Trials

Dawn is barely breaking as Li Wei sets out for the Alchemy Hall, nestled on the lower slopes of the sect's mountain. The morning air is crisp, a thin veil of mist wrapping the peaks in a ghostly embrace. The mountain is dotted with openings and various caves that serve as homes for the sect's disciples. He descends the narrow path between the caves. Soft murmurs and the occasional clank punctuate the silence, signs of other disciples beginning their day. The path is uneven, with roots from ancient mountain trees poking through. As Li Wei navigates the descent, the mountain's presence looms over him. The first rays of sunlight pierce through the foliage, casting the world in a soft golden hue. The air smells of earth and dew, the chorus of morning birdsong surrounding him.

Reaching the base, the Alchemy Hall stands before him, a grand structure that seems to grow out of the mountain itself. Its wooden beams are aged and darkened over time, and the stone foundations are worn smooth by generations of seekers of alchemical arts. Before the Hall, a well-trodden clearing spreads out, bustling with disciples in the muted colours of their rank, their demeanours serious, the weight of their pursuits evident.

As Li Wei approaches, an outer disciple guarding the entrance eyes him with curiosity and suspicion. "What's your business here?" he asks, his posture conveying authority, a hand resting near the short sword at his belt. Li Wei meets the guard's gaze. "I've been assigned here," he replies, his voice steady, presenting the token from his pocket as proof of his claim. The guard scrutinises him momentarily, his eyes flicking to the token that Li Wei now holds out. "Rewards for your work depend on the alchemist you're assigned to. It's at their discretion." His voice holds a note of seriousness as he motions for Li Wei to follow him into the vast Hall.

They pass rows of tables and shelves stocked with alchemical ingredients and tools. "Each alchemist here commands their own section," the guard says, his voice carrying a note of deference as he points across the Pavilion. "Those areas are strictly theirs. You're to enter only when summoned or instructed. Understand?" The guard's eyes meet Li Wei's, ensuring the importance of the directive is understood. "They take their privacy seriously."

Coming to a closed door, the guard instructs, "Wait here. The Senior Brother will come out to brief you on your duties." Li Wei nods in understanding and takes his place outside the designated workspace.

Li Wei ponders the guard's words, hoping the senior alchemist will be generous. With the sect's assessment looming, he needs to progress swiftly through two minor realms, or he will undoubtedly be killed. He stands quietly, waiting.

An hour has passed when the door to the alchemy workspace finally opens with a slow creak, revealing a man of medium height with a lean build, his hair pulled back to accentuate sharp features, and his robe edged with red, signalling his status as a foundational establishment cultivator, his dark eyes sweeping the area with casual authority.

Before Li Wei can properly introduce himself, the man waves a hand dismissively. "I know, you've been assigned to assist me," he says, his voice tinged with impatience. Without waiting for a response, he pulls a scrap of paper from his sleeve and thrusts it towards Li Wei. "Here's a list of herbs I need. Fetch them quickly."

Li Wei is taken aback by the abruptness. He understands the gap between their stations; the man before him holds power that Li Wei has yet to comprehend, let alone wield. Questioning or upsetting someone of such stature seems more dangerous than any physical threat. Swallowing his pride, Li Wei nods with the utmost respect. "Yes, Senior Brother," he replies, his voice steady despite the tremor he feels inside.

It crosses his mind that diligence and subservience might eventually pay off, that being compliant could bring some advantage or favour in this world where power dictates one's fate.

Li Wei, with the alchemist's list in hand, navigates the maze of the Alchemy Pavilion. The main Hall stretches wide and long, with towering shelves heavy with the weight of countless drawers. The air is thick with the combined scents of earthy roots and sharp, sweet leaves, a testament to the potency of each ingredient stored within.

Li Wei hesitates before addressing the outer disciple with a cautious tone, "Excuse me, Senior Brother, could you please help me identify these herbs on the list?" The disciple pauses his work, casting a quick glance at the paper in Li Wei's hands. He gives a brief nod and, without a word, starts pointing to the respective drawers, "This one here," he taps on the wood, "is for the Azure Leaf. Next to it, the Red Crested Root."

Li Wei watches intently, committing each location to memory, "And this one?" he asks, pointing to a name on the list that seems like a scribble of ink more than words. "That's the Spirited Ginseng. It's rare, so it's kept in the back," the disciple explains, then returns to his task, indicating the conversation is over. "Thank you," Li Wei says softly.

Li Wei proceeds with care, selecting each herb as instructed, his focus unwavering.

Li Wei followed the guidance carefully and made a few guesses.

With the basket filled, Li Wei returns to the junior alchemist's chamber. He presents his collection respectfully, arms extended, hoping for a nod of approval.

The alchemist's face, however, slowly twists from indifferent expectation to a simmering scowl. "Are you toying with me?" he hisses, the controlled volume of his voice belying the intensity of his anger. "Not a single herb matches the list!"

The air around him seems to tighten, charged with his cultivation energy.

The junior alchemist's face darkens, displeased at the incorrectly gathered herbs.

Without warning, his hand moves in a blur, striking Li Wei sharply on the left side of his face.

The impact is sudden, and Li Wei can feel the skin beneath his eye swell immediately, a stinging reminder of his error and the junior alchemist's superior strength.

As soon as the junior alchemist's hand connects with his face, Li Wei recoils, a hand instinctively going to the throbbing pain that blooms across his cheek.

The immediate swelling pulses with each heartbeat, a stark, physical reprimand.

"Senior Brother, I've made a mistake," Li Wei begins, his words laced with regret. "Please grant me guidance to rectify it."

His head bows low, not just in apology but also to hide the humiliation that burns brighter than the pain on his face.

The junior alchemist, Huo Shen, watches him, the lines on his face hard and unforgiving. For a moment, the alchemy room is silent except for the bubbling of a cauldron.

"Recollect the herbs," Huo Shen instructs sharply. "And this time, ensure they match the list. Precisely."

He steps back quickly, his movements laced with urgency. There is no room for excuses or explanations; the only remedy to his situation is to rectify the mistake with haste.

He turns, nearly stumbling in haste, and hurries back towards the shelves of herbs, his mind racing faster than his feet.

Li Wei's focus is singular now — to find the correct herbs and deliver them without further error.

He can't afford another misstep, not with the junior alchemist's temper as volatile as the concoctions that bubble in the cauldrons around them.

Li Wei's pace is measured, the dull throb in his cheek a constant reminder of the consequence that had followed his mistake.

The air of the Pavilion is still, disturbed only by his quiet footsteps.

He approaches the herb shelves cautiously.

His gaze, once flickering over in haste, now rests firmly on each one, absorbing their essence with deliberation.

The shelves tower above him, laden with jars and pouches of countless herbs.

Some are sealed in jars, their colours vibrant through the glass, while others are bundled in cloth, their forms vague but promising potency.

Li Wei stands before the towering shelves, his heart sinking as he gazes at the vast array of herbs.

The alchemist had provided only the names of the herbs, nothing more – no descriptions, no guidance on their appearance or where they might be found amongst the labyrinth of shelves and jars.

Li Wei looks at the list. The names mean nothing without knowing what the herbs look like.

He feels lost.

Standing among the high shelves full of bottles and ingredients, he feels alone with his problem.

"I know what they're called, but not what they look like," he says quietly, realising how stuck he is.

He reaches out to a drawer, but his hand hovers there, not knowing which one to pick.

He lets out a breath, frustrated and a bit defeated.

"I need someone to show me," he admits, wishing for help.

He scans the draws again, but nothing seems familiar.

The herbs stay hidden.

His frustration simmers, a silent storm against the injustice of his assignment.

"Why did I have to get assigned to such a dick?" he thinks, the words a silent howl in his mind.

The alchemist's image of disdain and privilege looms in his thoughts, kindling a fire of resentment.

"Does he enjoy it? Seeing me stumble?" Li Wei ponders, the bitterness of his situation as pungent as the herbs surrounding him.

His eyes are narrow as he scans the endless rows of drawers, each one a potential step towards vindication or further humiliation.