Chapter 11: Sparks and Shadows
The brazier crackled faintly in the corner of Yun He's hut, its smoke curling into thin threads that clung to the rafters. The faint medicinal tang of herbs lingered, mixing with the sharper undertone of freshly brewed pills.
Lin Tian sat cross-legged at the low table, Codex Volume I spread wide in front of him. Its pages were thick with cramped diagrams and annotations-each herb described not only in name but in root, stem, leaf, seed, harvesting time, neutralizers, and possible balances with other elements.
There were over one thousand pages in the codex, covering five hundred herbs in exhaustive detail. Each entry ran an average of two pages-one dense with descriptions, the other a combination of diagrams and balancing notes.
Yun He, seated at the cauldron, had one hand resting on its rim while his other pinched a stalk of dried grass. He wasn't brewing at the moment, but his core pulsed faintly, his qi spreading outward. He could tend to the cauldron while also sweeping the hut with awareness. And right now, his gaze kept flicking toward Lin Tian, who was turning pages with a rhythm just a little too brisk.
"Boy," Yun He said suddenly, his voice calm but edged with steel. "How far did you get?"
Lin Tian bowed his head slightly. "Elder, I... I've gone through about a quarter of the Codex."
Yun He stilled, his eyes narrowing faintly. "A quarter?" His fingers tapped against the cauldron rim. "This volume contains over five hundred herbs, spread across a thousand pages. A quarter means you claim to have read through one hundred and twenty herbs-nearly two hundred and fifty pages."
His gaze sharpened. "Do you know how long it takes an average apprentice to manage that?"
Lin Tian's throat tightened, but he shook his head.
"Two months," Yun He said flatly. "At least. For the best of them. Even then, they stumble, forget, or confuse neutralizers. And you -" his eyes flicked over the boy's patched robe-"claim two days."
The Map's dry chuckle whispered in his skull. "And there it is. You've just painted yourself as a prodigy, boy. Be careful- prodigies get used or broken. Best walk a fine line."
Lin Tian swallowed, bowing deeper. "Elder, I... I memorize quickly. Once I see the words and diagrams, they stay. I don't forget easily."
For a long, silent breath, Yun He studied him. Then, without warning, he spoke:
"Page one hundred and forty-seven. Herb: Silverdew Grass. Describe it."
Lin Tian's heart skipped, but the Codex unfolded in his mind like a golden scroll, every word replayed. He steadied his voice.
"Silverdew Grass. Found in shaded valleys, thrives best near shallow water. Its leaves are soft and silvered at the edges, carrying a faint dew even in midday. On its own, it is mild and used for cooling minor fevers. When paired with Scorchroot, however, it neutralizes excessive fire qi and prevents pill combustion. Its main harvesting season is late summer, best when dew is thick. Too much sunlight wilts its potency."
The hut was quiet, save for the faint hiss of the brazier. Yun He's eyes remained on him, sharp as blades.
"...Correct."
He didn't pause long. "Page two hundred and ten. Bloodvine. Speak."
Lin Tian's lips moved almost instantly. "A creeping vine with thorned stems, dark red when mature. Its sap stimulates circulation and enhances blood flow. Dangerous when used excessively-it can burst small meridians. Balanced with Stoneleaf, its danger is mitigated. Harvest only at dusk, else potency declines by half."
Yun He leaned back slightly, fingers still drumming the cauldron. His core flared faintly, brushing against the boy's pulse and breath, searching for cracks. He found none.
"...Correct again."
The silence stretched, heavy, before Yun He finally spoke. "Enough for today. Continue reading. Tomorrow, I will test you further."
Lin Tian bowed deeply, relief rushing through him.
The Map's voice cut in sharply, no longer lazy but edged with steel.
"Listen, boy. That was too much too soon. You're waving a torch in a forest full of predators. Prodigies are treasures to some, threats to others. Both will consume you if you don't walk carefully."
Lin Tian stiffened. Then... should I hold back? Pretend to be slower?
"Not completely," the Map said, tone softening but still firm. "You need to show enough brilliance to keep Yun He's interest. That buys protection, resources, time. But brilliance shown too quickly? That breeds suspicion. You've known him for only two days."
Lin Tian swallowed hard, his hands tightening into fists at his knees. But... he saved me in the market. He defended me.
The Map gave a low, dry chuckle. "Yes. He acted like a shield against the Golden Pavilion. That does show something. Perhaps kindness, perhaps pride, perhe ategy. But one act doesn't unveil a man's heart. Yun He em steady, even kind, but until we test him more, we cannot assume he is safe. Not yet."
Lin Tian's lips pressed into a thin line. He bowed once more to the elder's back before quietly returning to his place at the low table.
The Map's voice lingered in his mind, cool and deliberate. "Show sparks, boy, but not fire. Enough to keep him invested, not enough to scare him. Trust is built with time, not lightning."
---
The last of the medicinal fragrance faded as the cauldron cooled, and Yun He extended a hand. With a flick of his sleeve, the five freshly refined pills leapt into a small jade bottle, sealed tight with a talisman slip before vanishing into the depth of his space ring.
Lin Tian's eyes followed the motion unconsciously, heart thudding. A space ring. He had only ever heard the outer disciples whisper about them, treasures that could hold mountains yet fit on a finger.
"Do not gawk," Yun He said without looking, his tone flat but carrying weight. "An alchemist has no room for greed."
"Yes, Elder," Lin Tian said quickly, bowing his head.
For a moment, silence settled again. Then Yun He raised his palm, and a crystal appeared. It was clear as water, yet its surface shimmered faintly, as though faint currents of color drifted just beneath. The very air around it seemed sharper, more alive.
---
Lin Tian's hands trembled faintly as Elder Yun He set the crystal upon the table. Its surface was smooth, flawless, like frozen water under moonlight. Every disciple of the Verdant Pine Sect had passed this test; for many, it determined the path of their entire lives.
But for him…
His throat tightened. He stared at the crystal as if it were a blade aimed at his chest. I already know what it will show, he thought bitterly. Old Chen told me when I was small. Broken meridians. Useless. A servant's fate.
He remembered the withered old man's voice, gentle yet heavy. "The crystal showed nothing, boy. Empty. But you are still young—under ten. Sometimes, the heavens have not yet finished carving their path. Do not despair yet."
Yet despair had long since taken root. Lin Tian's fist clenched against his robe, sweat dampening his palm. If the crystal betrayed him now in front of Elder Yun He, all his hopes of rising beyond broom and ash might shatter.
"Afraid?" Yun He's voice cut into his thoughts, calm but firm.
Lin Tian flinched, lowering his gaze. "Elder… I was tested once before. They said my meridians were broken. That nothing could change it."
Yun He's brows drew slightly together, though his tone remained steady. "Broken meridians at seven?" He shook his head. "Foolish. Until the age of ten, the channels are still forming. A single test cannot seal your fate. Even those judged weak may awaken later."
His gaze hardened, and he gestured toward the crystal. "Touch it. Whatever it shows, it is not the end—it is only the beginning."
Lin Tian swallowed hard, his heart hammering in his chest. Slowly, he raised his hand, fingers hovering over the smooth surface, the faint hum of qi resonating within the crystal like the beating of an unseen heart.
---
Perfect 👍 this ties beautifully with the lore we've been building. Here's how we can expand the Meridian Crystal scene with the Map revealing the flaw, and the brightness = meridian quality system:
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Lin Tian's breath caught as his fingers hovered above the crystal. The surface gleamed faintly, inviting and terrifying all at once.
"Touch," Yun He ordered, his voice steady as iron.
Lin Tian pressed his palm against the cool surface. At once, light rippled outward like a drop in water. The crystal brightened, golden-red flames swirling within its depths. The glow spread strong, filling nearly the whole crystal.
Yun He's brows rose a fraction, but his expression remained calm. "Fire. Middle-quality meridians. Acceptable."
Gasps would have filled a testing hall, but here, only the quiet hum of the crystal responded. To possess middle meridians was enough to enter the inner sect as a disciple. For a servant, it was extraordinary.
Lin Tian's chest tightened. Fire…? Middle meridians? He had expected nothing. To see it confirmed—
But then, the Map stirred. Its voice was low, mocking but edged with truth.
"Hmph. Typical sect trickery. Do you truly think this little rock shows all? It only displays the loudest voice in your veins. The others… it hides. Convenient, no? Keeps sheep in pens they think are theirs."
Lin Tian's heart skipped. What do you mean?
"Look deeper," the Map whispered. "Behind that fire glow, faint as breath—you carry silver traces, cool as moonlight. And thinner still, threads of darkness, woven with nothingness: space. The crystal ignores them, because it was designed to. Too flawed, too afraid to reveal complexity."
His mind reeled. Fire. Moon. Space? How could that be?
The Map chuckled. "Brightness shows meridian quality—yes, and yours shine strong enough. Not the highest, but not broken. But what matters is what the sect cannot see. Remember this, boy. You are more than what they measure."
Lin Tian's fingers trembled against the crystal. Outwardly, only fire blazed for Yun He to see. Inside, his heart raced with the weight of hidden truths.
Yun He withdrew the crystal, his tone thoughtful. "Middle meridians, fire aligned. Hmph. Better than I expected from a servant." His gaze lingered, unreadable. "At least now, I know you are not a wasted effort."
Lin Tian bowed quickly, concealing the storm in his chest. "Thank you, Elder."
The Map's whisper coiled slyly in his mind. "Don't thank him yet. One day, when the truth of your veins burns through, that old man will either shield you… or fear you."
---
Yun He withdrew the crystal into his sleeve, his gaze lingering on Lin Tian for a long, unreadable moment. At last, he exhaled softly.
From his space ring, he produced two slim jade slips and placed them on the table with a faint clack.
"This is the Fire Vein Foundational Manual-the Organization's basic method for circulating and refining fire-aligned qi. Every apprentice with flame in their blood begins here. Crude, but it will keep you from setting yourself ablaze. But you-" his gaze hardened-"are still in the Body Realm. You will not practice this yet. Keep it for reference until your Qi begins to flow naturally.
Beside it, he set another slip, its surface faintly inscribed with curling lines that almost shimmered like tongues of fire.
"And this is Ember Spark Control—a beginner's technique for manipulating external flame. With it, you may one day steady a candle flame in the wind… or fan it into an inferno. But do not overreach. Without control, flame consumes master and foe alike."
Lin Tian's throat tightened as he reached forward, bowing deeply before carefully picking up both slips with both hands. Manuals—the kind disciples fought over, the kind he had only ever glimpsed from afar—were now his.
"Thank you, Elder!" he said, his voice cracking slightly despite himself.
Yun He's tone remained steady. "Do not thank me. Thank yourself by not wasting them. Tonight, meditate on the Fire Vein Manual. Tomorrow, we begin again. If you stumble, I will not coddle you."
Lin Tian bowed so low his forehead nearly touched the table. "Yes, Elder!"
The Map's dry whisper coiled into his thoughts. Hmph. So the sect hands out its scraps at last. Useful enough for children, but crude. Still, for you it is a step—and with me, even scraps can be sharpened to blades.
Lin Tian pressed the jade slips to his chest, heart hammering. For the first time, he felt like a true cultivator—not just a servant peeking through cracks in the door.
---
Lin Tian pressed the jade slips to his chest, his fingers trembling slightly as if they might vanish. Manuals. Actual cultivation manuals.
But before his gratitude could overflow, the Map's voice cut in, sharp and insistent.
"Boy. Choose. Which one first?"
Lin Tian blinked inwardly. What do you mean?
A soft hum filled his vision, faint golden threads flickering across the jade slips like fireflies waiting to ignite.
"Scan, of course. The knowledge of both rests in your hands, but engraving them into memory will drain your qi. Not free. Never free. So tell me-which one do you want me to carve into you first?"
Lin Tian's lips parted faintly, though he didn't dare move them in front of Yun He. If I scan both-?
Lin Tian turned the manual over in his hands, its leather cover stiff and worn smooth at the edges. The thought sparked instantly-Couldn't I just... scan it like the Codex?
He asked inwardly, "Map, if I scan this, will it cost me qi like before? But when I scanned the Codex, it didn't."
The Map snorted. "Fool. The Codex is just ink-knowledge without life. Simple, dead words. Anyone could read it, mortal or cultivator. Scanning that was no harder than copying a drawing."
Lin Tian frowned. "Then why does this one cost me?"
"Because manuals are not dead." The Map's tone was sharp, edged with scorn. "They carry intent-circulation routes, elemental harmonies, seals woven to guard their secrets. They are made to force qi along paths. To scan one, I must pierce those seals, force the patterns into your mind. That burns power. Remember when you ogled those jade slips in the Phoenix Pavilion? You nearly let greed make you a corpse. Same reason. Seals."
Lin Tian's eyes widened faintly. "So... scanning manuals isn't free."
"Correct. And worse, your primordial qi does not match them. They are written for ordinary channels, not for you. At best, they serve as scaffolds-references I can adapt. At worst, they waste your strength. Do not mistake them for shortcuts. You walk a different road."
Lin Tian blinked. What? Elder Yun He said I can't even use them yet. I'm still in the Body Realm...
The Map snorted. "Hah. He speaks for mortals-for sheep who wait until ten before their meridians settle. He isn't wrong... for them. But you?"
A soft hum filled Lin Tian's vision, faint golden threads flickering across the jade slips like fireflies waiting to ignite.
"Your case is different. You already carry Primordial Qi. Your pathways are not waiting to open-they've been cut, forged, reforged by me. You've walked further than most apprentices before their first spark. You are not bound by their rules.'
Lin Tian's pulse quickened. So... I can start now?
"You can," the Map said, its tone edged with warning. "But not without cost. Every scan carves my marks deeper into your mind. It burns qi-your qi. And manuals are sealed, designed to force Qi into paths. To engrave one into you now will drain what little Primordial Qi you hold."
Lin Tian's breath caught. So even though Elder said I can't use them... with you, I can?
The Map chuckled low. "You can. But remember-being different is both a gift and a curse. Where they take years, you may take days. But where they take steps, you may bleed leaps. Choose wisely, boy. Do you want flame in your veins now... or patience?"
Lin Tian looked at the slips again, his hand trembling faintly. One was the foundation of cultivation. The other, control of fire.
And for the first time, the choice was his.