"You're the girl who tried to steal Tianyi!" I pointed my finger, shaking slightly.

She looked affronted and let out a noise of indignance by my remark. "How rude! I was offering to purchase the spirit beast! A disciple of the Whispering Wind sect wouldn't resort to such lowly tactics, especially against a peasant fool who can't recognize a pearl even if it was in their palm."

Her words stung, but I stood my ground, my gaze unwavering. "A pearl? Tianyi is not some trinket to be bartered. She's my companion, not a commodity."

The woman's eyes narrowed, her lips curling into a smirk. "Companion? A beast like that is wasted on someone like you. You probably don't even understand her true value. I collect spirit beasts for breeding, and a female Azure Moonlight Flutter is a rare find. I need her for my work."

I felt a surge of protectiveness for Tianyi. "Well, she's not for sale. And calling me ignorant won't change my mind."

Feng Wu, who had been silently observing the exchange, gave me a subtle nod, a silent message of support.

The woman huffed, her frustration evident. "You're squandering a great opportunity. I am the future head of alchemy at the Whispering Wind sect. Associating with me could bring you great benefits."

Her claim caught me off guard. "You're an alchemist?" I asked, surprised. The tension between us momentarily ebbed as curiosity got the better of me. "I'm an aspiring alchemist myself."

The woman's expression shifted to one of disbelief. "You? An alchemist? Are you then planning to participate in the Grand Alchemy Gauntlet?"

"Yes, actually," I confirmed, my chest swelling with a mix of pride and nervous anticipation. "I'll be sponsored into it by the Verdant Lotus sect."

Her eyes narrowed further, her gaze now icy. "Sponsored? You think cultivation and alchemy are mere games to be played? Just because the Heavenly Interface appeared, you believe you stand a chance?"

Her words were like a slap in the face. I felt a surge of indignation. "Why do you all think I'm taking this as some sort of game? Is it because of my status?" I demanded, my voice rising. What is up with cultivators thinking everyone is below them? Except Feng Wu and everyone from the Verdant Lotus sect, of course.

She looked at me as if I had said the most foolish thing in the world. "It's not about status. It's about resources, proper guidance, years of dedication. You're like a child hitting a tree with a stick and calling it martial arts training. You're disregarding the real work that goes into mastering alchemy."

I opened my mouth to retort, but the words tangled in my throat. I was flustered, insulted by her disdain, and struggling to articulate my frustration.

Feng Wu stepped in, his voice calm but firm. "That's a narrow view of alchemy," he said. "The study and practice of this art aren't limited to prestigious sects alone. There are many paths to mastery, and each cultivator's journey is unique."

The woman scoffed, unimpressed. "You speak of ideals, but the reality is different. The Grand Alchemy Gauntlet isn't a playground for amateurs. It's a serious competition where only the most talented succeed."

Feng Wu's demeanor remained unshaken. "And who's to say Kai here won't be among them? The path of cultivation is full of surprises, and dismissing someone's potential based on their origin or status is a mistake."

That's right Feng Wu! Speak your profound words!

I nodded, bolstered by his intervention. "He's right. I might be new to this, but I'm not clueless. I've been training hard, and I plan to give it my all. Your skepticism won't deter me. Don't be too hurt when I overshadow you in the competition!"

She raised an eyebrow, her sculpted eyebrows arching elegantly above piercing dark blue eyes that seemed to scrutinize my every word. A hint of a smirk played on her lips, only slightly obscured by the shadow of her hood. "Overshadow me? You're amusing, at least. Let's make a wager then. If you truly believe in your abilities, put your Azure Moonlight Flutter on the line."

My heart skipped a beat. "No way!" I blurted out, more loudly than I intended. I could feel Feng Wu's hand gripping my shoulder in a terrifyingly gentle manner. The message was clear: 'Think before you leap, Kai.'

The woman let out a derisive snort. "Coward. Can't even back your own words with action. Don't heed my advice at your peril. You'll regret underestimating the Jianghu." With a swirl of her cloak, she turned and disappeared into the bustling crowd of Crescent Bay City.

I let out a sigh of relief, feeling the tension drain from my shoulders. "That was close..."

Her words echoed in my thoughts, haunting me with their stinging truth. Was I truly out of my depth? The path of cultivation I had embarked upon was fraught with uncertainties, and now, facing the elite of the Jianghu, I felt a pang of insecurity.

I looked at my hands, the same that had wielded techniques and brewed concoctions, and wondered if they were enough. The more I thought about it, the more the seeds of doubt planted by her disdain began to grow. Could my unconventional training and the guidance of the Heavenly Interface truly match up to the resources and heritage of a sect like the Whispering Wind?

A part of me rebelled against these doubts, clinging to the hard work and progress I had made. But another part, the one that whispered in the quiet moments, questioned if I was playing a game I couldn't win.

In that moment, standing amidst the bustling streets of Crescent Bay City, I felt smaller than I ever had. The path ahead seemed shrouded in mist, and for the first time, I questioned not just my ability to navigate it, but whether I belonged on it at all.

Love what you're reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

I shook my head, trying to dispel these thoughts. I couldn't let her words get to me, not when I had come so far. But the nagging feeling of inadequacy lingered, a shadow trailing my every step.

Feng Wu released his grip, chuckling softly. "You have a knack for attracting interesting characters, Kai. But remember, wagers and taunts are a part of the Jianghu. You must be cautious with your words and promises. Especially with someone like her."

"You recognize her?"

"I had my suspicions when we first saw her, but now I can confirm it. She's part of the Lian clan. They all have white hair and blue eyes like hers. The Lian clan has been a cornerstone of the Whispering Wind sect for generations, one of their most prominent and influential backers. It's no wonder she carries herself with such...unwavering confidence."

I nodded, mulling over Feng Wu's words. "Unwavering confidence, huh? That's a polite way to put it. She was downright arrogant!"

Feng Wu smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling in amusement. "Arrogance often comes with power, and in the cultivation world, power can justify many things, including arrogance. The Lian clan, with their deep roots in the Whispering Wind sect, has immense resources and influence. They're known for their expertise in alchemy and are regarded highly in that field. To them, something like purchasing a spirit beast, regardless of the price, is trivial."

"So, they just throw their weight around because they can?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"In a manner of speaking, yes. Their status and wealth grant them certain liberties. But that comes with great scrutiny. The Lian clan, despite their privileges, are bound by the expectations and traditions of their lineage and sect."

"Sounds suffocating," I commented, imagining what it would be like to live under such pressure.

"It can be," Feng Wu agreed. "But it's also a life of luxury and opportunity. Cultivators from powerful clans like the Lian have access to resources and training that others can only dream of. It shapes their worldview, their aspirations, and even their attitude towards others."

I pondered this for a moment, thinking about how different my life had been before the Heavenly Interface appeared. "So, what you're saying is, her attitude might not be entirely her fault? It's more about the environment she was raised in?"

"Exactly," Feng Wu replied. "Her upbringing, her environment, the expectations set upon her – all these factors contribute to her demeanor. It's not uncommon for cultivators from such prestigious backgrounds to appear aloof or even dismissive to those outside their circle."

"I guess that puts things into perspective," I said, feeling a bit more understanding towards the woman from the Whispering Wind sect. "Still, it doesn't excuse her trying to buy Tianyi like she's shopping for groceries."

Feng Wu laughed. "No, it doesn't. But it's important to understand where she's coming from. In the world of cultivation, understanding the background and motivations of others can be as crucial as mastering a new technique."

"That makes sense," I conceded. "So, if I run into her again, especially in the Grand Alchemy Gauntlet, I should keep her background in mind?"

"Absolutely," Feng Wu affirmed. "Knowing your opponent, in alchemy or in martial cultivation, gives you an edge. And in your case, it might help you navigate any further negotiations or confrontations with her."

"Navigate and negotiate. I can do that." I replied, glancing briefly at the spot where the mysterious alchemist had vanished.

She truly disappeared like a whisper in the wind. Ha, I truly amaze myself with the poignant poetry I come up with sometimes.

"But, seriously, what is it with cultivators and their love for gambling? It's like every other story I heard growing up had some hotshot cultivator wagering their cultivation base or their left pinky toe to break through a bottleneck. I always thought those were just over-the-top tales to spice up the narrative. But now? I'm not so sure." I glanced at Feng Wu, a mischievous grin working itself up on my face. "Do you, oh wise and venerable Feng Wu, also have a secret penchant for high-stakes gambling? Should I be watching my back in case you bet me in a cultivator card game?"

Feng Wu raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. "Kai, if there were such a thing as a cultivator card game, I assure you, I'd be the reigning champion. But fear not, I only gamble on sure things. Like your potential, for instance."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Well, that's a relief. I mean, if you're betting on me, you must be the most risk-averse gambler in the cultivation world."

I continued, my thoughts drifting back to the myriad stories I'd devoured as a kid. "In those tales, cultivators were always pushing the envelope, taking crazy risks. They'd consume some ancient, half-rotten herb they found in a forbidden tomb, just for the thrill of it."

Feng Wu chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "It seems the stories you read are where your imagination comes from, Kai. But you're not entirely wrong. Cultivators, by nature, are driven by ambition and the pursuit of strength. It leads some to take... unorthodox paths."

"Yeah, 'unorthodox' is one way to put it," I mused, my tone light but thoughtful. "Growing up without cultivation being a big part of my life, all this did seem like just fun and games. You know, the kind of stuff that makes a good story but you never expect to see in real life. But now, being in the thick of it, it's like living in one of those tales. I half expect to turn a corner and stumble upon a legendary hermit playing Go with a phoenix or something."

Feng Wu's laughter echoed through the streets of Crescent Bay City, drawing curious glances from passersby. "Well, keep your eyes open, Kai. In the world of cultivation, stranger things have happened. The books you speak of do interest me, however. Do you know the authors who're writing them?"

"You know, most of the books I've read were by a guy named Liang Feng," I began, trying to sound nonchalant. "But, between you and me," I continued, leaning closer to Feng Wu as if sharing a state secret, "I suspect this Liang Feng is also behind several other books under different pseudonyms. The writing style is far too similar, and they all harp on the same themes."

Feng Wu raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "That's quite an observation. What makes you so sure?"

I shrugged, feeling a bit self-conscious about my theory. "Just a hunch, I guess. The way he describes martial arts techniques, the philosophies behind cultivation, even his characters' quirks – it's like he has this unique fingerprint that's hard to miss once you've read enough of his work."

"Interesting," Feng Wu mused. "Perhaps you have a talent for literary analysis as well as alchemy and cultivation."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Doubtful. I just read a lot. Speaking of which, we should probably get moving. It's getting late, and we still have a lot to buy. The shops will be closing soon."

Feng Wu nodded, and we quickly set off, leading our horses through the vibrant and bustling streets of Crescent Bay City. As we weaved our way through the throngs of people, my mind drifted back to the confrontation with the hooded girl from the Lian family.

Her arrogance, her outright dismissal of my abilities – it irked me. But Feng Wu's words lingered in my mind, painting a picture of a world shaped by power, status, and expectation. Was she just a product of her environment? Was her disdain for me, a novice in the grand scheme of things, justified in the context of her upbringing?

I glanced over at Feng Wu, who seemed lost in thought. "Hey, Feng Wu," I started hesitantly, "do you think she's right? About me not standing a chance in the Grand Alchemy Gauntlet, I mean."

Feng Wu turned to me, his expression contemplative. "Kai, in the path of cultivation, nothing is certain. Your journey has been unconventional, to say the least. But that doesn't mean you're doomed to fail. Remember, every journey started with a single step. What matters is your dedication, your willingness to learn and adapt."

His words were comforting, but the seed of doubt planted by the girl's scornful remarks still lingered. I knew I had a lot to learn, and my path was fraught with unknowns. But Feng Wu's faith in me bolstered my resolve. I wouldn't let her or anyone else dictate my worth.

As we continued our errands, picking up cuts of meat, and a particularly expensive bottle of lychee wine for Tianyi, Feng Wu finally commented on my purchases.

Feng Wu raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Kai, you do realize that bringing such... earthly indulgences into a Taoist sect like ours is seen as...well, let's just say it's not exactly in line with our principles."

I could practically feel the eyes of imaginary elders boring into me, judging my every move. "I, uh, have faith in me, Feng Wu?" I offered weakly, trying to sound confident but probably failing miserably.

Feng Wu chuckled, shaking his head in mock disapproval. "I trust you, Kai, but you must understand why I didn't flash the sect's symbol for a discount this time. If the elders caught wind of me buying alcohol and meat, especially in such quantities, I'd be spending several days in the penance hall."

I grimaced, realizing how ridiculous and disrespectful my actions must have seemed from an outsider's perspective. "Right, I didn't think that through. But I promise, there's a good reason for it. I just can't reveal it yet."

Feng Wu sighed, still smiling. "Alright, I'll trust your judgment. But you better have a good explanation ready. Now, that meal you promised..."

"You're the veteran, Feng Wu. Lead the way!"

He put a finger to his chin, musing over the options before his eyes lit up.

"There's a restaurant called Cloudrift Pavilion if you're partial to seafood. I usually go with their Cliffside Bamboo Shoots. The view is amazing, especially at nighttime. Does that sound satisfactory?"

With the moon casting its light over our heads, we headed towards Cloudrift Pavillion. Despite the oddity of the situation, his easygoing nature and willingness to go along with my unorthodox methods were a reminder of why I valued his friendship so much. It was like having the older brother I never had.

Little did he know, the real surprise was yet to come. And I couldn't wait to see his reaction when I finally revealed Windy's existence. For now, though, I'd enjoy the moment, a light-hearted break in the grand scheme of things.