The difference between wisdom and foolishness often lies not in our initial choices, but in how we handle their unexpected oues. A wise person learns to navigate the chaos they create, while a fool drowns in it.


    —Master Song Lin, Schr of the Jade Path


    The atmosphere of the execution grounds, the square in front of the city manor, was muted. Soldiers stood at attention armed with spears while the civilians stood in a crowd on the other side of the cordon.


    Xin watched Prince Hao draw his ornate sword, its polished surface catching the light. Lord Chao knelt on the wooden tform, hands bound behind his back.


    "Lord Chao, your sentence is death." Prince Hao’s voice rang clear across the courtyard.


    Lord Chao lifted his chin. "Remember your promises."


    "I always keep my word." Prince Hao adjusted his grip on the sword.


    The de whistled through the air. Lord Chao’s head thumped onto the ground, blood pooling and then running between the cracks in the cobble. Prince Hao produced a silk cloth and methodically cleaned his de before approaching Zhao Lian.


    "I trust this settles matters?" His tone remained conversational, as if discussing the weather rather than a fresh execution.


    "Provided the Chao family withdrawspletely from ckmere and ceases all pursuit against House Lin." Zhao Lian’s steady voice betrayed no emotion.


    Prince Hao passed the bloodied cloth to Min Tajin with a dismissive flick. "Our business here concludes."


    Xin and Feng Yu observed the prince’s departure. The morning breeze carried the metallic scent of blood across the square. Prince Hao paused before Feng Yu, his gaze fixed straight ahead.


    "In a pit of vipers a bird might think to fly free toward the heavens, but she’ll inevitably be torn down by those same vipers if she doesn’t fly fast enough." His words cut through the air like ice, silencing the murmur of the crowd. "The ones who like to set feathers to me might be spending time in Aeris. A certain bird might want to spend her time there instead of roaming the backwaters."


    The prince’s gaze shifted to Xin, lingering for a weighted moment. Without another word, continued and strode away, Min Tajin following in his wake. Her cousin offered a side wave without looking from the prince’s back.


    Xin turned to Feng Yu as Prince Hao’s silhouette disappeared into the morning mist. "Did you understand his warning?"


    "Yes." Feng Yu adjusted her sleeve, sunlight glinting off the golden threads. "Have you decided between Aeris or Arinthia yet?"


    "Mei Chen and I will go, but I haven’t chosen which," Xin replied.


    "I’m heading to Aeris." Feng Yu straightened her back.


    "Well, that settles it then. The three of us can travel together."


    "Four." Ren Chun strode across the execution grounds toward them, careful to avoid the blood. "I need to join a school now that I have demonstrated my talent."


    Xin snorted. "Right. Maybe you just waited until you had an advantage? Were the entrance tests too difficult without leveling up first?"


    "Leveling... up?" Ren Chun asked, question in the words. He shook his head not understanding. "I needed prestigious victories. Leading heroic warriors to save a noble family from mercenaries makes perfect credentials!"


    "Are such deeds really required for school admission?" Xin furrowed her brow.


    Feng Yu beamed. "Don’t worry—we defeated an ancient dawn serpent. That’s far more impressive."


    "Are you sure we defeated it?" Xin shot her a skeptical nce. "It seemed to lose interest and leave to avoid harming Liuhuo. I sort of wonder where it went after…"


    "Pfft!" Feng Yu waved dismissively. "It fled from us. That counts as victory!"


    Liuhuo appeared from under her cor and hissed at her chin. Someone didn’t agree.


    "Ha!" Ren Chun crossed his arms. "Tell that story and they’ll think youck decisiveness!"


    Okay, multiple someones.


    "Doesn’t Bong Ki already teach you?" Xin brushed a stray leaf from her temple. "He might object to you joining another school."


    "Hong Bi." Ren Chun emphasized each syble with exaggerated patience. "And it’s expected for disciples to broaden their horizons. When a master sends their student to experience the world, joining a formal school follows naturally."


    Feng Yu shook her head, robes rustling. "Actually, that’s not universally true. Cultivation methods vary significantly between private instruction and formal institutions—"


    Ren Chun cut in. "The traditional approach emphasizes individual growth through—"


    Their voices faded into background noise as Xin spotted Mei Chen hovering behind. She reached back and gently captured Mei Chen’s waist, pulling her forward to stand alongside them.


    "What do you think about all this?"


    "Me... me, miss?" Mei Chen squeaked, fidgeting with her sleeve.


    "Yes?"


    "I’ll go wherever you go." Mei Chen stared at the ground.


    Xin studied her carefully. "You always agree with everything I say. Don’t you have your own thoughts on matters?"


    Ren Chun and Feng Yu turned toward Mei Chen, their debate forgotten.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Mei Chen blinked in surprise and swallowed hard. "Well... Aeris sits closer to home than Arinthia. We could send messages to Auntie Lian more quickly from there?"


    "Yes." Xin smiled. "That’s true."


    Feng Yu spun toward Mei Chen, her amber eyes zing with sudden intensity. "You need to be more assertive! Don’t let anyone walk all over you!"


    Mei Chen yelped.


    Xin suppressed a groan. Trust Feng Yu to bulldoze straight through any sense of tact or subtlety. The morning sun caught the nervous tremor in Mei Chen’s hands as she twisted her sleeves.


    "Exactly!" Ren Chun nted his feet wide, gesturing emphatically. "Cultivators must always push forward. Stagnation and hesitation lead to weakness!"


    "Umm... umm..." Mei Chen shrank back, her shoulders hunching inward.


    A cool breeze rustled through her hair as Xin drew in a steadying breath. "Mei Chen, you’re brilliant and strong. If you’re content with how things are, that’s fine. But holding back your thoughts isn’t good for anyone. Being more assertive about sharing your mind would help. You’re not a maid anymore."


    Mei Chen’s face crumpled, tears welling up in her eyes. "I’m... fired?"


    Pure panic shot through Xin’s chest. "No! That’s not what I meant at all! You’re not fired—you’re just not a maid anymore. You’re a cultivator now, and a spirit. You’re not a servant, you’re... you’re..."


    "She’s our new martial sister!" Feng Yu stepped between them, spreading her arms wide enough to capture both of them in a hug.


    Mei Chen’s mouth dropped open. The morning sunlight caught the tears still glistening on her cheeks as she stared at Feng Yu.


    Xin blinked rapidly. The deration knocked the thoughts right out of her head. Martial sister?


    A sharp pain shot through Xin’s back as Feng Yu’s palm connected with enough force to make her stumble forward. "How can I not consider my younger martial sister’s childhood friend and close confidante as such? The three of us will go far!"


    "Hey, what about me?" Ren Chun nted his feet wider, crossing his arms over his chest.


    Feng Yu turned toward him with one elegant eyebrow raised. "I thought you were going for the title of grandpa or something?"


    "Grand—grandpa!?" Red crept up Ren Chun’s neck. "I’m only a year older than you! How old do you think I am?"


    "It’s not about age." Feng Yu jabbed a finger toward his chest. "It’s about your behavior!"


    Feng Yu detached and went after him directly. As their voices rose in pitch and volume, Xin seized her chance. She grabbed Mei Chen’s hand and pulled her toward the manor gates. Escape!


    Xin settled onto the meditation cushion beside Mei Chen in Master Qingfeng’s study. The familiar scent of sandalwood incense filled the air. Instead of beginning their usual routine, Qingfeng pulled a rolled parchment from his sleeve and extended it toward her.


    "Master?" Xin epted the scroll, noting the official seal.


    "I have a mission for you to aplish on your way from ckmere." Qingfeng straightened his robes.


    Xin unrolled the parchment and her eyes widened at the contents. "A bounty? One thousand spirit stones for subjugating a wrathful spirit?" She traced the inked characters with her fingertip. "This seems far beyond our capabilities, even with Feng Yu and Ren Chun’s help."


    "The spirit slipped from an ancient soul prison that once contained it." Qingfeng stroked his beard. "Though old, its power has waned considerably. A group of young cultivators should prove sufficient to prevent further harm to innocent people."


    "But why do you want us to do it?" Mei Chen spoke up.


    Xin nced at herpanion. Yes! Good job speaking up, Mei Chen! The earlier encouragement was already working.


    "I believe this will prove educational." Qingfeng’s gaze settled on Mei Chen specifically. "Especially for you. It may demonstrate what a spirit could be."


    Xin frowned at the implication. "Isn’t that cruel to Mei Chen?"


    "No, miss." Mei Chen straightened her spine. "I would rather know what I’m fighting against. I don’t want to be blind to dangers."


    Well, that settled it then. Xin rolled the scroll carefully. "We’ll take the mission, Master Qingfeng."


    "Excellent. Now—both of you assume the lotus position." Qingfeng lit another stick of sandalwood incense.


    Xin suppressed a groan. Of course agreeing to hunt a dangerous spirit wouldn’t get them out of meditation practice. She straightened her back and closed her eyes, focusing on her breathing as Qingfeng’s measured voice guided them through the familiar routine.


    An hourter, Xin’s legs felt cramped as she descended the pavilion stairs with Mei Chen. Of course, they weren’t really cramped, she didn’t get cramps as a cultivator any more, but the mental damage was still there.


    Movement in the courtyard caught her attention—a flurry of activity as servants scurried about with boxes and parcels. Wei Kang stood shirtless in their midst, ritual scars gleaming as he hoisted a towering stack of crates over his head. The muscles in his arms bunched and flexed with each movement.


    Was he… showing off?


    Xin tore her gaze away and spotted Ming Lihua directing the organized chaos. She steered Mei Chen toward the senior merchandiser. "What’s all this about?"


    "Oh!" Ming’s usualposure slipped. "Master Qingfeng ns to travel soon. We’re just preparing the necessities."


    Xin exchanged a meaningful look with Mei Chen. "How often does Master Qingfeng usually travel?"


    Ming avoided eye contact and released a weakugh. "I... can’t actually recall thest time..."


    Unease prickled along Xin’s spine. Something felt very wrong about this. She thanked Ming and guided Mei Chen toward the manor gates. They needed to speak with Feng Yu and Ren Chun—there were preparations to make before departing.


    Xin watched their reactions unfold with growing disbelief.


    Ren Chun thrust his fist skyward. "This will guarantee our eptance as high-ranking outer disciples! No questions asked!"


    Feng Yu turned toward Xin. "Master Qingfeng truly believes we can aplish this?"


    "He suggested Mei Chen and I ask for your help." Xin gestured between them. "The location lies along the route to Aeris."


    A brightugh burst from Feng Yu as she mirrored Ren Chun’s pose, raising her own fist. "We’ll be recognized instantly for our prowess!"


    Mei Chen sidled closer to Xin, her breath tickling Xin’s ear. "Perhaps we should reconsider? Ming Lihua or the mercenaries might—"


    "What?" Feng Yu’s enthusiastic expression froze as she stared at them. "This is a perfect opportunity!"


    Xin pinched the bridge of her nose. "You two must havee from the same cultivator hero fabrication line or something."


    "A... what?" Ren Chun’s face scrunched in confusion.


    "No amount of karma could have engineered my association with you two." Xin rubbed her temples. "How did this even happen?"


    Feng Yuughed and wrapped her arm around Xin’s shoulders. "You inherited the luck of the heavens, obviously! Isn’t your secret grandpa the ’Thunder God’ or something like that?"


    Xin groaned. Now even her sarcastic naming conventions were causing her grief!