mention mortals!


    Lady Ramas moved to a more distant courtyard and just in time for explosive lightning suddenly struck down in the location of her old home causing much damage in the process. The General, however, bared the tribulation despite his advanced age and formed his much longed for core. The man was extremely overjoyed!  He had to discover the source of the bath salts his servant used this time.


    This was also the time that the second-class servant realised that his idea was full of loopholes and that the General did not like those who misappropriated from his family and claimed credit. That servant was not thanked and he was sold out.


    The long and the short of this episode was that the General had a breakthrough and wished to reward the one responsible. Except his stinky grandson hadn''t thought to share this miracle potion, which helped draw him into trouble-free meditation and loosen certain stubborn impurities within his body, although the child did admit that this was created by young Leon.


    The General already had a good impression of this boy and his investigations had revealed that the young alchemist was filial to his old grandfather, further increasing the soft spot growing for him. So why not recognise him as an adopted grandchild? Adopting clever children was not a new thing and that adoption did not mean necessarily giving up old family ties, just offered new ones. Leon would gain the same connections and opportunities as his blood related grandsons and he would have another child to boast about, another child to bring glory to his name, sharing that which was also old Leonard''s.


    The more that he thought about it, the more that he liked it, so he decided to come to the Interschool Exchange that Sun had mentioned young Leon would be a part of competitively and support him. Checking out the school and spending time with his actual grandson was just a bonus.


    The General led his two grandsons and granddaughter towards the central arena, where large reflective mirrors were elevated to show random five minute scenes involving the sixty teams currently battling to survive and compete within the other Realm. He did not notice the girl wrinkling her nose, unhappily.


    When Carmen had heard about the General''s idea to come to the Institute from her grandmother as the older woman conversed with her close friend, she knew she had to tag along. At first, her grandmother would not hear of it, so she had begged, pleaded stating that she just wanted to see the school where her ''dear brother'' was attending. In the end she resorted to ''being so upset as to have no appetite'', softening her grandmother''s will, while secretly eating at midnight. It had been quite tough.


    The older woman had eventually conceded, her grandfather was hesitant, but allowed it under his wife''s cajoling. He was not as blindsided as his wife, however and understood that Carmen had alternative motives. He thought that perhaps the little girl needed to witness several realities before she understood that Jin Li was not for her. Even if he wasn''t so indifferent to the girl, General Ramas doubted that the youth would choose to chain himself to one less than equal to himself in potential. Much like Leon''s mysterious father, he would share a time with her then leave her behind, alone. General Ramas would not tolerate such a husband either.


    Unfortunately, he did not realise the stubborn, single minded determination of his granddaughter.

 257 Chapter Fifty Seven - We are not doing so well

    Within the stadium, the cool, large mirrors, which hung together to create a decahedron floating in the arena''s centre, offered images that were not reflections.  For five minutes, the audience filling the ascending seats circling the arena, could witness scenes from the other Realm and the team''s involved in the challenge. As the sun reached a slightly higher point, this would change; the scenes would mostly focus upon the twenty teams led by the top Martial Artists in the Institute, each favoured with quarter of a sh¨¬ch¨¨n time before the images altered once more. After the audience had the chance to witness the achievements of all twenty teams, the mirrors would once more shuffle through the other forty, thus those supporting their scattered friends within other teams could see a little of their progress as well.


    And so, considering the first mirror facing north was dedicated to Ari''s team and as well as the eleventh placing person, Culven''s team, then the sixth mirror counting left was for Pike for at least half an hour and Bowyer one more left next to his. This suited Sun, who felt he could support both his seniors this way. And Leon of course.


    Currently on that sixth mirror flickered a darkened scene, with brightness appearing in one location. When one focused intently, one could hear sounds emanating from the mirror as part of the spell''s magic. Right now, Sun could hear the heavy rush of water.


    A small Mage globe appeared as if taken from inside a bag or clothing and a cool light filled the space, reflecting the damp rocks entwined with moss and algae. It also revealed two very weary, very wet bodies and a third less tired but equally as damp person. This person happened to be Troy, the other two were Leon and Roman.  As Caelus, Velana and her fox appeared from the larger light source, Leon tried in vain to wring the water from his heavy robes.  Pike appeared in the frame a few seconds later.


    "Let''s rest here for today."  Everyone heartily agreed with his words.


    *****


    Despite the initial flush of success that the team had experienced upon the first day, things had not been progressing so well following the forced abandonment of their first camp. They had hoped to follow the line of the shore, keeping reasonably close to the source of water while within the dubious shelter of the trees. Only, the undergrowth of shrubs, vines and tall grasses had thickened as they walked, forcing them to take a trail more in land.


    Pike had surrounded his hand axes in flames to help repel the pests, while Troy relied on his abilities twisting shadows to temporarily blind the nibblets while striking them down with his knives, protecting Caelus, who was chanting a spell beneath his breath. Velana had not caught up, thus there was less of a wall protecting the more powerless Roman and Leon and more gaps through which the persistent nibblets could slip through and attack them. Though the wounds were no more than bruises and scratches, none of them remained completely unscathed as they backed away, releasing abilities and spells upon the nibblets. Many small bodies littered the ground before the main nest decided to retreat.


    Velana caught up with them to witness them checking over Roman, whose tall person had definitely been the target of the worst of it. Leon decided to give him a One Heart Pill to consume before they carried onwards. The dead nibblets were not really worth anything as either trophies or materials, so were left behind for scavengers.


    This misadventure had given Leon pause for thought. Most pills were intended to support others, but there were also poisons and Trick pills that alchemists could use to protect themselves, such as those that the new Teacher Jian had lectured about. It was just that, apart from attending the one lecture, Leon had yet to give these things much thought, to busy making pills to sell and for this competition. Now he kind of wished that he''d paid more attention to Teacher Jian''s lectures, at least long enough to create something perhaps like a smoke bomb he''d witnessed in the movies once or twice.


    But hindsight was a wonderful thing, just not a useful one as proven when Leon fell down a natural pit caused by dry clay earth and the rotted roots of a large dead tree. Troy easily rescued him, but otherwise Leon had nothing to show for it but a twisted ankle. As the suns were beginning their long descent, Pike felt it was becoming more urgent to find a place to camp, so Leon was carried on the back of Roman rather than waste time searching his interspatial bag for a Blood Pill at this time. Fortunately for Roman, whose physique was not great, Leon was not heavy.


    Their camp was not as secure nor hidden as the night before. Roman set up temporary talismans, Pike created a rota that everyone had to participate in. Sleep was interrupted during the second watch with an attack of a skinny and very hungry Spiked Boar, who fought desperately. It was no match for Pike, who defeated it easily and then claimed its horns. However, there was no meat on its bones and it was also carrying disease from an infected wound, so it was buried some distance away. Sleep came uneasily after that.


    The following days were just as filled with minor obstacles, not enough to be dangerously hindering, but enough to cause weariness to seep into muscles and bones. Naturally Roman and Leon were the first to be affected. And just when things could not seem much worse, the silver clouds that had formed over these days had come together and darkened to a steely grey then had shed their contents upon the ground below. It was persistent and unceasing to the point where even their water resistant cloaks could not shelter them from it and Caelus had to stop deflecting it with his spells or suffer from draining his innersea too much.


    Just yesterday evening, in this rain, they had managed to find their way back to the lake and had come to realise just how lazy the map maker of this floating island had been.  This part of the ''lake'' was more like a river, rapid and violent and several ten-chi wide and was fed by a tall and thunderous waterfall.  Thanks to the darkening sky, they couldn''t explore nor wait to find a decent place to camp, could only miserably make shelter under a tree with wide leaves and huddle together.  Leon found it wasn''t true that a fat man was warm like a wide heated stove.  Thanks to Caelus'' preference for ice magic, his body leaned to being quite cool.


    Having had little sleep, the team''s moral was lacking, Pike knew it wasn''t wise to push them too much at the moment, despite their lagging progress, so he waited until the sun rose before discussing plans around a feeble fire.  The rains had yet to cease so the heat, while welcome, did not do much to dry their already damp clothes.  It was fortunate that Cultivators tended to be slightly hardier than mortals or they likely would have fallen ill by now.  Leon was particularly weak against the cold and was currently nestling against the thick fur of the tri-coloured fox, despite the fur smelling similar to that of a wet dog.  Velana was on it''s other side, brushing the half dry mud from its tails.


    Pike still felt it would be best to find a more permanent camp so that they might rest well for at least a day and it was Caelus that happened to jokingly mention the clich¨¦ idea that waterfalls often hid caverns behind them.  As it happened, this time he was actually correct.

 258 Chapter Fifty Eight - He discovers some secrets

    Since it was a cave hidden behind a torrent of falling water, it was naturally damp and cold.  But that was just the entrance of the cave for it was far deeper than expected.


    Velana and her fox braved the elements to return with wood to burn, however the elements had been unkind these past few days so even though the canopy was thick, rain had eventually permeated to the ground below.  Caelus used his water abilities to drawn the moisture from the damp wood before Pike produced enough of a flame to light a fire.  The wood was decent, did not produce much smoke and the yellow flames danced over the wood, consuming it contentedly as the warmth from them began to fill the cave.


    Everyone released a comfortable sigh.


    Outer robes, tunics and even an inner robe or two were removed to dry with socks, Velana disappeared to change completely, while those with spare socks quickly wrapped their cold feet once more.  Blankets covered some shoulders, Pike remained shameless, naked of upper body and Caelus dried his own clothes with magic. Leon took out his stove and kettle to brew a warming tea with ginger and gingseng, while Roman examined the rocks of the cave for their worth.  It was not long before the scent of herbs was overwhelmed by the scent of braised meat.


    The dried vegetables that he had packed had quickly been consumed by the hungry stomachs surrounding him, so he could only rely on that which was hunted by the others.  He wasn''t sure what beast had been cut down to provide the juicy red meat within the pot and he didn''t really care either, but his taste buds missed having variety.  Fortunately, for their health, he had found some common herbs that were not only useful in many common pills, but were also edible.  He tossed these into the bubbling stew without regard.


    Once the stew was ready, Leon dished it out in the few bowls and cups they''d bought with them and Pike handed him a couple of dry biscuits in turn.  They scooped out the meat with their dried rations or simply drank directly from the container.  In fact, Leon had packed one bowl, one cup and a spoon, but Pike only had a waterskin, intending to live off of dried food or roasted meat, while Velana''s bowl had originally been intended for her fox.  It was the first time that Pike realised that his leadership lacked proper logistics and resolved to rectify this in the future.


    Once bellies were full, they looked for the driest spots to rest, cultivate or sleep for a while.  Troy pulled on his boots to explore deeper into the cave for a while and Pike rested, but with a vigilant eye, by the cave mouth.  Fortunately, it would be tricky for most beasts to traverse along the narrow ledge that they had carefully slid along to discover this place, so for a good while they would all rest in peace.


    Roman was quickly drawn to the unusual stones and lone crystal, while Leon noticed and identified the mushroom.  His lips formed a slight curve and his eyes softened.  It was thanks to this valuable blue mushroom that he''d once hunted high and low for that he had been swept up into the drama that was Jin Li.  He couldn''t really regret it now though, even if during that first meeting and for a short while after, he really had!


    "D-did you find it b-b-by a sp-spring?" Leon asked and Troy nodded in agreement.


    "How did you know?"  Troy asked as a couple of others looked intrigued, others only frowned; wasn''t it just a mushroom.


    This mushroom was sought, purchased and placed upon the dining tables of the wealthy or cooked and eaten by foodies experienced in foraging.  It was a high value, quality item with a firm yet silken texture and a flavour all of its own.  Their group was from mixed backgrounds so only half of them had even heard of this resource and only one had had the fortune to taste it.  Leon could only admit he''d harvested them before, but at that time, he hadn''t known their value.


    It was decided to harvest more, keeping most while tasting the delicacy at least once while they had the chance.  They weren''t all foodies, but didn''t mean they weren''t willing to lose a few points for the pleasure of eating it now.  Besides, it had many nutritional benefits that could strengthen their health during this tough challenge.


    As for the rocks, most were just pretty to look at, nothing special not worth anything more than toys for children.  The crystal happened to be a quartz called ametrine, a naturally occurring phenomenon in which amethyst and citrine formed as one. The crystal with its mixed shades of yellow and purple was lovely and might be worth a little money if nothing else, so it was not an uninteresting find. Definitely worth the time to lightly mine some more.


    Otherwise there were two unassuming stones, one was a dark grey without any reflective qualities, while the other was as black as midnight, yet it reacted to the heat of Roman''s fingers becoming a soft lemon-white with a smoky patterning. Troy took it back and the stone plunged back into its midnight state. "How strange," Roman''s fingers twitched in excitement; he''d not come across such a crystal and was definitely interested in its properties. He gingerly claimed it back, holding it to his chest as the half-palm sized stone once more changed colour.


    Intuitively, he encouraged Pike to hold it in the next breath. Pike took it between finger and thumb uncertainly and the rock became a bright mix of orange and yellow, with patterns that imitated flames. Roman laughed out loud, startling his comrades, who''d never heard more than a breathy chuckle from the unassuming man. "I think it actually reacts to our spiritual roots!" He was delighted, making them hold it each in turn.


    As Velana held it, it turned an ethereal azure blue, while for Leon it once again was black, but coated in a miniature galaxy. Roman wanted to ask what their roots were, but understood that this would be impolite. Velana did volunteer that her roots were spirit roots, something particularly favoured by Beast Tamers and not looked down upon amongst Scholars either, though Leon remained nervously quiet. Then Caelus took it and the stone became a beautiful ocean blue, yet also had faint swirling patterns cast over it in lines of white, revealing a truth that he usual kept hidden; his root was not purely water.


    He grumbled something about it being a silly toy, tossing it back to Roman who panicked as he almost fumbled catching it and held it close to himself for a minute afterwards, no longer willing to share. But the team would not fight him for it once they''d finished the challenge, so he reluctantly allowed them to put it into the team''s interdimensional bag along with the mushroom and ametrine.


    As for the dark grey rock, this really was the most surprising find of all...

 259 Chapter Fifty Nine - We go spelunking

    The rock with the colour of a thundercloud at night was really not very large, no bigger that Leon''s pinky nail. Troy had picked it up as it was roughly in the shape of kidney bean, which had amused him, but he was truly no expert in things like crystals or geodes. But Roman was.


    "This is void stone," he announced with an air of awe as he examined the stone between his fingers. He''d only seen one once and that had been in the process of refining, but just inserting a slither of his spiritual energy after placing it down and he and the others could feel the minute changes in the air around the stone for a brief moment; void stone could warp the space around it. Fortunately this piece was small and the energy he fed it tiny, so it could not have a strong effect or their bones could be crushed or even pulled apart as the space altered!


    His words and demonstration completely dumbfounded the team. It was not as if veins of valueable or even priceless materials had not been discovered in the isles before. It was even rumoured that there might be some extremely good veins in the floating roots of the islands, but no one would dare attempt to harvest them for the risk of death was too great. But Pike and the others could never have imagined finding a vein in this hidden cave. The last vein to be discovered was on one of the smaller isles some two hundred years ago and that had been of a rare metal called Mithril. No one had managed to find their way back to that island since.


    Void stone was not as rare as Mithril, but it was still highly sought after. Without it, there would be no interspatial nor interdimensional products, no hidden dimensions or enlarged zones, such as the common herb fields within the outer alchemist school. In the network of caverns, however, Troy had found this stone in the farthest one, meaning only three individuals could traverse the slender crevasses and shallow gaps to get to it; Troy, Leon and Velana''s Fox.


    Pike handed over the interdimensional bag to Troy, who then guided Leon with excellent memory to the back of the first cave. This one had the most generous opening just up a steep and slightly crumbling step, their teammates could easily follow them into this cavern. It was smaller that the first, dryer however, but otherwise no different that the first. Caelus placed a Mage globe in the centre as they glanced around. To one side, there was a long, but thin fissure, almost unnoticeable at first glance.


    "Roman, go with Troy and Leon as far as you can. See if there is anything else interesting inside," Pike continued and the tall, slender man nodded and followed the two smaller youths sliding through the crevice. Actually, Roman was eager to do so, hoping to find other crystals or stones of note. Even more of the reactive stone within his pocket as well.


    The larger cavern beyond the crevice didn''t have too much of note at first glance, however there was water slowly trickling down a small portion, carving the rock into interesting shapes beneath its gentle and persistent pressure. Above it and them, there were stalactites in varying lengths. They could only conclude that they must be directly under the river that fed the falls at that moment.


    "I collected some of the worthless stones from around here," Troy mentioned. Roman nodded and placed a palm against the walls of the cavern. He was not an earth type Cultivator nor a metal type, so his senses were not sharp, but certain crystals would react to spiritual energy alone and there were not too few that favoured his light root, but he was not able to sense anything of interest here. He was slightly disappointed.


    They moved to a section of the cave that curved around before narrowing then opening out once more to reveal a sizeable hole in the ground. Although it appeared to be one large opening, in fact it led into two different caves. "That side just leads into a tunnel like space with a dead end," Troy pointed out. The walls of that tunnel had been jagged and uneven as had the floors and ceiling of it. There might be something within it, but it was difficult to see and manoeuvre. They decided to leave it, deciding not to gamble and descended towards the other cavernous space instead.


    This cavern was where the mushrooms were.


    It was a large space and the walls in the light of their Mage globes were a mix of ochre and brown shades. The stalactites above them were less pronounced and the walls sometimes jagged and sharp and occasionally pockmarked and smooth. The floor beneath them was much the same, but traversable and lead to a decent sized and very deep spring fed lake. Surrounding which, growing upon damp and mossy rocks were the familiar mushrooms of varying sizes. One, that was towards the rear and unfortunately unreachable, happened to be as large as their heads.


    Leon poked a finger into the water before tasting it with the tip of his tongue. "Salty," he murmured, with a knowing nod. It seemed that this type of mushroom favoured salty spring water, in dark, rocky caverns. With practiced ease, the alchemist began to harvest the mushrooms growing around the accessible portion of the lake, leaving the smallest ones and claiming those palm sized and larger. It was a very decent harvest, at least three times larger his first harvest at home.


    Memories flickered before his eyes of when he and Russ used to pick wild edible mushrooms when they were most abundant in the woodlands beside the village. A fair few villagers used to supplement their diets this way or sell them in town when they had the time and inclination.


    After the mushrooms had been gathered, Leon gave the lakes abundant treasures one last look before following Troy towards another rock fissure. This one did not have the height required for Roman to follow them nor the width that he could crouch down to do so. Roman was disappointed as he couldn''t follow them to the cave in which Troy found the reactive stone and void stone.


    "Take these," he urged them, passing a small chisel like tool and hammer to them. They would help them mine the vein a little, though if it was buried to deeply into thick rock, they would have to give up still. They thanked him and Troy advised him that they''d return shortly before disappearing into the next cavern.


    Roman did not remain idle and decided to explore around this cave and the tunnel they had missed for a bit.

 260 Chapter Sixty - We find crystal in rock, fish in water

    Leon and Troy sidled slowly for a few metres along the narrow tunnel, unable to turn around with only the option to move ahead. So when the tunnel widened to reveal a new cave, both breathed a sigh of relief. Troy giggles sheepishly; it was not as if he hadn''t known that they would be fine and not get stuck, but the closed feeling within that small space was discomforting.


    This tunnel had a few openings, Troy pointed to one and mentioned that after a series of twists and turns it would lead back to an opening on its left. But it hadn''t found much of interest in any of the linked caves. The opening to the left of those connective tunnels lead to the larger cave where he''d discovered the void stone, so they entered this cave first.


    Just like the one which contained the mushroom grove, ochre blended with brown, but this time the colour deepened to a deep grey in one area. As they approached this part, the floor sloped downwards and the walls stretched outward, the cave seemed so much bigger than when they had entered it. The vein was buried deep, there was not much chance that they could mine it well, they could only hammer the softer rocks about it and hope that they could harvest some of the stone itself.


    Neither was particularly strong, though Troy had much more endurance and after an hour or so, they managed to free a palm sized stone to bag. Void stone was usually pure, without mix of other earths and stone types mixed in, as if it could not abide the taint of others. It was only down to this that they were able to chisel portions free. However, that which was enclosed in rock that was comparable to flint, they had to give up. They were also unable to dig too deeply, so their prize was three stones about the size of a sparrow egg, as well as that first stone, plus a few small pebbles.


    Exhausted, they rested for a bit before Troy suggested that they make their way back. "What ab-bout the ch-changing stone?" Leon enquired.


    "I found it in a cave adjoining the last one," Troy recalled.  "That''s where I also found the crystal."  They picked up their aching selves and made their way to that small space.  It was different to the caves they''d seen before as instead of stalactites, there were transparent, thin crystals hanging from the ceiling as well as embedded like upper and lower teeth in a scar like indentation in the wall.  One by one they picked up stones and crystal shards, the latter they kept, while the former they tossed back onto the ground seeing that none changed colour to their touch.  It seemed as if they would not be able to solve the mystery of that spiritual root sensing stone at this time.


    He glanced over as the two unkempt youths scrambled out of the slender rift in the wall.  Their hair was dusty and tangled and their faces smudged and lined with dirt.  When Roman pointed this out, Troy and Leon just glanced at each other in the increased light of the extra mage globe and chuckled.  As it happened, the water in the lake was clean, even if it was a little salty, why not use it to wash?


    With the worst of the dust wiped from their faces, one heart pills taking to deal with the scratches so they healed without chancing infection, Troy happened to take a second glance into the lake.  "Do you think it contains fish?"


    "Why do you ask?" Roman asked, slightly frowning.  Troy''s stomach rumbled on cue.  Leon covered his mouth before he could giggle.  Roman shook his head then lifted his hand, palm upward.  A delicately glowing ball appeared above it and gently floated over the water''s surface.  It rippled almost in a frenzied way before settling once more.  Troy''s eyes widened; he''d noticed shadows moving swiftly away from the light at the bottom of the lake.


    "D-don''t like the light?" Leon murmured softly, his voice echoing through the cave even then.


    "Let''s leave them alone," Roman decided, extinguishing his light.


    *****


    As was part of Pike''s design, while others were adventuring in the depths of the earth and rock, he and the others were on guard; he guarding the entrance and keeping watch over the area in which the falls fell, Caelus was secondary defence within the cave. Velana and her fox-beast had traversed the steep and sometimes treacherous slope to the part of the river/lake that fed the waterfalls. During that time, the woman had taken the opportunity to observe the treasures of the water, but unlike Troy and the others, was much more decisive and successful in her hunt.


    As the youths returned to the other half of their team, three large fish were turning on the spit, the gold dusting their gold scales glinting in the fire light. On seeing Leon, Caelus was quick to complain about the creatures'' fishy smell, glaring at him to fix it. He''d become too used to the flavour of Leon''s dishes.


    It wasn''t that the alchemist was a great cook, it certainly would not compare to cuisine of top restaurants nor of chefs from noble and royal houses, but there was a homely warmth from it and the seasonings he used made the plain fair taste so much better. Actually, this seasoning was just a mix of dry herbs, salt and black pepper, not unlike seasonings from his previous life. In his humble home, he''d experiment from time to time with edible herbs and had even found some interesting spices from a merchant, who''d travelled to the western continent to try his luck. But they were not to the palates of eastern people, so he sold much to Leon fairly cheaply. Aware that his team might also dislike the taste of such and due to the fact he was lacking space, he just threw this herb seasoning together at the time.


    Taking out said seasoning from his interspatial bag, he approached the hot fires and roasting fish, generously sprinkling it on each one.


    "They so b-big," he mentioned in awe. This type of orange scaled fish was not uncommon in their realm, in fact, it could be considered a staple food affordable to most townsfolk or to slightly more affluent villagers. Merchants might eat it when not showing off their wealth to outsiders, while noble houses purchased it to feed the lowest servants on occasions. It spawned quickly and frequently, being such an easy food source for predators, its had an ability to camouflage its eggs like no other, even if itself was unable to hide well. But also, it wasn''t as tasty as other common fish, so it was unlikely to be over-sourced, despite everything.


    However, the adult fish were only half the size of one of these ancestors!


    Velana theorised that these fish had bred to this condition over time, with the weaker and smaller ones dragged over the falls edge to their doom, leaving the larger and stronger ones to breed. The upper lake was fairly wide, only narrowing at the point of the falls and it was likely deep. With no ingenious mortals or Cultivators to regularly fish and predators only hunting the edges or waters surface, the large ones survived longer to breed more.


    But their evolution was to the advantage of the team of six, who ate until their bellies were round and full of flaky, white meat.

 261 Chapter Sixty One - Their eyes all reflect different things

    The scene in which the revolutionary stone that sensed spiritual roots was captured by the mirror for only a few moments and also only a small portion of those watching the events of the challenge were able to witness it. For instance, the Mage and Beast Taming schools had currently been concentrating on scenes of teams lead by their own people, while the screenings available to the alchemy and scholars schools were divided equally over all teams through numerous smaller mirrors. Finding the one that revealed the happenings of Pike''s team would be down to diligence or luck.


    So despite the trepidation Leon might have had when the stone was thrust into his hands caused by the vague knowledge he had over his own root*, few actually bore witness and even fewer could guess what his root actually was. Even then, if they believed it was the waste ''star'' root, they would not overthink it nor look into things deeper. Teacher Sagi was still somewhat discomforted, however and did not settle down until the Headmaster reassured him with a few written words in a quick note that evening.


    Sun was also one who never overthought things when it came to Leon, his imagination was vast, but the protagonist, if not himself, had to be better in his view than himself and out of habit, he never viewed Leon as that. That''s not to say that he did not respect Leon, he was Jin Li''s person and had talent in alchemy after all. Just that first impressions are never easily erased once having taken root in the mind. At most, he had elevated Leon to being equal to himself.


    Plus, there was a minor note of current discord in Sun''s heart regarding Leon, one that the other would be completely unaware of.


    "So what root does Leon have?" His grandfather questioned, his eyes puzzled as he recalled the white speckled black stone in Leon''s hands. Could it be he had some sort of darkness root with light or illumination roots? These sort of conflicting roots were not good, but were not harmful to general cultivation. Sun quickly dissuaded his train of thought.


    "Not sure, but I think it was a single body root," Sun replied, carelessly.


    "Ho," an amused voice behind them sounded, causing Sun to glance over his shoulder. Oh, it was that Teacher Jian again. He was a strange one, his voice was melodic when giving lectures despite the topics being harsh and of a darker nature. He had introduced them so far to natural poisons from beasts and plants, telling them of many symptoms in a similar amused tone, before speaking of the antidotes. "This boy is quite an interesting one."


    The General frowned, looking about to charge in strategic defence of his ''newly adopted grandson'', but fell deflated when recognising the man. "You were the Prince Drake''s guest that time."


    "No matter," the general waved his hand in dismissal, before asking; "Is everything now well with your honoured self?" He didn''t mention the grandson the man whose appearance was his junior, but temperament his senior, spoke of so not to cause accidental offence.


    "This one has his health and fate has led me to this Institute, so life is also not bad," his lips widened in a slightly wicked smile, giving Sun a vague sense of familiarity as well as a notion that this man''s smile held far more meaning than his words.


    The three men turned back to watching the mirrors, but the scenes upon them had changed, causing a loss of interest. A quiet and scheming young Mademoiselle beside her cousin noticed this and took the opportunity to tug at Sun''s sleeve. She was so bored! Several days like this already and more to come also, the thought was driving her mad!


    "Brother," she offered a slight pout as she battered her long lashes. A few glances were pulled in her direction, giving her much satisfaction. To those ''rough'' martial artists, she was like a gentle peach blossom floating upon the breeze into their midst, so unlike the thorny roses they had become accustomed to seeing. Naturally, they would be attracted!


    If they had heard her inner monologue, they would have taken off any rose-coloured glasses they wore and dismissed her as one of those inner courtyard Gloriosa Lilies, which as beautiful as they were, to brush against would cause irritation, but to eat was pure poison.


    "Brother, since it will be a sh¨¬ch¨¨n until brother Leon can be seen again," she said, softly, "would it not be possible for brother to take me around to see things while we wait?"


    Sun frowned and tugged his sleeve from her fingers. "What things?"


    She inwardly rolled her eyes, thinking her cousin was still so dim and could not take a hint. "What about your room or where you train? I want to see it!" Her eyes were pools liquid bronze reflecting innocence, while her tone was eager to flatter. Others would not see through it, such as her Grandfather, who nodded his head, glad his grandchildren could get along, while a handful pierced the illusion in one look and sneered.


    Sun was of the latter. How often had he fallen for this girl''s tricks and provocation in the past? And he, even if his grandfather had, not forgotten that his room was also Jin Li''s room. Fair enough, his room mate was in closed cultivation in the mountains, but did not mean he should be so lax in diligence when it came to Jin Li''s privacy. He voiced this out loud in a handful of words; "Not appropriate," he refused, "My room is not mine alone. It''s wrong to bring a girl there, even if you are my sister."


    "Grandson is right, my granddaughter," General Ramas agreed with him. "Seeing the training grounds is alright, though it''s likely similar to back home," he mused upon this last point. Sun grasped this and nodded, sagely. He just didn''t want to be Carmen''s tour guide!


    "How about this," Teacher Jian began to voice a suggestion, "it''s not right to wander around the Institute randomly at this time, but there is always the town at the bottom of the mountain. Your brother could take you there to look." Sun sent an unhappy glare his way which just caused the man''s eyes to curve into slender crescents, his amusement not hidden at all!


    Teacher Jian was knowingly pushing him into this pit, Sun complained, silently. But why?!


    Carmen was not as enthusiastic about exploring the town; just a poor place, what would it have that Cenapar City did not?! But still, it was better than sitting here and having to watch that servant traipse through forests and caves after that barbaric looking man and equally barbaric looking woman! It wasn''t as if her beloved was participating! Her beloved wasn''t even here!


    Would Jin Li have entered closed cultivation had he known I was about to visit? She pondered in lament, thinking of the vision she''d excitedly had of him moved by her suffering the long journey on the giant Griffin, following her Grandfather into this expansive Institute where the food was plain and facilities no better. He should have taken her hands in his, asked for her well being and voiced affection; how glad he was that she was alright. He would have gently chided her for exhausting herself by travelling all this way, but have been secretly pleased nonetheless. And then, he would have continued to cheekily hold her hand while using the excuse of giving her a tour and she would have allowed it...


    "Alright," Sun burst into her daydream with his grating voice. "But only for half a sh¨¬ch¨¨n!"

 262 Chapter Sixty Two - His pursuers cross paths

    Those who love shopping, never shop for just one hour and Carmen, who suggested that she only wanted to ''explore'' for one hour, never had any intention of keeping to this, which Sun soon discovered to his chagrin. While grumbling about it did him no good, it did not stop the sour words from spilling from his lips, especially when his cousin entered yet another jewellery store. He followed in her wake, understanding that if he abandoned her as he so was tempted to do, he could expect loud and likely physical reprimand from his grandfather.  Grandfather was at the beginning of Body Tempering now, his core formed.  The difference between tertiary stage and quaternary stage like night and day.  So a beating would really, really hurt!


    They were welcomed as they entered and Carmen flashed a winning smile as she allowed them to flatter and pamper her; their jewellery brought to her as she sat drinking tea for her to examine. The jewellery was not as intricate and stunning as the pieces found in the capital, nor was the surroundings as comfortable, but the service was not bad, so Carmen was not displeased and viewed more of the jewellery here than she originally intended to do.


    As they took away a tray that did not capture her attention, Sun leaned over and murmured; "Just how much allowance do you have anyway?"


    "You forget," she replied, quite smug and content seeing Sun''s increasingly gloomy expression, "not only am I my father''s only child, without Concubine or stepmother to bear, I also happen to be Grandmother''s favourite."


    Eventually, she chose a few ''trinkets''; a couple of jade pendants and a filigree gold bracelet to add to the other things she had already purchased elsewhere. Not just jewellery, but a small antique vase, a piece of interesting calligraphy and embroidered handkerchiefs.  Some would be gifted away, some would be placed in storage, others she would keep in her courtyard.


    "Can we please return to the Institute now?" Sun nearly begged, causing a renewed upward curve to her lips.


    "I''m quite tired and thirsty," she admitted with a small nod, as if after escaping the tedium of the last few days, she would return to it after this small amount of time!  She pointed to a nearby tea shop. "We''re going there next!" Sun''s grumbling resumed, his shoulders slouched as he walked along in her shadow.


    Suddenly, the sun''s reflection caught his eye and he unthinkingly move his head to see what it had reflected upon. It was a sword. This shop was new? Drawn like a moth to a flame, he yelled his intentions to his cousin. "I''m just going..."


    "Yes, yes," she dismissed him with a wave of her hand, before returning it to the warmth of her hand muff. "I will wait inside." Sun practically ran to the weapon shop without glancing back.


    As it happened, he wasn''t the only person being dragged from pillar to post, just the other was not quite as unwilling.


    "Maimai, don''t you recall," Merylin replied with patience, "mother had that dress made for me last year. Even if it still fits, the peonies were orange and the silk quite bright of colour. I think it no longer suits me. A pale pink with white peonies is more suitable for this spring."


    "If you say so," Maimai allowed.  As a shu daughter, she only had a few pieces decorated with beautiful embroidery, but it never bothered her.  She did not understand the need to order clothing with such exquisite craftsmanship, that took the seamstresses and embroiderers so many ten days to complete only for it to be worn once or twice as casual attire before being thrown to the back of the closet, never to be seen again.  But things such as dresses, makeup and jewellery made her sisters and mothers happy, so she listened and agreed with them, while sticking to her plainer dresses unless the circumstances called otherwise.


    Merylin was never truly bothered about what this little sister personally thought, it was enough that she accompanied her to shop.  But she was also not an unkind person and did not go out of her way to bully or suppress the shu daughters in her family and they, in turn, understood their place.  Thus despite these two sisters being close in age with different mothers, they never came to blows.  Merylin could continue to play the virtuous and guiding older sister and Maimai could continue to pretend to be the supportive and loving younger sister.  This worked for them.


    As they walked arm in arm down the paved street, Maimai''s eyes widened as she caught sight of the new arms shop close by and a ripple of excitement trembled down her body.  Though she tried hard at being an able alchemist, her true love was martial arts and that included weaponry.  Merylin caught the direction in which her sister''s gaze had been captured and sighed inwardly, before deciding to show benevolence.


    "I''m quite thirsty," she murmured.  "This tea shop has a reasonable reputation.  Why don''t I order some tea for us?  Is there anything that you wish to do while it brews?"


    She had barely finished before her sister had run off and disappeared inside the shop with a ''thanks, sister!''  Merylin did not openly roll her eyes nor shake her head before turning towards the tea shop to order her favourite beverage upon being seated.


    "Hmmm, I wonder if Jin Li would like this tea..."


    The words that gained her immediate attention came from the mouth of a young girl seated beside herself.  The girl''s hair was brown, styled in a simple bun though decorated with a gold and ruby ornate hairpin, gold and silver beads of which cascaded down the oval shape of her face.  From the silk embroidery she wore and the fur lined cloak upon her chair, it was clear that despite the lack of servants waiting upon her, she was not of poor family.  Also, her features were pretty in a vibrant sort of manner, yet her body was delicate, not like those brutish female martial artists in the Institute.  However, Merylin was certain that she had not seen the girl before, so while it was not impossible for her to attend the Institute, she could not figure out how the girl had come to cross paths with that noble and elegant man.


    Inwardly, she sneered.  It was clear that from her dreamy expression, that she thought she was some sort of match for her white moonlight?  This girl thinks too highly of herself!  If this Di daughter of a mighty and well known sect leader cannot capture the rare gaze of that man, then this silly child had no hope.  Unintended, her lips curved and she let a small chuckle escape from her throat.


    This broke the dreamer''s train of thought and it was Merylin that became to subject of scrutiny.  Carmen''s keen eye was quick to evaluate the other from dress to etiquette, from the sharp look of disdain in those dark eyes to the elegant bearing as she sat, waiting to be served.  Instinctively, Carmen felt threatened, despite not understanding why.


    She gave a small nod of greeting and returned her attention to her beverage, the steaming water infused with a blend of quality leaves was unsweetened yet refreshing to taste.  Her maid had managed to bribe one of the men that had attended to Jin Li during their short stay for tidbits of information about him.  Though all that she had managed to pry was that he had a fondness for drinking tea, it had not stopped her from purchasing various types of popular tealeaves and seeking her grandmother in order to hire an etiquette teacher to learn how to brew tea.  Unfortunately, Jin Li had not returned once after he left, leaving that knowledge very much earned in vain.  Still, she believed it would be useful for the future when she was his wife willing to serve him.


    "Will you prefer the White Mountain Longjing or the Kylin Umber tea better..." she softly murmured aloud as she was drawn once more into her daydream.


    A snort came from across the way and the yatou nearby looked ''kindly'' as she spoke aloud; "Those teas are for a mortal''s palette and cannot move the heart of a man such as Jin Li. I would advise you to give up such thoughts, less you get hurt."

 263 Chapter Sixty Three - To them, this isn’t a storm in a tea cup

    Dark clouds formed amid the azure sky, hinting the start of a storm and within a small tea shop in New Julip Town, a storm was stirring just as violently.


    Two peoples blissfully unawares yet very much connected to the latter one, were eagerly examining weapons displayed upon the walls of an arms shop.  As was often the case in this type of weapons boutique, the swords, halberds, daggers and bows were more glamorous than perhaps was necessary for a tool meant to aid in the matters of kill to not be killed.  The handles of the swords and daggers were polished so much that they gleamed and cast artistically with scrollwork or vines and ivy wrapping around glittering gemstones.  The halberds long handle and the elegantly shaped bows were all carved from the most expensive and beautiful quality woods.  The halberds also had silk tassels dangling from silver cuffs near the sharp and deadly blade on top, while the bows had similar cuffs either side of the curved centre, these were encrusted with stones.


    Whether or not these ornate weapons were better than plain weapons, the usual clientele either did not know nor care.  Seeing two silk laden youths with jade hairpins, gold cuffs and bangles upon their wrists, the shop owner naturally assumed that this pair were much the same, but suffered a rude awakening.


    "Shimmering ice blade?" Sun muttered as he read the description beneath the sword.  "But it doesn''t shimmer nor does it have the attribute of ice... or any spiritual energy for that matter.  Poo!"


    "Swan song dagger?" Maimai giggled as she similarly amused herself.  "The blade isn''t long enough to reach the heart, what ''swan song?'' More like a pig''s squeal!"


    The former heard the latter''s words and pointed out another sword and brought her attention to it.  "How about this one, F¨¨ng m¨¢o l¨ªn ji¨£o... as rare as Phoenix feathers and unicorns horns... accept the metal appears to be common steel."


    "It''s crystals are ordinary quartz," Maimai nodded sagely, approaching his side, her eyes filled with mirth.  "Should be Ch¨¢ngji¨¤n r¨² j¨©m¨¢o!" Common as chicken feathers! (google translate, probably wrong).


    The two cruelly continued to denounce the shop''s wares, causing tears of blood to spill down the shop keeper''s cheeks as he wished he could silence this disruptive pair immediately.  As a new customer turned upon his heel as he heard the words from the youths, the shop keeper had them leave; "This young master, young miss, if you aren''t here to purchase, please do leave!"


    Maimai chuckled inwardly, before tugging the unhappy man beside her out of the door.  "Come on," she urged Sun.


    "But he was being rude!" Sun pouted, his face red.


    "Fine," Sun sighed.  He did really want a soul sword that he could truly call his partner one day, but it was also true that it would not be so cheap to obtain such.  A soul weapon was not a normal weapon, as any man could use nor even a spirit weapon with a matrix embedded in its form, it was much more than that.  It was a weapon that had formed a soul of its own.  Even if one had the fortune to obtain one would not mean that the soul weapon would recognise them.  Some said that the soul in the weapon formed after hundreds of years or tens of thousands of years, others said it might be born immediately after crafting as if sensing its creators heart within its folds.  Jin Li''s formerly rusty spirit weapon was good, strong, but it had not formed a soul even after the thousand years after it had been crafted.


    "I''ll leave first," Maimai told him, before pointing at the tea house.  "My sister is waiting for me in there."


    "Oh, my cousin went to drink tea in there also," he said, just as the first cracks of thunder rumbled overhead.  He shuddered as if subject to an ominous omen.  Maimai also felt disconcerted.  Their casual steps became quickened ones as they neared the tea shop together.  Sure enough...


    "History has plenty of pheasants wishing to be phoenixes, but their dreams cannot compare with this miss!" Her sister''s voice echoed in her ears, the not too quiet insult seeming to come from a serene and calm throat, yet Maimai was not unable to hear the trembling anger within it. It seemed this argument had been stewing for sometime.


    "Has my cousin an enmity with your sister?" Sun inquired beneath his breath as that girl''s flustered face burst out with an insult of her own.


    "Of course my dreams cannot compare! What dream remains a dream and what can be made into a reality, I am aware! Whether you have such an ability remains to be seen!"


    Maimai had shaken her head at first, but was clearly confused. The girl with the long brown hair that Sun claimed to be related to, Merylin had not met this person before... right?


    "You jest!" Merylin''s voice rose by an octave. "You dream of obtaining a man that is unreachable for this di daughter of a powerful sect! Are you claiming to be a fox spirit with secret means?"


    "What fox spirit? You''re a fox spirit! Your whole family are fox spirits!" Carmen screamed in return, unleashing the temper that usually only Sun and his brethren had only been subject to before and even that had been away from the prying eyes of adults. Flashes of lightning brightened the sky now and then, punctuating their curses, but the rain that should have followed did not fall.


    Hearing their words tossed back and forth, both Maimai and Sun had an epiphany and turned to each other. "Jin Li?!"


    They both sighed in unison, though for differing reasons. Maimai was thinking of her best friend when she exhaled her exasperation; poor Leon. Yet another girl deluded themselves into thinking that they were the right or only person ''worthy'' of his Jin Li. What made Jin Li so special? He was just a man! He had looks and strength, but his tongue was sharper than a sickle and blunter than any spoon! It could pierce and bludgeon at the same time without warning and yet these silly girls came back to be abused some more! He was also a bottomless pit when it came to food, what woman could afford him when poor Leon struggled to?! It was rumoured that he was born noble, but no one really knew the truth and he rarely offers explanation, his ''mysteriousness'' which continued to feed the silly girls'' imaginations was really just him being lazy.


    Sun in the meantime was thinking far more simply. Why did all the girls like Jin Li and not him? Not that he wanted Carmen to like him, that would be gross. He didn''t want Merylin to like him either, she was the sort to love not her husband but his position and reputation. Actually, forget it. Girls were all too complicated. Best stick with finding a soul sword for a partner and not worry about the rest...

 264 Chapter Sixty Four - Three strikes and you are out!

    The tea shop manager was a refined, genteel woman, versed in the etiquette of tea brewing, poetry and was apt at making her guests feel welcome and relaxed... but every coin had a flip side.  Without warning, this coin revealed it tail.  "Get out!  How dare you disturb the tranquility of laoniang''s business!"


    Two young ladies were pushed out of the doors without breath spare to defend themselves, while two embarrassed relatives bowed in apology and appeased the hostess with a few silver each.  The woman tested the weight of the purses in her palm before sounding out a loud ''harrumph'' and striding back inside, where she once more transformed into her amiable, elegant self.


    Without tea to drink and the mood of shopping spoiled, it seemed it was time to return to the Institute.... and it seemed that the two parties of two just happened to be intending to return in the same manner; via Griffin.  They walked in cold silence, but once their joint destinations became obvious, the competitive nature of females began to once more rear its head.  Carmen was undoubtedly the instigator this time; after giving a disdainful glare in the direction of the two girls across the street, she hurried her pace to get ahead.


    Ordinarily, Merylin would never rise to such obvious provocation, but the number of griffins flying too and from school were limited and it was true that she did not wish to have to wait half a sh¨¬ch¨¨n or so for the next beast to land following a return flight.  Thus she discreetly picked up the pace as well.


    Seeing that the gap between them had not increased, Carmen''s strides became less ''ladylike'' and far longer, gradually the distance grew to her satisfaction.  And then it shrank once more.  This continued until both girls were pretty much running ungainly with Maimai and Sun just dragged along for the show.  Both girls approached the Griffin handler intent on leaving the other behind.


    "We can''t fly at the moment," the handler mentioned, indicating the overcast sky with his finger.  The rumbling thunder in the dense and darkening sky was increasing, becoming particularly strong in one area off to the north east.  An odd hunch caused Sun to frown, but it was another that put words to his feelings.


    "Someone is breaching a cultivation level!"


    Sun didn''t recognise the speaker, but suspected from the age and temperament, and the fact he also wished to ride back to the Institute, that they were one of his seniors.  He was with a friend who happened to blurt out;


    "I think Teacher Compari was," the other mentioned.


    "Who is that?"


    "Oh, you''ve not met him," the other realised.  "He went into closed cultivation after I started attending the Institute.  He must have been cultivating inside the mountain for ten years now..."


    Sun also had no knowledge of this mysterious Teacher, but for some reason, his intuition felt as if that their words did not quite fit the current scenario...


    "Jin Li, he''s in closed cultivation in that mountain as well," Maimai murmured aloud.  Sun glanced at her and the uncertain feeling in his gut began to solidify.


    The Heavens had no care for the speculation of mortals nor Cultivators on their first steps towards attempting to breach their gates.  The sky filled with a blinding white light before streaking towards its destination in an angry manner.  It clashed with the barrier around the mountain which wobbled like a soap bubble pressed by a finger before springing back into shape and vanishing before the naked eye.  As if furious at being thwarted, the Heavens sent down two further strikes, but the could not penetrate the barrier, just explode against it, sending out booming cries causing immense pressure to the ears of normal people.  A few fell to their knees in the wake of the loud thunder.  This seemed enough to satisfy the Heavens, for the clouds above began to disperse, once more revealing the cold, pale blue sky beneath.


    "All aboard!" The Handler said some ten minutes later after the ringing in his ears had abated and he''d calmed the Griffin enough for it to fly.  Carmen indicated that Sun should help her rise; she had been one of those who''d crumbled beneath the pressure.


    Merylin looked down at her as she climbed carefully aboard the Griffin; "So weak," she said with exaggerated pity before adjusting her skirt as she sat with a straight back in her seat.  Maimai sat down beside her, offering Sun a quick apologetic glance.


    Carmen grumbled beneath her breath.  So what if she was ''weak''.  A true lady did not need to be physically strong, such would make her no more than a boorish woman.  But then, wasn''t that what this girl truly was beneath her airs and graces?  Feeling that she''d cursed the odious girl satisfactorily in her heart, she felt more at peace and proved that she could climb and take a seat upon the flying beast just as, if not more, elegantly than the other!


    Following Sun aboard was those two seniors and a few others who either learned or worked in the school as perhaps caretakers or cooks. The two seniors sat behind Sun and continued their discussion from earlier.


    "Those lightning strikes certainly seemed to be in the direction of the mountain for closed cultivation. Do you think that Teacher was successful?"


    "How can it be?!" the other refuted. "To complete Body formation one will receive Heaven''s wrath with one times nine strikes and for every stage above that they will receive that they received before plus another nine strikes. Teacher Compari was reputed to be attempting to breakthrough to the high level of octonary stage, must then receive three times nine strikes, not just three strikes!"


    "What do you think caused those strikes then?"


    "Maybe someone managed to create some legendary Pill or artefact? Don''t know anyone foolish enough to do so inside the boundaries of the Institute though..."


    A certain Teacher that happened to be a certain youth''s direct Master sneezed, before scratching his nose. Was someone speaking ill of him? Not possible, he was way too awesome... unless it was his brother, Corne... Corvus grumbled somewhat under his breath.


    Back on the Griffin, others were listening into the conversation and drawing their own conclusions. "Brother Sun," Carmen''s eye''s twinkled with interest as she drew his attention to her. "Didn''t you mention that my... I mean... Jin Li went into closed cultivation. Could it be he that caused the lightning strikes?"


    "I... shouldn''t think so?" Sun denied, weakly. "It''s doubtful, I mean, he is just trying to form his core..."


    "But its not impossible, right?" Her imagination drew an image of his silhouette standing tall upon a mountain peak with lightning flashing behind him and his long, midnight hair flowing in the wind. She clasped her hands together. "He''s just so majestic...!"


    Merylin, who happened to be across from them, sat up even more rigidly in her seat, glaring beneath the shadow of her long lashes at her sister, though her voice remained like a warm summer breeze not the cold winter winds her eyes might have otherwise suggested. "Sister, you did not mention that Jin Li entered Closed Cultivation..."


    "Hmmm?" Maimai wasn''t sure how to respond the the question nor undertone that she had long since learned to identify. "Well, um... it happened just as winter break ended. I haven''t really had much chance to talk to you... and I didn''t think it was that important."


    "Of course it is," Merylin reprimanded her, softly. "I could have assisted brother Jin Li with some pills... cloudy spiritual pills maybe or tranquil mind pills for once he''s succeeded in breaking through..."


    Maimai attempted not to roll her eyes. Could her darling sister even make tranquil mind pills? More than likely, she''d ask the Head of Sunset Peak of the Sect for them. "I''m sorry, sister," she apologised, insincerely. "I didn''t think..." it was necessary!


    "I''m certain that Jin Li would not need to accept pills from outsiders," Carmen clicked her tongue, openly expressing an opinion as if it was not directed towards her adversary at all.


    "That is true," Merylin nodded in agreement. "He certainly need not accept pills from outsiders... He only need inquire of me when he is in need, I''m willing to provide whatever he needs. Just as last time..."


    Carmen glared, her face reddening with emotion that was barely restrained. Sun and Maimai prayed inwardly that the flight back to the Institute would be over soon!

 265 Chapter Sixty Five - He returns to find me

    In the wake of the lightning strikes, after the remnant energy dissipated along the length and breadth of the barrier before disappearing completely, the stone covering of one sealed mountain cave began to move.  Rock against rock, the doorway rumbled low and loud, debris scattering as it uncovered the entrance allowing its occupant to leave the small space.  A tall figure with a bamboo like figure, both straight and strong, flexible and slender, stepped out of the cave, his gem black eyes blinking in the bright light, so different from the dim illumination within the cavern walls.  His eyes narrowed and his chin lifted adding arrogance to his already cold features, his body seemed to tense briefly before it moved so swiftly that it would seem to a casual observer to have simply vanished.


    Only a few minutes later, that figure reappeared before a wall surrounding a lone property found upon the slight slope of one forested mountain side.  The man stepped through the gate in the wall at a seemingly sedate pace, but to one who understood this man better, they would notice a slightly agitated haste to his movement, as if he were actually in a hurry to reach his destination.


    The courtyard within the wall was barren and silent and though in this season it was not wholly unexpected, it gave the man pause.  He lifted the line of his vision to where two metal pipes could be seen exiting two of the three linked buildings before him, before hurrying forward, this time without hiding his intent.  The door to the main building ahead was locked, but that was no barrier to the man; he revealed a key in hand in the next breath.  Unlocking the door, he entered the building, only to find that the silence he''d received in the courtyard continued within.  Those jet eyes narrowed once more and darted about to observe the little details; the fine layer of undisturbed dust, the cold stove to one side and neatly placed jars upon shelves, not one out of place.  An anger caused by unhappiness rose within the man''s stomach as he continued his examination of the large and seemingly abandoned room.


    Of course, it was not long before he noticed the note upon the low table at the centre of the room.


    Taking part in the Interschool Exchange. Don''t worry about me, I''ll be back soon. The coeurl are in the main stables being cared for, please bring them back if I cannot do so first. Always yours, Leon.


    The words were neat, cautious and timid, especially so with those in the last sentence. The man didn''t take much note of this however, crumbling the note in his fist, his discontent evident. After a moment, his expressions became coldly calm again and he placed the note back on the table, unfurled and pressed out a few of the creases before leaving the house. He did not forget to lock the door.


    She called herself ''Leon''s best friend,'' though Jin Li saw her partially as a nuisance. Still, she never interfered in the relationship between the lovers and she''d revealed that she could be useful at times, thus Jin Li never bothered to weaken the friendship between his man and that woman. He knew her small abode within the outer alchemist school was amongst the other domiciles of the school and that the wall surrounding her place had several patched holes, so he had no qualms about finding her. As it happened, she was easier to find than he thought.


    She was not at her home, a neighbour suggested he try the stables as she was often found there these cold, winter days spoiling her Baku mount. As it happened, he noticed her as she was approaching the stables from the other side and she was not alone.


    "Jin Li!" His name was called out in several tones, from question to exclamation, with simple recognition and greeting to ardent affection. Not that he recognised the loving note or rather he ignored it. After all, it didn''t come from the one person he wanted to hear it from. His eyes scanned over the two vaguely familiar faces whose eyes gazed at him in the manner a virtuous predator might. He inwardly sneered in disgust, before acknowledging his room-mate in the martial arts school, Sun, lastly turning to Maimai, whom he wished to question.


    "Where is he?"


    Neither Maimai nor Sun actually needed to ask to who Jin Li was referring to, but before she could answer him, an enthusiastically warm voice called to him; "Jin Li, its been so long. This little sister rejoices to see you well."


    His eyes narrowed, hiding the flicker of irritation within them, but Merylin fancied that she noticed it and gently voiced; "It''s not surprising that Jin Li appears well. That fellow student has left closed cultivation, I presume it was successful as is natural."


    The words were like a whisper in the dark while one is attempting to sleep peacefully, no more than a buzzing in the ear to ignore, so Jin Li did just this and proceeded to press Maimai for her answer. "Well?"


    "Leon is in the Empyrean Shattered Isle Realm with Pike and a few others," she finally told him, inwardly giggling to herself as she noticed his expression darken. Ah, the gong is unhappy that his little shou is away! She so wanted to be a fly upon their wall when they reunited! "The schools have set up areas in which to view the teams participating in the challenge. I can take you to see, you''ll find images of Leon amongst Pike''s team there."


    "Best go to the one set up in the arena of the Inner school," Sun mentioned, sagely. He''d already learned that the mirrors set up in the Outer alchemist school were not so good from Maimai''s description of them. "We''re heading back there anyway, my Grandfather is waiting for us there!"


    Carmen offered Merylin a sly grin when Jin Li agreed to Sun''s suggestion, however Merylin would not allow such a girl to gain the upper hand without any obstacles. "I hope you will allow us to accompany you," Merylin said, softly. "It is right for us to offer the Seniors our support."


    As Jin Li did not deny her as he turned to head towards the Martial Arts schools, but did not make half a step forward before the girl with brown hair coquettishly enquired; "Will gongzi Jin Li not accompany us into the stables?" Her martial arts and endurance were not good enough to race back to the martial arts school on foot, but then she doubted the abilities of the other two girls as well.


    Jin Li was about to form the rejection ''no,'' when he recalled the note left behind by his lover. There was a slight softening around his dark eyes which led to another misinterpretation due to hopefulness and want. Well, seeing as he''d signed the note so satisfactorily, he''d bide by the request and pick up the two beasts from the stables. With this in mind, he joined the group of four without argument.

 266 Chapter Sixty Six - Not who he wished to see

    After leaving Closed Cultivation, the first person that Jin Li wanted to see was his small alchemist.  Unfortunately, it was Sun, Maimai and two others that Jin Li came to see first.  And then his ''partner'' Wu Ye and the little Li Ming... not Leon.  Oh and as for the lack of interest in seeing this pair, the feeling happened to be mutual, especially when Jin Li indicated interest in riding the large, black Coeurl.  There was a minor scrap; Jin Li won.


    Wu Ye was not resigned, but settled down a little when the two-legged females with unfamiliar scents gushed how stunning it''s black hide was and how great it was (though this was while Jin Li was mounted, but it ignored that part).


    Li Ming ran beside it, slower than it''s excellent self, but still at a reasonable speed, so Wu Ye ignored Jin Li''s urges to increase their pace.  This unwittingly assisted the two mounted grey Baku, borrowed from the school stables and the haughty equine prancing along with its female rider.  The Piku and Maimai pair couldn''t keep up and were left behind.  By the time the girl had her mount finally reach the stables, the others had removed saddles and tack, Li Ming was running about startling less sensible mounts and causing disruption, while Wu Ye watched on indulgently and Jin Li, lazily, much to the stable-hands displeasure.  Since when did Leon''s young beast become his responsibility?


    Sun took the initiative to guide the others towards the outer-school''s portals, which took them into the inner school.  There were a few seniors who felt it their ''duty'' to question the presence of those not martial artists, generally being difficult for no reason as the usual rules didn''t quite apply during school events.  So long as outsiders had an inner school student vouch for them, there wouldn''t be an issue over them entering.  Fed up that yet another face which he did not wish to see had appeared, Jin Li decided to vouch for the others with a flash of his sword.  The seniors, none of whom had formed their core, quickly became submissive and agreeable and the two girls, whose names Jin Li still didn''t care to recall, mused imaginatively that the man must have unsheathed his weapon on their behalf (sigh!).


    Sun pointed the way to the General''s side, where there happened still be a bit of space to sit. The old man was still in the company of his single servant and Teacher Jian. That reminded Sun of something; Jin Li had yet to meet this Teacher.


    "Ah, you don''t know, but a new Teacher began offering lectures while you were in closed cultivation," Sun decided to enlighten his room mate. "That''s him, the one speaking with my grandfather now. His name is Teacher Jian."


    Surprisingly, Jin Li''s expression wavered, becoming odd and conflicted. In contrast, the Teacher''s lopsided smile deepened and his eyes twinkled even more mischievously.


    "What are you doing here?" Jin Li demanded, causing a silence in his immediate surroundings due to his rudeness.


    "See," the man sighed as he turned to the grey-haired General beside him, "children these days are so unfilial. Not even a greeting or inquiry in regards to my health!"


    A sense of confusion fell upon those gathered. Jin Li did not respond to Teacher x, just crossed his arms about his chest, causing the other to mutter; "So much like your mother..." Jin Li''s lips twitched.


    Sun tugged at the close fitted sleeve of Jin Li''s coat. "You already know Teacher x?" He murmured beneath his breath.


    A soft sigh expelled from the other''s throat as he admitted; "My Grandfather, maternal Grandfather."


    "Oh..." Sun replied, before his eyes widened and his jaw dropped. "Oh!"


    A throat behind him cleared and the attention fell upon the eager eyed Carmen, who stepped forward to reintroduce herself. "It''s an honour to meet Jin Li''s Grandfather. My family is grateful to Jin Li for taking care of my brother all this while," she added with a curtsy.


    "Not to mention that Jin Li has also saved this humble life," Merylin voiced during her own introduction, "he and his people have always been very kind to guide my sister and myself."


    Maimai rolled her eyes as she sat down beside Sun, who''d taken a seat beside his grandfather. Teacher Jian all the while looked amused as he picked up the nuances within the two girl''s speeches as well as the complete disinterest of his grandson. He still took the pleasure to tease the youth of his daughter.


    "I wasn''t expecting to cross paths with you in this realm, my grandson, let alone in the company of such pretty flowers." The two girls blushed red and lowered their eyes demurely, while Jin Li glared at him coldly. His grin widened greatly. "I must pass this news onto my daughter once I next visit. She did worry so with your obsession towards martial arts, but knowing this, I am sure she will be pleased."


    Jin Li''s brows furrowed and he was about to set his grandfather straight when Maimai''s voice piped up and caught his attention; "Look, there is Leon!"


    His eyes immediately darted towards the enchanted glass mirrors at the centre of the arena and a dishevelled youth with yin yang hair appeared with five others also looking slightly worse for wear. His pale face was smudged with dirt, strands of hair were loose from the leather thong tie grasping the rest and there were small tears here and there marring the short outer robe and trousers he wore. But his lips were curved in a smile. Jin Li felt his own expression loosen as he eagerly drank in the sight of his small alchemist, only unhappy that he was not beside him in person.


    Jian Juren naturally noticed the change in Jin Li as his knees bent and he took the seat beside him, though his eyes did not tear away from the enchanted mirror''s image. More and more interesting, he couldn''t help but think.

 267 Chapter Sixty Seven - Our journey resumes with an ambush

    After resting in the cave for the remainder of the day and the night that followed, Pike was more than ready to urge his team along. Their''s had definitely been a journey of mixed fortune thus far, with many trials and tribulations and with only a few random treasures found infrequently and not all worth points towards the challenge set by the Institute. Almost half-way through the challenge, he was not the only member of the team dissatisfied and they were not ready to end on such a result that while not bad, was not outstanding either.


    With that in mind, the whole team began to traverse the rocky slopes framing the waterfall.


    The rain had finally ended the previous evening, though the clouds remained a thick blanket within the sky. The wild foliage sticking out between rock and boulder had the fresh scent of dew and the earthy ground had a damp smell that was not unpleasant to the nose. The two martial artists and one beast tamer naturally had no difficulties climbing the steep mountain face, the mage lightly followed in their tracks, whether it be using a narrow protrusion as a step upwards or along a hidden path, as if his body was not a mass of hindering flesh but an illusion that gravity could not grasp. Leon and Roman did struggle somewhat, but whenever it became difficult, there was a hand reaching out to them, to lift them, to provide a boost of strength and reassurance.


    Finally, the six/seven members of the team reached the heights of the rocky hill, tens of metres above their original position. Just as Velana had described, the waters that fed the rumbling waterfall formed a large lake of quietly moving water, much unlike the rapid rivers below. This side of the lake was quite exposed with few trees, while the other was lined with thick growth in which many eyes glinted in thin rays of sunlight and many more remained hidden. The team took shelter beneath a nearby tree with reasonably thick branches, not wanting the attention from any flocks of flying beasts that were likely to pass overhead.


    The tri-coloured fox crouched in amongst the scrub grass that grew thickly in between the trees, its nose wrinkling as it sniffed at their surroundings before creeping forward. Although it and its master had not faced any trouble during the drizzly day prior, did not mean that they would not now it was drier, so it''s role was to scout ahead for the team. Bending their bodies, the team followed in its wake when it was deemed safe to do so, their target another tree, this one some three times bigger than the first, with large roots which had grown upwards and outwards, exposed to the air before burying back beneath the ground. Their distance from the lake side increased.


    Pike gripped his axe, his eyes reddening with the flames of bloodlust and he glanced either side of him where Troy and Velana caught the gesture and nodded in response. He then signalled to Caelus, who began to chant beneath his breath.


    As the first thick shards of ice shot like arrows towards the transforming fish, Pike, Troy, Velana and the tri-coloured fox rushed out, weapons and claws drawn. The creatures squawked in surprise, sounding similar to crows and causing Leon to freeze, startled. The creature out in front, shook its fins, which began to lengthen in shape, while the two nearest the water attempted to retreat into it.


    "I''ve never seen a Peng-Kun before," Roman mumbled as the pair watched their teammates engage the beasts. Leon glanced over at the taller man, wanting him to go into more detail. The scholar did not disappoint. "They are a type of fish that can transform into a beakless bird. They nest and lay their eggs in lakes such as this one, but hunt as birds during the day. They have sharp teeth hiding in their wide mouths and are carnivorous, they hunt in a flock and are not afraid to eat large prey while it is alive and moving as their bodies are quite slick and tough beneath the feathers, similar to their fish skin and also they heal quickly when immersed in water. When they are in the middle of transforming, that is when they are at their weakest."


    That was why Pike chose this time to attack the beasts. Leon nodded in understanding as he continued to watch the battle. One of the flock had escaped into the water, another was flapping weakly to one side as the ice had penetrated its fin. The leader had managed to mostly change and was flapping its wings as it held itself aloft and used one transformed clawed leg to defend against Pike''s attacks. However, it only had this leg, the other was still shaped as a fin upon its belly.


    Velana and Volune fought together with movement that was so united and fluid that it was clear that they had trained for a long time together. Their target had also half-transformed, it''s tail fin becoming a plumage of brown feathers and its clawed feet supporting its body as its webbed fins flapped uselessly at its side. It had no hope of hurting its opponents, but as it agile leapt about, it prolonged its life for a short while until an opening was finally found.


    Of the other two, one was quickly defeated by Troy, its state too vulnerable to defend itself and the last had become a block of ice half-submerged in the lake as it had failed to escape. In the end, the battle was very one sided, though according to Roman, this would not have been the case had the Peng-Kun completed their transformation.


    The Peng-Kun counted as a good opponent as far as points would be concerned; the team had proven that they understood its weakness and could use this against it. In addition, the Peng-Kun''s fins were as prized as shark fins in cuisine, while its sharp, pointed teeth were valued amongst some weapon smiths. The teeth of this creature were almost as hard as diamonds and would not decay for a hundred thousand years. Ordinary fire could not burn them and they retained the Peng-Kun''s regenerative qualities when washed with water.


    With renewed spirit, the team pulled the five bodies from the lake, allowing the feathers and scaly hides to dry a bit before tossing them into the interdimensional bag. During this time, they kept an eye on the lake, but the sixth Peng-Kun wisely remained hidden in the depths of the water. Pike and his team would long move on before it left the safety of its hiding place.

 268 Chapter Sixty Eight - We move onward and upward

    The large floating isle which was many hundreds of li long had two dominant features outside the rambling forest of thick and tall trees. One was the long, winding waterways consisting of a mix of lakes and wide rivers that curled shallowly around half the perimeter of the isle''s other main landmark; a dormant volcano.  Although it was listed as dormant, did not mean that it would remain silent forever, but for now it was still. Despite being the infrequent object of plunder for many years, the volcano was still attractive a target, not just for treasures within its thick walls but it happened also to decorated by a series of hot springs fed by springs heated in the circling lava within the heart of floating isle, still molten in temperature.  The fact that this lava didn''t harden and cool due to its the unique environment could be considered another matter increasing the mysteriousness of the whole realm.


    One team, worn and battered from many battles, but somewhat successful in their journey so far, found a smattering of hotspring pools large enough to bathe in and decided to strip from their garments and enjoy the pleasure of the waters for a short while.  These pools were nearly two thirds up the mountain''s side where greenery was much more suppressed by the dark grey of volcanic rock and a decent height above the tree line providing breathless views.  The second sun was in the distant west, while the first was a shichen or so in its wake and the azure colours of the sky were rippling with other shades.  They both would soon set beyond the horizon bringing with this a shadowy twilight and later would sink into the strange void far beneath the lowest of the floating islands existing in this landscape, swallowed up by the unexplainable darkness before being spat out in another place.  The suns did not always set in the west, nor did they always rise in the east.


    This island would float close, just not close enough and they were some distance up the mountain and undressed.  The speed in which the other island appeared to be travelling was also fairly fast, they doubted the wisdom of rushing to meet its probable path now.  They could only bitterly watch it pass.  They were not alone in their self-pity; as a certain team leader had predicted, the volcano had been too popular for most teams to ignore.


    "I c-c-c-c-c...can''t d-d-do this!" Leon clung to the rope with all his might, squeezing his eyes tightly shut.


    "Sure you can," Caelus tugged his own large frame up with disgusting ease.


    "I''m with Leon on this one," Roman mumbled, but didn''t not reach for the hand of the youth dangling above him, laughing due to the exhilaration of their daring.


    Pike pulled himself onto the overhanging thick tree that grew mishappen out of the side of the sheer rock face, testing his balance prior to reaching for the rope curled about it.  His muscles swelled as he pulled the dangling alchemist upwards.  "What are you worried about?" He grinned as he brought the shivering youth into his arms.  "Do you doubt your own feather floating pills?"


    "N-n-not th-that," Leon gripped the other''s leather armour tightly, his eyes fixed upon the buckles. "I th-think I''m af-fraid of h-h-heights."  He did not gaze down to test it.


    Out upon the limb and protruding rock face, the wind seemed loud, rushing through their hair and ears.  They''d had convinced themselves that they could easily make their way from one isle to the other once they''d witnessed it approaching.  Pike and Velana also had experience and hurried them quickly to the tallest tree nearby, climbing into its heights before swinging grappling hooks upwards and towards the isle passing overhead.  The hooks were enchanted to fly upwards until they reached a target and to cling to it, so long as it was secure enough. The ropes then curled around the seven bodies and would tighten to prevent falls. Accidents whilst using these enchanted tools were truly minimal, but just to be on the safe side, they''d also consumed Leon''s pills.


    As there had only been three Feather Floating pills, Leon and Roman took two, while the third was offered to Caelus, who turned down the offer. The secret within his body meant that he had no issues nor confidence when it came to travelling upwards and away from the ground that would most definitely break their falls. So it was given to the tri-coloured fox, which ordinarily would only rely on its owner for support. This meant Velana also felt more at ease. The others took the Feather Falling pills more to reassure Leon than anything.


    With the Floating Pills magic, Leon and Roman''s body lightened considerably, it was just their discomfort of other matters that became a block to them successfully climbing the ropes. Both of them happened to catch the scenery now an extremely great distance below.


    Pike unfurled the rope around his and Leon''s bodies to provide them enough length for a second throw. Velana, Volune and Caelus did the same where they were standing on a sizeable protrusion in the rock. Troy and Roman were some distance above their heads, the former having lucked out to grab something else higher up. It didn''t take long for the others to finally join them.


    Leon collapsed beside Roman, his heart still racing in his chest at a tremendous speed and his limbs still soft from the fright. Roman was hugging his knees as he calmed himself. Caelus gave them a look of scorn, but at least kept his opinion to himself as he placed his hands behind his back and looked about. The others just grinned, high from the thrill of the dangerous climb. Pike laughed, the trembling base of his voice echoing in the air.


    The wind was calmer now that they were on the island''s main surface and it no longer felt as if their bodies were aboard an open top sailing ship, subject to the rapidly moving vehicle. The adaption between islands was unnaturally fast, but no one dwelled upon this.


    When Leon felt that he could finally open his eyes, he did so to drink in their new surroundings. They appeared to be in amongst some sort of ruins. His curiosity was naturally piqued and he rose from the sweet scented grass in which he lie to gaze that way and this. The ruins were not like those he''d seen in his past life, roman bathhouses nor medieval castles. The broken walls were made of some sort of glistening rock which was smooth to the touch and only cracked due to time and the disaster that had originally befallen it. Otherwise it was safe to say that the wall had once been made on one whole solid piece. There were thin columns of the same material stretching upwards, but they no longer reached any decent height. The floor beneath was a mix of coloured tiles, some covered by grass and foliage, others seeming to suppress the greenery around them. Vines did not trail over the walls and columns, but did drape from tree branches above their heads, hinting that the stone somehow repelled them as well as moss, which was abundant on those same trees'' trunks.


    "Oh, songmist m-moss," Leon said aloud and lifted himself to his feet to harvest.


    Roman was by now touching the stone walls with his long, slender fingers in awe and quickly moved to find a smaller piece amongst the tiles, wanting to pry it up for his collection.


    Seeing their team support already hard at work, Pike grinned and raised a finger to point towards the untouched jungle before them. "Let''s see if we can''t hunt something for tonight''s dinner."

 269 Chapter Sixty Nine - We get stuck in an array

    "How far down do you think it goes?"


    To this question, they could only peer down into the dark gloom before them and guess wildly. They''d traipsed down the crumbling stone staircase this long and yet there seemed to be no end in sight. In the end, Roman would conclude that they had journeyed through some sort of illusion array or warped space, not unlike that of the outer school herb fields.


    Reversing nearly a whole day, the team had bravely traversed upwards into the infinite space above onto a smaller island, whose orbit happened to cross above that of their original place. On arriving, they found themselves amongst ruins only half covered by jungle overgrowth, the rest had survived only partially in tact, due to the uniqueness of material once used in the building of walls or dwellings. This material had also been used, though somewhat scattered likely due to the monotony of colour, as floor tiles. Roman had been particularly interested in the stone, thus while Leon gathered nearby herbs and the others hunted for their next meal, Roman began using his knife to carefully pry up the tiles.


    Part of a herd of needle-spine pigs were caught and killed and the three small swines set to barbecue, their spines plucked and saved in the interdimensional bag. While not as valuable as the Peng-kun teeth, they were still of value to weapon and armour smiths, just that their abundance lowered the cost of them a fair bit.


    Leon took a breath to settle the squeamishness that always rose in his heart when dealing with the messy insides of fresh kill, then cleaned and chopped up the liver, heart and kidneys, which he added to his pot with a bit of pork fat to fry and seal before adding water and the bones of a pig to help make a stock with his usual seasoning. Later, he would add a bit of the blue mushrooms as well as some wild vegetables that he discovered while gathering herbs and this stew would become their breakfast the following day.


    There were other parts of the pigs that could be eaten, indeed in the village of his birth they would never turn their noses up at eating pig''s head or intestines, but call it a leftover echo from his previous life as a fairly spoiled westerner, he couldn''t bring himself to eat those parts anymore. As the others didn''t know how to deal with those parts to make them edible, they were simply tossed off of the edge of the isle for fate to deal with.


    They ate by firelight, the night having cast its shadow over the sky above and below. Roman had to be dragged from his looting of those small tiles, which he was now doing by the weakening glow of a mage globe. Caelus wasn''t in the mood to recharge it using his abundant spiritual energy, it seemed, so Roman was forced to exercise patience and wait until first sunlight. Just that Roman proved himself a sleepy bunny and both suns had risen by the time he did.


    The tiles had once been quite generous of thickness and cemented upon a floor of fine grit and sand to ensure that the ground was barren and would not have stubborn weeds manage to break through. Naturally, life and nature had worn the tiles a little thinner and none were completely flat. Not to mention the barren ground could only suffer the encroachment of green life in the end. There was one jade coloured tile that had cracked and within that tiny gap hid something which glinted brightly in the sun''s rays. This had been mostly surrounded by tiles made of the material Roman had expressed interest in and one or two of those Roman had removed the previous night. As the glint caught his eye, Roman moved to observe this place in greater detail only to find that the underneath of the looted tiles was not dirt.


    Roman worked around the surrounding tiles, finding the places where the tiles had been on dirt ground and where they had not and the latter formed a long rectangle, which Roman prised then upward with relative ease. Despite its strength and heavy appearance, the ground covering was actually light enough to not cause the scholar undue strain. Turned out, it was made with a hollow metal that was enchanted to remain rust impervious and a thin sheath of stone had been fixed upon it. This was not part of a tiled floor at all but a trap door! And that which it had been hiding was a long tunnel extending downwards, but not towards the edge of the isle, towards its heart. From the stale air and cobwebs thick with dust, it could be seen that this place was long untouched by mortal hands.


    Everyone contained a portion of excitement, nervousness and anticipation, but likely none more than Pike. He''d participated in this challenge several times and traipsed across territories in the wake of predecessors many times. Just to find that hidden cave''s treasures that hadn''t been plundered for a long time if ever had moved him, even if he couldn''t participate personally. But this tunnel leading to somewhere that likely no other student, likely no other explorer of the shattered isles had ever touched, was beyond expectation. Sure he and Bowyer and many others had joked about it, but reality proved that they''d had capable seniors, capable alumni. They could only forage deeper into forests, mine further into mountains, push to challenge even more ferocious beasts that had escaped for want of rarer things.


    Caelus recharged all of their mage globes and after putting out the fire and cleaning up after breakfast, they began the long descent down into the tunnel. At first the steps were steep, there were cracks in places, other steps had begun to crumble becoming shallow, everyone needed to be vigilant. Then the steps became more shallow and the descent gentle and likely it was this time that they stepped into the time-space array lengthening their journey. After taking a rest, they pressed on for a while, only to be stopped once more by the eagle eyed Roman.


    "This crack... it looks just like one we passed not so long ago."


    Pike frowned, Caelus expressed some doubts, but it was decided that Velana and her tri-coloured fox double back with Troy. Troy placed down his mage globe in a certain location as well as one dagger. It cast a dark shadow in the shape of the weapon but much enlarged upon the stone walls. They waited for all of ten minutes and the shadow suddenly expanded, spilling out Troy, the beast-tamer and her beast.


    "We only walked back a while and came to the steeper staircase," Troy informed them, causing others to mutter curses beneath their breath.


    "Calm down," Pike advised them. "Clearly, if that is the case, then we are not trapped in the array, so we can take our time to figure out how to circumvent it, get past it. In fact, look at this in a more positive light; this array is clearly hiding or protecting something that the creator deemed valuable. More so, the array must have lasted a ridiculous amount of time already, perhaps since prior to the realm breaking. That reveals the strength of the caster, plus the amount of effort he or she must have used to ensure that the array remained." In this day and age, arrays relied on mage-crystals to ensure longevity, but that was not always the case. The original methods had long since been lost to time.


    Brightening considerably, they all turned to their Scholar for guidance.

 270 Chapter Seventy - We find a way through the array by acciden

    They chose to return to the surface, suffering rumbling stomachs after so long in the depths of the ruins.  This meal was another barbecue, this time of bird meat.  The intention was there to boil the bones and remnant meat for a breakfast soup, only it happened that the fowl were more feathers than flesh and the bones were delicate and hollow, not wise for stewing in water overlong.  So Leon picked wild vegetables and found roots.  It was not as tasty, but it was enough to soak their dry rations in and fill their stomachs.


    They took shelter for the night in the shallower slope of the tunnel, staying out of the wind and any potential rain that might fall, before breaking their fast and continuing on with their trials.


    As was the case yesterday, the tunnel seemed to continue on endlessly into the dim darkness beyond the light of their mage globes and the steps shallow beneath their feet, but never stopping in descent. They inched their way forward, Roman scanning over the walls for each and any clue on how to escape the array holding their progress at bay. It was monotonous, tedious and they had lapsed into silence sometime ago, having nothing more to say.


    Leon couldn''t help but try to muffle an overwhelming yawn, but it still escaped from his lips, his eyes fluttering shut as it did so. Caelus side glanced at him briefly with an inward sneer.


    "Anything, Roman?" Pike asked, pausing as he did so. The gangly youth, who just sighed and shook his head, thinking of how to respond.


    "The walls look... are all natural," he mentioned. "Just carved out of the rock underground. I can''t find any hidden switches, no places to push, or exits that allude the eye. Nothing."


    They couldn''t help but scratch their heads in frustration. Whoever created the array did so cleverly, for there was no obvious exit to breach. To pace slowly from the marker they placed until finding that same marker appear before them once more thanks to the array''s loop had taken them about a shichen, thanks in part to Roman''s meticulous examinations. And yet, they might as well consider themselves right back at the beginning.


    "Wait, where''s Leon?" Velana asked suddenly. They all glanced around.


    Caelus frowned. "He was just here a moment ago," he informed them, not adding that he was yawning with no discretion, like a broad mouthed fish.


    "Velana," Pike turned to her and she nodded, understanding what he wanted without need for instruction and she and the tri-coloured fox rushed back up the tunnel steps quickly.


    "Leon''s not the sort to rush off on his own," Troy voiced an opinion, which Pike agreed with and Roman couldn''t help but add conjecture.


    "You don''t think... he managed to slip through the array?"


    Caelus sneered once more, this time visibly. "How is that possible? I was right next to him. I would have noticed if he did something to break through the array!"


    "Probably wandered ahead," Caelus believed. The youth had his eyes shut a bit when he was yawning after all. Probably hadn''t noticed them stop.


    Pike thought about this for a moment, the frown still marring his forehead, but in the end he nodded. Leon was sensible, he would double back when he realised that they hadn''t kept up with him. "Velana, would you mind?"


    The woman nodded again, agreeing to wait at the point where the steps became steep, where the reach of the array did not seem to extend. If Leon reversed his steps, he would likely end up back at this point. Once the others had breached the array, they would come back for them.


    The beast-tamer and beast pair left the team to continue searching onward, this time Roman took particular note of the steps.


    Caelus stretched his body, his feet aching slightly as he''d reduced the amount of spirit he''d poured into his steps. To enter the mage school, one had to have three of four attributes and all four if one wanted to enter the inner school. It was unfair, but things were just this way. Caelus was enrolled in the outer school; he only had three of the four attributes. He lacked the root specification, meaning that he did not only have a singular, primary root. He just happened to have a ''waste'' root.


    Saying it was a ''waste'' root was the prejudice of ages past. Apart from holding him back from achieving a higher potential, he didn''t actually mind it too much. It was known as a ''cloud'' root and thought to derive from ''air''. Basically, it made him light-footed, shifting his body mass that it was not in anyway a burden. He could climb like the most agile cat or run swiftly like a deer. In these two categories, he would seldom lose out to Martial Artists, despite being a ''squishy'' mage.


    All this time, he''d also been using to ease the burden upon his feet, but it was draining to do this for long periods of time. This venture had seen him need pop blisters more than once. Fortunately, he''d packed a salve in anticipation of that. But now his feet were aching again and he couldn''t help look at them, nor could he help wincing when he stepped on a new, painful formation on his heel. He quickly lifted his foot, standing instead on his toes, but in doing so he lost his balance for a moment. He facing a long tumbled, he covered his face with his arms as he wailed in panic.


    "C-Caelus? Are you ok-k-k... alright?"


    The mage lifted his round face from the shelter of his arms, his fall already broken, when the sudden realisation came; he''d fallen onto a flat surface. His face reddened, embarrassed to have lost his balance for his team mates to witness and he quickly leapt to his feet, hissing at the discomfort that brought in itself.


    His eyes scanned over his teammates... teammate...? "Leon? Where did you come from? You vanished before..."


    "Ah, I''m n-not sure," Leon admitted sheepishly. "I only c-c-closed by eyes for a few sec-conds and then I w-was here, alone."


    Here still seemed to be part of the tunnel, but this time it was tiled floor to ceiling and there were recesses with mage globes, but not were shedding light. Those that were seemed very dim, their glow not extending far from their shells. Caelus looked back and could see the steps of the previous corridor shallowly rising upwards. It seemed that Roman''s suggestion had been true; Leon somehow surpassed the confines of the array!


    "What... why did you not head back?" Caelus was a bit embarrassed, thinking how quickly he''d previously dismissed this possibility before.


    "I thought Roman h-had d-done something," Leon replied, "t-to b-break the array. So I w-waited for everyone."


    Caelus shook his head, a slight smile curving his lips. A dimple formed in one of his full cheeks. "No, wasn''t Roman." He glanced up at the ceiling for a moment, thinking about how it was possible that Leon and then himself broke through the array. "You yawned, I tripped, what does either have in common?"


    "C-closed eyes?" Leon pointed out, tentatively, earning himself a sharp look from the mage. He wasn''t nervous beneath the scrutiny, knowing it was just how Caelus was, but he did feel uncomfortable and shuffled between feet. "I sh-shut m-my eyes, yours were c-covered."


    "We didn''t look ahead to where we were going," Caelus added in realisation. He grinned, his eyes vanishing into slits and that dimple deepening. He slapped Leon heartily on the shoulder. "Good man! Now we just need to figure out how to tell the others."


    They discussed it for a bit, they didn''t know whether the rule to break through the array would change once they left it, but they had to take the chance or leave the others behind. It was decided that Caelus would head back; his feet would have the advantage of swiftness after all. He would rush and meet with Velana and the Fox, they would send the Fox to grab the others so they could all meet up and try this small method of breaking through the array. If Caelus did not return with the team in a shichen, consider the ''rule'' a lost cause and head on alone. Better that one of them find the treasure than it continue to be out of reach.


    "Just if you do, be careful," Caelus warned him. "There are often more than one trap set in places such as these." Leon nodded earnestly, but remained worried. He really wasn''t brave enough to set out on his own. He really wished that Jin Li was beside him more than ever in that moment.

 271 Chapter Seventy One - We find treasure!

    Leon couldn''t help but remain nervous as he watched Caelus hurry off to find their team mates. He''d never been the sort to think that he was some sort of hero, a protagonist of his own book, he didn''t even think he was someone to add colour to it. In his last life, he''d been one of the many salmon in the school, trying to make their way up the river rapids for a secure future, but he''d not made it very far, though that was no fault of his own. His self esteem was not low, but not high, his confidence tended to fluctuate depending on circumstance. Right now, it was definitely at a low point; he had no confidence about heading into this dark tunnel that may or may not have traps and succeeding to plunder its potential treasures.


    Look what happened last time he went exploring alone in dark, underground spaces!! The corners of his lips curled upward slightly and his heart beat calmed to skip to a different rhythm. Ah, his man really didn''t leave the best first impressions. He understood more now; Jin Li had awoken battered and beaten in a strange place with no memory of how he''d arrived there, his confidence and ego that had been tempered over seventeen years and allowed to swell due to his excellent innate abilities had taken a hit. The secure future path set out before him on which he''d been guided by his parents (occasionally in brutal ways, or at least brutal in the eyes of outsiders, they would have considered it lessons in reality, which unfortunately was also true) had vanished from sight and he lashed out at the first person he saw once he woke. Plus, his temper was always sharper on an empty stomach.


    That said, if Jin Li had had the chance to calm down, say if Leon had not been there when he awakened, he''d likely have figured things out and not latched onto him like a chick imprinting on the first thing it sees. In theory. His heart ached for a moment as he thought of not having that chance meeting and of not meeting Jin Li. Thinking back, such really only happened due to the bully Caprian, beating him to the point where his body experienced spiritual deviation in which memories he should have had were lost and memories of a past life were awoken, setting him on his current path. Like fate. Him and Jin Li could be considered fated.


    The smile upon his face was like first rain in the desert after a relentless heatwave, very beautiful and welcoming. It was this that his team mates witnessed as they all broke through the array together.


    Actually, things for Caprian and the team had proven quite smooth. As the mage had stated, he''d hurried back to meet with Velana and they''d sent Volune on to pull back the team, not knowing how deep into the array they''d travelled. But despite how long the road forward was, the road back was always short so they''d appeared after not much time had passed.


    "What I want to know is why Roman never slipped through," Troy voiced his question as they recollected themselves a few minutes later and began to explore that which had been revealed.


    Pike''s arm was currently draped around Leon''s shoulders, thinking the youth had been very glad to see them, having been stuck alone and uncertain for sometime and wanting to reassure him. He''d taken a liking to the youth from the moment he''d seen him late in the spring, this cute little brother with a clean face. Those little brothers who''d shared even part of his blood really hadn''t been cute at all. Now he did not call them brothers, but instead had friends who he considered his true family along with his Master.


    "It probably had something to do with the timing," Pike suggested in response and Roman close by nodded.


    "It''s natural to glance ahead every so often, make sure that you aren''t going to lose your footing on the steps," he added, thinking he''d done just that as he''d sidled along the walls looking for clues in vain. The trap of the array was so simple, yet so ingenious. Very few would close their eyes for more than it took to blink while stepping down even shallow stairs. And six seconds might seem short but without sight could seem quite long.


    Their hearts had raced as they''d blinded themselves taking tentative steps forward down the steps, willing themselves not to fall and of course cheating by opening their eyes a squint would not help nor would looking at their feet. Not moving forward also was no good. It was by luck that Caelus had fallen far enough that he''d slipped out of the array and Leon had been too drowsy to think about accidentally falling as his eyes had closed while continuing on forward, automatically trusting his feet.


    This part of the tunnel was not as long as first glance. Caelus poured his spiritual energy into a few of the ancient mage globes, shattering a couple of the more fragile ones accidentally, lighting up the corridor to ease the oppressive darkness. The tunnel curved making what seemed long actually not so. There were no traps, just a locked door, but even the thickest, hardiest wood could not stand for an inordinate amount of time and it crumbled to the touch making the enchanted lock useless.


    Inside was a single chamber and a second locked door. Along the sides of the chamber were fragments of wood and dust, tiny pieces of cloth parchment that had become nothing due to time. There were also pieces of shaped porcelain, not unlike the shape of Leon''s jade bottles, hinting what they may have once held. But while the jade might have survived, the porcelain proved much more fragile. There was no sign of their previous contents. Also, on the opposite wall were remnants of rusty bolts, hinting that they might once have supported something and what that was could have something to do with the oxidised mess beneath them.


    The table at the centre was made of the same hard stone that had first caught Roman''s eyes. There was a thin fracture along one side of the table top, but otherwise it remained mostly intact. A pity it was too heavy and large otherwise Roman might have wanted to take it with him; the carved piece was quite stunning and unique of flavour.


    Upon the table was a chest.  The wood was similar in quality to the door which had held for so long, but it didn''t collapse when fingers gingerly touched it, hinting that it was enchanted along with its lock.  But the spells were too weak to hold up against the force of Pike jimmying it open and the chest''s lid fell backwards and off of its hinges to reveal its contents.  The men and woman clustered around it.  It was mostly filled with blackened coins, the denominations of which were not familiar, but Roman declared them as silver.  There was the odd gemstone, ruby and sapphires for the most part, the largest the size of a thumbnail.  As wealth in itself, this was quite the find and was worth some points if not as much as rarities.


    Hidden amongst them, however, were three rings.  Two were made of gold, which had tarnished only a little, protected as it had been for the many millennia by the mage spells upon this chest and likely once this room.  The third was made of silver.  Of the gold ones, one held a large emerald and two tiny diamonds, all framed by scrolling patterns not unlike those on the table and on the coins.  It was the least valuable ring.  The second gold ring was more simple and inset was a piece of mutton fat jade, which was circled by tiny mage crystals.  Caelus felt a hint of a faded array on it, but chose not to activate it in case it was a curse or a trap.  The last ring, the unassuming silver ring, was black from age and held a dark grey shard that had not been cut to a stylised shape.  The shard was only small, split slightly into a v formation and in that hid a little mage crystal.  Roman drew in breath, sharply as he picked up the unattractive piece from its hiding place in the coins.


    "This..." he murmured, slightly in awe of the find.


    "What is it?" Troy asked, brimming with curiosity.


    His expression was without jest when he declared; "I may be wrong, but I think that this is an interspatial ring!"

 272 Chapter Seventy Two - Our time here comes to an end

    Whether the ring was or wasn''t would have to wait for a proper evaluation with their other treasures.


    The chest had just these things.  While only a certain amount of it was of value to Cultivators, likely this was a fortune back when the realm was whole and times here were different, otherwise it was unlikely for it to have been stored in this room.  Probably it was not the only treasure, but that time had seen that much of the other treasures were lost.  They searched from top to bottom anyway, rummaging around in the piles of splinter fragments, rust and dirt.


    They managed to find shattered pieces of what appeared to be jade scrolls, some lengths had survived the long burial in amongst the rubble, other pieces had shattered in two.  Whether these pieces of jade made up a whole scroll or two, they did not know, they could only gather them and try fix them once they''d returned to the Institute.  And amazingly, the blade of a knife was found as well; it was made of a midnight blue stone and its sides were still sharp to the touch.  These things were placed into the interdimensional bag with the chest of coins, gems and rings.


    On finishing their explorations, they opened the other door to find the entrance filled with rubble.  Roman theorised that it was likely an escape route for the nobles or mages that owned this place.  Unfortunately, it was no longer fit for purpose.


    The Team returned to the surface, closing the trapdoor on the tunnel and array and that part of this adventure.  While it might have been more exciting if there had been traps and guardians, their gains were good and their losses were zero.  They had no complaints.


    The days continued to pass.  They hunted and explored the jungle.  Most of the herbs that Leon managed to gather were common, but they were also good for there was a reduction in stocks of them in the Institute due to it being winter there.  The martial artists and beast tamer came across a few interesting beasts, but mostly nothing they could not handle.  They ate many things from snake to bison to wolf, collecting pelts, horns, ivory, skins and teeth.


    They lost a fight with a Greater Pterodactyl over a kill, the flying reptile claiming their hunt for its own, but as it''s strength far exceeded theirs, the loss of the meat was better than the loss of their lives.


    They did not leave this floating isle for the rest of the time they remained in the realm.


    "Two years ago," Pike mentioned, "Only Bowyer had made it to the top twenty, but he had me come along as well.  Although we made it with our team until the end, we came nearly last of all the teams; Bowyer and I were too busy competing against each other to think about what we were gathering to bring back!  Plus, I''m ashamed to say, many of the tokens I claimed from my kills were burned in my rush to claim more victories than Bowyer.  Our respective Masters had us run around the entire Institute five times as punishment for our hot-headed behaviour.  They also had us take five long outstanding missions each, but we had to work together to complete them or we would be forced to complete five more."


    He shook his head as the others chuckled.


    After their meal, they headed to a nearby river they''d discovered after leaving the underground tunnel where they washed up a bit, so they wouldn''t look too disheveled on returning to the Institute.  Then they checked around their campsite for anything they''d not yet packed.  As they were doing this, Roman tapped Leon on the shoulder and pointed in a direction beyond the edge of the isle.


    Leon''s breath faltered in awe.


    The isle''s orbit had brought to a point where the Crystal heart of this realm became visible, the giant source of existence seeming to rise above the ruins into their vision like a sparkling sun.  It''s shape was raw, a twin tooth stretching upward from its single root, it''s facets numerous, some large, some to small for the eye to see.  The colour was quite indescribable, perhaps a little azure blue or light purple, yet then flashing crimson or a deep burgundy.  It was mesmerising.


    "It''s so b-beautiful," Leon murmured, his eyes wholly captured by the amazing sight.


    Pike came to stand beside him and commented.  "I''ve managed to see it twice, but not nearly as close.  This has definitely been a fruitful expedition.  Thank you."  He turned and repeated his last words to the other members of the team.


    "Thank you for b-believing in m-me," Leon replied, slightly bashful, glancing up at Pike as he did so.


    Pike squeezed his shoulder.  "Come on, its time to go."


    Leon took one last look at the Crystal Heart before turning his back to it.  It was indeed very beautiful, but he was looking forward to going home.  He wondered if Jin Li had left his Closed Cultivation yet.


    The team gathered in a circle and took out the teleportation charms given to them in the beginning.  They shared smiles, united in feelings and actions and went to crush the charms.  Glowing lights surrounded them following breaking them and their images were lost in the brightness of the spell.  It took Leon a couple of attempts to break the charm, he pouted as it finally snapped between his fingers, but soon his body was gathered in the spell and began to shoot to towards the point he entered this realm.


    As Leon had had his back to the Crystal, he didn''t notice that it suddenly pulsated, a plethora of colours shimming along its sometime opaque, sometimes reflective surfaces.    An invisible wave of energy rippled outward, strong at the source, but slowing as it moved outwards.  If there was an island in its path, the flora upon it would become more lush, beasts would pause and begin to cultivate, flying beasts would land and do the same.  Upon this wave, the tiniest sparkle flickered, riding on the energy, heading directly in one direction.  This was a little gift, only meant for one and it reached its destination just as the receiver turned into light and was teleported away.  Many had looked on at the Crystal in awe and greed and wistfulness.  But it was rare for it to be appreciated in a pure and artless manner.


    The recipient of its gift would not discover it for sometime.

 273 Chapter Seventy Three - I am going home at las

    Sixty teams of six entered the Shattered Empyrean Isles realm, but only seventeen made it until the end.  Should mention that this was not because any teams had been lost to the denizens of the realm or its other pitfalls, it was an event set up by the Institute and they tried to ensure that death during any competition and expedition that they led was minimal.  No, the other teams had simply left the competition early, having lost the will, due to injuries, or simply knowing that they were facing death otherwise.


    Two of the most serious injuries were suffered by youths of different teams with one squishy mage having lost his hand due to his team''s failure to keep him shielded while he cast spells and the other was a head injury caused by an unforeseen accident, very hard to avoid.  Both were currently in the Healer''s Hall.  It was uncertain whether the mage would be able to get hold of one of the most illusive pills that literally regenerated limbs, such was rare in the Higher Realms let alone in Xulaphrey.  The other, a female Martial Artist was currently in a coma, but the Healer''s felt that she should wake up soon.


    Other injuries were mostly superficial, exhaustion and hunger had been common factors in teams giving up early.  In fact, had they seen Pike''s team emerge looking quite chipper and well fed, they would have glared in envy and disgust.


    As Pike handed over their interdimensional bag to be sealed, ready to be evaluated a day later by the judges, Bowyer and his team appeared behind them.  Their team returned with an additional member.


    "Bo ge, Lua Lua is hungry, squawk!"


    Three black lines appeared on Bowyer''s forehead as his tired team rolled their eyes and other teams stared at them in disbelief.  Was that a Luan?!


    "Bo ge..."


    "I''ll give you something to eat soon, just hold on a bit longer," Bowyer told the four foot tall bird beside him, a note of exasperation in his voice.


    A Luan was a bird-type beast, shaped somewhat like a pheasant with slightly longer legs than the weaker creature in comparison to their respective body sizes.  It''s colouration was not too different from the male pheasant, the majority of its feathers speckled brown, reddening at its chest and cut off by a white ring upon its neck... or in this case, necks.  A Luan was a twin headed bird.  This Luan had sea-green feathers adorning its neck and head, becoming more peridot than emerald around its black eyes.  These colours were reflected in its long tail feathers and upon the tips of its long wings, which were not just for decoration.  It could fly, but it was quite lazy and usually chose not to.


    The other important feature regarding a Luan was that it had intelligence and could communicate using human speech.  That said, it was only that of a three-year old child, but considering it retained much racial instinct, actually taming one not held in thrall while it was still in its egg was unheard of.  Even more, eggs hatched in human hands were very, very few.  So finding a person with a Luan as their spirit beast was like finding a needle in a haystack, not impossible, just not probable.


    Yet one had joined Bowyer''s party?!


    The mage assisting an elder Teacher hesitated as Bowyer handed him his team''s interdimensional bag.  "Will the Luan be considered part of their spoils?" The man turned to the elder behind him.  It wasn''t as if the Luan could be put in the bag!


    "Oh, its not unheard of for teams to bring back live beasts," she said in response, looking nonchalant.  In truth, she was also flustered, usually the spirit beasts to be captured were only half-tamed cubs or fledglings, not something as unbelievable as this adolescent Luan.  "We usually add a scroll of note to the bag before sealing, let the judges know that the beast was indeed tamed in the realm."


    The assistant did so, just as the Luan''s left head began to whine about its empty stomach once more. Leon recalled that he''d stored a few berries in his interspatial bag as he''d become fond of the taste of them and thought to try grow some with the seeds buried inside the fruit. He took a handful out and was about to offer them to Bowyer, however the Luan caught their scent and rushed over to peck them out of his hand. It seemed that both heads could eat freely.


    "Yum! Like!" The left head gulped down the last berry happily, while the right head rubbed against Leon''s hand affectionately.


    "Smells good," the right head murmured, to which the other confirmed;


    "Does smell good. Like ge ge!"


    A trilling noise escaped from its throats as it showed Leon more affection.


    "Just how did you come to gain this fellow?" Pike asked Bowyer, curiously.


    "Actually, when we came across it," Bowyer replied, scratching at his tangled hair with one hand, "it was wounded. It seemed to have been in a fight with a starving worgen, probably an usurped Alpha from the looks of its size and many injuries. It killed the beast, but suffered in the battle, breaking a leg and had a large bloody scar across its belly. Canis felt a bit sorry for it, suggested we give it some pills. Luan''s aren''t all that sought after dead, so it wouldn''t have been worth the effort to kill it and it had plenty of fight left in it. Healed up, it ran off, as we expected, but what we didn''t expect was for it to be grateful enough to want to offer us a Crystal from its nest!"


    "That doesn''t explain why it follows you, though," Pike pointed out, which caused Bowyer''s team''s beast tamer to laugh.


    "When it came back, Bowyer was eating a pastry he got from his mother in Winter break!" The man, Canis informed Pike.


    Bowyer''s expression fell.


    Bowyer''s origin''s and background were really not too unlike Pike''s; they were both born of concubines, both had noble fathers with small harems and grandparents with high expectations. However, unlike Pike, Bowyer was not treated poorly by his father''s main wife nor his older Di-brothers due to his shu status. That was in part due to his mother.


    She was the only descendant of a chef, who''d been hired in the noble household due to his good cooking skills. He''d not sold himself as a bond servant, he was treated well by the household, so when he fell ill with an incurable disease, he thought to ask Bowyer''s father to take his daughter in as a Concubine. Her only other prospects would have been to marry a bond servant, have her descendants all bound to serve or leave the household and risk the outside world as a vulnerable young woman. Bowyer''s father agreed.


    Bowyer''s father was not a lustful man, just had a wife and one other Concubine, the former had given him two sons, both teenagers and the other was infertile from before their marriage. The man thought he wanted a cute daughter, like his nieces. He got the uncute Bowyer (his words) instead!


    Bowyer''s birth mother didn''t seek favour, didn''t compete with the Di-wife, just made herself busy raising Bowyer and making sweets and pastries. Many of these sweets and pastries naturally made their way into Bowyer''s stomach, but a great many of the rest found their way on his Di-mother''s table. In this way, his birth mother won over his Di-mother and helped to maintain peace in the harem.


    Bowyer always brought many pastries back from his birth home after visiting each holiday, Pike had even tasted a few and knew that they were quite good, even for him who didn''t like sweet food too much. Bowyer usually stores them away in an interdimensional bag in his room, savouring one now and then. But for some reason, this time, he risked taking a couple into the Shattered Empyrean Isles. Feeling generous after receiving the small gift of gratitude from the Luan, he''d broken the pasty in half and given it to the Luan. Turned out, the Luan had a sweet ''tooth'' and followed after Bowyer hoping for more pastries since that time.


    Pike laughed, clutching his sides in mirth as he walked beside Bowyer as he gained the full story. The two teams paused outside of the griffins nests, which were waiting to depart, taking students back to the outer schools they were related to. They would all reunite the following day in the Inner Martial Arts school as the two men that led their respective teams were from there. And it would be there that they would receive their final judgements.


    Leon climbed up with Aries, Bowyer''s alchemist, onto the back of the Griffin heading to the outer alchemist school. He did not know whether he would see Jin Li when he returned, but he was still looking forward to going home.

 274 Chapter Seventy Four - Jin Li and I are back together

    "They made it until the end!!" Sun squealed cheerfully, earning himself a raised eyebrow from his grandfather and a series of other reactions from others. For instance, while Maimai was openly chuckling, Merylin had a small smile upon her lips that seemed to translate into the words; ''I am tolerating your behaviour.'' Carmen was less generous, simply rolling her eyes while not in the observation of her grandfather.


    Still, while not impressed by his grandson''s foolishness, he couldn''t help but express how he was also feeling pleased; "As expected of my adopted grandson!"


    "Oh?" Jian Juren, Jin Li''s maternal grandfather, smiled, a glint of mischief in his black eyes. "And here was I under the impression that you''d yet to formalise such a relationship with the boy."


    "Well, well," the General stuttered, slightly flustered by the other man''s teasing, "that''s really only a matter of time."


    "I admire your confidence," Jian Juren replied in amusement. "Don''t you, Jin Li? Jin Li?" But that wayward third grandson of his was nowhere to be seen. Fortunately Jian Juren had the face of a young man or his pout would look terribly out of place.


    Carmen straightened her spine, not noticing that Merylin echoed her movement and both girls glanced about themselves hoping to see the missing youth only for both to be disappointed. "Where did he go?" Carmen blurted out.


    Sun and Maimai exchanged knowing glances but said nothing.


    *****


    Sheltered on the back of the large griffin and surrounded by enchantments to make the journey easier on its passengers, Leon could forget that he had passed from a tropical warmth to a land still in the grip of winter, at least until landing. He tightened his thin cloak about him, glancing down at the people waiting to cheer for him, the only outer school student to enter the competition this time. The inner school students were not jealous, they would receive their own receptions in due time, thus Leon was allowed this moment uninterrupted.


    After Leon climbed down the ladder leaning against the griffin''s tall side, he was first met with his Teacher, who congratulated him and spoke of his pride. Leon thanked him, wearily, suddenly feeling the strain of the two tendays. Teacher Sagi was an observant man and although he wished to hear of Leon''s adventures through his own words, he could see that now was not the time. Especially when Leon became distracted, his eyes focused on something or rather someone behind him.


    Teacher Sagi wanted to sigh, with the weight of one jealous of the luminous world of two young lovers that outsiders simply could not breech. "Go," he told his student, "rest. Tomorrow begins the judging of your team''s spoils, after that they''ll hold the auction and individual battles. You''ll be busy for a while. Once all is settled, we can talk then."


    "This lord didn''t give you permission to leave." The words were harsh, but there wasn''t any heat behind them, just a touch of sourness.


    As usual, Leon needed to translate Jin Li''s words into their true meaning. "I m-missed you t-too," he replied with a warm smile. Jin Li''s scowl softened and melted away, he even loosened his stance to reach for Leon''s hands warming them, allowing Leon to forget how cold he was.


    "Should have remained here instead of galavanting about," Jin Li mumbled in complaint, "would have missed less."


    Leon wanted to point out that Jin Li had been in closed cultivation, no one could predict just how long such would take. However, he was too pleased to see him to wish to fall into argument with him. So he said instead; "N-Not a lot of ch-choice, T-Teacher Sagi insisted if I or m-m-my b-brothers were asked to j-join a t-team, then j-join."


    "Pike asked for you?" Jin Li asked him.


    Leon failed to here the sour note; "En."


    His lover''s scowling expression reformed and he found himself tugged forward at rapid pace towards the domiciles. "W-what''s the m-matter?"


    "You require a bath," Jin Li declared, startling Leon to question him.


    "Why? I k-kept quite c-clean."


    "This Lord feels it was not sufficient," Jin Li replied in a tone that brook no arguments. "This Lord can only rest assured once all places that others touched are washed thoroughly." Leon frowned, trying to understand for a moment, though it took him a while distracted as he was trying to ensure he did not trip over loose stones and tree roots as they made their way through the woodlands. But after a short time, he shook his head with a light sigh. It seemed Jin Li could drink vinegar even when the wine had not aged enough.


    *****(18+)*****


    In the small bathhouse within a wing room of his home, the coal in the wide stove was smouldering to ash, while the now empty pots cooled on top.  The air was translucent with steam and small puddles of water coated the clay tiled floor.  Water sloshed up the sides of the metal bath, spilling over the side to run down its length, creating new puddles.


    Inside the bath, two men moved together ambiguously.


    Leon groaned as his dark hole was stretched by two long fingers, the tight space resisting as it had been a while since it was last tempered into obedience.  All the while, his hands moved over his tormentor''s chest, coating the hard plains with soap as he''d been instructed.  It was not easy to concentrate on the task.  As he rinsed the body beneath him with water, he felt those fingers remove themselves from his body, instead coming to grip his pelvis.  He was pulled forward and a new object invaded him, causing him to gasp aloud.  If he''d forgotten how it felt to be so full, he was reminded now with full force.


    Jin Li''s face could also not hide how he felt about them reuniting in this most primal of ways.  His eyes were filled with lust, love and satisfaction.  He savoured the feeling of wholeness for a moment, allowing Leon''s body to adjust to him, the tight resistance altering to become that familiar shelter to suit him and only him.  As the tinge of pain in Leon''s eyes faded, he reached for the soap sand in the jar beside them, pouring out a generous handful before laving it and smoothing the suds upon Leon''s soft skin.  He was not yet satisfied that he had removed the remnants of others yet, uncaring that only Leon''s clothes had been touched, not beneath them.


    The rose buds upon Leon''s chest puckered as the man beneath him paid much attention to them, his mind assaulted by the teasing pleasure as well as the more demanding one between the cheeks of his bottom.  Leon gripped the sides of the bath as Jin Li thrust his hips upward, deepening their connection over and over until Leon could barely tell where he began and Jin Li stopped.  His body began to demand he partake in their wet dance and more water escaped the metal tub as their movements became more involved and frantic.  Jin Li''s hands stretched about Leon''s back, their chests pressing together then sliding as the soap reduced the friction between them.  Leon felt fingers grip his bottom pushing him upward, the member inside of him withdrawing to the bulbous head, but before he could moan in complaint, his mouth was blocked and his tongue became occupied.


    They parted to gasp a breath and Leon soon found himself fully seated in the cradle of Jin Li''s hips once more.  He was tossed about some more, unable to form coherent thought as their bodies'' needs overwhelmed them and all of the concentration poured into the task of reaching their completions.  Leon came first, he couldn''t do otherwise when his manhood became trapped in his lover''s firm grip and he began receiving pleasure from inside and out.  He wailed as he came, painting their previously clean bodies with his seed before flopping over Jin Li''s body.  But Jin Li was not yet done and his sensitive body had to endure riding out his orgasm until his already blurred vision turned white, only then did he feel the heat of the man pouring his release deep into his insides.


    Jin Li wiped them both down, more than satisfied that he had marked Leon in more ways than one, claiming his lover''s body and soul as he should.  Leon dozed happily in his embrace. "Your performance, in the competition, was... not disgraceful," he heard Jin Li whisper into his ear an attempt of compliment.


    "En."

 275 Chapter Seventy Five - She’s not over him after all

    Snow had begun falling in the night and continued to so, smatterings of light flakes drifted down towards the ground. Though the fall had not been substantial, it had been persistent enough to create a fresh coat of white here and there where the evergreen trees and bare branches of other tall species could not block them from reaching the mountain''s surfaces. It would have created a silent beauty in the eyes of one small alchemist had it not been for the bitter wind that pierced through the shelter of the trees to sweep the otherwise gentle snowflakes into a frenzy, blinding the youth momentarily with its vision of winter.


    Fortunately, for the small alchemist, he was snug within a thick, white coat made of foxbear pelt and fur and protected within a taller man''s shadow from the worst of it. If it were not for the stripes of black within his hair, he would likely vanish into the scenery and only the martial artist beside him would be noticeable upon this path.


    Leon''s steps teetered slightly, his aching hips causing a disparity in his walk and two arms reached around him, one supporting his waist while the other reaching to hold his outstretched hands. Seemingly ungrateful, he glared at the attentive man, after all, what he was suffering could at least in part be blamed upon this person. Jin Li simply raised an eyebrow in response, his eyes languid and brimming with satisfaction suggesting the small alchemist''s provocation was too weak to cause a reaction... a negative one anyway. That other type of reaction, well it couldn''t be helped.


    "Leon!"


    The voice was charming and pleasing to hear so wasn''t one that could be labelled as discordant, interrupting the ambiguous aura lazily circling the two men. Leon''s lips curved upward in a warm smile, while Jin Li admitted to himself that the person calling his small lover was not completely unwelcome. He was a bit unhappy that his lover stepped out of his arms though. But overall, it could be said that Maimai''s timing was not bad.


    The girl stepped out of the shelter of her domicile within the outer school grounds, wrapped up in a hooded fur coat, hands tucked into a matching muff. It could be seen that she had been prepared to meet with them as they passed. Another girl followed in her wake; her sister, who had made excuses to stay with her the night before. Merylin glanced up through her long, dark lashes at the man she had heard would likely be found in the outer alchemist school yesterday. Her heart quickened and there was a note of hidden satisfaction within its beats as she also recalled how unhappy that girl looked to hear that she''d be unable to follow and win a similar opportunity to cross paths with him.


    Maimai was not unaware of her elder sister''s intentions, just chose to ignore them. Jin Li could sort out the mess of bees and butterflies himself, she just planned to interact with his lover, her best friend.


    Leon felt a little heat in his cheeks, despite the cold winter air. "N-no, no," he denied, bashfully. "I d-didn''t do m-much."


    "Of course you did!" Maimai chided him for his humbleness. "We don''t get to see everything that happened, but I did see that you discovered some uncommon herbs and didn''t you help find some treasures in that first cave? Did you find a lot? Were there anything different from the initial samples? The mirrors focus on the team leaders the most, so as spectators, we couldn''t follow you and that boy, Troy, plus they change perspective to other teams. Much was missed!"


    Before Leon could say anything, a rush of cold air brushed passed them, causing them to all shiver with the exception of Jin Li. His step into the realm of Body Tempering had already improved his ability to resist little things such as low temperatures a bit. Sure, he would still feel it if he were not wearing a coat, but this little ''breeze'' at this moment was not effective at all.


    "Are you returning to the Martial Arts school, senior?" Merylin asked, softly. Her presence had surprised Leon a little bit, but she was Maimai''s sister. It wasn''t out of place for them to be together, despite studying in slightly different areas of the Institute.


    "En," Leon responded, lightly. "The j-judges will g-g-give their scores soon."


    "May we accompany you then, senior?" Merylin asked, causing Leon to hesitate. The small alchemist really wanted to sigh, inwardly, then glare at Jin Li behind him. She may have addressed the question to himself, but he was not naive enough to believe that it was he she wan''t to accompany. Maimai had reassured him that her sister had given up chasing his man, but it seemed that wasn''t so. Before he could deny her sulkily, the girl added; "I also wished to congratulate senior. Also to learn about seniors experiences. My Teachers hinted to my fellow students and I that we may well be chosen to enter the Isles during the Interschool Exchange next year, so we were instructed to learn well."


    Leon had to hesitate, then agree to her wishes, less he seem petty. He did notice Maimai roll her eyes heavenward, though.


    They headed towards the Griffin''s nests as a group. Leon''s body still refused to cooperate fully with himself, thanks to the exertion of overexercise the previous evening. Apparently, reunification during bodily cleansing was insufficient, they also need to join to stave off colds while the main room was being reheated via the stove and also to reduce excess energy after their nap and evening meal. Leon had fallen unconscious and didn''t even dream before being woken by kisses, a glass of water and a soft ice pill (which reduces fevers). As his body was this worn, he easily slipped on icy ground, tumbling into the small layer of snow, causing Jin Li to sneer.


    "So clumsy," he drawled and picked his small alchemist off of the ground, before carrying him a ways. "Since you can''t walk sensibly, this Lord will lower himself this one time."


    Maimai covered her mouth, swallowing her gleeful giggles, but Merylin felt slightly alarmed, but uncertain of the reason. "Did you hurt your ankle, senior?" She asked, worriedly.


    Embarrassed, Leon could only respond; "Something l-like that."


    Merylin began to rummage in the beautifully embroidered purse upon her hip. "Please, senior should take this Blood Pill..."


    "No need," Jin Li waved off her offer, not willing to relinquish the youth in his arms as he strode onward.


    Merylin looked at her sister, feeling unsettled in her heart, but Maimai just shrugged. In the end, she could only join her sister to hurry forward and catch up to the young men in front.

 276 Chapter Seventy Six - They sound ambiguous

    "P-put m-m-me down!" Leon pleaded, the tinge of red upon his face not just due to the cold.  "It''s em-embarrassing."


    Jin Li raised a brow, appearing a little unwilling.  He couldn''t use the excuse of slipping upon ice again, though, as the nests here were on top of the tall towers that made up part of the martial arts outer school structure.  So he could only put him down.  He did not release his hold upon Leon''s arm, this was his final compromise.


    They moved beneath the shelter of the roof top a few moments later, two young men and two young women following in the former''s wake.  To enter the inner school, they needed to pass through portals that would transport them directly.  They proceeded unheeded.


    The twenty teams lead by students of the school were gathering in wait in the lower stands of the arena, while observers had to take higher positions, guests gathered in an allocated space in the north of the arena and students had to squeeze in the other three quadrants.  Students from Merylin''s school and the inner scholars schools would mostly witness this from the spelled mirrors set up for them.  Students from outer schools would have to accept the same arrangement if they wished to observe.  There were also spelled mirrors here, two in fact, one which would reveal the proceedings in the inner Beast Taming school and the other doing the same for the inner Mage school.  It could be said that the Teachers took this competition quite seriously considering the arrangements from beginning to end.


    As Leon and Jin Li, with Maimai and Merylin, had arrived quite early, there were only a few teams beginning to form in the arena. Pike and Bowyer were there, bickering over nothing for the sake of amusing themselves. Troy stood with Pike, but Bowyer was currently alone. Troy noticed Leon and the others first and waved him over.


    Feeling he should not keep them waiting, Leon attempted to hurry, but his condition held him back and it was obvious upon his face. Pike gave Jin Li a knowing leer and patted the other heavily on the back when they reached him.


    "Really, you ought to hold back some, Jin Li," Pike advised him, cheerfully. "You''ll break him if you continue having him ''serve'' you like that!"


    Bowyer exchanges glances with Pike, before turning on his heel sharply, his shoulders shaking with mirth. Pike swallowed his own laughter, his eyes tearing up with the pained effort. He cleared his throat before responding; "Miss misunderstood. My words were only in jest."


    "It is not to me Senior should direct those words," Merylin continued, satisfied that she had made her point. She glanced through shuttered lashes at Jin Li, hoping he would notice her successful attempt to retain his honour, but was dismayed that he was not paying attention to her. He was currently allowing the alchemist to lean on him after they had removed their thick coats, she couldn''t help but frown.


    Bowyer managed to regain control of himself and sidled over to where Maimai was dabbing her nose. "Your sister... she still doesn''t know?" He murmured beneath his breath, close to her ear.


    "My sister chooses to remain blissfully innocent of such things," Maimai shook her head, her wayward curls spilling about her shoulders as she did so. "I''ve attempted to enlighten her a few times, however one does not see what one does not wish to see, one does not hear what one doesn''t wish to hear."


    Bowyer nodded, sagely, but at the same time he wanted to shake his head and turn to Jin Li to question him. Just how are you going to handle this? But Jin Li, whose arm had slyly reached around Leon''s back rub soothingly the shallow of it, was oblivious to the fact that he need deal with anything at this point.


    "What is everyone talking about?"


    Heads turned as a pretty brunette came rushing forward, followed by other familiar faces; Sun and the General. Bowyer, Pike and Troy had yet to be introduced, however. Sun hastily made them. "Grandfather, Carmen, these are my seniors, Bowyer, Pike and Troy. Seniors, this is my Grandfather, General Ramas and my eleventh sister, Carmen."


    "It''s an honour, sir General," the three young men cupped their hands and bowed in formal greeting. Compared to certain outstanding persons within the cultivation world, General Ramas'' fame was quite modest, but in the mortal world, he really wasn''t unknown. They were quite surprised that their cute, bubbly junior was his grandson, Sun never once flaunted this fact. His appearance in their eyes elevated a level.


    "My fortunes are nothing in particular," the General waved away their compliment, lightly, though he was quite pleased inside. "I''ll be looking forward to seeing you boys outshine me in the future."


    "We wouldn''t dare!"


    The General chortled and his eyes scanned over them all, finally settling on Leon, who couldn''t hide the escaping yawn nor his flush complexion. "Are you unwell, young Leon?" He asked him, concern in his black eyes. "Even if you have the blessings of youth, you shouldn''t do things to excess."


    Leon gave the General an apologetic smile, "I''m q-quite well, sir, thank you f-for your c-concern."


    "If you are sure..."


    "Grandfather, didn''t he just say so?" Carmen said, testily. The idea that a servant would become her adopted brother never sat well with her, thus her Grandfather''s concern for him was irritating. She didn''t understand it. She felt her grandfather had been strange ever since he''d broken through to quaternary stage and formed his core. It should be mentioned that Carmen''s dislike for cultivation, coupled with her poor potential for it, had caused her learning of Cultivation matters to stutter to a halt, therefore her knowledge of that world was shallow. This was her own fault, for the General had made sure all his sons and grandchildren had access to the knowledge for he knew the importance of it, not only for themselves but for future generations. Carmen just lacked interest; she couldn''t step into that world, why should she bother to learn about it.


    She never once saw this as an issue, even when she found her heart beat for a man of that world. She was stubborn enough and imaginative enough to believe that his ''love'' for her would have him step off of the path of Cultivation and enter her mortal world, then they would marry, have children and grow old together. This ignorance was her greatest failing.


    Sun sneered at his cousin, embarrassed by her behaviour, so turned to ignore it and tease Leon instead. "Did Jin Li pester you all night long?" Sun''s words were actually pure and innocent, not ambiguous like they sounded. He was thinking over the numerous complaints Jin Li had had over the past tenday or so; the tea was too weak, too bitter, the food unseasoned, cold, unpalatable. The baths were too noisy, the Food Hall too crowded... the list went on.


    "Sun gongzi, your words could easily be ill construed," Merylin reprimanded him, somewhat less gently than she had previously with Pike. He was related to that girl after all! "Think of Jin Li... and senior''s reputations!"


    Bowyer and Pike''s faces once more became strained, mirth heavy in their eyes. Troy wanted to know what was going on, Bowyer enlightened him in whispers as Sun''s expression became puzzled. "What did I say?" He scratched his head, confused.


    Merylin blinked, not expecting Sun''s question nor the clear eyes that proved he wasn''t wronging her. She glanced to Maimai seeking assistance, but Maimai chose to ignore her this time. She could only steel herself and explain; "If such words were heard by others, would they not make wrongful conclusions about the relationship between Jin Li and senior Leon?"


    "Wrongful conclusions?"


    Carmen''s eyes sparkled with wit and she offered a taunt that would later come back to bite her solidly; "Perhaps sister Merylin is concerned others would think Jin Li took his servant as tong fang!"

 277 Chapter Seventy Seven - Everyone knows of our relationship

    Tong Fang were a type of servant, girls who had been chosen to ''educate'' young Masters in the matters of the bedroom and later warm their beds and service their needs. They were not concubines, who would still generally marry into the house by some means or other, but they could be elevated to a concubine''s status should the young Master and his parents agree to it. So they were lower than a concubine and they still had to go about other servant duties. They could also more easily be reassigned to other parts of the house, effectively being ''demoted'' from their position.


    So despite Tong Fang being told it was an honour to serve their Male masters in that manner, if they displeased their Masters or if their Masters no longer wanted them, they had less hope of a future than an actual concubine, who might at least be able to rely on their children. Servant girls still had hope of elevation beyond their status, however, so would seldom deny the position if offered, despite its dubious nature. Tong Fang were acknowledged by all, but quietly, behind shut doors. They should not be seen or mentioned in public and certainly, young unmarried misses should not openly discuss those matters at all.


    The General frowned with disapproval, Leon paled and Maimai became angry, while Sun flushed pink and green, his complexion as myriad as his thoughts. His friends relationship was much deeper and real than a master and tongfang, but husband and wife would share intimacy... how did two men share a bed?


    Merylin looked horrified and her hand itched to slap Carmen, but she could not do so in front of the girl''s elder so could only curl fingers into a fist at her side. "You... you... this girl never thought of insulting seniors nor fellow students with such low accusations! I merely wished to remind others that the Institute does not recognise Master-servant relationships! I feared Jin Li''s reputation would be damaged should others believe he treated Leon as a mere servant within the Institute! Such could have him suspended or expelled!" She turned to the elder, General Ramas and bowed slightly. "Please believe me, sir General, I intended no ill will to your grandson!"


    "No need to apologise," the General said, still unhappy with his granddaughter''s behaviour. He would have to speak to his wife about getting her a Teacher of etiquette and oversee teachings regarding the cultivation world himself. She was far too spoilt and wild!


    "Leon is neither servant nor tong fang," he seemed to spit the latter word with heavy disdain, clearly his own stance on such a servant woman. His eyes then softened slightly and his lips curled upward a little as he declared; "He is my Dao Companion."


    Several loud breaths were drawn in sharply. Jin Li moved much more quickly and decisively than anyone of his friends had imagined! They were torn between congratulating him and calling him an idiot! Dao Companionship was a lifetime matter! And who were Jin Li and Leon but two teenaged youths?!


    The General also looked a little worriedly at the young men, happy in one sense that Jin Li was not the sort to mess around his future adopted grandson and unhappy that Leon''s fate had been tied to the other at such a young age. They were not like mortals, the years ahead of them were fathomless. And even if Leon became unable to Cultivate beyond core formation, he would no longer be able to retreat and experience a simpler life.


    But the rice had been cooked, if he wanted to acknowledge Leon as an adopted grandson, he would have to support this, he could only complain otherwise in his heart.


    Only Jin Li''s two circling admirers and one Maimai did not hold such torn expressions. Maimai grasped Leon''s hands and congratulated him with no other thoughts conflicting her joy. On the other hand, her sister was frozen pale by shock, her hopes shattered into a million pieces and her heart pained. What was this?! She felt humiliated! All this time, all her efforts trying to get him to look her way and she''d not succeeded because of a man!?


    "Senior!" She blurted out, unable to maintain her usual posture and demure appearance. "How could you!?" She clasped her hands over her rose lips, realising she''d damaged her image with her outburst, feeling a million eyes staring at her in disappointment. Actually, this last part was in her mind. What had many of her seniors not witnessed in their family''s backyards or since being in the Institute and coming face to face with those girls they''d once placed on unreachable pedestals? Plus, other teams were looking over just a bit curious without any idea of what was currently occurring.


    Carmen on the other hand was frowning, but not at Jin Li. "What is the big deal?" She said, dismissively. "Men are allowed three wives and four concubines, so Jin Li gongzi has given his servant a status, but marriage is a matter decided by one''s parents and grandparents! Have Jin Li''s parents approved of this arrangement? And what of Jin Li''s grandfather?" She paused, not liking the odd looks that Sun''s fellow students were giving her... that her own grandfather was giving her.


    "Approved what?" Speak of the devil and he shall appear; Jian Juren had come to see what all of the fuss was about.


    "Carmen!" The General warned, but she refused to heed it.


    "Jin Li''s Grandfather," Carmen turned to him seeking hope and to her relief, there was no disdain in his eyes, just his usual amused and amicable expression. "This girl is confused, is matters of Jin Li''s future happiness not a matter settled by his parents and your honoured self?" She said this even while knowing it really was little to do with a maternal grandparent unless the parents themselves wished otherwise.


    His eyes flickered upward and saw quickly through the nature of his grandson and the youth beside him. They then filled with a mischievous glint and he pulled off a pained and hurt show. "Aya, this unfilial grandson, whenever has he turned to this old man for such advice and support! Just goes and does things his own way... I matter so little in his heart."


    Leon looked confused and glanced up at Jin Li, tugging at his sleeve. "The n-n-new t-teacher is your G-Grandfather?" He whispered.


    Jin Li didn''t answer him, just clicked his tongue and voiced his dissatisfaction with a word; "Grandfather."


    "Alright, alright," the youthful looking elder said, dismissively before muttering; "always so serious." Then he glanced down to smile sympathetically at the General''s out of luck granddaughter. "When it comes to marriage matters, it is true that we parents and grandparents seldom allow our descendants to be wilful, yet still willingly often try help them realise their hearts desires where possible.  However that is for children born without the ability to cultivate. Did you know that my daughter was almost four hundred years old before she finally settled down? That is how seriously my bloodline takes such matters of Dao Companionship."


    Merylin noticed Carmen''s face still filled with confusion and sneered. Although she was as deeply unhappy as the other girl, at least she was not so stupid to dig a pit beneath herself to fall into. She decided to enlighten her, expelling her bitterness while drawing a firm line under this horrible matter. Four hundred years old? She felt that she was more likely to reach four thousand before she could be relieved of the sourness in her heart.


    "You, girl, I will express a kindness and teach you something you are clearly not aware of," she held her head high as she spoke in icy tones. "A Dao Companionship is not on the same level as a marriage, in this, you could be said to be correct. But that is because it is much more than a marriage. Within it, there is no room for secondary wives and concubines, there is no room for mistresses or tong fang. And there is also no divorce. One''s children must come from one''s companion or not at all. Affairs would likely cause heart demons or cultivation to stagnate or even cause deviation. One''s fate is tied to one''s Dao Companion until death."


    Seeing Carmen''s face pale due to the immensity of Merylin''s words somewhat satisfied the other and she turned to the General and seniors in turn before bidding them farewell and leaving with a straightened spine.


    "Grandfather..." Carmen turned to the General with tears glimmering in her eyes as if wronged. The General''s expression didn''t alter, still dissatisfied with her.


    "This old man let you see a joke," he expressed to Jian Juren, who urged him otherwise. The General then called to his servant and told him; "Take the young miss back to our quarters to reflect."


    "Grandfather...?" Carmen pleaded but to no avail. She was led away.


    The General sighed, before speaking to his grandson, who looked as if he was feeling awkward; "Have fun with your friends... I''ll sit in the stands."


    "Allow me to accompany you," Jian Juren offered, offering Jin Li a sly expression as he left.


    Leon rubbed his temples, his forehead wrinkled due to a frown as he tried to digest everything that had just happened, before he blushed in realisation; Jin Li just openly revealed their relationship to everyone. He couldn''t help but grip the other''s hand shyly. Jin Li was quite smug, on the other hand. Now everyone knew that his small alchemist, Leon, belonged to him alone.

 278 Chapter Seventy Eight - Our scores are tallied

    However, not everything was clear.  "G-Grandfather?"  Leon questioned once more of his lover.


    "En," Jin Li replied and appeared about to clarify when he was interrupted.  Fortunately, Pike was immune to the glares of the other, though the broad youth vowed in his heart to cultivate more industriously once this all over thanks to the increased pressure he was feeling from Jin Li.  He would not be the only one to vanish into closed cultivation for a few months, inspired by the nearly eighteen year old man, who''d broken all known barriers in this realm and amazed them by forming his core so young.


    "It''s time," was all Pike said, regardless.  They didn''t need to question what he meant, the arena was now filled full of bodies; competitors in the lowest stands, other students in the highest, while guests lingered about the middle.  Pike''s whole team as well as Bowyer''s had now congregated and the judges were entering the arena to announce the scores.  Jin Li was forced to retreat with Sun and Maimai, while Leon remained by Pike''s side.


    Jin Li felt the sourness of vinegar, but he left his lover''s side this time.  It would only be for a couple of hours at most.


    The competition scores were a combination of three different things; how well the team worked together, how long they ''survived'' in the other realm and lastly on the spoils they returned to the Institute with.  To clarify a little better by example; Ari, the highest ranked Martial Artist in the inner school, was not a team player, relying on his ''second in command'' to deal with team stuff, while he ran around on his own and collected spoils.  This caused him to have a low team score, despite the numerous trophies he and his team separately found.  His team did manage to make it through to the end, therefore they lost no points on ''survival skills''.


    In contrast, Bowyer''s team worked fairly well, despite most of them having never worked together nor having socialised before, he also made it through to the end, making his scores for team work and survival skills higher than Ari''s.  However, everything could change depending on the items they brought back.  Cultivation treasures, rare materials or even crude wealth, all had their worth to a Cultivator seeking the ultimate goal of immortality.  It was up to the judges to decide their worth in terms of the competition.


    Unlike what Leon expected, as the scores were announced, the spoils were not listed and displayed for all to see.


    A beast core was not unlike the spirit core of a Cultivator, it was still formed through the tempering of spiritual energy through the body and soul sea.  It was said that a fifth level beast was stronger than an ordinary fifth stage Cultivator, though, as one would also need to be at the peak of a similar stage in martial arts or magic to truly match the natural instincts of a beast.


    Unlike the core of a Cultivator, which only demons dabbling in the dark arts would steal and use, a beast core was fair game to all Cultivators and would not cause a Cultivator to fall from the righteous path if absorbed.  A beast core was also sought after by blacksmiths wishing to forge certain types of spirit weapons. The source of beast cores was not uncommon, but retrieving one from the corpse of a beast in tact was difficult. Often, dying beasts would destroy or even detonate their cores, preventing others from stealing it away freely. At best, most beast cores recovered held some cracks and would not produce good results when used. If an intact one had appeared in the treasures of students in a competition such as this, one could only imagine the envy it caused.


    Leon mentioned this and naturally Pike agreed; "It was rumoured not just to be sought after by other students, but a Teacher or two threw their weight around in an attempt to have the team gift it. Also, some of the team came from cultivation families and sects..."


    "Oh," Leon sighed. "W-What if t-teams q-question the scores?"


    "Teams have the right to question their own scores, indeed," Pike replied, "A judge will give an explanation to them. However, questioning others scores would be considered ill-mannered and just reveal weakness. Even so, I suspect there will always be teams that mutter about it in their hearts. That is where the Interschool auctions come in..."


    Leon held his breath for a moment as their team''s score was announced. Leon didn''t know whether it was good, but Pike looked very satisfied, Velana even had tears in her eyes, her lips curved to a gratified smile. Bowyer congratulated them, his own team''s score was not as impressive, but it was still a good improvement on the previous year. He was still pleased that he''d managed to beat the incorrigible Ari by a single point, however.


    Out of the twenty martial arts teams, Pike''s team came third, another teams stole away first and second. The martial artist''s team that stole the top slot celebrated loudly; their leader had not made the top ten of the Standings, so they couldn''t help but rejoice the unexpected victory.  Sure enough, Leon noticed glances of envy and doubt cast their way, just as Pike had predicted.


    Through the mirrors came the scores for the mage led teams and beast tamer lead teams; Pike''s placement fell to sixth and the first and second placed martial artists fell to second and fifth. Two beast tamer led teams stole third and fourth, while it was a mage led team who won first. Leon even vaguely recognised her name; Mute from the Cygnus clan. She was known to be the strongest mage in the inner mage school at the present time.


    "Not surprising," Bowyer crossed his arms, a little displeased. "Her team was filled with undeniably excellent talents."


    Pike slyly grinned and glanced over at his friend. "Still disappointed that you failed to entice her cousin, Cynus to join your team?"


    "Absolutely....not, no... why would I?" Bowyer denied, loudly, not being threatened by his team''s scholar or anything; who asked that person to be the one of the best, yet most likely to hold a grudge, exorcist''s in the inner scholar school...

 279 Chapter Seventy Nine - Our emotions are stirred

    There were two auctions; the first was where usually the least valuable things were exchanged hands and was only open to students. Students bid using points and as the realm treasures were not always enough to whet the appetite''s of bidders, Pills, talismans, simple crystals and apprentice weapons often were placed up for auction as well. The atmosphere was usually lively and the treasures usually not so rare to want to cause mischief following.


    The second auction was a closed auction where the rarest treasures could be sold. Again Pills, talismans and the like might find new ownership, but usually these were made by top students or Teachers. The closed bidding system allowed for the privacy of the purchaser and the price agreed upon. The dark emotions of envy and greed could only be restrained not solved, this system having been used the past one hundred or so years was found to do so reasonably well.


    Teams decided for themselves what would be sold, what would not. For instance, Roman was very reluctant to part with the small, colour and pattern changing stone and the team were reluctant to take it from him. Indeed, it was just a small treasure and the taking of the pulse of a willing person could give the same results to an expert, no need to rely on the interpretation of a rock.


    Leon harvested many herbs, but for a few stalks and seeds, he was happy to exchange the rest for points. They would also add the ametrines and other gemstones into the general auction. The blue mushrooms had value, but only as an exotic food thus suitable for the student auction as were many of the animal parts, be it that they could become armour or adornments. Though there were certain exceptions, such as the peng-kun teeth, far more suitable for the closed auction, giving outsiders the chance to bid on this treasure.


    The three cockateal eggs would find themselves as part of the closed auction; Velana, their only beast-tamer was not interested in raising one, she chose a few leathers to take back with her over them or anything else.


    Roman took the changing rock and a few interesting pieces of stones that were worth nothing by themselves. Troy''s interest lie in the knife blade; he wanted to have a new handle cast for it and use it as one of his weapons. Caelus thought he liked both the magic ring and the broken jade scrolls, but also felt that it would be better to have the first evaluated and the latter fixed to see what actual value they had. It was not good to be too greedy.


    Everyone eyed the interspatial ring, but no one stepped forward at this point.


    All of their loot was valued this way; on known values. Even if it were say, the unusual skin of a hybrid or a stalk of mutated herb or a magic ring with an unknown array. Basically, it was to simplify things, otherwise wouldn''t teams continuously argue over the value of every small thing? So what if none of the peng-kun teeth had chips or imperfections or the horn of an tri-corn twisted left instead of right? If they made exceptions for one team, wouldn''t they have to make exceptions for others? A piece of broken silver was a piece of broken silver at the end of the day, no matter what shape it took.


    Of course, if the team had successfully identified the magic ring before hand and it was truly worth an increased value, that was different. This was a test for the scholar as well, after all. Roman''s expertise didn''t lie in this area, but he had already found so much for their team, they could not complain. Just swallow the potential reduction in points and seek outside assistance before the auction.


    And then they received some breathtaking information about their treasures.


    Roman was the valued student of a certain Scholar Teacher, not someone highly important, but not someone to be looked down on. Eccentric fit her best. She loved interesting things regardless of value, so although she evaluated their things with sparkling eyes, her heart held no avarice. She was often visited by students following the competition, thanks to her traits. No need to exchange points or silver, no need to risk having to make gifts to appease her will. Just let her study it for a bit, she would return it intact before the auctions, her curiosity satisfied. Of courses that all was based on whether one could get her attention in the first place.


    Great for most students, a nightmare for Roman and his fellows as they were forced to record all of her notes on those objects for the woman. Of course, this time, Roman was on the other side of the coin and he was quick to take advantage of his connections to her to see her directly, without waiting.


    The three rings, the chest filled with coin and the broken jade scrolls were waved beneath her nose catching her immediate attention.


    The coin chest would usually hold little interest to a normal Cultivator; the enchantments upon it were old and worn out, it was now just wood with some array lines upon it.  The formation was interesting, but nothing actually new.  The coins, however, she collected one of each denomination and spread them out, wanting to record this information for prosperity.  After all, these represented a bit of history from a realm that had long lost its records.  Roman and the others were willing to gift them, if she wanted to keep them.


    She just smiled and said nothing, just had one of Roman''s ''sister''s'' make impressions of the coins for her notes.


    Otherwise, silver was just silver no matter what was embossed on its surface.


    The three rings, they were right to guess that one was a decorative, valuable piece, but without other usage.  As for the magic ring, it had defensive properties.  The array added a personal layer of protection on its wearer, the equivalent of a permanent leather skin about the entire body, not unlike Abiding Fortitude pills.  Of course the latter was temporary, the former worked as long as the wearer had spirit to share with it.  This increased its value greatly and would be sought after by many alchemists, scholars and mages not to mention gain interest from other cultivators.


    And then there was the interspatial ring.


    "Not an interspatial ring," the Teacher told them the following day.  "But an interdimensional ring."  Even though the tea in their cups was good, they all couldn''t help but spit it out in shock.


    "Could you repeat that?"  It wasn''t often that Pike questioned his hearing. An interdimensional ring? Wasn''t the chance of forging one like finding natural ice in the desert?


    "It''s an interdimensional ring, but," the woman continued as she placed the silver ring down on the desk carefully, "there is an additional array upon it.  It won''t allow its space to be utilised by anyone but a particular bloodline."


    "Then it''s useless," Caelus couldn''t help but complain bitterly.


    "Not useless," the Teacher smiled and smacked him on the shoulder as if in comfort.  Unfortunately, it didn''t comfort, just caused pain.  "It''s possible that the bloodline exists in one of the other realms, especially consider the high realm.  Just..."


    "Just that finding the owner requires luck," Pike sighed and smiled.  In a way, this was not a bad result.  If others found out they had such a ridiculous treasure, who knew if they could keep it for themselves without losing or shedding blood. "I don''t suppose there are any clues to guide one either?" The Teacher hesitated in thought, before shaking her head.


    "Even then," Caelus continued to mutter, "if we return find the owner and hand it over, whose to say we''ll be repaid with any gratitude."  Leon and the others couldn''t help but nod, this world was not known for its kindness after all.


    "What ab-about the b-broken scrolls?" Leon asked, hoping to lift the emotions that had been both elevated only to sink into the mud once more.


    "Hmm, oh I had my students working on those, let me just enquire," the Teacher hurried out almost absently, leaving them alone in her study. While she was gone, they chatted a bit about their mixed luck and Leon brewed fresh tea.


    "Do you want the magic ring?" Pike asked Caelus as he took the fresh cup of tea, enjoying the scent of it. He wasn''t one for tea, but there was something about Leon''s tea that was always welcoming.


    Caelus looked a little conflicted before finally shaking his head and refusing it. "It''s not something I can afford to keep," he chuckled wryly, even though there was some disappointment that in this, his first competition, there was nothing he liked enough to ask for otherwise. The other ring was boring, not to mention it wouldn''t fit on his thick fingers, the last ring was useless to him; he knew of his paternal bloodlines going back several millennia since his ultimate ancestors managed to rise from the lowest realms to this one. Even if other bloodlines mixed in, famous ones would be remembered, others not, but all would be watered down to preserve the main line, forget the chance of ownership for him. Plus, even then, it was still a treasure that someone at the peaks of cultivation could bend to his or her will should they chose.


    He sipped the fresh brew and grudgingly complimented Leon; "Good tea."


    "It''s m-m-medicinal t-tea, helps fix d-damaged m-meridians m-more quickly," Leon mentioned, with a smile.


    They all took a long drink upon hearing that; meridians could be damaged in many ways, exhausting their energies everyday with little rest, as was their experience of late, was just one. The minor damage healed easily enough, but it never hurt to have an extra aid.


    It wasn''t long before Roman''s Teacher returned.

 280 Chapter Eighty - We head to the Scholar’s schools

    Diaphanous Wildroses were rare, though they looked much like an ordinary wildrose plant, but there were minor differences such as the tips of their thorns being blue in colour and the leaves somewhat more delicate. It grew slowly; this plant could already be ten years in age yet it was no larger than a handspan and would need at least a decade more until it produced flowers. Then, much like the silver tea leaf plant, it could be harvested from many times without needing to uproot the entire thing.


    The seedling itself would not be worth much if it were any other type of slow growing spiritual plant, it was just that many had tried to uproot and relocate mature Diaphanous Wildroses and each and everyone of those plants had died. A seedling might need many, many more years to mature, thus not be of any use to any alchemist or chef now, but it was far less likely to die in the hands of a clever herb farmer than its adult self.


    And as for the scrolls, they turned out to be ancient formulas for two ordinary pills; the Fire Elements Core pill, a pill taken for defence purposes and the One Pulse Pill, which was a healing pill. Both recipes already existed intact in this era, so although the broken scrolls held historic interest, there wasn''t much else. "And the One Pulse Pill recipe is missing pieces, but the main contents are readable," Roman''s Teacher had told them as she had given them to the waiting students. They thanked her for her time and took all of the things back.


    As the silver chest and scrolls were more like trophies and held no real value (unless they melted down the silver coins), Pike decided to keep them for the time being. Later, they would take some of the silver coins to turn into lucky bracelets and an unreasonable martial artist would take Leon''s one off his wrist and toss it in a keepsake box that Leon obtained from a market stall and force him to wear a gold and silver bracelet he''d commissioned himself. But one was in the near future, the other some distance off.


    As for the interdimensional ring, Leon suggested asking the Headmaster to keep it for them.


    Normally no one would think of bothering the Headmaster for such things, but the ring was a bit of a hot potato and though they could hide its existence for a while, it was bound to get found out sooner or later that they had it. Almost as if he was expecting them to make this decision on this matter, the man appeared before them and he took the ring out of their hands without fanfare.


    *****


    The scholars schools were located in a hidden valley within the Ascending Mountains which was amazingly picturesque considering that the scholars themselves had noses in deep within books and scrolls and therefore were unable to appreciate it.  Tucked away between the mountain plateaus and slopes that sheltered the outer martial arts and alchemist schools, the vale was naturally walled by it''s neighbours.  One of those walls happened to be the sheer mountain side riddled with caves that Leon had discovered during his muddled days as an ''outsider'' within this foreign realm.


    The vale itself was not one complete piece of land, but a series of plateaus and was further divided by rock teeth and a fairly deep chasm.  From the library of which a long bridge stretched out leading into a mountain face, up steps carved in the very rock of a hollowed out tower within that mountain, one would exit into a ornate garden of sculptured trees and potted plants, of calming water features and stone ornaments and benches.  Many students, Male and female chatted animatedly while sitting in the gardens oblivious to their beauty.  This plateau stretched long and wide and a series of pathways crisscrossed in straight lines leading away from the entrance of the vale.  One could also find caverns created to form underground bathing pools at furthest point from the entrance.


    Heading one way would lead to the dormitories, of which the facades were built outside of the mountainous walls, while rooms were cosily tucked within.  The facades towered upwards with external stairs, each doorway lead into a shared space, which was decent in size and condition.  Up to four rooms lead away from this communal living area, each room housing up to four students.  All of the students, no matter whether they firmly attended the inner or outer schools lived in this area.


    The dormitories were spread over four plateaus; the higher up one lived, the better the accommodation and the less populated the rooms were.  However, this came at a price; one either needed to pay the cost of residency with points or find shelter beneath the wing of a Scholar-Teacher.


    At the other end of the gardens, the rock floor split to reveal the chasm.  Water fell from a precipice at one end into this chasm, vanishing into darkness.  Two stone bridges covered the breech and in scholar-like fashion, students would travel over them in a single direction.  The bridges led and led from another large and open plateau covered in carved tiles.  Small pavilions were set up here and there, each sheltering stone benches and again students were chatting vigorously, often over tea.  A circular building fitted into the heart of this spacious area and was set over three floors, much resembling restaurants in town.  This was the scholars food hall.


    Further past this area and up many wide steps nestled in between a narrower corridor thanks to the natural shape of the mountains either side, another wide and tamed space could be found.  This place was where the outer school lie.  Much like the dormitories, the outer school''s buildings were semi-submerged into the rock walls.  Here existed large lecture halls, libraries which held many copies of books that could be found within the main library outside of the school and rooms for experimentation and examinations.  Many Teachers and a few select students had their own studies here as well.


    The inner school was similar in terms of what type of buildings could be found within, but it held even more precious study tools, scrolls, books and the like for the inner school students to study.  It was located on a much higher plateau, built around and over the mountain lake that fed the falls.  Many of the Teachers lived in villas beside the lake, on the only grassy space that could be found within the vale and that had been trimmed and trained to conform as well.


    Architecturally, the schools were far more advanced and attractive than the other schools, but then, scholars were far less likely to break, smash or blowup the place.  Plus, for a Cultivator, it was often an unpopular route, thus it could be considered that offering such surroundings was a way to entice students.  Alas, the true scholar cared more about studying tomes than their surroundings.  Strong arrays had been set at every point where a youth head deep in a book or their own thoughts could accidentally fall off of a cliff.


    Leon had never been here before; his Teacher hadn''t brought him here when he came to give the odd lecture (which was rare as his field of expertise leaned towards how to grow herbs, something scholars didn''t care much about over the use of them) and Roman''s Teacher was eccentric.  Her rooms were located in a small valley that could only be reached by griffin or other flying mount.


    He only happened to have the opportunity now as the auctions would take place here, within the outer school''s lecture halls.

 281 Chapter Eighty One - We check out the lots for auction

    Three spaces had received such treatment; two were where the lots were held for inspection, one was where the auction would take place.


    Leon was beside Jin Li as they wandered around the crowded hall holding the open auction lots.  Sixty displays were formed in the space, each protected by arrays from accidental damage, from theft and from time itself.  Most of the displays held animal parts and herbs, occasionally, as with Pike''s team''s display, there were gemstones and ores.  One team was selling some rare wood that they had found and a few had arranged to sell left over paper talismans and pills.  Leon''s team had decided not to do this, after all, some of his pills were not exactly common.


    The small alchemist didn''t look at others'' pills, ignoring even the higher quality ones as they mostly had no use to him.  However, there were more than one stalk of herbs that caught his eye.  He particularly found interest in the whole plants, ones that could be repotted and continuously nurtured.  Some were common, some were not, that part was not something he worried about.


    Jin Li glanced at one or two things, just that these things happened to have little value in his eyes.  Skins, furs, horns and teeth, he could hunt those things himself.  The ores were nothing special to him and he had no use for jade and gemstones; he could not blacksmith nor craft weapons and jewellery, so why would he buy them?  Beside, he''d already found a treasure in the sword he''d named Xunsu Bagong; these people could keep their own measly finds.  He didn''t want them.


    That''s not to say he lacked interest in everything placed in the auctions, but that was due to the fact that the second room held truly valuable and more interesting things.


    The things held for the closed auction were not held in groups, just displayed individually.  The other displays were made to show a fraction of the reason behind their overall scores in the competition, thus quelling some doubts.  In this room, the things being sold didn''t just give their finder''s points toward the competition, they were valuable and sought after.  Plus, non-competitors would display their finest works here in order to obtain some money or other things for themselves.


    In amongst these lots, Leon''s senior brother Hue happened to be standing, with his other senior brother, Stygar.  They happened to be standing next to a display with a jade bottle upon a pedestal, a single, rare pill inside.  It was known as the Scarlet Barrier pill and was an defence-enhancement pill aimed at Fire Mages.  If a mage or even a martial artist with fire roots took this pill, it would form a reflective barrier around them made of fire, which would not only burn any weapon or fist that attempted to make contact with them, but would retaliate with small fireballs.  The major downside was naturally its reduced market; without fire roots to control the volatile nature of the magic pill, the consumer would suffer internal and external damage from the flames.


    "D-d-did b-big brother m-make this p-pill?" Leon found himself asking the large man.


    "En," came the simple response.


    Leon couldn''t help exchange glances with Jin Li and as if reading their mind, Stygar answered their unasked question.  "Hue likes to stand guard over his pills before they exchange hands," he told them, then muttered with a sneer; "it''s not as if there is no protective measures in place.  He does this every year."


    He didn''t tell them why he chose to stand beside Hue; Leon understood that their relationship was not unlike that between himself and Jin Li, so he did not say anything in regards to this.  But a sudden thought did cross his mind.


    "C-can b-big brother m-make other p-pills m-m-m... that mages like?" Leon asked him.


    "En," Hue replied, but a slight curiosity did develop in his dark eyes.


    "These pills aren''t cheap, you know," Stygar informed him, quickly.  "You are our junior brother, but we can''t give away things for free!"


    "I understand," Leon responded quickly and murmured something to Stygar that he could possibly trade with them for one of Hue''s pills.  Stygar''s eyes widened and he blinked a couple of times, his eyes drawn towards a display amongst the herbs.  He had thought about making a bid for one of those stalks, but they were not easy to transplant.  Growing from seed wasn''t easy either, but with the right conditions...  "What d-do you think?"


    Stygar glanced up at the man shadowing him, who was also listening with apt concentration.  Noticing Stygar''s gaze, he said simply; "I''ll listen to you."


    "Alright," Stygar decided after thinking it over for a few minutes.  "Come over to our place in a few days after the auctions are over.  We''ll discuss it then."


    "Okay," Leon agreed with a nod, then noticed that Jin Li was no longer close beside him, but rather he''d wandered over to a stand nearby. He was placing his bid upon parchment square, which was then sealed with wax and placed in a box with other bids. His action naturally gained Leon''s and the small alchemist returned to his side to take a look. He appeared to be bidding for an insignificant looking piece of amber, which happened to hold a tiny, downy feather in its midst. The gem itself was no bigger than Leon''s smallest fingernail.


    Glancing down, he noticed that the description claimed that the trapped feather was believed to be from a phoenix chick. Not the Phoenix, Feng Huang, the mystical bird that was immortal and would not bear offspring as it had long since removed itself from the cycle of life and reincarnation. The phoenixes were an offshoot species, said to have been born of pheasants, but the eggs were caught in the spiritual fire of a Dragon that was locked in battle with it. Feng Huang was upset that innocents were caught up in the battle and used its own energies in an attempt to protect and heal them, before drawing the raging Dragon away. The embryos within the eggs, exposed to the fire of the Dragon and the benevolent heart of the Feng Huang were reborn in the image of the latter, but formed of the fire of the former.


    That was the legend, the truth was lost to time, but it was believed that lava cranes, red sparrows and flame wisps all descended from these fire phoenixes.


    As for the downy feather, it escaped imagination how a feather made of fire could be trapped within a piece of amber, perhaps the chick within its shell was still more flesh and blood that what it would evolve into, Leon didn''t know. But each feather, each drop of blood, each talon of a phoenix was a pure thing that attracted the natural spiritual energy around it. Although the effects would be lessened thanks to the transparent orange shell containing it, if a Cultivator placed this close to their skin, they could draw more energy to themselves during cultivation. How much they could absorb, though, was down to their own luck.


    Unsurprisingly, this was part of the treasure that the placed first above all other martial artist team obtained as part of their trove, ensuring their victory over the others, even if first place over all still remained out of their grasp.


    Leon didn''t ask how much Jin Li bid for it, just noticed that the man looked satisfied with his offer.

 282 Chapter Eighty Two - Things don’t always go our way

    The first auction was bustling and quite fun, at least compared to the dryer more serious atmosphere to an auction in town. This auction was open only to students, who purchased the products which were sometimes uncommon, though not really that rare in exchange for points that they had earned throughout the year. Some genuinely wanted the items; Pike bid on some metal ore, Bowyer tried hard to obtain several pieces of sizeable leather, Leon raised his hand whenever a decent herb came to attention.


    Then there were others who bid randomly, showing off their ''wealth'' and others who used the auction as a psychological way to seek vengeance. One such young woman, for example, bid on a selection of lesser gemstones just to block another young woman, who happened to make jewellery to hold paper talismans to sell onward. Leon and the others didn''t understand the grudge between the two women, but it was clearly deep.


    "Lot number 73, this bottle of six high quality Hidden Fog Pills, do I have any bids?"


    The auction itself was quite fast, there were many, many items to get through after all, so there were no flowery descriptions designed to lure in customers and besides that, generally the students already understood the value of what was on offer so didn''t need eloquent words to draw them forth. The First Years were particularly enthusiastic; their participation in school events was always kept to a minimum, so they loved to be involved more in the things open to them, such as this auction. Most of the cheap and common items found their way into their pockets while most others held out for things with more interest or value. In this way, everything was sold in the end.


    Leon didn''t manage to get his hands on all of the herbs he wanted, but he did collect one stalk of the uncommon herb known as Whispering Juniper and a couple of common stalks that he didn''t already have the seeds for. When he collected them, he noticed they''d wilted a bit, partly due to the conditions they were kept in, partly as they''d come from a warm place to a cold one. He borrowed a small bowl from Roman to water their roots in while waiting for the results of the closed auction.


    The one to pick the winning bids were the team captains, reducing the time and possible arguments that could occur if the whole team gathered to discuss.  Leon didn''t think that there was anything wrong with this idea; it was the Captains that formed the team''s at the end of the day, without their initial decisions, they never would have had the chance to go on such an adventure and test themselves.


    Jin Li was not given a plaque.


    This caused him to be completely sullen for the whole journey back to their small home on the outskirts of the alchemist''s outer school.


    Leon quickly potted the three plants, once more watering their roots and placing them somewhere relatively sheltered and light in the home, as Jin Li tossed a fairly large amount of coal into the stove to fire up the smouldering embers within.  Leon couldn''t help role his eyes heavenward, thinking that it was a waste, but that was soon forgotten as the room became awash with warmth.


    The kettle began to steam and Leon grabbed a cloth to remove the iron pot from the stove so he could pour the water into the awaiting teapot with leaves ready to seep.  Placing the lid on the teapot containing the water that was turning a grassy green, he placed two teacups either side of it and lifted the whole tray to the low table in the middle of the room.


    "Is it such a b-b-big d-deal?" Leon couldn''t help questioning his silent lover as he passed him a warm cup.


    Jin Li hesitated on bringing the refreshing scented tea to his lips, but still drank it gracefully before replying; "This Lord wasn''t expecting gratitude, but thought it might have some use to you.  Seems I would have been wrong."


    "You wanted t-to g-get it for m-me?" Leon realised and felt warmth spread from his belly to his face.  "Thank you."


    "What''s the use of thanking this Lord now?" Jin Li grumbled, the tips of his ears slightly red.  He blamed the growing temperatures caused by the heated stove.


    Leon didn''t answer, just smiled and poured Jin Li a second cup of tea.


    The amber pendant was a cultivation aid, much like Spiritual Pills, but without the side-effects, naturally it would be sought after.  Of course Leon didn''t know what Jin Li wrote upon the bidding slip, it could have been a little or a lot less in value in comparison to whomever won it in the end, but Leon appreciated the thought in his heart.  Still, it was not meant to be and Leon would have to continue to cultivate without its help.


    Naturally, he did not know that Jin Li''s thoughts had run deeper.  Although the martial artist did not want to damage the foundation of Leon''s cultivation by hurrying his advancement, a sense of urgency had developed in his mind.  This had been caused by the reappearance of his maternal grandfather in his life.  He''d always known that he''d have to return to the heart of his family in the Higher realm eventually, but he''d grown comfortable living and studying close to Leon''s side.  He''d found companions to fight next to, Teachers whom he could respect and his small lover who was obedient and loyal; even if he was a bit stupid and naive at times.


    As Leon curled into his embrace, fast asleep that evening, his eyes roamed that youthful and still tender face deep in thought.  They''d been together for two long seasons now, lovers and Dao companions for the majority of that time, but during that first time when he''d drawn his sword at that narrow back, he never would have imagined that he was meeting the man he was fated to be with.


    That quivering, huddled form, adorned in the cheapest and plainest of cloth and with dirt marring his pale cheeks... not to mention those offensive things covering his eyes... how was he to have known this man who he''d mistaken as a threat to him, possibly the cause to his unforeseen fall into this realm, was actually going to be his life partner!  He looked like a beggar rather than a student of the alchemist profession.  After realising that he''d been a fool to even consider the timid rabbit as a danger to his life (he didn''t even think his disorientation could be blamed for that idiot assumption), he''d sought to use him in order to return to his own realm, to his home.  Things hadn''t gone his way, of course and slowly strange feelings had arisen in him the longer he''d spent with the alchemist.  The need to bully him had always been there, but there also developed a need to protect, a need to possess... a need to touch.


    He placed a kiss upon the smooth forehead after brushing aside lengths of black and lengths of white hair, the silken locks running through his fingers as he did so.  Now there was the need to keep his small alchemist as close to his side as possible, even though that meant that he could not yet return home, even though that meant he needed to wait for a greater time.  But seeing his maternal grandfather appear before him, he''d come to realise that time might not wait for him.

 283 Chapter Eighty Three - When Jin Li met with his Grandfather

    The longest he''d settled in an area was about a decade, when he reacquainted with a woman he''d once tangled with and met for the first time his then five year old daughter. Her mother was married, but the man disliked the fact that she already had a daughter, despite being a widow with two sons himself. He was not kind to his wife''s daughter and while the woman tried hard to maintain a balance, it was hard for her to care for her husband and his sons as well as the illegitimate child. It really didn''t help that her daughter was very gifted and outshone her two older step-brothers.


    Thus when crossing paths with her daughters real father, she begged him to take care of her.


    Jian Juren had gazed upon his small daughter and she had stared back with hard, fearless eyes and he''d become smitten with the idea of being a dad. He purchased a villa nearby, hired a cook and a maid to take care of their daily needs and showered his child with dresses and jewellery. He also commissioned a weapon smith to provide the girl with her first sword. He taught her to read and write and how to cultivate.


    She broke through to secondary stage at the precocious age of ten and to tertiary stage at sixteen. Just this excellence alone would have her stepfather regretting his choices had he known, but father and daughter had already left town by then.


    For more than three hundred and fifty years (as based on the higher realm''s calendar), they travelled from place to place, with his daughter honing her sword arts and he dabbling in business, alchemy and whatever else took his attention.  And then her heart was captured by a ''rogue'' and he''d had to return to his bachelor''s life.  Of course, there were the three grandsons, but none of them were as cute and adorable and didn''t seem keen on the wandering life-style.


    Jian Juren could only promise to keep an eye out for his youngest grandson as well as contact his numerous connections.  But it was a coincidence that had them reunite; a party that he hadn''t really the mood to attend, but couldn''t think of an excuse to avoid and the conversation of two brothers upon a balcony, overheard while seeking air to clear his alcohol fuddled mind.


    After that was a simple matter, getting in contact with his old friend, who just happened to be the Headmaster of the Ascending Mountain Institute and awaiting the opportunity...


    Didn''t think that Jin Li would actually be reluctant to go back!


    "How did you come to be in this realm?" Jian Juren had inquired the first evening of reuniting with the youth, over a mountain of supper; the incident clearly had not dented his grandson''s large appetite in any manner.


    Jin Li had politely swallowed the mouthful of noodles he had been consuming before answering. "This... I have yet to discover the cause." Actually, after becoming comfortable sponging off of his small lover and enjoying the fruits of Leon''s labour, he''d lost interest in the why''s. Just deemed it fate. "I recall heading towards Uncle''s compound... despite the late hour, I wished to return something to him... I heard a sound from behind a tree. My vision became... distorted, the air felt icy cold and it felt as if I was being pinched and dragged backwards by unrelenting fingers."


    "Uncontrolled temporal distortion," Jian Juren had stroked his chin as he had made this conclusion. His eyes narrowed. "You say you were on the way to your Uncle''s compound? What were you returning?"


    "Ah? A small Concubine, well her corpse at least," Jin Li had muttered, glad that his small alchemist was not around to hear this confession.


    It hadn''t been the first time one of his Uncle''s many, many concubines had tired of a widow''s existence and attempted to climb into another ''master''s'' bed, but it had been the first time one had had the audacity to attempt to climb into his. Disturbed from his cultivation, he''d lashed out with the sword ever at his side and killed her instantly. He wouldn''t lie to himself and claim he felt regretful, irritated would be closer to the truth, especially as he''d had to traipse across several acres of garden with the body towards his Uncle''s compound. Only, he had never made it there in the end.


    Jian Juren had not been shaken by his confession, just nodded as if it were of no consequence. As cruel as it was, Jin Li''s uncle would not have missed that small Concubine, who''d once been wooed with sweet words and loving gestures to marry into the scorpion pit of a backyard. Though Jian Juren disliked the man, he respected the fact that the man had never forced a woman; they all chose their fate. Who hadn''t heard of the infamous Jin who collected flowers as others collected gold and silver? Any woman who thought they might actually change and win the heart of this man permanently was in for a harsh awakening.


    "I feel that there is more to the circumstances of your disappearance than a natural phenomenon," Jian Juren had sighed as he poured to cups of wine and passed one to his grandson, before savouring the aroma of his own for a moment. He tossed the potent liquid back, enjoying the burn as it slid down his throat before pouring another cup.


    "What do you mean?" Jin Li had queried.


    "Temporal distortions do indeed occur naturally, but they are extremely rare, this you are aware?" Jin Li had nodded in response so Jian Juren had continued. "Not only are they rare, but they vary in size and of course how long a period they remain in existence. I''ve heard that some ten hundred years ago, a man lost his head thanks to one opening at his neck. Then there was a villager who once claimed that he''d witnessed his numerous of his famed pumpkins implode as well as many vines severed as a spat of anomalies plagued his fields. And then there was the historical collapse of the City of Atlas, in which a temporal distortion appeared above the city and swallowed much of it, leaving nothing but a ruin in its wake. So how is it that one opened that was the perfect size of one person, which only claimed him alone and caused him to vanish without a trace of him remaining?"


    "You suspect foul play?"


    "That small concubine''s corpse didn''t come through with you?" Jin Li denied this. "As well, there was no mention of discovering one in the garden''s either. In fact, it was your Uncle who claimed you eloped with his Concubine! Such made your mother very unhappy." Jin Li''s face at that point had unknowingly altered to reveal a similar expression.

 284 Chapter Eighty Four - Jin Li’s Grandfather comes to visi

    Jian Juren, therefore, didn''t rush back to the higher realm to discreetly inform his daughter and son-in-law that their youngest child was alive and well, just currently in a lesser realm.  Telling them in a month or so would not be much different to them than telling them tomorrow.  Indeed, Jin Li''s mother would know that her son was not the sort to run off with a woman, especially not a nominal aunt.  And Jian Juren knew that her anger was due to the rumour marring her son''s reputation, not so much to do with his disappearance.  Life and death in the higher realm (as was often considered in this realm) was much like cultivation, down to luck and ability.


    Jin Li''s father also knew his son well and believed he would not be so easy to kill.


    So telling them of his whereabouts could wait.  He also wanted to investigate deeper the circumstances in which Jin Li came to this realm more deeply if he could and settle his suspicions.  Whether Jin Li was actually targeted.


    A temporal distortion, even one that a man was sucked into whole, was not something that was survived easily.  That Jin Li lived to pass through it and appear in Xulaphrey with just some internal and external damage as well as a little cultivation loss was already excellent.  That he had met Leon, who had provided him with something he needed, could be considered a miracle.  Jin Li simply had the tenacity and fate to be able to continue living.  But it didn''t mean that the individual or individuals who had schemed against him wouldn''t try again, if they discovered that he lived, and succeed in the future.


    So Jian Juren was really in no rush.


    Besides, he really wanted to meet with the little boy who''d made his grandson push to one side his familial duty, his martial arts and cultivation to provide enough space for a fourth body of importance.


    Their paths had crossed once during Jin Li''s confession and then once before.  Jian Juren''s first impression of Leon was a small, striped rabbit.  Jian Juren was a fox; he liked to toy with cute little rabbits.  Alas, his ''grand-kit'' got there first!  And he''d always believed Jin Li took after his father!  His grin widened as he mused himself with his thoughts... before realising that he was lost!


    He glanced back at the unassuming deciduous tree and a flash of movement caught his eye from the lower branches.  It was a small, wooden wind chime, which swayed in thanks to a light breeze, though it was not strong enough to cause its clapper to rattle against the hollow tubes surrounding it.  The clapper was a stylistic koi and on one fin was a symbol that he recognised.  But it was not a symbol of this realm.  His lips curved and he took a path around the tree, but this time to the south of it.


    Two more foreign symbols he noticed carved into two Coeurl carvings that ''lounged'' in the branches of two young, slim trees.  They almost seemed to stare at him as he stepped in between them and continued on his path straight.


    Finally he came to the wall of a small courtyard style property.  There was a metal chimney sticking out of the side and stretching upward above the tiled roof.  Smoke was drifting out of the side openings near the top of it.  There was the scent of something savoury in the air.  Jian Juren felt his stomach grumble, a phenomenon that usually only happened once a century or so.  He followed the wall to the courtyard''s outer gate before pushing it open.


    There was a low rumble of a yawn coming from the one building to his right that was separate from the main property and his head turned to glance that way. The heavy door of the building opened and the musky scent of predators poured out of the space, not followed by the tall, Phoenix-eyed youth that had some similarity to himself.


    If Jin Li was startled by his grandfather''s presence, he didn''t let it show upon his face. "What are you doing here?"


    "Didn''t you intend to introduce me to your little lover?" Jian Juren''s smile spread across his face and his eyes curved wickedly.


    In front of his father or mother, Jin Li would have answered this extremely politely, in front of his older brothers, he would have been short, but for some reason in front of his maternal ancestor, he revealed more of the real Jin Li. "You''ve met him already," he sneered. "This doesn''t explain your presence here and now."


    "I want to be served tea!" Jian Juren sulked. "All the other grandfathers receive a tea ceremony from their descendants, why can''t I?"


    "....Isn''t that sort of thing for the parents and in-laws following marriage?" Jin Li distinctly recalled Uncle''s first and second wives performing filial piety tea ceremonies for his paternal grandfather... before the old patriarch lost his mind after failing the lightning tribulation.


    "Don''t argue, what does a child know," Jian Juren crossed his arms and continued to act childishly.


    "Tch," Jin Li did not hide his contempt, just closed the stable door behind himself and strode to the door of the rear, main building. Jian Juren followed with a bright grin.


    "Are the C-Coeurl settled in n-now?" The soft, stammered words reached Jian Juren''s ears as he crossed the threshold after his grandson.


    "En," Jin Li replied in a tone that was two tenths softer than that which he used when speaking to his grandfather. Just this small distinction alone naturally did not go unnoticed by the older man.


    He watched as his grandson stepped lightly towards the low table in the centre of the room, which was decorated with a plain, but functional tea set, the pot of which already had steam curling out from the spout. Leon''s eyes had not left Jin Li''s form as it moved with grace and without extraneous, unnecessary movement, the little rabbits eyes calm and clear, while revealing their heart. Jian Juren hadn''t felt like the third wheel before, not even at when his daughter tossed him aside for that villain. He wasn''t sure whether he should feel uncomfortable or amused.


    He coughed lightly, capturing Leon''s attention. The small rabbit looked at him with his large black eyes encircled by the frames of his spectacles and looked horrified. Jian Juren chuckled inwardly. "T-t-Teacher!" Leon stuttered out, before looking flustered as he recalled the older man''s other identity.


    "Just ignore him," Jin Li suggested, "he came here without invite."


    "Jin Li," Leon chided him, before bowing apologetically to Jian Juren. "P-please, T-Teacher, m-make yourself at home. The t-tea is freshly b-brewed. Ah, I''ll get another c-c-cup!" He frantically wiped his hands on a towel before reaching for a clean cup on the shelf. The little rabbit almost dropped it in his haste before clutching it to his chest with a sigh of relief that it was safe.


    Jian Juren really struggled to hold back his laughter. He really did like cute rabbits after all...

 285 Chapter Eighty Five - We are all observers this time

    Jin Li, Sun and Maimai were all first years, couldn''t enter the main competition.  Pike and Bowyer were in the top twenty of the martial arts school and had just led teams through the Shattered Empyrean Isles realm, so they were discouraged from entering.  So along with Leon, who naturally had no intentions of entering, they all watched from the comfort of the observation platforms of the outer mage school.


    Leon had travelled in the company of his Teacher to the outer mage school twice before.  It was the complete opposite of the scholars school area in the fact that it was not designed with picturesque scenery in mind.  Magic was often a destructive force, intentionally or otherwise.  It simply wasn''t practical to rely on architecture for the sake of pleasing the senses.


    The outer mage school was formed on an artificial platform deep within and high up in the Ascending mountain institute.  It was a grey and sterile place for the most part, cold and imposing.  Four large stone towers stretched skyward, the lower floors being nothing more than a series of arches designed to support the upper floors, where domiciles, classrooms and other facilities could be found.  These seemed to guard at four points a large, empty field of flat rock.  This space was also surrounded by tall stone walls, two of which curved slightly inward after reaching some height, the tops of which were not flat and even but jagged as if made of a large wave of grey.


    The group of friends were watching the battle from a standing, roofed platform that rose from one of the two completely vertical walls in this place; these walls also acted as a corridors between towers. There were actually three floors for observation on each wall and each were filled with bustling, curious students, watching the battles with glee. The battles were short, only the length it took to burn an incense stick, and were judged by three Teachers. The person who was declared a winner gained ten points, the loser was unable to continue to battle and a draw would gain both just two points. This would generally continue until only ten combatants remained.


    The battles following would be longer, more intense for the individuals involved and the risk of injury far greater. Naturally medics were on standby, but usually a healing pill would be sufficient for most.


    The mage managed to win this round, but it was exceedingly close. If the martial artist had around half a minute longer, the victory likely would have swayed in his direction. The martial artist was clearly unhappy, his fists clenched more than necessary as he politely bowed to the mage and left the field.


    "I know that one," Bowyer sighed, shaking his head. "His temper has always been short. Likely, he''ll want a rematch in the future."


    "If he''s willing to put more points on the line and challenge that mage," Pike muttered in disapproval, "he can have his wish tomorrow." After the top ten battled came the usual ''grudge'' matches, challenges between individuals, just like following the Standings. They were a good way to settle issues and blow off steam. Not that some people were able to let their grudges go even after that.


    "Too weak," Jin Li declared, crossing his arms, causing Pike and the others to chuckle.


    "You would think so," Bowyer snorted aloud. "How can they compare to you who have now formed his core?!"


    "There are likely only a handful that could face you now, Jin Li," Pike agreed. There was no envy, despite their teasing. They were several years older than Jin Li and only of tertiary stage, but both were not untalented and their chances of piercing through the bottleneck and forming their cores was considered high. It wouldn''t surprise others if they didn''t achieve such in the next year or two. Afterwards, they might seek to move on from the Institute, as most who''d formed their core did. Jin Li stayed for at least one obvious reason.


    Of course as central as Leon was to his plans, Jin Li did not dislike the Institute. There was much he''d learned over the years at his father and tutor''s side, but there was much he''d learned in the half-year of studying here instead. Although the spiritual energy in the air was weaker than in the higher realm, there were definitely benefits that offset this loss, benefits that he enjoyed immensely.


    Still, he wouldn''t be as naive to say that he was invincible compared to other students just because his core was formed. Tertiary stage cultivators were not weak. There were many with the skill set and experience to stand equally or even above someone like him who''d just formed his core at such a young age. Plus, there were pills that could further close the gaps and exploit weaknesses. To bulldoze his way over others just based on his improved power was an idiot''s fantasy.


    There were almost one hundred entrants into the competition, with at least eight battles per sichen, they began just after breakfast and lasted well after the setting sun.  The conditions of light and weather were based on luck for once a participant''s name was drawn, they had to battle or forfeit.  A forfeit was as good as a loss and as battles progressed, the number of people throwing in the towel increased.  Some were due to previous injuries, some were due to confidence.  The numbers of participants dwindled to twelve by the time the the judges declared it a day.  The twelve were declared finalists rather than ten, this was not unusual so no one mentioned it, just looked forward to the following day.

 286 Chapter Eighty Six - We watch a Semi-final match

    Leon, Jin Li and Maimai headed back to the alchemist schools while Sun, Bowyer and Pike headed to the martial arts schools; Sun with the enlightenment that he was returning to an empty room again.  Actually, he was a bit used to this now, so didn''t think much of it anymore.  Instead he chatted to Pike and Bowyer as they, in turn, revealed their own interpretations of the battles knowing the youth was like a sponge and would absorb it all.  They liked this little brother of theirs and were not stingy in sharing their understandings.


    "Why were there jeers when that beast tamer took to the field?" Sun asked, curiously.


    "You know that the top twenty martial artists are discouraged from joining the matches?" Bowyer pointed out to him.  "It''s the same for the top twenty beast tamers and top twenty mages.  That one ranks something like fifteen or sixteen."


    "Oh, so he broke the rules?" Sun was aghast, his expression reflecting his surprise.


    "Actually he''d not broken any school rules," Pike advised him.  "The reason we don''t participate is more of an unwritten thing and due to a few factors.  For one thing, we''ve already had our chance at glory in both the Standings and the team challenge.  While the Institute promotes strength, it also encourages growth, but if to consistently have to stand in others'' shadows can cause dissension, harm confidence and restrain development."


    Sun scrunched up his nose pondering for a while then likened it to what he experienced in his own home when he couldn''t break through to secondary stage.  It was very depressing and disheartening.  If he had remained in that situation, likely any potential he had would have remained stagnant and asleep.  Those false smiles of reassurance he''d given his mother back then and the false stance of confidence he''d shielded himself with when facing the cousins who were talking cruelly about him behind his back once more came to the forefront of his memory and he found himself nodding.


    Fortunately, he no longer had to face his relatives for a while; his Grandfather had returned home with Carmen in tow.  Sun suspected that she wouldn''t have time to cause anyone trouble for sometime and perhaps in half a year, he''d even be notified that she''d been engaged to someone.


    As for that Beast Tamer, it turned out that he''d ignored the unwritten rule as he was dissatisfied with his and his team''s performance in the other challenge and was seeking to redeem himself.  He did not make himself popular by doing this, but he and his Striped Wolf made it into the top twelve to battle again the following day.


    But it was really stupid to underestimate a mage via his appearance.


    The beast tamer couldn''t totally be blamed for his stupidity; he''d already defeated several mages using either pincer attack technique or a mix of long ranged attacks while his beast stood as a deadly shield for himself.  This unassuming mage was also very youthful, he''d already confirmed that the boy was nineteen and only in his second year of school.  His place in the Standings was in the lower half of the inner school, so while he had some talent (he was in the inner school after all), he likely got this far by luck.


    This surface knowledge failed to take into consideration that the little mage before him was a sore loser, who having earned only a lower position in the Standings (which was still quite good for a second year), spent the next half a year working extremely hard to develop his abilities.  He''d expanded his array of spells, perfected the ones he already knew and worked on gaining battle experience in both theoretical and practical situations.


    The foregone conclusion was; the small mage wiped the floor with the beast tamer.  He trapped the paws wolf with his Earth magics, created a small wall of defence in front of himself and pelted the beast tamer with a short shower of pebbles.  These spells were all small spells, none of which took more than a second or two to cast, thus the overconfident beast tamer, who''d lost momentum the moment his wolf began to sink in a pool of quagmire, had no time to prepare against.  The pebbles hurt, but didn''t cause any real damage, however they were hard for the burly beast tamer to avoid.  He certainly couldn''t aim his cross bow while being pelted by them.  And his arrow wouldn''t do much but cause a crack in the wall the mage was hiding behind!


    The effect of the spells were short, though.  The wolf managed to dig his paws free and the rain of pebbles stopped not long after they began.  So the wolf continued to run to a target place behind the mage, while the tamer rushed to the side in an attempt to find an opening.  Was the little mage standing there awaiting to be defeated though?  Of course not!  His small spells were for one purpose; time.  Powerful spells required time to cast and although the time gained was not great, it was enough for the small mage.


    The ground surrounding the mage began to shake; both the tamer and wolf were caught in the localised quake and were unable to stay upon their feet.  The tamer was then once more pelted by stones, while the wolf once more began to sink downwards.  The mage formed more walls as his spell duration ended, but he left an opening for himself to escape from while the wolf and the tamer were distracted by his temporary fortress.


    The wolf was slyer than his master and caught the mage''s scent upon the air, so stopped futilely attacking the walls to chase the mage.  Only the path was one of sharp thorns made of stone and the paw pads of the wolf could only handle so much before being pierced through, slowing the pained beast.  The tamer had followed his beast and shot bolts towards the fleeing form, one did pierce the flapping sleeves of the mage, but the next was caught by an Earth wall that suddenly burst from the ground.


    Almost in petty retaliation, the tamer found himself once more pelted with stones.  Consistently bruised and harried this way would cause a mental exhaustion to almost anyone and a Cultivator of secondary stage was only two steps above an ordinary mortal after all.  If the Cultivator''s state of mind was not already exceptional, he would likely be unable to endure.  Some would become sluggish as their mind admitted defeat, others would explode in temper and exhaust themselves further, the beast tamer was one of the latter.  He rushed towards the mage, tossing aside his crossbow and reaching for his long dagger, ready for close range combat.  He jumped over the quagmires that appeared at his feet, ran around the slowly growing spires that appeared from the ground, even burst through thin dirt walls and raced towards the small mage with the dark twinkling eyes.


    He didn''t think that all these small obstacles were to once more boost his confidence in defeating his opponent, to narrow his vision completely, he didn''t think that the squishy mage had more tricks up his sleeve.  He ran through one thin wall and another, using his muscles to remove the obstacles in fierce rage, only to run hard and smack face first into a several feet thick wall of solid stone.  Dazed and confused, he still rose to his feet only to realised he''d been entrapped by four walls of stone, unable to get out.  Plus, the mage really was petty and clicked his fingers as he created another localised stone rain to fall just above the tamer''s head; these had been his favourite robes and now they were torn and stained with a bit of blood!


    The small mage was declared the victor and went on to win the competition.  The beast tamer finally settled for third.


    The main competition was over, but the day was not.  Especially, it seemed, for one small alchemist who''d been observing from the platform.

 287 Chapter Eighty Seven - I get something unexpected

    Most individuals would; it was a chance to settle matters or perhaps test their skills where they otherwise would not have been able and the confident ones saw it as an easy way to gain points. A few would decline, but apart from the challenger, generally no one would say a word against that person. There were more important things to think about or use their precious time here for.


    Leon stared unseeingly at the wooden tablet that had landed in his palm and a hushed silence surrounded him as others looked equally in disbelief. Jin Li''s eyes narrowed and his fists curled. Who dared challenge his small alchemist to a fight? He would kill them!


    "Who is... ''Jude''?" Pike asked, peering over Leon''s shoulder and reading the name of the challenger.


    Leon snapped out of his daze and tried to think where he had heard that name spoken before.  Maimai happened to confirm it; "A senior in the outer alchemist school."


    "Isn''t h-he..." Leon finally recalled; Jude was one of Maimai''s many admirers.  In fact, if his memory served correctly, the first time he''d heard about the girl who''d become his best friend and Merylin, her sister, it was from the mouth of this youth and his friends.  Maimai nodded, confirming Leon''s thoughts.  They both sighed in unison.


    "He has a problem with you?" Bowyer guessed.


    "M-more he has a p-p-problem with m-me b-being friends with Maimai," Leon replied as Maimai muttered that wasn''t it her own choice who she hung around with, what did it have to do with others?!


    Bowyer heard her muttering and teased her anyway; "Ah, so it''s your fault, little girl!"  She looked up and stuck her tongue out at him, which simply made him chuckle.


    "Says here that he wants to have an Alchemists battle," Sun pointed out, tapping on the wood still in Leon''s grasp.  "What''s an alchemist''s battle?"


    Pike tapped his chin in thought.  "Well, it''s not like it''s not been done before, but," he began, "alchemist battles aren''t really that popular to watch... simply, the two Alchemists will make a set Pill in front of the judges, who will deem the winner on completion.  Frankly, for spectators, they can be boring."


    Sun was not so easily deterred.  "I still want to see!  Will you accept the challenge, Leon?"


    "This Lord thinks this June..."


    "Jude," Sun corrected, cheerfully.  He was glared at.


    "This Jude is not worth the consideration," Jin Li replied, "and I dislike that others will get to watch you..." he clicked his tongue in irritation as several amused and incredulous looks were cast his way. "However, as demeaning as it will be for you to put him in his place, I would not look down on you for it." As serious the expression in his dark eyes, they held a certain amount of pride and warmth for the person reflected within them that caused Leon to blush.


    "Th-then I will accept," the small alchemist said, softly and no sooner as he murmured the words did the tablet in his hand begin to glow before springing free and returning to the Teacher in charge.


    The group headed to the martial arts school in order to partake in the midday meal. The challenges would not take place until a sichen (two hours) later and so they had plenty of time to travel, eat and digest. However, Leon couldn''t help but feel a little nervous, after all, it was the first time in his memory accepting such a challenge and in truth, he''d never even seen one occur between two Alchemists.


    The only thing he could liken it to were one of the tests of the end of year assessments. For an alchemist, these amounted to three things; identifying herbs and their quality, a scholarly test of alchemical and herbal knowledge (for people with poor literacy, this was done verbally) and of course the most important test, creating a pill with the herbs provided. This latter test was performed with others of similar ability and although your final product was not compared to others of your group by the Teachers, did not mean that other students were not doing so themselves.


    Leon (as Leo) had passed this pill forming test without issue both times (as well as the other tests), though his results were usually mediocre, his placement always somewhere in the middle.


    Those who failed to pass were allowed a single resit and failing that, they were asked to leave the Institute. Those who cannot or will not learn, cannot be taught after all. Better that they find a different path in life.


    "Are you not going to eat that?" Jin Li had piled one side of his lover''s plate with tender strips of meat and was not ashamed to filch them back once Leon showed little interest in eating.


    Leon picked up a root vegetable with his chopsticks and munched upon it, before pushing his plate closer to Jin Li to allow him ease of access.


    "Ah, that''s not right!" Maimai pouted, thinking Leon was being exploited once more. "Leon needs to keep up his energy so he can win his challenge later on!"


    Jin Li could not hide the expression of being torn from his face. Indeed, he couldn''t help agree with Maimai''s words in his heart, but... that was meat...


    Leon smirked, finding the meal that he''d nibbled out without tasting, suddenly more interesting. He picked up a bowl of fish soup from his side and began to drink it. "It''s alright," he said, pushing his plate to Jin Li more firmly. "I''m already q-q-quite full."


    His lover smiled at him and wasn''t polite. The heap of meat steadily reduced in height.


    "You spoil him," Maimai pouted, now also feeling torn. This was the ultimate meal in front of her, two good looking Male youths eating together as they stole fond glances at each other and sitting so close that the shu might as well be in the gong''s lap... but Leon was her best friend after all and Jin Li really did take great advantage of him too often for her liking.


    She could only put such aside for now, for as soon as the meal was done, they would be heading back to the mage school for the challenge.

 288 Chapter Eighty Eight - He feels I am not worthy

    Jude was his family''s third son.  Their village''s traditions were that the eldest son followed the father, taking on his father''s trade and inheriting his father''s property.  The second son took on a path that supported the first son, while the first son acted as his pillar in life.  Such roles were often scholars thus helping to relieve the family of taxes, merchants who provided monetary support or at the worst as assistants, relieving the burden on the first son.  Third, fourth or fifth sons were sort of spare.  If the second son became a (mortal)scholar, then they might be allowed to venture into business, but if there was already a scholar and merchant, then they could only work for the eldest son as free labour.


    Jude didn''t want that, but his family couldn''t afford to spend money on him as all the money was invested in his second brother who repeatedly took exams and failed.  Yet for some reason, they retained their hopes for him and without capital, Jude could only grudgingly assist his brother in the farm.  It was backbreaking work and Jude who had always been of weaker body since birth struggled immensely becoming the target of scorn of his parents and elder brothers and sister-in-law.  When he heard that the recruitment drive for the Institute was going to be in the nearby town that year, he convinced his parents to let his second brother (and himself in consequence) take the tests to attempt to get into that place.


    His sly tongue put a lot of emphasis on his older brother; how could those officials be so blind as to not see his second brother''s potential, the potential his parents rightfully believed in?  Getting into the famous Ascending Mountain Institute would not only prove those officials wrong, but open a new path for his second brother, the path of cultivation!  And everyone in the village looked up at the untouchable Immortals more so that ordinary scholars...


    Sure enough, his second brother had no internal roots, so he could not cultivate and could not enter the Institute.  But just as the family turned to return home, Jude had approached the Teacher to be tested, ignoring the summonings from his folks and was found to have two roots; a minor Plant root and the Ember body root, this latter was what gave him his small immunity to fire.  His parents were shocked, but after the shock wore off, they finally looked at him with eyes of value and allowed him to enrol into the Institute.  He was given a whole twenty silver, more money than he''d ever seen in his life.  This happened to be what his mother had originally saved his brother''s education, so he made some weak promises to pay his mother back as soon as he gained the ability and headed to where the handful of other boys and singular girl stood waiting to be transported to the Institute.


    As he did so, he heard a youth pleading with the Teacher to be allowed to enrol into the Institute, promising to work hard and other things.  Jude had sneered, thinking that the boy, who was his own age, was like his second brother and so many others, just not qualified to enrol.  What surprised him was that the boy managed to get accepted!


    Both he and this other boy had no ability to enter anything but the alchemist school; both were physically not strong, too wary of most beasts and their roots did not qualify them as mages.  Jude could not read, the other youth had some literacy, but it wasn''t a scholar''s level, and that boy''s aptitude was even weaker than his own, so they were placed into the outer alchemist school with some other undesirables.


    Jude had to work hard to learn how to read before he could dive more deeply into herbs and alchemy, while Leo was already beginning to mix his first Potions, stirring up a rivalry inside of the former.  This passion for studying paid off and soon he was also exploring potion making, while Leo took his first steps into pill making.  Then a half year later, both were producing clear Spiritual Pills and one heart pills, but Jude was ready to move onto more difficult creations.  The gap which had seemed to divide them in the beginning had reversed and Jude, with his natural (however less than ideal) aptitude had the advantage.


    Just as their second year in the Institute had ended, Jude had broken through to Secondary stage of cultivation and was ready to move onto even more complex pills.  But this was also when he began to become more complacent.


    Fire and Wood roots were a boon to Alchemists and lesser variations, flame and plant roots were also considered useful.  Therefore the outer alchemist school had a great many cultivation methods suitable for individuals with these types of root.  Jude happened to have the advantage of one of these methods as well as his original will to succeed allowing him to get so far and above those fellows who had enrolled with him.  But he did share the same blood as his second brother, in fact, he also had a similar temperament, just that with the hard labour and filial expectations, he''d been forced to endure and the constant scoldings, it had been suppressed.  Now he was succeeding in life, receiving praise and attention that had once belonged to his second brother, that lazy, lacklustre nature began to rear its head.


    Returning to school after the summer break, he learned of the rumours that Leo had made Caprian, the student''s unofficial boss, unhappy and not only had Caprian ''re-educated'' him physically, but Leo''s cultivation had deviated somewhat.  This made Jude recall the boy, who''d begged to enter the Institute, but he didn''t much care about it.  Just thought that his original idea had been correct; Leo wasn''t suited to be in this place.  He thought that Leo would even disappear, leave and go back to whichever village he came from.  He never imagined that Leo had great tenacity and thick skin!


    Worse still, he began gaining support once Caprian left for the inner school.  Martial artists seemed to like him, Teacher Sagi wanted to teach him personally.  He came and went as he pleased, not bothering to hide the white stripes that had formed in his hair thanks to the deviation.  He was aloof, never talking to anyone except the tall martial artist that came to hang around him so much, probably providing him backing for some unknown reason. After all, why would anyone want to hear that stutter and be forced to smell poverty (he''d selectively forgotten that his own background was similar) but what really irritated Jude the most was that this useless waste actually attracted the attention of one of their school''s twin lotuses!!


    Miss Maimai was clearly just soft hearted and felt sorry for the waste, yet that waste wouldn''t let her alone and Miss Maimai was increasingly obliged to treat him with kindness.  He wanted to teach Leo a lesson, but he wasn''t stupid like those fellows who''d sent the idiot to the Healer''s Hall that time and got themselves expelled by doing so.  He would teach Leo in an above board manner, during this competition with a challenge!  After all, Leo had never been as good as him at alchemy, so he would beat Leo down and show him once and for all that he just wasn''t worthy to clean Miss Maimai''s shoes let alone walk beside her!

 289 Chapter Eighty Nine - I haven’t made these in a while

    Jian Juren; I beg to disagree!


    So in the centre of the mage field, a platform had been placed just for this rarely seen challenge. On top of the platform were three tables and on two of those there were alchemy stoves, simple cauldrons, kettles, pestle and mortars and bowls as well as a jade plate on each. On the third table was an array of various herbs both common and uncommon, their refreshing scents caught on the wind and teasing the senses of observers even from their distances.


    Standing behind one of the tables, Leon felt very uncomfortable; so many eyes were staring down at him. He felt as if the heat from each their eyes increased his core temperature by a half degree, the accumulation of such was burning him to a crisp. With reddened cheeks, he pushed his glasses up his nose as he tried to listen to what the Teacher was saying.


    This Teacher happened to be from the alchemist school, but mostly taught inner school students. She, as well as a Teacher from the scholars school, was replacing the Teachers from the martial arts and beast tamer schools just for the alchemy competition. The mage judge remained; this was taking place on mage school grounds after all.


    "Jude from the outer alchemist school has challenged Leo also from the outer alchemist school to a battle of alchemy and Leo has accepted. In this challenge, Leo, as the challenged, will be asked to blindly chose a pill from their recorded repertoires. After being informed which pill they will be creating, they must gather the correct herbs from the selection in front and begin the process of making the pill. They are given a maximum time in which to complete this of thirty minutes. They can make as many attempts as is necessary in this period and can chose the final product for the judges to consider. We will then declare a winner between the two. The loser must give the victor ten points as is usual amongst these challenges. Do both parties understand?"


    This last part was spoken without the aid of vocal enhancement spells and just to the alchemist students. Leon nodded, while Jude sneered in his direction though he covered up his expression when glanced at by their Teacher. "Yes, of course," he said, politely.


    She showed the words written on the parchment to the other Teachers who nodded in confirmation before declaring the type of pill that they would be creating.  "The Seven Steps Pill!"


    The Seven Steps Pill was an enhancement pill and a combat pill used to increase the speed of the one who consumed it for a period of time.  Leon had investigated this pill as Leo, even made numerous attempts to create it before successfully developing one.  Had to be noted that this type of pill was not easy to make for an alchemy student of primary stage.  This was as their inner-seas were generally small and their control over their spiritual energy was not great.  However Leo had probably succeeded as his control and concentration (unchanged as Leon) was good as was his patience.  Still, this had been just before the accident and Leon, who had regressed thanks to his lost memories, hadn''t formed this pill since.  Thankfully, by this time his memory had mostly returned...


    Both youths approached the table with the herbs upon it.  As it was winter, some of the less hardy herbs were not exactly fresh, there was even some purposefully dried herbs amongst the batches.  Despite this, their aromas were still quite good.  Leon glanced over them, seeking what they would need for the Seven Steps Pill.


    Probably not coincidentally, the Seven Steps Pill required seven herbs.  Jude beside him identified them quickly, grabbing what he required before hurrying back to his cauldron.  The person who finished first with a qualified pill could gain favourability from the judges.  Leon didn''t hurry, frowning as he noticed the False Nettle herb beside a few other types of Nettle, but as it was the snowy jade Nettle he required, he was not fooled by this.  The snowy jade Nettle had pale green leaves, but also hardened stalks that looked as if they were made from white jade.  The blood red taint that gave away the False Nettle''s identity would be too easily seen if it attempted to mimic the other plant.


    Leon took a stalk that was particularly lustrous, for no other reason than it looked good as well as some purple spirit grass, wise fools folly (a succulent herb with a backstory, not unlike the concubines jade beads), wyrm''s breath, twilight grass, ice rose for its amber and umber spike moss.  He chose the freshest looking herbs with the exception of the ice rose stalk.


    Ice Rose amber was a part of the herb the ice rose, but it was an accidental by-product found inside the stalk.  Some said that it was a hardened blockage of golden coloured sap which built up inside the lower part of the stem, but Leo had discovered in his own curious way, that the more wilted the ice rose, the larger the amber and that the amber contained in a rose that had budded but not bloomed before dying was usually more pure.  The stem he had chosen was weak and on the dry side, it''s closed bloom black and without life.  Sure enough, amongst the uneven bulges in the lower stem, there was one quite decent in size.


    With a provided knife, he swiftly cut open the stem as water boiled in the kettle on the stove.  As was his usual habit when making tea based concoctions, he thoroughly boiled the water before using it in the recipe.  Inside the stem was a translucent, amber stone, which he placed in a bowl to one side before preparing the other herbs, crushing the plucked spines of the moss, which were shaped as small balls and juicing the succulent pods.


    Others would toss the herbs in together to make the tea brew, it wasn''t necessary to separate them.  But the wyrm''s breath flowers weren''t needed for the tea, so he frugally cut them off of their fine array of stems before cutting the stems into pieces and adding them to the purple spirit grass and the black and blue blades of the twilight grass into the boiling water to seep.  Placing the kettle to one side, he put the cauldron onto the stove.  This was part of the recipe that needed his concentration the most.


    At the bottom of the cauldron, he placed the amber before quickly reaching into his innersea for his spiritual energy in order to deftly control the flame.  In order to melt the amber, the flame needed to be white hot, but as soon as it had melted to a thick goo, the heat needed to be reduced vastly or it would continue to melt to a watery consistency, becoming spoiled.


    Leon suddenly paused.  As he stirred to life the small galaxy of stars within his inner sea, he noticed something was not quite right.  There seemed to be one sparkling glint that was acting contrary to his spiritual energy, weaving in and out against the natural flow.  It even seemed to hop over another star!  He wanted to watch it further, but snapped out of the notion recalling that he was in the midst of a competition and had limited time.  Generally, a Seven Steps Pill would need the majority of this time in order to be completed!  Also, it wasn''t causing the flow of his energy to falter in anyway, so he decided to let it be, examine it later and focus on the challenge for now.


    His spiritual energies stirred, they rushed forward to fuel the flames condensing the heat in addition to further enhance the fire.  The flames were visibly white under his control and the amber began to melt.  At the point he recognised the amber was sufficient, he reshaped his energies to lower the temperature of the flame and cauldron, allowing the amber to retain consistency.


    He then slowly added the tea, stirring it with a split section of his energies and kneading the liquid into the amber goo until the amber was swollen with the tea.  Of course it was not complete yet, he needed to also add the mixed juices of the succulents and the crushed spines of the moss balls.  But first, he needed to combine them together quickly.  This was another test of the alchemist''s abilities, multitasking.  The powder and liquid could only be mixed together for a short while or the powder would dissolve and lose its qualities.  But neither could be added to the amber separately; the powder would thicken the amber too much, the liquid would ruin the even consistency.


    Leon was able to do this second task while preventing the amber from burning without much difficulty.  He also mentally kneaded the second combination into the amber without losing any of the efficacy of the herbs.  He couldn''t help but wipe his brow after this step was done; all of those cauldron explosions Leo had caused thanks to this recipe really were worth it in the end.  Finally, he used his spiritual energy to form four golden coloured pills, before removing the cauldron from the heat and withdrawing his remaining spirit.  The four pills he placed into the dish were all equally of good quality, so he didn''t feel it was too much of a big deal to hand one to the Teacher at random to be judged.

 290 Chapter Ninety - It comes down to the small details

    He''d won. Although their final pill products were equal in quality, he''d produced more pills and in a faster time period than Leo, this would count to his benefit. True Leo had produced more good quality pills, but his two average pills still counted as being of use and the poor quality pill was not trash. He just smiled gleefully as he waited for the Teacher to announce him as the victor, glancing up at the stands where he believed Miss Maimai was standing.


    Could she see now that there were better Alchemists in the school than that trash Leo?!


    "And the victor of this challenge..." the Teacher began as Jude anticipated, "is Leo!"


    "Wait, What?!"


    There was some applause from the audience, particularly concentrated in one area of the stands, but reality was; the battle really was boring to watch. Nearly thirty minutes of seeing people cut herbs and stand staring at their cauldron. From this distance they couldn''t see the minute changes of the flames turning what, the beads of sweat upon the two Alchemist students foreheads as they split their concentration again and again in order to create this particular pill. Some had chatted as they waited about earlier battles, some had laid small bets of copper coins upon the winner and loser of this match, a couple had even played rock, paper, scissors in a corner. Only those supporting Leo and Jude respectively actually paid much attention as well as an Alchemy Teachers who had higher senses and could ''see'' just what was occurring with the flames and within the cauldron.


    Leon didn''t mind that there wasn''t any thunderous applause or anything, just pleased that he hadn''t let down the expectations of his lover and friends. Jude also didn''t care, he was too busy trying to figure out why he hadn''t heard his name when the victor was declared.


    Now, she had to pacify a sore loser. "What''s not to understand?" She questioned, calmly and with no irritation in her tone. She could understand that from this boy''s views, their pills were equal in value so their scores should have been untied with other factors.


    Sure enough, he stated these very points.


    The Teacher indicated the two translucent gold pills upon the table in front of the judges. They were of equal size, the colour at first glance seem equal in depth and shade, their scents were indistinguishable. However, the pill on the right somehow seemed more attractive and pure.


    "You are correct in saying that the final pills were both equal in quality," the Teacher explained to the fallen youth, "however what won the battle was the amount of impurities within the pills." Seeing Jude frown, she continued to explain; "Leo''s Seven-Steps Pill has two tenth less impurities than your pill, do you understand?"


    "How can that be?" Jude muttered, then glanced at the array of fresh and dried herbs on the table in front. He''d grabbed what he needed without really looking at what was available and it had been down to luck that the amber within the Icerose was sizeable helping him to create a good number of pills. "Is that down to luck of ingredients? Were there bad ones mixed in with the good ones?" His hands formed into fists; he was unwilling to accept the consequences of his own actions.


    The scholar judge sighed, but the amicable smile he''d been wearing all of this time did not fall. "Young one, herbs do contain varying amount of impurities and it cannot always be recognised which may contain more than others. Leo did spend more time than yourself when choosing his ingredients. Whether that was to his advantage or not remains unknown, but it is possible. However, Leo also took an extra step that you chose not to and that was to boil the water separately before seeping the herbs. In order to save time, you boiled the herbs with the water. Surely you were aware of the findings about this simple extra step, it has been a few months now." This step had been inadvertently discovered by young Leo, attributed to him via his Teacher. Any scholars interested in the theory of alchemy knew of this yet a student of alchemy was unaware?


    Jude bit his lower lip, his eyes reddening in anger. He had heard about this in passing, one of his friends had mentioned this, but he hadn''t realised it was such a big deal. If he could create a pill with better quality that Leo and in a better time, what did the impurities matter? If they were too much then fine it would make the quality of the pills worsen, but then, he wouldn''t have picked that pill for judgement to begin with!


    As if the alchemist Teacher could understand the thoughts running through his mind, she asked him; "If you were a martial artist seeking a Seven Steps Pill of good quality, which one of these pills would you choose? The ordinary one or the one that left his body in a better condition after consumption?"


    Stated like this, Jude really had no choice but to accept his loss. He could only retreat quietly and reflect on what had gone wrong. He was unhappy, especially when he had to watch Leo return to Miss Maimai''s side. He was jealous when she hugged him, when that tall martial artist pulled her away from Leo then kissed him soundly on the mouth... Wait, what??

 291 Chapter Ninety One - I am rewarded?

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 292 Chapter Ninety Two - We visit the Points Pavilion

    But that''s not to say the General left unhappily; he had stored in his luggage some more of Leon''s pills as well as a herbal blend that Leon had made himself, which could revitalise the liver and improve its natural functions when taken over a long term.  As a return gift, he''d given Leon a weapon.


    It was a short sword, though it''s blade was slender like a knife rather than the flat, silvery blade he''d seen others use.  The handle was ornate, but not ostentatiously so; the golden metal of the guard was shaped as a coiling fish tail, while two rams horns curled from the cast head of the same beast sheltered by the guard.  The handle was then topped by a pummel decorated by a stylised sun and crescent moon.  It came in a sheath decorated by the same symbols.


    Leon accepted it gratefully, though held it gingerly.  This was very unlike the small knife he usually carried, which was only really good enough to cut through herbs nor like the sharp cooking knifes he kept indoors.  The General might have thought he could use it in self-defence, but a weapon was a weapon no matter how one looked at it.  In certain hands it was a tool for killing.  No matter how Leon felt about it, Jin Li approved, though he muttered something about replacing it later as its appearance offended him for some reason.


    Pike divided the points their team had earned and thought about giving a little more to Caelus, had it not been for the bright alchemist who''d commissioned Caelus a useful pill  to make up for the fact he hadn''t gained any souvenirs from their adventure.  Caelus was dumbfounded at first, he was unable to form words to express his joy and appreciation.  "If you ever require my help for something," he finally managed to say after some teasing from these students, his former teammates, "just send word."


    It could be stated that the cooperation and rapport formed between the six had really fulfilled the purpose of this competition and the tentative connections they had made had the potential to form the strongest of bonds in the future.  But for now, they all went their separate ways.


    Jin Li glanced at the second tablet within Leon''s hands, a decent total of points etched upon its surface.  "What will you do with them?"


    "N-n-not sure," Leon admitted.  Points weren''t really used that much within the Alchemists schools, so he hadn''t considered this far ahead.


    The Points Pavilion was simply like a large supermarket of cultivation supplies aimed at the students.  Like the library, it was a building of many levels, but unlike the library, it was shaped like a cone without a point; each floor slightly smaller that the one beneath.  The stairs coiled around the outside of the building, columns protruded from the protective outer wall and were topped with large stone lanterns.  The floor entrances all faced in the same direction and were decorated by pairs of stone beast statues each differed with each floor.  The higher the floor, the more ferocious the guardians.


    The lowest and largest floors were open to all.  Everyday things could be found on this floor.  Library passes were sold here, though the access was restricted to certain familiar floors.  Common pills such as clear spiritual pills and one heart pills were available to exchange for points as well as common herbs.  Leon had no need for any of these things, he was well provided for as both an alchemist student and as a core student.  Common materials for weapons and armours could also be found here such as iron ore, leathers and cloth.  Weapons that had little more value than a practice weapon were stacked in one corner and unimpressive armour was shelved beside them.


    Basic techniques for martial artists, beast tamers and healers (to name a few) and cultivation methods (though all of these could also be found in the library), alchemy kegs, jade bottles and boxes, weak paper talismans... the floor was like a giant bizarre, but despite these things having small value, it was not uninteresting.  Leon picked up a selection of seeds with the ten points that he''d won from Jude before Jin Li hinted that they should check out a higher floor.


    The second floor was not unlike the first floor, but the value of these products were a little higher.  For example, instead of clear spiritual pills, cloudy spiritual pills could be purchased here.  However, before a person could purchase anything, five points were swiped from their pocket without compromise.  Jin Li clicked his tongue as his balance reduced before his eyes as they stepped through the Dire Tigers sitting fiercely either side of the entranceway.  Leon perhaps did not notice, but he did not lose a thing from the jade slate in hand.  He also did not notice that the bracelet that the Headmaster had given him as a token for being a core student warmed slightly instead.


    Jin Li followed Leon as the other wandered around with no goal in mind, though his eyes were drawn towards the weapons and armour.  These were made from better materials and with cleverer hands than those that could be found in the ground floor.  These were at least worthy of a soldier or hunter rather than a practicing student.  But Jin Li''s small arsenal of weapons were still better, he decided.  Once more, Leon purchased some seeds and this time, he picked up a bundle of dried herbs.  These were not useful to him as an alchemist, but they were used in medicinal cuisine, including tea making.  As they were imported from across the ocean, they were not so readily available in small towns such as Julip nor were they in high demand, but he felt quite pleased to be able to grab them here.


    Deciding that they were not yet done, they headed to the third floor, Jin Li lost ten points this time and Leon was surprised to discover that his two lesser variant pills were available on this floor.  He couldn''t help but to glance up at the ceiling wondering if the stronger variants could be found somewhere above this floor.  Admittedly, he didn''t make them often and that was on Teacher Sagi''s request.  So perhaps they were on a floor that was quite high?


    This time, the nature of the pills and potions changed to those with specific natures rather than the general ability of common pills, so items like Fire Water Tonic, which was a salve meant to cure frostbite and the Seven Steps pill could be found here.  There were also some cosmetic pills and potions, which a few girls and a couple of boys were excitedly glancing over.


    "It''s been ages since the peach blossom balm was in stock!" One girl chattered to her close friends.


    "I''m here for the shimmering pearl pills, how about you?" Another student mentioned.


    Ores had been replaced with small gemstones, common animal leathers replaced with common beast skins and paper talismans were joined by paper inscriptions.


    Jin Li pointed at one randomly as he explained; "One places this upon an ordinary weapon to gain a small, temporary advantage.  They can also be used on armour and clothings.  Of course, they will never be as good as inscriptions forged directly onto the weapon or armour."


    "Ah, but being temporary means that one can see which inscription fits the user''s needs best!" One student overheard them and decided to add his own point of view.


    "Inefficient," Jin Li spat in reply.


    "You''re not wrong," the other student''s friend chuckled.  "Testing this and that, time consuming not to mention expensive.  However, if one can''t afford an enchanted weapon, it is not wrong to purchase a paper inscription to add a minor amount of strength for dangerous times.  It could mean the difference between life and death after all."  Jin Li gave this point a curt nod; he didn''t disagree with this person''s thoughts.


    The couple hesitated before finally deciding to venture up one more flight of steps; Leon was quite tired, while Jin Li was considering the loss of his points.  Bragging about excess points was one thing, acknowledging the reality of the situation were quite different.  It was not that he hadn''t the ability to gain points, moreover that he''d slacked off somewhat from the effort; he''d rather spend the time he wasn''t training and cultivating enjoying the company of his small alchemist.  Thus he couldn''t help the twitch in the corner of his eye as this time he had to endure the loss of twenty points as they entered the fourth floor.


    It seemed to be worth it though, from the quality and selection of pills to the weapons and other things, they were much more to Jin Li''s standards of use.  Although he preferred to use his small alchemist''s things, he couldn''t deny that his cultivation was at a point that a certain range of Leon''s pills were of no use to him now. Of course, he wouldn''t be able to consume these white spiritual pills until his cultivation had stabilised either, but the Tranquil Mind Pill was a welcomed thing to with that issue.  He still looked down upon the weapons, however there was a belt made of beast hide that had been inscribed with a minor defensive pattern that looked interesting; none of his garments had such quality so it would be good to reduce the bruises that formed in his bouts with Bowyer... he glanced down at his bangle in thought then black lines appeared on his face.


    With the cost of entering these floors plus the purchasing that pill, he could no longer afford it.

 293 Chapter Ninety Three - I purchase a gift for Jin Li

    In this world, jewellery was as important to people as clothing and this fact conceded to no distinction of status, wealth and ability.  The people of his village might wear wooden hairpins and belt charms made of bone, striving for at least one silver bracelet for their wrist or longevity lock for their child, but they still wore them with pride.  Merchant children tended to opt for gold and the upper classes sought gems and jade.  Some of Sun''s cousins'' peers appeared as if they were walking displays for jewellery stores, afraid others would not recognise their wealth.


    Cultivators did not wear jewellery to such extremes, but it did not mean that they were any less accustomed to wearing accessories as part of their daily ensemble.  It was just that they grew to become more choosy.  One could see examples of this about school.  First year commoners would begin the year wearing their old wooden pieces and end it (hopefully) with trinkets of iron or silver, while first year merchants and ordinary nobles would often cover themselves in pieces, only to tone this vastly by the end of the year.  Explosive cauldrons and backlash from spells didn''t know the difference between the haves and the have nots, necklace chains or large hairpieces with dangling gems could just become a hindrance in battle and lets not mention the beast poo staining silk, embroidered shoes...


    Slowly, the silver, gold and gemstones would be replaced with jade and crystals as these student cultivators came to realise the value of these pieces, although it might take them a whole year to scrape together the points for a reasonable one.  Then realising their value, there would be no shortage of students taking either jewellery crafting or artefact inscription as a second study, but there would be few who were suited to it.  The pieces in the cabinet could only be the pieces of these apprentices and even then, they might only just receive a passing mark from their Teachers.  That''s not to say they had no attractive value or use, just that overall the quality was quite low.


    This was part of the reason that Teacher Volun had been so enthusiastic about Leon''s wooden charms.  Wood could be cheap or expensive, bone was also quite common, though more difficult to shape.  These were all once from living things and their natural spiritual energy would have dissipated after leaving the original source (or upon that source''s death).  However, as Leon carved these materials, he not only enthused a tiny portion of his spiritual energy and shaped it unknowingly, he also managed to trap it inside so it wouldn''t be expelled in the short term.  As for long term, Teacher Volun was carefully watching the carved fox amulet on his belt to see how it lasted.


    Leon looked at the jewellery and wasn''t tempted.  His thrifty nature would have him seek jade amulets over crystal encrusted ones, but also, his memories of men''s jewellery also effected his ideals.  These things before him with attempts of carved dragons and phoenixes (some with rather unfortunate results) just didn''t appeal.  He was more curious about the thing known as inscription.  From the patterns etched upon the circular metal amulet he was examining, they were far more complicated than his runes, he wondered how that affected the things abilities.


    Jin Li came over to him, sporting a sour face and also glanced over the accessories.  His was a noble, cultivating family so he looked at these things with disdain in his heart.  "You wish to purchase one of these... things?" He inquired.


    Leon shook his head.  "N-n-no need," he replied. A small part of him did wish to wear accessories, that was a part of his upbringing in this world after all, but there was still the part of his previous life''s influence in which less was sometimes better. That and many men wore no jewellery at all in that world. However, his whole consciousness agreed that if he found the right piece, he would wear it... or if it was gifted from a certain man... His hand subconsciously rose to touch lightly the jade hairpin within the crown holding his long yin yang hair.


    "H-how about you?" He inquired of said man.


    "Tch... nothing much," Jin Li denied, his eyes wandering to that belt. Really, this thing was not that great, it would have been lost amongst the things within his wardrobe in the house of his birth.


    "Should we g-g-go up higher?" Leon wondered, glancing up at the ceiling as if he could peer through the opaque barrier.


    "No," Jin Li quickly refused. He couldn''t afford the points. His face soured further.


    "P-pity, it''s you b-b-birthday soon," Leon murmured with a sigh, "I wanted t-to g-get you a g-gift." That was right. In terms of the higher realms calendar, Jin Li would be turning eighteen as the season turned from winter to spring in this realm. Jin Li''s frame stiffened and his ears tinted with red. "We c-c-could look around t-town instead..."


    "No need," Jin Li''s usually harsh tone seemed to soften to a tad. "Your thought is sufficient."


    "B-but..."


    "Of course, if you insist on a token of physical representation, I will accept it," Jin Li interrupted Leon''s words quickly and went to grab that belt once more, before tossing it over in a uncaring manner. "Please." This word was so quietly spoken, Leon almost didn''t hear it and couldn''t help but smile.


    "Okay," Leon agreed, holding the sturdy belt to his chest. He reached to grasp Jin Li''s hand affectionately, blushing as their fingers entwined, but satisfied in his heart. Still, he''d lost interest in shopping and made to leave the pavilion with Jin Li. There was no need to personally make a payment, for the points would be deducted as if left via the exit by the same mysterious barrier that deducted points on their entrance. It was not needed to be said that this barrier would stop theft as well, thickening and preventing any who could not afford their items from exiting, hence why Leon had to take the belt not Jin Li who held the pill in his other hand.


    Before they left, however, something else caught Leon''s eye and he was intrigued enough to purchase that thing as well.

 Chapter 294 - Ninety Four - We welcome in Spring

    Spring happened to be the busiest time for the outer alchemist school as everyone bustled to nurture seeds and plant seedlings into the herb fields, a mixture of fast and slow growing crops to fill their empty stores of the most needed herbs for later use. This task was a mandatory chore for all outer school alchemists, Leon was no exception, so after the first years trudged through the mud to till and fertilise the fields with a specialised compost made mostly of sweet sunclover, purple spirit grass and crystal dust, he and fellow seniors carefully planted the nurtured seedlings into carefully spaced holes in specific fields.


    It was tiring work that took several days to complete. All of the students who would be chatty over the morning breakfast, would be quieter over lunch and silent over dinner before soaking in baths poured by those off duty then crawling back to their domiciles to collapse a dreamless, exhausted sleep. Leon''s home was further than others, so perhaps for that reason a certain stubborn, midnight coeurl took pity on him and carried him the extra distance. Just for that tenday week anyway.


    Following this tenday without break, the students were given a tenday to themselves, only those who wanted to gain points and things in exchange for weeding would continue to push themselves into working. At this time, the usual antagonism between inner and outer schools rose to become more than hostile opinions behind the backs of others.


    "Outer school students are so lazy."


    "It''s just growing herbs and they act as if they are dying!"


    "If you put that much effort into growing them, how comes they aren''t mature enough for us to use yet?"


    Of course, these poisonous words simply came from a minority, a mixture of naturally talented elites and born nobles with silver spoons, not the hardworking seniors who strove to transfer from outer to inner sect nor those from a farming background who could sympathise a little better. But it just so happened that this minority were also the most popular or feared or idolised group, thus their opinions became the opinions of the student body of the inner school.


    The inner school defended their decision of course. These were the cream of the crop when it came to alchemist talent! They needed to be guided and nurtured in developing pills and potions for the good of the cultivation world, not hoeing fields and digging out weeds!


    "Spoiled inner school brats!"


    "Where do they think the majority of the herbs they use come from? Fey and Faeries?"


    "I don''t think we should share our crops, let them suffer!"


    "Shh! Don''t let the Teachers hear you!"


    Two sides of the fence, yet from the same family, Merylin summoned her sister in order to ensure that their relationship would not be affected by the schism of schools. Merylin was a Di daughter, Maimai a shu-born, Miss Merylin''s supporters thought she was too virtuous and kind a person, overly worrying about how Miss Maimai was coping due to her inferior position.


    Actually, it was not that at all. Merylin was not like those girls who only schemed to suppress their sisters in order to ensure those girls ''knew their place!'' Only by maintaining a good relationship could Merylin continue to rely on Maimai''s support in the future or else, wouldn''t she simply be severing unknown connections and paths that she could use at that time? Maimai was not unaware of her sister''s thoughts, however it was better for a shu daughter with less background to maintain a cordial relationship with her legitimate siblings so that she would not find herself without a place to go one day. At the same time, neither girl would continue to hold onto the other''s hand if there came a time when they had no other choice but to separate. So their relationship was just like this.


    "Sister," Merylin grasped Maimai''s white hands with their now broken nails and tinted stains of mud and looked at her with grieving eyes. "You''ve suffered! If only I could arrange for someone to replace you there, I''d willingly allow you to shelter with me until all of that ghastly work was done!"


    "No need!" Maimai said cheerfully, shaking off her sister''s hands so she could pour a cup of tea for them both. Merylin had better quality of tea than herself and it had already been brewed by the girl as well. All Maimai had to do was pour and enjoy, which she did with a savoured sigh.


    "Sometimes I find this school''s rules so absurd," Merylin muttered, taking the offered cup in one hand and sipping lightly. "How is it that well bred girls should be expected to traipse through mud with boys and commoners? If father knew..."


    "If father knew, I''d be withdrawn from home and bored to tears in Li Yiniang''s courtyard," Maimai interrupted her. Li Yiniang was her biological mother. She was a delicate lady, prone to tears and a cousin of Merylin''s mother. She had come to care for Merylin''s mother during the woman''s confinement after birth and had ended up staying permanently after falling in love with her daughter''s father. Naturally, Merylin''s mother was not happy about the matter, but the rice had already been cooked and Li Yiniang was a weak woman who never pitted herself against her cousin, so Merylin''s mother tolerated her presence a little more than the other concubines.


    "Besides," Maimai smiled warmly to assuage her sister, "it wasn''t bad, maybe even a little fun!" Maimai was not great at making pills and was stronger than ordinary girls. Using her natural endurance, smiling without complaint as she worked alongside others, there was a satisfaction to it that she''d not really experienced before. She''d even volunteered to help weed the fields, learning how to identify the plants that sucked out the vital nutrients of the fields, potentially damaging the growth of the herbs alongside Leon who''d come to her aid when he''d noticed that she was about to pull out a seedling.


    It turned out that she had better ability, in the end, at removing the weeds intact, not leaving any root behind to regrow and begin to harm the fields once more. This matter required not only physical strength, but also spiritual sight (pouring spiritual energy into the senses), something Maimai was particularly good at. So with Leon identifying the weeds and her removing them, they''d cleared one mu well and efficiently and earned Teacher Sagi''s praise.


    Using her body in this way had proven to be beneficial in more ways than one. Just yesterday afternoon, while she cultivated after lunch, she noticed that there had been a change in her innersea; she was about to break through into secondary stage.

 Chapter 295 - Ninety Five - We experience changes in different ways

    The daughters of the Sect Leader were spoiled and their mothers were, although from cultivation families, were not necessarily talented cultivators themselves.  The Leader had married them for connections or because he was interested in them physically, not due to such reasons as love.  But as ''poor'' a husband he might have been in EQ terms, he loved his daughters, spoiling them and not placing expectations upon them.


    Their mothers, on the other hand, did have expectations, but that was as future mothers of strong sons and as wives of men who could support their father-in-law and his sons in the future.  Thus the daughters of the Sect Leader were given the tools to cultivate, but not expected to succeed in cultivation.


    Merylin and Maimai showed talent in cultivation, but their mothers pressed them with lessons to shape them into virtuous wives, stifling their potential until Merylin snapped and begged her father to let them attend the Ascending Mountain Institute.  Originally, it had been her thought to delay her marriage, allow her some freedom from her mother''s heavy expectations and overly doting father suffocating affection, but there she had discovered she had real talent as an alchemist.  She began to soar and left her little sister behind in her shadow.


    Maimai didn''t mind this though, it was nothing new to her and she was happy just to have skimmed some benefits for herself, aka the freedom to be herself and to enjoy whole heartedly her pass times .  Yet now, she too was about to blossom, shedding off the stigma of being stuck in primary stage cultivation due to her mother''s interference and beginning the true step onto the path to immortality as a secondary stage Cultivator!


    Merylin naturally would not be far behind, but her body was not quite ready for that step yet.


    Leon, the best friend and ''long suffering shou'' of an ''overwhelming gong'', was also experiencing changes in his cultivation, however it wasn''t due to the arduous task of herb farming.


    He''d forgotten about it, but that didn''t mean it had gone away; the discordant yet somehow benign little gem star in his innersea''s universe, that moved against the stream of his naturally circling energies.  Just as before, it was weaving in and out, over and under the tiny stars about it, which were sluggishly moving in one direction while it moved in the other.  Whenever a star came into its sphere of influence, that star seemed to glow just a tiny bit more for a while, but otherwise there seemed no other effects to his innersea.


    Making pills were as normal, his mostly average pills still average, his good pills still good.  His control over fire and cauldron were unchanged, this ability that was what made him originally stand out over other things.  His innersea was still calm, not turbulent nor deviating, so nothing should have changed, right?


    But on this day, he had decided to cultivate some more.  Now the field work was done and he had no Jin Li to distract him (that man had returned reluctantly to the inner Martial Arts school), he wanted to focus on this somewhat neglected task.  If he wanted to catch up to Jin Li, even a little, he really needed to put more effort into this.  He didn''t feel like he should rely on them being Dao Companions to keep Jin Li by his side.  Death could still part them without mercy.  The average life span of a secondary Cultivator really wasn''t much more than a mortal of noble descent after all and that was because one had to survive still to enjoy old age.  The world of cultivators was as cruel if not crueller than this realms mortal scape.  Only by advancing and becoming stronger could he truly stay beside Jin Li longer.


    If Jin Li knew his intentions, he would be smugly satisfied.


    As usual, Leon made himself comfortable as he sat and focused on his inner sea.  He stirred the energies within into a quickened pace, that the thick cl.u.s.ters thinned and the space between specks widened before bringing it into his meridians to circulate.  All the while, he chanted the words taught to him within that jade scroll from the library as he moved the energies along a specific route.  Who knew that the discordant crystal star would become suddenly obedient and follow the flow into his fragile meridians!?


    A stinging sensation followed in its wake, like a trail of needles poking into his body along the intricate network path. However, before he could debate whether to risk damaging his body by letting it continue or risk damaging his body by forcefully stopping midcycle, the stinging was soothed with a heady warmth and a most comfortable feeling spread throughout him.  He felt that to explain it would be to describe it as if his body had frozen before stepping into a hot bath, suffering the pain and comfort that would come from such.


    So he did not stop midcycle, but continued into the next and that is when he felt that his cultivation had changed again a little.  If the celestial cultivation method had felt smoother than the basic cultivation method, then this feeling was even more so; it was the difference between hemp and cotton before switching to satin or silk.  He couldn''t help but expel a long drawn out sigh.


    After that, he cultivated without pause, not noticing that the sun had set, the moons taking up the duties of lighting the sky before retiring as the sun once more rose at dawn.  A fierce hunger drew him back from his meditations, his belly rumbling loudly in the confines of the bedroom.  By that time, a whole day had passed and Leon found himself facing two sullen coeurl who''d been forgotten about him again.


    The coeurls'' growth had not been small during the winter season. Wu Ye''s shoulder now met the apex of Leon''s head, he would not be able to mount at all if the beast did not lower itself to allow it (in more ways than one). It would not now grow much more in height and width, just muscle mass unless it managed to shed this a.d.u.l.t form to become an evolved beast. To evolve was the potential of all spiritual beasts, but only a few would achieve it. Teacher Volun believed that Wu Ye''s bloodlines were good, however, so its chances were also excellent.


    On the other hand, Li Ming was, while unusual of pattern, only a runt of his litter. That and while its mother''s bloodline was good (though not as impressive as Wu Ye), its coat was a sign that it had inherited a second bloodline and in that lie doubts. Female coeurl could carry a litter of many fathers, usually one bloodline or the other was inherited, it was rare to find mixed bloodlines and that in itself was generally not a good thing. Li Ming''s growth, however, was reasonable, it was predicted it would definitely reach the height and mass of a full a.d.u.l.t Male in due time.


    Right now, the tip of its pointed ears were just above Leon''s shoulder, its growth having been steady, not explosive like Wu Ye''s. However, it had not yet lost the snowy and jet black mess of baby fur around it''s neck and the upper portion of its c.h.e.s.t. Leon didn''t mind this, though it hurt the striped coeurl''s pride to mention it, as it was soft and warm to snuggle against.


    Apologising to the intimidating midnight coeurl, who shadowed him with its mighty presence, Leon opened the gate of the courtyard to let them out. He did not need to remind them to hunt only in the areas most distant from the schools, they were intelligent beasts, but he did remind them to return before sunset, as he''d most likely lock the gate then. Actually, he didn''t need to remind them about that either. The last time it had happened, Wu Ye simply battered the wood door until the lock broke, then sauntered straight in. Unfortunately, that had cost it the promised beast pills the following day as Leon had had to fix the lock instead. There were battles to pick and choose from, Wu Ye might grumble, but it would not bite the hand that its little companion favoured.

 Chapter 296 - Ninety Six - He dislikes troublesome matters

    The Headmaster of the Ascending Mountain Institute disliked troublesome matters.  By troublesome, that did not necessarily mean the necessary intricacies that came from running and developing an institute of learning the size of this one nor the little details of dealing with one''s personal matters to ensure one''s home remained standing and health remained vital.  The first and to some degree the second and third, could be delegated to trusted others so that it failed to become troublesome in the first place and without troublesome matters, he, the Headmaster, could do others things more pleasing or amusing to him.  Such as winning against Teacher Plutos a game of chess or attempting to entice Teacher Volun into finding him a Dragon egg that he might hatch and raise as a pet.


    The Ascending Mountain Institute ran as well as the mortal clockwork device that he had obtained once from a lower realm while adventuring in his youth.  All he was required to do was to oil it from time to time and replace its cogs every few decades.  If he wished to upgrade it... well that was a little more complicated, but he found that he had the time to deal with such things as development at a pace comfortable to snails and slugs and things would fall into place so long as he nudged the butterfly to flap its wings at the correct moment, eventually anyway.  Some might claim he is like a puppet master holding loosely onto a thousand strings only pulling one here and there when the effort was required, otherwise wouldn''t he be worn out all of the time or worse, unable to continue in position of power?


    Anyway, back to troublesome things.


    With his personality, he naturally would not go seeking for troublesome things, but that didn''t mean that troublesome things would not come to seek him.  Corvus was one such troublesome thing that had appeared in the last year, but he was easily dealt with; he just needed to be occupied by something equally as troublesome and his natural instinct would be to bother his older brother rather than himself if it became too tiresome.  Actually, allowing Corvus to find his own apprentice had been a bit of a risk, but actually had worked out extremely well.  Corvus had become too preoccupied to become troublesome, thus the Headmaster was very happy.


    Sun, who wailed as he was instructed to ''cool down'' by running twice around the perimeter of the inner martial arts school by Teacher Corvus, could not agree less with the Headmaster''s assessment.... had he known about it.


    Now something else had come to trouble the Headmaster... actually two troublesome things.  Worse, one of these things turned out to be related to Teacher Corvus.  The Headmaster realised that he had relaxed too soon.


    "From what you are saying," his amicable smile was not reflected in his rather weary eyes, "the little miss of your family had her innocence taken by Teacher Corvus and you require him to take responsibility?"


    "That is correct," the woman before him replied in a perfunctory manner.


    "This one always advised shidi to carefully choose one''s subordinates," the man sitting to his other side said in an arrogant tone of voice. The Headmaster did not respond to his provocation, still considering his response to the woman.


    She was tall, slender and like bamboo she was both strong and flexible of physique. Her nature came across cold like the most frigid north and she appeared more so due to her snow white skin and steel-blue hair. However, though she seemed unfriendly, she was not actually cruel and while she seemed rigid, she was not unjust. Her name was Siren and she was the Mistress of the Azure Heights Finishing School, one of the five most notable schools for cultivators and the only one which refused to allow any men through their gates. Their''s was a school for women, to guide, strengthen and develop without distraction nor masculine comparison this minority group amongst immortals.


    Naturally the Headmistress of such a school that stood proud and tall against the norms of society had to be an exceptional woman. Yet there was just one chink in her formidable aura; a female Healer named Nereid, Siren''s adored little sister.


    On the other hand, the man that had also entered his reception to trouble him, was known as Phichus and he just happened to be of the same martial family as the Headmaster. Only, where the Headmaster''s shifu was the former Headmistress of the school, Phichus followed that woman''s shixiong, the Headmaster''s Martial uncle who did not receive the approval of the first Headmaster to run the school. This had to do with the principals of the first Headmaster, who wished for this school to be accessible to anyone with the talent and ability and the will to cultivate and learn. Phichus'' Master stated he wished to ''purge the Institute'' of ''undesirables'', indicating that he wished to have weaker elements leave in order to focus on honing the best. In actuality, he wanted the school to kick out commoners and merchant offspring and only cater for the nobles. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click <a href="/book/learning-to-live-as-a-cultivator_11646426206454105/chapter-ninety-six---he-dislikes-troublesome-matters_50951038756256462">/book/learning-to-live-as-a-cultivator_11646426206454105/chapter-ninety-six---he-dislikes-troublesome-matters_50951038756256462</a> for visiting.


    As his Master disagreed, he could only leave disgruntled and form his own school near the Wind-Swept plains, close to the grand capital city of the Empire in West Xulaphrey, where he achieved his own objectives. Qilin First Academy of Excellence still could not outshine the Institute after all of these centuries however, but they refused to alter their creed. Phichus and himself had not been a part of this matter, but it did force them to become like oil and water before they''d ever met.


    As for why Phichus was present at the Institute, that was obvious; he''d come to attempt to poach talent. Of course, it would not be just any talent, the persons would have to have a background on par to his students and have no more than two internal roots and none less than a minor root. If there was anything he could abide less than commoners, it was ''wastes'' after all. Plus there were a plethora of other minor requirements, such as if they were beast tamers, they could not be partnered with anything inelegant or unsavoury, if they were martial artists, they needed to favour the sword or the halberd or similar, that sort of thing.


    He usually chose this time of the year every three years or so, when the noble first years were usually at their most disgruntled point and where other nobles might be most irritated by the lack of class barriers within the school, having been once more spoiled at home during the winter break. Those feelings could have even strengthened with the competition; why had lowly commoners been chosen to form groups with over themselves? Of course many of the disgruntled would be lesser talents and Phichus still wouldn''t deem them worthy of their so called plight, but they would not be aware of that.


    A third reason, not the most crucial of points, but still a factor in his reasoning was that the Imperial City had a much more temperate climate than these cold mountains. Phichus disliked the cold, a side effect of his pure fire root, so he seldom came earlier than the end of winter when the unpleasantness had yet to become a memory, but the vivid chills no longer seeped deep into their bones.


    The Headmaster disliked all of this scheming to claim his valuable students, however, he would also not stop it. After all, it was really troublesome to keep hold of disgruntled students who did not wish to stay.

 Chapter 297 - Ninety Seven - You shouldn’t make girls cry

    The Food Hall of the Inner Martial Arts school was bustling as usual, with chopsticks and spoons tapping against plates and bowls. Some people chatted lightly, others maintained the habits of old and did not speak until their stomachs were full. Jin Li had eaten until his plate was clean and his eyes had wandered to his neighbours platters, but they, who were too used to his behaviour, discreetly sheltered their food from his prying eyes. Not that he was ever uncouth; stealing or demanding their share (that remained the fate of his little alchemist and on the odd occasion, his roommate), but once politely offered, there were no take backs, only regrets.


    A bowl of vegetable soup was pushed in front of him by a slender and slightly tanned hand. He glanced up to receive the sunny smile of his roommate, who made excuses about how full he was and without offering gratitude, Jin Li claimed the bowl, only lamenting that it lacked meat.


    A tray filled to the brim was placed noisily beside him and the man carrying it sat down after this. "I heard that that one from the nobles'' school was here again," Bowyer informed Pike, who was eating his food while sitting besides Sun.


    Pike swallowed the mouthful of bread and reached for a cup of water. "I suppose it''s been three years since the last time," he mused. "Doesn''t he ever get tired of it?


    "He must receive some twisted satisfaction from doing it," Bowyer sneered.


    Sun''s bright eyes widened and ears twitched. He couldn''t help but ask; "What''s going on? What noble school?"


    "Well, you know that there are several schools that teach about matters of cultivation?" Bowyer enquired. Sun actually didn''t, but he nodded anyway. It wouldn''t make sense for the Institute to hold a complete monopoly and besides that, there were private tutors that also did the same for those who could afford it. "Five schools are considered the most notable, the Institute being perhaps the most known of all due to its policies of accepting students no matter their background. Besides us, there are four others. One, the Qilin Academy of Excellence, only accepts nobles with decent ability of cultivation. Their Headmaster has a habit of visiting our school to poach students."


    "Oh," Sun seemed to lose interest for a bit, then couldn''t help but look at Jin Li. Would that man try solicit his roommate? Then he shook his head realising it wouldn''t matter even if he did. Jin Li would not leave without Leon and Leon was a commoner from a poor village. Definitely not qualified. Pike and Bowyer were, in his opinion, from good backgrounds (he didn''t know the ins and outs and never asked) but they were still here, so this Headmaster was unlikely to affect their little group dynamics. He never once thought that he might become a target.


    "It''s not only him that came to visit this time!" A student with a love of gossip close by decided to enlighten them. "I heard the Headmistress from the Azure Heights Finishing school was here also!"


    "Did she come to poach people too?" Sun asked, a hint of worry in his voice.


    The gossiper hesitated, he didn''t know the answer and also didn''t want to admit to that. "That may be the case," he suggested without confirming. "There are several girls who''ve become famous throughout the Institute after all." He counted a few on his fingers; "Mute from the Cygnus family is the strongest mage in the Institute at the moment, Merylin of the Inner Alchemist school I''ve heard is a natural talent, our Luna is in the top ten of the martial arts school standings..."


    "Girls?" Sun picked up this point slightly confused.


    "The Azure Heights Finishing school is a Cultivation school for women," Pike informed him.


    "Oh," Sun scratched his head and shrugged. "Do all of the other four schools have restrictions on who''ll they''ll accept as students then?"


    "Yes and no," Pike replied after thinking about it for a moment. "It''s true that Azure only accepts women, but background and ability, that is much more flexible like our school. The Savage Red Sands Legion is geared towards teaching martial artists and beast tamers, but that doesn''t mean they won''t accept others, just that others might not get the education they require. Same for the Towers of Wisdom; they predominantly teach Mages, with scholars and alchemists as secondary."


    "I see?" Well he didn''t, but he was distracted from thinking about it too much as Jin Li stood up in front of him, having wiped his lips with a white napkin following satisfying his stomach.


    "I''m leaving," he stated before sauntering towards the door.


    "Dammit," Bowyer cursed him as the youth escaped before he had the chance to stop him. "I wanted to test out his current ability!"


    Pike laughed loudly, clearing the oil from his thick fingers as he too had finished eating. "It''s the weekend! Do you think he is going to abandon his little sweetheart to spar a few rounds with you?"


    "Who said anything about abandoning him?" Bowyer denied, dismissively. "Leon could always have come here and Jin Li could have impressed him with a few moves or something."


    "I think that they are way past having to do something like flexing muscles and posing to attract the other, don''t you think?" Pike shook his head.


    "There''s never anything wrong with refreshing one''s appearance in the heart of one''s lover!" Bowyer insisted, thinking of his big brother''s advice as the man had insisted on taking the time to change clothes before meeting with his fianc¨¦e that time. He didn''t admit that he''d considered it all the man''s vanity however.


    "Says the one whose not yet enjoyed spring," Pike teased him, before movement at the entrance of the Food Hall caught his attention. His eyes twinkled wickedly and he nudged Sun to ready the boy to quickly leave with him. "Although, here comes your chance!"


    "Huh?" Bowyer was caught off guard and only now noticed the longing emerald eyes attached to an all too familiar face staring at him. "Pike! Sun!" He hissed both their names as they fled swiftly, leaving him behind to deal with the approaching girl.


    "Hiya Bowyer," the girl batted her eyelashes shyly, tucking a loose strand of ashen hair behind her ear.


    "Pria," he forced himself to return her smile, but grimaced inside. It wasn''t that she wasn''t pretty with her large eyes, small lips and slightly upturned nose, but he just couldn''t summon any interest for this girl, who was obvious in her fondness for him. He just felt trapped and unwilling to be in her presence, especially so when her close friends liked to drop hints about them pairing up.


    Like now. "Pria, I heard you were learning a new sword technique."


    "Mmmm," the girl hummed in agreement, glancing briefly over her shoulder to acknowledge her friend''s words before her eyes glided back towards himself. A flurry of goosebumps trailed down his arms. "I''ve not quite got the hang of it yet."


    Bowyer attempted not to wince as this obvious flag appeared. Sure enough... "Perhaps Bowyer could give you a few pointers?"


    "You shouldn''t make girls cry," his legal mother would tell him after she dabbed his cousin''s eyes after he''d refused to play with the girl yet again. That girl was made of water just like his younger sisters had been. He had been a bit of a rough child, full of energy. Where had he ever the time to deal with girls? In the Martial Arts school, he thought girls would be somewhat different and it was true that many were, in fact there were a whole host of independent females that he got along quite well with and then there was...


    "Really?" Her green eyes were filled with hope and barely restrained joy. He felt restless just looking at them.


    "I guess," he finally relented, scratching the back of his neck. She clapped her hands together giddily and he immediately regretted his words.


    Her friends acted just as sillily. Really, were these girls truly martial artists that had the ability to learn in one of the most prestigious facilities for cultivators or tittering unwed ladies of a boudoir? "You know, Pria''s free tomorrow afternoon..."


    "Ah, I''ll have to see!" He quickly interrupted, half-panicked. There was no way he was agreeing to be alone with the girl in a training field. What if others got the wrong impression? He looked away in order not to see the downcast expression on her face.


    "Ah, of course, Bowyer''s Teacher might need his assistance for things," the girl made an excuse on his behalf compounding the guilt he already felt.


    "Yeah," he replied, pushing his unfinished plate aside, realising that he no longer had the appetite for it. He inwardly sighed once more. "I''ll let you know when I have time," he told her in a softened voice, to which her bright smile once more blossomed. Ugh, he had the urge to hit someone... no not someone, Pike. He was going to go right now and issue a challenge to that bastard! It was all his fault!


    As he was imagining how to beat his friend black and blue, his Teacher happened to guide in two a.d.u.l.ts, one familiar and one not so, into the Food Hall. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click <a href="/book/learning-to-live-as-a-cultivator_11646426206454105/chapter-ninety-seven---you-shouldn%E2%80%99t-make-girls-cry_51022677200129396">/book/learning-to-live-as-a-cultivator_11646426206454105/chapter-ninety-seven---you-shouldn%E2%80%99t-make-girls-cry_51022677200129396</a> for visiting.


    "So, where is he?" The woman demanded to know.


    "Miss Siren," Teacher Eridana sighed. "I was asked to guide you to our guest rooms, not asked to hunt for Teacher Corvus on your behalf."


    "Patience is a virtue, my lady," Headmaster Phichus sneered as he looked at his counterpart with unhidden contempt. While he had no issues with women cultivators, so long as they were noble and studied more elegant forms of martial arts and magic or studied alchemy, healing and so on, this woman favoured wielding a long handled hammer and wore leather breeches beneath her plain, side-split tunic. Her hair was cropped short like some barbarian as well and she refused to step down as the head of her household in favour of the living male descendants of her families bloodline. He disliked everything she stood for, basically.

 Chapter 298 - Ninety Eight - How her mornings begin

    In a certain, small hut, beneath a nest of pillows and blankets, a person stirred.  After a moment, two delicate, white hands poked out of one edge and began to tug the embroidered blankets downward, revealing a mess of dark curls.  There came a groan from the unruly locks, the familiar tones of one who has awoken from sleep, but wanted to linger within their dreams that much longer.  However, not the type to be able to fall back to sleep once the dreams had faded, that person could only admit defeat and rise.


    With none of the more feminine brightness that she usually projected, the girl flopped out of bed with a sulky attitude, scuffling over plush, fur rugs towards a small metal stove, which she opened, tossed in some wood and a spark of fire to fuel it.


    This metal stove was a new addition to the hut where originally there happened to have been a clay stove.  That old thing had worked well enough, but occasionally hot ashes had floated out of it, dirtying the tiled floor and worse, setting alight the original wool rug she''d decorated the floor with.  Seeing the innovate metal stove with its small door to hold tight the burning wood and ash had her commission one as well.  Her sister too had liked it and done the same, it had even become a fad for several more students with abundant external wealth within the inner and outer alchemist schools.  Some stoves were stupidly and unnecessarily ornate and large, becoming another display piece of status.  Really silly.


    The small hut warmed as did the kettle of hot water placed upon the stove.  In the meantime, Maimai had shimmied out of her silk chemise and picked a simple top to pair with flared silk trousers, ignoring the piles of dresses within the interdimensional c.h.e.s.t at the bottom of her bed.  After picking out a fitted jacket of complimenting colour, the water began to boil and she poured some into a bowl for washing and the rest into a teapot.  She did not add tea.  She was well aware of her tea making abilities, so never drank her own concoctions, but it didn''t usually stop her from practicing her ''skills'' on others.  She could only say that she really didn''t mean to poison people.


    She washed with a soft cloth, then bundled her curls upon her head into a bun, before looking over the dresser.  A copper mirror dominated the small space, though she didn''t bother to gaze at her appearance reflected in its sheen.  The rest of the wooden top was covered in bits of jewellery, charms and the like that she hadn''t bothered to put away in one of the dresser''s drawers.  Running her fingers this way and that through the silver and jade, she finally chose and enamelled hairpin with peach blossoms decorating it and a pair of similarly coloured gemstone earrings.


    Refreshed and ready for the day, she glanced at her books with the tiny notes written this way and that and at her cauldron and didn''t feel the want to practice making all the pills that she wasn''t good at, nor churning out the ones she was quite able too.  Perhaps it was due to her nature, but she had become quite good at producing combat pills.


    It was the weekend, there were no lectures or expectations.  She had no outstanding requests or tasks to do.  She decided she wanted company, but not her sister.  Today, she wasn''t in the mood for dressing up and acting like a filial relation with the older girl.  So narrowing down everything, she decided to visit her best friend.  Sure, that other one would not welcome her presence, but it was not as if she cared about his opinion!


    She dug out a thin coat and headed out of the door.  Although it was spring, the mornings were still on the cooler side, the wind could be exceptionally bitter.  The sun was beaming through the branches of the trees in some abundance as the leaves upon them were tender and small, not yet large enough to create a thick canopy, so it was not long before Maimai felt some warmth upon her back.


    Contented she hummed a cheerful ditty to herself, striding over the muddy ground without care, when she came across an unexpected figure.  That man was wearing quite the frown, but catching her footfall, he glanced up and beamed with relief.


    "Miss Maimai!" He called out, jovially.  Maimai couldn''t help but smile back.  Really, this one and Pike had such potential!  The tall figure did not have Jin Li''s bamboo stature, willowy and overly flexible, also did not have Pike''s heavy set body and muscular physique.  It was better to say he had a tempered look, obviously masculine, yet not overwhelmingly so.  His aura was approachable as well and his personality was friendly from the outset, though she didn''t know him well enough to judge him deeply.


    "Bowyer," she greeted back.  "What brings you to the outer alchemist school?"  Actually, there was likely only one reason he was wandering this neck of the woods.


    He looked a bit sheepish.  "Actually I was looking for Leon''s place, I need to speak with Jin Li about something and I got a bit lost."


    "Easy to do," Maimai admitted.  It was especially difficult whenever Leon decided to add a few more of his charms within the surroundings of his home, though fortunately, it had been a while since he''d carved new ''decorations'' to set in the trees.  "Follow me," she offered, "I was heading there anyway."


    He looked grateful, but Maimai didn''t think it was such a big thing.  Anyway, this man could accept Jin Li''s sharp wrath instead of herself when they intruded on his and Leon''s lovey dovey time!  She did hope that there was something to interrupt!


    Discreetly, she scratched her nose.


    The scent of tender, herb seedling delicately drifted on the breeze as the gardens about the old hut had begun to sprout.  The scent became stronger as they approached the gates of the courtyard property.  The gate was unsurprisingly locked, but that was never an obstacle to those with good martial arts.  Maimai didn''t realise that she had caught Bowyer unawares when she easily leapt over the tall gate beside him, though.  Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click <a href="/book/learning-to-live-as-a-cultivator_11646426206454105/chapter-ninety-eight---how-her-mornings-begin_51116586660059054">/book/learning-to-live-as-a-cultivator_11646426206454105/chapter-ninety-eight---how-her-mornings-begin_51116586660059054</a> for visiting.


    A low yowling sound came from the stable, but it ceased a brief moment later when her scent was caught by the two coeurl.  She smiled to herself, pleased that the beasts liked her enough to let her pass.  She would be devastated if she knew that Wu Ye was just too lazy to deal with her ''weak'' self.  It did consider testing Bowyer for a bit, but it''s stomach then rumbled and it decided to deal with it once it''s lazy human brought its breakfast over.


    Numerous pots had begun to fill the courtyard, the fresh scents of herb seedlings came from them and mixed in the air with the smell of clean soil.  Maimai''s eyes briefly wandered to that small greenhouse building and sure enough, there were flecks of green within pots lining its shelves and tiled floor.  Leon was always thinking of how to reduce expenditure for himself when making pills, it was not surprising that his garden was already being developed for this year.  The school provided much, but if there were rarer herbs involved in the recipe, if none were available, they''d have to source it themselves.  For their low level, though, they shouldn''t find themselves with this issue, but Leon liked to plan ahead.


    Maimai knocked on the sturdy wooden door of the main building.  "Leon, it''s me!  Oh and Bowyer came for Jin Li!"  She didn''t try to open the door.  Jin Li would not have left this unlocked either.


    "Don''t unlock it," she heard the commandeering drawl from within the building, clearly not making any attempt to be discreet.  "They can see themselves out."


    "Jin Li," Leon''s voice chided, softly.


    "Tch."


    The sound of the metal bolt being moved echoed from inside.

 Chapter 299 - Ninety Nine - We become Bowyer’s Wingmen!

    As the door opened, Maimai expressed a pouty face in the direction of Jin Li.  The martial artist ignored her.


    He was currently sipping tea, the scent of which was slightly bitter yet also refreshing.  The tea cup he used looked finely made, with a dappled bronze finish and gold line motif and came as part of an overall set. It wasn''t something likely to be found in a boudoir, but looked as if it would fit well in a nobleman''s study. Maimai wondered where he had got it from and if she could get her father a set.


    "C-come in," Leon ushered them both through the door.  Unlike his sour lover, the alchemist seemed delighted to see them, improving Maimai''s mood.  She childishly stuck out her tongue at Jin Li.  He still ignored her. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click <a href="/book/learning-to-live-as-a-cultivator_11646426206454105/chapter-ninety-nine---we-become-bowyer%E2%80%99s-wingmen!_51185039848817890">/book/learning-to-live-as-a-cultivator_11646426206454105/chapter-ninety-nine---we-become-bowyer%E2%80%99s-wingmen!_51185039848817890</a> for visiting.


    In a gesture of welcome, Leon poured them both tea in cups from the same set.  Maimai savoured it, while Bowyer blurted in comment; "It''s good!"


    "Tch," Jin Li exclaimed irritably.  That was his tea that was being shared.  With this he couldn''t ignore the pair any longer.  "What are you doing here?"  He tugged Leon down to sit beside him, preventing the smaller man from refilling the pair''s cups after his own was.  Leon rolled his eyes, but remained obedient, settling Jin Li''s mood.


    "Can''t Leon''s best friend visit from time to time?" Maimai retorted.


    "No."  He caught the questioning gaze of his small alchemist from the corner of his eye.  "I''ll allow it... but only following a card of invitation."  Now it was Maimai''s turn to roll her eyes.  Sure sending cards to the doors of people you wished to visit or whom you wished to visit you was the etiquette amongst houses of noble and powerful backgrounds, but Leon was from a small village, don''t know if they bothered with such formalities and plus, they were all at school!


    Jin Li turned to question Bowyer.  "And you, Senior?" Despite his bluntness, Jin Li remained respectful to those he chose to recognise.


    Bowyer put on an air of humbleness; "Jin Li, I require your assistance."


    "I refuse."


    "Hey, you haven''t heard what it is that I need you for!"


    "Isn''t it to practice sparring with you?" Jin Li sneered.  Honestly, he didn''t usually mind, but his small alchemist and himself had been apart for this whole week and even then, Leon had fallen asleep before they got to do anything last night as he had been exhausting himself with his own matters during the day.  He hadn''t managed to talk Leon out of wanting to descend the mountain for somethings today either.  But it had been to purchase supplies which included smoked and salted meats, so Jin Li had forgiven him for spoiling his personal plans, this time.


    Bowyer couldn''t help but hesitate, slightly sheepish.  Maimai thought it was quite a cute look on the robust man and he unknowingly was relabelled as ''bottom'' in the girl''s slightly offhanded view.  "Well, sort of," he admitted, "and sort of not.  You see, there is this girl..."


    "Girl?" Maimai blurted, before blushing, inwardly crying due to this unexpected development.  "Ah, I see..." she coughed before washing her mind with the refreshing sight of Leon nearly cuddled to Jin Li''s side.  She sipped her tea to clear her throat.  "You wish to impress her?"


    Leon was used to Maimai''s personal outlook on life, didn''t think anything of her reaction and as usual Jin Li didn''t care.  However, from another point of view, it could be taken with an alternative interpretation.  Bowyer looked at the pretty girl again before stumbling to answer her question.  "Actually, no," he chuckled awkwardly after a moment and scratched at his jaw as he glanced away with an internal sigh.  "Really, I''d rather the opposite.  But she and her friends cornered me a bit and I ended up promising to help her with her practice..."


    "I''m not helping her in your stead," Jin Li declared, cutting Bowyer off with finality.


    "I''m not asking you to do so, I swear!" Bowyer promised, sincerely.  "Just be my wingman.  I don''t want her getting the wrong idea and convincing herself that there is something between us!"


    The reassured Maimai, who was relieved to know her ship had not yet sailed, tapped her lip in thought.  "I''m confused," she stated, honestly.  "I''m assuming that this girl likes you?"


    "Indeed," Bowyer responded with a drawn out sigh.


    "And you do not like her?" She persisted, to which Bowyer nodded in agreement.  "Then why have you just not rejected her pursuit?"


    "Well, its not as if she has stated that she likes me," he admitted, then rushed to defend himself so to not look egotistical in others eyes.  "It''s pretty obvious though, to the point where it''s really difficult to ignore!  Like, when I was forming my team, her friends rushed to volunteer her after all appearing in my path with her and her declaring how she would love to experience what it was like to traverse the Shattered Isles... it would have been really difficult to refuse her had I not already made an agreement with Borean at that point."


    Leon vaguely recalled something about a girl delaying Bowyer at that time with the assistance of Pike when they were vying for him to join their teams... he never did understand their intentions.  Still, he did end up appreciating the experience, even if it was not really fun and games.


    "So you haven''t rejected her because she hasn''t confessed?" Maimai wanted to clarify.


    "Yeah, on the off chance that I and everyone else is really misinterpreting her interest," Bowyer explained, "wouldn''t that embarrass her too badly if I did so?"


    Maimai sighed and couldn''t think of what to say to refute him.  "Too nice," she murmured and not quietly enough to not be heard.


    *****


    Bowyer''s plan to have Jin Li become his assistant was to ensure that his tutoring of Pria could not be misconstrued by others and wrongly interpreted as a date. With just one more witness to the reality of the matter, rumours could be subsequently defused before blowing up in a place where gossip was a form of entertainment. Even better when one became three; Leon and Maimai tagged along. Jin Li was not about to leave his small alchemist behind and as for the girl... that one just did as she liked!


    Pria also did not come alone but with a montage of friends. Those friends, who had been planning on slipping away during the tutoring to allow her friend time alone with Bowyer in order to develop feelings, had their hopes and plans completely dashed. Pria too felt her heart sink.


    All girls hope that their feelings with the person of their affections to share them mutually. Pria could face a rabid dire wolf head without hesitation, but when it came to facing Bowyer, this tall, strong vision of masculinity, she trembled at the knees and her heart would beat so hard it felt it would burst. Naturally, there was the seed of hope within her that desperately wished to bloom in the light of his attentions. She was disappointed that he was not alone, but at least he came as he promised... right?


    "Don''t worry," her friend whispered into her ear. "Although he is not alone, but with friends, doesn''t mean that he has no feelings. He could just be shy!"


    "Hmm," murmured another, more practical friend, "but it worries me about the girl in his group..."


    They all knew of Jin Li. Who did not know this ostentatious first year by now?! He moved into the inner school before the first term was half way complete, rebuffed many more forward young women, who were interested in both his skills and his face, then declared that a small, unknown alchemist was his lover and Dao Companion in front of a whole crowd of students and outside visitors! That strange little man was one of the others with Bowyer, no one could forget that oddly striped hair, but just who was the girl?!


    Girls instantly dislike anything that they consider a threat to them, thus even without meaning to, Maimai became the target of their unhappiness. Not that she would have expressed any concern even then, she wasn''t one to care for the crowd mentality. Otherwise, she would have folded beneath glares of disdain as a shu daughter ''cosying'' too closely to her Di sister by other Di daughters of important sect subordinates and elders.


    "Ah, you are here!" Bowyer greeted her with a welcoming voice that instantly caused Pria to discard any dissatisfaction she''d had a moment ago. "Now tell me which move that had you seeking my help."


    "Well," Pria blushed slightly as she cleared her throat. "It''s like this..."


    After explaining and showing him the forms in the play one by one and as best she could currently could, Bowyer nodded before repeating the motions without pause in his own way. Pria''s eyes followed his sharp manoeuvres without blinking. He always moved with his sword as if he were one with the heavy blade and there was little to no excess movement, efficiently able to fight without wasting needless energy. Sure, this way looked less impressive to ordinary people, Bowyer was not a showman nor entertainer, but in this way he''d defeated many arrogant opponents, using their own egos against them. Her knees once more felt as if they were unable to support her small weight.


    "I''ve got it," Bowyer advised her. This form was not suited to a man of his bulk, but he could already figure out how it should work. "Jin Li?"


    "En." The willowy man nodded, his long black tail of hair dancing upon the slight breeze as he withdrew his long, slender blade.


    "Okay, perform it again, this time without stopping," Bowyer instructed Pria. She agreed, brightly and went to bow before Bowyer. He stopped her before she could complete the gesture of formal combat. "Jin Li will be your opponent. I will watch how you move so that I can make suggestions afterwards."


    Pria glanced at the cold face of her ''opponent'' and shuddered slightly. He might not know it, but ever since breaking through to quaternary stage, he gave of an aura of intimidation that pressed down upon many core forming cultivators. Pria could cope with it for a while, but it would be hard to face him in battle.


    Her friend mentioned this quickly; "Jin Li''s not really suitable an opponent. He''s too strong!"


    Bowyer frowned. In the martial arts world, fighting against stronger opponents was normal, for there were cultivators who would covert your things, be wary of your potential, not to mention the multitude of ordinary beasts and spiritual beasts that would attack you just due to your presence. To state that Pria was too weak to face someone... wasn''t that just submitting to a quick death? Not to mention, this was just a learning spar.


    "Do not worry," Jin Li sneered. "I didn''t plan to fight back. It is not worth this Lord''s effort to do so."


    The pig teammate friend lowered her head, realising too late her mistake.


    "If it''s such a big problem," a voice came from behind Jin Li, "why don''t I be the opponent?" All eyes fell upon Maimai, who stepped forward in volunteer, before withdrawing a long knife from her interspacial bag. "You''ll have to forgive me though, my sword skills are a bit rusty, but I should be able to defend well enough with my knife." She tilted her head slightly as she waited for their agreement, her brown curls coming loose and teasing the side of her amicable face.

 Chapter 300 - One Hundred - She’s having fun

    In appearance, Pria was quite lovely, with large eyes sporting indigo irises and long straight hair that was an interested mix of tarnished gold and dusky silver. Her height was not petite nor was she weak, just in comparison to the two Male martial artists, her frame might ordinarily invoke some protective feelings. She was normally straightforward, amicable and while not one to wear her feelings on her sleeve, she was not one to shy from confrontation... unless she happened to be in close proximity to Bowyer, at which point she became an ordinary young woman of her era experiencing the first flush of blossoming love.


    On seeing the exuberant brunette with curls that were somewhat wild in comparison to her overall appearance, she began to feel niggling doubts, reducing her already placed upon the edge self esteem.


    Pria and her entourage had thought that they knew all of Bowyer''s close friends and comrades, but they did not know this girl, which unsettled them. Not only that, she was so quick to volunteer to assist... was that not just adding another blockage upon the ''river of love''... forget that the boat for two had yet to set sail! Unknowingly, Maimai had placed herself in the role of antagonist in their romance novel.


    Maimai brushed a nail over the edge her long knife, seemingly oblivious to their glares. Or rather ignoring them. There was no point attempting to pull such sister power upon a girl like her, she didn''t want to have anything to do with their BG plot... she had her own ship to protect!


    Seeing as their pleading/threatening mix of silent messages failed to move the other girl, a more vocal member of the entourage attempted to use words; "I''ve not seen you before in the martial arts schools."


    Friend B offered the ''voice of reason''; "Perhaps little sister is a first year from the outer school and we haven''t yet met."


    "Nope, I''m from the outer alchemist school," Maimai responded, breezily.


    Pria glanced at Bowyer, his eyes were on the other girl, her heart felt pained. Returning her gaze to Maimai, she murmured; "I appreciate that you are willing to help, but being your senior and part of this discipline, I fear that you would just get hurt."


    Maimai''s head tilted to one side. "Why? That''s your practice sword isn''t it? This knife of mine has been neglected, the edge isn''t sharp anymore, so don''t worry, I won''t hurt you either."


    "But..."


    "Enough," Jin Li sneered, "this Lord dragged himself and my small alchemist over to assist people. If we are no longer necessary, we will leave now."


    He turned upon his heel and spun around in an elegant manner that had the entourage momentarily bewitched, their eyes capturing the perfect balance of posture, the sweeping motion of his long, silken black hair... and then he grasped the hand of that bespectacled youth and they snapped out of their daze. Still, the thought of ''why doesn''t this look wrong'' did cross the minds of one or two...


    Leon tugged on Jin Li''s sleeve; "B-b-but I want to watch M-Maimai spar."


    "What''s there to see?" Jin Li retorted crossly. He''d witnessed Maimai''s martial arts before (that time, they had been working in conjunction to settle certain matters of vengeance), he felt she was adequate, but it didn''t mean he wished to waste his time watching her play now. Unfortunately, when his small alchemist glanced up at him with those large, pleading black eyes, he experienced a moment of weakness and relented... but he wasn''t happy about it.


    "Let''s begin!" Bowyer insisted, he shared a smidgeon of Jin Li''s feelings. He really didn''t want to be here either. However, Leon''s strange friend made him curious; if she did have some talent in martial arts, why was she in the alchemist school? Rumours abound and not too exaggerated by little Sun, while Maimai''s sister was an alchemist talent, Maimai herself turned was a cauldron''s number one enemy. He wanted to watch and see how else she could surprise him.


    Pria (and her friends) gave up trying to convince Maimai to not spar and the ashen haired girl took an elegant stance, fl.i.c.k.i.n.g her slender sword upward to state that she was prepared to begin. As per the advice from her friends, she would just have to display her ability before Bowyer, regain his attention this way. There were also enough witnesses that this alchemist girl couldn''t play some tricks and feign being weak or hurt during the spar, using this to invoke pity.


    Maimai held her blade in a defensive manner, planning to not to attack or counterattack; this spar was meant to improve Pria''s grasp on her swordplay after all. She herself just wanted to stretch her muscles a bit. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click <a href="#%E2%80%99s-having-fun_51304449854994393">#%E2%80%99s-having-fun_51304449854994393</a> for visiting.


    Pria unleashed the set of sword movements and from Maimai''s view, the other girl looked tall, slender and elegant as she attacked. Her grasp of the sword was confident, even if her eyes flickered in doubt, possibly over the movements themselves. Maimai easily defended using the blade of her knife even as she stepped back to increase the distance between herself and Pria.


    However pretty, each swish of the sword seemed a little too exaggerated, taking some effort, in contrast to Maimai''s knife that only need move a little here and there to block the moves for the most part. Only one time did Maimai need to be swift, lifting her blade to block an overhead movement following a feigned thrust to the side opposite her wielding hand. But this movement was also the part that Pria was the least confident in, otherwise Maimai might have needed to reconsider how she defended against it, perhaps needing to counterattack instead to break her opponents stride.


    "Stop," Bowyer clapped his hands together, his face had turned serious as he turned his mind to considering the problems within the sword movements. The series itself was not bad, quite suitable for the girl, however she, as Maimai had already realised, was exerting too much effort into her movements between positions. For example, the side slash need not such a wide arc and the minor step back Pria made to readjust her footing was necessary and meant she had to work harder to complete the next motion.


    He mentioned these things, demonstrating the specific motions which caused Pria''s eyes to fill with awe before he had the girl begin the sword set once more. This time, she did improve, but Bowyer wasn''t paying so much attention, instead his eyes had wandered to her opponent. Maimai looked too at ease while defending against Pria''s moves, her eyes were sparkling and her light smile was not strained at all. Pria''s brow was glistening slightly, while her opponent was far from out of breath.


    "M-Maimai seems t-to b-be having fun," Leon murmured close to Jin Li''s ear unintentionally, as the man was leaning back in boredom. Jin Li''s lobe itched and he couldn''t help but frown. Was his small alchemist paying that girl too much attention again? He sneered, inwardly. Seemed his lover need to be retaught.


    Leon, who did not know he''d set himself up for a ''light'' punishment, was startled by a sudden clapping that filled the brief void of sound once the clash of metal had ceased.


    "Excellent! Most excellent! Such finesse and poise, my dear, I don''t suppose you would do me the honour of giving me your name?"

 Chapter 301 - One Hundred and One - He begins his recruitment

    The clapping sound resounded around the large arena, hinting at some mysterious force behind it, for the pair of hands that were performing the applause were slender, elegant and the effort refined.  They belonged to a man that Bowyer naturally recognised as he restrained himself from rolling his eyes.


    "That was stunning, young lady," the man''s focus happened to be upon Pria, who looked startled in the first moment, yet on guard in the next.  The shyness she expressed when glancing at the one in her heart had faded and she resembled the strong martial artist she actually was.  If Bowyer had to say, he would have stated that he preferred her this way, but still not to the extent where he would become her beau.


    Unheeding the sway of the currents in the air, the man continued to praise her; "Your sword play is quite elegant, a touch raw perhaps here and there, but I see that you have excellent potential." Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click <a href="#%!d(string=11646426206454105)/chapter-one-hundred-and-one---he-begins-his-recruitment_%!d(string=51504348101930531)">#%!d(string=11646426206454105)/chapter-one-hundred-and-one---he-begins-his-recruitment_%!d(string=51504348101930531)</a> for visiting.


    There are few people that do not like accepting praise, Pria was not one of those and despite attempting to retain an amicable yet slightly indifferent expression, the tips of her ears reddened even as her eyes sparkled with pride.  "My skills are only just so, I daren''t accept such praise."


    "Hey," murmured a second familiar voice behind Leon and Jin Li who were observing on the sidelines, "what''s going on?"


    Jin Li clicked his tongue and crossed his arms about his c.h.e.s.t.  Yet another interrupting, when was this whole thing to be done with so he could take his small alchemist away to attend to more interesting matters...?  Leon glanced back at Sun and shook his head as he responded to the former''s question.  "I''m n-not sure." He stuttered through a brief explanation on how Maimai was assisting Bowyer to help the other girl with some techniques, but then this man appeared from nowhere to begin praising the girl''s skills.


    "Maimai can fight?" Sun questioned, his eyes wide as he re-evaluated the girl he knew was prone to blowing up cauldrons.  He did recall following his words that she had a fondness for weapon, like himself, but he''d assumed it was like how some girls liked jewels and accessories and other girls liked musical instruments or whatever.


    "I wouldn''t call it fighting," Jin Li was never generous with his praise and he''d also laid some blame squarely on her shoulders for some things, hence his low evaluation.


    Maimai sneezed suddenly, catching the attention of Bowyer and the other girls.  Bowyer stepped forward to offer her a handkerchief, asking if she was alright.  She waved away the silk cloth under the envious eyes of others before taking out her own and dabbing lightly her nose.  "I''m fine," she smiled in return.  "I suspect someone is just speaking behind my back." Instinctively, she looked over at Jin Li, but he did not meet her gaze.


    At her words, the young man turned to Pria and quickly asked; "Shall we continue training?  If Maimai is feeling under the weather, we might need to change your sparring partner though."


    "No need," Maimai reassured them both, noticing the hint of frustration in the other girl''s eyes.


    "Indeed there is no need," the aloof, older man agreed with her, but his context clearly held different meaning.  His eyes glancing over her, Maimai felt that they held a distinct disdain with in them that caused her to frown.  She didn''t know this person, so what was with his attitude?!


    "Headmaster, with all due respect," Bowyer stepped in, his tone cold, very unlike the man that they all knew.  "This training session was requested by my junior in order to help her gain another perspective on a set of sword moves.  While Pria has made improvement, I feel that it would be in her best interests to continue.  This isn''t a formal session, but Pria is not your student.  Please don''t interfere."


    Pria couldn''t help but feel a chill down her spine.  Was this still the strong martial artist with the jovial and kind manner that she had always looked up to?  She wasn''t sure how she felt about this unexpected side of him, which gave rise to some confusion.  Wasn''t he being a bit rude to the gentleman who''d just offered her a bit of praise in passing?


    "Is this really the Headmaster of our school?" Sun squealed beneath his breath.


    "No," Jin Li refuted, bluntly and Leon also shook his head at the same time.


    Sun had a momentary flash of brilliance; "That... he must be the Headmaster from the Qilin First Academy of Excellence then!  It was mentioned that he had appeared at our school in order to poach students!"


    "What Ac-cademy?" Leon wasn''t aware of such a place, although he wracked his brain to try and recall memories from his childhood in case it was mentioned.  However, he really believed he''d never heard of it.


    Sun felt delighted to enlighten him and shared him the information recently learned by himself as if he''d had it in hand all along.  Jin Li listened lazily as his eyes flickered over the older man in vague assessment.  Sure enough, this man exuded a strong aura.  He was mainly restraining it, but also purposefully letting it leak here and there as if he couldn''t abide others not knowing.  For a noble personage as his stance and mannerisms suggested, Jin Li felt this behaviour was really unsophisticated.


    "Your lack of refinement really reminds me simply why there is such a gap between the students attending my school and those who have no other choice but to attend here," Headmaster Phichus mused out loud.  His words could have meant one thing, could have meant another, but hinted strongly that he really believed that his own school was far superior to this one.  Ignoring the clenched teeth and angry expressions from more than one student in hearing range, he returned his attention back to Pria.  "You really would fit in amongst my students and likely they would be of better influence than... certain others.  How about it, would the young lady consider transferring?"


    Pria hesitated, looking back at her friends, who held mixed expressions, some better than others.  Then her eyes glanced towards Bowyer, but he still did not look at her despite everything.  She felt sour in her heart and found herself replying; "I appreciate the offer, Sir, however would I be allowed sometime to consider your offer before I reply?"  A friend or two gasped, but held their tongues.


    "But of course," his smile widened and his eyes seemed to curve in the way that a satisfied predator having caught some prey to play with would.  "I will be in residence for these next ten days.  I would appreciate a response by that time."  Pria nodded in agreement, before her eyes wandered one last time to Bowyer.  Still not seeing what she was desperately seeking, she turned to take comfort in her friends.


    "I''m curious," Maimai couldn''t help but mutter towards Bowyer after their exchange, "the gap between these schools... how is it that my father has never mentioned it?"  The older man''s eyes narrowed, but her pretty face held an expression of innocence that he couldn''t quite tell whether it was facade or not.  Her best friend naturally understood that it was not.


    Bowyer covered his smile with one hand before coughing lightly and responding; "Sect Master of the Dawn Sect is generous and takes in strong martial artists from many walks of life so long as they can pass the induction tests.  The Qilin Academy has a more specific criteria on whom they will accept to teach."  This was the most generous description he felt he could give the school, considering the Headmaster of such was close by and no matter how he might disagree with the man''s policies, he was far stronger in ability and cultivation than Bowyer after all.


    Hearing this and considering that Bowyer was not only one of the most talented martial artists in the inner sect but also the object of her friend''s affections, one of the girl''s called out in question; "Has senior ever considered entering Headmaster Phichus'' school?"


    "Unfortunately, this young man does not meet our standards," the older man smiled genially at the young lady who had spoken.


    "He doesn''t?" Even though she was hurting, Pria couldn''t help but be startled from her pain by the Headmaster''s firm words.  He once more confirmed his conviction, by shaking his head.


    "Pria," Bowyer called to the girl to clarify a thing, less she misunderstand.  It wasn''t that he didn''t agree that she had talent and potential in cultivation, but that he didn''t want her mislead into thinking that the Headmaster wanted her to attend his school simply due to that.  "Ari doesn''t have the qualifications to attend the Qilin Academy either."


    That piece of information did cause the girl to hesitate.  Everyone knew just how strong Ari, who had taken the highest position on the Standings board this year, the previous and the one before that, was.  What she may not have known was that Ari was a commoner born.  More than that, he''d resided in an orphanage prior to gaining the chance to attend the Institute. The chances he would even enter the Academy as a servant was unlikely.


    "So who would win in a battle," Sun suddenly blurted out in question, "Ari or the top student of Qilin Academy?"


    "I have no doubts that the students of my school would achieve victory in a match against your highest ranked ones," Headmaster Phichus boasted.


    "Really?" Pria sounded hopeful, Bowyer sounded doubtful and Sun simply sounded excited by the prospect of seeing the best of the best battling it out before him!


    "Oh really?" Another voice drawled with a heavy sneer.  A Teacher with the shadow of a beard upon his chin and slightly messy hair tied at the nape of his neck stepped into the area to question.  His eyes were filled with casual doubt, before rolling sideways until reaching a specific target.  "My dear Student!  Weren''t you meant to be retrieving your sword from your quarters?"  Sun froze and chuckled nervously. Busted.

 Chapter 302 - One Hundred and Two - They bickered and caused a situation

    "I really did let down my guard too soon." These mumbled words were followed by a hefty sigh and all of those in the vicinity paused mid-discussion.


    "Headmaster," the snowy-silver haired Teacher Volun, who was well aware of the other man''s idiosyncrasies, attempted to soothe the situation they had found themselves in. "This matter may not have been planned, but it is difficult to say that there will be harm caused by it."


    "Indeed," a colleague was quick to follow up, "this may even be beneficial to our students. Knowing that there are Kings above Nobles, Emperors above Kings and facing such are too different things." He hesitated, realising his words fell in favour of the other party in this matter and tried quickly to reiterate in better terms. However, he barely said more than two more words when the Headmaster waved him to silence.


    "It is not that I don''t know what you are saying," the Headmaster said, a hint of sulkiness in his tone, "however this matter, isn''t it just too troublesome?!"


    The men and women seated around the carved, oval table discussion the situation which was being lead by the Headmaster could say nothing more to refute this opinion.  Considering that they had not long finished one large school event and were looking forward to settling into their usual routines for a while, it really was troublesome and disruptive.  Numerous eyes couldn''t help but turn in the direction of the slightly unrefined looking man with a chin shadowed in stubble and hair that hadn''t met a comb for a few days, sitting beside the much burlier figure that happened to be blood related to him.  He chuckled lightly, while scratching the nest of hair upon his head.  His older brother decided to smack him in that same location in reprimand.


    "Ow!  Was that really necessary?"  Corvus complained.


    "Yes," Corne responded without hesitation.


    The reason for this meeting was linked to Corvus, but not due to the matter regarding the Headmistress of Azure Heights Finishing School little sister.  They wouldn''t have such a meeting regarding Corvus'' personal matters of indiscretion.  However, it was to do with their visitors.  Corvus had inadvertently challenged Headmaster Phichus'' claim that his students, all of noble and direct bloodlines, were superior to the students of the Ascending Mountain Institute.


    Frankly, pretty much each and every Teacher present had been subject to Phichus'' unproven boasts, but at the same time they had ignored them and hoped the annoying pest would fly away sooner that they might continue teaching their students.  However, Corvus, who had not yet returned for two whole terms, produced words of ridicule along the lines of; "So you say, but wait, weren''t you trying to have this Miss transfer?  Could it be you''re attempting to poach our students to improve the overall level of your own, because your own really aren''t as great as ours?"


    "I have no need to improve the quality of our students nor Teachers," Phichus had snapped back through gritted teeth.  "I simply am generous enough to give a little time to consider the situation of the students here at the Institute.  Otherwise, who knows just how much potential your Institute might stunt due to not having the best resources available to them.  And I see right at this moment, that I came at the right time."  He sneered openly at Corvus with disdain.


    Corvus had been cultivating in the wild woodlands located in a mountain basin for a period of time having found a spiritual plant there and after fending off numerous beasts, chose to bask in its aura.  This was his excuse for looking somewhat like the vagabond that Sun had first met.  He really had no excuse in the present, he''d just been too lazy to shave and trim his hair.


    At that time, he''d returned to the martial arts inner school having received enlightenment and wishing to share it with his young student immediately.  Only Sun, who was used to his impulsive manner, had disappeared to get his sword and not returned again, leading him to searching for him and running into Phichus.


    The situation went down hill from that point with much bickering back and forth with just which school''s situation was better, which physical resources were better, which system of learning was better.  There was no sense of debate and even the refined Phichus began to resemble a rapid dire w.o.m.bat by the end of it.  The student audience would have rushed to order roasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts were they wishing not to miss a thing... well with one exception, who was just becoming irritated that the length of time he was not alone with his small alchemist was lengthening out of his control.


    Finally, the matter ended with Corvus stating that they should just see which students were better using challenges or sparring matches with Phichus agreeing without hesitation before storming away.  Corvus had turned to look at his young student with eyes saying ''praise me'', but all Sun had said in return was; "Oh, so does this mean that our students will get to fight his students?  Where?  Who''ll be on our school''s team?  What challenges will they have to face?"


    Corvus had somewhat realised his mistakes and had had to confess to his older brother (he daren''t go to anyone else).  Corne had hit him then as well and then had taken him to seek out the Headmaster. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click <a href="#%!d(string=11646426206454105)/chapter-one-hundred-and-two---they-bickered-and-caused-a-situation_%!d(string=51603817665459852)">#%!d(string=11646426206454105)/chapter-one-hundred-and-two---they-bickered-and-caused-a-situation_%!d(string=51603817665459852)</a> for visiting.


    Hence the present.


    "I''ll just leave it to you," the Headmaster declared, indicating Volun should take charge, before leaving without another word.


    Volun sighed inwardly, but could only do as instructed.  He began to vocalise things that needed to be planned such as where the guest students should stay and whether other schools ought also be invited to downplay the matter from a grudge match to an exchange of strengths and skills amongst students.  His colleague was right that there were students who only overstepped themselves once graduating, as if only those having attended the Institute could be considered great.  That sought of thinking, plus the thinking that one''s alumni would favour and protect oneself over others was too flawed and was a one way ticket to the grave.


    In the meantime, Headmistress Siren entered the large arena located in the centre of the expansive inner martial arts school having heard that Corvus had returned to the Institute from wherever he''d been hiding and had last been seen here by the student she asked.  Unfortunately, that had been a good couple of hours ago, he''d slipped her grasp unknowingly once more.  She frowned but knew it would only be a matter of time before she caught him now.

 Chapter 303 - One Hundred and Three - His Yin to His Yang

    The matter that the Headmaster felt was troublesome and the Teachers had become somewhat fl.u.s.tered over, did not effect the students much at this time.  The idle would gossip, so the Teachers would ensure that they were not idle whether it be with practice of their skills and arts, filled to the brim with words of lectures or earning their way into obtaining resources to improve themselves further.


    And then there were those who weren''t interested anyway, as they didn''t feel that it would effect them.


    Leon swept cobwebs and lingering, dried out leaves into a pile to one side of his courtyard before scooping the mess up and tossing it outside of the gate.  Tomorrow, he wanted to place out many of the large and small pots he''d collected to fill with the edible and alchemical herbs he''d sprouted in the glass side room.  Some of these were not common, but not overly fussy herbs, the seeds of which he''d been gifted from his elder brother Stygar in return for some of the much more challenging seeds he''d obtained in the shattered isles.  Both young men were eager to see the results of their initial attempts at growing the herbs.


    Jin Li stepped out of the Coeurl''s den, followed by the snapping sounds of bones.  The two gluttons were feasting on a wild mountain fowl that was common in the Ascending Mountains.  These birds were not an enlightened species and were considered unusual when it came to the care of their eggs; they laid them in warmer locations, such as near to hot springs and in sheltered basin areas, shoved them in mountainous cracks and then left them to hatch alone.  The little grey chicks had no voice in which to call their absentee parents, could only fend for themselves and hope to survive.  There wasn''t much meat on their tiny structures and the wild mountain fowl''s bones and beak were almost as hard as rocks, hence they were mostly ignored by predators that preyed on similar species'' young ones.  Until they grew to a.d.u.l.t size, that was.  Then, as they were fattest of all birds in winter as they ate many things, including things that might be considered poisonous with no ill effects, they became a favourite of most predators during this more difficult season.


    The one they had captured had just laid its eggs, so hadn''t lost the delicious layer of fat that had been protecting the unborn offspring in its belly yet, plus the bones were softest around this time to make for easier laying as those eggs had been developing most of the winter, another strange feature of the bird.  As for the eggs, they were left in the crevice.  Wild mountain fowl''s eggs were disgusting, no creature with half a brain would touch them.


    Adjusting his eyes to the warm light of the descending sun, Jin Li blinked and caught the happy smile on his lover''s face and was instantly filled with thoughts as he stared like a man enraptured.  "C-c-come in for d-dinner," Leon invited him, though his brain translated those words to mean something entirely different.


    Unaware of the other''s thoughts, Leon washed his hands in a bowl of water in his small kitchen and moved towards the stove.  Arms wrapped around his waist and warmth spread across his back.  He subconsciously leaned against the source, regretting it a moment later as his ear lobe was subjected to a teasing lick followed by a gentle bite.  He felt fingers fiddling with the sash of his robes and knew what would soon follow if he allowed it.


    There was some temptation, he would privately admit, to succ.u.mb to Jin Li''s advances, but he also knew that he might not be able to stand up let alone eat tonight should he do so.  That wouldn''t mean Jin Li would go hungry, though, as the dinner left in the pot would ''mysteriously vanish'' while he slept.  The excuse that ''it wouldn''t have been edible if left any longer'' would spill from the suspected culprit''s tongue as well as ''this Lord did not wake you, allowing you to rest and yet you still complain!''  Jin Li had many selfish traits, especially when it came to food, but in some ways it also made him easier to handle.


    Leon quickly lifted the lid off of the pot and a spicy aroma spread instantly in the surroundings.  The movement at his waist halted as did the suckling sensation upon his ear.  This was a sort of curry rice that Leon had come up with using ideas from his previous life and some knowledge of his current one.  There was an edible herb he used to collect in the forest that had a bite to it when added to food.  It was quite a popular thing to pick and dry it for winter when it could heat the body and stave away the cold.  There were also winter berries, one of which had a sweet tang that went well with the herb and roots that added creaminess and warmth.  It had taken him a few attempts to create this one pot ''curry'' rice, but time was something he did not lack in the evenings when Jin Li was obediently attending school and letting him alone.


    The smell of the concoction was pungent and roused appetite.  Sure enough, Jin Li placed a final kiss on Leon''s lobe and reached for the bowls on the shelf as well as spoons and chopsticks.


    *****


    Chopsticks were placed on empty bowls and a refreshing tea reduced the spice lingering upon the tongue. Jin Li licked his lips and decided it was time for desert.


    Unfortunately, he had only begun to tug the unsuspecting target of his d.e.s.i.r.es into his l.a.p when there was a knock upon the door. It then swung open.


    "Beloved Grandson and Grandson-in-law!"


    Leon''s face immediately flushed red and he scrambled to return to his cushion upon the floor, unable to meet Jian Juren''s amused stare. Jin Li clicked his tongue before pouring himself a second cup of tea, as if being caught in that moment of ambiguity hadn''t occurred. He watched with regretful eyes as Leon gathered up the empty bowls and used chopsticks to place in the bowl of water in the kitchen.


    The scents of the meal had not yet faded and Jian Juren sniffed appreciatively. "Oh, had you just eaten?" He didn''t wait for a response before continuing; "I''m intrigued. What kind of thing did my Grandson-in-law cook? It smells delicious."


    "Does it matter?" Jin Li retorted, rudely. "There''s none for you." Leon discreetly placed the lid over the leftover''s that he suspected would become Jin Li''s midnight snack.


    "Grandson, you are so stingy when it comes to your things!" His grandfather teased. "No wonder you seldom got along with your elder brothers!"


    "Oh?" Jin Li raised a brow in question. He didn''t recall having any issues with his elder brothers. The pair were that much older than him, Jin She was already twenty when he was born, Jin Sha some ten years older still. It would have been quite petty for them to try steal his childhood things like his numerous cousins had attempted to do here and there. And as for later, he was too busy training and cultivating to socialise with them, plus Jin Sha had his businesses, Jin She his own studies. They were brothers by blood, but that really all that connected them.


    "D-does G-Grandfather w-want tea?" Leon asked the older man, who beamed as he glanced at Jin Li with some small gloating.


    "Alas, Grandson-in-law," Jian Juren replied, a bit dramatically, "I shouldn''t, I''m lacking the time... ah, pour the tea! One drink won''t make a difference!"


    "Old man," Jin Li sneered as his small alchemist poured his tea into a spare cup. "Is there a reason that you have descended upon us."


    Jian Juren lazily sipped the slightly cooled tea with a sigh. "I''m going back," he advised them abruptly. Jin Li froze, hesitant.


    "Oh?" He responded after a few moments.


    "I''ve been away from the Higher Realm for too long," Jian Juren lamented, "memories are short if left to forget. People will begin to have ideas."


    "If those people haven''t learned by now," Jin Li muttered, thinking of Jian Juren''s supposed treasure filled tower with all its tricks and traps, "they really do deserve death." Later, he would explain this to Leon, he would also be asked if there was actually some rare treasure inside, only to advise his lover that there was not. This was all a game devised by Jian Juren for his own amus.e.m.e.nt. Most of a certain age were aware, would even use it as a way to temper stubborn brats, though not really let them come to harm. However there was always one idiot every month or so that thought he could breach the tower and take its things.


    "Do you have any messages for your parents?" Jian Juren asked him.


    Jin Li lifted the lid of the tea pot, only to find it was nearly empty inside. "Not really," he replied. "You may inform my father that I continue to train well and my mother..." he glanced at his small lover who began to redden beneath his gaze. "Tell mother that I have found the yin to my yang. That is all."


    Jian Juren smiled, his eyes twinkling. But what would his daughter say when she discovered that this yin was actually all yang?

 Chapter 304 - One Hundred and Four - I begin practicing a new field of alchemy

    Before Grandfather Jian left, he gave his grandson-in-law a small gift; a thin book written by himself with a few trick pill recipes contained within.


    As the rest of his four day break had been used pacifying a beast before that person too went on his way, while glowing with radiant satisfaction, for the six day period of school, Leon could barely be bothered to rise from his bed, thus he took out the thin book to read.


    The book contained just six trick pill recipes, but as previously stated, these were simple ones to make and as such, were usually considered by more experienced alchemists as nothing more than ''prank'' pills. One even had a fairly familiar concept to a person with memories of a different world and era.


    ''The Stink Pill; once a spark of spiritual energy is implanted into the pill and thrown, it will emit a foul odour for a radius of half a li upon impact with the ground or other hard surface. Note, if the surface is too soft, such as loose sand, it will not complete its activation.''


    Leon flipped the page unsure just how this pill would be effective if used in combat. Many alchemists would likely think the same or just think the pill was too embarrassing to be used in serious battle, however they would all fail to understand the impact such a distraction could cause in the flow of a fight. That and please consider the poor noses of beasts that rely on them!


    ''The Flash Pill; once a spark of spiritual energy is implanted in the pill, the pill will begin to radiate with a blinding array of light for 1.5 seconds. The after effects can be as long as eight seconds, depending on those caught unawares ability to recover, but usually no shorter than two seconds. Note, has a delay of 3 seconds on activation.''


    Causing distractions by effecting smell and sight, naturally the following one caused distraction by emitting a high pitched frequency causing near deafness for a duration. The following two also attacked these particular senses, while the last was a strange combination and was intended not to trick within combat, but to trick in order to protect an alchemist''s pills. Jian Juren called it; the mirage pill.


    ''The mirage pill; placed within the jade bottle amongst other pills, it fools the eye and the nose into believing that all pills within the bottle are lower quality or waste product of a pill of choice. Said pill must be added during creation of the mirage pill, thus it will also take on and emit an aura of chosen pill which it will reflect on all pills in its immediate surroundings. Can only effect around twelve other pills at any one time.  Will appear to be of one level of quality lower than its host pill.''


    This particular pill couldn''t help but appeal to Leon, likely thanks to the time when he had lost nine tenths of his current life at the hands of bullies which caused his physical body to almost break and his cultivation to deviate for a time. If they had believed his pills to be waste products, would they have continued to bother with him? He wasn''t sure; Caprian had been a selfish, lazy and arrogant youth who had been raised to treat life as grass after all. It might have instead happened that he (Leon) was still beaten to near death just because Caprian couldn''t find what he wanted to steal in Leon''s house.


    There was also the additional point that his home had been ransacked, some jade bottles broken. This pill could only effect pills close to it. If the bottle was broken, then the pills scattered, his trick would have been discovered and he doubted Caprian''s anger could have been reigned in by Tor (Caprian''s former subordinate) at that time.


    Needless to say, there was no point thinking about it now. Caprian''s path led him to return home in disgrace, while his own had led him to a cave some miles west to pick up a stray youth covered in bristles who would at some point claim him as his own and tie their lives together unendingly.


    Leon''s eyes glanced over the ingredients before ignoring the lingering aches in his lower back and rising from his bed. He hissed slightly as more pressure was felt upon that unspeakable place and he inwardly cursed Jin Li numerous times in his head. What ''payment'', what ''punishment''? Leon pouted, pushing aside the vivid memories in which he, himself was a very active participant... at least until the point he begged for Jin Li to stop as he felt he''d surely been drained of all his senses and didn''t feel as if he could cope with experiencing that ultimate peak of p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e for the fourth time!


    Jin Li had kissed him thoroughly and muttered that it couldn''t be helped, before thrusting hard numerous times to finish deep inside his softened body. Leon had passed out not long after and had remained asleep as Jin Li had left for the inner martial arts school this morning.


    Burying his embarrassment, he shuffled over to his kitchen to notice that the stove was lit and a kettle of water had been prepared for him to heat. No food had been prepared, but that was because a certain Jin Li did not abode well within a kitchen; boiling water and steeping tea was about the extent of his cooking abilities. That said, he could dissect a carcass into portions, which made Leon''s life that much easier.


    The he that was Leo could take a life in order to eat, but the he that was Leon had only ever bought meat from a supermarket, prepackaged and usually from the specials section. Actually killing something and cutting open it''s recently deceased body made his stomach turn. It was one of the many contradictions he was still trying to come to terms with in this duality of an existence. Eventually, he felt, he would be able to come to terms with this. At least he could watch a small life be taken in front of him without throwing up anymore.


    Leon lazily boiled the water and a couple of eggs to eat with some rice to pad his stomach. He didn''t linger after breakfast as was his habit when Jin Li was about, but washed up in his bathroom, cleaning parts his lover had neglected as usual then refreshed the water to wash his sheets and any dirty clothes. Leaving them to soak, he headed to his small store room attached to the greenhouse to see what herbs he had remaining there.


    As he thought, there were enough herbs to make at least one attempt at making the mirage pill. He gathered them up as well as a burning energy pill bottle and headed for his old hut.


    The old hut was still located outside of the courtyard house. The old gardens surrounding it had not long ago been weeded and given a fresh covering of mulch. Several herbs grown from fallen seed or from hidden root stock were pushing through the covering to reach up and outward towards the dappled sunlight. Shrub-like herbs were budding new leaves and a hardy evergreen type was beginning to flower. Leon even spied shoots that belonged to the five blossom daisies herb, of which he''d been able to witness four different coloured flowers last year before it had died. It seemed that the seedlings would provide him another attempt to nurture it through its long flowering season and perhaps witness those final blooms.


    Leon placed his cauldron onto the stove and turned to reach into the barrel of wood kindling and tossed a few pieces into the metal contraption, before attempting to light it. Fortunately, he''d developed a deft hand at doing this even before regaining his memories, so it wasn''t long before the flames took hold and licked over the dry wood hungrily. Heat soon began to emanate from the old stove. With a deep breath, Leon went through the steps of making the trick Pill in his head before turning his hand to make it.

 Chapter 305 - One Hundred and Five - I create a mirage

    The mirage pill itself was not a difficult pill to begin, although three of its five herb ingredients were uncommon or rare, so it could not be considered an inexpensive pill.


    Two of the herbs were also weak hallucinogenics, one causing illusionary distortions when smelled, the other sensory distortions when ingested.  However, one would have to be very close to the flowers during the first herbs peak season or eat a lot of the second for it to take affect.  Plus these two were not common herbs, could even be considered borderline rare as they took many years to reach maturity in their favoured habitats.  However, they were quite difficult to get rid of once their roots were established hence they were not fragile enough to be considered rare.  These herbs were known as Mountain Charm Brush and Idle Sea Grass.  Leon had these herbs in his inventory as they happened to also be used in a couple of combat and transformation pills as well as the more advanced version of a Still Mind Pill; the Tranquil Mind pill.


    The common elements of the pills, one happened to be purple spirit grass and the other was known as Triple Fall Ivy, Leon had used the former in many recipes, but the latter not so much.  As he learned more about pills from books and experience, as well as slowly reforming memories, he believed that the purple spirit grass may have some activation or enhancement qualities which was why it was found in a multitude of basic pill recipes.  The Triple Fall Ivy happened to have been a housewarming gift from his elder brothers; it liked to hang in a shady place as it grew, hence it was growing from a hanging pot in the storage room until Leon found a use for it.


    The last herb was, by some coincidence, Celestial Tear herb, or rather it''s leaves. Leon had kept one of the grown plants, one that had wilted and looked too unhealthy to sell whole. As most alchemists worked with the long, fresh roots, new shoots and on occasion, it''s fluffy seed pods, it had little value being half dead. So Leon had claimed it along with a stem of its counter part, the common Twice Crescent Elderwort. They were growing entwined in his greenhouse in a pot made for two. Apart from shedding a few leaves, the difficult to grow herb seemed to be adapting to its change in circ.u.mstance and looked a little more healthy than when he''d first taken it home. Fortunately, the quality of its leaves did not change much as they fell from the main body for they took many years to dry out and break down, so could still be utilised.


    Four of these herbs were placed altogether into the cauldron to breakdown gradually over a high heat creating a coarse powder.  The powder then needed to be removed and ground down further by hand in order that all the mixed grains from the herbs were fine and even in texture like refined flour.  It was hard work, but it was not difficult work.  Once Leon had worked up a decent sweat, the powder was good enough to be placed back into the cauldron, ready for its trickier step.


    Using his spiritual energy, Leon cooled the pot in order to warm its content without burning it and beside the ashy pile, he placed a single burning energy pill.  Pills usually required saliva or spiritual energy to break them down, so heat alone would not be enough, Leon could only split his energies to begin the process of crumbling down the host pill.  While he was doing this, he also had the Celestial Tear leaf placed in a third location within his cauldron to begin processing it.  The leaf was subjected to a mix of heat and spiritual energy and soon succ.u.mbed, turning into a gooey substance rather than a powdery one.


    Leon mixed this substance first with the powered pill; the leaf goo would become the bridge between the old and new pill, forming a core that retained certain qualities that only the burning energy pill had.  The other four powdered herbs would form the pill''s final shell and would reflect those retained sensory qualities of the host pill.  However, the host pill would lose it''s original function otherwise, thus if anyone ate this pill, they would literally not gain anything from it.  This gave the trick pill a secondary usage of sorts, fooling the ignorant into thinking they were gaining something that they would not.  However, who would use a decent pill up in order to utilise this usage to its greatest potential?  The cost was too much.  Yet it did make Leon wonder if there were advanced versions of the pill that would create such dummy pills without needing to use an actual pill in its creation...


    With that, the pill was formed.  Visually, it had the reddish-brown colour of a lower quality burning energy pill as well as its slightly rusty scent.  If Leon had not known better, he really would believe that this pill was exactly as it appeared.  He reached for the jade bottle containing the vivid crimson Bursting Energy pills and added this dummy pill inside.  Suddenly, it appeared as if all of his original efforts had been in vain and the bottle only contained poor quality burning energy pills, which were frankly valueless.  He could not tell the mirage pill apart from these.  Only by tipping them out onto a surface and spreading them out could he find the deviant pill and rescue his precious Bursting Energy pills.  He quickly collected them back up and placed them inside their bottle less they lose some of their efficacy.


    Following that, he picked up the mirage pill and placed it inside its own bottle before looking at it with consideration.  In truth, he didn''t think he had a use for it at the moment, but he also didn''t think it was without use in the future.  Jin Li had made it quite clear as well as he knew it himself; they would leave the Institute in the future and travel to the distant higher realm, Jin Li''s home.


    It was not always good to be lowkey, but there were times it was necessary.

 Chapter 306 - One Hundred and Six - They wear the insignia of their Sect

    Over the following ten days, Leon had practiced making every pill except one; the Stink pill and that was because he couldn''t obtain one of the ingredients yet.  That pungent flower would not blossom for another two months, therefore he would have to wait.


    Otherwise, he had made four Mirage pills, three Flash pills, six Smoke pills, three Banshee''s Cry pills and a single Wavering Eye Pill. Of these last three, the Smoke pill would produce it''s trick as expected; a burst of smoke would be emitted from the pill causing the eyes to itch and the breath to falter. It''s range was not great, however and as long as the attacked stepped back, they would not be effected by the smoke. The Banshee''s cry pill was supposed to produce an ear-piercing shriek for a good three seconds. It seemed too short, but the instinct to protect one''s ears would likely interfere with one''s ability to fight unless one''s control was just that good. And then there was the wavering eye pill, a mild illusion pill. It''s attack could be considered the most discreet, but could also be considered to be the one with the least potential. It would simply cause the target to see illusive images at the corners of their vision, but they would not naturally be able to catch sight of anything real. It could capture the ignorant unaware, just likely would not effect the most focused.


    These trick pills, with the exception of the mirage pills, were stored upon his person. The mirage pills he held onto until the chance came to descend the mountain with a whole plethora of pills; he intended to visit Mr Clawse''s apothecary as well as Ursam''s shop to sell his pills to them. This matter had been delayed due to the previous rest days events, Jin Li did not try to talk him out of his excursion, but would naturally travel by his side.  And then they would pick up the groceries they had also been unable to purchase.


    Clause welcomed him wholeheartedly, purchasing those improved One Heart Pills and improved Blood Pills without question.  Actually, he had plenty of the former in stock now; this had been one of the recipes that Leon had chosen to release to the Institute, however, perhaps it was something to do with Leon''s conscientious nature, but the ''improved'' One Heart Pill made by other students who supplied him with pills, were somehow not as good.  Therefore, those students did receive better pay than for the ordinary One Heart Pill, but it was not as much as he offered Leon each time.  That and he also wished to keep good relations with the only person to supply him with improved Blood Pills.  He secretly hoped Leon would soon improve other healing pills; he had no doubts that he would not, after all, was he not responsible for those other new pills on the market?


    Of course those pills were combat pills which meant Clawse could only make way for that pervert.


    Ursam sneezed before glancing at the many shelves and wondering if he shouldn''t give them a clean.  His beloved wife had gone to visit her brother and sister-in-law for a few days, leaving him to man the shop alone.  He sighed, pouting inwardly, before grabbing a bucket to fill with warm soapy water and a rag.  After heating the water and pouring it into his prepared bucket, he heard the bell chime from the front door of his shop, alerting him to customers, so he hurried back.


    "Welcome!" He greeted the two individuals with a warm, jovial smile.  "Are you looking for something specific?"


    He noticed the woman first, or rather he noticed the curvy flesh that was very closely wrapped in red silk, the folds of which covered and shaped the generous mounds, but not so much that there wasn''t still a feast for the wandering eye on display.  The red robe was reaching down towards her knees yet with slits along each side high enough that had she not been wearing silk trousers, a second vision of smooth skin would have been on offer.  As it was, the trousers left little to the imagination in terms of shape...


    As Ursam dragged his eyes upward, reminding himself that he was a married man, he couldn''t help but notice the embroidery upon the lower sections of the red robe.  At first glance it was just a few vivid green stems of bamboo, but amongst them were a shadowy shape of a scorpion.  His smile faltered and he inwardly sighed as he glanced over at the broad and muscular companion of the woman.  He did enjoy the sight of muscles as much as the next open advocate of appreciating the appeal of many shapes and figures, but surely there was such a thing as going overboard.  Regardless, that man''s outfit matched this woman''s only, he wore black silks with brazen red scorpions embroidered along the hem.


    Ah, the Xie Wei Sect, he bem.o.a.n.e.d to himself.


    There were many sects in both the righteous and demonic cultivation worlds and while many sects might share similarities (in the way they operated or displayed their arrogance), there were also traits that tended to seem a unique flavour of the individual sect.  For example, the Dawn Star Sect, led by that man who doted upon his daughters way too much, produced disciples that were quite laid back, but also a little on the romantic side.  That didn''t mean that they should be underestimated, Ursam had once fought that man''s uncle to a satisfying draw, it was just something that seemed to have become written in every new disciples bones after a handful of years.


    The Xie Wei Sect had an alternative flavour.  In terms of strength, they were no worse nor better than the Dawn Star Sect and technically, they were also a righteous sect, but their reputation was not good.  Their arrogance was blatant, their tempers while generally restrained, were deep and explosive and their actions were often seen to be unnecessarily cruel.  A stab through the heart will finish a man as will stabbing him repetitively in every place but.  The difference lie in how long that man suffered before death.


    Ursam, however, was not concerned about the pair.  He might have retired, but his cultivation had not deviated in anyway.  He was far beyond their reach and ability for at least the next one or two hundred years!


    "We''ve come about the two variant Blood Pills," the woman stated, letting Ursam know that they surely meant to be troublesome.  "That ''Bursting'' and ''Smouldering'' Blood Pill."


    "I don''t quite understand," Ursam lied, smoothly.  "Those two pills, aren''t they purchasable only via auction houses?  Unsure why yourselves have come to my humble shop to enquire."


    The woman''s eyes narrowed.  "Ha, Sir jests unwisely.  We have already investigated; those pills were arranged to be sold by auction by yourself."


    Ursam inwardly sighed once more.  What happened to customer confidentiality?  He would complain to the Auction House''s management once this matter was settled.  "I''ll let you know, I am but a middle-man.  I''m not responsible for the creation or supply of those pills.  I also cannot reveal my source.  You both are wasting your time with me."


    "We don''t see it that way," the man flexed his arms and cracked his knuckles, only for the woman to pat his muscular arms as if appeasing his temper.  Ursam gave the whole show just two stars.  So outdated.


    "What my companion means is that there are other ways," the woman seemed almost to purr and smile invitingly.  Ursam didn''t find it s.e.xy.  Having his wife''s small foot connect with his face, shoving him away with it while her hands were occupied with other mundane things were much more appealing.  He missed his wife.  "Just sell those pills directly to my Sect.  My Sect promises a fair return, your client does not have to know..."


    Ursam was about to shake his head and display his strength, let them both know that they were out of their league.  Force was often the only way to deal with these sorts; this is what he had told Clawse, who''d been pestered for more than a season by the Sect until they returned to their desert home for some reason.  He''d kow tow to the little woman for any breakages once she returned.


    Ding-ding-ding.  The bell to the door rang, distracting everyone from their thoughts.  Two youths entered, the shorter of which sported yin yang hair.  Ursam cursed inwardly.  Why would his ''client'' have to show up now?

 Chapter 307 - One Hundred and Seven - I experience Deja Vu

    Deja Vu.


    That was what Leon experienced with a slight shudder as he stepped through the door of the shop.  In the late summer of the previous year, when the relationship between himself and Jin Li had been verging on the ambiguous, although he''d still been considered half a servant at that time, Leon had stepped through shop doors to a similar scene.  Of course, there were differences.


    At that time, it was Mr Clawse not Ursam who had been confronted by this pair.. or at least he thought it was this pair, he recognised the scorpion robes rather than the individuals, and Jin Li had not been with him.  And at that time he''d been holding lowly clear spiritual pills amongst other things, which had convinced them he was not worthy of their attention.  Perhaps they did not remember him?


    His stomach sank as the woman''s eyes scanned over him before narrowing in thought.


    Ursam spoke quickly in an attempt to divert their attention.  "Listen, although this humble shopkeeper cannot help you with the matter that you spoke of, I do have many wonderful pills in stock!  In fact, I am one of the few in town to be able to sell the variant Energy pills directly!  Perhaps you might be interested in these instead?"


    "Humble?" Jin Li snorted beneath his breath, but though he said this, he did catch Ursam''s roundabout words.  He did not know the Xie Wei Sect, he did not know their reputation nor general manner, but he was not stupid.  He had also seen the tiny flinch his lover had produced as he''d stepped through the door to see these two people.  Ursam said they wanted pills, his small alchemist instantly became alarmed at their presence.  His alchemist was the only source of certain unique pills and seeing that Ursam had stated that the pair had not enquired after the variant Energy Pills, then it was likely they sought those variant Blood pills instead.  Well, he could be wrong.  His small alchemist was a nervous rabbit after all.


    He was not wrong.


    That woman did not take her predatory eyes of his small alchemist and instead languidly spoke a few words; "So, this student of the Institute supplies you with his pills as well."


    "Students without wealthy backgrounds need to make money some how," Ursam reminded her.  "I feel pity for them, so whenever there is space upon my shelves, I try to sell a few things for them."


    The woman glanced slyly about.  "There doesn''t seem to be much room on any of your shelves," she pointed out.


    "Indeed!  It''s a shame that I won''t be able to help this time," Ursam stated matter of factly, while his eyes flickered for a moment in Jin Li''s direction.  If he had the ability to send Jin Li a written message in this stare, it would have read; ''Take your man away quickly.''  Unfortunately, there were no words.  However, Jin Li still managed to understand.  He even chose to obey them, while thinking if it were just himself, he would never flee from battle.  But he didn''t want his small alchemist hurt, so he grabbed Leon''s hand.


    "Then this Lord and alchemist will return another day," he bowed slightly before tugging Leon towards the door.  He failed in his retreat.


    Just as he had been momentarily (very momentarily, unlikely to ever happen again) in tune with the pervert, the burly man was very much in tune with his woman.  He blocked their way as the woman called for them to wait.


    "I don''t believe that you dear students need to leave so swiftly," she offered a smile that seemed warm but a little sinister at the same time.  "Don''t mind us, conduct your business first."


    "No, no," Ursam attempted one last time to protect the golden egg that was Leon.  He favoured this constant source of income!  His wife would beat him silly with her broomstick should he lose, hurt or otherwise inconvenience the youth who she''d grown fond of!  Worse, he might have to sleep in the shop again!  "It''s as you say, my shelves are full!"


    "Take out the things you wish to sell," the woman encouraged Leon, fixing her dark eyes upon him.  He shivered, thinking he could see a cold flame within them, but slowly pulled out a jade bottle from his interspatial bag.  It was snatched from his hand by the burly man and Leon couldn''t help but let out a slight squeal.  He felt Jin Li''s arms pull at him and carefully he was sheltered behind his lover''s back.  He grasped Jin Li''s hand and squeezed it gently, trying to convey that he was fine and that Jin Li needn''t worry.


    As he tried to restrain Jin Li''s fury, the woman had taken the jade bottle from her companion and opened it.  Leon''s heart raced in his c.h.e.s.t, his eyes unblinkingly fixed upon the open bottle as a familiar and slightly rusty scent oozed out of it.  The woman frowned as she glared into the bottle of muddy red pills, before replacing the stopper and tossing it back towards him with a look of disdain.  Jin Li caught the jade bottle as the woman muttered; "Really only worthy of pity."


    Leon released the breath his was holding slowly as he hid the triumphant expression in his eyes by staring at the floor.


    "Come." Deciding that she was wasting her time here, the woman commanded her companion to join her and together they stormed out of the door.  "Don''t think this is over!" She left a parting shot aimed at Ursam.


    The pervert sighed.  "High maintenance and too unpleasant a personality, a shame.  She''d be almost as pretty as my wife if she wasn''t so... ah Leon, Jin Li!" He glanced at the bottle of pills still in Jin Li''s hand with a slightly bewildered expression.  "Those burning energy pills... it''s not like I can''t purchase them, as a favour, but... well their not exactly of decent quality, I really can''t offer you much."


    "Ha ha," Leon laughed with a small breath of both amus.e.m.e.nt and relief, before glancing over his shoulder to make sure there was no sign of that pair from that sect. He claimed the bottle from Jin Li''s hand and unstoppered it, releasing once more that slightly rusty scent. He poured the contents out onto the counter surface, watching as the pills rolled away from each other and making sure none fell and spoiled. One by one they became as crimson as the bright red robes that woman had been wearing, with the exception of the last. The scent also altered, becoming more firey and spicy, smothering the little rusty smell remaining. He picked up the crimson pills one by one before placing them back in the jar and only the mirage pill remained on the counter. "These six are B-Bursting B-Blood Pills," he grinned, happy that he''d decided to add the mirage pill to these pills in the end.


    But unexpectedly, Ursam didn''t look pleased, in fact he looked a little horrified, his eyes not tearing themselves away from the trick pill. "This pill..." he pointed to it, but a distance remained between his finger and the offending object.


    "It''s c-called a M-Mirage P-Pill," Leon advised him, tilting his head slightly confused about Ursam''s reaction. "I j-just recently learned t-to m-make them."


    "Ah ha," Ursam''s laugh was without mirth as he looked up at Leon and the man behind him. His eyes widened as if in realisation and Jin Li caught him staring at him, so raised a brow in question. Ursam chuckled sadly once more before turning his attention on Leon. "You really shouldn''t learn such... dastardly things. Bad for you. The people that teach them... well just don''t learn from them. Okay, perhaps just this one pill, it did have its uses, but nothing else, understand?"


    Leon nodded... even though he had no understanding at all.


    Jin Li caught Ursam staring at him again, looking a bit unhappy. He sighed. "I don''t look like him you know," he told him, as he did understand Ursam''s reference.


    Ursam chuckled mirthlessly for a third time. How had he not noticed before? After all, the shape of their eyes and brows, that way of looking down on others as if pitying people for not being so great, wasn''t it all the same? They even had the same taste in preying upon little rabbits! It was no wonder that bastard had returned to the area when he''d thought that he''d not have to cross paths recently with him for at least another half year! Hadn''t he mentioned something about his grandson and grandson-in-law then? Ursam''s eyes fell upon Leon and this time, he was the one to look down on someone with pity.

 Chapter 308 - One Hundred and Eight - I learn to ride... sort of

    A few tendays later and the Ascending Mountain Institute was suddenly visited by scores of cultivators. This was not some campaign to attract the attention of prospective students and their folks, like might occur in schools of another world, although many of these cultivators were indeed students. Instead they were came to the Institute as if they were four small battalions ready for battle. The Institute''s students were no less aware of the reason for their presence and made themselves known in crowds, gathering around the building and nearby griffin''s nests as if in greeting, yet somehow looked as if they were ready to protect their territory.


    The building which the students surrounded happened to be once used by the inner school of scholars prior to the two schools somewhat merging in order to pool much of their resources and invest further into their studies, no matter their skill set. Over the passed few weeks, the architecturally imposing building with its decorative pillars, tall doors and ornate carved flora and fauna had been given a refurbishment, along with the (coincidentally) four dormitory buildings located around it. There had been many points on offer for sweeping floors and cleaning out cobwebs, Leon had joined a team that replanted the grounds with pretty and structurally pleasing plants and flowers. Other things, furnishings and such, had been purchased from outside and many temporary staff hired in order to keep the visitors well fed during their stay.


    There were mixed reactions from the visitors regarding their efforts;


    "Everything is so unexpectedly green this way north," murmured one with a heavy accent.


    "Where are the servants to carry my luggage! You there! Pick up my bags!" The one pointed at sneered, did not bother retorting, just walked away arms crossed and cursing;


    "Who does that f.u.c.ker think he is? Laozi has better things to do!"


    "Look, all girls!" A whisper came from the surrounding crowds this time and caught the attention of both males and females, the former couldn''t help their instinctive reaction to scan over that group of flowers in interest, while the latter were either showed glints of unhappiness or delight dependant on circ.u.mstances.


    In the end, all of the visiting students and resident students had opinions regarding the others, not all were favourable, but generally, the visiting students arrived peacefully.  How long this would happen to last was a different story.


    But at that moment, a small alchemist had his hands full with a matter far removed.  Actually, they were holding a recently made, custom saddle.


    Li Ming sniffed at the saddle in it''s human''s hands with interest. The thick, leather scent caused it to screw up its nose and turn its head away. Velana chuckled as she patted Li Ming''s scaled head. "Your coeurl is an interesting beast," she mentioned to Leon, her eyes appraising the beast''s mainly white skin with its lengths of black stripes stretching down its back.


    "En," Leon agreed fondly, smiling brightly. The cub which had first approached him due to a small wooden fish charm, had become a young a.d.u.l.t following a recent growth spurt. However, it never managed to shed all of its baby fur. Instead, it had developed a thick mane not unlike that of a lion from his former world. A small tuft also remained on the tip of its thick tail. It looked unusual on the coeurl, a feline species that were renowned for their thick, scaled hide and powerful agility, but Leon did not hate it.


    Leon attempted to figure out how to place the saddle on Li Ming''s back in vain, causing Velana to quietly chuckle. She took the saddle from him as if it weighed nothing and tossed it with ease on Li Ming''s back. The coeurl blinked its blue eyes in surprise, unaccustomed to the weight, though it was more than capable of coping with it. It turned its head and shoulders attempting to see what was upon its back, circling as its fluffy mane partially blocked its vision. It yowled at Leon in complaint.


    "B-be g-good," Leon said, softly, grabbing Li Ming''s head and running his fingers through the heavenly silken fur. Li Ming purred contentedly, the sound a deep rumble in its c.h.e.s.t, leaning into Leon''s touch. As he distracted the coeurl, x fixed the saddle to the beast''s back securely.


    "You are aware that coeurls can''t be muzzled?" Velana mentioned to Leon, who nodded in agreement. He''d rode on the back on Wu Ye before, granted it was usually Jin Li who lead or instructed the obstinate beast, but ropes and reigns were not the way of coeurl and their riders.  Instead, a rider held onto a horn at the forefront of the saddle and relied upon the strength of his t.h.i.g.hs to remain stable.  To guide the beast was done through a series of whistles, nudges or pats, depending on the relationship between rider and beast.  Jin Li and Wu Ye seemed so at odds most times were throughly in sync when it came to travelling, if Jin Li was given permission to mount that was.


    Li Ming, however, was playful and easily distracted and Leon was not authoritative enough.  It would take the pair some practice to be able to understand each other in this capacity.


    Somewhat exhausted, Leon finally slid off Li Ming''s back, but he really couldn''t scold the beast for rushing about, tossing and turning him as he''d clung on the horn handle of the saddle for dear life as it really meant no harm. Even now, it nuzzled into Leon''s waist seeking praise for its ''performance.'' A sudden snort came from behind Leon and Li Ming was flicked in the head with the tip of a black tail; Wu Ye was not as generous as their smallest human. A low, disapproving rumble echoed in its midnight c.h.e.s.t, causing Li Ming to whimper.


    Teacher Volun chuckled as he watched the antics of the three. "T-Teacher," Leon greeted as did Velana, both bowing slightly with respect for the silver haired man of indeterminate age. Behind his silver framed glasses, Teacher Volun''s eyes twinkled.


    "I''ve completed my examination of Wu Ye," the Beast Tamer Teacher informed Leon readily. "It is definitely a prime example of its species and in good health as well. I can see Li Ming is also far from the small runt of its litter!"


    Knowing that the silver haired human was talking about it, Li Ming stood tall once more, shaking its mane as if to clarify Teacher Volun''s point. Velana chuckled again behind her hand and Volun''s eyes brightened further.


    "Look at those coeurl! So awesome!"


    "Hmm... wait! Where are you going!?"


    A youth with large amber eyes and skin as golden as autumn leaves suddenly appeared before them. He was tall and broad shouldered, with ropey muscle and a strangely unfitting baby face. He was dressed in a mix of furs and leathers with bone bracelets decorating his wrist and his long flowing hair, that was deep brown with wispy yellowing ends, was unadorned. Without thought, he rushed right up close to Wu Ye as if to examine the beast more closely.


    Perhaps knowing that the youth meant it no ill intent, Wu Ye only pushed the young man over with one paw, it''s claws remaining sheathed. A second youth, almost equal in height to the first, but less thick of form, hurried to pick the first off of the ground. "I''m sorry!" The second young man, who wore a similar style of long sleeved tunic and trousers to the first, crossed one arm about his c.h.e.s.t with a closed fist before bowing deeply. "My friend here gets a little over enthusiastic when it comes to beasts. He meant no offence."


    "It''s ok-k-kay!" Leon stuttered out startled by the fervent behaviour of both youths.


    The knocked down youth had already stood up and sidled over to Wu Ye as if he hadn''t already been chastised by the black coeurl already. Wu Ye turned around, ignoring him. The young man began to mutter just beneath his breath; "Coeurl, pure Pantherian bloodline, Male, around one to two years in age..."


    "You know your stuff, young man," Volun said approvingly. "Student of the Savage Red Sands Force?"


    The first youth didn''t answer, his eyes only taking in the magnificent matt colouring of Wu Ye''s scaled hide, so the second youth hurriedly answered for both of them. "Yes, yes we are. I''m Hamset, he is Ahti. We are cousins and studying together. We are primarily martial arts students, but..." he glanced at his cousin whose attentions had turned to Li Ming. The youth''s head had tilted to one side as he unrestrainedly examined the striped coeurl, who in turn was staring curiously at him.


    "I don''t know this breed... too strong and healthy to be of multiple ancestries, striped coat... a tigray?"


    "A hybrid with a pure Tigray mother," Volun volunteered to inform the student of the school often stereotyped as being a training ground for barbarians and savages by not only the ignorant and ill informed. "And likely a father of the Tundras genus."


    "Tundras?" The youth, Ahti looked thoughtful for a moment. "The Tundras are the only genus of the Coeurl family to not shed their fur, due to their habitats being in the most cold regions of the continents... that would explain its unusual mane and more robust stature..." Leon wryly thought that actually the latter was due to Li Ming overeating and under-exercising. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click <a href="#...-sort-of_52439682457321564">#...-sort-of_52439682457321564</a> for visiting.


    Volun rather liked this young martial artist; many of his own students were not as versed regarding the various bloodlines and breeds that existed for their own favoured beasts, let alone others. He thought that such a youth might be a good influence on them... alas, he was another school''s student and training in a different field than his own. Still, it never hurt to be cordial. "We have many interesting beasts and not few rare bloodlines here," he told the man, amused when the youth''s ears seemed to perk upwards with interest. "I have time, allow me to give you the tour of my outer beast tamer school."


    "Can I?" The muscular young man glanced over at his cousin with pleading eyes, which sparkled with joy the moment that he understood that the other had given in to his request. Hamset gestured with one hand, sighing heavily as the other man hurried to follow the silver-haired Teacher.


    "Your cousin really likes beasts," Velana stated in a matter of fact tone.


    "I know," Hamset agreed, slightly disapproving before hurriedly explaining; "It''s not that I look down on beast tamers, I don''t, they are as honoured as any martial artist in the tribes. It is just that Ahti''s father wishes him to be a martial artist and follow in his footsteps. He is my chief, so I must abide by his wishes and guide Ahti, even if Ahti would be happier otherwise." Velana nodded in understanding; this was not an unheard of thing in the cultivation world. Leon also had met a few who were ill suited to their specialism, but mostly persevered anyway due to expectations placed upon them.


    Leon did not want to ride Li Ming home, but was unable to refuse those expectant blue eyes and almost immediately regretted it. He felt also that Wu Ye was laughing at his expense as they raced back together. He climbed off of the striped beast with shaking legs on their return, taking a few moments to settle himself before finding that he faced a dilemma... How was he supposed to get the saddle off of Li Ming?

 Chapter 309 - One Hundred and Nine - They spar in the woods

    The pair from the Savage Red Sands Force were not the only group to have set about exploring the landscape of the famous Ascending Mountain Institute, a place they''d thought that they''d only ever know by reputation.


    A group of seven young men and women were currently traipsing though the mountainous forests close to where they had been advised that the (outer) martial arts school could be found. If there was a truth to admit, though their lips remained firmly sealed to it, they were lost.


    Of this group, five were male, two female, but all wore styles of dress that were of high quality of fabrics and excellent tailoring. The embroidery was flawless and intricate, despite the patterns seeming somewhat simple in comparison to what they might otherwise had worn and they wore boots rather than slippers or embroidered shoes. Others of their ilk would nod their head, believing that their style was quite appropriate in order to ''fit in'' with a lower class of people who lived in a more untamed environment, unaware that they had completely missed the marked point. The twig of an unpruned shrub caught the silk threads of the peony sewn upon one girl''s skirt.


    "Ling Ling, help me!" The girl had a m.a.t.u.r.e form yet young face, her slightly rounded cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she attempted to loosen the catch without ruining the silks. The other girl, a tall young woman with a willowy frame and indifferent expression, paused before stepping over to assist her friend.


    The most angry of the youthful men clicked his tongue then kicked at a stone that had scuffed his boot when he''d inadvertently tripped over it. "What sort of landscape is this? No paths, no sense of placement. It''s simply barbaric!"


    "That student might have given us the wrong direction," a sunny faced youth with naturally smiling eyes pointed out. His naturally golden hair added to his amicable appearance, however, if one looked deep enough into those dark eyes, one might witness a scheming mind behind them.


    The angry youth seemed of simpler temperament, hot headed and brash, but without complicated thought. "That person should not dare!" The person they spoke of wore the hemp cloth of a peasant, his only reactions to their presence should be of fear and obedience. This was their experience, they had never thought too deeply beyond this.


    The blond haired man was not so naive as his friend, but also unlike his friend, who would forget this possible slight come the following daybreak, he would set this wrong into his heart and seek recompense.


    "Never mind," the tallest youth amongst them adjusted slim framed glasses and glanced around himself. "Teacher did mention that this Institute was much wilder and uncouth than its generous reputation suggests. We will take this as a lesson learned." The youths nodded as if all agreeing with him.


    Suddenly, a clash of metal came to ear and attracted their attentions. Glancing at each other quickly, they soon moved forward as a group seeking the increasing rhythmic beating of metal against metal, aware that there was likely people behind those familiar sounds. And where there was people, there was their way out of this ghastly forest.


    The sounds increased in volume and a flash of midnight cloth caught the eye of the sharpest amongst them and he glanced towards the movement which happened to within the canopy of trees. The thud of a heavy boot sounded as did a deep hearted chuckle and a man in brown appeared before their vision as he leapt from one branch to another, cold steel in hand. That steel clashed against more of its ilk, though this was possessed by another man, who wore black cloth decorated with vivid orange koi.


    The two men were who were well known to the Institute as Bowyer and Jin Li, were not known to outsiders, who could only watch as they furiously sparred.


    The blood within their veins was hot and flowing intensely as their hearts raced and bodies sought to move more agilely and with increased swiftness. Their minds instructed and their muscles moved, their swords had already become an extension of themselves as they tested each other over and over. This was a game that they had long since become accustomed too, yet as was suggested by Bowyer''s Teacher, it was one that had become stale. In truth, few real battles took place in an arena, so why not extend their experience to outside? The perimeter of the inner school was protected and not extensive as the positioning of the school was overly high without great boundaries, better to use the expansive forests stretching around in every direction of the outer school.


    Hence how they came to be here and how the students of the Qilin Academy of Excellence came to find them.


    Although they were deep into their battle, they were not so focused upon their opponent that they neglected their surroundings, something that would be fatal in the outside world after all. They quickly came to notice that their battlegrounds had been intruded upon. At first they thought it might have been their own, spectating. First years were particularly curious about seniors, but also seniors never failed to scope out who they might learn from in the future. However, something wrung false.


    With mutual understanding, they paused and sheathed their weapons in order to confront these strangers.


    "You''re quite far from the road, friends," Bowyer mentioned amicably, causing the ground to exchange glances.  The angry youth went as red as his hair, while his blond friend''s smile seemed to deepen.


    The tall youth adjusted his glasses and stepped forward.  "We intruded unintentionally.  We were not aware that this place might be off limits."


    Bowyer shook his head.  "It isn''t off limits to be here," the man denied, "but there isn''t much to see here.  Beasts and game tend to stay away and the wild herbs were long since frittered away by alchemists or first years.  Not many come this way."


    "You''re here," a youth with dark skin and an exotic handsomeness pointed out.  In fact, none of the five men and two women could be considered plain wallflowers, each had their own particular beauty and aura and would stand out and over others like sunflowers over violets in a crowded field of flowers.  However, the two youths before them were also far from ordinary in both appearance and temperament.


    "Just for training," Bowyer admitted.  "We''ll return to our school once done."


    "You''ll return," Jin Li couldn''t help but mutter as he retorted against Bowyer''s statement.  Bowyer rolled his eyes over the other''s words wanting to suggest that Jin Li''s affections will make his sword dull if not careful... only if anything, the youth''s blade had only become sharper in these few months.  He could only sulk inwardly, swallowing his thoughts whole.


    "You are martial artists," the cold woman called Ling by her friend stated.  There was no denial.  "You attend the martial arts school here."


    A noble never asks, just demands, Bowyer didn''t bother letting these obvious sons and daughters of the wealthy elite skirt around their point until he volunteered to direct them; it was too tiring.  He bluntly took the lead.  "Oh, your destination was the martial arts school?  The outer school is just a short way in that direction."


    "What of the so-called inner school?" The red haired youth demanded equally blunt.


    The blond haired youth chuckled lightly and stepped forward to intercede; "My apologies for my friend.  What he meant to say was that we had heard that your martial arts school was split in two and we were intrigued.  Our curiosity did indeed lead us here to look into it more."


    "I understand," Bowyer took on an amicable stance in response.  "As it happens, the way to the inner school is through the outer school.  We are both from the inner school, it is no trouble for us to guide you in the right direction."


    "We would appreciate it," the blond haired youth replied, appreciatively.


    "Then we''re done with the spar?" Jin Li turned to Bowyer to state, causing the man to freeze in hesitation.  A small curve appeared at the corner''s of Jin Li''s lips momentarily before he leapt away.


    "Jin Li!" Bowyer yelled after him without thought, but he was far too late.  He returned his attentions to the Qilin Academy students after exhaling a sigh.  "Please excuse my friend.  He has... other business to attend to.  Come with me now."


    The group paused for only a breath before following the man closely.  However, the girl with peonies on her silk clothes stepped back a pace and came to the side of the one youth that had remained silent all of this time.  She tugged the sleeve of his white robe.  "Ji Ji..."


    The youth with long black hair and equally dark, Phoenix shaped eyes shook off his startled surprise and glanced with evident coldness at the girl before removing his sleeve from her light touch.  "I know," he responded in the next moment, starring off in the direction that the man called Jin Li had rushed off to.

 Chapter 310 - One Hundred and Ten - He has an unexpected reunion

    Groups of exploring and wandering visiting students would naturally cross paths with the Institute''s students. Most of these meetings were peaceful for the most part; the students of the Ascending Mountain Institute had been warned to not provoke and not rise to provocation. Not that most of the visiting students sought to instigate irritation and force tempers, but there would always be those that had no eloquence or those who could not help want to test others amongst students from all places of learning. There was a spat of visits to the Healing Halls despite the efforts of Teachers and most students.


    There were not just chance meetings either, but happened also the occasional reunion.


    Tor washed his hands of dirt and strands of straw, laughing along with the others as two of his friends chased each other after one splashed the other with the soiled water. He and these young men and women had taken on the chore of mucking out the stalls in the stables of the outer alchemy school for points.  A number of beast companions hovered close by; the shadow macaw belonging to the pranked victim was flying along side it''s master pecking at the clothes of the prankster they chased.


    The stables located on the outskirts of his former school were easily the most sizeable following the two beast taming schools'' own.  Geographically, the outer alchemist school was located closest to Julip Town, which was also why the one of the main griffin nests were also here.  Most expeditions would begin here, Teachers and students from all schools gathering here first, borrowing mounts or claiming their own faithful steeds before heading on their way.  Thus the greatest number of Institute owned beasts resided here.  Also, of all of the schools'' students, it could be claimed that those studying alchemy travelled the most about the Institute, most likely delivering pills and potions to the locations most in need or for purposes of personal trade.


    The towering heights in which the mage and scholars schools were located favoured griffin nests for purposes of internal travel, while the martial arts students all preferred to rely on the lightfoot skills (or were forced to practice using them) so while smaller beasts might be found dotted around the schools thanks to their masters'' presences, these schools had little or no need for actual stables.  At most, a Teacher might build their prize steed a place close to their personal residences for the beast to rest within.


    Tor often found himself volunteering for tasks involving the outer alchemist school stables, though he didn''t think it was so much about nostalgia. In fact, apart from hanging about these same stables during the time he''d attended this section of the Institute, he couldn''t think of many good days during his past as an alchemist student and any good memories were tainted with the guilt and shame of his actions during those times. One face always came to mind in particular, one face beaten black and blue to the point that the owner''s hair had turned partially white from deviation. Tor sighed inwardly; perhaps he was a m.a.s.o.c.h.i.s.t to keep reminding himself of that time, perhaps coming here was his personal penance. That one victim had forgiven him, but he hadn''t forgiven himself.


    An excited bark roused him from his dark mood and a grin lifted his lips as he turned to find his best friend, who''d attracted the attention of a group of unfamiliar girls.


    "Aiya! So cute!" One cooed as she attempted to coax the blue-furred hound over to them. "It''s a cooshee, right?"


    "I never realised thought that cooshee were so fluffy!"


    Tor rolled his eyes heavenward as he realised that Xi¨¤o Xi¨¤o had puffed out its fur until it resembled a giant puffball with four legs, two ears and a smaller puffball attached to its rear. Even the ends of its hind feathers had fluffed up like a certain wild herb''s seed heads. Cooshee''s tended to do this when nervous, cold or when courting potential mates, but Xi¨¤o Xi¨¤o also did this to look cute and gain extra treats. As a beast companion to a tamer, it was a bit of a softie.


    Seeing as the girls didn''t have the treats it wanted, it relaxed it''s fur until smooth along its canine form and the tips of its feathers once more resembled flickering white tipped flames, its six black eyes blinking in disdain. Then it turned to hurry over to its Master''s side. "Silly fool," Tor muttered fondly, before patting down its long ears.


    "Is it yours?" The girls that had been snubbed without realising it, changed their trajectory and headed his way. His prankster friend had stopped running, now stood next to him, elbowing him in the ribs, suggestively. Tor shoved him back discreetly, while the shadow macaw''s owner smacked him around the head.


    The girls were too taken by the Cooshee to be bothered by the boys roughhousing and continued to want to know him due to his beast. "Where did you get it?"


    "Xi¨¤o Xi¨¤o is from a rescued litter," Tor answered, honestly.


    "Aw, I was hoping you knew someone with a breeding pair," the girl couldn''t help exclaim, her friends nodding in agreement.


    "Sorry," Tor apologised to be polite.


    "Will it breed soon? What will you do with the pups?"


    Tor couldn''t help choke on the bluntness of the question. Xi¨¤o Xi¨¤o was less than a year old, cooshee tended only to begin such things at two years, so it wasn''t something that had occurred to him either. Still, it wasn''t wrong for Tamers to consider such things, but he really couldn''t imagine Xi¨¤o Xi¨¤o in rut. He looked down at his best friend with a pained expression, but the young hound simply tilted his head, ignorantly.


    "Or maybe you''d be willing to trade the cooshee with me for something..."


    "Song Lan!" The girl making the proposition was tugged back sharply by her friend, who had noted most quickly that the tall, amicable youth before them had suddenly become cold and unyielding.  She knew that her friend had taken things too far.  She sighed and attempted to explain for her thoughtless friend.  "Please don''t take her words to heart.  Song Lan is a mage, doesn''t understand the bond between Tamers and their beasts."  The other girl frowned, unhappily, still not understanding what she had done wrong.


    "Don''t be foolish," another friend chided her.  "It''s true this young cooshee is cute now, but it is still a dangerous beast at the end of the day, not a pet."


    "I still don''t see the problem," the unrepentant girl muttered, her arms crossed about her c.h.e.s.t.  "My older sister owns a tiger that everyone warned her was too dangerous to keep, but it acts like a soft pillow around her!  This beast is smaller and much more adorable, how is it more dangerous than a tiger?!"


    "Song Lan," the girl who''d first warned her said plainly, "that tiger was raised by your sister as a cub and can only be considered ordinary.  There are still risks even then.  A cooshee is a beast with cultivation potential and it will grow to be far stronger and more powerful than Song Ren''s tiger."


    "Gao Ran, you meanie!" Having lost the argument, Song Lan resorted to tears.  "You never let me have what I want!"


    Watching this, Tor immediately became uncomfortable and his friend whistled softly before retreating in a roundabout manner, leaving Tor to get himself out of the tight spot alone.  However, Tor was at a loss.  There weren''t many females in his family and those there were tended to be on the tougher side being the wives and daughters of beast tamers, martial artists and the like.  His own mother was one of the softest, most s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e women he knew, but she''d never resorted to such a tactic.  Then again, she''d been born the daughter of a Concubine and not of the main branch of his maternal family.  She hadn''t been particularly favoured, but while she wasn''t treated badly, she grew up knowing that tears would not aid her in anyway.  So the only time he''d ever seen her cry was when her Concubine mother passed away two years prior.


    "I wouldn''t want such a cooshee if I were you," an unpleasant voice boomed over the shrill cries of the spoiled young woman suddenly.  "Who knows what mongrel bloodlines that thing has!  Just like it''s Master!"


    The cooshee growled as Tor''s frame stiffened, his aura becoming dark and hostile.  Just this alone startled the group of girls and the tearful Song Lan instantly stopped crying as she flinched.  As one, they glanced back to see a group of young masters in quality silk clothing all led by a young man of rounded stature.  With beady eyes, he looked over the girls as well as the Institutes'' students with unveiled disdain.  "A dog for a dog, makes sense if you think about it," the large youth sneered.


    Tor didn''t rise to his provocation, but his tone was frigid like ice.  "What do you want, Caprian?"

 Chapter 311 - One Hundred and Eleven - What had happened to him

    Since Caprian had transferred to the inner alchemist school, thanks to a certain improved pill that he had stolen, then subsequently been expelled for the same reason, Tor had not actually seen the spoiled son of a renowned alchemy family.  Although it was true that his family were considered retainers of that family and therefore somewhat subservient, Tor had ''failed'' in his duties as Caprian''s person and allowed the other to fall upon the crooked path.  At least, that is how the two families saw things.  In fact, the moment he stepped a foot into his home, he''d been forced to kneel in shame before his angry father, who was enveloped in rage.


    "We will immediately head to the Pricacorn Manor and you will begin for forgiveness from young Master Caprian and from the family head!"


    "No," Tor had refused.  His father had raised a hand to silence him, but Tor had continued on; "Why should I be held solely responsible for Caprian''s crimes?  A man can listen to advice, but he cannot be made to take it."


    "Oh, so you claim that you advised the young Master not to rely on other''s creations and pass them off as his own?"  His father had sneered.  Tor had not been able to respond as he''d known that this was not true.  He had not tried to stop Caprian from doing anything he wanted, all because of his own selfish wants that Caprian had promised to help him with, namely transferring to the Beast Taming School.  Instead, he had followed in Caprian''s wake, just clearing up messes, bribing seniors and on one occasion providing a life sustaining pill...  "You waste of space!"


    "While I can''t deny that I did not stop Caprian," Tor had admitted, quietly, "it was his lack that had him destroy his future as a student of the Institute."


    "Lack?  What lack?!" His father had refuted.  "Young Master Caprian has the greatest potential of your generation when it comes to alchemy!  All he required was a strong, guiding hand and yet you failed in this!"


    Caprian was born with two roots.  Ordinarily, such would be considered a hindrance, not a boon, but there were always exceptions.  Those with a fire and wood type of either major or minor roots usually had the most prodigious talent in alchemy, able to better temper the fire and understand the herbs within their cauldron.  Though Caprian''s roots were flame and plant, meaning that his potential while not peak, was not to be sniffed at either, his lazy and impatient nature meant that whatever talent he might have was wasted.  He hadn''t the temperament to sit about a cauldron and create pills.


    Tor had mentioned this to his father, but simply received another backhanded slap.  Tor  had spat out blood on the floor, unwilling.  "You''re a fool!  Caprian is likely to become the next head of the Pricacorn clan and you slander him in this way!"  His father had lifted his hand ready for it to fall again.  But he then hesitated, not expecting that his younger son would begin to laugh.


    "If that is so, then the future of the Pricacorn clan is bleak," Tor had shaken his head, then dared glare at his father in the eye.  "And what does that mean for the sons you willingly gave to the Pricacorn as slaves?"


    "Tor..." his mother had pleaded him softly to stop, but Tor had simply shaken his head again, while his father had denied their roles in the hierarchy as such.


    "Really?  Did you ask Caprian for his opinion on my position?" Tor demanded to know.  "Just because there is no official contract, to Caprian, I was no better than a little servant bought in from outside.  Or did you not know this already?"


    "Young Master Caprian is just young," his father responded, dismissively, gesturing with his hand.  "Young Master Caplin''s relationship with your older brother was also like this once."  Tor noticed his brother roll his eyes and shake his head a bit in denial.  Caprian''s older brother had never treated Tau like he would a servant, only ever a trusted subordinate when it was necessary and a close confident at other times.


    Tor''s earliest memory of Caprian was when they were six and the spoiled youth had ordered him to climb a tree as he wanted the sweet fruit hanging from it''s branches.  And what had his father told him when he''d refused?  That it was his place to serve the young Master well, that he should have sought an older servant to get a ladder and get the fruit for the child.  In fact, anytime that Tor had made attempts to reason with Caprian in the future, his father would just remind him of his duties.


    "Anyway, clean yourself up," the man had washed over Tor''s arguments as if they were just an irritating cold breeze.  "We''ll head to the main House after you are presentable."


    "You haven''t listened to a word," Tor had risen to his feet.  "While I have no problems apologising to the Pricacorn head for my part in the situation, I won''t speak a word to Caprian.  If he is truly the heir, then he should admit to his own faults, not place them on my shoulders, which I imagine from this lecture, is precisely what has occurred.  He is no longer my master and I am not his subordinate."


    "You dare reject this honour?" His father''s expression had been incredulous.


    "What honour?  What rejection?" Tor had sneered.  "If I recall correctly, it was Caprian that abandoned me the moment he entered the inner school as he d.e.s.i.r.ed.  And after his expulsion, I was brought in for questioning by the Teachers regarding my role in the matter.  It turns out that Caprian claimed that stealing pills, beating and framing students, that was all my idea, that I had done so without his knowledge, just handing him the pills as proof of my loyalty to him."  He''d naturally denied it, he''d admitted he''d suggested to Caprian to buy pills from the poorer students when he''d found out Caprian was threatening students and he''d admitted very shamefaced that he''d kept quiet and just watched when Caprian beat others.  If it had not been for Teacher Volun and Teacher Sagi speaking up for him, he likely would have been expelled as well.  "I owe Caprian nothing."


    His father had slumped back in his chair, at first seeming to have no words, but then, he''d said what Tor least expected; "From this day, I have no second son."


    "Husband!" His mother had exclaimed, but as she was ruled by this man, she was unable to overturn his decision.  His father had always been loyally blind to the Pricacorn family, indoctrinated to think of the past glory of the two families at all times.  Forget the falling state that both were in now...


    Tor had left the home of his birth without looking back.  He did have some regrets, he missed his warm older brother and loving mother, but he did not wish to have his name nor any possible descendants tied to the old alchemy family any longer.  Especially not one to be headed by a youth who despised his own heritage the most.

 Chapter 312 - One Hundred and Twelve - This feels familiar, but not...

    Looking at his old ''Master'' now, Tor had no wavering feelings in his heart, just shame.  Shame regarding what had occurred during those times they''d both walked these grounds together.  He glanced with cold eyes at the other man and also cast a glance over the youths that followed him here now.  There was a flicker of interest; they did not appear to be Caprian''s usual lackeys...


    It wasn''t hard to make a deduction of how Caprian came to be here; his family must have made the decision to enrol him into another school.  Considering the reputation of the Red Savage Sands Force, the fact that the Mage Tower''s school did not accept bribes (just high, annual tuition fees) and that the Azure Heights Finishing school was for girls, then it was likely Caprian had enrolled into the Qilin Academy of Excellence.


    Tor inwardly sighed.  If not for Caprian''s innate, but unused talent, how else would he have swept the previous situation under the carpet to gain this chance?  He doubted that the other had changed his lazy habits, however.


    Sure enough; "Why isn''t it that my friends are interested in discovering the great talents hidden within the Institute''s alchemy school?"


    *****


    Leon tossed the dirty water soiled from the breakfast dishes onto the wild flowering patch outside his courtyard home.  Stalks holding blossoms of white, purple, yellow stretched tall over smaller plants with pink, red, blue at their hearts, while grasses with jade green droplets dangled over everything else.  The tallest plants could easily reach Leon''s slender waist and none were worse for wear considering the grey and other waste waters tossed over them from time to time.


    The flowers began to move without the aid of the wind and two large bright eyes peered out from in amongst them.  Leon shook his head and sighed.  It was good that these wild flowers were hardy, or how else would they survive the frequent abuse of both man and feline?


    Jin Li had left earlier with Wu Ye, hunting for whatever meat they could find and kill in the wilds of the mountains for their bottomless stomachs.  Li Ming had remained behind as the small alchemist''s guard supposedly.  Few true guards would abandon their duties to track and chase butterflies after all.  The prey was indeed quite large, about the size of Leon''s palm and it was attractive, but surely not much of a meal once caught.


    Li Ming leapt out of the flowers, spraying petals and pollen everywhere as it clawed at it''s prey... and missed.  The butterfly nonchalantly drifted on a convenient breeze up and out of reach.


    The coeurl stared after it longingly before seeking pity from its Master.


    "There, there?"


    Apparently, Li Ming was that easy to satisfy, lowering its neck to nuzzle Leon''s c.h.e.s.t with its large head.


    Just as Leon began to reciprocate, stroking that soft halo main about its head and neck, a loud barking caught their attention and their first thoughts were that Brother Tor was coming to visit. However, here was Xiao Xiao running up to them frantically, but no beast tamer in sight.


    Xiao Xiao used its teeth to grip the hem of Leon''s sleeve and tugged it with a growing w.h.i.n.e. Li Ming growled in response, a warning, to which the Cooshee quickly responded;


    ''Master says that I should protect human Leon from the bad humans wanting to hurt him.''


    ''Bad humans? Wu Ye says bad humans can''t come to this place with Master''s aura... why so worried?''


    ''Master''s family was threatened by the bad humans, Master felt he had no choice but to lead them here. But if human Leon is out of their reach, then the bad humans will have to go away again.''


    Naturally the one they communicated about only heard a series of barks and growls, couldn''t know of the danger and instead tried to calm the beasts down. After all, every human on Earth understood that felines and canines seldom got along. But seeing that they weren''t engaging in all out war, just exchanging a few warnings, Leon decided to just keep an eye on the situation while returning to his house with the washing up bowl. As he did so, he felt an extensive hard warmth push at his back, forcing him to hurry forward and nearly causing him to trip. He glanced back to see Li Ming''s large head was responsible.


    "Wah! W-what are you d-d-doing?"


    ''Hurry!''


    ''Too late!''


    "Tch, trying to confuse me by taking us the same way... isn''t that just like what you did in the past? Traitorous bastard."


    A wave of unwelcome familiarity washed over Leon, just as the mist thinned within his mind around a few still forgotten memories, all containing a particularly unpleasant figure with a smirking sneer and a wide girth. He couldn''t help but reflexively shiver.


    Caprian, by himself, was not a frightening man; his soft, round face while not handsome, was not something scary or unappealing.  However, his attitude was frightening, the way he regarded so many of the students as grass beneath his feet, how he perverted others, gathering them around himself and having them do his dirty work while he watched.  Even now there was a crowd gathered behind him and a shamefaced Tor unhappily dragging his feet beside him.


    However, the situation felt greatly different from the scene in one of his memories. For one thing, though the posture of his former bully was still expressing his cruel pride, it lacked a bit of his former confidence. Also, these youths behind him did not appear to be currying favour with Caprian... in fact, if Leon wasn''t wrong, these youths looked upon Caprian with some disdain.


    That look he''d seen in the eyes of his lover too often to mistake it.


    But before he could question it in his own mind, Caprian''s beady eyes found him.


    Although Leon could see varying differences in Caprian, the other''s eyes saw only what he wished to see which was a trembling villager boy who was humble and meek before his mighty presence. Behind him however, the youths steps hesitated as they glanced about themselves; what weak, isolated country bumpkin that had been exiled to the periphery under Caprian''s underhanded guidance? Wasn''t that a walled courtyard property not a tumbling down hut? And wasn''t that a young a.d.u.l.t Coeurl beside him? His clothing did not appear to be tattered and patched either for all it still appeared to be made of cheaper cloth.


    However, they then considered Caprian''s previous boast, that this youth had accidentally made adjustments to the Beast Calming Pill that the Teachers had mistakenly thought was his doing, only to cover up their mistakes by expelling him when realising this. Although they did not wholly believe the large youth''s claims, seeing that the structure was fairly new in fact and that this village born man wore a small amount of silver and jade, they calculated that the youth had indeed created pills that garnered him such benefits. Their resolves settled and expectations increased. Wasn''t it still just a commoner before the mighty them? Wasn''t it just a pet Coeurl yet to have felt the tamer''s whip? Exchanging looks, they stepped forward ready to claim what they had come for.

 Chapter 313 - One Hundred and Thirteen - My recipe really isn’t worth this

    "W-why are you h-here?" The soft stuttering passing though those pale lips hinted at what the three irrepressible youths believed; this persimmon was ready to pick. Look at him quavering before them!


    As their sense of self inflated behind their large bodied guide, that person himself just sneered.  Stupid peasant, still couldn''t speak properly, yet the Heavens were too kind to him, revealing their secrets on such an unworthy commoner rather than someone with excellent lineage like himself.  The Heavens were truly blind.


    "Naturally isn''t it because Laozi has unfinished business with you?!" Caprian replied, haughtily, attempting to thrust out his chins in what he believed was an imposing manner.  Leon failed to notice, seeming to seriously consider the other''s words for a breath before shaking his head.


    "N-no, I c-can''t think of anything," he replied honestly, causing Tor, who''d slipped to one side ready to apologise to Leon at anytime for his part in bringing Caprian here at any moment, to chuckle behind his fist.  Caprian glared at him, causing him to stifle his chortles behind a fist while calming himself, threats regarding his family still hanging over his head like an executioner''s axe.  In all honesty, Tor didn''t believe that Caprian wouldn''t take out his temper on his family the first moment he could in the future, but if he had at least time to warn them... after that, their fate was in their own hands.  He was powerless to do more for his mother and brother now.


    Leon knew nothing about the undercurrents between Tor and his former Master, only understanding that Caprian was here to trouble him.  If it were in the past, Leon would believe that Caprian was here to steal his pills, but... would he still do that now that the witnesses had changed and were no longer his faithful paid followers.  His eyes couldn''t help wander to Tor, seeing that he had once been amongst those people. However, even if he could not interpret the messages in Tor''s eyes, he couldn''t fail to know what Xiao Xiao''s protective growls beside him (Leon) meant.


    "Lowly born commoner dare argue with me?!" Caprian''s face began to redden in anger and embarrassment. He gritted his teeth as he tried to compose himself wanting to howl and rage about how Leon was responsible for him being expelled and lets not forget to heap the payment owed for the beating he received by that tall martial artist''s hand!


    It did occur while he''d last been in the vicinity of the hovel... it suddenly occurred to him that that hovel was no longer the only building in this area. Had that martial artist moved here, building this courtyard beside the small hut in order to do so? But then, he didn''t see him around... whatever! He was just one martial artist! Caprian now had at his back three of formidable students from his current school, two on the verge of breaking through to tertiary, while the third had long since breeched said level of cultivation! There was nothing to be concerned about!


    He cleared his throat then continued to announce his intentions. "We all know what you did!" He insisted but added with the air of someone who felt as if they were being magnanimous; "I''m feeling generous today. You only need to offer me a small token of recompense, this time and I will consider us even!"


    Leon frowned, not saying anything, feeling that not only the token Caprian wanted would not be small, it would likely wipe him out of inventory...


    "Hand over the amended recipe for the Beast Calming Pill!"


    ... huh? "W-wait what?" It was then that he suddenly recalled the matter that Caprian was expelled for.  "Oh..."


    That was it?  Not that he planned on giving it away just because Caprian demanded, but that particular pill, it was only a basic pill, learned by alchemists on the beginning of their journey in order to help tame weak beasts for beast tamers on the beginning of theirs... but despite everything, despite saving lives and it being a better overall product than its original, it''s market value wasn''t very high.  Weak beasts were weak beasts, they were numerous and plentiful, few cared in this world over the deaths of a percentage of them due to a pill, which was only needed by the weakest of tamers.  That and there were not few aspiring beast tamers that deemed these weakest of potential partners unworthy of their attentions; they''d much rather try for strong, rare or ''quality'' beasts.


    Regardless, the amended recipe had already been given to the Institute and Leon had even heard that there was a group of beast-loving inner school seniors currently using it''s formula to help inspire them to improve others in this line of pills; the beast soothing and beast x pills.  Rumour had it that for the former, there had even been a few positive results...


    "The b-b-beast calming p-pill recipe," Leon stumbled over the phonics that often caught him off guard as he tried to clarify, "that, the Institute already h-has it.  I g-g-gave it to..."


    "Then hand over something of equal value," one of Caprian''s ill-intended shadows suggested.  "Another new or amended alchemy recipe, perhaps?"


    The youth seemed brimming of much greater a level of arrogance than Caprian and the air of wealth.  The cut of the silks that lined his body were perfectly fitted to suit his height and shape and the simple embroidery was of an unfamiliar pattern, but the tiny stitches melded together to create seamless and flowing lines over the dark material.  The belt around his waist was decorated with drops of translucent jade and hints of pure yellow gold. Two long knives crossed the arch of his back while two shorter blades lay upon his hip, all sheathed in dark, metal.  His eyes were narrowed and although he was offering Leon a smile, it didn''t appear the least bit amicable.  Leon couldn''t prevent the shiver that trailed down his spine.


    He shook his head, attempting to reassure himself.  Although this person looked dangerous and strong, he felt that he wasn''t anymore dangerous nor stronger than his lover.  But Leon also didn''t wish to rely on Jin Li all of the time and although he knew he himself would never win against the three youths behind Caprian even if all three had their hands tied behind their backs, he hoped that he, at least, had the ability to reason with them.


    It''s a pity that in this world, shows of strength were what most used in anything resembling a negotiation in this world rather than words; whether they believed him when Leon told them that he had nothing that was of equal value (he really didn''t, everything was worth much more than that one...) or not was irrelevant.  They were determined to take whatever valuables the ''soft persimmon'' in front of them had.

 Chapter 314 - One Hundred and Fourteen - We try to fight back

    "What are you doing?"


    Three of the four visiting students had unsheathed their weapons, the fourth being a failed alchemist who had yet to admit to his incompetence.  When Tor had agreed to bring them here due to threats Caprian had made towards his family who were subordinate to his own, he hadn''t ever imagined that the others would go so far as to draw weapons on Institute students!  Hadn''t they thought about the consequences if they were caught?


    But then, Tor realised bitterly and far too belatedly, Leon lived far from the eyes and ears of the outer school''s Teachers, feeding these bastards fearlessness!  This was his mistake, he should not have listened to Caprian''s threats.  Hadn''t he already washed his hands of his fanatically loyal father?  And his older brother would likely be protected by Caprian''s older brother, he already knew that their relationship was that good, very unlike the toxic one he''d formed with Caprian over the years.  And as for his mother... his heart was torn, but he knew she would be disappointed with him if he just stood back and ignored this, using her well being as his excuse.


    He withdrew his long knife.  He wasn''t a Martial Artist by any means, he''d been an alchemist before being accepted into the Beast Tamer''s School, so his weapon skills were basic and mostly defensive.  Still he could be a meat shield for his friend for a short while, right?


    "Leon, run!" He said, placing himself in between Caprian''s group and Leon.  Xiao Xiao leapt to his side without being summoned, ready to fight with him.  Tor was humbled by the Cooshee''s loyalty.  "Go now, we''ll hold them off!"


    But Leon hesitated.  He''d hoped that words would settle things with these people, so he was taken aback when they suddenly withdrew sword and whip to use against him.  Had he become too complacent, too protected in this world that he''d thought he''d acknowledged as being cold and violent as individuals strived to be the most powerful on the often lonely and sometimes bloody path of cultivation?  He''d thought he could endure it having experienced the harshness of the Shattered E Isles outside the umbrella of the Institute and away from Jin Li''s sheltering arms.  But being faced with these cruel individuals holding weapons with the intent to harm and plunder, he once more fell into an internal panic and felt fear and powerlessness in his bones.


    A flash of white and black crossed his vision and snapped him out of his daze and he found himself staring at Li Ming''s massive behind.  The Coeurl roared, its voice echoing around the trees and foliage, sounding mighty and fine.  Leon stepped lightly to one side and placed a hand on Li Ming''s leathery, scaled leg.  That''s right, he wasn''t completely powerless, he still had Li Ming!


    Caprian flinched and rushed to hide behind a thick tree, gasping for breath even though the distance was not great.  The two Martial Artists who''d formerly been behind Caprian also faltered, but the Beast Tamer showed no fear, simply narrowing his eyes and fl.i.c.k.i.n.g his whip at his side.  His last Beast had not long died, the useless thing, and he had yet to hunt for a new pet.  This Coeurl had not long reached a.d.u.l.thood and seemed not bad.  It would do at least until he could obtain something more impressive.  He flicked his whip once more before stepping forward, swung it above his head and let the vicious length fly towards the beast.


    The white and black striped Coeurl was a sheltered Beast, it had not known true discomfort.  When these people threatened its Human, it''s first thought had been to act as Wu Ye would!  It had never imagined that the long vine like thing wrapped in circles upon waists could actually hurt so much when it was stretched out and used like this!  Red blood seeped from its front paw and it yelped miserably, but before it could lick the wound, the thing hit its shoulder and it screamed once more!


    "Li M-Ming!" Leon felt its pain as if it was his own.  The blue of the Cooshee seemed to streak over, its jaws snapping at the Beast Tamer.  The whip was used to block those sharp teeth from making contact.  At this point, the Martial Artists had regained their wits and hurried forward.  One swung its sword at Xiao Xiao, while the other rushed forward to threaten Tor, not yet able to get to Leon.


    Xiao Xiao yelped, unable to avoid completely the flurry of attacks from both the Beast Tamer and Martial Artist it faced.  Tor cried out for it, but he was unable to help it, struggling to defend himself as it was.  Leon had stuffed a couple of One Heart pills into Li Ming''s mouth without thought and now could only look on at the chaos to occur during that moment of inattention.


    Xiao Xiao was bleeding and struggling to defend itself, Tor had been pressed to the ground, his weapon fallen off to one side and Li Ming''s large body was trembling beside him.  He felt pained and wondered if he shouldn''t just give into their demands, but seeing their cruelty and greed, would they really be satisfied with just a modified pill recipe?


    The first Martial Artist took note of him at that moment, feeling triumphant in his bones.  He exchanged glances with the Beast Tamer, who nodded in understanding, capturing the weakened Cooshee''s attention while his friend dealt with the weak alchemist.  They would take everything this little peasant had and teach him to respect them, sons of Nobles and descendants of Kings!  Perhaps if his value was as Caprian suggested, they would let him live, force him to provide them with pills and recipes, drain him of his miserable worth and make him thank them for it! As for Caprian himself, that weakling could just go die, they no longer had a need for him!


    Leon hesitated once more when he noticed that Martial Artist approach him, but a sudden notion entered his head and he quickly fumbled with his pouch.  Fortunately he''d organised the space within the interspacial pouch well and he found what he sought as rapidly as he''d found the One Heart Pill just then.  Pushing Li Ming while murmuring a quick instruction in its ear, he threw the two round objects in his fingers at the c.h.e.s.t of the youth approaching him with wicked intent.


    The youth was well trained, using his sword to beat away the thrown objects, but only one actually was diverted from its path. A stench like nothing describable suddenly emanated from the blade. It was so potent that it appeared almost visible, oozing from the shining surface like a green-grey smoke. Taken by surprise, the Martial Artist paused to hold his nose. Leon, who was already holding his breath, ignored the stream of liquid that still leaked from his eyes despite expecting the horrid aroma, took advantage of his hesitation and hurried towards Tor, calling out as he did.


    "Xiao Xiao!" He tossed several One Heart Pills to the injured beast, hoping it had the chance to consume it.


    His call caught the attention of more that the Cooshee, but the first Martial Artist was struggling not to vomit and couldn''t chase Leon at that moment. The second Martial Artist, who''d been in the process of tormenting Tor as he lie struggling to defend himself, paused before switching targets. Only, he did not notice the small pill that had fallen close to his feet, until a blinding light burst from it, catching his attention and stealing away his vision. He swore as his fingers covered his eyes, the pain in them piercing and intense. His sword was naturally dropped.


    Leon ran still out of his range, reaching for Tor whose arms had been pierce over and over by the tip of the Martial Artist''s sword, not enough to maim, but enough that Tor was losing blood and in a lot of pain. Fortunately, Leon had a habit of carrying plenty of healing pills on his person, so despite freely giving out his Improved pills like this, he still had enough for Tor as well. Just unlike the beasts, his body could only handle one, but it would be enough to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process.


    "C-c-can you g-get up?" Leon whispered hurriedly. Tor nodded, but he was shaking visibly as he got to his feet.


    The putrid scent and blinding flash faded quickly; these were just ''prank'' level trick pills after all and Leon knew that what would remain would be two angry Martial Artists, not to mention the Beast Tamer, who may have suffered somewhat in the range of the two pills. Xiao Xiao had been able to disengage itself from said Beast Tamer to eat a healing pill, but was not out of danger as yet.


    Just as when Leon struggled to think on what to next, deep grumbling roars coupled with deep sarcasm caught everyone''s attention.


    "This Lord thought I smelled something as bad as that girl''s tea... turned out to be just some low life sc.u.m. Should this Lord thank the Heavens for small mercies?"

 Chapter 315 - One Hundred and Fifteen - He comes to my rescue

    Almost as the words spilled out from his lips upon a sigh, Leon could not help but respond; "M-maimai''s t-tea isn''t so b-bad."


    Jin Li leapt off of the back of his midnight Coeurl and tossed to one side the horned back deer carcass that he carried over his shoulder with a sneer.  He smelled of blood and death for this hunt had not been an easy one, thus he''d been looking forward to the opportunity to bathe after he and Wu Ye had brought down the prize buck.  As they''d made their way home, a dabbled hare and a blue bearded peasant that happened to cross their path and swiftly lost their lives with the thought that with this much meat, neither would have to hunt for a while.  Both Coeurl and Cultivator had been pleased with the idea that they could lounge around in the sweet company of their loved ones and not need care about food for a time.


    And then the sound of a roar echoing from the distance had shaken both from their leisurely paced return, forcing them to race ahead.  Wu Ye had even deigned to allow the Martial Artist to ride upon his back that they might reach home a little faster than otherwise.  Just minutes from home, they had come across a frantic and fearful Li Ming, the younger Coeurl still stained with its own blood, though the wounds had scabbed over already.


    "Where is Leon?" Jin Li had demanded between gritted teeth as the Couerls shared brief greetings.  Li Ming had taken them back along the path it had discovered their scents upon, heading straight to the courtyard house.  Jin Li''s heart had ached as it pumped his hot blood through his veins touched by anger, worry and distress.  Only upon seeing the situation, seeing Leon unhurt could he breathe a small sigh of relief (he gave no such consideration for the wounded Tor nor Xiao Xiao).  However, these sc.u.m bastards dared attack his man?  He''d see them pay.


    Wu Ye roared in agreement, before sniffing the air, its face twisting in disgust.  Unlike Leon, though, it agreed with Jin Li''s assessment.  That female''s brew offended the nose of any beast in the vicinity of the hot, dark liquid.


    Jin Li didn''t ask why the four unwelcome visitors were near his property nor did he question why they were attacking Leon.  He simply drew his sword and engaged the Martial Artist nearest to his small alchemist.  That guy had not long cleared his vision of the flashing white light and could only kneel to grab his fallen sword before lifting it to defend himself.


    "Oi!" The other Martial Artist leapt forward to help his comrade, but he soon found that even his strength was lacking.  "Lu She!"


    The Beast Tamer cracked his whip in response, kicking out at the Cooshee first, which leapt backwards with a yelp.  It growled, meaning to continue the fight, but there was something wrong with its front paw and it hesitated.  Such would have allowed an opening for the man, had a large, angry black Coeurl not blocked his path.  Wu Ye''s rumbling growl echoed in its c.h.e.s.t as it looked down on the Beast Tamer with obvious disdain.  The youth gritted his teeth, aware that this beast was not the soft persimmon that the striped one had been and readied himself for a fight.


    Wu Ye yawned and batted him with one paw before the youth could lash his whip in its direction.  The Beast Tamer ducked quickly before straightening his body and taking a step back.  He planned to circle his whip, taking advantage of the added distance, but what was that advantage compared to an agile Coeurl with a long, thick, muscular tail.  The youth was swept away, knocking his head against a tree and nearly falling unconscious.


    In the meantime, Jin Li had already disarmed one of the Martial Artists, that one was now coughing up blood from a kick to his stomach, while the other was hard pressed to defend himself as Jin Li''s swords rippled through the air again and again in successive strikes.  The ruby handled weapon''s blade suddenly broke, sliced in two as Jin Li''s Xunsu Bagong clashed with it for the last time.


    Leon looked at the ornate blade thinking that there was some familiarity, but as he couldn''t place it, he stopped thinking about it.  Jin Li didn''t care either way, standing over the fallen Martial Artists, his blades pointing at the necks of both.  He clicked his tongue; "So weak."


    Those two students glared at him, but having lost, they couldn''t refute his claims and could only bite their tongues.


    By this time, Wu Ye had picked up the unconscious Beast Tamer and had brought him over to unceremoniously spit him out next to his comrades.  Having seen this, Li Ming sought to also be useful, however Caprian was not unconscious and also not easy to pick up.  While struggling and cursing, the large youth was dragged over the dirt, loose stones and surfaced tree roots as he was brought over by the striped Coeurl.  Li Ming let go of him and glanced over at its older brother with clear blue eyes; praise me!


    Wu Ye smacked his ear with a light paw.  Are you a pet?  Why so proud?  These weak things beat you and you still smile like this!  I will take you to hunt horned back deer next time.  You will either get stronger or die.


    Li Ming whimpered, but it''s pitiful look couldn''t move the other.


    "What d-do we d-do with them?" Leon asked Jin Li.  "T-tie them up?"


    "Unnecessary," Jin Li replied, shortly.  He leaned forward and tapped various acupuncture points on the four individuals.  They flopped to the ground, unable to use their limbs.


    But while the two martial artists retained some vestiges of clarity, understanding that even if they bullied the weak, those stronger than themselves can still step on them like ants, Caprian had no such capability.  "Do you have any idea just who I am?!"


    "No," Jin Li sneered before tossing all four into Li Ming and Wu Ye''s stable without ceremony.  The two Coeurl were not happy that their nest was being used like this, but were still forced to keep guard while Jin Li rushed away to find a Teacher to take the sc.u.m off of his hands.


    When Teacher Sagi came over, the trembling in Tor''s hands had eased and the long, drawn wounds on his arms had scabbed over, such was the efficacy of the Improved One Heart Pill that Leon had fed him.  Leon had also served him a tea to calm both of their nerves.  Xiao Xiao lay with his head in Tor''s l.a.p, feeling sorry for itself.  Although it had not been as pathetic as Li Ming in the battle, it still felt that it had let its Master down.  Tor stroked its long, soft ears in comfort.  In fact Tor was also blaming himself for not being strong.  Both vowed to up their training and improve.

 Chapter 316 - One Hundred and Sixteen - They gather and talk about Alchemy

    Alchemy maintained an entangled place in the cultivation world bringing with it a mess of emotions from grudging respect to disdain, from greed to bitterness.  Alchemy was like the questionable white lotus in amongst a sea of mighty forces; always needing support, couldn''t be let alone, yet treated like a treasure that those forces couldn''t sully, no matter how they wished to.  It was a fact that Cultivators wanted and occasionally needed, the benefits that Alchemy brought to them.  It was just that the Alchemists themselves were often so weak.


    The other group to be considered a ''support'' occupation in the Cultivation World were Scholars, but their reputations weren''t nearly as mixed as that of Alchemists.  This lie in the fact that Scholars could not be ring fenced as a completely non-combative class.  From Scholars rose exorcists, for example.  There were also those who focused their studies completely on, say, the sword; cataloguing it''s variations, it''s arts, studying the way that it is made, how to redesign or improve it, what crystals might work in conjunction with it and so on.  A Swordmaster Scholar might appear weaker than a Martial Artist focused upon the same weapon, but the mind of a Swordmaster Scholar might be indefinitely more frightening.


    And thus, it was Alchemy alone that maintained the awkward position amongst the varying schools of cultivation.


    To that end, purely Alchemic families raised subordinate families or had alliances with Martial Artists or Beast Tamers to protect them using money and pills to maintain relations.  Sects raised their own Alchemists and providing the necessities to them while claiming the bulk of the pills to raise their Mages, Martial Artists and other Cultivators.  Lone Alchemists were far rarer, but not unheard of and usually had their own forces to protect them or help them seek herbs and things they required, but also, these men and women were Masters above Masters whose ability was so brilliant that they had gained this option.


    These people held some respect within their households, sects or thanks to that lofty position, but just like an idol who would have both fans and haters, Alchemists would never be universally liked, especially in a world where strength was placed above all else.  Alchemists, in general, were weak.  Becoming a top Alchemist and gaining the unmovable position of one was such a distant, nearly unthinkable goal that the majority of Alchemists could only stare at the Heavens in lament.  Many gave up, switched to becoming a Martial Artist or otherwise in order to become stronger faster... in truth, they would likely never become more than average in these fields also.


    So why would one become an Alchemist?  Perhaps it was the only option available to them, perhaps it was in their blood, perhaps it was fate.  But it still remained true that the world of Cultivation would be at a loss without them.


    As the most looked down on, therefore, when the opportunity arose, Alchemists would gather without hostilities to chat, complain and occasionally exchange tips.


    At this moment, Teacher Sagi, along with Teacher Vine from the Inner School, was entertaining four Alchemy Teachers from the four visiting schools.  Greetings had already been exchanged as well as compliments for the extensive range of herbs in Teacher Sagi''s garden alone, not to mention the fields of the outer school.  The Teacher from the Savage Red Sands Force lamented how pitifully small his own growing space was (though it was a stunning an oasis in their desert territory) and how poor a quality the herbs he had on hand were.  The Teacher from the Tower''s of Wisdom school agreed softly, jokingly adding that despite this, wasn''t the demand for pills still high and complaints that the Alchemists were not fast enough to fulfil quotas?


    Even the Teachers from the Azure Height''s Finishing School and the Qilin First Academy couldn''t deny her words, despite the former having a plentiful pool of Alchemists compared to other schools and the latter having access to many high quality and expensive herbs.  All six Teachers sighed and chortled, smiles exchanged as the common ground uniting them was formed, despite all having very different backgrounds and circ.u.mstances.


    "Have any Teachers here managed to pick up good seedlings this year?" The dark, sun-marked Teacher of the desert asked openly.


    As expected there was a mixed response.  "One or two," the cold and elegant female Alchemist of the Finishing School responded, though there was a slight frown upon her face as if these girls were still somewhat unsatisfactory.


    "Actually, a talented youth did appear," the softly spoken Alchemist of the Mage Towers mentioned.  "He''s quite good."


    Xiang Lim''s expression was probably as grim as the man who posed the question.


    The Savage Red Sands School was a militant School said to sharpen the already brutally tough edges of the people that dwelled in the South of Eastern Xulaphrey.  They produced an array of tough, ferocious Martial Artists and fearless Beast Tamers from commoners and nobles who were already entrenched in the ways of warfare.  With such a pool of warriors to source from, the resulting catches for an Alchemist tended to be on the thin side; a weak runt with mediocre roots on a good day, a lazy trash with no talent on most others.


    Xiang Lim''s Qilin Academy could be deemed not much better, just instead of the weak runts, they received the third sons'' or fifth daughters'' from noble side branches, who were expected to support the main family''s heir who happened to be studying in one of the other schools of knowledge.  Not that there wasn''t a speck of jade to be discovered, yet on these rare occasions, more often than not, the child was whisked away, adopted by the main branch then could chose any path to study that they wished.  It was seldom Alchemy.  As for the policy of only teaching Nobles, while Xiang Lim had always agreed to it in principal, even he could not deny that it was truly restricting his ability to pass on the knowledge of his arts.


    Xiang Lim had always loved the Alchemic Arts, had always poured his very being into making this disliked path something to be revered as much as any other.  Thus it brought him no end of frustration when his good seeds vanished one by one, faltering after setbacks caused them to be scolded by their relations or even withdrawn from School as they were deemed ''no longer worth investing in''.


    Perhaps they could see the difficulties he faced due to the frustration within his eyes, but no one pressed him; they all had different circ.u.mstances to face.  In this respect, the Institute could consider itself quite well off.  Although their Alchemy schools were less popular than the other schools within their folds, they had enjoyed raising several excellent students over these several hundred years.  But then, they cast their nets wider, would take in any students with talent, even the so called ''trash'' were not cast aside.  If only ten percent of those students chose to enter the alchemy school, if only one in twenty of those had some potential, that was often still better than the students other Alchemists might be blessed to develop.


    Of course the downside of wide nets were that the resources would be stretched thinner and potentially the most excellent might not get the full resources to see them truly soar, but somehow, the Institute managed to make it work.  Xiang Lim might not be happy to acknowledge this point, being more in favour of the Academy''s policy, but he also couldn''t deny it.


    "Teacher Sagi," a student interrupted their conversation, wringing his slender hands a bit nervously he approached.  The youth bowed respectfully as all six Teachers glanced around at him.


    "Juta, is something the matter?" Teacher Sagi called the student by his name, knowing that the youth had taken upon the tough task of weeding the fields.  Those weeds having enjoyed the spiritual concentration within the fields were no longer like those causing issues in a farmer''s landscape.  They were tougher, more wilful and not willing to give up the blessed resources that were meant for the herbs.  But they needed to be removed or the herbs around them would suffer and their quality reduce.


    "There''s a student from the Martial Arts school..." Juta explained, pointing towards the Herb Hall in the dimensional distance.  "He says his small alchemist was attacked by outsiders and wanted to know whether Teacher wished to deal with them."  He scratched his face sheepishly as he added that person''s almost careless, final words; "Or else, he would expend the effort to... toss them over the nearest cliff, dealing with them that way."

 Chapter 317 - One Hundred and Seventeen - I maybe prefer Jin Li’s ideal ending to this

    Things got super awkward very fast. Only someone with low I.Q would fail to realise that if the ''small alchemist'' was one of Teacher Sagi''s students, then the ''outsiders'' were likely to be from one of the other four schools. But whose idiot students would be so foolish as to bring down the face of their school within a couple of days of arriving? It wasn''t that they didn''t expect a few skirmishes, but clearly these ''outsiders'' had picked a fight with the wrong party, else why would this Martial Artist be threatening to toss them off of a cliff? Could it be that they were wrong? That the ''outsiders'' really were ''outsiders''? Despite knowing this possibility was slim (the barriers around the Institute weren''t impenetrable, but they weren''t to be sniffed at either), the four Teacher''s practically held their breathes as the tall, young Martial Artist guided Teacher Sagi, Vine and them to a hidden property upon the wooded slope of the mountain.


    Three expelled their breathes with relief. One could only fume silently, his face reddening in anger. He touched the small plate upon his waist that would record things for their school''s Headmaster.


    Xiang Lim finally stepped forward in order to take responsibility for these students. "This one let fellow Teachers see a joke. These boys are known for their potential and having bright futures and surely wouldn''t throw all of that away by attacking the Institutes'' students without reason... would you?"


    The four youths no longer appeared like arrogant gongzi''s, with bits of straw in their hair from the Couerls bedding and their silken clothes crumbled and dusty. They were standing in front of the Teachers sullenly, but not a word passed through their lips... although Caprian did appear as if he would explode if he didn''t expel his grievances, however the other three had threatened him with some unpleasant experiences should he blab. Caprian felt he''d suffered so much and so badly since leaving the shelter of his House! It wasn''t fair! He glared at Leon with daggers in his eyes as if blaming all of his misfortunes on the other.


    "I said," Teacher Xiang spoke through gritted teeth, "I want an explanation."


    The three youths glanced at each other and also at Caprian, who didn''t notice as he was busy tormenting Leon in his imagination. Finally one of the two martial artists stepped forward with some words; "It''s like this. Caprian claimed that he would be able to supply us with a good amount of useful pills and potions... that the student here would happily give him anything that he asked for. It would have been fine just to refuse us, but that guy," he pointed to the blood covered Tor, "instigated trouble and they both set their ferocious beasts upon us! And if that wasn''t enough this other person..." just the incredulous snort from said other person made him alter the words he was about to say, "...misunderstood."


    Teacher Sagi, Wu Ye as well as a few others glanced at the so called ''ferocious beasts'', one who was pathetically rubbing its muzzle against the leg of its Master, long fluffy ears drooping and showing its pale belly, while the other was currently chuffing as a butterfly had landed on its nose. Li Ming even nudged Wu Ye beside it, trying to show off and only then noticed that it was somewhat the centre of attention. The butterfly flew off as it tilted its head in question.


    "Caprian?" Teacher Xiang questioned with a heavy sigh.


    Feeling that he''d had everyone''s dirty water splashed over him, Caprian was incensed and refused to hold the pot. "Laozi did suggest to come here, Leo owes Laozi an account, but I never said to draw swords." He crossed his arms about his c.h.e.s.t, barely.


    "I owe you?" Leon pulled a face that resembled Jin Li''s general sneer... but weaker and cuter (the latter being Jin Li''s opinion).


    "Indeed! If not for you not handing over that pill formula, Tor''s betrayal and that despicable man you hired to beat me," Caprian continued in a self-righteous manner, "how would Laozi suffer expulsion and smears to my reputation?" He quickly lowered his accusing finger the moment Jin Li''s eyes fell upon it in disgust. He fell silent after shuddering visibly.


    Teacher Xiang saw all of this and sighed even more heavily. His expectations for the large youth had long since vanished. Such inner potential, but with absolutely no intention to pursue it. He''d hoped that by bringing him back to his old school that had expelled him, a fire would be lit in his heart and he would work hard to prove that they had made the wrong decision. Unfortunately, the flame lit sought petty vengeance and had puffed out as soon as it met something it couldn''t burn. The Teacher knew he''d made a mistake this time.


    Meanwhile, although he sensed that Teacher Xiang was not blinded to his own students faults, they were still his own students and was likely obliged to defend them, thus Teacher Sagi took the initiative first to defend the Institute''s students. He didn''t wish for the other Teachers to see his student or the other students of this Institute painted in a bad light either. "Teacher Xiang," he reasoned. "I can''t be certain to what have occurred here, however, I can say that my student, Leo, is not the sort to provoke others. Tor''s record is not entirely clean for certain reasons," his gaze did fall on the youth''s former Master. "However, he was a steady student whilst having been in the alchemy school prior to Caprian''s expulsion and I''ve heard nothing but praise regarding him since he entered the Beast Taming School. And Jin Li, despite being a First Year student, has not long completed the Core Formation stage, which as you can imagine requires discipline and dedication. He has never bullied those weaker than himself within this school, but of course that doesn''t mean he''d allow himself or others to be bullied." (Mainly because he feels that the former would be beneath him and the latter, well ''others'' probably only included Leo; unsaid words.)


    "I''m curious," Teacher Lapis from the Azure Heights Finishing School enquired. "What is this pill formula that had been mention?" Her eyes fell upon Leon, who glanced at his Teacher for approval. It was given with a gesture.


    "Improved B-Beast calming p-pill," Leon replied and Caprian nodded his head still feeling indignant.


    "Improved?" The man from the Savage Red Sands Force''s eyes brightened. "How is it better?"


    Leon carefully mentioned the differences, stepping over a few words as he tried to calm his stutter. Alchemy Teachers would not be good Alchemists if they had no patience and let him speak from beginning to end without interruptions, only questioning afterwards how he''d discovered this and whether he''d made better the stronger versions of this pill. He''d shaken his head. It''s not that he hadn''t thought about looking into it, but he''d really no time with the other things that he''d been doing of late.


    Teacher Xiang Lim''s eyes had narrowed thoughtfully. He could see this youth''s honesty as well and the behaviour of the accused Coeurl and Cooshee (if the indifferent midnight black beast had been accused, he could have quite agreed with it) was too unlike described. The students from his school might as well have stated that they''d been possessed momentarily by a shadow demon, attacked without will of their own and were remorseful, that might have been more believable despite the strong protective barriers around the Institute keeping certain powers within or without.


    Xiang Lim sighed once more. He too wanted to know more about the Improved Beast Calming Pill, but it was best to withdraw and take the miscreants with him. It was all recorded on his plate anyhow, let the Headmaster decide their punishment.


    Caprian later found that he''d been expelled from yet another school. This time, he''d be forcefully homeschooled as the Elders were at their wits end, and the youth wouldn''t be able to cause trouble, at least for Leon and Tor, for a very long time.