Threads of Influence

Sun-woo knew that his upcoming visit to the city lord's office required a certain level of presentability. He couldn't appear in his usual, somewhat worn, traveling clothes. He needed to project an image of confidence and success. Thus, he decided to invest in a new set of attire.

He visited a reputable tailor shop in the heart of Azurebloom, a place known for its fine fabrics and skilled craftsmanship. He selected a set of elegant robes, made from a deep, rich blue silk that complemented his white hair.

The robes were simple yet refined, with subtle embroidery along the cuffs and collar. He also purchased a pair of polished leather boots and a jade belt, completing his transformation.

Dressed in his new attire, Sun-woo made his way to the city lord's office, a grand building that exuded an aura of authority and power.

He entered the reception area, a spacious hall with high ceilings and marble floors. A young woman sat behind a large, ornate desk, her expression polite but professional.

"Greetings," Sun-woo said, approaching the desk. "I would like to request an appointment with Lord Valerius."

The receptionist smiled politely. "I'm afraid Lord Valerius is a very busy man," she said, her voice smooth and dismissive. "He rarely receives unscheduled visitors. Do you have a prior appointment?"

"No," Sun-woo replied, his tone calm. "But I believe he will want to see me."

"I'm sorry, sir," the receptionist said, her smile unwavering. "Without an appointment, I cannot grant you access."

Sun-woo paused, considering his next move. He knew he needed to make an impression, to demonstrate that he was not just another petitioner.

"Perhaps," he said, his voice laced with a hint of amusement, "if you were to inform Lord Valerius that the creator of the Zenith Bloom Elixir is here to see him, he might make an exception."

The receptionist's eyes widened slightly, her professional composure faltering for a moment. She had heard of the Zenith Bloom Elixir, of course. It was the talk of the city.

"The creator?" she repeated, her voice laced with surprise.

"Indeed," Sun-woo confirmed, his smile widening. "Sun-woo, Sect Master of the Valiant Zenith Sect, and the creator of the Zenith Bloom Elixir."

The receptionist's expression shifted from polite dismissal to a mix of curiosity and respect. She knew that Lord Valerius had expressed interest in the elixir, and she didn't dare risk turning away its creator.

"Please, wait here, sir," she said, her voice now laced with deference. "I will inform Lord Valerius immediately." She rose quickly and disappeared through a door behind her desk.

The receptionist returned shortly, her expression now a mixture of awe and slight nervousness. "Lord Valerius will see you now, Sect Master Sun-woo," she said, her voice hushed with reverence. "Please, follow me."

She led Sun-woo through a series of corridors, each more opulent than the last, until they reached a set of grand, double doors. She opened them, revealing a spacious office, bathed in the warm glow of sunlight streaming through tall, arched windows.

Lord Valerius sat behind a large, polished oak desk, his posture straight and regal. His gaze, sharp and piercing, rested on Sun-woo as he entered.

Sun-woo stepped forward, his expression calm and composed. "Lord Valerius," he replied, bowing slightly. "I appreciate you making time to see me."

"The creator of the Zenith Bloom Elixir," Valerius mused, his eyes scanning Sun-woo's new attire. "Your reputation precedes you. Please, have a seat." He gestured towards a plush armchair.

Sun-woo sat, his gaze meeting Valerius's. "I understand you've taken an interest in my elixir," he said, his tone direct.

"Indeed," Valerius replied, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. "It has caused quite a stir in Azurebloom. And I must admit, I am intrigued by its… capabilities."

"Capabilities?" Sun-woo asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"The claims," Valerius clarified. "The rejuvenating effects. They are… remarkable."

"They are also accurate," Sun-woo confirmed, his voice firm.

Valerius' gaze shifted, his eyes lingering on Sun-woo's face. "I've heard stories," he said, his voice low, "of your elixir's ability to… alter appearances. To erase the marks of time, or even… scars."

Sun-woo remained silent, allowing Valerius to reveal his true interest.

Valerius' hand moved, tracing the jagged scar that ran across his cheek. "This," he said, his voice laced with a hint of melancholy, "is a reminder of a promise kept. But it is also… a source of fear for my son."

Sun-woo understood. Valerius was not merely curious about the elixir; he was seeking a solution, a way to mend the rift between himself and his child.

"The Zenith Bloom Elixir," Sun-woo said, his voice gentle, "has the potential to heal more than just the skin. It can also heal the wounds of the heart."

Valerius' eyes flickered, a hint of vulnerability momentarily breaking through his normally stoic facade. He quickly regained his composure, however, his gaze hardening slightly.

"I am not a man easily swayed by sentiment, Sect Master Sun-woo," he said, his voice regaining its authoritative edge. "I am interested in facts, in tangible results."

"Then I suggest you try the elixir for yourself, Lord Valerius," Sun-woo replied, his tone calm and confident. "Experience its effects firsthand. I am certain you will find them… satisfactory."

Valerius considered Sun-woo's suggestion, his mind weighing the risks and benefits. He was a man of action, a cultivator who valued direct experience. Yet, he was also a cautious leader, wary of untested remedies.

"Very well," he said, his voice decisive. "I will test your elixir. But understand, Sect Master Sun-woo, my decision will be based on its efficacy, not on any… emotional appeal. And let me be perfectly clear," he added, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous tone, "if this elixir so much as makes me feel uncomfortable, if there is any adverse reaction, I will mobilize the entire city's garrison. I will track your sect to the ends of the earth, and I will demolish everything you hold dear. Poisoning the city lord is a crime that will not be tolerated."

"I wouldn't expect anything less, Lord Valerius," Sun-woo replied, his smile widening slightly, though his eyes held a steely glint.

"I have brought a vial with me." He reached into his robes and produced a small, exquisitely crafted vial, filled with the shimmering liquid of the Zenith Bloom Elixir. He placed it on Valerius' desk.

Valerius picked up the vial, examining it with a practiced eye. He uncorked it, inhaling the delicate fragrance. "It smells… pleasant," he commented, his tone neutral.

"Its effects are even more so," Sun-woo assured him. "One dose is all it takes."

Valerius hesitated for a moment, his gaze lingering on the vial. Then, with a decisive movement, he raised it to his lips and drank the elixir. He placed the empty vial back on the desk, his expression unchanged.

"And now we wait," Sun-woo said, his voice calm.

Valerius remained silent, his gaze fixed on Sun-woo. He was a man of patience, accustomed to waiting for results. But there was a flicker of anticipation in his eyes, a hint of hope that he couldn't entirely conceal.

The two men sat in silence, the only sound the soft ticking of a clock on the wall. Time seemed to slow, each second stretching into an eternity. Sun-woo watched Valerius closely, observing his reactions, his subtle shifts in posture, his barely perceptible changes in expression.

After a few minutes, Valerius raised a hand to his face, his fingers tracing the edge of his scar. He paused, his brow furrowed, his expression a mix of surprise and disbelief. He ran his fingers along the scar again, pressing lightly.

"It… it feels different," he murmured, his voice laced with wonder, his eyes wide with a subtle shock. "Smoother. Less… rigid."

He rose from his chair, his movements fluid and graceful, and walked towards a polished mirror on the wall. He gazed at his reflection, his eyes scanning his face intently. He touched the scar again, this time with a more focused touch.

Though the outward appearance of the scar remained largely unchanged, the texture beneath his fingertips was undeniably different. The harsh, jagged edges felt slightly softened, the raised ridges less pronounced.

He couldn't see a dramatic change, but the feeling was undeniable. It was as if the very fabric of the scar was subtly shifting, softening from within.

"It… it worked," Valerius said, his voice barely a whisper, his eyes fixed on his reflection. "It actually… it's working." His mind raced, processing the implications.

The elixir wasn't an instant miracle, but it was working.