As we arrived back at the Verdant Lotus sect, the clock had long since passed midnight. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a serene glow over the sect's tranquil gardens and winding paths. The faint light from a few strategically placed lanterns flickered gently, creating dancing shadows on the ground. It was a scene of peaceful beauty, but my mind was anything but calm.

I picked up the neatly packaged bags containing the results of my shopping spree - lychee wine, slabs of meat, and other assorted items - feeling a growing sense of unease.

'Bringing these into a Taoist sect’s premises... what was I thinking?' I berated myself internally. I tried to convince myself that they likely didn't hold guests to the same principles as their disciples, but the thought did little to alleviate my anxiety.

With each step towards the guest quarters, I couldn't shake off the nagging fear that one of the sect's night patrols might stop me and ask to see what was in the bag. The very idea made me quicken my pace, my heart pounding in my chest.

"You're awfully sweaty and look nervous," Feng Wu commented from behind, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "You're not usually this jumpy, Kai. What's got you so on edge?"

I let out a nervous chuckle, trying to play it off. "Oh, it's nothing. Just... not used to being up this late and carrying all this stuff, I guess." I quickened my steps even more, hoping to reach the safety of the guest quarters before anyone saw us.

The path to the guest quarters was dimly lit, the lanterns casting a warm, orange glow that barely penetrated the darkness. The only other light came from the moon overhead, bathing the sect in a soft, ethereal light. The night was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.

Despite the beauty of the night, my mind was racing with worst-case scenarios. 'What if we're stopped? What if they ask to inspect the bags? How do I explain this?' The questions spun in my head, each more troubling than the last.

Feng Wu seemed to sense my discomfort and slowed his pace to walk beside me. "You know, the elders might be strict, but they're not unreasonable. They understand that guests have different customs and needs."

I glanced at him, trying to find reassurance in his words. "Yeah, but meat and wine? It's not exactly the kind of 'different customs' that would go unnoticed here."

He laughed softly, the sound echoing in the quiet night. "True, but remember, you're here as a sponsored participant for the Grand Alchemy Gauntlet. And as long as you're not openly flaunting these items or disturbing the peace of the sect, I doubt there will be any issues. Besides, I'm here to vouch for you."

As we neared the guest quarters, the silence of the night was comforting, the soft sounds of nature blending with our footsteps. The occasional creak of a bamboo stalk or the distant hoot of an owl added to the night's ambiance.

Finally, we reached the guest quarters, the familiar structure a welcome sight. I let out a sigh of relief, feeling the tension drain from my body. "We made it," I murmured, more to myself than to Feng Wu.

As we walked up the steps, I grinned at him. "You won't believe what you're about to see."

I opened the door, and revealed what I had been hiding all this time.

Tianyi was perched by the windowsill alongside Windy. Immediately, Tianyi fluttered over to us. Windy, seemingly rising from its slumber, gazed at me and Feng Wu.

Windy, still coiled up, eyed Feng Wu cautiously but relaxed slightly upon seeing Tianyi's familiar interaction with him. The butterfly, with her usual grace and charm, landed delicately on the tip of Feng Wu's nose, greeting him in her own whimsical way.

Feng Wu, unable to communicate directly with Tianyi, smiled warmly and greeted her. "Tianyi, you look healthier than ever," he said, his voice soft and welcoming. Tianyi fluttered her wings in response, seemingly pleased with the attention.

Then Feng Wu's gaze shifted to Windy, whom I had been so anxious to introduce. "And this must be the new addition," he observed, his eyes reflecting a mix of interest and amusement. "Interesting, it has pure white scales with a bluish sheen. Quite the rarity, I must say."

I couldn't hide my disappointment at Feng Wu's lack of surprise. "You're not shocked?" I asked, a bit deflated. "I thought revealing Windy would be a big moment."

Feng Wu chuckled softly, a knowing look in his eyes. "Kai, I've known you long enough to connect the dots. It's been some time since you got the egg, and it was unlikely you'd buy raw slabs of meat for yourself." He paused, looking at Windy with a gentle gaze.

"Besides, in a place like the Verdant Lotus Sect, where the extraordinary is almost ordinary, one learns to expect surprises. But, I must admit, it is truly a remarkable creature."

I sighed, accepting that maybe my expectations for a dramatic reaction were a bit too high. "Yeah, well, I've named them Windy, for now," I said, trying to sound casual.

Feng Wu nodded approvingly. "A fitting name. Do you know their gender yet?"

"Not yet. They have to mature before I can tell," I explained, moving on to the task at hand. I opened the pack containing the meat and alcohol, pouring out some of the lychee wine for Tianyi to enjoy. She happily drank it, her delicate movements a stark contrast to Windy’s cautious observation.

"Lychee wine," I said to Feng Wu. "She's developed quite a taste for fermented fruits."

Feng Wu watched with an amused expression. "Indeed, she seems to relish it."

Turning my attention to the raw meat, I realized I needed to slice it into more manageable chunks for Windy. My herb-cutting knife lay on the table, but it was nowhere near sharp enough for the job. "Feng Wu, I could use some help here. I need to slice this meat, but my knife isn't going to cut it, literally."

Without a word, Feng Wu reached into his robe and pulled out his bladed fan. With a flick of his wrist, the fan snapped open, revealing the gleaming, razor-sharp blades. He approached the meat with the precision of a skilled craftsman, and within moments, he had expertly chopped it into even portions.

"Thank you," I said, genuinely impressed by his deftness. "Windy will appreciate this."

I offered some of the sliced meat to Windy, who uncoiled cautiously and slithered forward to inspect the offering. After a moment of hesitation, they began to eat, their tongue flickering in and out as they tasted the meat.

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

As Windy nibbled on the chunks, I noticed something peculiar in their manner. They seemed to grimace slightly with each bite, though they kept eating. Observing them closely, a realization dawned on me. 'Wind Serpents, like Windy, are probably used to consuming whole prey,' I thought to myself. The skin and bones would likely provide a whole set of nutrients that meat alone couldn't give.

"This is only a stop-gap solution to keep Windy from starving," I mentioned to Feng Wu, feeling a bit guilty. "But to keep them truly happy, I'll need to provide whole prey. Chopped meat isn't ideal for snakes."

I grimaced at the thought of Windy hunting on their own. "The thing is, letting them out to hunt is risky. They've already escaped through the window twice to hunt for food. It's nothing short of a miracle we haven't been caught yet. I wouldn't want to find out how one of the disciples would react to a spirit beast wandering on sect premises unattended."

Feng Wu, stroking his chin thoughtfully, nodded in understanding. "It is indeed a risky situation. Why don't we reveal Windy's existence to the elders? If they're aware, you won't have to tiptoe around the sect to feed them."

I hesitated, the idea of revealing Windy to the elders filled me with unease. "I'm not sure about that," I said, my voice laced with reluctance. "I don't know how well it'll be taken, and I fear for Windy's safety. What if the Silent Moon sect were to hear of them?"

Feng Wu placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Trust in the sect, Kai. The elders are wise and understanding. Besides, they can help ensure Windy's well-being and perhaps even provide a safer way for them to hunt."

He paused, then added with a hint of awe in his voice, "It's incredible, you know, having two spirit beasts like Tianyi and Windy. They're incredibly rare to find, and exponentially harder to form a bond with."

I nodded in agreement, though inside, a twinge of uncertainty lingered. 'A bond with Windy?' I thought. 'I never received the same notification from the Heavenly Interface that I did when Tianyi and I bonded. Does Windy even have a bond with me?'

Pushing these doubts aside, I focused on the immediate concern. "Alright, I'll show Windy to Elder Zhu and the others after my classes and training tomorrow," I conceded, though my heart still pounded with apprehension at the thought.

It was the least I could do. They'd invested so much into me, how could I not reward them with trust of my own? A relationship was a two-way street.

As we continued talking, a part of me couldn't help but wonder about the implications of revealing Windy's existence. 'What if they don't understand? What if they see Windy as a threat?' The questions swirled in my mind, but Feng Wu's faith in the sect's elders provided some comfort.

'Perhaps it's for the best,' I mused internally. 'The Verdant Lotus sect has been a sanctuary for me. They've shown nothing but kindness and understanding. It's time I trust them with this part of my journey.'

Resolving to face whatever came next, I tried to steel myself for tomorrow. Feng Wu's presence, as always, was a source of strength. His confidence in the sect and its elders was infectious, but a sliver of doubt still lingered in my mind.

Almost as though he could read my thoughts from the look on my face, he patted me on the shoulder.

"Kai, I know you're worried," Feng Wu said, his voice calm and reassuring. "But remember, the Verdant Lotus Sect is more than just a place of cultivation. It's a community, one that values understanding and growth. The elders have seen many unusual cases in their lifetimes. Your situation with Windy will be handled with care and wisdom."

His words echoed in my mind as I glanced at Windy, who had finished eating and was now curling up, seemingly content.

'Is this the right choice? Will revealing Windy put him in any danger?' The thought nagged at me, repeating in my head like a mantra, but Feng Wu's trust in the sect was a strong argument.

"Okay, I'll trust the sect," I finally said, more to convince myself than to reassure Feng Wu. "I'll take your advice and speak to Elder Zhu tomorrow. Hopefully, they'll understand and help find a solution for Windy's feeding situation."

Feng Wu smiled, his confidence unwavering. "They will, Kai. You're not just a guest here; you're a part of this community now. Your concerns are their concerns. I'll help set up the meeting, just do what you need for your classes."

I bowed and clasped my hands in genuine respect. "Thank you Feng Wu, you're a life-saver."

Soon after, Feng Wu left, leaving me with much to think about.

As I prepared to retire for the night, my thoughts kept returning to Windy and the impending conversation with the elders. Despite my reservations, I knew that keeping Windy a secret wasn't sustainable in the long term. The sect's resources and expertise could provide a safer environment for Windy and perhaps even help me understand the hatchling better.

With Feng Wu's words of encouragement still resonating in my mind, I settled down for some much-needed rest. However, sleep eluded me as thoughts about Windy and the next day's meeting with Elder Zhu swirled in my mind. To ease my restless thoughts, I decided to meditate, focusing on calming my mind and cultivating my energy. The gentle rhythm of my breathing soon brought a sense of tranquility, and slowly, my worries began to fade into the background.

The next afternoon came quicker than I expected. After finishing up the last class, I received a notification.

Reading has reached level 7.

Alchemy Array Crafting was my hardest class by far. Whether it was my lack of qi or ability to operate it, Instructor Fei Ni knew I would have to dedicate my time to understanding the theory and practicing my qi control before I could wield even the most basic arrays. I suppose my efforts have finally bore fruit after reading so many books on the topic.

That was followed up with my training routine with Instructor Xia Ji, which was more strenuous than usual. After it all, I felt both physically and mentally exhausted. However, the thought of the meeting with Elder Zhu gave me a sense of purpose and reignited my energy. I returned to the guest quarters and picked up Windy and Tianyi, gently allowing the serpent to hide within the sleeves of my new robes.

I approached Elder Zhu's office with Tianyi flying beside me and Feng Wu following closely behind. In the sleeve of my robe, Windy remained hidden, obedient but clearly curious about the world outside. The corridor leading to the office was adorned with hanging scrolls depicting ancient cultivators and mythical beasts, reminding me of the depth and history of the Verdant Lotus sect.

I raised my hand to knock on the intricately carved wooden door, but before my knuckles could touch the surface, the door swung open silently, revealing Elder Zhu sitting at his desk, surrounded by piles of scrolls and ancient texts.

"Elder Zhu," I greeted with a bow, feeling a mixture of respect and nervousness.

The elder looked up from his work, his eyes lighting up with a warm smile. "Ah, Kai! It's good to see you. How have things been going? And what brings you to my office today?" His voice was gentle, yet there was a hint of curiosity in his tone.

Taking a deep breath, I carefully revealed Windy, who was hiding in my sleeve. The small Wind Serpent peered out, its blue-tinged white scales shimmering slightly in the light of the room.

Elder Zhu's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, he looked genuinely stunned. "This...is a Wind Serpent hatchling!" Elder Zhu exclaimed, leaning forward for a closer look. "Remarkable. Where did you come across such a rare creature?"

I shifted uncomfortably, aware of Windy's curious gaze moving between Elder Zhu and myself. "I found an egg in Qingmu, shortly after our ordeal with the Wind Serpents," I explained, carefully watching his reaction. "I've been keeping it until it hatched."

Elder Zhu nodded thoughtfully, his eyes still fixed on Windy. "I see. And you've been taking care of it ever since?"

"Yes, Elder," I replied. "I've been feeding it, but I'm concerned about its diet and well-being. That's why I wanted to talk to you. Is it alright if I continue to feed Windy here? Is there a way we could procure some sort of food for Windy? I'll be willing to pay for all the costs related to the expense."

Elder Zhu leaned back in his chair, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "It's not common for someone to care for a spirit beast, especially one as rare as a Wind Serpent. But given the circumstances, I see no reason to object. We can arrange for appropriate food for Windy."

"There's no issue regarding feeding Windy meat? I mean, this is a Taoist sect after all..."

Elder Zhu shook his head lightly. "Actually, in Taoism, it's about following the natural way, the Tao. Feeding a snake its natural prey aligns with this principle, as it maintains the balance and harmony of nature."

I let out a sigh of relief, grateful for his understanding and how it didn't violate the sect's teachings. Windy seemed to sense my eased tension and wriggled slightly in my sleeve.

Elder Zhu's gaze lingered on Windy, a curious expression on his face. "Kai, do you have some special affinity for spirit beasts? This is quite unusual. First with Tianyi, and now..."

I shook my head, feeling slightly bewildered by the turn of events. "No, Elder. I don't think so. It's just a matter of luck that they came to me."

"Hmm," Elder Zhu mused, his eyes twinkling with interest. "It's rare for one to bond with not just one but two spirit beasts, especially of such distinct natures. Tianyi and now Windy. You might have an innate talent for this, Kai. Perhaps it'd be prudent to do some research."

His words left me pondering. Could it be just luck, or was there something more to my connection with these spirit beasts? I didn't have an answer, and it seemed neither did Elder Zhu.

The elder's gaze shifted, becoming more contemplative as if weighing his next words carefully. A silence fell between us, filled only by the faint rustling of scrolls and the distant sounds of the sect.

"Kai," Elder Zhu finally spoke, his tone serious yet encouraging. "I've been observing your progress since you arrived here. Your dedication, your ability to overcome challenges, and your unique bond with spirit beasts... all these factors have led me to a decision."

I tensed up, sensing the gravity of what was to come. Even Feng Wu, who had been quietly observing, looked interested in the sudden shift in conversation.

"I would like to offer you the opportunity to officially join the Verdant Lotus sect as a third-class disciple," Elder Zhu announced, his eyes locked onto mine. "Not just as any disciple, but one that is apprenticed by me."

The words hit me like a wave. Shock, happiness, anxiety – a whirlwind of emotions swirled inside me. My mind raced, trying to process the magnitude of Elder Zhu's offer. Feng Wu's surprised expression mirrored my feelings.

A part of me longed for Elder Ming's guidance at this moment, wishing he were here to help steer my decision. I even silently hoped for some indication from the Heavenly Interface, but it remained silent as if affirming that this was a decision I had to make on my own.

'Elder Zhu as my mentor... joining the Verdant Lotus sect officially...' The thoughts tumbled through my mind. The opportunity was enormous, yet so were the implications. Would accepting change the course of my path? What would it mean for my future?

I bit my lip, gathering my thoughts. Elder Zhu waited patiently, his expression kind yet expecting. Feng Wu's eyes were on me, filled with a mix of pride and anticipation.

Finally, I looked up, meeting Elder Zhu's gaze. My heart pounded in my chest, but my voice was steady. "Elder Zhu, this... this is a huge honor. I'm grateful, truly grateful for the opportunity. I..."