CURRENT CHAPTER 7:

Khan sat silent, brooding and in deep thought, weighing his future, he understood that this moment was pivotal for whatever success he wanted to achieve.

‘Wait,’ Khan thought, quickly, ‘Cultivators valued wealth and influence even in the mortal circles although, to a far less degree than those who couldn’t cultivate—if I could gain both, perhaps I might be able to angle myself into getting someone to offer me a manual one day.’

With such a dream, it wouldn’t happen in a few months or even a year, but it was a path, and that was enough for the budding emperor.

As he considered his options, a daring plan began to take shape in his mind.

It wouldn’t be easy, or hard, it would be near impossible. Especially getting a cultivator to value or even regard him enough to trade a cultivation manual with him. They kept those secrets notoriously guarded, no matter what faction they belong to.

Cultivators rarely dealt with mortals unless it suited them. But if Khan could offer something they needed, maybe someone would take him seriously.

Surely cultivators didn’t source all their own supplies, by themselves did they?. They’d need someone like him—someone who could make their lives easier, for a small fee,yes a very small of course. Khan cackled to himself. If anyone saw him now, they might think his poor cultivation evaluation had driven him mad.

He thought to wield his accumulated goodwill as a bargaining chip. Would it work? What was to stop them from just killing him and taking whatever they wanted?

Khan couldn’t afford to dwell on any doubts he had, it might shatter his already harmed ego.

Even If they couldn’t show him how to cultivate, they could at least guide him on something else that could work… right?

Khan knew his plan sounded like a long shot—maybe even foolish—but it was a start. Cultivators rarely bothered with mortals unless they had power or influence—and even then, it was usually on their terms. He’d need to tread carefully, proving his worth without offending anyone. Wealth would be his first step—without it, he had nothing to offer; with it came opportunities to connect with the right people

Khan was aware it would not be easy, he would encounter many problems along the way. He’d need to complete every task flawlessly, build connections with the right people, and—above all—avoid offending anyone. Cultivators weren’t known for their patience with mortals

Khan's goal was now clear; earn enough goodwill to convince a cultivator it would be in his best interest to help him. It would be a tough sell, and a long journey, but he’d have to take it one step at a time.

Khan knew the first step was to gain wealth and influence. Without them, his plan wouldn’t go anywhere.

Khan thought about how he could start building influence. Merchants seemed to thrive in the area—food staples, tools, and other essentials were always in demand. Maybe he could start small, trading what people needed most. It wouldn’t be much at first, but it was better than nothing.The idea sparked something in him. Maybe he could become a traveling merchant, bringing more than just food to the people.

Intrigued by the notion of broadening the range of goods he could offer to the discerning masses, Khan’s mind raced with ideas. He could sell more than just food—tools, clothing, anything people needed..

However, Khan was not oblivious to the pressing and practical need for securing gainful employment. While Henley's gracious and magnanimous hospitality had provided him with a place to call home and a means of sustenance, it was not lost on Khan that such an arrangement had a transitory quality.

Driven by pragmatism, he recognized the importance of seeking formal employment, an endeavor that would serve the dual purpose of financial stability and the accumulation of resources for his budding business ventures.

After thinking through his plan, Khan lay back on his mat. He didn’t have all the answers, but he had a direction—and that was enough. After a moment of respite, he ventured outdoors to embark on the relentless practice of the cultivation technique imparted to him by Hoffnung. The bright sun ascended into the azure sky, casting its warm and illuminating glow. Meanwhile, the industrious Henley and his dutiful daughters commenced their daily duties. At that juncture, Khan had already diligently completed his assigned household chores, his heart and mind fully aligned with his aspirations for the future.

Approaching Henley, who had just concluded his morning ritual, Khan greeted him in a cordial tone, affirming, "Good morning, uncle Henley." Khan said, his voice steady

Henley nodded, noticing the determination in Khan’s eyes. "Morning, Khan. You’ve been busy. Got something on your mind?

Khan, in his characteristic manner, elaborated on his aspirations, revealing, "I have a fervent desire to explore the vast hunting grounds that sprawl across the fields. In my ancestral village, I was celebrated as a proficient and accomplished hunter."

In response to Khan's revelation, Henley, mindful of the established hunting regulations, offered to intercede with the supervisory authority on Khan's behalf. Sensing the gravity of this opportunity, Khan eagerly embraced Henley's offer, showcasing his unwavering commitment to this newfound avenue.

Henley,gave Khan a thoughtful look, "Most kids your age are trouble to deal with,,” he said, scratching his hairy chin. “But you?… You’ve got your priorities right. You’ve got focus. That’ll take you far"

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Thank you, Uncle Henley. I just want to make the most of this chance."

Henley clapped him on the shoulder. "Good. Let’s get moving—we’ll send my daughters to Healer Kim’s, and I’ll take you to the farm after.”

Khan gathered his things and followed Henley. The journey to Healer Kim's and subsequently to the farm flew by.

Henley, greeted multiple people as he led the way towards the supervisor, knocking respectfully to be let in through the shabby door.

They were let in with a little delay, a little show of power.

Khan remained at Henley's side as he introduced him respectfully to the supervisor.

The supervisor studied Khan, doubt flickering across his face. He frowned, his gaze sweeping over Khan, measuring him and finding him lacking. “You don’t seem like the type for this kind of work,” he muttered, “I’ve seen plenty like you—big talk, little substance,’ the skepticism in his tone clear. “We’ll see if you can prove me wrong.”

The supervisor laid out the hunt’s requirements—each task more grueling than the last. and intentionally demanding. His eyes lingered on Khan as if daring him to back down. “You’ll find the tools in the equipment room,” He gestured toward the equipment room without much care.

Khan squared his shoulders, his voice steady as he replied, “Understood, sir. I won’t fail.”

The supervisor paused for a moment, perhaps expecting hesitation or excuses, but when none came, he merely nodded.

The supervisor’s expression didn’t shift as he dismissed them, leaving Henley and Khan alone. Henley hesitated, his concern evident. He leaned closer and said in a low voice, “He’s testing you,I don’t know why, but he doesn’t like you, you know. ” Henley murmured, his voice low. “That quota’s not just high—it’s a setup. He doesn’t think you can do it, and he’ll make sure everyone knows it when you fail.”

Khan’s jaw tightened, but he gave Henley a calm smile. “Don’t worry, Uncle Henley. I can handle it.” His eyes held a quiet determination, quelling Henley’s unease, though only slightly.

Henley sighed, clapping Khan on the back

Khan nodded, gripping the equipment tightly as he headed out. The task ahead was daunting, but backing down wasn’t an option. "Don’t worry, Uncle Henley. I can handle this. The quota won’t be a problem."

Henley hesitated but nodded. "Alright, but don’t overdo it."

Throughout the day, he masterfully set traps, artfully concealed himself, and hunted with precision, returning with more than enough game to surpass the quota.”

Khan returned with a full haul, enough to silence the supervisor’s doubts, he unveiled his bountiful catch with a quiet sense of pride, shocking the supervisor.

The supervisor quickly put his facial expression under control, settling for a raised eyebrow as he glanced at Khan’s haul. “Not bad,” he muttered, handing over a modest ten copper coins. “You’ve earned a place here—but keep this up. Fall short, and you’re out.”

“Understood, sir.” Khan nodded, his face steady, trying not to show any sort of emotion. He was good at hunting but he wanted to really sell the image, as if this was nothing for him.

The supervisor gestured to the attendants, who took their cut of the game before outlining the terms: a fifty-percent commission on anything above the daily quota.

The deal wasn’t fair, but fairness didn’t matter here,Khan accepted it without complaint, swallowing his pride. Life rarely was, and he had no time to dwell on it.

As the supervisor and his attendants were leaving, Khan approached him cautiously. “Sir, about the surplus—may I use it to prepare a meal?”

The supervisor waved him off, his tone uninterested. “Do what you want, just keep it quiet.”

Khan saw an opportunity. He was new here and his new found success might ruffle some feathers. With Henley’s help, he set aside the foxes and a deer for himself and began preparing the rest for a feast. The farmers deserved it, he thought—people who worked so hard rarely had the chance to enjoy a full meal.

Khan seasoned the birds and rodents with the few spices he had remaining in his satchel, cooking them over the fire. With Henley's assistance, he skillfully prepared the venison. Henley, deeply moved by Khan's generosity, acknowledged the daily struggles that weighed upon the local populace, a struggle for sustenance and nourishment.

As the scent of grilled meat wafted through the air, villagers gathered, their surprise evident in every smile and word of thanks.

The farmers gathered, grateful for the rare feast. Laughter and conversation filled the air as they ate, their smiles genuine. Khan sat by the fire, watching the scene unfold. Khan’s actions didn’t just feed the farmers—they made him part of the community.

For the farmers, the feast was a rare luxury, one that earned Khan their respect in ways money couldn’t.

As the feast concluded, Henley turned his attention to Khan's plans for the remaining venison. Khan shared his plan to sell the remaining meat at the marketplace, determined to turn the surplus into a valuable stepping stone for his goals. “It’s a good start,” Henley said, nodding approvingly. “We’ll get you the best price for that venison.”

Together, they loaded the sled with their spoils, tying down the bundles of meat to keep them secure. As they trudged along the uneven path back to Henley’s home, the older man glanced at Khan, his expression turning thoughtful.

“Khan,” Henley began, breaking the comfortable silence, “there’s something you need to remember. Next time you hunt—or any time you deal with the supervisor—you’ll want to keep a few of the finest cuts for him.” He paused, rubbing the back of his neck. “I saw the way he looked at you today. He’s not the kind of man you want holding a grudge.”

Khan frowned slightly but nodded. “I understand. I’ll make sure to set something aside for him.”

Henley gave him a firm clap on the back. “Smart lad. It’s not just about respect—it’s about keeping your options open. People like him don’t need much of an excuse to make life difficult. Best to stay on his good side.”

As they neared Henley’s home, the sight of the house, warm and inviting, brought a sense of accomplishment. Back inside, Khan quickly set to work, preparing the venison for sale and storing the rest. Henley watched him with quiet approval, admiring the boy’s focus.

It wasn’t long before Henley’s daughters returned. The sight of the carefully grilled meat and the lingering scent of roasted venison stopped them in their tracks. “Wow!” one of them gasped, her eyes widening. “All this food… is it for us?”

Their smiles brightened the small home, their joy infectious. For a moment, the weight of the day lifted, replaced by the warmth of shared satisfaction.

After the meal, Khan went outside, finding it more comfortable to stay out in the cold night weather.

He gazed at the stars, possibilities swirling in his mind, his dreams steeped in the promise of wealth and power. . This was only the beginning—the road ahead would be steep, each step treacherous and every step forward would bring its own dangers. But no matter the cost, he’d carve his own path—to a destiny the skies couldn’t deny him.