~~~

The disciples of the Eternal Flame Clan are those who have been born into it or have proven themselves by passing the Selection Exam, a feat only the most talented of prodigies dare to attempt.

However, the reward is well worth it. Those who belong to the Eternal Flame Clan have access to resources the average cultivator would never be able to obtain. Those who join the Eternal Flame Clan are strong and become stronger. That simple truth cannot be denied.

Imagine, for example, two people of equal talent who have been born in the same city. One joins the Eternal Flame Clan while the other stays in some lesser Sect. Naturally, even though their talent is the same, the one who joins the Eternal Flame Clan will become far stronger. The difference between the two will only increase with every passing year until the person who did not join the Eternal Flame Clan simply won’t be worth speaking about.

That is why so many great prodigies naturally gravitate to the Eternal Flame Clan. That is why the Eternal Flame Clan is home to some of the most talented cultivators in the Crimson Cloud Empire and beyond.

The Apothecary is no exception to this.

It is the Apothecary that decides how the many rare herbs and ingredients under the Eternal Flame Clan’s control are used. The disciples within its walls are a studious lot with a predisposition towards alchemy. They constantly seek how to best use the rare ingredients they have access to. Sometimes, this is done by poring over old texts. Sometimes, it is done through dangerous experimentation.

In other words, the disciples who work in the Apothecary are usually in possession of a diligent and ambitious disposition and have little time for banal distractions.

“Junior Brother Jin, is that a Black-Winged Imperial Eagle? I hear they are quite rare. Do you mind if I take a closer look?”

“Brother Qing, by sheer coincidence, I happen to have Fire Mouse meat with me. Perhaps, your eagle will like it. Do you mind if I feed it?”

“Junior Brother, I hear you still have not picked a name for your companion. That is no good. Luckily, I have brought a list of suggestions.”

Some are subtle. Some are not. In the end, they all want the same thing: To get close to his pet. It is not because the Black-Winged Imperial Eagle is some sort of incredibly valuable Spirit Beast. Certainly, it is rare, but not extremely so. Its rarity is not the cause of their interest.

The baby eagle just happens to be incredibly cute.

In time, he will grow big and strong, and his black wings will cast a large shadow upon the ground. For now, he is a small, fluffy ball of white feathers that makes cute chirping noises and occasionally flies around Liu Jin.

Some of the more talented cultivators in the Empire all but lining up to see a tiny eagle chick. If Liu Jin were not so affected by it, he would have found it amusing.

Liu Jin knew a bird nest on his head would call at least some attention. Indeed, it had invited a lot of staring, polite laughing and laughing disguised as coughing. Even Khong Hu hadn’t been immune to it. To date, the time Khong Hu had first seen him with the nest on his head marked the first time Liu Jin had seen him smile. He had even wanted to laugh, but Kohng Hu had struggled mightily against it and succeeded where many had failed.

It is one of the most impressive things Liu Jin has ever seen, though perhaps he is biased in saying so.

Regardless, while Liu Jin had expected some attention, he had also expected it to fade away eventually. He had not been counting on his eagle chick being so popular among his fellow disciples. As someone who does not enjoy being the center of attention, the situation is quite annoying. Even more so because Liu Jin is ninety percent sure the chick is deliberately milking his cuteness to get more treats.

However, there are some upsides to his pet’s popularity. It has created at least one opportunity for him.

“Here,” an older disciple says as he hands him a manuscript. It is already evening, and the two are just outside a room where many ancient documents are stored. “It is one of my first translation attempts, but it is by no means a defective product. It has plenty of information on Black-Winged Imperial Eagles. I am sure it will serve you well.”

Liu Jin inclines his head. “Thank you, Senior Brother Luo. I will be sure to put it to good use.”

“There is no need to thank me. Just remember to give me a few of his feathers when he reaches maturity.”

“Of course, I would not dream of reneging on the payment.”

“See that you don’t,” Senior Brother Luo warns him. “Remember, you also stand to benefit from this, junior.”

“Of course, senior brother.”

Unlike other disciples who had approached Liu Jin out of curiosity or due to the bird’s cuteness, Senior Brother Luo had done it for more academic reasons. He is an older Inner Disciple who dedicates himself to translating and restoring some of the older texts stored in the Apothecary. He believes Black-Winged Imperial Eagle feathers to be one of the key ingredients to one of the recipes he is working on right now.

While there are other ways he could have obtained the feathers, Liu Jin's eagle provides a near and convenient source. He had come up to Liu Jin and offered him a text containing information on Black-Winged Imperial Eagles in exchange for access to the eagle's feathers.

Additionally, should Senior Brother Luo's recipe prove successful, Liu Jin will gain access to it. Senior Brother Luo hadn't been all that enthused by that condition. Still, he ultimately had agreed in exchange for one last favor.

"Now, as for the other part of the payment…"

"It is okay, Senior Brother Luo. As I said, I have no intention of reneging on the payment. I will be sure to cover your shift with the Reverse Tree this month."

~~~

[Art of the Roaming Thief]

Slice.

Grab.

[Art of the Roaming Thief]

The Reverse Tree is a curious species of tree that can only grow upside down. Once the seed is planted, its branches will dig deep into the earth until they find an underground cavern or chamber. Once they find it, the branches will twist into a trunk. From there, the tree will grow leaves, flower and give fruit. It is a rare species of tree that can only be comfortable in total darkness.

As it so happens, there is one deep beneath the Apothecary. It is a gigantic thing that, if it were above ground, could probably be seen from over a mile. Its leaves, fruits, and even its bark contain several unusual properties that make it extremely valuable. It had been planted centuries ago, and the Apothecary had been meticulously taking care of it ever since.

[Art of the Roaming Thief]

Slice.

Grab.

[Art of the Roaming Thief]

The task of harvesting its materials is usually left to disciples who have worked in the Apothecary long enough. To their misfortune, the Reverse Tree does not enjoy being taken care of, nor does it enjoy having parts of itself harvested. What it does enjoy is grabbing nearby lifeforms to drain them of their life.

Typically, the tree would not represent a threat to the disciples. The Reverse Tree may be old, but it is not stronger than a Spirit Realm cultivator. If it was merely a matter of fighting the tree, most Inner Disciples in the Apothecary wouldn’t have any problem.

However, they are not allowed to hurt the tree.

That means they are stuck defending themselves in the darkness while the tree can attack them as viciously as it wants.

[Art of the Roaming Thief]

Slice.

Grab.

[Art of the Roaming Thief]

It is a duty disciples try to avoid whenever possible. No doubt, Senior Brother Luo probably thinks he got the better end of the deal by having Liu Jin take over his shift.

However, Liu Jin does not mind dealing with the Reverse Tree.

[Art of the Roaming Thief]

Slice.

Grab.

[Art of the Roaming Thief]

Again and again the pattern repeats itself. Liu Jin uses [Art of the Roaming Thief] to approach the tree, then he cuts down what he needs with his spear. As soon as that happens, the tree reacts, branches twisting and reaching out to grab him. However, by then, Liu Jin’s already using [Art of the Roaming Thief] to escape.

Liu Jin has been doing this for half an hour and is not even breathing hard. If he had his eagle with him, it would probably be dangerous, but he had left him outside the tree’s chamber. The bird had protested to it, but Liu Jin had explained the matter to him quite sternly.

Liu Jin still isn’t sure how much his eagle had actually understood, but at least he had stopped crying.

Regardless, thanks to [Art of the Roaming Thief], it is easy for him to get close to the tree without being attacked and slice off whatever he needs with his spear.

[Art of the Roaming Thief]

Slice.

Grab.

[Art of the Roaming Thief]

It is repetitive, but it works. Already, Liu Jin has filled one basket full of samples from the tree and is in the process of filling the second one.

“Most impressive.”

The sudden compliment leaves Liu Jin startled, almost enough to allow the tree to grab him. Almost. Liu Jin manages to sways out of the way at the last second and uses [Ground Contraction] to get out of its range. His feet skid across the ground as he comes to stop in front of the person who has just spoken. He immediately bows.

“Elder Xue, it is a pleasure to see you tonight.”

Though they are in total darkness, he has no problems seeing her. Entering the Spirit Realm has further improved his senses. Despite that, it is not too surprising he had not sensed her entering the room. Elder Xue is an Emperor. For all Liu Jin knows, she has been here from the start.

“The way you wield that spear is quite curious,” Elder Xue says as though she had not heard him speak. “I thought so even back during the Selection Exam. When fighting so many Spirit Beasts, most people will rarely think much about the state they leave the bodies in. You have no idea how many corpses are spoiled because the candidates are too eager in their violence, thinking greater displays of power will improve their score.”

“Is that not the case, Elder Xue?”

“No, it is,” the woman admits, “but I find myself annoyed by it. So many cores wasted. That was why I took note of you. All the Spirit Beasts you killed during the Selection Exam were in perfect condition for harvesting. Even though you were tired, you kept killing them by causing the least amount of damage to their most valuable parts. It is as if killing things in the way that best allows you to harvest them is second nature to you.”

She walks over to the basket Liu Jin has filled and picks up a fruit.

“Even though you are using a spear, your cuts are perfect. Not a single fruit is damaged. Each bark sample has been taken in just the right away. Whoever taught you is worthy of praise.”

“I thank Elder Xue for her kind words,” Liu Jin says, bowing his head so he would not have to meet her eyes. It feels as if she can see right through him. “I am what I am because of my Master. It is heartening to know his wisdom can be discerned through me.”

“How humble. How loyal. Fortunately for you, I happen to appreciate both those qualities,” Elder Xue tells him. There is something in her voice. There is a part of this conversation that is beyond Liu Jin’s ability to understand just yet. “However, do be at ease. Am I so scary you must be so tense while I praise you?”

“I apologize, Elder Xue.”

“And yet, you remain tense,” she points out. “To think this is how you act after being rewarded.”

Liu Jin blinks. “Rewarded?”

“Surely, you noticed all the points you gained after your mission in Night Phantasm City?” She raises a delicate eyebrow. “Please, do not tell me you thought they appeared randomly.”

They had wondered about that.

Shortly after returning to the Eternal Flame Clan, the four of them had found their points had gone up. Due to how harsh the Division of External Relations had been during the debriefing, it was hard to imagine they’d reward them for it, yet someone clearly had. It is thanks to these extra points that Huang Shing had been able to purchase some time in one of the isolation chambers.

“I was not sure if our performance was anything to praise,” Liu Jin replies. “The Division of External Relations seemed quite displeased with us.”

Elder Xue snorts. “The Division of External Relations is led by Elder Fa. He is a supporter of Lord Feng Shang. Naturally, he would have preferred for Young Master Feng Zhi to have failed miserably. That he will have to cover up some of the more troublesome aspects of the mission, for now, has no doubt left him in a horrible mood. How sad for him.”

The vicious smile on Elder Xue’s face does not look sad at all. However, Liu Jin is more focused on the name she mentioned.

Lord Feng Shang.

Feng Zhi’s uncle and the one most likely to become the Eternal Flame Clan’s next Patriarch.

“I trust you do not need me to explain myself further? Surely, you are at least somewhat aware of the political situation within the Eternal Flame Clan right now?”

This is a test. Liu Jin understands that immediately. However, that doesn’t mean he knows what the right answer is.

“I know Patriarch Feng Zhang has two sons, and I have heard the first son, Lord Feng Shang, is the one most likely to become Patriarch. Am I to assume, given Elder Xue’s words just now, that this choice is not one with universal support?”

“Correct. Some people support Lord Feng Shang. Others support Young Master Feng Zhi’s father, Lord Feng Gui. It is a difficult subject within the Sect. Unfortunately for all, the two brothers are completely equal in skill.” She sighs and shakes her head. “Perhaps if Patriarch Feng had decided to retire one hundred years earlier, this would not be a problem, but right now, they are both in the Ninth Level of the Emperor Realm. I wonder, what would you do if you had to choose between two people of the same skill and cultivation level.”

“I suppose I would match their achievements against each other.”

“A good answer.” Elder Xue nods. “But what if they had similar enough achievements.”

“In that case…” Liu Jin thinks carefully about it. “In that case, I would start looking at the people around them. Their allies. Their families…”

“Their sons?”

Liu Jin nods.

“And that would be the reason why Lord Feng Shang is the one most likely to become Patriarch. Tell me, what do you think of Young Master Feng Zhi?”

It takes Liu Jin a moment to gather his thoughts.

“Though I was initially hesitant to be under his command, he proved himself several times,” Liu Jin says. “He behaved competently throughout our stay in Night Phantasm City and always used our abilities in the best way possible.”

“And yet, you could not protect the Bright Phantasm Sect’s heir.”

Liu Jin frowns. “The situation grew beyond our control. However, I do not think the blame for that lies with Young Master Feng Zhi.”

Not completely, at least. Certainly, if Feng Zhi had asked the Elders of the Bright Phantasm Sect to help them, the entire situation could have been avoided. However, in that event, they would have failed the mission in a different way. Even if he does not agree with his choice, Liu Jin can understand why he acted that way.

“Perhaps. Perhaps not. That you are able to speak in Young Master Feng Zhi’s favor after everything that happened can be considered a victory for him. Regardless, his performance was far from perfect. When compared to his cousin, Young Master Feng Zhou, I fear Young Master Feng Zhi is only adequate and adequate is simply not enough.”

Feng Zhou. Feng Zhi’s cousin. Son of Lord Feng Shang and older than Feng Zhi by almost a decade.

“That does not seem fair to Feng Zhi.”

“Oh?” Elder Xue moves closer to him. She moves so gracefully it is almost as if she’s gliding over the ground. “Then what metric would you use to decide who should be the next Patriarch if not the strength and talent of their progeny?”

Something...

“That depends.”

Something is wrong.

“On what?”

Before he can stop himself, before he can decide, the truth comes rolling from his lips.

“On which of the two brothers is the one helping keep the stalemate between the Three Heavenly Generals of the Storm Dragon Empire.”

Elder Xue’s red lips curl into a smile.

~~~