14. Alchemy V
It is a brand new day and the sun has just risen and casted its rays on a beautiful scenic mountain where a certain Elven Colony lives and one girl in particular greeted the morning with a refreshing tea.
The girl is none other than Kesh'a who had come to a realization.
Having failed to breakthrough, she rummage the all the books within their clans repository and finally has some understanding why her cultivation level has stagnated. The books did not directly state the underlying issue but after comparing the biographies of her ancestors, she came to a conclusion their bodies as superior race have one disadvantage which is maturity.
She must wait at least half a decade until her body reaches a certain period when the Qi Pathways within her body fully develops or she could ingest a miracle medicine to expedite the process.
As someone deemed the most talented cultivator of her generation, she refuses to accept the fact that she is like fruit waiting for years to ripe. At least it is now clear that despite the quality of pills she had consumed that she had not made any progress.
Having realized her mistake, she decided to appeal for solution towards the Elders.
After sipping her tea, she went to the Affairs Hall and sought Elder Ulvar's audience.
"Tell me what you are here for young one."
Elder Ulvar's tone is mellow as usual. He is currently having a meeting with two other elders and normally not allowed to be disturbed, but seeing their patriarch candidate seeking his attention, he did not mind allocating his precious time.
"I have come today to ask forgiveness for my actions. It was arrogant of me to think that I could breakthrough using pills and rely on my talent. I have come here to announce that I have lost and accept all aforementioned conditions as my punishment. "
Elder Ulvar was surprised and although he did anticipate that Kesh'a would lose the bet, not this early nor this scene. Of the information cascaded to him last night by the librarian, he is aware that Kesh’a may have found her answers and while he is elated that their youngling has some realization regarding cultivation, this is not the kind of scene and it is far from what he projected.
The plan is to have the girl to experience scuffles among her peers for bringing a human within their territory and he wanted her to cry and beg forgiveness for not being able to breakthrough. He wanted the old folks to play hero of being able to teach her humility and uplift her during times of desperation yet the girl in front of him now looks even proud to have had committed a mistake.
As Elder Ulvar is thinking for his response, Kesh’a spoke again.
"As well, I did not know that having a human within our territory has caused unease among our clansmen. I would like to relinquish the human. I will accept any additional punishments as you deem fit.” Kesh'a said with respect as she bowed before the elders.
Elder Ulvar remained silent and is waiting for Kesh’a to voice out her requests before making a remark however, the next few words from Kesh’a made him slightly furious.
"While I am willing to make amends for my mistake, I have but one wish I hope the elders can consider.” Kesh'a added.
Elder Ulvar already got his hint that Kesh’a is not at all sincere and attempting to outsmart them like every other kids. He does favor Kesh’a and given his plan had not come into fruition, it is his duty to teach her some manners.
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"After we have gone through such length to grant your initial requests. Please, do elaborate." Elder Ulvar finally spoke agitating Kesh’a.
"I hope to be granted access to our clan’s higher levels of Cultivation Repository so I could research a way to break through, or if the elders could bestow upon me a particular fruit to improve my body constitution." Kesh’a was originally planning on directly asking for a medicinal fruit that would that would expedite her body maturity but Elder Ulvar’s tone just now gave her a slight bad premonition. If this was a normal request, she would stop now but the matter of her identity as a patriarch candidate is at stake so she can only hope Elder Ulvar’s understanding.
Elder Ulvar did not show any emotions and observed Kesh’a. He has lived three hundred years now and this is the first time he has encountered a younger generation having figured out the issue with their constitution at such a young age. Truly a prodigy deserving to become a future leader. He needed to play safe. He released a bit of aura to suppress the girl and pretended displeased.
"It is disappointing that you have not even given the human boy a chance. And to have the audacity to ask more favors after using the funds dedicated to assist and support you in realizing your dream to have a dedicated alchemist. Here I thought you have envisioned our clan owning an alchemist to boosts our strength in the future.
No matter how impressive on how you managed to understand the underlying issues with your cultivation, I am unable to grant you anymore additional resources to aid your cultivation. Train in Ancestral Kay'u Tower for a year. You will breakthrough when the time comes. I hope that your ignorance will not cloud your judgment in the future."
Kesh'a immediately kowtowed when she felt Elder Ulvar’s domineering aura. She knew that staying in there further would infuriate their elder and may impose upon her harsher punishment. Knowing her gamble failed, she apologized then meekly escorted herself outside.
Although it turned out differently, she is still confident to she can further improve her skill for as long as everyone will have to wait for their bodies to mature. She just needed to be patient as well.
At the same time, Elder Ulvar smiled as he watched Kesh’a walked out. He wanted to praise Kesh’a’s abilities but he is afraid of spoiling her a bit too much.
When Kesh’a was finally out of his sight, he suddenly felt a strong presence and when he turned around to look, he received a telepathic communication via divine sense.
"Envisioned to have a human alchemist to boosts our strength, then why don't you do it?"
"I did not notice Patriarch has been observing from the sideline. I do not dare waste resources to nurture a talentless Alchemist nor do I intend to fight with humans in recruiting their own kind. I was merely using the boy to help nurture a promising younger generation." Elder Ulvar did not hide anything and answered directly.
"Do not get rid of the human kid yet. In the next three to five years, if somebody asks for the boy, make sure you gain further trusts from our human friends. Give him enough to live by and make sure these humans are aware that we are housing an Alchemy apprentice".
“I understand.”
Elder Ulvar has some questions but the connection ended right after. He has some idea why Clay needs to be handed to humans later on but he would rather not hear it. After all, human affairs are always nasty they should stay out of it.
Meanwhile, Clay was recovering his strength after having completely achieved all the exercise he set for himself to train his flame control. It is mentally exhausting having to summon multiple little flames but having repeated the same exercise for almost two months, it had become child’s play but his Qi reservoir was still drained.
He was planning on taking a nap on the floor but before he could close his eyes, he felt someone entered the house. He knew it was Elder Ulvar and he wanted to greet him but before he could get up, he saw Elder Ulvar standing beside him.
"Tomorrow you will be brought to another residence. I will arrange a maid take care of your basic needs. I will only supply your food and lodging. If you manage to sell some pills, you can buy whatever you want."
Clay stood on his knees and bowed upon hearing elder Ulvar.
"Elder is benevolent. I will work hard to repay your kindness. I will…". Clay was in the middle of his sentence when Elder Ulvar disappeared and left.
Clay clenched his teeth. He had anticipated this day would come but he did not expect it to be this soon. Whatever transpired, he believes it is to do with his master.
He was planning on showing his abilities after mastering his self-proclaim Fire Control but it appears he will have to change his plans. It does not matter if they will cut ties with him or if he will be discarded but as long as he can avoid being killed, he will make sure to prepare himself for the worse.