Chapter 91: Delivery

~~~

“What do you think is in here?”

“Something that will probably be spoiled if you keep shaking it like that. Remember, you are the one who wanted to do something different to earn points. At the very least, you should do it properly.”

“Right. Sorry. Sorry,” Huang Shing says. “I am not used to things like this. I never thought disciples of the Eternal Flame Clan would do things that are so…”

“Mundane?” supplies Liu Jin.

“Yes, that.”

Liu Jin can understand that. A simple delivery job is probably not what one associates with one of the most powerful Sects in the Empire, yet that is what Liu Jin and Huang Shing have been entrusted with. For the first time in many days, the two have left the Eternal Flame Clan’s compound to deliver large crates filled with herbs to Ember City.

Ember City is about an hour away from the Summer Forest. As such, there is very little there that isn’t controlled by the Eternal Flame Clan. Liu Jin was able to experience this first-hand during the days leading up to the Selection Exam.

It had been a surprisingly relaxing time. Since the Eternal Flame Clan has so much influence over Ember City, no one dares to start trouble there. This gives the city a very peaceful atmosphere. Ember City is probably even more peaceful than Eastern Port City ever was.

“It may not be glamorous, but this is something that needs doing too. Servants alone cannot be trusted with this sort of task.”

Servants could, in theory, be entrusted with the delivery, but it is far simpler for disciples to do it. While the transfer circles would allow them to skip the Ash Road, the servants would have a hard time moving the crates, and there is no guarantee they would be able to protect them adequately. Meanwhile, Liu Jin and Huang Shing have little trouble making the trip, even without using movement techniques.

“I understand that. The servants probably wouldn’t be able to handle a bandit attack.”

Liu Jin doubts there is a single bandit group that would dare steal from the Eternal Flame Clan. However, that does not make Huang Shing’s point any less valid. Just because no one is likely to try doesn’t mean they shouldn’t worry about safety.

“It may not be as exciting as the combat you have been partaking in, but this is also a way to gain points.”

A more cost-effective one at that. The disciples Huang Shing has been fighting have been the ones angry at how quickly he had been promoted. Liu Jin doesn’t doubt it has helped keep his skills sharp, but the points he received from winning likely aren’t worth the effort he has put in.

The system is likely set up that way to encourage disciples to help out with more mundane tasks. Also, to remind them that, while spars are a good way to hone one’s skills, in the end, cultivation is what really matters.

“I know. I know,” Huang Shing says, his head leaning from right to left. “The past few days have been fun. I feel Brother Hong and I have really bonded.”

They must have if Huang Shing has shifted from Brother Bei to Brother Hong.

“However, the challenges have been coming less and less lately. Brother Hong says it’s to be expected since we keep winning.”

Hence why Huang Shing came to him looking for another way to earn points. The delivery job is one Liu Jin has had his eye on for a while, and he didn’t see anything wrong with letting Huang Shing come along. The opposite, in fact.

“There’s still that guy, Bei Duyi, but he hasn’t done anything yet. Did you know he is Brother Hong’s cousin? Apparently, there’s some old grudge between them.”

“I figured it was something like that. The Bei Clan is prominent within the Golden Fist Sect.”

That Bei Hong and Bei Duyi are both here means they are talented within their Sect, but not so important that the Sect couldn’t bear to be without them. Sending them here was a way to foster a good relationship with the Eternal Flame Clan, and they should both be aware of it.

However, just because they are both in a new Sect does not mean their old grudges have disappeared.

“I am surprised he talked about it.”

“Ah, no.” Huang Shing shakes his head. “It was Sister Mei who told me. By the way, Sister Mei keeps asking about Brother Jin. You really shouldn’t keep ignoring her.”

“I prefer to think of it less as ignoring her and more as guaranteeing my peace of mind.”

“Brother Jin!” Huang Shing chides him. “Do you not understand the position you’re in? Sister Mei is easily the prettiest girl in the Sect. There is no one who wouldn’t wish to have her affections! I do not understand why you’re like this.”

Because that woman is too cunning to be trusted.

Well, even if he said something like that, Liu Jin doubts Huang Shing will listen. He could also mention he is married, but that would just invite more questions, and his link to Xiao Shuang is something he’d prefer to keep hidden.

“Even you?”

“Well, no.” Huang Shing looks awfully uncomfortable all of a sudden. “My heart already belongs to another.”

Liu Jin blinks. That is news to him.

“Because of that, my heart cannot be swayed by Sister Mei’s charms. However, if it weren’t for that, I’d absolutely be envious of Brother Jin right now!”

“I was unaware you had your heart set on someone.”

“It is the reason I joined the Eternal Flame Clan!” Huang Shing says with startling earnestness, puffing his chest only to immediately deflate. “Where she is now, I can only reach by being strong. It pains me to admit it, but I need to improve myself further. That is why, right now, points are what I need.”

“Is Brother Shing planning to buy cultivation pills from the shop?”

“I was actually thinking of purchasing access to the meditation chambers.”

Smart.

Most Sects have special chambers where one can cultivate in complete isolation for weeks, months, or even years. The Eternal Flame Clan is no different. In fact, because they are the Eternal Flame Clan, their meditation chambers are sure to be of top quality. However, because it is the Eternal Flame Clan, one needs points to use them.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“I see,” Liu Jin says, nodding. “It is certainly possible to gain the necessary points for that through Apothecary work. It will certainly be faster than through sparring.”

Unless Huang Shing feels like challenging Core Disciples, but he doubts he’s so foolish.

“However, Brother Huang needs to take this seriously. That means…”

“No shaking the crates?”

“No shaking the crates,” Liu Jin agrees.

~~~

“It’s closed.”

“That it is.”

As expected, no one dared to attack them on their way to Ember City. The city guards practically bowed when they saw their robes. People on the streets gave them a wide berth, many of them bowing and kneeling as they passed. That is the level of respect being part of the Eternal Flame Clan commands in Ember City.

It is something Liu Jin had already known, but Huang Shing seems marveled by the whole thing. He stares in wonder all the way till they arrive at their destination, a store owned by the Eternal Flame Clan.

It is closed.

“Well, I imagined it would be.”

“Then why did Brother Jin make us get up so early in the morning?!”

“Because that way, we could avoid all the needless challenges that would have just wasted time.”

“I still think Brother Jin shouldn’t avoid them so much.”

“Unnecessary things are unnecessary.”

“But Brother Jin’s fights are always fun to watch!”

Liu Jin blinks. “Huh, is that so?”

Huang Shing nods vigorously. “As someone who only knows how to hit hard, I like watching people who can win without getting hit at all. Even Brother Hong has said he’s impressed by Brother Jin’s skills.”

“I see. I will make sure to keep that in mind, but right now, I need you to do me a favor.”

“Name it.”

“Keep watch of these,” Liu Jin says, placing the crates he is carrying down next to Huang Shing.