To Bai Qi's and Ma Su's relief, the lack of cultivators, the easiness when entering [Baoshi Hua] as their doubts coming from the calm, if not even boisterous, atmosphere of the city had nothing to do with foul play. At least in this area, there were no occult reasons for the lack of patrols and even training outings.

They had barely entered the [Fragrant Stream House] as the reasons for the emptiness of the surroundings and such freedom in the city were dispelled. But even Ma Su, previously a disciple of the [Delicate Forest Palace], found herself wondering just how it was possible, even excusing herself before the master she accepted, Bai Qi.

"I could have never expected the Palace or the Head to still go ahead with the [Sword and Herb] festival. Certainly not with a war going on and most of the outstanding disciples and elders being not present!" As soon as they crossed the doors of one of the cabinets of the tavern, restaurant as called by the servants, Ma Su nearly fell on her knees. And she would actually kowtow if not for Bai Qi's head shaking, stopping her from excusing further.

"There is no guilt from your side. I didn't even think an event, nearly region-wide one, would be taking place here and now." Having stopped Ma Su from her abrupt intent to justify her lack of awareness, considering it not even close to something she had to excuse herself for, Bai Qi reasoned before adding in a slight murmur, "But as an event of the Palace, isn't this a way for us to get into contact with someone from it, without risking anything?"

As silence ensued, Bai Qi probably delving into his thoughts, Ma Su didn't know if to say anything to the last, nearly whispered words of the latter. Yet, as it would turn, she had no need to do so, as a few moments before she attempted to speak, Bai Qi broke the silence himself, asking if she had any experience or information about this [Sword and Herb] festival.

"Yes, I do, and the events that led to my... departure from the Palace were very connected to the festival of some years ago." While aware that Bai Qi had perfect knowledge of that part of her past, after inspecting her memories, Ma Su still hesitated to voice her expulsion and the reasons for it aloud.

"While I don't know everything, I do know about the reasons, and while I can not approve of them, it is not like you need to hide them from me. After all, what's done, that's done, and nothing but your actions after it can change anything." Bai Qi shrugged, sharing his view on what Ma Su did years ago.

"...You are right." And what else could Ma Su say? Since her meeting with Bai Qi, she found herself accepting the fact and feeling guilty about it, but it didn't change anything about her stealing the so-much-needed herbs she ended up stealing right on the day of this same festival eleven years ago.

As Ma Su turned silent, oblivious to the strange looks Bai Qi was giving her, the latter's mind trying to understand what actually happened to the bandit-turned [Delicate Forest Palace] disciple, now his follower. And a voluntary follower, the words of the oath said under no pressure or obligation after the events that happened in [Heibei].

Bai Qi attempted to understand the changes which happened to his current companion, from a slaver-leader to someone who felt guilt for each of her crimes, even one that happened years ago!

Yet, the more Bai Qi thought, the more sure he became that it was the second part of his thoughts about his changes having more impact, the ones to be mistaken.

But while Bai Qi was very interested in this part of his companion, especially in how he failed to notice since the start, he didn't have the luxury of time to do so.

Thus, he broke the silence himself, forcing Ma Su from her meditative state as well, "Now that we know that this [Sword and Herb] will be taking place, even in such a situation, I consider it a chance to get in contact with the [Palace], or even more, to get invited inside the grounds. So, I need to decide whether to participate or not. And for that, can you explain, in short, about it? And what did you mean when you mentioned the surprising changes of the one to take place now?"

"...Hmm?" Shocked as she was herself, Ma Su had gone in such an in-depth reflection on her actions that she nearly missed Bai Qi's request and would only explain what she knew after Bai Qi repeated his questions.

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As the name [Sword and Herb] stated, the festival was an event devoted to herbs and weapons, not just swords, though the latter were indeed one of the main ones for the Palace, so it was logical for it to stand out. Two of the many paths of a cultivator and the two most relevant to the [Delicate Forest Palace], known for its gardens and weapon methods.

Taking place up to seven times per decade and on different days, depending on factors such as herb development and region-wide circumstances, it would still always attract dozens, hundreds, and even thousands of cultivators desiring to enter the formation deployed for this occasion, one that would block any qi and aura, leaving the cultivators nothing but with their weapon mastery, and intent, if the latter were able to use it.

The reasons for it to be so popular were several, from a way to gain renown to each of the participants getting a part of what they would manage to harvest in the entire day the main event of the festival would take place. Still, the most important reason for so many people to gather, especially male cultivators above the slightest amount of fame, was that there would be several chances to interact with the all-female disciples of the [Palace], as well as several of the top gatherers getting a chance to visit the, otherwise unreachable paradise in the heart of the [Goddess Clearing].

As for why Ma Su considered the timing of the event strange, it was related to the current situation in the region. With a war going on and most of the powers sending their elites in response to the [Great Forest Sect] summons, who of the actually renowned could come? Adding that every time the spots for the main event were prearranged for people invited by the [Palace] leadership, it was abnormal they would suddenly change it to a nearly open-for-all type.

"So, as I understand, this time is the first for it to be open, right?" Receiving a nod from Ma Su, as it was indeed so, to her knowledge, Bai Qi thought for a bit before continuing, "But it is impossible for the formation, or the space dedicated for the event, to be so enormous as to accept all applicants..?"

Ma Su nodded again, adding that she didn't know the exact numbers and capacities. Then sharing what she did remember - that the two festivals she had experienced attracted nearly a hundred thousand participants, yet the main event only had about a thousand.

"Then I think we shouldn't lose time. When the server comes, I will try to find out where to register for the main event and what other stuff is happening. Then, we will move out to the locations, try and discover more." Bai Qi decided on the spot. In truth, he would have launched out as he understood the basics, but he considered that Ma Su would need some time to complete her reflections. As for him? It probably would be for the better to free his mind of everything before launching into what could be yet another incident. Bai Qi smirked as the thought crossed his mind. Yet, this one did serve his reasons, clearing his mind from anything but what was related to this [Sword and Herb] festival's main event.

***

After a brief talk with the tavern's personnel, Bai Qi and Ma Su left it, moving towards the center of the city, where supposedly, the [Palace] had mounted the registration for the main and only event of the festival. Apparently, as even a local, the middle-aged man that served them their order of spirit herb tea and light snacks was unsure of the details.

"During the festivals that happened while I was a disciple, it wasn't so at all..?" Ma Su's surprise was understandable, as, indeed, what kind of festival had not a single event announced, even though it was known as a way for the [Palace] disciples and elders to interact with the outside world? Only the main event, the [Martial Path of Herbs], this time meant for visitors and not a single other thing, not even the usual bazaar and auction segment!

"Could it have something to do with the region's situation? Maybe they refrained from the events, leaving only the useful one?" Bai Qi guessed aloud after considering that with only a part of the so-called harvest given to the participants, all of this could be a way to gather ingredients for pills and medicines.

"Hmm? It could be, but I don't think the Palace sent all of their disciples, and no herbs, dangerous or difficult to gather, would be anything but the usual duty, a known and one they are accustomed to, for the remaining ones." Ma Su replied after taking a moment to think, and Bai Qi agreed with her rationale after taking a similar pause to analyze the situation.

Asking himself inwardly, Bai Qi still continued forward, expecting that if not to participate, then at least to find a way to contact the people of the Palace.

Reaching the city's center, and after looking around, Bai Qi and his companion managed to find the place the server mentioned, a manor with no name on it but the characters [Sword] and [Herb]. And not thanks to the tavern's servant directions or even Ma Su's knowledge of the city.

After all, if not for the several cultivators, some sporting badges while others wearing nothing but plain clothes, walking towards it, even Bai Qi doubted he could have found it, especially with the prohibitive rules of any city. In [Baoshi Hua], the laws were even harsher, including the denial of flight, aura, and even qi release.

{Weird, but well, let's see what the Palace people can share with us about all of this strange festival, one which isn't one.} With no decorations or announcements and no events for the city's people, it was indeed so, a festival that wasn't one.