A Thousand Li Books 1-3: An Omnibus Collection for a Xianxia Cultivation Series (A Thousand Li Omnibus)

by Tao Wong

  Thoughts like this were in some ways too early for a cultivator like him, having just left the starting line with the marathon finishing line of cultivation so many li away. But at the next stage, when he started cultivating an energy-gathering method, he would need to consider this deeply. He’d heard a few apocryphal stories of those who had found themselves following an elemental dao then learned, too late, they were unable to progress further due to their cultivation. Some shattered their cultivation, devolving to the start, to begin again. Most such unfortunate souls found themselves stymied, unable to truly ascend.

  No. If he were to search for a dao that would suit him, he should start thinking now, Wu Ying determined. At the very least, he should consult a sage or two if possible, and at the worse, an Elder. Their guidance could help forestall any issues in his cultivation.

  All that, of course, was dependent on Wu Ying actually avoiding being thrown out of the sect. Which, considering he was now two days late to the sale of the plum blossom wine, was not looking good. Staring at the city gates, Wu Ying sighed. Dressed in peasant clothing, with his cultivation suppressed, he had been waiting in line for the last hour in an attempt to enter the city.

  Hinma was one of the larger cities Wu Ying had ever visited, the town walls that surrounded the city four times his height. From idle conversations with those waiting with him, Wu Ying had learned that these were the outer walls. A set of inner, older walls separated the old city from the new. And of course, in the center of the city, the magistrate’s administrative center and mansion was located. At each barrier, another set of security checks were conducted. And of course, the entrance fee was taken.

  Even so, as a city established at the confluence of a pair of rivers, Hinma had more than sufficient traffic. It was why Wu Ying was still waiting for his turn to enter. He knew that if he showed off his sect stamp, he would likely be able to bypass the queue, but he still found it a bit strange to do so. Never mind the fact that he was actually enjoying his conversations with the commoners around him. Talk about the city interspersed with gossip about locals brought a nostalgic pang. But eventually, all good things had to come to an end.

  “Number in the party?” the guard asked, his voice laced with boredom.

  “Just one, sir,” Wu Ying said.

  “Five coins.”

  “Of course.” Wu Ying bobbed his head and handed over the round coins with their centers cut out in squares.

  When the guard gestured him through, Wu Ying walked in blithely.

  “Wait!”

  Wu Ying stopped, frowning as he turned toward the speaker. Standing just inside, overseeing the group, the guard lieutenant raked his eyes over Wu Ying’s form before stopping at the bag slung over the cultivator’s shoulder.

  “What’s in that bag?”

  “My bag? An extra set of clothing, my provisions, and a bedroll.” At the lieutenant’s loud harrumph, Wu Ying swung the bag around toward the guard. As he did so, he noticed that the flaps had fallen open, showcasing his major treasure as well. “Ah, some snakeskin from a green spirit snake I encountered.”

  “I thought that was what it was,” the guard lieutenant said with a sniff. His voice was filled with haughty disdain as he walked forward to tug open Wu Ying’s bag without asking. “I want this.”

  “Uhh…” Wu Ying said, startled by the sudden change.

  “Come. Show me the quality. I’ll give you a good price,” the lieutenant said again.

  “This, I, well…” Wu Ying took a deep breath before gesturing around him. “Perhaps somewhere more private?”

  The lieutenant took a quick look around before he nodded firmly and gestured for Wu Ying to enter the guardhouse. Soon enough, the roll of scales and skin that Wu Ying had harvested was laid out on the table within. The few guards clustered within on their break had gathered around too, whispering among themselves.

  “Look at the size of those scales!”

  “Beautiful. The shimmer is amazing.”

  “Perfect. Must be the choicest cut.”

  “Where is the rest of the skin?” the lieutenant asked as he stared at the roll.

  There was enough there to make a full tunic. Maybe even a pair of gloves on top of that, if the armorer was skilled and wasted little. But with his experienced eye, the lieutenant could guess at the size of the creature. The amount showcased here was miniscule.

  “Left behind,” Wu Ying said with a shrug. It hurt his coin purse to think about the waste, but he had not had either the time to do a full skinning job nor the ability to carry all of it even if he did.

  “What a waste,” the lieutenant said. “Is it close?”

  “No,” Wu Ying said, shaking his head. “It’s likely all eaten and damaged by now.”

  “Truly a waste. I, Lieutenant Tung Zhong Shei, will buy this for twenty taels,” the lieutenant said, finally getting around to introducing himself.

  “Twenty!” The other soldiers gasped at the lavish display of wealth. After all, they each only earned about five taels a month—and that had to cover all their expenses.

  “That’s very generous,” Wu Ying said, his hand lightly tracing the skin.

  It was a superb piece of material and would, once worked, provide significant coverage and protection. The scales of a spirit beast were high quality material and would provide great protection while being extremely flexible, a must for martial artists. It, of course, helped that the material itself was beautiful as well, with rippling shades of emerald and seafoam green.

  Even though Wu Ying had taken the time to stretch the hide out and secure it using broken branches and salt on the inside, if it had been a normal animal, the skin would have been ruined by now. Luckily, spirit beasts were filled with qi, including their bodies, allowing a greater level of abuse in their preservation. Still, Wu Ying knew that Zhong Shei was being somewhat of a spendthrift. Yet the man’s family name was very familiar.

  “But…”

  “Twenty-five.” Zhong Shei upped the price without hesitation.

  “It’s not the price, honored Lieutenant,” Wu Ying said. “I just arrived at the city and have yet to get my bearings.”

  “Do you doubt that I am offering you a better price than any merchant would?” Zhong Shei said with scorn.

  “I meant nothing like that. I came to the city to purchase the famed Three Stone Plum Blossom Wine,” Wu Ying said hurriedly before the lieutenant grew any angrier. The man could easily “confiscate” the skin if he was pushed too far. “But because I’m late, I fear there might be no more. If there isn’t, I was hoping to trade this with someone.”

  “Wine, wine, wine!” Zhong Shei sounded exasperated. “It’s always about the wine. You know this city is known for more than just wine? We have some of the best pottery in the country. Master Wu’s paintings are reaching spirit-awakening levels. But all you cultivators care about is the wine.”

  “My apologies, honored Lieutenant, but it is a request from an Elder in my sect,” Wu Ying said, deciding to reveal his affiliation. While he did not want to use it to get into the city, this seemed like a good time to do so, especially if his initial guess was right.

  “Another greedy Elder,” Zhong Shei said. “Fine. The wine sells for one tael per jar. Right now, they’re sold out, so the aftermarket price is about five tael—if you can find someone to sell them. I can release a total of three to you though. Is that sufficient?”

  Wu Ying blinked, the entire matter moving slightly faster than he had expected. While he had guessed from Zhong Shei’s family name that he might be connected to the wine producer, he had never thought that Zhong Shei would be able to sell him the wine directly. At most, Wu Ying had expected an introduction, a door opened. Now, he had to decide how desperate he was to get the wine. Returning without the wine was almost a guarantee of being sent out from the sect. But… perhaps being a wandering cultivator was not so bad. Or, as he had improved his cultivation, perhaps he could return to the village.

  Okay, per
haps not the last. After all, it was likely that any such action would bring the displeasure of the sect and certainly send the army calling again. Without the sect’s protection to keep him from being conscripted, he would be back at where he started, just a little stronger.

  And realistically, he was getting the equivalent of fifteen taels’ worth of wine. Even if Wu Ying wanted to buy the wine, he might not be able to find a supplier as had been pointed out to him.

  “Well?”

  “Sorry, honored Lieutenant.” Wu Ying bowed again when he realized he had been standing there in silence, thinking. “If the lieutenant can provide me with three jars, then I would be grateful.”

  “I’m still on duty, so wait here,” Zhong Shei commanded, waving to the surroundings.

  When one of the guards opened his mouth to object, the glare the lieutenant shot him was enough to shut him up. Zhong Shei strode out of the guard building to take up his duties, leaving Wu Ying to roll up the skin and offer apologies to the men within.

  “It’s fine. It’s fine. The lieutenant is always like that,” one of the guards commented.

  “That’s right. Because he comes from the merchant’s family, he has a lot of money and privilege. But he sometimes forgets about our rules.”

  “But he’s a good leader. Always makes sure our weapons and armor are up to standard. And he works all day too with us. Better than most of the noble brats who take up the job.” A slight pause as the guard looked at Wu Ying, who offered an encouraging nod. Realizing that Wu Ying was not insulted, he continued. “They’re always strutting around, acting like they’re the favored sons of heaven. Even if they’re nothing more than lieutenants.”

  “Useless third sons,” the first guard said with a sniff before realizing that Wu Ying had finished packing. “Well, sir cultivator, we don’t mind you here, but if the captain comes…”

  “The captain’s a real stickler.”

  “Yes. She’s horrible. She’ll put us all on report.”

  “So if sir cultivator is willing…” The guard gestured to a side room.

  When Wu Ying walked over with his bag, he realized it led to holding cells. When Wu Ying looked back at the guards, they all looked uncomfortable, but Wu Ying chuckled.

  “I’ll cultivate within. Just let me know when it’s time to go,” Wu Ying said as he walked in, taking his bag with him.

  Chapter 16

  A quiet knock on the door brought Wu Ying’s attention back to the external world. He drew in a deep breath then exhaled slowly, allowing the turbid air within his lungs to escape. Thankfully, as he was mostly reinforcing his cultivation, the sweat and stink of this process was muted. As Wu Ying stood and caught a whiff of himself, he grimaced. For definitions of muted at least. Another polite knock on the door brought Wu Ying’s attention back to the present.

  “Coming,” Wu Ying called.

  He slowly stretched, checking his body over after being seated cross-legged for so long. While he preferred to cultivate while moving, pacing in such a small space was not much more beneficial to him than sitting still. And truth be told, Wu Ying was a bit tired from all the travel. Sometimes, moderation was best. Not that you could tell from the sudden jumps in his cultivation in the last few weeks.

  Thankfully, being in the Body Cleansing stage, Wu Ying was much less likely to harm his future potential by increasing his cultivation so fast. Still, if he could, he would prefer to spend more time reinforcing and cleansing the opened meridians before he attempted the eighth level. If nothing else, it would help him control his aura better.

  “Sir cultivator, the lieutenant’s shift will be over soon,” the guard on the other side of the door said when Wu Ying finally opened it. A moment later, the guard’s nose wrinkled slightly. “We do have a wash area as well.”

  Wu Ying stared at the guard, who looked uncomfortable, probably belatedly remembering that Wu Ying was actually a cultivator.

  “Show me, if you will,” Wu Ying said, keeping his face stern. He had to admit, he was a little miffed but also somewhat amused.

  The guard relaxed, quickly guiding Wu Ying toward the back, where a bucket and an urn of fresh water waited. A few minutes later, Wu Ying was clean and refreshed and walked out to see an impatient-looking lieutenant. Zhong Shei’s tight gaze relaxed slightly when he spotted Wu Ying, almost looking approving when he noticed the formerly dusty and dirty peasant had cleaned up. Somewhat.

  “Come. My uncle’s house is this way,” Zhong Shei said, gesturing for Wu Ying to follow.

  Wu Ying hurried after the man who did not slow down as he strode through the streets. All around, pedestrians moved out of the way of the uniformed and armored soldier, paying the customary respect for authority. What was not customary were the murmured words of praise and admiration coming from the women whose eyes followed Zhong Shei’s figure.

  Looking out of the corner of his eyes, Wu Ying mentally compared himself to the soldier. Okay, so Zhong Shei’s hair was a little longer, a darker black, and much glossier. And yes, his skin was fair too, free of any pockmarks, blemishes, and scars, unlike the weather-worn visage Wu Ying held. Even with his improved cultivation, the fact stood that Wu Ying had been running for the last few weeks in the blazing sun. Improved cultivation—at his level—could only do so much. And Zhong Shei might be a touch taller. But Wu Ying’s shoulders were broader, his chest wider, and arms and thighs bigger!

  Well, okay. Perhaps too big. Wu Ying knew he was stockier than most of the effete noblemen and merchants’ sons. After all, he had spent his growing years working the fields and not lounging around, reading books and drinking tea. His mood darkening slightly, Wu Ying moved behind Zhong Shei in silence. It seemed that even as a cultivator, he was doomed to stand in the shadow of the nobles and merchants.

  “We’re here,” Zhong Shei announced without preamble. He gestured to the doors. “Be mindful of my uncle if you see him. He is touchy and hard to get along with, but remember, it is his wine.”

  “Of course. I am already grateful at my fortune to meet someone so well-connected.”

  “I am, aren’t I?” Zhong Shei preened as they entered the mansion. They turned to move around the wall that blocked the view into the house before the pair were met by a servant. “Ah, Ah Kong! I’m headed to the cellar with an acquaintance. No need to tell my uncle.”

  “Yes, sir,” Ah Kong said, bowing.

  “Actually…” Wu Ying said hesitantly before he pulled out the seal provided to him by Elder Xi Qi. “I was also entrusted with this to show to your uncle. Elder Lu said your uncle would recognize it.”

  “This…” Zhong Shei’s lips pursed before he let out an exasperated breath. “Fine. Ah Kong, take it to my uncle.”

  “Of course.”

  The seal was quickly taken by Ah Kong, who left while Zhong Shei stomped along without a word. Wu Ying hurried to catch up, looking at the well-appointed house with wide eyes. The mansion was the largest he had ever been in personally, potentially even larger than the lord’s mansion back in the village, and was built in a U shape. Wu Ying assumed Zhong Shei lived there, since the guard was unlikely to have married yet.

  Even if the building was significantly larger, the basic architecture was similar to most other residential buildings, with half-exposed wooden beams interspersed between the doors and white-painted plaster. Of course, in Wu Ying’s house, they’d used packed earth and had not bothered to paint the walls. Nor did they have any of the various scrolls and paintings that hung conspicuously throughout the building.

  “Don’t dawdle. I’m not here to show you the house,” Zhong Shei snapped at Wu Ying, who flushed slightly with guilt.

  Of course, he was not an actual guest, so taking the time to peruse the works there was not allowed. More the pity too, as the works were all better than anything Wu Ying had seen except in the sect.

  “Here we are,” Zhong Shei said. From wall to ceiling, the storeroom was filled with wine jars, so crammed full that the shelves were nearly
overflowing. Zhong Shei strode in without a care and looked through the numerous wine jars, reading the scribbled notes hanging off the necks of the jars before he set three aside. “This should be it.”

  “Thank you, honored Tung. Here is your snakeskin,” Wu Ying said, offering the skin.

  The pair did a quick switch, one that involved a little more juggling than either would have preferred, as the room had no convenient table. But finally, Wu Ying had the jars of wine in his bag, packed with donated rags and hay to increase their survivability.

  “Good. Time to go,” Zhong Shei said and waved Wu Ying out.

  Wu Ying frowned, wanting to remind Zhong Shei about the Elder’s seal, but a crotchety old voice cut him off.

  “Taking from my personal collection again, are you? What did I say about that?” the voice said.

  Wu Ying turned, spotting a short, older man who exuded a presence that made Wu Ying’s breath catch. A part of him analyzed this new presence, trying to decide on how it “felt” compared to the Elders in his sect and benefactor Dun. The rest of him was busy bowing low and sweating internally.

  “Uncle[22]! I was just finishing a trade,” Zhong Shei said with a wide and innocent smile.

  “You brat.” Uncle Tung strode forward and smacked Zhong Shei over the top of his head. “Always taking from my collection. That snakeskin, it’s for that Ong girl, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, Uncle. It really suits her eyes, don’t you think?” Zhong Shei’s quick and enthusiastic reply was met with another smack.

  “Idiot boy. All of you chasing after one girl.” Uncle Tung then turned to Wu Ying, who had stayed bowed, preferring to keep his head down—literally—than get involved in what sounded like a favorite nephew and uncle bickering. Never get involved in family disputes. Any smart Chinese knew that one. “You’re the one who brought this?”