CHAPTER 7

As the first strokes of dawn painted the sky with an array of golden hues, Ryu commenced his journey, accompanied by his humble companion, a small donkey. The creature, though modest in stature, proved its worth by diligently pulling a weather-beaten wooden wagon, an embodiment of the rustic charm of their surroundings. This expedition had been entrusted to Ryu by the wise Elder Zhi, a revered figure in the Crimson Maple Sect, located in the heart of their province.

"Elder Zhi believes in my potential," Ryu mumbled to himself, seeking to draw courage from the elder's faith in him. The task was to gather a variety of medicinal fruit known as the cloudpeaches. These fruits, with their characteristic swirling white flesh resembling clouds, bore an uncanny resemblance to their namesake. Found in the shrouded mountain valleys to the northwest of the sect, these fruits held a crucial position in the formulation of multiple cultivation elixirs.

After making his way through a winding forest trail for about an hour, Ryu found himself in the isolated valley he sought. The valley, a veritable Eden of silver-barked trees with delicate, pale-green leaves, was the chosen home of the cloudpeach trees. Their branches sagged under the weight of the large, milky white fruits, a clear indication that they were ripe and ready for harvest.

Ryu paused, absorbing the serene vista that lay before him, his eyes softening at the sight of the sun-kissed cloudpeaches. "It's as if they are inviting me to gather them," he whispered, breaking the silence of the valley, his voice resonating with the sound of admiration.

Slowly, with a respect that bordered on reverence, he began his labor, plucking the mature cloudpeaches with the utmost care and laying them gently in the wagon, which was hitched to the seemingly satisfied donkey, munching on the sweet mountain grass nearby. The valley remained peaceful, save for the soft melodies of the birds and the hushed whispers of the rustling leaves. As Ryu worked in rhythm with nature, a sense of invigoration washed over him. He felt more connected to the world around him than he ever had before.

With the wagon finally laden with an impressive array of cloudpeaches, Ryu decided to seek respite beneath one of the inviting cloudpeach trees. He settled into a comfortable meditative pose, the cool grass beneath him serving as a natural cushion. He took deep, measured breaths, his focus shifting to the inner realm of his being, specifically to the lightning energy core within him. With each exhalation, he visualized taming and refining this raw energy, not only as an exercise of control but also as a symbol of his unwavering dedication to his path.

Time seemed to ebb and flow in rhythm with Ryu's deep, focused meditation. Hours gracefully melted away as he became a part of the serene environment, his consciousness expanding and merging with the tranquil aura of the valley. His mind was as clear and reflective as a serene mountain lake, mirroring the boundless azure heavens above. Each breath, each heartbeat, served as a testament to the harmonious union between himself and the soothing rhythm of nature.

When Ryu finally came back to himself, roused from his meditative state, the sun was preparing to take its nightly respite. It retreated behind the towering peaks of the western mountains, painting the sky with a palette of oranges and purples. Feeling refreshed and at peace, Ryu drank from a nearby crystal-clear stream, savoring the cool mountain water that quenched his thirst and revitalized his senses. He then gathered his tools of harvest, remnants of the day's labor, and prepared to head back home.

Turning to the donkey, Ryu offered it a comforting pat. "Time to go, friend," he said softly, grasping the donkey's lead. The donkey responded with a gentle snort, its intelligent eyes meeting Ryu's gaze with what seemed like understanding. They began their descent towards Crimson Maple Sect, embarking on the winding trail that snaked down the mountain.

The donkey's hooves made a rhythmic clip-clop sound, a soft melody against the backdrop of rustling leaves and evening breeze. The wooden wagon, now heavy with the bounty of cloudpeaches, bounced gently over the uneven terrain of rocks and roots. Ryu walked alongside, casting occasional glances at the precious cargo. He smiled, envisioning the swirling, white flesh of the cloudpeaches being carefully transformed into potent elixirs that would boost cultivation powers.

However, their peaceful descent was abruptly disturbed about halfway down the mountain. Ryu's senses, finely honed from his recent training, suddenly screamed of imminent danger. He halted in his tracks, his body tensing as adrenaline surged through him. The donkey, sensing his alarm, snorted and swiveled its ears, its eyes scanning the surroundings for potential threats.

This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.

"Quiet now, we've got company," Ryu whispered, keeping his voice steady. Seconds later, his fears materialized. Five intimidating figures emerged from the camouflage of the roadside trees. Their brutish stature was further amplified by the menacing cudgels they wielded. The tranquil evening air was disrupted as tension threaded through the atmosphere. Ryu's hand instinctively clenched around the donkey's lead, prepared to face the unexpected challenge that lay before them.

“What’s this now?” said the leader of the group, a bulky man with a scar marring his cheek, making him an imposing figure. His attention was focused on Ryu’s laden wagon of cloudpeaches, and a grin spread across his face, revealing a hint of greed. “Quite a score you got there, boy.”

The rest of the bandits took their cue, surrounding Ryu and blocking his path. Yet Ryu stood unruffled in front of them, “These fruits are meant for some really important elixirs for my sect. Just let me go, okay?”

A derisive laugh erupted from the leader. “Sure, you’ll get to go - once we’ve taken off some of that weight you got there. Give us the wagon and your coins, then you’re free to scuttle off.” As he spoke, he menacingly slapped his cudgel into his palm.

Ryu felt the tension rising, but he spoke in a calm voice, “Can’t we just sort this out without a fight? Leave me alone.”

Ryu’s calm words appeared to provoke the bandits. “This chicken’s trying to boss us around. Show him what’s what, boys.”

Ryu moved with an almost graceful agility, artfully dodging the bandits' haphazard swings. His counterattacks were surgical, targeting the precise pressure points that would neutralize each man. One by one, they fell under his measured strikes, incapacitated by precise chops and jabs. In the end, only the scarred face of the leader remained, defiance blazing in his eyes despite the defeat of his comrades.

Fury giving him strength, the bandit chief lashed out with his cudgel, each strike more desperate than the last. Ryu, however, moved with the ease of a seasoned martial artist, evading each blow with fluid precision. As the leader's strikes began to falter, Ryu saw his chance. In one swift, decisive motion, he moved in close, cracking the bandit leader's shoulder joint with a calculated hand strike and simultaneously landing a blow on his leg, toppling the man to the ground.

As the leader hit the dirt, an energy within Ryu sparked to life. It was an instinctual reaction, and before he even understood what was happening, he found his fist encased in a crackling aura of energy, a sheath of hissing electricity dancing around his hand. The sight of it widened the eyes of the downed bandit leader, his face contorted in a mix of shock and fear.

Standing over the defeated man, Ryu channeled the raw power, and with a decisive thrust, unleashed it. Jagged tendrils of lightning erupted from his palm, shooting skyward and charring the ground beneath him. The spectacle sent the remaining conscious bandits into a panic, their screams echoing as they fled down the mountain path.

With a slight flex of his hand, the crackling energy dissipated, leaving Ryu's fist tingling in its wake. A slow smile spread across his face. His cultivation was making strides - the dormant lightning element within him was awakening. He knew such abilities would be pivotal on the journey that lay ahead.

With a calmness that belied the recent events, Ryu turned back to his waiting wagon, gathered the reins, and resumed his journey. As the familiar sight of Crimson Maple Sect appeared on the horizon, Ryu's mind was a whirl of thoughts, replaying the electric surge of power he'd experienced.

Without warning, a stirring above Ryu caught his immediate attention. Lifting his eyes to the sky, his gaze was met by a sight that stirred a sense of awe within him. Hovering effortlessly fifty feet above the ground was none other than Lord Zhi.

There he was, seemingly suspended in the air as if gravity was a law he chose to ignore. His arms were crossed over his chest, a pose that spoke of his unshakeable confidence and the centuries of wisdom he held.

His presence was an almost tangible force, a testament to his formidable cultivation that allowed him to seemingly defy the very laws of nature. The sight of his figure floating effortlessly against the backdrop of the endless sky was a stirring sight, a symbol of the heights Ryu himself aspired to reach. His robe billowed gently in the high altitude breeze, a stark contrast to the stillness of his form. His eyes, wise and sharp, were fixed on Ryu, silently assessing and guiding him on the path of cultivation.

The sight, although not an unusual one for Ryu, continued to ignite his curiosity, admiration and determination. Lord Zhi's impressive display of power served as a constant reminder of the heights he could reach with persistent effort and commitment. As he looked up at his mentor, Ryu felt a renewed surge of dedication flood his veins.