Demeris headed along the descending walkway, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. He suddenly became aware of his surroundings—the magnificent panorama that had eluded him until now.
The vast plateau unfolded beneath the towering peaks, revealing an intricate network of gardens and fields. The opulence of the scene struck him with awe, and for the first time, he truly absorbed the breathtaking magnificence surrounding him.
As Demeris continued his descent, the descending walkway became a vantage point, allowing him to witness the poignant tableau of tired and weary servants diligently tending to the fields below, fields adorned with unknown plants and herbs, their vibrant colors and exotic shapes hinting at their profound value in the realm of cultivation, or so Demeris thought.
Beneath the peaks of the sect, servants moved with an unwavering dedication despite the visible signs of exhaustion. Their hands worked tirelessly, delicately watering the crops or engaging in the rhythmic dance of harvesting. Each servant seemed to bear the weight of their toil, yet their commitment to nurturing the spiritual plants and herbs was unwavering.
Demeris, following the descending walkway, finally arrived at the wooden structure, seemingly an important building. It bore the semblance of an office, a modest yet significant hub in the heart of the vast plateau. His gaze swept over the structure, observing the constant ebb and flow of servants who moved with purpose, underscoring the importance of this building.
Feeling the weight of being new, Demeris approached someone cleaning the walkways, "Hi, I'm new here, uhmmm.. where should I go..?"
"Report to the master inside the wooden building." the guy answered, chin pointing towards the door.
Grateful for the guidance, Demeris entered. The master's office, though devoid of grandeur, bore an air of authority that seemed to emanate from every weathered wooden plank. Demeris stood in its center, a figure of submission before the master in charge of the servants, a man whose command extended beyond the walls of this unassuming room.
"Another servant recruit, is it?" the Master of Servants sneered, his words cutting through the air with a cruel precision that resonated within the confines of the wooden office. “What’s your name?”
“Yes, sir, I’m Demeris sir..” Demeris said, his gaze lowered, his eyes tracing the grain of the worn wooden desk before him. The desk, marked by the scratches of countless reports and commands, mirrored the burdens placed upon the servants.
The master circled Demeris, his steps creating a subdued rhythm against the creaking wooden floor. "Servants, such as you, are nothing more than shadows in the grand tapestry of our sect. Your purpose is to toil away in the obscure corners, leaving no imprint worthy of notice."
Demeris absorbed the master's words with a detached acceptance. The atmosphere within the wooden office, unadorned and functional, carried the oppressive weight of hierarchy, where authority was wielded without a trace of benevolence.
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"You must understand, Demeris," the master continued, pausing to emphasize his point, "that your pitiful existence is tethered to servitude. This humble office, made of weathered wood, reflects the simplicity expected of those who dwell within its walls."
As the master spoke, Demeris's observations extended beyond the words. He noted the subtle gestures, the dismissive waves, and the cruel twinge in the master's eyes. The wooden walls seemed to lean in, an audience to the power play enacted within the confines of the office.
Demeris's shoulders tensed, and his eyes, though cast downward, observed the worn floor beneath him. The wooden panels, marked by the scuffs of numerous footsteps, whispered of servitude, a silent testament to the lives ensnared within this unadorned room.
"The Summit Serenity Sect demands order and discipline," the master declared, his voice cutting through the air like a sharpened blade. "Henceforth, you shall serve in the gardens. Your hands will now tend to the spiritual plants that grace our esteemed sect."
Demeris felt the weight of his servile fate as he stood in the wooden office. The master's cruelty was etched into the walls, both in words and actions. After instructing him to report to Hestos in the servant's quarters, the master waved and walked away. Demeris left the office, pondering where the servant's quarters might be.
Demeris explored the vast plateau, asking folks for directions to the servant's quarters. Following the guidance, he found himself in a quiet area shaded by tall trees, with long wooden dorms hinting at where the servants bunked.
Approaching Hestos, Demeris said, "Hey, I'm new. I'm told to report to you by the master at the office."
Hestos nodded, handing Demeris a well-worn and folded manuscript. "Study this. It'll help you see your qi. For the meantime, help in light cleaning, I don’t care. Just make sure you study and master the technique in this manual. Report to me again until then."
"See my qi?" Demeris asked, curious.
"Yeah, what we do is not just about working.” Hestos said a bit impatiently. “It's about understanding the threads that connect you to cultivation. Your qi makes you work better by making you stronger and faster. Take it seriously. You have 2 months to master it."
“What if I can’t master it?” Demeris asked.
“Then I’m afraid you will be removed from the sect,” replied Hestos indifferently.
Days transformed into weeks, Demeris dedicated most of his days and all his nights to the manual, his mind moving between moments of frustration and determination. The teachings within the manual seemed elusive, like a language he was just beginning to comprehend.
A month passed, and Demeris found himself focused on the manual as was usually the case. Suddenly, he felt a subtle change in the air. He could see a dim glow, and as he looked down, he saw a subtle, wispy essence, like faint tendrils of smoke that was delicately wrapped around him. A mix of awe and disbelief settled within him as he realized that he had achieved what was required. The once-invisible power had become visible, signifying Demeris' understanding of the manual.
In the soft glow of the dormitory, Demeris marveled at this quiet energy gracefully dancing around him, enveloping him, recognizing it as a manifestation of his qi. The dramatic moment solidified his transition from ignorance to enlightenment, and with newfound clarity, he stood ready to embrace the responsibilities that awaited him in the service of the Summit Serenity Sect.