Serene Relic Chamber

The imposing timber gates of the Yi Harmony Conclave Hall moaned closed behind Yi Hong and Yi Tian, leaving the grandeur of their meeting behind them. Yi Hong moved to descend the staircase but stopped abruptly, a sixth sense alerting him to Yi Tian's absence. Turning, the concern etched into his features as he queried, "Yi Tian?"

Shaken from his private musings, Yi Tian returned an apologetic, "Sorry."

As he caught up with Yi Hong, he ventured to ask, "So, where does our path lead now?"

"We tread towards the Serene Relic Chamber," replied Yi Hong, initiating their descent down the stairs, "where Elder Feng typically takes refuge."

Upon reaching the foot of the staircase, the pair veered towards the east, following the main road until they encountered a vast moon gate leading to a sprawling courtyard. A tranquil pond graced the courtyard's center, a delicate bridge elegantly traversing its expanse, connecting the entrance to the distant periphery. Beyond the pond, a pristine garden flourished, culminating at an awe-inspiring structure.

Traditional elements of architecture painted the visage of this building, from the sweeping eaves and glazed roof tiles to the intricate ridge ornaments. Plumes of smoke unfurled from a section of the roof, a testament to the presence of a hearth within. Ornately carved wooden doors served as a less intimidating gateway compared to the familial hall, though still grand in their right. Above these doors, a plaque bore the building's identity.

Mythical beasts in stone stood guard throughout the garden, presiding over the hall's protection. A stone wall extended from the building's sides, indicating the probable existence of a spacious yard hidden within its folds.

Crossing the threshold, Yi Hong and Yi Tian found themselves in a spacious lounge bathed in natural light, soothing with its tastefully arranged seating and ambiance-enhancing décor. Numerous passages diverged towards different sections of the edifice.

A servant, appearing to await their arrival, advanced to meet them, bowing respectfully. "Grand Elder, Second Young Master, how may I serve you?"

"We seek an audience with Yi Feng," Yi Hong responded.

"Please, follow me," the servant directed.

The servant guided them through a chamber steeped in the potent aroma of medicinal herbs. The well-ordered space greeted them, lit naturally by skylights and heightened by a lofted ceiling for proper ventilation. Diagrams of medicinal plants and arcane writings embellished the walls. Shelves housing a myriad of plants, containers, and utensils defined the space, meticulously organized, with some glass displays boasting rare specimens.

At the room's end, a large stone-tiled area catered to a furnace, a cauldron, and a stone table, the workings of an alchemist. The furnace roared as Elder Feng, armed with iron tongs, finessed something within the flames.

The servant announced their arrival, "Grand Elder Feng, Grand Elder Hong and the Second Young Master seek your counsel."

Elder Feng, extracting a small, glowing red orb from the furnace and placing it atop the stone table, turned to meet his guests.

Approaching, he queried, "Yi Hong, Tian'er, what brings you to my domain?"

Yi Hong, smiling, relayed, "Brother, I've come to relay Yi Chang's orders. You are to recommence Yi Long's training. Furthermore, Yi Tian will be dispatched to the battlefield in four months."

"Four months? Tian'er is but 18, and he hasn't yet commenced training in blood qi!" Yi Feng protested, shocked.

Soothing his brother's worries, Yi Hong reassured, "Fear not; the boy serves merely as a figurehead. The royal family has called for additional soldiers, so he will instead lead a small army of 100,000 men."

Despite this assurance, Yi Feng argued, "This could prove perilous. The Shadow Lotus Assassins continue their hunt for Yi Ming. Tian'er might face danger while away."

Yi Hong persisted in calming him, "Rest easy. A message has been dispatched to Yi Ling, summoning him home within four months. I, too, will accompany Yi Tian for his protection."

Reluctantly, Yi Feng proposed, "If he leaves in four months, I'll personally train him in blood qi and—"

Interrupting, Yi Hong asserted, "I have been tasked with his personal training."

With a sigh, Yi Feng conceded, "Then I shall devote myself to concocting pills for him."

"Very well, but consult with Brother Chang," urged Yi Hong.

Finally, Yi Tian, the subject of their discourse, intervened, "I promised Yi Long I'd train him tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Yi Hong addressed Yi Tian, "Then tomorrow shall mark the end of your penance."

Yi Feng chimed in, "After tomorrow's training, rendezvous with me at the martial pagoda. We need to select a technique suited for you."

Questioning, Yi Tian asked, "The ones we selected today aren't suitable?"

Exhaling, Yi Feng explained, "They serve as a basic understanding of martial arts. Once you begin to integrate blood qi, they pose a significant challenge."

Clasping his hands in resolve, Yi Tian stated, "Elder, I am determined to master these techniques."

Yi Feng studied Yi Tian for a moment before responding with equal resolve, "If you insist, you may attempt these. However, should you fail to show improvement within a week after unlocking blood qi, you must choose another."

Despite outwardly agreeing, Yi Feng inwardly doubted Yi Tian's ability to master even the first form. "Nonetheless, after you train Yi Long, meet me at the martial pagoda. We must choose a sword for the Willow Breeze Sword Art," Elder Feng concluded.

Yi Tian affirmed with a nod, "I'll be there."

Yi Hong, deciding to depart, announced, "I shall take my leave. And Yi Tian, three weeks hence your birthday, I will return for you. Be prepared."

Alone with Elder Feng, Yi Tian turned to him and proposed, "I still have some time, Elder. Might you instruct me in alchemy?"

"Is this another of your interests?" Elder Feng asked, his eyes brightening. He beckoned Yi Tian closer. "I'm experimenting with a new pill-forming technique. Yi Ming discovered some alchemical techniques on his treasure expedition, though they are incomplete."

Taking up the tongs, Elder Feng placed the glowing orb in a vice. With a swift strike of the hammer, a spiderweb crack splintered across its surface. "Ah, another failure," he sighed.

Their discussion on alchemy continued until sunset, the fading golden light prompting Yi Tian's departure. As he journeyed back to his courtyard, his mind brimmed with newfound wisdom and resolve.