The fog of his little world spread farther than the eye could see, for a mortal. Tai Wei could see its end. Not a corner of that realm was hidden from his eighteen eyes. Certainly not the young cultivator that stood defiantly before him.

Neither clothes, flesh nor bone hindered his sight. All were seen from the blood that pumped in the boy’s heart to the pitiful quantity of qi in his Dantian. Yet Tai Wei’s gaze ignored these physical and metaphysical components, his sight piercing all the way to the boy's abomination of a soul.

…Why hasn't he reacted to my title? He has been quite brave but still, he should have grovelled once he realized his greatness. Thought Tai Wei.

Tai Wei’s red serpent head, decorated in scales whose patterns encapsulate the secrets of flame, snaked forward. Having sunken back into the mist, Felix didn't see how the head circled him, observing him from every angle.

Impossible... Sent the red head, the incredulity echoing back and forth within Tai Wei's mind. The child isn't brave but ignorant! He doesn’t even recognize our title! What are they even teaching in the mortal worlds nowadays?

Perhaps we have been gone longer than we thought? Suggested the mind behind the blue serpent’s aquamarine eyes. The collective memory of mortals is nothing to an immortal after all.

Yet can is ignorance is a disgrace! Came another head.

We should show him what true pain is. He is destined to die anyway.

Their displeasure built to a crescendo until Tai Wei's human eyebrow twitched.

Enough! Sent Tai Wei’s human head.

…Yelling at yourself isn’t healthy. Came from one of his heads.

Tai Weiresisted the urge to roll his eyes. I really have spent far too long alone.

“I assume you haven’t heard of me then,” said Tai Wei.

Felix attempted to control his expression. Instead, he bowed his head to hide his face, a meaningless action before Tai Wei’s eyes.

“I figured…” said Tai Wei. “Well, perhaps not even the immortal worlds remember my greatness. I have been here for a long time… Time is ruthless as always. Bah, I should have focused more on that law. Then it would have been easier to accomplish my goals...”

A few of the serpent heads let out snorts of derision that caused Felix to cough up a mouth full of blood. Tai Wei went quiet, his thoughts bouncing around between his own minds. Hours passed and Felix finally looked up.

“Great one?” said Felix.

“Mmm, oh," said Tai Wei. "You're still here? A little more respectful now, aren’t you? Right, you cannot get out. I shall send you on your way then. Though I am loath to give such mercy."

“May I know one more thing before I leave, great one?” said Felix, wincing at a growl from three of the serpent heads in the mist. "I do not mean to offend. Please ignore me if it is an inconvenience."

Arrogant.

Did we not make it clear we would not help?

But he did provide entertainment. Why not?

True…

“You test my patience, mortal… I will allow one question. Let it not be known that I am without mercy.” Said Tai Wei. Then he held up a hand as Felix opened his mouth. “I have already said I will not help you with your current problem. Therefore, I will not answer a question about evaluating your condition or how to cure it. A mortal will not make a liar out of Tai Wei.”

“Oh…” said Felix and looked back down. "I had hoped you could give me a hint."

Where did that fire go? Thought his red scaled head. So meek now.

He is just being thoughtful and thinking with patience. I know your perspective never deals with such things. Responded his blue scaled head.

Oh, insulting the temper of the head in control of fire. Real original.

It’s not cliché if it’s true.

… I will burn your scales off.

Tai Wei internally sighed.

Another million years of this and I will grow senile. Though his main head. With a bit of will, the red and blue minds' verbal spar was dampened.

Now hold on, I believe we are missing something here. Perhaps the boy’s entrance was not just a lucky coincidence. Sent his golden head, its radiance hidden within the mist. That would have been too unlikely even with his condition. Perhaps he is the fish that bite the bait. The answer to our karmic lure.

Ludicrous. He cannot help us or our goal. What could he-

“I do have a question then.” Said Felix, looking back up.

“Oh,” said Tai Wei’s red head, followed by a deep throated chuckle from both his human and serpent mouths. “Do tell.”

“You won’t help me fix my problem or with my cultivation? Fine. Then who did this to me? I have been told that only the strongest could do something like this, and you’ve made that quite clear. So, who was it then? Do you know?” Said Felix. “I need to know. I need to kill them!”

Hahahahahaha, so he still has some fire in him. At least the child has some pride. A worthy wish.

Felix stepped back as all of Tai Wei’s heads came out of the mist to face him, staring into his eyes. Then eighteen serpentine pupils contracted at once until the pupils were vertical slits.

It can’t be.

“Di-did I say something wrong?” said Felix, taking a shaking step back.

Tai Wei's human head whipped back, and all his heads let out a roar that shook the stars above.

Then the humanoid Tai Wei was gone. In his place was just the Hydra God. Even as the small mortal craned his head up from far, far below, Tai Wei’s nine serpent heads filled the sky. They all quivered with rage.

Tai Wei turned his massive eyes to Felix so far below, their inner glow lighting up the world around the boy. His middle most serpent head, silver yet shining with the colors of the rainbow, opened its mouth.

“You don’t deserve to know, mortal!’

Within his maw was a tangled mess of space that the sight of which alone almost incapacitated Felix. Tai Wei didn't care and brought his mouth down. Felix was consumed.

You aren’t strong enough mortal.

Then the Hydra God twitched a few of his inner throat muscles and with a splash of qi, sent Felix out of the hidden world.

I will kill him. Thought Tai Wei, every head echoing in unison. I will kill him. I will kill him. I will kill him!

The impossible high necks began to twist through the sky, power rippling from their every motion. His center head joined them, it two releasing a portion of its cultivation to paint the dark sky in its power. Two of the heads reached even further into the sky, devouring space until they were before two of the stars far above. With a single snap, they were consumed.

The surrounding space began to shudder and twist, then a crack appeared in the black throne below.

Retrain ourselves, we must endure. We must wait! Came the thought from the golden serpent head. Will our patience amount to nothing!

All the heads froze. Then the giant beast seemed to collapse in on itself until all that was left was the Tai Wei from before. Eight serpents connected seemingly to his back still writhed in anger, but his human expression was stone cold. The only other part of him that seemed calm was his golden, even tired.

With heavy steps, he walked back to his throne and slouched in it once more. His serpent heads slowly sunk back into the mist. However, they occasionally twitched in agitation, sending great waves of power washing through the realm.

Space still crackled and twisted above but Tai Wei waved his hand, to two swallowed stars appearing in the sky above once more. The distorted space lessened and shrunk until it was stable.

Yes... I will wait patiently. For he has come to this pathetic realm, and I will be ready no matter the cost!

The world was kaleidoscope lights and warped space. It was like an endless corridor made of ever-changing scenes. Great displays of power or the simple death of a flower, all flashed by in an instant. One scene made him crane his neck, desperately straining to look further back up the corridor.

Earth…

Then he felt firm dirt beneath his feet and the corridor was gone. Instead, beautiful blue and white fluffy clouds greeted him. He stared blankly at the sky, his face working through various expressions. Eventually, he sighed and turned to the massive object in the distance. The Thousand Season Sect Mountain.

Back to reality, I suppose… This one at least. But what am I even supposed to do now?

Even from so far away, the mountain towered over the surrounding flatlands. Partway up its base, the beginning of the formation’s changing seasons could be seen dyeing its base in colors.

I wonder what it is like being a mortal near something so magical. No wonder they hold cultivators in such reverence. Ahhh, seriously, what am I going to do?

He looked around, frowning at the slightly familiar woods and road.

You would think after his display, that Tai Wei could have at least set me down right at the sect. Well, I suppose I should just head back. I mean, the girls must have made their own way to the sect. Surely Elder Zhenzhen kept them safe. Unlike I did with Edward… Wait, she was about to fight that Wolf Guy and that Imperial Justiciar Zactus. Is even elder Zhenzhen okay? Should I start heading toward the Endless Wilderness to see if I can help? But how can I even help them much less help myself with this soul abomination bullshit!

Felix had begun to hyperventilate and slapped himself on the cheek. He proceeded to do so several times with increasing force.

Focus Felix. Focus, Focus, Focus. Don’t overthink it for now. Just one step at a time. Be brave like in the face of that fat hydra.

He began forcing his breathing to slow. As he tried to center himself, he reached out toward the most familiar voice.

Oh wow, my entire head or whatever is a mess. Some of the ‘voices’ aren’t happy about this state of affairs. This would be a good time to figure out which ones are more ‘voice’ than just memory packets considering they are so active. Well, if I wasn’t so frazzled. Maybe that distinction correlates to what Tai Wei said about more and less essential parts of a soul?

He gave himself one last gentler slap.

Test that later. L-a-t-e-r Felix. Now let’s get going me,

Picking the road toward the Thousand Season sect, he began walking. His speed picked up slowly.

I don’t want to think of anything.

The scenery began to blur as he let loose, only slowing once a familiar wall came into view.

Greenwood. I knew the surrounding woods looked familiar, though last time I saw it from within Xue’s arms… That feels like ages ago.

A small smile spread across his face as he went through the gates.

“Hey, I said stop.” Said the guard. Felix felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to meet the eye of the gate guard. “What is your purpose in Greenwood?”

“I was distracted. I can’t just enter?”

“There’s a fee. Besides, you look like you’ve been in a fight. Encounter trouble out there, boy? You should report it to us.”

“I look like I’ve been in a fight?” said Felix, feeling all up and down his body.

My clothes are a mess. I totally forgot about them after Tai Wei helped me heal. How did he do that? Some super cultivator nonsense, probably.

“Are you alright in the head boy? Your face! It looks like someone has been smacking it.”

“Oh, I did that,” said Felix.

“…”

“Do you recognize this?” said Felix, and pulled back his cloak to show the tattered but still distinct symbol of the Thousand Season Sect. “I may be a little worse for wear due to completing the Sect’s business, but I hope that doesn’t mean you don’t put the Thousand Season Sect in your eyes.”

“Are you sure you’re from the Thousand Season Sect.” said the guard.

“Yeah, I’m just faking it to save a bit of money.” Said Felix. “Since the average cultivator is brave enough to offend a group of experts just for that.”

“Hey, hey, what is it on us if you decide to impersonate the Sect? That is your business. It is not my head when they find you.”

“I am not impersonating anyone. I just completed a mission that was a little ‘harder’ than normal, that’s all.”

“uh-huh.”

“Just-ugh.” Said Felix, pushing past the guard and striding into the city. “Send a message to the sect if you are so worried.”

I don’t have the energy to deal with that.

He made his way through the town as quickly as he could, only stopping for a moment to grab food from a stall.

Mmm, spiced meat. That helps a little. But what am I supposed to do? That damn… wait, if I curse him in my mind can he read it… whatever, screw him that fu-#[email protected]#[email protected]#$!nt. Those aren’t even coherent words but they contain my hatred of you. How’s that you overgrown reptile?

Felix paused and eyed the sky above for a second.

No lightning or giant maw descending from above. That’s a good sign.

He began walking again and entered an alley in the general direction of the City Lord’s manner.

I mean, what kind of peer pressure nonsense was he trying in there. Putting me on the spot and then bringing up killing me like it was a mercy. He is as bad as my bastard of a system. I’m glad I told him off. Who knows what someone like that would have done if I had agreed with him? He said he wasn’t going to kill me but maybe that would have changed when I expressed my consent. On the other hand, guessing the whims of someone obviously insane like that isn’t the most productive thing to do. On the other, other hand, (wait, that would be three hands? Focus Felix!)… where was I? Oh yes! Trying to predict a being that can kill you is worth it if you can do so with any degree of accuracy since they can, you know, kill you… I’ve sort of lost my train of thought.

Felix left the main road, cutting across toward where Xue and he had originally entered. The few mortals he saw went the other way as soon as they saw his blurring figure.

Thank goodness this city’s planning is halfway decent and I can find where I am going. Now, I need to figure out what I can even do? I just do not know… If I become that thing, if I allow myself to get to the point… just imagining it is awful. To become such a horrid existence. Yet what can I even do?

“You prick! Face Justice!”

Felix felt something bash the side of his head and the world spun as he went flying. A nearby alley wall brought him to a halt. He tried to stabilize himself only to feel a blow to the left side of his ribs. This time he managed to stay on his feet, only stumbling a bit with the blow. One hand held his aching side as he finally saw his assailant.

A man stood before him with spear drawn. His robes were covered in dragons and his head was held high.

“You…” said Felix, taking a step back to stabilize himself against the wall.

“Yes, me!” said the man. “I didn’t think I would get a chance to pay back the favor but I’ll show you the price for humiliating me!”

“Who are you?” said Felix.

“What?” said the man. Then hesitated when Felix shrugged. “Wait, you seriously don’t recognize me?”

“Should I?” Said Felix, shuffling painfully into something of a fighting stance.

“It doesn’t matter if you remember! For what you did I am going to return it a thousand-fold, and where is Yang Mei? I was told she was on a mission with you. She needs to see this!”

“I don’t know.”

Felix blinked as he found the boy in front of him. His feet slowly left the floor as the man held him up by his robes.

“What do you mean you don’t know. She was supposed to be with you.”

“We were separated during the mission, but she should be safe. Who are you to ask about her?”

“You still don’t even recognize me? Are you daft?” said the boy. He stared at Felix’s face until the anger turned to annoyance. “What am I even doing? Wasting my time on a moron.”

The man let go and Felix dropped to the ground, going back to holding his side.

“So, who are you?” said Felix.

“Disciple Hei Hue, of the Hei family. Proud disciple of the Dragon Spear Sect and the man whose face you crushed into the dirt” said Hei Hue, a sliver of anger returning to his voice.

“Oh. That disciple,” said Felix.

“Yes. That disciple.” Said Hei Hue. “I’ve come for my revenge but why are you already beaten up?”

Felix just shrugged. Hei Hue waited for a while before deflating again. He started walking away before turning back to look at Felix.

“Follow me, and don’t worry, I am not finding a place to kill you. If that were my goal, you would already be dead.”

Not the most persuasive words but okay.

Slowly following, Hei Hue led Felix to a stair built into the city wall. A few moments later, he was seated next to the boy with his feet dangling over the wall's edge. Hei Hue ignored him and watched the woods, lost in thought.

Felix continued eyeing the man who just smashed him in the face with a spear. Hei Hue didn’t pay him any mind and instead pulled out a flask from which he drank heavily. Then he stopped to stare at the jar, a betrayed look on his face.

“Already empty…” said Hei Hue.

Felix hesitated but reached into his bag of holding to pull out a bottle of spirit whine. Before he could even offer, Hei Hue had taken it and begun to drink.

“Shouldn’t this wall be manned or something?” said Felix.

“Nah,” said Hei Hue offering the jug back to Felix. He accepted and took a swig. “This wall isn’t meant to stop much. Control people flow and perhaps stop spirit beasts from wandering into the town. I bet it will change in a few decades as it grows. More dangerous times are coming.”

Felix stared at Hei Hue who rubbed his chin as he stared into the distance.

“Disciple Hue, why did you stop attacking?”

“Because my anger was gone.”

“And why was your anger gone?”

“You don’t know when to let yin spirits lie, do you?”

“So why?”

Hei Hue held his eyes for a moment before looking up at the sky.

“Felix, I wanted to beat you up because you made me look a fool.”

“...and not because I stepped on your face?”

“I mean no one has humiliated me like that before, not with equal cultivation much less someone weaker like you clearly are. Then out of the literal sky, you come and make an absolute joke of me. I never thought becoming someone’s steppingstone could be so literal…” said Hei Hue. He took and swished around the spirit wine bottle before taking another swig. “So, I was going to make you pay. I have my pride and I would see you punished. Then when I finally found you to do just that, you don’t even remember me. Not even when I told you who I was. With your life in potential danger, how did you react? Barely anything. More like a beaten dog. Do you know what I felt at that time?”

“I don’t know, humiliated?”

“No, fool. I had built you up to be this big issue when all along it didn’t matter to you at all. My anger evaporated like the dew, and nothing had changed. Not to say I would allow such a thing to go unanswered in the future, but this vendetta just lost meaning to me.”

They sat there for a moment, and Felix finally decided to watch the forest instead of his drinking partner. The sun had begun to set, and it had bathed the tree tips in burnished bronze. A breeze ruffled its surface and sent waves of golden leaves swaying before them.

“I just… may have realized my future as a cultivator is doomed,” said Felix. “How can I not be a beaten dog?”

“Pfft, who’s isn’t?” said Hue, choking on the wine. “This is the reason you didn’t have any fight in you. Now I feel even more ridiculous.”

“I- what?” said Felix.

“Felix. How many people do you think actually reach the pinnacle of cultivation?”

“I don’t know… At least ten?” Said Felix.

“That is oddly specific. What I do know is that there are way more people who don’t become immortal much less the peak. At least from our world. Look around you! We are surrounded by people who won’t even reach the Core Realm.” Said Hei Hue. He followed Felix's eyes and laughed again. “I don’t mean the city you fool. It is even worse here. I mean our sects. This continent. This world. Who here is going to make it past Core Realm? Of them, who will reach the Nascent Soul Realm? Who is going to make it past that? Few. That’s what.”

“…So, are you telling me to give up?” said Felix.

Hei Hue sighed dramatically and then drained the rest of the flask. He gave a pointed look to Felix’s bag of hold.

“I already gave you a bottle,” said Felix, clutching it closer.

“Do you want to hear the rest of my free epiphany or not?” said Hei Hue.

“Can I do that without giving you more wine?” said Felix.

“no.”

Another flask was handed over after Felix took a sip. Hei Hue drained half of it.

“Ahh, that hits the spot. Now where was I… oh yes, I am saying that every single cultivator faces impossible odds. We are all building sand patagonias before the waves of time consume us. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is another obstacle to overcome once you become immortal. Yet if you want to make that leap, you must fight for it.”

“I think my circumstances are a little more complicated.” Said Felix. “I… Even that chance to fight might be beyond me.”

“…Stop whining and fight! You are being encouraged by the person you offend,” said Hei Hue. “Now give me another bottle.”

“Wait, you already finished that second one?” said Felix, scooting back from Hei Hue’s seeking hands. He wasn’t fast enough. “Fine, take it.”

“No, you need to chug some first!”

“Okay, okay.” Said Felix. “Still, I don’t see how knowing this, changes anything.”

“I said fight, so you must fight,” said Hei Hue, his words slurring slightly. “Even if we know we will lose, we fight and believe we will win.”

“Must fight, must believe…” said Felix, taking out the fourth bottle of wine. “There is some wisdom there.”

Felix opened groggy eyes and brushed away something covering his face. He watched the piece of paper flutter to the ground before he reached out and brought it to his face.

--- I took the liberty of taking half your remaining spirit wine as compensation for stepping on my face. Consider this as the price to spare your sleeping face. Don’t worry, I didn’t take any of your belongings, a young master has his pride! ---

He stared at the note before putting it back down.

That guy has a drinking problem.

Sighing he leaned back and ignored a frowning guard who was making his way over.

However, he was right about one thing. It really is as simple as what I said to Tai Wei. I won’t give up, no matter how impossible it is. Fight and believe. I will find a way, even if I have to read every book in the world.