Location: Myriad Treasure Hall, Second Floor - After the Serpent's Retreat
The air crackled with residual tension, thick as spilled Thunderhawk Blood ink, long after Yin Hanyan's icy silhouette vanished down the shimmering staircase, flanked by her flustered attendants. The scent of her expensive Frost-Bloom Elixir perfume lingered, cloying and sharp, a ghostly reminder of the confrontation. Gu Qingxi watched her go, a faint, cold smile playing on her lips. The woman's retreat hadn't been graceful; it was a stumble masked by rigid posture, the echo of Lu Tianyu's scathing dismissal ringing louder than any parting insult.
"Shimei!" Lu Tianyu's voice cut through the lingering frost, sharp with concern as he reappeared at her side, his gaze scanning her face intently. "Did those gilded vipers sink their fangs? Did Yin Hanyan—?"
"Unscathed, Shixiong," Gu Qingxi assured him, her voice calm, the earlier flintiness replaced by a reassuring warmth reserved only for him. She gestured dismissively towards the staircase. "Merely a brief encounter with misplaced vanity and sour grapes. She retreated before her venom could properly congeal."
Lu Tianyu exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, the protective fury simmering beneath his surface cooling slightly. "Good." He ran a hand through his hair, a flicker of residual anger tightening his jaw. "That peacock struts around Skyclear like she owns the Guild vaults, draped in her family's spirit stones and Summit's Edge arrogance. Thinks her Pure Azure Breeze Root grants her celestial insight?" He snorted derisively. "Her only talent is polishing inherited treasures and nursing grudges."
Gu Qingxi tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "Her grudge against Verdant Peak seems… personal. Beyond mere sect rivalry. Did she truly petition Shifu?"
Lu Tianyu's expression darkened. "Oh, she petitioned. Loudly. Grandly. During the Jade Mirror Trials a few years back." He leaned closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially, though the Artificer's Atrium was momentarily devoid of nearby patrons. "Performed well enough, caught the eyes of several Peak Masters – Uncle Cai of Summit's Edge practically preened. But her sights were set solely on Shifu. Declared it her 'celestial destiny' to join Verdant Peak before the entire Jade Mirror Assembly!" He shook his head, a mixture of disbelief and lingering irritation. "Shifu? Took one look at her blazing spirit root, scanned her aura… and gave a single, silent shake of his head. No explanation. Just… rejection."
He mimicked Mo Tiancheng's characteristic, implacable calm. "The silence was deafening. Then, the audacity! She dared step forward, right there in the Grand Hall, voice trembling with outrage, demanding 'Why?!'" Lu Tianyu's eyes flashed with remembered indignation. "Questioning Shifu! In front of the Sect Leader, the Elders, everyone! The sheer disrespect!" His hand clenched momentarily, knuckles whitening. "I nearly vaulted the Jade Balustrade then and there. Only Uncle Cai's frantic, mortified intervention stopped me from introducing her spine to the concept of Verdant Peak's foundational stance – Rooted Mountain Meets Flying Idiot."
Gu Qingxi blinked, momentarily picturing the scene: the grand hall, the expectant crowd, Yin Hanyan's crestfallen pride curdling into public fury, Mo Tiancheng's serene dismissal, and Lu Tianyu vibrating with barely contained violence. "Shifu offered no reason?"
"Not a whisper," Lu Tianyu confirmed, his voice tight. "His silence was the judgment. Verdant Peak seeks resonance, not just radiance. Her root blazed bright, yes, but her spirit?" He tapped his chest. "Brittle as spun sugar. Fragile pride wrapped in borrowed gold. Shifu saw the flaw beneath the glitter." He huffed a breath. "Uncle Cai smoothed things over, whisked her off to Summit's Edge. She's been his pampered jewel ever since, polishing her resentment alongside her spirit stones. Seeing you accepted?" He gestured towards Gu Qingxi. "It's salt rubbed raw into a wound she's meticulously nurtured. Hence the venom."
"Ah," Gu Qingxi murmured, understanding crystallizing. "So her fury isn't just envy of my place… it's a rejection of Shifu's judgment. Seeing me here validates his choice and invalidates her worth in her own eyes." She met Lu Tianyu's gaze, a spark of defiant amusement lighting her own. "Excellent. Let her stew. Verdant Peak's air is cleaner without her perfume."
Lu Tianyu chuckled, the tension finally easing from his shoulders. "Spoken like a true disciple! Now," he turned his attention back to the display case, his gaze settling on the two spirit brushes Gu Qingxi had been contemplating. "Back to important matters. The Winter's Whisper or the Shadow's Embrace? Both sing of potential. Which calls to the Talismanic Sovereign within?"
Gu Qingxi's eyes drifted between the two exquisite instruments. The Winter's Whisper radiated cool precision, its Frost-Pine shaft promising unwavering control, its Ice Qilin bristles humming with clarity. The Shadow's Embrace pulsed with a deeper, hungrier resonance, the Void-Oak body seeming to absorb the light, its Shadow-Stalker Lynx bristles whispering of subtlety and hidden power. Precision or depth? Control or exploration?
Before she could decide, Lu Tianyu stepped closer to the glass. "Actually, Shimei," he began, his voice softening slightly, "let this Senior Brother handle this. Consider it… an ascension gift. Which one ignites your spirit? Point, and it's yours." He patted his newly replenished pouch, the spirit stones within clinking softly. "My share of the talisman gold burns a hole demanding worthy investment!"
Gu Qingxi shook her head, a genuine smile touching her lips. "Generous, Shixiong, but unnecessary." She gestured towards the Shadow's Embrace. "My choice is made. And," she added, her eyes sparkling with a secret, "I've already secured a small token for you." She signaled the hovering brass attendant spirit. "The Obsidian Heartwood Shadowveil, please. Securely wrapped."
Lu Tianyu blinked, momentarily speechless as the attendant retrieved the brush with reverent care. "Shimei! You shouldn't have—"
"And why not?" Gu Qingxi countered smoothly, accepting the wrapped brush and tucking it securely into her spatial pouch. "Didn't we just establish Verdant Peak operates on mutual appreciation, not ledgers? Now," she gestured towards the exit, "let's find somewhere less… perfumed to exchange tokens."
They exited the Myriad Treasure Hall, the bustling energy of Skyclear City a welcome contrast to the Hall's contained opulence. Finding a relatively quiet alcove near a murmuring spirit-fountain adorned with carved stone koi, Gu Qingxi reached into her pouch. She withdrew a small box, its material a deep, smoky grey Spirit-Sealing Obsidian, etched with subtle containment runes that shimmered faintly. It felt cool and dense in her hand, designed specifically to lock in potent energies.
"For you, Shixiong," she said, offering it to Lu Tianyu.
Lu Tianyu took the box, his expression a mixture of curiosity and touched surprise. He carefully unlatched the simple silver clasp. As the lid lifted, a wave of intense, dry heat pulsed outwards, accompanied by a deep, resonant hum that vibrated in the bones. Nestled within a bed of Fire-Moss Velvet lay two stones, each roughly the size of a quail's egg. They glowed with an internal fire, veins of molten crimson and gold swirling beneath a smooth, obsidian-like surface that seemed to drink the light. The air around them shimmered faintly with heat haze.
"Fire Rhino Heartstones…" Lu Tianyu breathed, his voice thick with disbelief. He stared at the stones, then up at Gu Qingxi, his eyes wide. "Grade A… Pure Sunfire veins… Shimei! These… these are perfect for Mountainbreaker's next tempering cycle! But… the cost!" He remembered mentioning the stones offhandedly weeks ago, lamenting their scarcity and price during a late-night sword maintenance session. He'd never imagined…
"Prohibitively expensive?" Gu Qingxi finished for him, her smile widening. "Indeed. Nearly cleaned out my share of the talisman proceeds." She saw the protest forming on his lips and held up a hand. "Don't. If you utter the words 'too expensive' or 'take them back,' I swear I'll toss them into this fountain. Verdant Peak kinship isn't measured in spirit stones, Shixiong. It's forged in shared cliffs and… occasional financial recklessness." Her tone was light, but her eyes held firm conviction.
Lu Tianyu snapped the box shut, clutching it tightly. The protest died unspoken. A profound warmth, deeper than the stones' radiant heat, spread through his chest. He swallowed hard, meeting her gaze. "Then… I accept. With gratitude deeper than the Skyclear Depths, Shimei." He tucked the precious box away with reverent care, a silent vow solidifying within him: Find something worthy. Something magnificent. Something that makes her eyes shine like they did seeing those spirit brushes.
"Now," Gu Qingxi prompted, her eyes dancing, "my turn? What treasure did the merchant prince secure?"
Lu Tianyu's expression shifted from touched solemnity to eager delight. He rummaged in his own pouch, pulling out a bundle wrapped in soft, iridescent Moon-Moth Silk. Unfolding it revealed not one, but several small items, each gleaming with subtle enchantments:
· A Hairpin: Shaft of polished Starlight Silver, shaped like a crescent moon cradling a tiny, perfect Dewdrop Pearl that glowed with soft, cool light. Delicate Warding Runes were etched almost invisibly along its length.
· Earrings: Tiny, intricate Azure Songbirds forged from Sky-Copper, their wings inlaid with slivers of Dreaming Sapphire. They emitted a faint, soothing chime when moved.
· A Locket: A smooth River-Smoothed Spirit-Jade oval on a fine Mithril Chain. Opening it revealed a miniature, glowing Ever-Bloom Peach Blossom preserved within, its petals perpetually unfurling.
· A Bracelet: Woven strands of Sun-Kissed Vine and Moon-Silver Wire, clasped with a tiny Guardian Tortoise carved from Black Ironwood.
· A Scent Pouch: Crafted from Five-Color Phoenix Tail Feather fabric, containing dried Celestial Harmony Blossoms and Stardust Moss, emitting a calming, fresh fragrance.
"Not… not the most potent wards," Lu Tianyu admitted, a faint blush creeping up his neck as he presented them. "But the finest Low-Grade Protective Charms Skyclear's artisans offer! And," he added hastily, puffing out his chest slightly, "imbued with Minor Illusion Dispelling and Qi-Calming Arrays! Practical! And," his voice softened, "I thought… our Shimei should also possess adornments worthy of her spirit. Verdant Peak's jewel deserves a touch of celestial grace, no?" He gestured vaguely. "Make you shine even brighter! A true little immortal fairy!"
Gu Qingxi carefully picked up the hairpin, feeling the cool silver and the gentle pulse of protective Qi from the pearl. She examined the delicate songbird earrings, the perpetually blooming locket, the woven bracelet, the fragrant pouch. Each piece was exquisite, tasteful, and undeniably chosen with care. The combined cost, while perhaps not rivaling the Fire Rhino Heartstones, would have undoubtedly consumed the entirety of Lu Tianyu's share from the talisman sales. The realization struck her with a wave of affectionate warmth.
Typical Verdant Peak logic, she thought, a lump forming in her throat despite her smile. Spend every last stone on the other. Give the best, keep nothing. She looked up at Lu Tianyu, his expression a mixture of hopeful pride and slight vulnerability. "They're perfect, Shixiong," she said, her voice thick with genuine appreciation. "Truly. Thank you." She carefully gathered the gifts, storing them safely. The hairpin she immediately used to secure a loose strand of hair, the cool pearl resting against her temple.
Lu Tianyu beamed, the earlier tension with Yin Hanyan completely forgotten. "Excellent! Now, onwards! Body Tempering herbs secured, talisman treasures acquired, vipers vanquished…" He paused, frowning slightly. "Though speaking of unpleasant necessities…" He lowered his voice, leaning in conspiratorially. "We need to stock up on Fasting Elixirs. The horror awaits."
Gu Qingxi's nose wrinkled instantly, the phantom stench of fermented bog mire and existential despair assaulting her senses. "Must we? Is there truly no alternative? No… improved version? A Fasting Elixir that doesn't taste like a Nether Hound's breakfast regurgitated after a week in a swamp?"
Lu Tianyu shuddered dramatically. "Alas, Shimei, the foul taste is a universal constant, as immutable as the Dao itself. Millennia pass, empires rise and fall, alchemical wonders bloom… yet the Fasting Elixir remains a testament to cosmic indifference to culinary suffering." He sighed, the sound heavy with shared trauma. "Some things, it seems, even cultivation cannot refine."
"Surely someone has tried?" Gu Qingxi pressed, desperation creeping into her voice. "A renegade alchemist? A gourmand cultivator driven mad by the taste?"
Lu Tianyu stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Legends whisper of attempts… All ended in failure, madness, or the creation of something arguably worse. The Stomach's Lament incident of the Scarlet Dust Era comes to mind… resulted in a three-month quarantine of the entire Alchemist's Quarter." He shook his head gravely. "The path of flavor modification is fraught with peril."
Gu Qingxi fell silent, contemplating the bleak reality. Her gaze drifted towards the direction of the Alchemy Halls within the Azure Essence Sect compound, visible in the distance. A spark ignited in her mind. "Shixiong… Fourth Senior Brother. He's an alchemist, yes?"
Lu Tianyu nodded. "Senior Brother Ji Lingyan. Master of the Celestial Cauldron Pavilion on Verdant Peak. Why?"
"Could he…?" Gu Qingxi ventured, hope warring with practicality. "Perhaps… improve the recipe? Infuse a hint of… I don't know… Mountain Spring Mint? Golden Sunfruit Essence? Anything besides… that?"
Lu Tianyu stared at her, his expression morphing from confusion to dawning horror. "Shimei! You can't be serious! Asking Fourth Brother to tinker with foundational alchemy?!" He ran a hand through his hair, agitated. "His… innovations… are legendary! Remember the Qi-Replenishing Pill Incident? He added Dreaming Lotus Pollen seeking 'calming euphoria.' Resulted in an entire cohort of Outer Disciples attempting synchronized cloud-watching ballet atop the Sword Testing Spires for three days straight! Or the Bone-Fortifying Tonic? Infused with Frostfire Salamander Extract for 'balanced elemental synergy'? Froze Elder Brother Hu's meridians solid while simultaneously setting his beard on fire! Took Master Su and Uncle Yu half a day to thaw and extinguish him!"
He leaned closer, lowering his voice to a terrified whisper. "Fourth Brother doesn't improve recipes, Shimei. He… reimagines them. With unpredictable, often explosive, occasionally hallucinogenic, consequences! Asking him to make Fasting Elixirs taste better?" Lu Tianyu shuddered violently. "He might succeed in making them taste like ambrosia… or he might invent an elixir that makes you believe you've tasted ambrosia while simultaneously turning your hair bright purple and compelling you to recite ancient epics backwards! The risk! The sheer, unmitigated chaos!"
Gu Qingxi absorbed this, the image of purple-haired, backwards-reciting disciples momentarily replacing the horror of the standard elixir. "So… he's not one for subtle refinements? More of a… visionary experimenter?"
"Visionary?" Lu Tianyu choked out a laugh bordering on hysterical. "He's a Cosmic Catalyst wrapped in alchemist robes! A walking Dao of Creative Catastrophe! He doesn't follow recipes; he views them as vague suggestions, springboards for his next 'transcendent breakthrough'!" He paused, catching his breath, then added with a strange mix of dread and reluctant admiration, "But… you asked what he likes?" He met Gu Qingxi's gaze, his expression utterly serious. "He doesn't like stability. He doesn't like predictability. He doesn't even like guaranteed success."
Lu Tianyu leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur filled with equal parts awe and terror.
"He likes to create."
The words hung in the air, simple yet profound, carrying the weight of countless shattered cauldrons, unexpected mutations, and bewildered, occasionally sparkly, disciples. It wasn't a hobby; it was a fundamental drive, a relentless pursuit of the unknown, consequences be damned. Asking Ji Lingyan to merely improve a taste was like asking a hurricane to kindly water the garden without uprooting the trees. It fundamentally misunderstood the nature of the storm.
Gu Qingxi stared at Lu Tianyu, the implications settling over her. The path to palatable Fasting Elixirs, it seemed, was not paved with alchemical refinement, but with the potential for glorious, unpredictable, possibly psychedelic disaster. The choice was stark: endure the known horror, or risk unleashing Fourth Brother's unique brand of creative chaos upon her digestive system. The silence stretched, punctuated only by the gentle splash of the spirit-fountain and the distant hum of Skyclear City.