A river rushed through the forest, a hundred meters wide. White water rushed past jagged rocks. Mist sprayed into the air, forming rainbows low above the river.

For a dozen meters until the river, the forest gave way to a meadow. On the far side, an identical gap stretched before the forest continued. Up ahead, a bridge arced over the river. Red-lacquered wood pushed high above the water. A pair of cultivators stood to either side of the bridge, dressed in familiar white robes.

Peeking out from the forest, Hui glanced at the cultivators again, then turned to Xue. He bowed. “This small cultivator offers thanks for walking me home.”

Xue smiled at him. She reached out for his hair.

Without rising from his bow, he backed nimbly out of her reach.

She pouted, then shook her head. “Then, this is where we part.”

“Will you be safe on your way back?” Hui asked, concerned.

“Oh? Are you worried for me?” she asked, fluttering her eyelashes.

Hui met her eyes earnestly. “The triplets are still out there somewhere. If they catch you in a yin-prison, and I’m not there…”

She held out her hand. “If you’re so worried, then flip me!”

Immediately, Hui took her hand and passed a handful of qi to her.

Her robes ruffled, fading black. Her hair shifted, bleeding dark from the roots. Xue blinked. “Huh.”

“What?” Hui asked, releasing his hand.

“I don’t know. I didn’t think you’d actually do it,” Xue said, scratching his head.

“Why not?” Hui asked, tipping his head.

Xue smiled mysteriously. “See you later. Try not to run into any demonic cultivators?”

“I hope not,” Hui muttered, eyeing his sect. If I run into demonic cultivators inside the sect, we’re all doomed.

Bai Xue vanished, bounding away into the forest as fast as the rope around his ankles would allow. Hui watched him go, then drew the ghoul skin from around his body. He folded it up so only the dirty robes faced out, then tucked the square into his robes. Best if no one sees that. It’s fine if the Mysterious Heavenly Forest Sect thinks I’m a demonic cultivator, but I’d rather not start any rumors in my own sect.

Adjusting his robes once more, he took a deep breath, hung his head, pulled his ponytail a little askew, then stumbled out into the expanse between the forest and the bridge. He made sure to turn the ripped, bloody mark on his robes toward the disciples as he approached. “H…help…”

One of the cultivators rushed to his side. Clutching his sword, he peered into the forest. “What happened? Were you attacked?”

“Careful! What if he’s a demonic cultivator in disguise?” the other disciple called, minding her post. She cast a wary glance at Hui and clutched her sword.

“Look at his robes! He’s from Starbound Sect,” the first cultivator argued.

Hui nodded. He fell into the cultivator’s arms, too weak to walk another step. “I… was ambushed. Need… rest, and… food.”

“Cao Meiying, can you mind the post? I’ll take him into the sect proper,” the cultivator said, turning to his fellow disciple.

She frowned, but nodded. “Be quick.”

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The cultivator unsheathed his sword and stepped onto it, carefully guiding Hui up alongside him. “I’ll take you back to the peaks. Don’t worry, you don’t have to take another step!”

Hui nodded pitifully, wobbling slightly where he stood. Internally, he smirked. Aha, my ploy worked out! Now, I don’t have to walk all the way back from the outer edge of the sect with nothing but an ordinary movement technique. Instead, I get to ride in style on someone else’s sword!

If I had my own sword, none of this would be necessary, but… ah, it’s nice to let someone else do all the work, sometimes, too!

They flew low over the bridge, then soared high over the valley. Treetops fell away below them. Hui resisted the urge to spit on the forest below.

I’ve had enough of forests, for now. I can’t wait for a bed, warm food, and clean robes!

The familiar peaks rose up before them. Proud as ever, they jutted into the sky, Cauldron Peak spewing smoke, Jade Garden Peak wreathed in ethereal mist, Butterfly Pavillion Peak dancing with lights and tiny, glowing butterflies. The disciple arced toward none of them, aiming for Starbound Peak, where cultivators flew busily through the air, mounted on swords.

Hui’s blood ran cold. I’m going to sneak up to Sis Mei later, but there’s no need to provoke Lan Taijian by flying directly onto his peak as soon as I get back. “Ah… elder brother, the bottom of the mountain is fine.”

“Are you sure? You’re injured! I can take you directly to the healers. Oh—are you not a Starbound Peak disciple? Don’t worry, I have a pass. I can get you past the barrier.”

“No, no, I… I can’t trouble elder brother any further than this. I appreciate your help, honestly.”

Slightly confused, the disciple nodded. He angled his sword down and circled toward the base of the peaks, far below. “Do you want me to call for help?”

“Thank you, but this little disciple couldn’t bear to bother his betters. My injury is… it’s grievous, but… I can take care of it in my room.”

“If you’re sure,” the disciple replied.

Hui nodded. Abruptly, he pressed a hand to his shoulder. “Ah—ow, ow! Could you let me down here?”

“Of course!”

They dropped to the ground. The disciple hovered around Hui as he dismounted, hands reaching, but afraid to touch. Hui staggered away, then turned and gave the disciple a smile. “Thank you.”

“No—no worries! Are you sure—”

“Thank you for your concern, but don’t let me trouble you any further.” He bowed to the disciple, then stumbled off into the forest.

The disciple hesitated another few moments. He watched until Hui vanished, and only then took to the skies.

The second he vanished, Hui straightened and stretched. Ah, that really took too long. I didn’t expect him to be so clingy!

He glanced left and right, then sprinted up his master’s peak. In short order, he changed his robes and stepped back out of the hut. He hopped up and stood on the roof of his hut, gazing into the distance, and put his arms behind his back. The wind caught his ponytail, sun glinting off the blue hues in the black.

I inherited a relic from a secret realm, saved a beautiful woman, and returned home triumphant in much less time than anyone expected me to. I’ve truly become a cultivator! This is living the life!

He sighed out, overcome by his own majesty. After a moment, he glanced down at Starbound Peak. Elder Sister Mei’s usual cooking is fantastic, but… after all that, I need to celebrate. I wonder if I could ask her to—

Overhead, loud quacking broke Hui’s train of thought. He squinted upward. A small flock of ducks flew by, wings glistening in rainbow hues, bellies plump. They flapped heavily, barely able to keep their rotund bodies aflight.

Drool trickled down the corner of Hui’s mouth. He wiped it away hurriedly. His eyes tracked the ducks as they passed. Crispy red skin… succulent flesh… salty-sweet, fatty, perfect, delicious duck! Now that’s a meal worth celebrating over!

Drawing his sword, he chased after the flock. Operating the Pond-Reflecting-Moon Waltz at top speed, he danced through the forest. His footwork flowed over undergrowth and around trees. Watching the birds, he dodged trees on reflex, flinching away the second before he impacted their trunks.

The birds flew on, unaware of their earthbound stalker. They circled overhead, then descended toward a lake at the back of the mountains. Idyllic, still water rippled at their landing. At the edge of the lake, lotuses gently bobbed on its surface.

Hui paused. I don’t remember seeing a lake before. I don’t think I’ve ever been in this part of the sect before.

He shrugged to himself. It’s not on anyone’s peak, and the ducks flew in willingly. That means they’re fair game!

The ducks settled on the water, quacking quietly to each other. Hui crept up to the edge of the lake. He crouched low, circling around to approach it from the lotuses. The ducks cast a glance at him as he approached, then ignored him.

Lurking below the lotus blossoms, he eyed the ducks. I could try to swim out there, I guess… but the ducks will fly away. I need to lure them in, somehow.

His eyes lit up. Right! Time to visit Sis Mei!

--

In the depths of Starbound Sect, Weiheng Wu twitched. His eyes opened slowly and turned toward his peak.

A sigh escaped his lips.

He shut his eyes again and returned to meditating.

--

Hui ran a hand over the back of his neck and looked around. Eh? Did something happen?