A camp had been set up, and Siyu was enjoying a cup of tea by a nearby pond. He turns his head and sees Elizabeth approaching. He sets down his tea, leans back against the tree, and sighs, which had somehow become a mark of his character.

“Sir Siyu. I saw you leisurely enjoying your tea and somehow found myself jealous. Pour a cup for me, please?” Elizabeth says, taking a seat next to him.

Siyu pours Elizabeth a cup of tea and hands it to her.

“Thank you good, sir. It feels quite good to be waited on.” Elizabeth says with a smile before taking a sip of tea, letting the moment linger as she looks over the pond. “So tell me; Frey informed me of your history, but I have yet to learn anything about you personally. What do you like, dislike; perhaps you have a hobby?” She asks, leaning back against the tree and nudging her shoulder against Siyu's.

Siyu smiles bitterly; another mark of his character. “I like tea and taking walks. As for me personally, I am whoever I need to be.” He says with a sip of tea. “I’m more interested in you. Why are you so intent on finding a soulmate?” He asks, curious.

Elizabeth chuckles and says, “Why wouldn’t I be? Who doesn’t want to find their soulmate, live a passionate life together with them, and die in their arms? It is humanity’s ideal romance, and if it is attainable, why not chase it? Especially when I have such a handy matchmaker at my disposal?”

A heaviness fills Siyu's heart. “I doubt I will be of much help,” He says with a solemn attitude. You and your soulmate are not meant to be, a hidden thought announces at the edge of his mind.

“How can you say that? I have faith in you.” Elizabeth says, wrapping her arm around Siyu's in a playful manner.

Siyu could only stare at the pond and let his mind linger on the feeling of her touch.

…

…

“Give me an update on the situation.” Major-General Eyre asks, exhaling a cloud of grey smoke.

“They are moving him once again. This time, near the Fortitude Forest, to join the Demon Hunters stationed there.” Colonel Sol responds.

“Hmm… Contact the Uplifted Sword and tell him that we will set up an encounter with the one who approved his assassination order if he gives us his assistance. We cannot let Prince Frey go.” Major-General Eyre says coldly.

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“As you command, sir.” Colonel Sol responds with a salute. “But may I ask, why are the higher-ups so intent on assassinating Prince Frey?” He asks with a raised eyebrow.

Major-General Eyre takes a long puff of his cigar and exhales, before explaining, “On the surface, we were only testing the waters when we started this conflict with the country of Seer, but our real purpose has always been the assassination of Prince Frey. Five years ago, an oracle found the King and told him that there lived a great detriment to his rule in the country of Seer, and that if his cultivation path fully came to fruition, the King’s life would hang in the balance.”

“Can we trust this oracle? Few can become Masters in Divination, and I’m unaware of any still living.” Colonel Sol says in doubt.

“I don’t know. After he gave his prophecy he disappeared, and for the King, even if it was a sliver of a chance, he would snuff it out as long as it was possible.” Major-General Eyre answers. “But that’s not for us to question. Just do your job and you’ll be fine Colonel.” He says, smoke lingering in the air.

…

…

“So you’re a cultivator of the Hell Path as well. May I ask what subtype?” Frey asks, enjoying the exchange with their newest traveling companion.

Elizabeth chuckles. “I would rather not define it. You know how cultivation paths are. How about you Sir Siyu? What path do you cultivate?” She asks, nudging his shoulder; an action that she seems to have been performing more often lately.

“I cultivate the Earth Path. If I had to define it, it would be by Offering, but you know how cultivation paths are.” He says with a smile.

Elizabeth lets out a laugh. “Undefinable.”

Siyu also lets out a laugh. “Indeed.”

Frey watches their exchange and gives them a weird look. “It seems you two have been quite friendly lately.” He says with a smile.

“Yes,” Elizabeth says, glancing at Siyu. “Although he’s the quiet type, once you get him talking, he’s quite interesting.” She says.

“Yes, indeed.” Frey echoes. “He’s like a shy puppy. I almost want to give him a home and protect him.” Frey says before his voice cracks into laughter.

Elizabeth chuckles. “Indeed.”

Siyu pretended not to hear anything.

…

…

“How long before we arrive?” Siyu asks, feeling that the carriage has been quite restricting lately.

“We still have a long journey ahead of us. We will be taking a few days to rest at the city of Tylle, to gather supplies.” Frey responds with a yawn.

“Thank goodness,” Siyu says with tired eyes.

…

…

“Where are you going?” Elizabeth asks, running up the street to catch up to Siyu.

“I’m going to buy a staff,” He responds, watching the scenery closely. They had arrived at the city of Tylle and he felt something calling out to him.

“I’ll come along then. Who knows? You might find my soulmate.” Elizabeth says with a smile.

Siyu looks at her; her auburn hair swaying in the wind. “Maybe,” he says.

Elizabeth grabs onto his arm, holding it as they walk. “And why a staff? Is that your weapon of choice?” She asks nonchalantly.

“It’s simply to extend my reach,” He says dismissively. “You never know. I might need it.” He says, focused on something else.

Elizabeth could only chuckle.

…

…

Siyu follows the signs, which lead him to a Cultivation Artifact store. A bell rings as the door opens and he steps inside. He takes a glance at the objects on display, not finding what he was searching for.

Siyu walks up to the shopkeeper and says, “I’m looking for a staff. Perhaps you have something that isn’t on display?”

The shopkeeper looks to Siyu and Elizabeth by his side, before saying, “Wait a moment.” He leaves through a door and comes back a few moments later with a long case. “I don’t know how you heard of this artifact but I presume this is what you’re looking for.” He ponders, opening the case to display a simple wooden staff, dark brown with a hint of pink, and it appeared as if it was a branch cut off a tree and left as it was. “Made from the branch of an Eternal Cherry Blossom Tree and enchanted to be undamaged by sword or flame. The owner of this staff was a Divination Master. Some called him Axel the Spring Seed, and others called him Axel the Faded. He called this staff the Life Branch. Take it, it’s yours.” The shopkeeper says, pushing the case across the counter.

“How much?” Siyu asks, preparing to pay any price.

“You are mistaken, sir. This staff does not belong to me. I was simply told to give this staff to the first person who spoke the very words you spoke to me.” The shopkeeper says, his head offering a bow of respect.

Siyu's eyes widen in surprise. “Then, I can only thank you,” He says, removing the staff from the case.