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Xiulan peered over the cliff\'s edge. The sheer drop plummeted hundreds of feet through empty space before disappearing into a thick blanket of mist with tree tops poking out dangerously. Her stomach lurched at the dizzying height. Themis\' walls were visible on the hazy horizon.

"Senior Sister Ming." Xiulan stepped back from the precipice. "You can\'t be serious."

"This should be simple enough." Ming adjusted her purple robes. "Didn\'t you and Feng Yu brag about scaling that giant spirit beast in the Dawn Serpent valley?"

A weak laugh escaped Xiulan\'s throat. "This isn\'t remotely the same thing. That had… water to run on, and scales to climb! You can adhere to scales! Here there\'s nothing but air between us and a very hard stop at the bottom."

Ming clicked her tongue. "Time to repair your incomplete education, then."

"Yes?" Xiulan raised an eyebrow.

"We\'ll use qi to create an air cushion." Ming traced patterns in the air with her finger. "The pressure builds as we fall, growing denser near the ground. The compressed qi will slow our descent naturally."

Images flashed through Xiulan\'s mind—the Dawn Serpent\'s massive coils, the desperate fight for survival. Feng Yu had performed something similar during their plunge while inside the scale collector bell. Feng Yu had taken her donated qi to cushion their landing.

"I\'m all for learning new techniques, Senior Sister, but shouldn\'t we start closer to the ground?" Xiulan gestured at the endless drop before them.

Ming shook her head. "The grass down there will cushion your fall or the trees will break your momentum if needed. You\'re a cultivator now—stop being so delicate."

"Trees aren\'t cushions! They\'re more like nature\'s spears waiting to impale us." Xiulan crossed her arms.

"Such a cautious junior sister." Ming pulled a length of linen from her robes. "Fine, we\'ll descend together. This will keep us connected."

"Perfect." Xiulan eyed the cloth with resignation. "At least I\'ll die alongside someone I actually like."

Ming laughed brightly. "Don\'t worry so much. I\'ve done this before."

Xiulan squared her shoulders as Ming finished tying them together. "Next time we take one of your shortcuts, I expect a proper warning first."

Ming wrapped an arm around Xiulan\'s back. "We\'ll connect our qi—it makes learning faster."

Xiulan nodded and reached for Ming\'s energy signature. The qi connection formed smoothly.

"Right then." Ming grinned and pitched them both off the cliff\'s edge.

"ARE YOU INSANE?" Xiulan\'s scream echoed off the rocky walls as they plummeted through empty air.

Wind whipped past her face as she struggled to focus. Through their connection, she felt Ming\'s qi pulse rhythmically, expanding beneath them like an invisible cushion. The pressure built gradually, their breakneck descent slowing to something more manageable.

The initial terror of falling transformed into something almost peaceful as their plummet turned into a glide as downward velocity converted to horizontal. Their robes billowed around them like wings.

Ming steered them with precise movements, avoiding the deadly treetops below. A large stream came into view—a silver ribbon cutting through the forest. They drifted toward a grassy clearing beside it.

Their feet touched down with surprising gentleness. Xiulan untied the linen connecting them and smoothed her robes.

"That wasn\'t nice, Senior Sister." Xiulan shot Ming a pointed look.

"I apologize." Ming adjusted her golden hairpins. "I suppose I\'m still adjusting to having a junior sister. The excitement got the better of me."

"You could have warned me first." Xiulan\'s protest lacked real heat—the technique had been fascinating, even if the method of teaching left much to be desired.

Through gaps in the trees, Themis sprawled across the valley floor in the distance. Smoke rose from countless chimneys where craftsmen worked their forges and workshops. The town\'s walls gleamed with protective formations, their silvery lines visible even at a distance.

They walked along the stream\'s edge, picking their way through the underbrush. Despite the clear view of their destination, the forest\'s dense growth and uneven terrain made for slow progress. The sun dipped toward the horizon as they navigated the remaining distance to Themis.

Before dark, they arrived at the main gates. The town sprawled larger than Blackmere City, but remained dwarfed by Aeris\'s grandeur. Stone buildings with peaked roofs clustered together, connected by well-maintained streets that branched out from a central marketplace.

Xiulan hummed. It was all very urban.

She stayed close to Ming through the busy streets. The scent of forge smoke mixed with herbs and incense drifted through the air. Merchants hawked their wares from wooden stalls while craftsmen hurried past with wrapped bundles and sealed boxes.

The Treasure Pavilion district rose directly ahead, marked by high walls emblazoned with large protective formations. Armed guards in purple-trimmed armor patrolled the perimeter. Their weapons gleamed with spiritual energy that made Xiulan\'s skin tingle.

Ming approached the main gate without hesitation. "Senior Sister Ming of the Aeris branch." She presented an ornate token that pulsed. "Here with my junior sister on official business."

The guard examined the token and bowed. "Welcome, Senior Ming. Please proceed."

Inside, familiar architecture echoed the Aeris pavilion\'s design, but on a smaller scale. Multiple courtyards branched off from the main path, each surrounded by high walls topped with barrier formations. Through open gates, Xiulan glimpsed workshops and forges where craftsmen labored over their specialized tasks.

"Each master maintains their own secured workspace." Ming gestured to the separate compounds. "No one enters without explicit permission—not even other crafters."

"The investment in security must be enormous just to protect their techniques." Xiulan studied the layered defensive formations etched into the courtyard walls.

"The foundations remain the same for everyone, but selection by a renowned master opens many doors." Ming traced a finger along one of the courtyard\'s barrier formations. "Their techniques become your inheritance."

Xiulan nodded. The system reminded her of corporate patents and trade secrets.

At the main pavilion, a clerk guided them to their guest quarters. The room featured simple but elegant furnishings—two beds with silk covers, a polished wooden table, and windows overlooking an inner garden.

"Would you prefer to rest here?" Ming set her travel pack beside one of the beds. "Or accompany me to check on tomorrow\'s mission details?"

"I\'ll come with you." Xiulan adjusted her black and turquoise robe. The fabric\'s protective enchantments hummed against her skin.

They walked through several corridors to reach the pavilion loading area. Workers moved between crates and barrels, checking inventory lists and applying seals. Ming led them past the busy loading bay to a side hall.

Inside a room lined with scroll cabinets, polished wooden counters stretched along one wall. The scent of ink and parchment filled the air.

Ming approached the nearest counter. "We\'re here about tomorrow\'s standard escort mission."

The clerk shuffled through several scrolls. "Ah, Senior Ming. There\'s been an update regarding your request."

Ming planted both hands on the counter. "What update?"

The clerk adjusted his spectacles. "A spirit beast emerged from the northern forests this morning. It\'s been disrupting trade routes and threatening travelers."

"What about our escort mission?" Ming drummed her fingers on the counter.

"We\'ve hired a mercenary cultivator to oversee the convoy and assist with security." The clerk pulled out another scroll. "This allows you and your junior to focus on eliminating the beast threat."

Ming nodded. "That works."

Xiulan leaned forward. "Which mercenary will we work with?"

"Interesting you ask." The clerk scanned the document. "He specifically mentioned knowing both of you."

Ming and Xiulan exchanged a look.

* * *

Morning sunlight streamed through the loading bay\'s open doors as Xiulan followed Ming between stacks of crates and barrels. Workers moved quickly around them, checking inventory lists and securing cargo.

Xiulan studied Ming\'s fidgeting as she inspected the wagon preparations. A mischievous smile tugged at her lips. "Senior Sister, are you certain there\'s nothing special going on? That look you gave him after the battle seemed quite... meaningful."

Pink bloomed across Ming\'s cheeks. "Nothing but professional camaraderie between fellow cultivators!"

"Hmm." Xiulan tapped her chin. "You insist rather strongly. Perhaps you protest too much?"

Ming focused intently on a nearby inventory scroll while her blush deepened. Xiulan suppressed a laugh—turnabout proved quite entertaining after Ming\'s teasing the day before...

"Where is that man?" Ming grumbled. "He should have arrived by now."

"I am the mountain!" The dramatic declaration echoed through the loading bay.

Xiulan turned alongside Ming to spot Wei Kang\'s massive frame filling the doorway. His ritual-scarred arms stretched the fabric of his tunic as he struck an exaggerated pose. The sight of his broad shoulders and wild hair backlit by morning sun brought an immediate question to mind—how would he possibly fit on their modest supply wagon?

She bit back a laugh while Ming stared transfixed at the warrior\'s entrance. She leaned close to Ming\'s ear. "So... are broad shoulders your preferred type?"

Ming\'s cheeks blazed crimson. "Keep this up and I\'ll assign you extra practice sessions for a month."

"You shouldn\'t threaten me with a good time, Senior Sister." Xiulan grinned wickedly.

"Bah!" Ming crossed her arms.

Wei Kang strode toward them, his heavy boots thumping against the wooden floor. "Greetings, Fairy Ming, Fairy Lin."

"Good morning, Sir Wei," they replied in unison, maintaining proper formality.

"Did you plan to meet us here?" Xiulan kept her tone light and innocent.

Ming shot her a sharp glance that promised retribution.

Wei Kang shifted his ritual-scarred arms. "I patrol around Aeris these days. I did not know you would come until I saw the job posting."

His gaze settled on Ming with a subtle intensity. "It\'s… always an honor to see you again. Esteemed cultivators like yourself—uh—radiate grace." He hesitated, then pressed on, voice gruff. "Like… a sword polished to a mirror\'s shine. In moonlight."

The words hung in the air, uneven and blunt, as though dragged awkwardly from the battlefield into the realm of praise.

Xiulan suppressed a squeal. The warrior\'s clumsy attempt at poetic admiration matched perfectly with his rough exterior. Real romance unfolded before her eyes.

"You\'re such a dolt." Ming rolled her eyes. "I gave you a token and told you to approach the hall in Aeris whenever you wished."

The revelation hit Xiulan like a qi blast. Her internal excitement bubbled over. "Senior Sister! You gave him a token?"

Ming turned to face her. "Why are you grinning like an idiot?"

Wei Kang beamed. "A young fairy\'s smile brightens even the darkest path."

"Thank you for such kind words." Xiulan bowed slightly, amusement on her face.

The wagoneer secured the final rope across the cargo. "Everything\'s ready for departure!"

"Perfect timing," Ming declared. She nodded to the wagoneer. "We\'ll follow on foot." She turned to Xiulan. "Would you prefer to ride in the wagon?"

Xiulan hummed thoughtfully. "That might be best. You and Sir Wei should have time to discuss... security matters."

Ming\'s shoulders tensed before relaxing into a gentle smile. "My junior sister proves very thoughtful indeed."

Xiulan hoisted herself onto the wagon seat and flashed a thumbs up at Ming. The wooden bench creaked beneath her as she settled next to the driver, a weathered man with sun-darkened skin.

"Do you travel this route often?" Xiulan adjusted her robes against the rough wood.

The driver nodded while checking the reins. "Three times a week, Miss. Been doing these supply runs for near fifteen years now."

"Sounds like you know every tree and stone along the way."

"That I do." He clicked his tongue at the horses. "Though lately it\'s gotten strange. More animals than usual crowd the path, even with all the traffic. Never seen them act so bold before."

"Huh." Xiulan considered their mission; it was almost certainly related. "Well, hopefully dealing with that spirit beast will help settle things down."

The wagon rattled across Themis\'s cobblestone streets. Xiulan watched merchants haggle over silk bolts and spices beneath striped awnings.

A quick glance behind revealed Ming gesturing animatedly while Wei Kang listened with rapt attention. The massive warrior dwarfed Ming\'s slender frame, yet moved with surprising grace to stay in step beside her. Ming\'s silver hair caught the sunlight as she demonstrated what looked like a martial arts stance.

They\'re adorable together. Xiulan smiled at the unlikely pair. Ming\'s refined elegance contrasted sharply with Wei Kang\'s wild appearance, yet something about them just worked. A musical laugh rang out from Ming, prompting Xiulan to turn back to the road ahead.

The afternoon sun filtered through dense leaves as they entered the forest. Ancient trees towered overhead, their branches weaving into a natural canopy. When shadows lengthened across their path, the group halted to make camp.

"The spirit beast haunts the midpoint of this route." Ming spread out bedrolls while Wei Kang gathered firewood. "We\'ll track it better in daylight."

"Agreed." Xiulan helped arrange their supplies. "No sense stumbling around in the dark."

Wei Kang planted his massive frame by the campfire. "I\'ll take watch tonight. You both need rest for tracking tomorrow."

Xiulan settled down on her bedroll. Wind whispered through branches overhead, an eerie song that set her nerves on edge. Leaves rustled with each gust, creating shadows that danced across their camp. Sleep proved elusive as nature\'s chorus grew louder through the night.

Dawn brought a slight chill. Dew dripped on fallen leaves while mist curled between tree trunks. Ming sat up from her bedroll with a massive yawn.

Wei Kang crouched by the fire, measuring herbs into a clay pot. Steam rose as he poured hot water over some kind of blend. The rich aroma of ginger and other herbs filled their camp.

"Here." Wei Kang offered steaming cups to them both.

Xiulan sipped the brew, surprised at how good it was.

As Ming started to praise the drink, a weird thought hit Xiulan. How did cultivators even date, or well, court each other? She\'d never thought about it before, but… they had a lot more time? So maybe that meant nothing had to be rushed.

But Ming had definitely caught feelings fast. And from the way Wei Kang kept sneaking looks at her when he thought no one was watching—she had the very strong suspicion the feeling was mutual.

It was kind of nice, actually. Even with all their crazy powers, cultivators were still just... human. I\'m rooting for you both!

Ming moved to check her talismans and equipment. She glanced at Xiulan. "Check your gear before we move out."

Xiulan nodded and ran her fingers along Severing Light\'s familiar shaft, confirming its readiness. Her elemental daggers and iron darts remained secure in their sheaths. Her healing pills clinked softly in their pouch as she adjusted her belt.

Everything was ready, and they headed out with a "good hunting" from Wei Kang.

The thick underbrush crunched beneath their boots as they ventured deeper into the forest. Ancient trees loomed overhead, their branches weaving an ever-denser canopy that filtered the morning light. Untamed wilderness greeted them.

"The further we go, the more rough it becomes," Ming said. "Though the beast\'s den should be well before we hit the wilds barrier."

"How often do beasts breach the barrier to enter mortal lands?" Xiulan ducked under a low-hanging branch.

"Less frequently here. Too many cultivators compete for resources and keep the wilds thinned out." Ming pushed aside a thorny vine. "This one likely came from further away—something must have driven it to seek a new nest."

"Any idea what kind of beast we\'re tracking?"

"Reports mention a red-furred creature. Possibly a fox." Ming stepped over a fallen log.

"Let\'s hope we don\'t get hit by illusion magic." Xiulan muttered.

"Doubtful, though if it\'s a fox with multiple tails, it might wield potent elemental abilities."

Ming pulled out a spirit stone suspended on a delicate gold chain. The stone pulsed with a soft inner light, catching on morning dew drops. The chain tugged forward, pulling taut in Ming\'s grip.

"We have a trace." Ming studied the stone\'s reaction.

Magical finding stone—another item straight from my game checklist. Xiulan smiled. At this rate, she wouldn\'t be surprised if—

A sharp hiss cut through the air. Ming grabbed Xiulan\'s arm and yanked her behind a massive tree trunk. Rocks exploded through the brush where they\'d stood a second before, showering the ground with debris.

Shit, here we go.