by Wong, Tao
“Change your clothing.”
“I know!” Wu Ying complained. “I’m no child. I know how to dress appropriately.”
Fa Yuan smiled tightly, deciding obviously to not publicly disagree. “Hopefully we will be able to hear some good news from him. I had previously written to him, informing him of our arrival for the auction.”
“Hopefully,” Wu Ying said.
The objective of their visit to Hinma was the cultivator auction. The Magistrate was hosting the event in the hope of generating additional funds for the city and had sent out invitations to all the nearby sects, as well as publicizing the event in nearby counties.
While such auctions were uncommon, they were a good way of acquiring sought-after items for and from wandering cultivators. It was their regular form of trading, and since wandering cultivators were the largest proportion of the cultivator population, the sects gleefully took part as well. After all, it was also a good way for them to discard items that had not received sufficient interest among other sect groups.
“Remember, all of you, do not antagonize any others. You are representing the Sect,” Fa Yuan said, raising her voice slightly. She only needed to do so a little, the enhanced senses of the cultivators cutting through the hubbub of the busy street.
As the group murmured their assent to her warning, Wu Ying could not help but crane his neck from side to side as he continued to take it the familiar city. The trundle of oxen, the creak of wagons, and the smells of rotting meat, animal feces, and cooking food mixed in the air. But he also noted small indicators of prosperity, here and there.
Talismans for protection and cleansing, to reduce daytime heat, or to reinforce doorways hung over merchant entrances. The populace was well-fed, their skins healthy and glowing, with only the usual layer of grime among peasants. In the distance, he heard the creak of oars and the snap of sails, all mingling with the closer sounds of the thud of hammers and the crunch of wood being sawed as new buildings, new furniture were constructed.
Hinma had obviously gone through a small growth spurt. It was most likely from the addition of refugees from the east, where the war continued. Small markers of the ongoing war—like the imbalance in the genders, the preponderance of older, less healthy men, and the occasional injured beggar, bereft of limb or sense—could be spotted all around.
Just as interesting were the numerous cultivators. In such a big city, late stage Body Cleansing cultivators and early stage Energy Storage cultivators were expected sights, but the number that Wu Ying spotted was uncommon. If not for the upcoming auction, Wu Ying would have been concerned about the meaning of such density. As he breathed, Wu Ying caught the sharp and dense scent of Core Refinement cultivators deeper in the city.
In short order, the group arrived at their destination. The large inn was walled off on its own plot of land, high walls hiding the inner workings of the inn from prying eyes. Only a single signboard on the outside of the grey walls gave indication to what lay within, though Fa Yuan rode in without hesitation. Waiting servants scrambled to take hold of reins, offering greetings as they did so. All but a single servant, who scrambled inside to inform the proprietor of their esteemed guests’ arrival.
Wu Ying and company left the horses to the servants and entered the second inner gate. The entrance hall had a series of jade bowls filled with scented floral water. The cultivators quickly washed their hands and faces with the waiting amenities, drying themselves with the proffered silk face cloths and exhilarating in the cool, clean feeling their faces now exuded.
As Wu Ying half listened to Fa Yuan speak to the proprietor, finalizing the details of their stay, he eyed the receiving room. Multiple servants had scurried in, retrieving the washing bowls and taking them away to be replaced for the next guests. Small, carefully tended plants lay within the receiving room, while watercolor paintings, depicting nearby mist-covered hills, were arranged on the walls. Sparse furnishings allowed those who desired to sit a place to rest, all carefully arranged to ensure the harmonious flow of chi within.
Practiced now, Wu Ying noted the names on the paintings, the gilt edging on the vases and pots, and the hardwood furnishings laid about. And came to a conclusion. Never in his previous life would he have been able to afford even a single night’s stay in this inn.
Wu Ying’s musings came to an end when a servant scurried over, carrying his bags and the key to his residence. As he was led to his room, Wu Ying inquired about a bath. After all, he would have to clean himself for the upcoming meeting.
***
It was late afternoon when the pair were finally introduced to the magistrate. They were received in his primary waiting room, offered snacks and tea as they entered before the usual preamble of small talk began. For his part, Wu Ying was dressed in his sect robes but was overall silent in the discussion. Much like the magistrate’s daughter who accompanied him, they were but a pair of pretty faces in this room.
Wu Ying sipped on the tea, letting the slightly bitter, complex drink settle on the back of his tongue before swallowing. Having spent time with Tou Hei and been forced to consume ungodly amounts of the brews as Tou Hei practiced his secondary profession, Wu Ying had gained some subtle appreciation of the types of teas available.
This one, he guessed to be a local brew, picked from the hillside plantations a short ride away. It was slightly harsher than his personal preference, allowed to age longer in the sun than he would have preferred. Still, he was certain it was a high-quality picking, taken from the youngest leaves and carefully sun-dried. But Tou Hei would really understand the subtleties, while Wu Ying just enjoyed the warmth.
His surface level appreciation extended to the room itself, with its paintings, the mother-of-pearl furnishings, and the few stone carvings. He spotted stonework that represented the eight horses and a depiction of a giant, surfacing turtle carved from jade in the corner. Traditional work, though well done.
“I am grateful that the Verdant Green Waters Sect was so willing to grace my small auction with their presence. Especially sending the graceful Fairy Yang,” Magistrate Song said, punctuating his words with a seated bow. It was not a deep one, as befitted a magistrate speaking to an Elder. “If the Elder is willing, I shall be honored if she came to the dinner I am hosting for her and the other cultivators on the night of the auction.”
“Of course.” Fa Yuan smiled as she spoke.
Wu Ying saw the stern older man melt and return the Fairy’s smile. Wu Ying was almost certain he heard the increase in the man’s heartbeat as his martial sister graced him with her attention.
“Though, I was hoping,” Fa Yuan said, “I could perhaps see the initial list of items?”
The magistrate hesitated before he leaned over and lowered his voice. “You know, I’m not supposed to show all of them…” Wu Ying watched as Fa Yuan let her face collapse in disappointment. And then brighten as the magistrate continued. “But for such a good friend…” He reached into his robe’s voluminous sleeves and produced a scroll. “Some rules can be bent.”
Even as Fa Yuan thanked him, murmuring words of agreement, Wu Ying noted how the magistrate’s daughter’s eyes rolled at her father’s unabashed flirtation. Catching Wu Ying paying attention to her, she stared back challengingly. Wu Ying could only offer her a crooked smile before he lowered his gaze, not wanting to create any additional problems. After all, he still wasn’t entirely certain why the daughter was in this meeting.
“Wu Ying,” Fa Yuan said, drawing his attention as she handed him the scroll.
Wu Ying unrolled and perused the list. He took his time, reading each line with care. Partly because he did not want the magistrate to ascertain their specific interest and partly because he might find something of interest to himself.
“And does the Elder of the Verdant Green Waters Sect have anything to add to my small event?” the magistrate asked tentatively.
“Only a small item.” Fa Yuan gestured over the table, and after her hand had passed, a single reflective mirro
r, edged with silver and gold, appeared. “The Mirror of Water and Earth Sight is a Saint-level item that we will entrust to your auction from the Sect. Payment can be sent directly to the Sect.”
“Oh!” Magistrate Song’s eyes widened as he took hold of the mirror with his hands, turning it over and over again. With the agreement of Fa Yuan, he pushed his chi into the mirror, willing it to show him his own city. A view of the city appeared as if from a bird high above, showing the moving throng below, the swaying lights of torches and spirit lamps and clay roofs. “This mirror is amazing. What is the range?”
“It varies, depending on the amount of chi entrusted to the mirror,” Fa Yuan said. “But farther than two hundred li and the image becomes much degraded.”
“Two hundred li….” The magistrate breathed out in awe. “This is a stupendous item. Thank you, Elder Yang. Thank your Patriarch as well.”
“A small matter. My companions also have some minor demon and spirit cores, spirit beast meat and organs, and some spiritual herbs to add to the auction,” Fa Yuan said.
Wu Ying hurriedly pulled the prepared scroll from his spirit ring and offered it with both hands to the magistrate.
Instead of receiving the document directly, the magistrate waved to his daughter. She perused the document quickly before speaking hesitantly. “Much of this… it does not fit our current standards.”
“Standards?” Wu Ying said.
“Yes,” the daughter said. “For the main auction. We’ll buy some of these directly. And have others displayed in a merchant hall during the day for sale directly.” She looked at her father.
“If you think that is correct, Ling Ling[18],” Magistrate Song said. He shot a glance at Fa Yuan, who waved, dismissing the scroll as if it was of no matter to her. Relaxing, the magistrate continued. “I’m sure she’ll manage the matter and ensure you get the best rate available. I was hoping, perhaps, that Elder Yang might be willing to spend a little time with my little Ling? She is a water-aspected cultivator, much like you.”
Fa Yuan frowned, turning to stare at the magistrate’s daughter. After a moment, she nodded as she finished sensing the woman. “She is strong enough. I could give her a few pointers.”
The magistrate grinned, murmuring words of thanks while his daughter rolled her eyes again and turned to Wu Ying. She pointed at the first of the lines in the document.
Sighing, Wu Ying was grateful he did not have to teach the girl. It was obvious she cared little about progressing her cultivation. But he would pay attention to what she said about their goods. After all, a good portion of the list were the spiritual herbs he had gathered. And every coin they earned would likely be needed for the upcoming auction.
For he’d spotted a Ben Beast Core among the list.
***
“What a pity,” Fa Yuan said when the pair left the magistrate’s residence, walking back to the inn much later in the day.
“Pity?” Wu Ying said.
“That the child has no interest in cultivation,” Fa Yuan said. “Her father has long wanted her to join a sect. She has both talent and ability, but no inclination.”
“You know of her?” Wu Ying said.
“I’ve heard. And noticed her reaction,” Fa Yuan said, half-smiling. “She was quite interested in you though.”
“Rubbish,” Wu Ying retorted. “We were just speaking of the list.”
“Mmmhmmm.” Fa Yuan looked him over. “You should dress more in the robes. It suits you.”
Wu Ying shrugged before he gestured at the split in the road. “If the Elder has nothing more for me, I was thinking of visiting a friend.”
Fa Yuan nodded her assent, and Wu Ying moved off with quick steps, disappearing among the crowds with ease. He sighed as he ran his finger along the luxuriant silk of his robes, forced to admit privately that the robes were nice. And certainly were more comfortable than his hemp workmen clothing.
Even if it was more convenient.
Hurrying down the streets, Wu Ying found his way to the Tong family residence. He only had to ask two strangers the direction and only got lost once on the way. Overall, Wu Ying was rather proud of his ability to navigate the unfamiliar city.
It did not take long before Wu Ying found himself seated in the waiting room, awaiting the return of the “Young Master.” As he sipped on the tea that had been offered to him, Wu Ying wondered what kind of changes he might find. Three years was not a long time, and yet, at this stage of their cultivation, it was. Would Zhong Shei have progressed far? Was he, like Wu Ying, an Energy Storage cultivator?
If not, would he be jealous?
As his tea cooled and a new pot was brought over, Wu Ying thought over his experiences in this city. Of his quest to find the wine, then the long journey back. The cultivators he had met and what he had learned in the ensuing years. And in that time, the understanding that he had perhaps made more mistakes than he had realized.
It was strange, what life brought. How time changed one’s view of the past, where the certainty of youthful righteousness gave way to the realization of weary experience.
His musings were interrupted by a loud voice, full of energy, that called his name as its owner entered. Zhong Shei, clad in the armor of the local city guard, strode in, looking older and grinning wider. Wu Ying stood—only to find the man enveloping him in a hug within seconds. Pushing away, Wu Ying grinned back.
“You look good.” Wu Ying narrowed his eyes, feeling the man’s aura, drawing a discreet breath as he tested the other. “And you have an aspect!”
“Metal,” Zhong Shei said, grinning and slapping his chest. “And I’ve reached the second stage of Energy Storage Cultivation.”
“Congratulations!” Wu Ying said, happy for the man. That single achievement would explain the armor, the signature of a lieutenant’s rank. “On your cultivation and your promotion.”
“Yes! I don’t even have to turn up for regular duty anymore. Now, I only need to cultivate!” At Wu Ying’s raised eyebrow, the man shrugged. “They called me back from the frontlines when I broke through. Said I should stay behind and cultivate to gain strength.”
Wu Ying nodded, remembering that his friend had been initially part of the war. “Good. The frontlines are dangerous.”
“Very true,” Zhong Shei said, his face growing unusually serious. He shook his head after a moment, dispersing the darkness and memories. “But my family will ensure I do not return. After all, we still need guards here too.”
“For auctions,” Wu Ying teased.
“To deal with noisy cultivators,” Zhong Shei replied, pushing Wu Ying’s shoulder.
Laughing, Wu Ying let himself be pushed back until he took a seat in his original chair. He poured his friend a cup of tea, offering it to the man who sat beside him, a small side table between each other. “Come, let’s drink. To reunions.”
Zhong Shei stared at the teacup dubiously, then shrugged and drank the warm tea. “This is a good start. But reunions should be drunk with wine, not tea. Tea is for the old men!” Jumping back to his feet, Zhong Shei hauled Wu Ying up. “I know just the place!”
“Not your grandfather’s collection!” Wu Ying said quickly.
“Obviously!” Zhong Shei touched his bum, muttering, “I have no desire to be punished again.”
Chapter 17
The restaurant Zhong Shei brought Wu Ying to was luxurious to the extreme. The building overlooked the confluence of the two rivers that hemmed in the city. From the third-floor private room they were offered, they could watch the busy waterway below where even in the deepening evening, ships docked under lamplight and cargo was off-loaded.
Waitresses clad in diaphanous gowns waited upon them, bringing in luxurious dishes, plying them with strong wine and pleasant company. It was the kind of indulgent, almost sinful practice that Wu Ying had long considered a mainstay of nobles, and he found the experience both novel and intriguing. Though a small part of him could not help but keep track of how much all this must co
st.
As they supped on the delectable dishes, Wu Ying and Zhong Shei spoke of their experiences in the preceding years. Zhong Shei exclaimed, cried out in disbelief, and teased Wu Ying as he detailed both his progress and cultivation, his many adventures since they’d last met, and his regrettable love life.
In turn, Zhong Shei spoke of his own experiences ever since he had left Wu Ying in the Sect years ago. Emboldened and inspired by the cultivators, he had thrown himself into practice. While he did not have the advantages the Sect had, both in knowledge as well as the resources that were readily available, he had done well until he neared the end of the Body Cleaning Levels. There, he finally met his own blockage, unable to clear his last meridian.
It was the onset of the war and the continued encroaching of territory by the State of Wei that had given him the necessary push. Joining the army with his greater than normal cultivation level and his personal connections allowed Zhong Shei to start out as an officer. Then he managed to make a name for himself in a series of tense battles, even succeeding in killing a number of enemy cultivators. Because of these acts, he had managed to acquire additional resources from the army, leading to his eventual breakthrough.
After that, of course, he’d been returned to the backlines to act as a town guard. In this way, he’d have a chance to grow his new cultivation stage, potentially becoming a powerful local guard captain or aid for the bureaucracy that ran the kingdom. The king valued those cultivators who chose to grow within the ranks of his service, or so it was rumored.
“And is that what you want?” Wu Ying asked as his friend finally came to the end of his story.
“It works.” The guardsman shrugged. “I have no expectation of becoming like your Master. The life here suits me.” He reached over to the young lady seated beside him, pulling her close and giving her a quick squeeze. She burst into a giggle, playing the part set for her. But it seemed to Wu Ying that there was some degree of actual enjoyment and familiarity too. “I have good company. More money than I can spend. And I can keep an eye on my family.”