Waking up before the roosters crowed wasn't something I experienced in some time. Being on the road, our sleep schedule became more lax compared to when I was running the shop back home.

 

Traversing the sect's surrounding areas kept me active and chipper, despite the slight mental fatigue from reviewing my knowledge and trying to gain every fragment of understanding I could from my lesson with Elder Zhu.

 

"Over there is the training grounds. The third-class disciples are doing their morning drills, as you can see." Feng Wu pointed from the distance.

 

Following his finger, I stared at the clearing filled with a few dozen disciples, my age or younger, following along an intricate dance of palm strikes and sweeping kicks. It was similar to Feng Wu's strikes, the first stance of the Lotus Palm. It looked like they were here for a substantial amount of time already. That's true dedication!

 

At the forefront, an older man was leading the group and shouting the moves they performed. Compared to Feng Wu's, the disciples couldn't hold a candle in terms of speed and precision. Although that didn't mean I could beat them in a fight. They were far more agile than I was, that's for sure.

 

"Do they train like this everyday? That's incredible!"

Feng Wu dipped his head. "Of course. Although our combat prowess falls short of the Silent Moon and Whispering Wind sect, we are diligent. One cannot be at their mental peak without some form of martial training."

 

Feng Wu then led me further into the sect's serene landscape, and the shouts of the working disciples grew fainter as we walked away.

 

"As you already know, the alchemy pavilions are to the east, and the administrative buildings are to the north. As a guest, you won't need to venture to those places often," Feng Wu mentioned casually, his words floating by like the gentle wind.

 

We then approached what appeared to be a breathtaking structure – a vast, shimmering greenhouse. The sunlight reflected off the crystalline material, scattering rainbow hues in every direction. It was awe-inspiring and reminded me of the greenhouses from Tranquil Breeze Farm. Smaller, and more compact, but still eye-catching in its own right.

 

"This is our sect's prized possession, the Crystal Alchemy Greenhouse," Feng Wu said with a hint of pride in his voice.

 

I couldn't help but get closer, my fingers lightly grazing the crystalline glass. "This... it's just like the greenhouses from Tranquil Breeze Farm. This isn't regular glass, is it?"

 

Feng Wu chuckled. "Good eye. The process might be similar, but the crystals we use are specially treated with alchemical methods, enhancing its properties and making it the perfect environment for the more uncommon herbs grown here."

 

The greenhouse was divided into several sections, each dedicated to a particular herb or plant vital for alchemy. Walking inside, I felt an immediate change in the atmosphere. It was warm, humid, and charged with a soothing energy. My senses tingled with every step, drawn to the various fragrances that filled the air. The beauty of the blooming flora, the shimmering leaves, and the vibrant colors all around was a sight to behold.

 

"Each section has a dedicated caretaker, ensuring the perfect growth conditions for the herbs. Our sect might be smaller, but we take pride in the quality of our alchemy ingredients," Feng Wu continued, leading me deeper inside.

 

I saw various plants, most of which I wouldn't have seen in my lifetime without traversing to Crescent Bay City. I spotted a vine of Breezesong Fruits, small in number but an eye-catching addition to the greenhouse. Even the Moonlit Grace Lilies were being cultivated in a small patch. They were still in an immature state, but clearly thriving under the conditions set by the Verdant Lotus sect.

 

Every few steps, he would pause, allowing me to appreciate the unique plants and explaining their uses and importance in the world of alchemy. I was lost in a trance, captivated by the harmony of nature and alchemy. Tianyi had wandered off from sight, but through our bond I could feel her contentment and knew she was safe.

 

Several plants glowed in soft, luminescent colors, and water features were artfully placed around, adding to the serenity. In the heart of the greenhouse, a tranquil pond, surrounded by exotic plants and filled with koi of myriad colors, stole my breath away. Their graceful movements, combined with the gentle trickling of water, created an ambiance of peace.

 

"It's beautiful," I whispered, not wanting to disturb the tranquility.

 

Feng Wu smiled, "It's the pride and joy of our sect. Our founder believed that being close to nature and understanding its rhythm was essential for alchemy."

 

Time seemed to stand still as we continued our walk. Each plant, each sound, and each scent only deepened my admiration for the sect and its dedication to the art of alchemy. Before I knew it, we had reached the exit.

 

"It seems we ended up spending too much time here. Come find me after your class, and I'll show you where your ingredients are, alright?" Feng Wu said. "I'll be in the training compound around the time you finish so look for me there."

 

I entered the alchemy pavilion, the familiar aroma of herbs and elixirs filled my nostrils, a blend of comfort and excitement. Disciples moved with purpose, and I immediately noticed the uniformity of their attire. Third-class disciples, judging by the sheer number, donned pristine white robes, accentuated with delicate green trims that seemed to reflect the very essence of the Verdant Lotus Sect.

 

Compared to them, I stuck out awkwardly in my maroon robe, a far cry from the calm and serene colors that surrounded me.

 

Reaching the chamber, I was met with rows of long tables. Students were already there, laying out their tools with practiced ease. A sinking feeling began to envelop me. I had already been to this pavilion, and yet, engrossed in the wonders of the sect and my earlier lessons, I had forgotten to prepare for this class. My tools were still snugly packed away.

 

Noticing my evident disarray, a few third-class disciples approached. "New here?" asked a girl with a braid that cascaded down her back. The stark difference in our attires made me feel even more out of place.

 

"Actually, I've been here before," I started, feeling my cheeks burn, "but I, uh, forgot my tools. They're still in my pack."

 

A young man with his hair pulled back into a neat bun smirked, "Already visited and still forgot? You're quite the klutz, when did you arrive?"

 

I scratched my head, embarrassed. "Well, technically, I'm not a new disciple. I'm a sponsored participant for the Grand Alchemy Gauntlet."

 

Their eyes widened in surprise. "The Grand Alchemy Gauntlet?" the girl with the braid exclaimed, "You're going? But still, forgetting your tools? You might be the first Gauntlet participant to do that."

 

The playful teasing made me laugh, easing the tension. "Seems like it. Do you guys have any spares?"

 

She chuckled. "Of course. We can't have the sect's guest stumbling on his first day."

 

As they generously offered their spare tools, my eyes landed on a first-class disciple at the head of the chamber. His robe, similar to those of the third-class, was lengthier, more refined, bearing detailed green patterns. It brought to mind Feng Wu's attire, the deep forest green robe that flowed with authority and grace. It clicked then - the variation in the shades of green was likely a representation of one's seniority in the sect.

 

Amid the different shades of green and the disciplined atmosphere of the Verdant Lotus Sect, my mind drifted back to the Gentle Wind Village. The days spent under the tutelage of my parents, the painstaking precision required in handling delicate herbs, and the gentle guidance received in the quaint, earth-scented shop were far removed from the regal discipline of the Verdant Lotus Sect.

 

The memories, tender and resilient, made me smile despite my initial nervousness and I steeled my nerves.

 

The man's gaze, sharper than any blade, scanned the room, taking in every detail. His dark eyes seemed to hold secrets, and his hooked nose gave him a hawkish appearance. His hair, peppered with streaks of gray, was pulled back into a tight ponytail. Compared to the cheery and enthusiastic nature of Elder Zhu, this man was quite severe.

 

"Looks like you've spotted the first-class disciple who'll be overseeing our class," the young man whispered, his voice laced with a hint of apprehension. "He's Instructor Xiao-Hu."

 

"And?" I asked, trying to match their subdued tones.

 

"He's... strict," the girl with the braid murmured, glancing uneasily at the stern figure. "I've had the, er, pleasure of being in his class before. He expects nothing less than perfection."

 

"He teaches the basics, you see," the young man added, "like preparation, theoretical knowledge, and safety. All fundamental for us. His methods might seem militaristic, but he's thorough, and there's no doubt you'll learn."

 

I recalled the manuscripts I'd read last night. The basics of alchemy had parallels to the foundations of herbalism. Preparation and safety were paramount, as one small mistake could spell disaster. "Sounds like someone who'll keep us on our toes," I murmured, grateful for the study session I'd indulged in.

 

Before I could contemplate further, the stern disciple cleared his throat, the room falling silent. "Settle down. We begin," his voice commanded attention, every word precise and dripping with authority.

 

Disciples scrambled to get to their stations. They began their preparations, the room a flurry of motion as they chopped, measured, and analyzed ingredients. I did my best to follow, the maneuvers surprisingly familiar due to the similarity with herbalism.

 

The first-class disciple began his rounds, observing and correcting. "Too much force! Do you wish to ruin the herb?" he snapped at a student who chopped a little too vigorously. At another table, he quirked an eyebrow at a pupil's uneven piles. "Precision, disciple! This isn't a game."

 

My anxiety grew with every step he took toward my table. I tried to focus, my hands steady as I went through the process, reminiscing about the times I had prepared herbs back at home.

 

"And you are?" His voice, cool and cutting, made me jolt.

 

"Kai Liu, a herbalist from Gentle Wind Village," I responded, trying to keep my voice even.

 

The first-class disciple's eyes narrowed in recognition, assessing me. "I see. Show me."

 

I hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. My fingers began to move, handling the herbs and tools with practiced ease. The repetitive motions of grinding and measuring that I had done countless times at my shop now came to my rescue. The room felt silent except for the occasional rustle and scrape of tools.

 

He observed silently, his face betraying no emotion. After what felt like an eternity, he straightened up and looked around the room. "This is how it's done," he declared, pointing at my table. "Mimic his precision, his technique. That's the foundation of alchemy."

 

I could feel my face heat up with both pride and embarrassment. The weight of dozens of pairs of eyes was heavy upon me, yet the small nod of appreciation from the first-class disciple made all the anxiety worthwhile. The foundation laid by my years of herbalism had somehow, unexpectedly, set me on the path of alchemy with a strong footing.

 

The rest of the lesson was unexpectedly informative. Instructor Xiao-Hu delved into topics and methods of alchemy that I had never even considered. With each explanation, I found myself understanding why he was so severe. The foundations of alchemy were delicate, and a small slip in the process could result in an inferior product. He wasn't being overly strict; he was teaching us the importance of precision and the cost of carelessness.

 

Once the class ended, I was approached by a few third-class disciples, including the duo who had earlier lent me their tools.

 

"That was some impressive skill you showcased earlier," the girl with the braid said, a genuine smile on her face. "Is that why you were brought in from the outside?"

 

I chuckled, "Actually, it's my experience as a herbalist that probably gave me an edge. Alchemy and herbalism share some foundational principles."

 

The young man with the bun added, "I guess that makes sense. Among us third-class disciples, not many have a strong talent for alchemy. Most of us gravitate towards martial arts or other departments."

 

"You're saying none of you are alchemists?" I asked in surprise.

 

He laughed, "Well, some of us try, but we've never seen someone so young handle herbs with the finesse you showcased today. You remind me of the second-class disciples with the way you were doing it!"

 

The girl added, "Many of us are still finding our footing. It's said that one's path in the sect often finds them, rather than the other way around."

 

Our conversation flowed naturally as we introduced ourselves. The girl with the braid was named Li Na, and the young man was called Han Wei. They were both disciples who were trying to harness their talents and were part of a close-knit group within the third-class disciples. It turned out they were younger than me, almost by half a decade! That was hard to believe, seeing them so young yet so capable. i wouldn't hold a candle to these disciples when I was their age. I felt old...

 

As we continued talking, Instructor Xiao-Hu approached. My heart rate picked up a bit, recalling the stern gaze he'd fixed me with earlier.

 

"Kai Liu," he addressed. I straightened up immediately.

 

"Yes, Instructor?"

 

"Meet Elder Zhu at his office after this. He wishes to speak with you."

 

I nodded in understanding, "Of course."

 

Before turning away, Xiao-Hu added, "Oh, and in future classes, your butterfly companion should not be present. It's too... sparkly. It could be a distraction for the others."

 

I glanced over to where Tianyi was hovering, her wings giving off a soft luminescence. Suppressing an embarrassed smile, I replied, "Understood, Instructor."

 

As Xiao-Hu walked away, Li Na and Han Wei exchanged amused glances.

 

"It looks like you're making quite an impression already," Han Wei said with a playful smirk.

 

Li Na nudged him gently, "Leave him be. At least he didn't get reprimanded for forgetting his tools."

 

I laughed, "Thank you both, really. Hopefully, we'll have more opportunities to learn together."

 

They nodded in agreement, and with that, I made my way towards Elder Zhu's office, wondering what the esteemed Elder wanted to discuss.