2. The Heist

PART I

Yuanming sat in his room fixated on the intricate map of Arral spread out before him and the golden crystal swathed in delicate white silk lay at the center of his focus. With deliberate care he unwrapped the silk revealing the crystal's oval form adorned with small bumps along its sides. His finger hovered tentatively over the crystal's apex, but a sudden hesitation seized him and he found himself biting his lip.

"Surely it's not cursed right?" he murmured.

His gaze wandered grazing the room's sparse furnishings, a temporary refuge in the No Name sect's bustling headquarters. The orange curtains incessantly screaming their presence irritated him. Here he owned nothing; even the room was a fleeting sanctuary and the lack of fixed accommodations meant someone might intrude at any moment a prospect Yuanming loathed. Others always probed especially about his mysterious background.

"If I obtain the title of Senior at least I can have my own room."

Returning his attention to the crystal he gingerly touched its surface. It yielded warmth softness and an uncanny smoothness reminiscent of an egg. A furrow creased his brow as he contemplated.

"Is it really not an egg but a mermaid core?"

Q had guided him on the crystal's usage. 

Yuanming closed his eyes gently squeezing the crystal once. A frigid sensation flowed into his hand streaming up his arm and finally coursing through his body. Opening his eyes, he was perplexed to see his own form furrowing his brows.

"Does it work or not?"

Cautiously he approached the door and stepped outside. 

The No Name sect's headquarters buzzed with activity preparations for the upcoming Spirit Ceremony. 

Sect members hustled in every direction. In the corridor a group of juniors carried trays of food for the ceremony. Yuanming, confident in the integrity of their offering shook his head. He walked toward the group offering a smile and nod but received no acknowledgment. His attempt with the next group yielded the same result. Perplexed, he extended his hand tapping a guy's forehead.

"Ouch what the hell?" the guy exclaimed rubbing his forehead and looking around confused.

"Brother Jie, what's wrong?" asked a boy looking up at him.

"I thought I felt something but maybe I just imagined it. Let's hurry or we'll be late." the guy replied, and they quickly walked away.

Yuanming stood there staring at his finger breaking into a wide smile. So, Q hadn't used his cultivation to deceive them that day.

"A mysterious name. One cannot simply be named Q especially when you're from Labunagaan." he whispered.

Returning to his room he prepared for the upcoming Spirit Ceremony, the mysteries of the crystal lingering in his thoughts.

An hour passed and Yuanming transformed himself entirely into the shadows draped in black attire and his face was obscured leaving only his eyes exposed. The inclusion of the magic staff in the Spirit Ceremony was unprecedented, promising an even more spectacular event and a larger audience. It was the opportune moment to execute the theft. The prearranged signals for the heist were the initial two bursts of fireworks followed by three taps on a tray.

Stepping outside Yuanming found the corridor shrouded in silence, the rooms deserted as the entire sect had already departed for the Spirit Ceremony. With the crystal securely stowed in his right pocket he navigated through the vast expanse of Arral. The No Name sect was situated in the economical district coincidentally aligning with the yearly occurrence of the Spirit Ceremony.

Two streets away he arrived at a colossal white round marble square. In its center stood an open rectangular marble structure supported by thick stone columns. Unadorned without doors or windows the structure housed a large round stone altar and red incense sticks surrounded a small cavity where the magic staff was destined to be placed. The square was teeming with people and even the streets were overflowing and those unable to attend craned their necks from windows like eager spectators to the unfolding spectacle.

"Mom let's hurry. I don't want to miss the Heavenly Sect." a young boy urged tugging at his mother's hand as they maneuvered through the bustling crowd.

"Not so fast; be careful. People can be pushy." the mother cautioned in a hushed tone.

*Boom. Boom*

Drums reverberated through the square igniting a wave of cheers from the crowd.

"We can finally see the magic staff. I've waited my whole life for this."

"I can see the real deal. I thought it was just rumors."

"Look it's the Heavenly Sect!" a woman exclaimed suddenly diverting Yuanming's attention to a sizable group clad in yellow robes advancing toward the square.

A man carried a flag adorned with three bold golden waves symbolizing divine energy. The Heavenly Sect asserted its proximity to God, a claim contested only by beings in Alanail excluding the realm masters. 

At the forefront strode a young handsome man with medium-length chestnut hair and his obsidian-like eyes reflected light despite the setting sun. Hands folded behind his back; he surveyed the crowd with a confident smile on his lips.

"Young Master Junhao smiled at me!" one girl exclaimed on the verge of fainting her friend catching her.

"No, he looked at me." remarked another woman.

"Young Master Junhao, look at me!" shouted yet another woman setting off a chain reaction of others vying for his attention.

Yuanming shook his head a deep understanding of Young Master Junhao's true nature weighing on him. He was undeniably a bully! As his fingers brushed against his scalp a lingering tingle stirred in his heart. The memory of ice sugar trapped in his hair remained vivid, a classmate had to cut a portion of it to free him. For months Yuanming bore the visible patch on his scalp, a constant reminder of the humiliation he endured.

The ecstatic voice of a woman cut through the air exclaiming, "Young Master Junhao smiled at me!"

Yuanming shook his head again. Why don't they see through it? 

Junhao's interest extended only to himself; it was all an act. His gaze shifted to Junhao who like a monarch waved to the crowd casting charming glances that transformed the women into hungry wolves fixated on their prey.

"Today I'll get my revenge." He muttered to himself.

Seating himself on a stone bench he patiently waited. The central square was a riot of colors the attendees dressed in bright hues while those at the periphery sported their ordinary attire.

"The No Name sect is here." a man remarked pointing to a large group led by a man carrying a white flag adorned with a pair of large black eyes. 

Yuanming spotted Jun at the forefront accompanied by Peng and Wei. Jun made eye contact offering a quick nod.

"Brother Junnan looked at me sis." said a young woman in a group nearby.

As the bottom realm Amenale held little significance to Yuanming yet the masses flocked here despite simultaneous Spirit Ceremonies taking place in other realms. His attention was diverted by the appearance of a flag bearing a large red droplet prompting him to stand up.

"Look, even Drip Drop sect is here." commented a man indicating a large group in beige robes. 

Yuanming's heart quickened, and he clutched his chest.

Drip Drop, a demonic sect from Labunagaan cultivated using their own blood to forge remarkably durable weapons. Their presence hinted that the much-anticipated magic staff would indeed make an appearance. Yuanming settled back onto the bench awaiting the descent of darkness.

As night fell the crescent moon emerged in the slightly cloudy sky.

*Ping. Ping. Ping*

Countless large white orbs materialized casting a gentle glow over the square.

"Wow, it's always so beautiful every year." remarked a woman.

"I'm glad I didn't miss it today." added a man captivated by the enchanting spectacle.

A resounding gong echoed its reverberations silencing the animated conversations and all eyes turned left where a guarded street stretched endlessly. 

A procession of individuals adorned in white robes materialized wielding a flag bearing a white curved claw against a backdrop of six yellow stripes. 

The Dragon Sect alongside the Wonder Bird held the distinction of being the largest sect in the world. At their helm strode Long Yunlong, their leader, a tall lean figure with long white hair and a flowing white beard. In front of him cradled on a large red velvet cushion was a broad oblong gold box.

"That's The Whispering Vessel," Yuanming muttered his gaze shifting between Long Yunlong and the sect. 

"odd that Zhiqiang isn't present."

Zhiqiang Yunlong's only son remained absent, a figure Yuanming had glimpsed only from afar during childhood. Had he been present Zhiqiang would have surpassed even Junhao in stature.

As the box found its place on the altar it remained unopened stirring whispers and discussions among the onlookers.

"Damn, I've come so far but they won't even let us see it."

"Why won't they open the box?"

"I promised my sick husband to tell him what the magic staff looks like."

"Have we really come for nothing?"

A palpable tension gripped the square, yet no one dared voice their concerns aloud recognizing the sacredness of the space. Fear of invoking a curse and carrying misfortune home restrained any overt dissent, a lesson learned from past incidents.

Yuanming surveyed the surroundings casting his gaze toward the slowly shifting clouds in the sky. It was almost time and his attention returned to the Whispering Vessel. 

According to Q's map a concealed entrance to the altar lay in an alley on the other side. However, the dense crowd posed an unexpected challenge.

"How do I get there?"

The area surrounding the center was cordoned off allowing exclusive access only to the sects with bodies pressed tightly against each other. 

Yuanming glanced at the sky, a twinkle of a star catching his eye. Another realization dawned upon him.

"I can't control my abilities!"

PART II        >>>BREAK TIME<<< 

*Boom. Boom*

The resonating drumbeats reverberated through the square as Long Yunlong's voice cut through the clamor declaring, "The Spirit Ceremony is hereby open."

A chorus of cheers erupted from the crowd and lively music emanated from the square, a vibrant wave cascading through the streets of Arral and tables were swiftly set up and No Name sect members bustled about carrying trays laden with food.

*Crackle. Crackle*

*Bang. Bang*

The night sky burst into life with fireworks painting it with myriad colors and intricate images of nature. 

Yuanming's heart quickened, and he steeled himself, closing his eyes.

*Clang*

A tray clattered onto the marble its echoing sound drowned out by the music audible only to Yuanming.

"One."

*Clang*

Another tray crashed to the ground and Yuanming took deep breaths offering silent prayers.

"Please don't let me down."

"Two."

*Clang*

A third tray echoed loudly.

"Rat." he muttered.

A warm sensation surged through his body concentrating on his left shoulder pulsating like a heartbeat. 

He touched his shoulder whispering, "Please let it be the right constellation."

He darted toward the nearest alley navigating the festivities unnoticed. However, as he stepped into a shadowy area clutching the crystal he felt nothing. It wasn't working. He tried again but the crystal remained unresponsive, and frustration crept in.

"So, no rat. Damn."

Clenching his fists, he struck the wall feeling the hard stones against his knuckles. 

Pulling back his hand he massaged the sore knuckles muttering, "So it's not the Ox either. What the hell have I got?"

While inspecting his left shoulder a group approached him. Someone bumped into him causing his left ear to collide with the wall.

"Hey, it's the Spirit Ceremony. Show some respect." He complained squinting at the man.

"Brother why are you so angry? The ceremony has just begun. Come and celebrate with us." the man suggested his breath reeking of alcohol.

"Stay away from me, you drunkard." Yuanming tried to push the man's hand away.

"Brother, don't be so negative today. We're celebrating the spirits and the magic staff." The man persisted grabbing Yuanming once more.

*Slap*

Yuanming's hand struck hard against the man's forcefully pushing it away. 

"Stay away from me. Shame on you." he said coldly narrowing his eyes.

The man recoiled a sudden fear in his eyes as he bowed to Yuanming a momentary act of contrition.

"I-I'm sorry. I'm ashamed. You're right I shouldn't behave like this."

The man suddenly prostrated himself on the cobblestones drawing puzzled stares from his friends.

"Senior brother what are you doing?"

"I think he's had too much." commented another.

Attempts were made to pull the man up, but he resisted lying on the ground then he let out a loud wail prompting the others to look at him.

"Can you forgive me?" the man shouted with a hoarse voice.

Annoyed Yuanming didn't have time for such theatrics and he turned around sneaking away while the man continued to cry loudly. Such scenes were precisely why he avoided alcohol.

"Senior brother, what's wrong with you? You haven't had anything to drink yet." someone from the group remarked catching Yuanming's attention.

He touched his left shoulder still warm.

"So, it was the goat I got. Useless ability."

Shaking his head and sighing deeply he scanned the square. Spying Junnan who seemed to be searching for him Yuanming quickly hid behind a building to avoid detection.

"How the hell do I get to the altar?"

Attempting to move closer to the other side proved futile. The crowd was relentlessly pushing and jostling him, and people attempted to drag him into their celebrations adding to the chaos and the noise of shouts, chatter and music overwhelmed him. Yuanming glanced at the altar then at the box feeling his stomach tighten. Failure wasn't an option; there was no other sect to join given his expulsion from the Heavenly sect and his former association with No Name.

"If there's a god help your subjects." he mumbled clenching his fists and gritting his teeth.

"Look, they're removing the magic staff. So quickly!" exclaimed a man loudly the words reaching Yuanming despite the noise.

He watched as Long Yunlong enveloped the Whispering Vessel in a white silk cloth carrying it away. His heart raced. It was his ticket out. Panic set in as he attempted to push through the crowd, but it proved impossible. A collision with a man resulted in a headbutt to Yuanming's forehead causing him to lose balance and fall onto another man in a white robe. He landed on his rear feeling the cold cobblestones massaging his sore backside.

*Clung*

Suddenly a long brown stick fell from the man's robe landing to the left of Yuanming. The man remained oblivious to the lost possession. Intrigued Yuanming touched the stick feeling its pleasant warmth tickle his fingertips. Hastily regaining his feet, he noticed a small emblem on the man's back—a curved claw with six golden waves. Perplexed by the presence of someone from the Dragon sect in the outer circle he didn't dwell on it and hurried home. If the stick belonged to a member of the Dragon sect it couldn't be ordinary.

"Hopefully Jun can accept this instead; otherwise, I'm really in trouble."

At midnight Yuanming maintained a lotus position on his bed meditating to quell his nerves and the stick lay before him, the mysterious artifact he had taken from the man.

*Knock. Knock*

Junnan entered with Q, Wei and Peng. 

Yuanming opened his eyes rushing to them and bowing.

"Brother Jun, I know I've failed but can you... wait here."

He retrieved the stick from the bed and presented it to Jun.

"Can this be used?"

Jun blinked his eyes widening while Pei coughed. 

Wei slapped his chest.

"You're insane." He exclaimed loudly.

Sweat formed on Yuanming's brow and he clenched his fists. 

Q inspected the stick and then looked at Yuanming.

"Whispering Vessel. How did you find it? We thought it was in the box."

His voice held surprise bursting into loud laughter that echoed in the room. 

Yuanming, confused, examined the stick in his hand. Was this the magic staff? He furrowed his brows glancing at Q who continued to laugh hysterically. Were they playing a prank on him?

Before he could speak Jun intervened, "You touched it first so we can't touch it right now. Meet us in the Cauliflower Forest tomorrow in the early afternoon."

Yuanming's heart raced, and he nodded eagerly as the men left. 

Seated on the bed he scrutinized the stick more closely, appearing to him as a slightly curved, dull, thin, long brown twig.

"I can't sense any divine powers from you so if I grow old, I can use you as a walking stick," he joked hoping the gods wouldn't punish him for the jest.

"so, the Whispering Vessel turned out to be a person and not a box," he mused furrowing his brows. "they're really bad at hiding it or maybe I was just lucky. Hehe."