It's been decades since I was free to follow my footloose dao. The weight of responsibility is too great.

"Rook, sir. The patriarch has called for you."

I puzzle as to why I'm being summoned. But, I am faithful to the call.

"Your excellency," I bow hand over fist.

"Grandmaster, please sit."

There are factions at play in the patriarch's court. The sides of the table represent the two main factions.

I have an implicit relationship with one side and find myself seated among their ranks.

My status in Steady Sword has grown since I took on Nigel's old role.

One of the attendants on my side of the table leans forward.

"Patriarch, I believe we are ready to begin."

The patriarch looks from one side of the table to the other.

A man on the opposite side nods his head.

"Yes," the patriarch says. "To the business at hand.

"The Violet Horizon sect will send dignitaries to our sect in the coming months.

"This visitation is to bolster the mutual respect our two sects hold for one another."

The patriarch pauses to look between our members.

"We will spend the months they stay with us in games and competitions.

"Every aspect of what it means to be an immortal will be on the table.

"The Violet Horizon sect will only send their best. And, so too must we."

"Your excellency," the man who nodded his readiness speaks. "There is no better swordsman than Mogun. He is prepared for the martial contest."

"Your excellency," says someone on my side. "There is no better blacksmith than Jacob. He is prepared for the crafting contest."

The members of the committee go down the line announcing their champions for the contest grounds.

Finally, silence hangs over the room as men on both sides of the table look to me.

Resigned to my fate, I say, "Your Excellency, there is no better alchemist in this sect. I am ready for the alchemy contest."

The patriarch and several others nod their approval. I'm surprised to see the respect displayed on the other side of the table.

I may have picked a side, but I'm no politician.

The rest of the meeting consists of the logistics of setting the village up for the holiday.

Eventually, I bow out of the meeting.

From here, I'm left to put the apothecary in order.

Despite champions having been selected, the contest grounds will be open to every sect member, from the lowly acolyte to the patriarch himself.

The sword-fighting stage will draw the most attention.

And Mogun is the best choice as a champion of the blade.

There will be rewards for more than the number one and two rankers. There will be rewards down to the hundredth competitor.

So, the competition will be fierce.

There will be soul inhibitors on all of the swordsmen. It will truly be a contest of skill.

That is the only competition to use soul inhibitors. The other arts will be a full display of the cultivators' craft.

The Violet Horizon sect is on friendly terms with Steady Sword. But that comes with a healthy dose of rivalry.

I turn my attention to the master alchemists. They will fight tooth and nail for a position in the ranking.

If I were a betting man, I'd put my money on a number of them making it into the top twenty.

And a handful into the top five.

From now until the games begin, I drill into them the basics.

The advanced training they can do on their own time.

But, it is the basics that more advanced alchemists need to remember, as eager as they are to advance their training.

The hours are long, and I find relief when I sit down for the night amid my crystal array.

I breathe in and steady myself before popping two medicinal pills into my mouth.

The array hums with the energies of the heavens.

The array flowers out from my central node.

I am the thought enclosed by the spirit.

The array becomes a part of my spiritual body. The chi of heaven and earth is given a wider surface area to be absorbed into.

It's remarkable as I push ever outwards.

The energy seeks to fall into me. It takes effort to keep my soul body extended out, catching chi like a spiderweb catches a fly.

My array is not simply conducting chi towards me.

But rather, it is a large net absorbing energy on a level incomparable to cultivating without the array.

I find myself smiling. This will cut many years off of my planned ascension.

I will still take time to meditate on my dao under the stars, though.

These days, I feel old. I am still young in the world of immortals. But, I find myself aged beyond my years. My dao is far and away more mature than my peers of a similar stage.

The sage in the sky is what I feel like. It's weird to be looked up to by so many people.

To have status in a dominant sect.

It's taxing in its way. It makes me feel older.

The chi is pure here, and my dao grows stronger for my time learning from the sky.

I remind myself that I am a newborn before the age of the heavens.

Rather than sage, I will always be a student before the dignity of heaven and earth.

And so, the weeks pass. Everyone is redoubling their efforts.

Then the celebration arrives.

Violet Horizon members come by the hundreds. Each member is chosen for their specialties.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Despite immortals not needing food and drink to survive, the patriarch presents a magnificent feast for Violet Horizon and Steady Sword members to enjoy.

Ever being underweight, I help myself to the food on offer. I favor the noodle dishes. But I am expanding my horizons and trying all that is on offer.

A number of the Violet Horizon members congregate with my sect members.

It's largely friendly. But, some conflict arises as the factions boast of their champions.

"It doesn't matter who you put up. Mogun will dominate the tournament."

A laugh lets loose from several Violet Horizon members.

"You think that, just because you have a sword in the name of your sect, you have the best swordsmen. Wait till you see Gendry on the field.

There's no peace to be made here. The factions are unwilling to accept their side as weaker.

The crafters have a more collegial view of the tournament.

"I've heard rumors of Steady Sword's grandmaster alchemist for years. I was hoping to get the chance to meet him."

I overhear someone speaking with one of my master alchemists.

I find my way over to the man.

"Yes?"

The man puzzles for a moment.

"Master?" comes the man's timid voice.

It takes a minute for me to recognize the man before me.

I had forgotten my old pupil's face along with so many of the memories of my youth. The Dragon's Scream made space for new ones at the cost of the old.

"Jack?"

"Yes, master," he says through tears. "It has been ages since..." His words trail off.

I smile to the man. It's subtle, but his face has aged. The passage of time transforms us in small ways.

There are pills to maintain youth and reverse aging. Cosmetic pills.

But, I prefer my wizened features as they are.

"It is good to see you, Jack. Will you be competing in the games?"

"Yes, master. I am now a master alchemist. Your influence gave me the desire to grow in the field.

"I hoped to meet your grandmaster and learn new insights."

I smile before bowing hand over fist. "I'm right here, Jack."

The surprise shows on his face.

"I thought the grandmaster would be... I don't know...

"But, I am proud to see you rise so high."

Jack looks to his fellows. Each one of these masters respectfully bows before me.

"I am glad to see you again. But I am saddened that you did not join me in the Violet Horizon sect."

I nod my understanding. But, say nothing good or bad about my circumstances.

"Tell me," I say. "Who will you claim as champion in the alchemy challenge."

Jack and his peers stand taller as he says, "Our own grandmaster has come face you. She has been quite vocal in her anticipation of facing you."

"Is she here now?" I ask.

"No, master. Such festivities do not move her. She prefers to keep refining her art."

I look around, "I'm sure I'll meet her soon enough. Till then, let's sit down. It's been ages."

"Yes, master."

We find a comfortable place to sit and relate our respective lives.

"When I left you, master, I had little means. But I got enough money for a boat to the mainland.

"Once I got back to land, I followed the whispers of how to be recruited into Violet Horizon.

"I made coin with what I learned from you: herbalism and alchemy.

"Back then, I was so green."

Jack laughs, "But I found a passion for the art that I had never known.

"When I finally found the sect, I proved myself and was taken on as an acolyte. It's been many years since then. And I've climbed to a respectable status within the sect. Though, not as great as you, master."

I shrug. Status is an important thing in our world. Those who would climb over others to ascend are many. By gaining the respect of others, one can stand out among the masses.

Though, sometimes, that respect makes you a target for so many.

"Our grandmaster has expressed, time and again, her desire to prove you beneath her. If you face off, you must prepare for a significant challenge."

"Thank you. I do not doubt the skill of the Violet Horizon grandmaster."

We spend the evening tasting the foods on offer.

Rice wine flows like a river as we celebrate the friendship of our two sects.

Well into the night, the celebration continues. Only the acolytes who've yet to form their soul stone succumb to the call of sleep.

The patriarch entertains the elites of the party.

One among the ranks is the patriarch of Violet Horizon.

I wonder at the weight of their meeting. It's not at just any party that the two powerhouses of the strongest sects meet.

I leave my thoughts to drift as so many leaves on a river.

The new day is upon us. And, the games begin.

This first phase of the festival separates the wheat from the chaff.

Most eyes are drawn to the martial tournament. Even mortal combatants can face immortals on an even playing field with soul inhibitors on. Many of the immortals have relied extensively on chi-enhanced combat for many years. The soul inhibitors are a dangerous handicap for the unwary.

I could compete in the martial tournament. But, I doubt I would make it into the top hundred.

I let one competition pass and then another.

I might try the blacksmithing arena. But, again, have doubts about placement.

It is alchemy that is expected of me. And, it is alchemy that I will provide.

The first elimination round is a simple matter, and I prepare a medicinal pill of superior grade.

It is a simple test with the recipe and ingredients provided.

Most fail to make the recipe at all.

Several superior pills join ranks with mine.

From here, I notice a beautiful woman. Her black hair is in sharp contrast with her porcelain white skin. I find my eyes drawn to hers, smoldering orbs that shine red.

I find myself transfixed by her beauty.

She passes into the next round alongside me.

The day is long, and many challengers drop out.

The black-haired beauty's eyes meet mine, and I suspect her to be the illustrious grandmaster alchemist.

The day's alchemy competition is close, and a leaderboard shows names next to their ranking.

The distance between the first and second is negligible.

But, between the second and third, there is a significant divide.

I hold first in the rankings by only a one-point difference.

I'll have to bring more energy from now on.

"Grandmaster Rain is amazing," I overhear someone say.

"She and Steady Sword's grand master are neck and neck."

I leave the gossip to others and find my way back to the martial field, where fierce competition continues.

Mogun is performing well, alongside other members of Solitary Sword.

But our guests and rivals are performing exceptionally well.

It could be anyone's championship.

My money favors Mogun, though.

Another feast, less extravagant than the previous gathering, is laid out.

The upper echelons are off in their bubble discussing things.

I find Jack and we stay engaged throughout the night.

"I knew you could do it, master. Grandmaster Rain could still take you down a peg, though.

"You're right, she could. I'm curious about the schools of alchemy she has studied. She's truly remarkable."

"Thank you for the praise, grand master."

I turn to see the woman with smoldering eyes looking down upon me.

"May I join you?"

Jack gets up in haste and makes a space for Rain to sit.

The beautiful woman pays Jack no mind as she gazes long into my eyes.

"I've heard tales of you, you know."

"As I have you."

A twinge of annoyance crosses her brow.

"No need to be patronizing."

I feel slightly embarrassed.

"I mean no offense. I've heard of your skills long before this gathering. You have a storied past that I respect."

Now it's her turn to feel embarrassed. But, she keeps her face stoic.

"The tales about you sometimes sound like fantasies.

"Is it true that you crafted a perfect pill, in opposition to the will of heaven?"

I smile a mournful smile. Mournful in what I lost making that pill possible.

"Yes."

"You must have had aid to have survived the tribulation."

"I did, an ascended immortal."

She puzzles for a moment.

"I've never witnessed tribulation lightning. But, it is said to require at least a dozen ascended immortals to mitigate the destructive power of the tribulation.

"Could it be possible you had an ancient protecting you?"

My thoughts race. I've only heard of ancient immortals on rare occasions. It isn't so much a stage of growth for an immortal as a position of reverence.

These immortals are usually, as the name implies, ancient. But the transcendent power of these immortals far surpasses that of ascended immortals.

"I don't know," I say, somewhat dumbfounded by the possibility.

"Whatever the case," the fair lady continues. "I have a request to make of you."

My eyebrow raises as I marvel at her cream-colored skin—a healthy flush to her cheeks.

"I would like to see a perfect pill for the first time in my life. I could glean insights from seeing it."

There is an eagerness to her that I would not expect of such a woman as her.

I think about how it is possible. The recipe and execution of creating the pill are devoted to memory.

"It is possible," I say after a moment's hesitation.

The black-haired beauty smiles. "Then, please show me your dao in the final match."

I somehow don't want to let her down.

I find myself enraptured by the air about her.

She is an ascended immortal, and I have a long way to go before my ascension.

I shove useless thoughts aside as I prepare myself for tomorrow's trial.

"Renald."

"Yes, sir."

"Seek the patriarch's approval for the crafting of a perfect pill."

A smile claims my steward's face.

"Yes, sir."

Renald relays the request; and I find myself drawn back to thoughts of the woman, Rain.

For immortals, relationships are funny things. It is a contest for respect.

There is only a relationship if you elicit respect from the other party.

I find myself thinking about the past. There has never been a woman who conquered my thoughts so readily.

There is something primal in her eyes.

And I want to satisfy her expectations.

In my immortal cave, I concentrate on the recipe for the Dragon's Scream.

Hours pass as minutes while I make the odd modification to the pill with the knowledge I've gleaned since I crafted the pill on Fire Island.

I feel the rumble of thunder as though the heavens know what I have planned.

As night ends, I check in at the apothecary.

The daily business of the acolytes, adepts, and masters progresses well.

Many among their ranks have either fallen out or are still in the running.

"Congratulations on your placement, grand master."

"Thank you," I say for the hundredth time.

I turn myself to the games with the order of daily matters in good hands.

I still have time before the alchemy challenge.

And so, I go to observe the arena. Many fights are going on simultaneously.

Ascended immortals float over the common folk.

The battles are with practice swords.

Death is still a possibility. But medics are ready at the stations.

I observe a bout of the famous Mogun.

His match gets many fans cheering and enemies booing. The cheers win out.

I watch man and sword meld into one. His actions require the least amount of energy and abound in force.

He looks like he has trained with soul inhibitors for his whole life.

The adversary looks done as he makes one last stand against the champion.

I let out a sigh. Knowing that, were I to face Mogun, I would lose like the man falling face-first into the dirt.

Other fights continue. But, my interest is past.

I make my way to the alchemy competition.

I take my place among the competitors.

The day progresses, and I'm two points short of Rain when the leaderboard is put up.

Renald finds me as I turn to leave the field—a smile on his face.

"The patriarch has authorized the making of a perfect pill. He also wants to express his anticipation of your display."

I nod my head absentmindedly as my eyes seek out my competition.

While I seek to find her, I hear, "Grandmaster Rook."

I turn, surprised to see Rain addressing me.

"I hope you weren't holding back today." She smiles in her triumph.

I smirk. She knows I pushed myself to my limits.

"Of course not, grand master."

"Good," she says before turning to leave.

"Were you going to the feast tonight?" I call after her.

"No, apologies. But, such affairs are too much for me so often."

I mull over my thoughts.

"Then perhaps, I could entertain you for the evening."

"Oh," she says. "And how will you entertain me?"

"I'd like to show you something I've been working on."

She smirks, "Oh?"

I find myself vexed. Her red eyes stir something in me that I forgot I ever had, want.

"Will you join me?"

Her gaze is steady and challenging.

"Yes."

For whatever reason, my stomach flips.

I escort her from the games to the cliff face I call home.

"Taking me straight to your home. You sure are confident."

Her smirk somehow makes me want to impress her.

The night comes into its own when we find our way to my immortal cave.

The purple light stone of my cave illuminates the sparkling crystals and gemstones that make up my flower of life array.

I can tell that Rain is impressed and surprised at seeing it.

"How long have you been working on it?" she asks.

"Not long. I do what I can with the crystals and gems I can get. But, the enchanters get angry when I buy out the stock.

Rain laughs a light laugh.

"May I?" She motions to the center of the array.

"Of course."

Her smile is wide as she floats over to the array's center.

Once there, she takes a deep breath and sits in the array.

The hum of the array resonates in the cave, and I can feel the power of Rain's soul well. The gravity that commands all chi to be absorbed by the practitioner in the web of jewels.

I see a light manifest in a number of those jewels.

She's extending her soul body into the array.

I start growing intimidated as this ascended immortal tears into the fabric of reality to unleash the consumption of chi on a level I've never seen before.

A look of ecstasy is on her face as she opens her eyes. Her red eyes flash with the inner light of her soul.

"Come," she moves close to the edge of the first circle.

I delicately walk through the array and find just enough space to sit opposite her.

She puts forward one hand, palm up, and the other palm down.

I mirror her movement and feel her extending her soul body into mine.

It's a pleasure I've never experienced—one soul melding with another.

It's almost violent how she pulls my soul into hers.

We are a perfect balance of yin and yang, negative and positive, woman and man.

I feel our soul body extend out into the array.

The rip in the fabric of reality becomes mine, and I feel a downpour of energy into the cavern of my soul well.

Rain gasps. "How did you create such a soul well?"

I chuckle to myself, "With a lot of suffering."

I can feel the old emotions stir in me as Rain seeks to know my soul.

The agony of the Dragon's Scream is not something that has healed with time.

The trauma melts under the ministrations Rain engages in as she tries to understand me better.

We spend hours in our daoist partnership. Our meditation fills more of my soul well in a night than in months of solitary cultivation.

As the first rays of dawn shine through the cave mouth, our eyes come open as if waking from a dream.

Our souls return to us, and we sit, silently looking into each other's eyes.

"Thank you," she says.

I need clarification as to what she would be thanking me for.

"Thank you," I return her gratitude.

"Well, then. I should be going."

Rain comes to her feet and floats over to the cave entrance.

She's moving with haste, which seems funny considering the hours we spent in such intimacy.

I watch as she leaves to attend to her own life.

With a sigh, I turn to my affairs.