The chamber's door closed with a thud behind Elder Chen as I faced Elder Zhu and Instructor Xiao-Hu, sealing us in with the gravity of the situation. I could feel the weight of my decisions as I stood before them, the beast core a heavy presence in my pocket, an unspoken testament to the turmoil I had incited.

Instructor Xiao-Hu stepped in, his voice as direct and unyielding as his disciplined posture. "Kai, your actions today have cast ripples far beyond what you might have intended. The sect's reputation and standing have been put at risk by your gamble," he stated, his dark eyes fixed on me with an intensity that commanded full attention.

Elder Zhu silenced him with a raised hand and fixed me with a gaze that seemed to pierce through to my very soul. "Kai, speak your mind," he prompted in a tone that brokered no evasion.

The words tumbled out of me, a blend of apology and firmness. "I apologize for the trouble I've caused. When I saw the sect's honor threatened, I acted without fully considering the consequences. I-I just couldn't stand to watch the Verdant Lotus sect be demeaned or manipulated,"

My fears gnawed at me — fears of the repercussions, the upcoming duel, the weight of potential failure — but beneath that surface churned a deep, immovable current of determination. I had made my choice, and I would stand by it.

Elder Zhu listened, his expression unchanging. "Kai, the sect is a refuge, a sanctuary. It is our duty to shield you, to foster your growth. It is not your burden to protect us," he said gently, yet with an undeniable firmness.

Elder Chen, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. His voice, always calm and measured, carried a hint of concern. "Kai, while your intentions were noble, you must understand the complexities of the cultivation world. The Silent Moon sect is powerful, and your challenge, though brave, risks escalating this conflict beyond our control."

The room felt colder, the reality of my actions settling in like a dense fog. I shifted uncomfortably, the beast core in my pocket suddenly feeling like a stone, heavy with unspoken implications.

Instructor Xiao-Hu's gaze softened slightly. "The beast core you possess is a coveted treasure. Its revelation has undoubtedly placed you in the sights of those who would do anything to claim such power."

The beast core... I had almost forgotten its significance in the heat of the moment. I remembered the pulsating energy it emitted, the way it resonated with my own qi, a beacon of untapped potential. If I were to absorb its contents, I was sure to collect more qi than my Crimson Lotus Purification technique could in months. It was no wonder why a martial sect like the Silent Moon would be reluctant to let such an item stray from themselves.

Feng Wu gave me such an item? And kept it a secret?

"Elder Chen, what about Feng Wu? Will he be in trouble for giving it to me?" I asked, the concern for my friend outweighing my own predicament.

Elder Chen sighed, a rare sign of weariness. "Feng Wu made a choice. He petitioned for you to keep the beast core during his mission brief, foregoing the considerable contribution points he would have earned from the mission. His actions were... unorthodox, but they speak volumes of his trust in you."

I felt a surge of gratitude towards Feng Wu, mixed with a twinge of guilt. He had risked so much for me, and now I was entangled in a situation that could have repercussions far beyond what I had imagined.

Instructor Xiao-Hu resumed, his tone grave. "Kai, you need to understand the danger you've placed not just yourself in, but also those associated with you. The Silent Moon sect is known for its retribution. Winning the dual trial might safeguard the beast core, but it could invite consequences far more severe."

His words sent a chill down my spine. The thought of bringing harm to my friends, to the sect, was unbearable. My thoughts drifted to Tianyi, always by my side since my earliest days at the sect. The memory of Xu Ziqing's covetous gaze on Tianyi during our last encounter flashed before me. The idea of her being taken, or worse, killed, because of my actions ignited a rage within me, but also a painful realization of the cost of my recklessness.

With a heavy heart, I bowed deeply, deeper than I ever had before. "I understand the gravity of my actions and am prepared to face any punishment. I... I am willing to step down from the Grand Alchemy Gauntlet if it means protecting the sect and those I care about."

There was a moment of silence, the weight of my words hanging in the air. Elder Zhu finally spoke, his voice carrying a mixture of sternness and an unexpected warmth. "Kai, your willingness to bear the consequences of your actions speaks to your character. However, we will not remove you from the Grand Alchemy Gauntlet."

I looked up, surprised by his words.

Elder Chen continued, "Your actions, while impulsive, were in defense of the sect's honor. We cannot fault you for that. Instead, we will aid you in preparing for this dual trial. Bravery is a coin of great value in the Jianghu. However, it must be spent wisely. Are you prepared to defend the worth of your actions?"

Instructor Xiao-Hu nodded in agreement. "Your alchemy skills are commendable, but it is in the arena of combat where you will face your greatest challenge. We must ensure you are adequately prepared."

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I couldn't hide the relief that washed over me, mingled with a newfound determination. "Thank you, Elders, for your faith in me. I won't let you down. I'll train harder than ever before," I said, my resolve steeling.

The Elders and Instructor Xiao-Hu exchanged a brief, knowing glance before Elder Zhu finally broke the silence. "We will have to discuss with the sect leader about the full ramifications of your actions. For now, you are dismissed."

With a final bow, I turned and left the chamber, the door closing behind me with a finality that echoed my tumultuous thoughts. As I walked through the verdant paths of the sect, I could feel the eyes of fellow disciples and instructors on me, their expressions a mix of curiosity, concern, and in some cases, thinly veiled disdain. The whispers that followed me were like the rustling of leaves in a breeze, a constant reminder of the storm I had unwittingly stirred.

Hastening my steps, I made my way back to the guest quarters, eager to escape the scrutiny and find solace in solitude. As I entered, the familiar sight of Windy, the Wind Serpent hatchling, greeted me. It coiled playfully around my ankle, its scales shimmering in the dim light.

"Hey there, Windy," I said, trying to muster a smile. "You wouldn't believe the kind of day I've had." The serpent looked up at me, its eyes gleaming with an innocence that felt like a balm to my frayed nerves.

I sank onto a cushion, my thoughts swirling. "I haven't even figured out how to properly feed you yet," I mused aloud, watching as Windy tilted its head as if trying to understand. "And now I've got this whole mess with the Wind Serpent beast core to deal with."

The mention of the beast core reminded me of its presence in my pocket. I reached in and pulled it out, the pulsating energy causing Windy to perk up immediately. As I held it in my palm, the hatchling slithered closer, its small body circling the core with an unmistakable eagerness.

I frowned, realization dawning on me. "This... this is the remnant of your parents, isn't it, Windy?" The thought made my heart clench. Here I was, holding a token of Windy's loss, a tangible piece of its past.

As I moved to put the core away, Windy's reaction surprised me. It nuzzled against the core, wrapping itself around it protectively. "You... you want to keep it close?" I asked, my voice softening.

Observing Windy's attachment to the core, a theory began to form in my mind. "Is this why you've been so docile and obedient?" I pondered. "Because I've been handling the beast core?"

Windy seemed to hum in agreement, its small form vibrating slightly against the core. The realization hit me with a mix of awe and responsibility. I was not just a caretaker for Windy; I was a link to its past, a connection to what it had lost.

I knew that death was an inevitable part of life. But being the direct cause of their deaths gave me a sense of obligation to raise Windy. In a way, we bore similar pasts. The only minor, negligible difference is that I'm human and Windy's a magical snake.

I sat there for a long time, Windy curled up beside me, the beast core a silent witness to our shared moment. In the quiet of the room, my thoughts turned to the upcoming dual trial. The weight of expectation, the pressure to succeed, the fear of failure — they all loomed over me like an impending storm.

But as I looked down at Windy, its serene presence a contrast to my turbulent thoughts, I felt a sense of calm settle over me. Here was a creature that had lost everything, yet found a way to trust and connect with someone new. If Windy could find the strength to move forward, then so could I.

"I won't let you down, Windy," I whispered, more to myself than to the hatchling. "I'll face this challenge head-on. For both of us."

Tianyi fluttered onto my nose, smacking me with her wings several times.

"Sorry, Tianyi. I meant for all of us."

I summoned the interface into view and looked over my stats.

HEAVENLY INTERFACE: KAI LIU

PERK(S):

Interface Manipulator - Allows manipulation of the Heavenly Interface and access to special features.

Race: Human

Vitality: Sufficient

PRIMARY

Affinity - Wood

Cultivation Rank: Mortal Realm - Rank 3

QI: Qi Initiation Stage - Rank 1

MIND: Mortal Realm - Rank 3

BODY: Mortal Realm - Rank 2

SKILLS

Spiritual Herbalism - 2 (...)

Nature's Attunement - 2 (...)

Reading - 6 (...)

Cultivation Techniques:

Rooted Banyan Stance - 1 (...)

Crimson Lotus Purification - 1 (...)

No changes. Huh.

I stared at the interface, my mind racing with questions. The Heavenly Interface had shown its worth during my encounter with Elder Jun, guiding my words and actions. But why now? Was it because I was in over my head? Or was it something more, a deeper connection to the interface itself? The lack of information in regards to my Interface Manipulator perk frustrated me. I shrugged off the confusion, deciding there were more pressing matters at hand. It was time to focus on the trial.

"Heavenly Interface, you're a fickle friend," I muttered, shaking my head. "One moment, you're my guiding star, and the next, you're as silent as a mouse."

I leaned back, letting my gaze drift to Tianyi and Windy. "Guys, we've got a big challenge ahead."

Tianyi glowed slightly, fluttering around me as if to offer encouragement. Windy, sensing the change in atmosphere, slithered up to my lap, its scales cool and comforting against my skin.

"Alright, let's think this through." I tapped my chin, pondering my options. "A third-class disciple from the Silent Moon sect... They'll be strong, fast, and probably skilled in combat. And here I am, a herbalist with a defensive stance that's barely off the ground."

I chuckled, the absurdity of the situation not lost on me. "Well, at least I won't be bored."

Glancing at my skills, I focused on my strengths. "Okay, Rooted Banyan Stance is all about defense, stability, and endurance. It's not much, but it's something. If I can't outfight them, maybe I can outlast them?"

I contemplated the idea, playing out scenarios in my head. "But endurance alone won't win me this trial. I'd run out of qi and break something important. I need to land a hit, a solid one. And for that, I need an edge."

That's when the idea struck me. "Potions and pills! Why didn't I think of it sooner? If I can't increase my natural abilities, I can at least boost them temporarily. Just like I did against the Wind Serpents."

Tianyi buzzed around my head, as if questioning the feasibility of my plan. "Don't worry, Tianyi, I'm not planning on going overboard. Just a little... herbal enhancement."

I sat cross-legged, entering the Memory Palace within my mind filled with notes and sketches of herbs and concoctions.

Let's see... something for strength, agility, maybe a bit of qi enhancement? After a few minutes, I stood up and scribbled down a list of ingredients.

Windy watched with keen eyes, its head tilting from side to side as I scribbled down ideas. They'd need to be the more esoteric ingredients, if I wanted something substantial for its effects. "What do you think, Windy? A blend of 10-year ginseng and Moonshadow Petal for strength? Oh, and maybe a dash of Starlight Dew for that extra kick."

The serpent seemed to nod in agreement, its small body coiling around my arm.

"Alright, it's settled then." I clapped my hands together, a plan forming in my mind. "I'll split my time between martial arts training and brewing up a storm in the alchemy lab. It's going to be tough, but hey, what's life without a little challenge?"

I stood up, stretching my arms above my head. "First thing tomorrow, training begins. I'll start with class in the morning, and head out to do whatever training the elders set out for me."

Tianyi perched on my shoulder, her presence a constant source of comfort. "Don't worry, Tianyi, I'll be careful. Can't have our resident worrywart fluttering into a frenzy, can we?"

I couldn't help but smile, the daunting task ahead somehow seems a little less intimidating with Tianyi and Windy by my side.

"Alright, team," I said, my voice filled with a newfound determination. "Let's show the Silent Moon sect what a humble herbalist can do. It's not going to be easy, but we're in this together. I'll get a head start and do some training of my own."

With that, I grabbed my iron staff and headed out, the sound of Tianyi's wings and Windy's gentle hissing following me into the night. The path ahead was uncertain, filled with challenges and unknowns, but one thing was clear: I wasn't going to face it alone.