Bleary eyed, Felix shuffled down the mountain toward the day’s lecture.

Where was Xue this morning? I barely made it here without her direction. Don’t tell me she is still at Everglades. What could they be doing alone, by themselves, for hours… No…

His thoughts woke him fully from his groggy state but he shook himself, vainly attempting to banish certain thoughts from his mind. He instead focused on the surrounding vegetation, which was lush with life due to currently being under the effects of the Spring portion of the Sect’s formation. In his more awake state, he finally noticed how everything seemed to be filled with colors and it wasn’t limited to the flowers.

A little stream flowed along the path and a soothing feeling filled him before he reached the new lecture area. Even there, the effect of the Spring portion of the formation was visible. The ground was covered in lush green grass and even the lecture stand had various flowers sprouting on it.

As usual, a crowd of disciples was already present, and Felix had to navigate his way to the front. Then his stomach dropped as Yang Mei noticed him from the back and sent him a winning smile. A cute yawn interrupted his thoughts and he turned his head back toward the stage.

Oh no…

A familiar cloud floated down from with a sleepy-eyed Zhenzhen seated atop it. The cloud stopped a few feet above the lecture stand and she rolled, the cloud morphing with her movements into a plush look chair.

“The war effort has required the attention of the other Elders, yadda yadda, so I will be teaching today’s lecture.” Said Zhenzhen. She slumped in her chair. “This is going to be soooo boring.”

Felix found himself admiring how cute she was, every little movement of hers becoming extra adorable. Yet amongst the maelstrom of emotions that lay beneath the surface of his mind, the foreign nature of the feeling was clear. Setting it aside for later observation, he glanced around and found many disciples with dazed looks on their faces. Somewhere between slack jawed idiocy and pure adoration, both males and females.

That… is not a flattering look.

“Oh, come on.” Said Zhenzhen, giving the surrounding disciples an exasperated look that brought her more adoring looks. “I always forget about that. So annoying.”

Lazily raising a hand, she snaps her fingers. The feeling of adoration was gone from the cacophony and Felix looked around to find disciples rousing themselves, some with mortified looks. A few were uttering curses while two disciples even had wistful expressions. One unfortunate girl was hiding her face, drool stains visible down her robes.

“Well, I suppose I have all of your attention. As I hope you all know, this is the general cultivation class. If that is a surprise, you are in the wrong class.” Said Zhenzhen. “Now, let’s expand all of your horizons. I am sure you are all at least familiar with Dantain cultivation methods and body cultivating. Let see… Do any of you know which of those spirit beasts fall into? Yes, you.”

“Uhhh, body cultivation?” Said the girl with the spittle down her robe. “At least, I believe so. It is well known that spirit beasts naturally have strong bodies.”

“For all intents and purposes, that is accurate.” Said Zhenzhen. “More truthfully though, they normally are a combination of both. It is really dependent on the species and if they have a bloodline. A general rule of thumb is to treat them closer to body cultivates up to the core realm. Really strong body cultivators.”

“Still, at the end of the day, it isn’t that different from what a human cultivator. Different but still somewhat within your understanding of what's possible. So let us go outside that understanding. You all have heard of qi, but what about elemental essence?” She paused at the blank looks. “Oh, come on, haven’t you all at least heard of the Elemental Causeways. Yes? Good. We really need to recruit people that aren’t all cultivation idiots… anyway, elemental essence is nearly non-existent in our world. It is only in elemental causeways that its existence is abundant enough for it to be practical to use as the essence for your foundation.”

…What!?

Felix raised a hand and Zhenzhen returned a smile. He tried to pull it back down.

“I saw that Disciple Felix, what is your question?”

“Um… Well, first of all, how is it that no one knows about this, and what difference does using elemental essence make? I already cultivate some form of qi with an earth attribute. Assuming there is an earth essence, could I just use that instead? Or am I making false assumptions?”

“First of all, you all don’t know because it is one of the many things that those in power don’t like to talk about. Maintaining inheritance is hard enough for cultivators, much fewer mortals. As for whether you could use earth essence instead, the answer is no. However, going to the elemental causeway of The Earth would provide a great opportunity to understand that element. The most unique thing about Elemental causeways is that they are the most straightforward way to go to another cultivation world, even one in a higher realm.”

“…wait,” Said Felix. “Don’t higher realms have better cultivation resources? Why aren’t we all rushing to the local elemental causeway.”

“Because there is normally only one stable elemental causeway on a mortal level world. There are three on an immortal world and it's believed there are nine on the Divine world.” She raised a hand as Felix began to ask his next question. “And the elemental causeway in our world has two issues. It is currently blocked on Jade Tile island, also called The Tinker’s Isle, which is far into the sea and to the west of the Empire. The city that calls that place home is riddled with legacy defense items. Assaulting it with any worldly power is a false hope and while people are free to go to the local city, the sect there is traditionally wary of outsiders. On top of that, elemental causeways are home to the equivalent of spirit beasts. Elemental Beasts. These beasts are not typically intelligent like spirit beasts, but a single elemental causeway is not divided like the worlds. Any part of the causeway could contain an elemental beast of the element at essence gathering all the way up to some unknown cultivation only seen in the divine realm. The entrance to the elemental causeway on the island is also the home to an elemental beast of unknown power.”

“Do we have to be worried about it, you know, coming here?”

Zhenzhen waves a dismissive hand.

“No. From all accounts, elemental beasts will never leave their respective elemental causeway except during an elemental break. At that time, elemental essence will overflow into the world and qi will overflow into the elemental causeway. Natural treasures will be generated in both areas at an outstanding rate and the normally docile elemental beasts will become agitated. This is actually where the legend of beast rushes comes for. Not that it can’t happen for other reasons.”

“Now let us start explaining the known difference between elemental essence and qi…”

Felix found himself listening half-heartedly until Cixi raised her hand.

Elder ZhenZhen glanced at Cixi. “Yes, disciple Cixi. What is it?”

“Well, you mentioned how spiritual beasts naturally process Qi and are close to natural body refiners than Qi cultivators.” She paused as she realized she was the center but then focused back on the elder. “However, I heard spirit beasts that reach the core cultivator equivalent can actually turn into humans. What about being a core cultivator causes that?”

Elder Zhenzhen laughs and rolls her eyes. “I’ve been trying to talk about the difference between elemental essence and qi and you bring it back to spirit beasts.” Cixi turned red face and looked away. “Oh, I don’t mind answering disciple.”

The cloud chair bent back with her as she reclined, and her face took on a thoughtful expression. “As you all know, much of what a cultivator can truly find out about tends to be limited to their cultivation rank or the knowledge base of their sect. According to legend, when the first cultivation world was formed, only creatures of unimaginable power and wisdom knew how to transform into humans. This is strange because some sources even claim humans didn’t exist as a species but that’s neither here nor there. As I was saying, to these mighty beings, this transformation was little more than a gimmick. It wasn’t like cultivators of such a level couldn’t change their bodies in a variety of ways. Though I have heard that even they would lose some strength when doing so.”

“The greatest of these was the Dragon Emperor.” Zhenzhen flicked her fingers in front of her, summoning a small cloud with her qi. It morphed into a mighty dragon and for some reason, the students could feel a pressure from it. Zhenzhen raised her eyebrows in surprise at the pressure but continued. “The Dragon Emperor was considered the king of spirit beast in those days and he took great pride in the title.” A landscape of clouds expanded out before the conjured dragon, decorated by innumerable beasts. “However, The Dragon Emperor realized that most of its subjects stumbled on the road of cultivation. Even though spirit beasts could naturally cultivate qi, unless their bloodline was powerful or they were insanely lucky, their growth would end up being stunted. So, the Dragon emperor began to ponder.”

Zhen absently waved her hand, allowing the cloud display to continue to change with her words. She paused for a moment as the scenes continued to play out before them. Most didn’t see as she pulled out a peach from her divine ring and took a bite. Felix found himself distracted by a drop of juice…

“Even after a long time, the Dragon Emperor couldn’t solve the problem. For even if he shared every drop of his blood, which had done before, it wouldn’t make a difference. Additionally, even though bloodlines are sometimes called the beast manuals, they are also notoriously hard to pass on.” Said Zhenzhen “He helped a few and found trillions of beings that worshipped him left to suffer. So, he traveled far and wide and asked around. None had an answer until he came upon the first human empire. There, he found the human emperor. The human emperor laughed when he heard the Dragon Emperor's concern. He said ‘Your beast cannot help being slaves to your nature. For that is all they are given when they enter this world. We humans on the other hand have learned to pass on skills to our descendants so they too may one day ascend. We are not limited to simple blood memory.’ To the Human Emperor's confusion, the Dragon Emperor laughed and ran off. For the Dragon Emperor had figured out how to give the normal beasts a way forward. He just had to make it so they could turn human. Yet to reach every corner of the cultivation world, only the Dao could do that. So he fought it till it would.”

The cloud display morphed once more, showing a dragon ascending to attack something. Then a crack sounded as lightning coursed across the sky. A moment later, the display was gone. Everyone was stunned until they burst out in animated discussion.

Cixi raised her hand back into the air “umm, I can understand why the Dragon Emperor did it. But… how?” Many of their fellow disciples gave nods of agreement.

“You will have to ask Elder Jin.” Said elder Zhenzhen. “Now I need a nap. Class dismissed.”

Elder Zhenzhen’s cloud then turned around and floated up the mountain. As he watched her go, Felix felt someone at his back and turned to find a grinning Yang Mei.

“Have you found anyone to go with us, Felix?”

“Oh, well, I actually did find someone but-.” Said Felix.

“Great! I knew you could do it. There are still some things I need to get ready, but I can rush if we want to leave today. This is so exciting, my first mission! I didn’t think I would be able to do this for years.”

“But there is a problem.”

“Oh, is it about our leader? I don’t mind who it is. As long as we are together it can’t be too bad.”

“No, the problem is with me.”

“Is something wrong?”

“I don’t think I can go.”

“What, why?” Said Yang Mei, her expression falling like a setting sun. “Is something wrong? I am sorry I made you find someone. Is this my fault?”

“What, Dao no!” Said Felix, forcing a grin on his face. He moved to hug her but noticed the many eyes still lingering from class. He gave her an awkward pat on the shoulder. “Elder Shen just thinks I need some help before he thinks I am ready for that.”

“That’s great!” Said Yang Mei, her smile back to full bloom. “I didn’t know you were getting lessons from him in addition to Xue. Even though I am a little Jealous, and I get direct training from Elder Jackie. Still, I was really looking forward to the mission.”

“Don’t worry, we can go on a mission together at some later point. Besides, if I uh…” Said Felix.

How to word this…

“Well,” said Felix. “If I learn quickly enough, Elder Shen might let me go. It all depends on how the next few days pan out. You are willing to wait a bit, aren’t you?”

“Of course, but focus on this opportunity. I’ve got your back either way.”

Felix met Elder Shen outside the medicine hall. The monk gave him a smile and they entered the building. He led him into a room clearly meant for alchemy. Weird tools littered the table, a large shelf lined the back wall, and a massive black cauldron dominated the center of the room.

Elder Shen strode over to the bookshelf and pulled down a massive black tome. He turned back and placed it in Felix’s waiting hands.

“Try your gift”

Getting right to it I see, well, let's try this.

Closing his eyes, he felt the information flow into his mind.

…. What the hell?

“Well, Felix? I can see from your face that things didn’t go well.”

“That’s one way of putting it.” Said Felix, placing the tome down on an empty table.

“The book not only is considered trash but the cost for upgrading it is the highest I’ve seen. I even know why.”

“Mmmm, that is most unfortunate. That there was our best primary on Alchemy. Perhaps it is the type of information? Maybe it was because it was so broad without a focus? I can only think of a few places where we might obtain better alchemy manuals. It is historically a weakness of the Central Region. Well, that was just our first test. How about this one?”

Elder Shen hands Felix a small tome with purple binding.

“[Lavender Hands]?” Said Felix, giving Elder Shen a look. “Is this something I even want to learn?”

“Just test it.” Said the monk.

[Lavender Hands (Mortal 1)]

Power: Trash

Comprehension: (0/100)

Stage: N/A

[Upgrade for 50 points?]

This is BS. Stupid system.

Felix felt a hand on his shoulder.

“Don’t worry Felix, I was hopeful, but you can’t always expect things to work out the first time. I have several places I want to go and see if it stimulates this ‘quest’ thing. If that doesn’t work, I have one more idea I want to try.”

Nothing is working!

A very tired and mangy looking Felix followed Elder Shen the next day. The smoke from their attempt in the kitchens could still be seen in the sky.

I didn’t even know the sect did some of those things. Ugh, my hands still hurt.

He blinked as he realized that Elder Shen had led to the hall of knowledge. As they neared the stair, the monk gave Felix a raised eyebrow.

“You really don’t look great Felix. How about I give you a hand.”

The monk laid a hand on his shoulder and the world blurred. Felix stumbled as he found himself on the top floor of The Hall of Knowledge in the same spot he had the meeting with Xue and Elder Shen.

Still feeling unsteady, Felix stumbled to a chair to take an unsteady seat. A grinning Elder Shen sat down opposite him.

“Alright Felix, I admit your gift has been quite frustrating. So, let us go back to more familiar territory.” Said Elder Shen. He pulled out a book from his ring and placed it on the table. “This book is [Sword of the Titan]. It is the most popular of the sword manuals at the sect. I believe Young Xue was planning on having you learn it after your body cultivation had progressed. It doesn’t actually need a particular element to use but is still quite powerful so many are drawn to it. I want you to improve this manual and then release it for the Sect.”

Then Felix flinched as a message rose in his mind's eye.

[Quest: Improving the sect’s manuals

A sect’s manuals are one of the four pillars upon which any cultivation organization’s foundation is built. Improve existing or add better manuals to their general repository. The impact of the book on the Sect determines the amount of KE rewarded.

Rewards: KE points variable [Mission Repeatable], Note: sufficient contribution can improve [Fate] status]

Yes, yes, yes! Let the money fucking rain!

“That… worked for some reason.” Said Felix, taking a deep breath.

“See,” said Elder Shen. “Sometimes it takes a while for your efforts to pay off.

“So… should I start improving it?”

“Not quite yet Felix. First, we are going to go over this book together.” Said Elder Shen. He opened the manual to the first page. “We are going to take this step by step until we wring every last bit out of this manual. Since this is your only opportunity besides recruiting disciples to earn these KE, we must make the most of it.”

Felix nodded and allowed the system notification to appear one more time.

[Sword of The Titan (Mortal 1)]

Power: Far Below Average

Comprehension: Beginner (0/10)

Stage: Qi Gathering

------------------

Twenty KE spent, but it was worth it

[Sword of The Titan (Mortal 21)]

Power: Average

Comprehension: Master (10/10)

Stage: Qi Gathering

In shaking hands, Felix held the messy stake of freshly written pages and then gave Elder Shen a look.

“Can I turn it in now?

“Go for it”

[Mission accepted]

This is it!

[Points allocated]

Come on baby!

[Points rewarded, 4 points]

Oh yea, there we go.

He turned to Elder Shen, a smug grin on his face. Then he froze.

Wait… four points… I spent twenty points.

Elder Shen’s eyebrow rose as Felix started to shake.

Twenty minus four... I earned negative sixteen points.

Felix brought his fist down toward the book and a boom sounded out with the force. He blinked as he took in deep breaths in his anger only to notice the improved manual was gone. He turned, fury still on his face.

Elder Shen stood there, casually paging through the newest version of the book. He raised an eyebrow in question.

“Something wrong young Felix? It does appear to have improved the manuals. Was your ‘quest’ thing a failure?"

Felix found himself having to mentally command his jar to unclench before he could speak.

“Sort of. I was able to receive points. I just receive less than I spent.”

“Well, it was a good start.”

“I-, how is that something worthy of praise?”

“You must look on the bright side, disciple Felix. Now explain exactly what happened.” Said Elder Shen.

Felix reiterated it and Elder Shen took a seat, steepling his fingers.

“See, it isn’t a complete loss.” Said Elder Shen. “At the very least, this means you can improve certain manuals for cheaper than you originally thought, no?

“Well… I suppose that's true.”

“If only we had enough points, we could test them without a care. I want to know the ins and out of this. Is it because of the value of the book you made? The final strength? Maybe it is the importance of it to the sect. Figuring out these rules will determine whether

“So, I am going to suppose something you may not like, Felix.

“I think I know, and I hate it.”

“Let’s use your remaining points to improve as many manuals as you can. I will pick out certain subjects and we will cram in as much knowledge as I can in a reasonable timeframe.

“Yea, I don't want to spend my points…

“And I wasn’t planning to let you leave the Sect after you received that quest. Sometimes we must adapt to the situation, however. Now hand over all the manuals you’ve improved so far.” Elder Shen gives him a wink. “I don’t see why you can't try to get points for those as well. You can’t let opportunities like that go.”

Felix stared in shock at Elder Shen and then a smile spread across his face.