Chapter Text
Arriving on the street outside Sun Ziyu’s residence, Liu Huizhong and Feng Jianyu both turned to look at their wayward sect mate.
Jinhai didn’t react right away, but when neither man moved, he turned towards them curiously. Without the full power of his cultivation, Jinhai’s blindness was much more obvious. His reactions were delayed and he seemed somewhat removed from the activities around him. Expression puzzled, he glanced towards where he could hear the general hubbub of the central square and shopping district.
“What’s wrong?”
Liu Huizhong cleared his throat. “We heard the instructions Sun Ziyu gave you. We are waiting on the palanquin.”
Jinhai stiffened, recalling that Jianyu had been in his suite while he met with the doctor. Wincing he shook his head. “I’m fine. I want to stretch my legs after being cooped up inside for so long.”
Liu Huizhong looked towards Jianyu, trusting the younger man to judge Jinhai’s health. But Jianyu just chuckled and shook his head.
Liu Huizhong wondered at the stubbornness of the young, but he didn’t force the issue. Instead he led the way towards the restaurant Jianyu had picked for them.
After a short walk tht was kept to a sadate pace for Jinhai’s comfort, the three of them were shown to their reserved space. A private balcony that overlooked the main room below where mortals ate and drank in a casual and lively manner. So very different from the focused nature of the sect.
After settling at their table, the three held casual conversation, mostly about the city and Jianyu’s recent efforts in the area. Liu Huizhong mentioned the surprise visit from the local Lord’s retinue to Willow Retreat, and the many gifts they had brought. Apparently Jianyu had handled several on-going problems the mortals had been struggling with. Both monster and human related.
Once the meal arrived -a selection of light snacks with a simple tea that wouldn’t over burden Jinhai’s weakened system - they settled down to discus what had actually bought them together. With a gesture, Liu Huizhong enclosed their balcony in a barrier to keep prying ears out.
“How is your recovery coming along?” Liu Huizhong asked Jinhai who was sat opposite him. The newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivator felt oddly powerful to Liu Huizhong’s senses, considering his low realm. Obviously as this was Jinhai’s second time at such a level, it was expected that he would advance to the peak in record time. However, the treatments and recovery while mortal would have introduced impurities to his body.
And there was a slight trace in his aura, likely the medicines he was still taking. But it was faint and the aura itself felt far more dence and controlled than a Foundation Establishment cultivator’s should be. Frowning slightly he extended his sense and probed Jinhai directly. A rude gesture from most, but he was Jinhai’s sect leader and was concerned for his health. What he found was startling.
Jinhai’s dantian was in constant motion, the qi cycling even while at rest. And the pattern it used was not Jinhai’s original technique. As an outsider who had been brought into the sect when he was four years old, he had learned the usual Liu techniques. But this was something else. It reminded Lingzhu of the original text buried deep in the sect’s vault. A partial record of the Wandering Sword technique that was all that had survived from the sect’s turbulent early years. And had supposedly been written by the Liu founder, Liu Bai, himself.
How had Jinhai managed to not only discover the very complex technique, but also complete it? Puzzled, Liu Huizhong stopped his probing only to realise both younger men were watching him patiently.
Clearing his throat to cover his blunder, he smiled. “Sorry. I was startled by your qi cycling, Jinhai.”
Jinhai just nodded. “It’s different, I know. Jianyu told me it started up during our-“
Jianyu coughed hard, interrupting Jinhai who turned to offer him a concerned look.
“Sorry, swallowed badly.” He set his tea down and hurried to finish Jinhai’s explanation for him.
“To restart Jinhai’s cultivation I used my own qi. Right as I finished circulating the pill you gave him, his dantian suddenly started cycling in this strange pattern. It felt like a whirlpool trying to swallow me whole. I broke the connection but once started, it didn’t stop.”
Liu Huizhong idly swirled his cup as he pondered. “That pattern is very much like the fragments of a technique we keep in the Secret Library.” Studying Jinhai for a long time he finally made up his mind.
“It’s kept stored as it’s only a partial form and is too dangerous to use. But as you seem to have completed the pattern already. The later chapters may prove useful to you. Once you return to Willow Retreat, I’ll have it delivered.”
Jinhai stood and, hands clasped, bowed to his sect leader. “Thank you Laozu.”
Liu Huizhong waved him off and the younger man returned to his seat. “I’m glad you are progressing smoothly. Has Sun Ziyu indicated when you can leave?”
Jinhai considered the question but finally shook his head. “No. Though he seems content to let me go about my day on my own. Now that I can cultivate, I hope I can return to Willow Retreat soon.”
Liu Huizhong nodded. “Don’t push yourself. Your recovery is the priority.” Pausing to sip his tea he took a moment to organise his thoughts. Then continued.
“I’m going back into secluded cultivation but I will leave a letter to my sons regarding your situation.”
Reaching into his sleeve, he retrieved a jade seal and a small scroll which he slid across the table to Jinhai. “This is the token to enter the Mountain's Heart and the authorisation to use it for as long as you need. Feel free to enter when you are ready.”
Jinhai reached out and, feeling with his fingertips, he picked up both objects before bowing from where he sat. “Thank you Laozu.”
Liu Huizhong waved away the younger man’s formality. “Thank me by recovering your cultivation.” His smile was genuine as he regarded the two younger cultivators.
Silence filled the room, but it was comfortable as Liu Huizhong sipped the mortal tea which was surprisingly decent. Jinhai was examining the jade seal with his fingers, clearly lost in thought, while Jianyu regarded his companion with warm, indulgent eyes. Liu Huizhong let them have the moment until it was naturally broken by an upwell of chatter from below.
The three discussed the future, Jinhai’s plans for his cultivation efforts and Jianyu’s expectations for the latest batch of disciples. It was time the youngest Elder returned and took his job back, after all. Now that Jinhai was out of danger and would be returning to the mountain soon enough.
Eventually the meal was eaten and the tea finished. The three cultivators took their leave after Liu Huizhong insisted on paying for the meal and the palanquin that was ordered for the obviously tired Jinhai. Despite the junior’s protest.
By the time they arrived back at the doctor’s residence, Jinhai was swaying from exhaustion and had to be helped down out of the palanquin. After a quiet goodbye, Jianyu supported his friend as the pair passed through the gate, leaving their sect leader stood outside on the curb.
Shaking his head in amused fondness at the pair, Lingzhu turned and dismissed the transport then set off back towards Willow Retreat. He had a lot to do before he sequestered himself