v6c2: The Forest and the Trees Part 1

Ah, how wonderfully unpredictable the world was, Ge mused as he finally managed to get his laughter under control. Shen Yu was clearly not lying—he would not lie about something like this.

A chicken, Shen Yu’s disciple. Utterly absurd, yet here it was. The Heavens were clearly having their amusement this day. Yukong looked intrigued, and Shou was clearly restraining himself from an annoyed outburst at what he thought was another of Shen Yu’s pranks, while Minyan had recovered herself from the shock, her eyes sharp as she examined the creature before her.

He shook his head and refocused on the Spirit Beast.

He saw in the rooster’s form—in his stance and his bearing—the mark of Shen Yu’s instruction. But Ge had received the initial report from Lu Ri about the rooster’s strength. Back then it had been in the Profound Realm; now, it was in the Spiritual Realm. That made it one of the strongest Awakened Spirit Beasts Ge had ever encountered.

It seemed that the disciple in question also did not find his introduction entirely amusing. The Spirit Beast actually seemed a bit uncomfortable and embarrassed to be stared at by such powerful cultivators, shuffling awkwardly.

“You are right, he truly is a proud, erect fellow,” Ge agreed.

“You are truly Shen Yu’s disciple?” Minyan asked, her voice cold, but curious. The rooster turned to her.

“This one has the honour of serving as Master Shen Yu’s Disciple,” the rooster replied, his voice formal and polite as he bowed to her again.

His voice was strong, and his tone polite without being overly deferential. His eyes were wise and noble.

“He sounds too polite to be one of yours,” Shou grumped, annoyed at being thrown off balance.

“Indeed, I am not the cause of his manners. My grandson taught him well!” Shen Yu agreed.

“You must be quite old to be so powerful,” Yukong said, her eyes focused completely on the oddity before them. She turned to young Jin curiously. “How did such an arrangement come about? Most Spirit Beasts are hardly willing to be taught.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Shen Yu’s grin got even bigger.

The rooster blinked.

“I had the good fortune of my Great Master’s instruction, yes, but I am not particularly old for a chicken. This shall be my third year cultivating.”

Xiao Ge paused. Shou’s calm face twisted into one of shock. Yukong’s mouth opened. Even Minyan showed some emotion.

Three years? It had taken Ge… it had taken everyone here much longer than that. One of the most legendary, transcendent talents of this generation… was a chicken?!

And Rou Jin had raised that chicken to this level?

“He’s only slightly ahead of me! I’ll catch up soon!” the tanned, orange-haired girl in the group exclaimed, her hands on her hips. Her power, at the Fifth Stage of the Profound Realm, was clear.

“How long have you been cultivating, young one?” Ge asked, curious.

“Three years!” she replied proudly.

The boar, the pink-haired woman, another young woman with freckles and a green strand of hair, and the dragon all nodded. Their gazes held a competitive spirit… but no edge of resentment.

…it was as Ge remembered from his own youth. Competitive, yet still aligned as one. And those bonds had been forged here, far, far away from the Sect. Somehow, Rou Jin had raised them up high, both with swiftness… and with a sublime foundation.

That was the most unique part. There were methods to advance one’s cultivation quickly, but most were poison pills, riddled with instability and impurity. The Qi before him was all solid, comfortable, and unwavering.

“You’ve accomplished many great things since leaving our Sect, Rou Jin,” Ge said after a moment. “It brings me great pride to see the grandson of my friend accomplish such things… and great shame to know our Sect could not nurture such a talent. We have spoken over letters and through intermediaries, but some things must be spoken in person.” Ge raised his hands in a martial salute and bowed his head. Beside him, Yukong and Shou copied his movements. “What happened at the Cloudy Sword Sect was anathema to all of the ideals of our Honoured Founders. We must ask your forgiveness, for letting such rot fester.”

Rou Jin smiled slightly—a smile that was slightly sad, but slightly relieved.

“Time and complacency can make fools of us all,” the young man offered. “The only true failing is not acting when enlightened.”

Ge’s eyes widened. “The wisdom of Honoured Founder Zixin.”

Young Jin scratched the back of his head. “Lu Ri left some scrolls. They have some good ideas in them.” He cleared his throat and stood straighter. “Now, would you prefer to have the tour first, or refreshments?”

Ge felt Shou’s eyes immediately bore into the back of his head.

“I do believe we are quite excited to be allowed to view your home,” Ge decided.

The young man nodded. “Well then, this way please! First, is the General that Commands the Winter!” Young Jin had an amused grin as he pointed at the giant snow-person. It had quite a bit of Qi in it, and had the feeling of an ice crystal, but… deeper. Something to examine more thoroughly at a different time.

Young Jin continued to give them the tour of his home. It was an interesting place, a blend of mortal and immortal—of rugged rustic farming and the power of cultivation. It was an honest, humble place…

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

At first glance.

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Qin Shou, Elder of the Cloudy Sword Sect and Master of its Medical Pavilion, was still mildly annoyed at Shen Yu.

It had been a while since Shou had had to deal with Shen Yu’s particular brand of… Shen Yu-ness. They were comrades, and Shen Yu had helped out the Sect a lot, but dealing with the man was exhausting at the best of times. In all ways. It had been a bitter pill to swallow, long ago, that the reckless, boisterous fool was just… better than him. Better at cultivation, better at finding hidden gems… comrades came to Shen Yu like moths to a flame, drawn in by whatever spark lurked in his eyes, that was still there even now.