Storm Surge (Part 3)

I sighed, feeling the weight of my condition press down on me again. My body had grown thinner over the months, my cheekbones more pronounced, and my skin paler than before. "Yes," I admitted. "It's a destructive drug that's been slowly killing me for almost two years now. It behaves like poison but was refined with light energy. It destroys my internal organs at a slow pace, and when left unchecked, it becomes far more aggressive."

Tao Liu's eyes widened in recognition. "Are you referring to the White Vulture?" he asked. "The same drug that claimed Crown Prince Sheng?"

I blinked, surprised by his knowledge. "You've heard of it?"

"Of course," he said solemnly. "Everyone was talking about it when the crown prince passed away. I happened to be in the capital at the time. You're fortunate to have survived this long. The prince wasn't so lucky."

I looked down, memories of my brief visit to the palace resurfacing. "I was brought to the palace to investigate his condition," I explained. "But it was too late by then. His body had already deteriorated beyond repair. He passed before we could even determine the source of the drug."

Tao Liu sighed heavily, shaking his head. "That's a tragedy. I've heard that the White Vulture has no cure and typically kills its victim within half a year. How have you managed to survive this long?"

"Powerful herbs," I said simply. "They've helped slow its progress, but they can't cure it. I've been told that my best chance lies in strengthening my dark core. Since the drug was refined using light energy, a strong dark core might be able to counter the light energy fueling the drug. It's a gamble, but I don't have any other options left."

Tao Liu rubbed his chin, his gaze pensive. "It's a dangerous path, but it might be your only chance. I take it that's one of the reasons you've come here?"

"Yes," I admitted. "It's part of the reason. But beyond that… I need a place to belong. Somewhere I can rebuild myself—my cultivation, my purpose. Somewhere I can start anew."

Tao Liu smiled faintly, though his eyes were full of understanding. "Then you've come to the right place. It may not be much, but this temple is a sanctuary for those who wish to forge a new path. We'll do what we can to help you."

I nodded, gratitude swelling in my chest. For the first time in a long while, I felt a flicker of hope.

"There's a special room in the basement of the temple," Tao Liu continued. "It's designed for seclusion, ideal for those seeking to strengthen their dark core. You could make use of it if the need arises."

"It is something I'll need eventually," I replied, "but not now. Recently, I've been through some… unfortunate events. They've left me emotionally unstable, and my dark energy has been rampaging uncontrollably, suppressing my light core. Because of that, I've had frequent episodes of qi deviation. I need to stabilize my dark core first before attempting anything else. Without balance, both cores will consume each other."

Tao Liu furrowed his brows in understanding. "Of course, you're right. Forgive this old man for his shortsightedness. I had forgotten how essential balance is for someone with dual cores, and I know how difficult it is to achieve. Maintaining harmony between opposing energies is a feat that even the most skilled cultivators have failed to accomplish. I was one of them."

I looked at him in surprise. "You?"

He gave a wry smile and nodded. "Yes. Many years ago, I too bore the burden of two cores. I was a fourth-level light cultivator when my master decided to implant a dark core within me. He had hoped I could become the successor to this sect and revive its dying legacy. But mere hours after the implantation, the opposing energies inside me clashed violently. My master realized the danger too late. The backlash nearly cost me my life."

I frowned. "What happened?"

"My master made the difficult choice to nullify my cultivation to save me," he explained, his voice calm but tinged with old sorrow. "He severed my connection to both cores and rendered me incapable of advancing further. Although I tried to start anew, my progress stopped at the second level. I've been here ever since, watching over this temple and waiting for someone like you to walk in."

I felt a pang of sympathy for the old priest. "I'm sorry, Elder Tao. That must have been a terrible loss."

He waved a hand dismissively. "I've long made peace with it. My cultivation may have ended, but life did not. I've found purpose in caring for these children. If I can raise them well and see them lead fulfilling lives, then I will have accomplished something meaningful. Greatness is not only achieved through cultivation, Luo Fan. Sometimes it's found in the small acts of kindness we do for others."

His words resonated with me, stirring something deep inside. "Thank you for sharing that, Elder Tao. You're right."

He smiled warmly, the lines on his face softening. "Enough about me. Tell me how you've come to learn about this temple?"

I hesitated briefly before answering. "Abbot Mo told me about this place and its history with dual-core cultivation. I came here hoping to learn how to manage my cores and perhaps find a way to strengthen my dark core. It's a gamble, but it might be the only way to destroy the White Vulture poison in my body."

Tao Liu nodded. "The road ahead will not be easy, but I can see you're determined. And don't worry—I remember the techniques my master taught me to keep the two cores in harmony. I'll teach you everything I know."

Gratitude swelled in my chest. I bowed my head deeply. "Thank you, Elder Tao. I owe you more than I can express."

He chuckled. "Don't bow so deeply. You're a dual-core cultivator now, the first true disciple of this sect in decades. It is I who should be thanking you for coming here. Your presence gives this temple hope."

Despite his words, I couldn't shake my discomfort. I wasn't ready for the responsibilities that came with being a dual-core disciple, let alone being seen as the savior of this sect. Still, his sincerity was undeniable, and I couldn't bring myself to refuse his gratitude.

"Since you have the knowledge, Elder Tao," I said, "then perhaps it would be proper for me to call you my master?"

He shook his head quickly. "No, no, that won't do. In the cultivation world, one must not take on the title of 'master' lightly. I can guide you, but I am unworthy of such an honor."

I nodded. I understood the sacred rule of the cultivation world, that a cultivator must never assume the role of a master unless he's reached the sixth level of cultivation. "Then I'll simply call you Elder Tao."

At that moment, Xiao Leng burst into the room, panting and red-cheeked. "Elder Tao! The altar is ready."

"And the tea?" Priest Tao asked, arching a brow.

The boy scratched his head sheepishly. "I'll remind Bing Hai to bring it."

Priest Tao waved him off. "Never mind the tea. We'll have it after the induction." He turned back to me with a grin. "Let's proceed to the sacred ground. This is an occasion we've waited decades for."

I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "Of course. Tea can wait."

"Indeed it can. The induction cannot. Come along."

With that, Priest Tao rose to his feet, his energy belying his years, and led me toward the back door. I followed, feeling a strange mix of nervousness and anticipation.

*****