At the Plum Blossom Pavilion, the air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers - as indeed it always was. The soft rustle of continuously falling petals, only just audible to Han Wei’s senses, created a strange ethereal atmosphere.

  Han Wei approached the pavilion with careful steps, fully immersed in the demeanour and mannerisms of Elder Han. In his hands he cradled a large jade box that was impenetrable to all but the most delicate of spiritual senses.

  Elder Mei awaited him at the pavilion’s entrance, her robes a deep shade of violet embroidered with silver threads that shimmered like starlight. She inclined her head slightly as Han Wei approached, her gaze flicking to the jade box he carried.

  “Elder Han,” she greeted, her voice smooth and measured. “You’ve returned sooner than expected. I trust the journey was not too arduous?”

  “Elder Mei.” Han Wei offered a polite bow, his movements deliberate to mask stiffness that still lingered in his body after attempting to match a superior foe.

  “The journey was… eventful, but fruitful. The Spiritroot Fern is as rare as you described, but I managed to retrieve it without too much trouble.”

  Elder Mei’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Without trouble, you say?”

  Elder Mei studied him for a moment, her gaze piercing. Then she gestured for him to follow her into the pavilion. “Come. Let us discuss your reward.”

  The interior of the Plum Blossom Pavilion was as elegant as its exterior, with polished wooden floors and walls adorned with intricate carvings that favoured motifs of plum blossoms. A low table sat in the center, surrounded by cushions.

  Elder Mei took a seat and motioned for Han Wei to do the same. He placed the jade box on the table between them, and while her eyes lingered on it she ignored it in favour of preparing tea.

  Han Wei suffered through the opening pleasantries and polite questions about the progress of his disciples. Before Elder Mei moved the conversation back onto topic.

  “The guardian spirit of the fern is no trivial foe. I’ve heard tales of even seasoned cultivators being driven to madness by its attacks. Yet here you stand, unharmed and unshaken. Impressive.”

  Han Wei suppressed a wince at the reminder. The guardian spirit had indeed been formidable, even simply negotiating with it had caused him spiritual damage. Thankfully the lack of malice behind the ‘attacks’ had allowed him to quickly heal the tears to his meridians on the journey back.

  “The guardian spirit was… challenging,” he admitted, choosing his words carefully. “But if one takes the correct approach then any task can become a simple matter of dedication and resolve.”

  “A wise perspective, and one that will take you far. As long as you can find that ‘correct approach’ of course.” Here she turned her attention once more to the jade box. She opened it with a graceful motion, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the Spiritroot Fern.

  “Exquisite,” she murmured, running a finger along the fern’s delicate fronds. “This will be more than sufficient for my needs. You have my gratitude, Elder Han.”

  Han Wei inclined his head. “It was my pleasure to assist. The Plum Blossom Pavilion has always been a place of wisdom and refinement. I am honored to contribute, even in a small way.”

  Elder Mei’s smile deepened, and she leaned back slightly, her expression turning thoughtful. “You are too modest, Elder Han. Your reputation as a great demon hunter precedes you, or course. But I am glad you can turn your abilities to other endeavours. It is rare to find someone so… versatile in their abilities.

  “Now, tell me - how do you wish to be repaid for your service? I am not one to leave debts unsettled.”

  Han Wei hesitated. This was the moment he had been both dreading and anticipating. He had rehearsed his words countless times, but now that the moment was here, he felt a flicker of doubt. Could he trust Elder Mei?

  She was known for her reclusive nature and her focus on alchemy, but she was also a sect elder, and the politics of the Silvermist Ravine Sect were as treacherous as they were subtle.

  Taking a deep breath, he decided to take the leap. “Elder Mei, your expertise in alchemy is unparalleled. I find myself in need of your knowledge, though the matter is… delicate.”

  Her eyebrows rose slightly, but she said nothing, waiting for him to continue.

  “I recently sustained a soul injury,” Han Wei confessed, his voice steady despite the tension coiled in his chest. “I’ve done what I can to heal it, but there are… scars. Residual damage that I cannot mend on my own. I was hoping you might have some insight into how such an injury could be treated.”

  Elder Mei’s expression didn’t change, but her eyes narrowed slightly, as if she were assessing him anew. “A soul injury,” she repeated slowly. “That is indeed a delicate matter. May I ask how it occurred?”

  Han Wei had anticipated this question. “I encountered a demonic cultivator shortly before I joined the sect,” he said, the practiced lie slipping easily from his tongue. “The battle was fierce, and though I emerged victorious, the cost was… significant.”

  Elder Mei nodded, her expression thoughtful. “Demonic cultivators are known for their insidious techniques. It is not uncommon for those who face them to suffer such injuries.

  “Still, the scarring you describe is unusual. Most soul injuries either heal completely or cannot heal at all, leaving the cultivator permanently weakened. Scarring suggests a unique interplay of spiritual forces.”

  Han Wei’s heart raced, but he kept his expression neutral. “I see. Then you believe it is treatable?”

  Elder Mei leaned forward, her gaze intense. “Treatable? Perhaps. But it will not be easy. Alchemy that affects the soul is among the most complex and dangerous branches of our art. Even a minor error could exacerbate your condition. However…”

  She paused, her lips curving into a faint smile. “You are fortunate. I have been researching this very area for some time. Soul related alchemy is becoming a new expertise of mine, though few in the sect know of my interest.”

  Han Wei felt a surge of relief, though he was careful not to let it show. “Then you are willing to help me?”

  “I am,” Elder Mei said, her tone decisive. “But understand this, Elder Han - soul alchemy is not a quick or simple process. It will require time, resources, and I will need a thorough analysis of these ‘scars’.

  “But if you are willing to commit to this path, I will do what I can to aid you.”

  Han Wei bowed his head, his gratitude genuine. “Thank you, Elder Mei. Your assistance means more than I can express.”

  She waved a hand dismissively. “Do not thank me yet. Though I have confidence that I will find a solution for you in time.”

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  “Still, your effort is appreciated.” Here, Han Wei hesitated.

  “There is one other thing I wanted to talk to you about…” He hesitated again. This was potentially overstepping the boundaries of their relationship.

  If he continued here then he would truly be stepping into sect politics - something he had convinced himself that he would never do.

  But, if there was anyone he could trust with his concerns it was Elder Mei. Their conversation had established a tentative alliance, and he needed her insight now more than ever.

  Her brow furrowed slightly, and she gestured for him to continue. “Speak, then. What troubles you?”

  Han Wei hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. “When we were travelling back to the sect, my disciples and I encountered a group of demonic cultivators that attacked us. Within the sect’s territory.”

  Elder Mei’s expression darkened, and she leaned forward, her voice low and urgent. “Demonic cultivators? Within our borders? Who else knows of this?”

  “I reported the incident to Elder Guo immediately,” Han Wei replied. “He assured me that he would inform Elder Zhang and begin preparations to bolster the sect’s defenses. I assumed you would have been informed by now.”

  The encounter with the demonic cultivators still weighed heavily on him. The fight had been too close, too dangerous. If not for his disciples’ quick thinking and teamwork, they could easily have died while he was dealing with the leader.

  He had reported the incident to Elder Guo immediately, as protocol demanded, but something about the situation gnawed at him. The demonic cultivators had been too bold, too well-informed. It was as if they had known exactly where to strike.

  Elder Mei’s lips pressed into a thin line, and her hands clenched briefly before she forced them to relax. “I was not informed,” she said, her tone icy. “Elder Guo knows full well that I should be notified immediately of any demonic activity. This is not a matter to be taken lightly.”

  Han Wei nodded, his unease growing. “I bring this to you as I am worried that they would not take it as seriously as the situation warranted. Those who don’t have experience with demonic sects often underestimate their scheme to the peril of all.”

  Elder Mei’s eyes narrowed, and she stood abruptly, pacing the length of the pavilion. “This is unacceptable. Demonic cultivators are a blight, a poison that must be eradicated at all costs. I will not allow them to infiltrate our sect again.”

  She stopped suddenly regaining control of herself once more and turned to face him, her expression softening slightly. “Elder Han, you have my gratitude for bringing this to my attention. I know it cannot have been an easy decision, given the… delicate nature of your current situation.”

  Han Wei inclined his head. “I trust your judgment, Elder Mei. And I believe we share a common goal in protecting the sect.”

  Elder Mei studied him for a moment, then nodded. “Indeed, we do. And I will not forget this act of trust. There is something you should know.” She paused, her gaze distant.

  “One of my grandchildren was severely injured by a demonic cultivator several years ago. The damage, both physical and spiritual, remains to this day. I swore then that I would never allow such a thing to happen again - not to my family, and not to this sect.”

  Han Wei felt a pang of sympathy. “I’m sorry to hear that, Elder Mei. I had no idea.”

  She waved a hand dismissively, though her eyes still held a flicker of pain. “It is in the past. But it is also why I cannot - will not - tolerate any negligence when it comes to demonic threats. If Elder Guo and Elder Zhang are not taking this seriously, then I will.”

  Han Wei hesitated, then decided to press further. “Do you think it’s possible that someone within the sect is… collaborating with the demonic cultivators?”

  Elder Mei’s expression turned grim. “It is not impossible. The allure of demonic techniques can be tempting for those who seek power at any cost. And there are those who care for nothing but power in every sect.” She trailed off, her lips tightening.

  Han Wei nodded, his suspicions aligning with hers. “Then we must be cautious. If there is a traitor within the sect, they will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.”

  Elder Mei returned to her seat, her demeanor calm but resolute. “For now, we will keep this between us. I will discreetly investigate those who have recently benefited from a sudden increase in cultivation strength and probe Elder Guo and Elder Zhang about the sect's response.

  “I will ask you to patrol the sect as much as you are able - I’m aware you are uniquely able to sense demonic cultivators.”

  Han Wei nodded in assent - perfectly concealing the sudden dread that bloomed in his stomach. How on earth would he be able to search for demonic cultivators in the sect with his divine sense suppressed?

  “I suppose then you will require updates on what I find then?”

  Elder Mei’s lips curved into a faint smile. “You are perceptive, Elder Han. I had initially intended for our collaboration to be a brief exchange - a single act of mutual benefit. But the presence of demonic cultivators changes everything.”

  She paused, her gaze drifting to the plum blossoms outside the pavilion. “If we are to root out this threat, we must work together more closely. Even if it proves… disruptive to the sect’s internal politics.”

  Han Wei raised an eyebrow. “You’re suggesting we make a visible alliance?”

  “Not overtly,” Elder Mei clarified. “But we cannot afford to operate in complete secrecy. There are too many variables, too many potential threats. If we are to succeed, we must establish a foundation of trust and communication.

  “To that end, I propose that we meet regularly - here, in the Plum Blossom Pavilion. Over tea, we can share information, strategize, and ensure that we are both working toward the same goal.”

  Han Wei considered her words carefully. The idea of meeting regularly with Elder Mei was both appealing and risky. On one hand, her knowledge and resources would be invaluable in navigating the sect’s treacherous politics and combating the demonic threat. On the other hand, their alliance would not go unnoticed, and it could make them both targets.

  “I understand your reasoning,” he said slowly. “But we must be cautious. If there is a traitor then they may become suspicious of our movements. And then of course there is what our closeness could signify to the other elders.”

  Han Wei did not know what was the cause of the tension between the sect elders. But it was obvious to anyone that an outsider muscling in could destabilise the situation.

  Elder Mei nodded. “A valid concern. But I believe the benefits outweigh the risks. And to demonstrate my commitment to this alliance, I would like to offer you something.”

  She reached into her sleeve and withdrew a small, intricately carved jade token. Han Wei recognized it immediately - it was an access token to one of the sect’s private Spirit Herb libraries, a repository of rare and powerful alchemical knowledge.

  “This token grants you access to the Wide Roots Library,” Elder Mei explained, placing it on the table between them. “It contains texts on spirit herbs, their uses, and how to grow them. From what I have heard of your ‘cultivation grotto’ it should contain many things of interest to you.

  “Consider it a show of good faith - and my thanks for bringing the demonic cultivators to my attention.”

  Han Wei stared at the token, his mind racing. Access to the Wide Roots Library was a rare privilege, one that few non-alchemists in the sect could possess. It was a significant gesture, one that spoke volumes about Elder Mei’s desire to keep him working closely with her.

  “Elder Mei,” he said, his voice tinged with gratitude, “this is… more than I expected. Thank you.”

  She waved a hand dismissively. “Do not thank me, Elder Han. The knowledge within the library is wide ranging, but is not considered to be of true strategic value to the sect.

  “Use it wisely. And remember - our alliance is built on mutual trust. If you betray that trust, the consequences will be severe.”

  Han Wei met her gaze, his expression solemn. “I understand. And I give you my word - I will not betray your trust.”

  Elder Mei studied him for a moment, then nodded, seemingly satisfied. “Good. Then let us proceed. We will meet here every week at this hour. Bring any information you uncover, and I will do the same. Together, we will uncover the truth and protect this sect.”

  Han Wei picked up the jade token, its cool surface a reassuring weight in his hand. “Agreed. And Elder Mei… thank you. For your trust, and for your support.”

  She gave him a faint smile, her expression softening slightly. “You are welcome, Elder Han. Now, let us drink our tea and you can advise me on ways to detect demonic corruption.”

  As they sipped their tea and began to outline their plans, Han Wei felt a renewed sense of purpose. The road ahead would be fraught with danger, but with Elder Mei as his ally, he felt more confident in his ability to navigate the treacherous waters of sect politics and combat the demonic threat.

  As their discussion drew to a close, Han Wei rose to his feet and offered a bow. “Thank you, Elder Mei. Your support in this matter means more than I can express.”

  As he turned to leave, she called after him, her voice soft but carrying an edge of warning. “Elder Han. Be cautious. The sect is not as united as it appears. There are those who would exploit your weakness if they knew of it. Trust sparingly.”

  Han Wei paused, then nodded. “I understand. Thank you for the warning.”

  As he stepped out of the Plum Blossom Pavilion and into the cool evening air, Han Wei felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. Elder Mei’s warning echoed in his mind, a reminder of the dangers that lurked within the sect. He would need to tread carefully, balancing his need for allies with the necessity of secrecy.

  For now, though, he allowed himself a small measure of hope. With Elder Mei’s help, he might yet restore his cultivation and reclaim his place in the sect. And with his disciples growing stronger by the day, he was no longer alone in this fight.

  The petals of the plum blossoms drifted around him as he walked, their delicate beauty helping to soothe the turmoil within.