Report

Yi Tian emerged from the confines of the Serene Relic Chamber, accompanied by Elder Feng as they ventured towards the Ascension Pagoda. More precisely, they were bound for the spacious training grounds that enveloped the imposing structure. The sun, near its zenith, bathed the landscape in a radiant glow beneath a virtually cloudless sky.

Strolling at the side of Elder Feng, Yi Tian moved with an air of tranquility. At his waist, the Lotus Blade swung lightly, accompanied by a scroll affixed to his sash. As he glanced ahead, the towering figure of the pagoda came into view, its cascading rooftops seemingly stretching up to kiss the heavens. Despite his days spent in this world, the grandeur of such edifices still possessed an almost dreamlike quality, but he was slowly acclimating to his surroundings.

Ascending the brief flight of stone steps that bridged the verdant garden and the stone-tiled expanse of the training grounds, Elder Feng turned his gaze towards Yi Tian. "Tian'er, I would suggest you relinquish the Willow Breeze Dance," he advised. "While your talent for it is evident, your efforts would be better served by focusing solely on the Cloud Ascension Physique, considering your mastery over its initial form."

Upon reaching the training ground, Yi Tian weighed Elder Feng's counsel. From his vantage point, this might be a sound strategic choice, allowing him to mask his full potential. He reasoned that a prodigy excelling in a singular aspect would arouse less suspicion than if he were to demonstrate mastery over multiple disciplines. Yet he had no intention of hiding his strength. It was simply that his current situation was akin to that of a newborn, still navigating his way through a new world.

Still, a lingering question unfurled in his mind. Thus, he posed his query to Elder Feng, "If I were to relinquish my training in the Willow Breeze Dance, would it necessitate the forfeiture of the Lotus Blade as well?"

Elder Feng decelerated his stride, turning his full attention towards Yi Tian. After a moment of contemplation, he assented with a nod, "It is likely that Protector Zhen would require you to relinquish the blade along with the technique."

Yi Tian's brows furrowed in thought. His decision was clear - he desired to retain the blade. Yet, as he prepared to voice his choice, Elder Feng interjected, "Do you recall the reason you sought those techniques in the first place?"

Yi Tian gave a nod of acknowledgement, remembering his initial purpose: to broaden his understanding of martial arts through their study, and subsequently impart this newfound knowledge onto Yi Long. It was a pretext he had conceived on a whim.

With a nod of approval, Elder Feng advised, "It is beneficial to concentrate your energy on mastering a singular technique. Furthermore, my role is to familiarize you with the basics of martial arts combat. When the time comes for you to learn about Blood Qi, Yi Hong will be your guide."

At this, Yi Tian gave a faint smile, his hand coming to rest lightly on the hilt of the Lotus Blade. With a firm shake of his head, he declared, "Old Man, this blade is a perfect match for me. I cannot part with it."

In response, Elder Feng conceded with a nod, "Very well. But when the time comes to renew your possession of the manuals, be sure to relay your decision to Protector Zhen."

...

As Elder Jun's eyes fluttered open, his countenance was serene. On the opposite side, Yi Chang sat upright, his piercing gaze resting steadily on Elder Jun. A palpable tension hung between them, a stark contrast to the idyllic scenery outside their introspective bubble, where the noon sun brightly bathed the garden surrounding the Scholar's Annex, painting a scene of peaceful joy.

"Jun, any deductions to share?" Yi Chang broke the silence after a considerable wait, hoping that Elder Jun might have unraveled some insightful information or clues.

"Indeed," Elder Jun affirmed with a nod. A retrospective journey through the corridors of his memory had unveiled certain inconsistencies. They seemed innocuous back then, but now presented themselves as potential clues. Elder Jun recollected an instance occurring half a year before Yi Wang brought up Yi Tian's behavioral changes – a period when Yi Tian had fallen ill for nearly a fortnight.

"Yi Chang, do you recall that time Yi Tian was afflicted by an illness for two weeks?" Directing his gaze towards Yi Chang, Elder Jun subtly hinted towards his suspicions.

In deep thought, Yi Chang's brow furrowed as he retraced his steps to the time his second son had been bedridden for nearly two weeks. Slowly piecing the circumstances together, Yi Chang assented with a nod, "Ah, I do remember. Was it not due to the bite from a Poison Wood Snake?"

Commonly referred to as Old Tree Spirits by the common folk, the Poison Wood Snake was a somewhat uncommon but not a rare inhabitant of the forest's dead trees. Its venom was potent enough to trigger severe sickness, culminating in a month-long fever, eventually leading to death from starvation for ordinary individuals. However, for those possessing meridians and dantians, even those devoid of Blood Qi, would only suffer from a mild fever for a few days at most.

Elder Jun hummed in response, his mind working to unravel the oddities of the situation. But before he could articulate his thoughts, a noticeable shift in Yi Chang's demeanor caught his attention, and he too rose to his feet, well aware of the cause behind Yi Chang's sudden intensity.

"Report," commanded Yi Chang, his figure imposing and stern as he addressed the seemingly empty expanse, save for Elder Jun and himself. Following a momentary pause, a figure swathed in dark robes with a slender build smoothly descended from the rooftop of the two-story building they were in.

The masked figure landed with an uncanny silence, assuming a kneeling position, hands clasped in front and head bowed low. As he retreated his hands, the concealed man stated, "Patriarch, I have deciphered the objective of their mission."