Siyu looks at the bulky bag in his hand with stern eyes. It won’t go away, he thinks to myself. Siyu had received 70 silver for his involvement in Mr. Cathus’ investigation.

As he stares at the money pouch, it dawns on him. He was starting to build a reputation. People are going to start finding him for all sorts of strange issues. Then another realization dawns on him; he had to leave.

His ideal life was slipping away and if he stayed here any longer he'd suddenly become Siyu, the City Guard Investigator and Cultivator of the Earth Path.

Siyu runs to his room and packs his belongings into a bag before rushing to the door in an attempt to run for his life. But before he could turn the doorknob, the door had opened, and a green-robed man with a beard and goshawk on his shoulder had appeared before him.

“Long time no see, Siyu!” The man says with hearty laughter.

Siyu could only sigh bitterly and slump his shoulders in defeat.

…

…

…

Siyu sits down at the table and asks, “So what’s the job this time?”

“The youngest princess in the capital city refuses to marry. She says she’ll only get married if it’s fated, and her father, the king, dotes on her and is searching for someone to perform a divination. I heard the news and immediately thought of you. If you take this job, you’ll be greatly rewarded, and I will of course take a cut for the finder’s fee. Hehehe.” The green-robed man says while rubbing his hands together.

“Do I have a choice?” Siyu asks, holding a small amount of hope that he could refuse.

“Haha! Unfortunately not, my dear Siyu. You see, you don’t have status, you don’t have power, and you have vulnerabilities. And like all people in this situation, it would be in your best interest to listen to me.” The green-robed man says with a smile that almost looks well-meaning.

“Okay, but I have one rule. Please don’t call me by my name; it creeps me out.” He responds.

“Hahaha! Whatever you say, Siyu. Whatever you say.” The green-robed man says, ignoring his wishes.

Siyu could only sigh, and prepare to leave his old life behind.

…

…

…

And so he began his first journey. Siyu sat at the front of the carriage, accompanying the driver and watching the scenery pass by; the farmland, the forest, the fallen branches and the placement of colored rocks. He began to realize they were telling him a story. His mind went with the flow, with less understanding, and more as a character in a play. Along the way, he saw a fawn peek at him from the bushes before trotting away. He also saw a wolf chasing a tusked boar down a forgotten path. As he continued to watch the scenery he became lost, and three days later, they had arrived at the capital city of the country of Seer, Starr.

“Head straight for the castle.” The green-robed man instructs the driver from inside the carriage.

…

…

The hall doors were already open and there was a sparse crowd before the elevated throne. The king looks down at the crowd and gestures for one of his aides to come forward, before patting the head of a young lady that stood by the throne and offering a gentle smile. The young lady ignores her father’s affection and swipes his hand away before focusing her attention on the crowd. Her gaze passes by Siyu, and for a moment their eyes connect and she raises an eyebrow. Siyu was not surprised at the attention as he was dressed in sackcloth and not as affluent as the rest of the people in the room.

“Order!” The aide commands. The room falls silent. “You all understand your quest, and you all understand the merit of your service. As for your reward; 250 gold and a copy of a book from the Royal Library. That will be all; you are dismissed.” The aide says in a resounding voice.

The crowd starts to disperse and leave the hallways. The young lady by the king’s side leans to her father’s side and says something to him. Her father gestures to the aide and whispers something in his ear. Then, the aide steps forward and points in Siyu's direction, saying aloud, “Not you!”

Siyu stops his dazed observation of the decorated hall and looks to the aide in bewilderment. “Me?” He asks, pointing to himself. The green-robed man beside Siyu gives his bottom a kick before saying, “Yes you! What are you waiting for?”

Siyu moves forward and approaches the throne, while the green-robed man follows behind.

“Articus, what’s this fellow’s name?” The aide asks.

The green-robed man laughs and says, “Siyu, sir. Siyu. He is the Divinator that I have contacted for the King’s quest.”

“He looks rather young to be a Divinator.” The aide says as he observes Siyu's outer appearance.

“You will find the most useful people in the unlikeliest of places, sir.” The green-robed man, Articus, responds.

“Very well.” The aide says dismissively, before gesturing to the young lady. “The princess has some words for him.”

Siyu didn’t say anything. He simply bows and waits for the princess’s words.

The princess observes Siyu's bowed head before continuing to speak. “I noticed you were different and before I could catch myself I had already assumed that you were different in a bad way. And so I called on you to prove yourself. Defining you needlessly would leave a bad taste in my mouth.” The princess spoke, an inherent authority in her voice. “Lift your head and speak.” She says.

Siyu raises his head and says simply, “I wouldn’t say I am different. I view myself as a normal person.”

“Is that so?” The princess says with a raised eyebrow. “If you’re a normal person, what brought you here?” She asks.

“I only follow the path set before me, Your Highness,” Siyu says with his eyes to the ground.

“So you’re a cultivator, then. Strange, it was not apparent at first, but your attire would be more sensible if that was the case. Very well then, you can be on your way.” The princess says with a wave of her hand.

Siyu bows deeply, before turning sharply and promptly leaving the hallway.

After leaving the castle, Articus and Siyu approach their carriage.

“Well, where do we start Siyu?” Articus asks, patting him on the shoulder.

“I’ve felt it since we entered the city. Something is pulling at me, but I’m not sure if I should find it.” Siyu says absentmindedly.

“Haha! Don’t worry about those kinds of decisions Siyu. Just point the way and I’ll lead you there.” Articus says with a laugh.

Siyy could only stare at him, and for some reason, he felt a slight disappointment, but he wasn't sure for what.