Chapter 5: Shadows of Suspicion

A few weeks passed, and Mei Lan's steady progress didn't go unnoticed. She took on mission after mission, completing each one without incident, often returning with rare herbs and medicines that were highly valued by the sect. But as her reputation grew, so did the whispers among the disciples.

"Have you heard? Mei Lan managed to collect Spirit Lotus from the Whispering Marshes," one disciple murmured to another.

"I heard she even took on a spirit wolf in the Jade Serpent Woods! There's no way someone at her level could manage that alone."

"She must be using something… some secret technique."

Mei Lan kept her head down, pretending not to hear the rumors as she walked past groups of disciples. But inwardly, her mind was racing. She had hoped to avoid attention, but her success in the missions had made her a topic of intrigue. She needed to stay cautious.

That day, as she made her way to the herb storage to deliver her latest finds, she noticed a familiar figure watching her from across the courtyard. Ming Tao, the elite disciple who had mocked her in the past, was leaning against a pillar, his eyes following her every move. His usual smug expression was replaced by something sharper, almost calculating.

The sight made her stomach twist. Ming Tao had never been particularly kind to her, but lately, his attitude had shifted from dismissive to openly suspicious. She sensed that he was more than a little curious about her recent successes.

Later that evening, Mei Lan returned to her room, her mind on edge. She knew she couldn't keep growing at this pace without risking exposure. But she was determined not to lose the progress she had made. She had to continue cultivating, pushing her limits in secret. Ming Tao and the other disciples would only grow more suspicious if she suddenly started failing missions.

That night, she entered her cultivation space as usual. She had spent the last few days growing a new batch of Thunder Grass, a plant known for boosting speed and reflexes, and Crystal Dew Flower, which could temporarily increase one's qi control. She carefully harvested the herbs and prepared to refine them into a new elixir.

As she worked, her thoughts kept drifting back to Ming Tao. She knew he was powerful, but also cunning. If he grew too suspicious, he might try to investigate her, or worse, report her to the sect elders. Mei Lan shuddered at the thought. She had to remain vigilant, both in her missions and within the sect walls.

The next morning, Mei Lan was summoned to the mission hall. To her surprise, Elder Wen was there, alongside several high-ranking disciples, including Ming Tao. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized this wasn't just a standard mission briefing.

"Mei Lan," Elder Wen began, her gaze sharp and penetrating, "you have shown remarkable progress in your recent missions. The sect has taken note, and we believe it is time to challenge you with something more… substantial."

Mei Lan kept her face carefully neutral, bowing respectfully. "I am honored, Elder."

Elder Wen handed her a scroll, which she unrolled carefully. As she read, her breath caught. The mission was to venture into the Storm Cliff Mountains to gather a rare herb called the Dragon's Breath Blossom. It was a highly dangerous location, known for its treacherous cliffs and powerful spirit beasts. This mission wasn't just challenging—it was nearly impossible for a disciple of her level.

"Elder Wen," she said, looking up, "this mission… it's usually given to higher-ranking disciples."

Elder Wen's expression softened, but her tone remained firm. "You have proven yourself capable, Mei Lan. The sect believes you may succeed where others have failed. Of course, we will understand if you decline."

Mei Lan glanced over at Ming Tao, who was watching her with a smug smile. Declining would make her seem weak or afraid, potentially undoing all the progress she had made. She clenched her fists, steeling herself.

"I accept," she said firmly, her voice steady.

The elder nodded, a faint smile touching her lips. "Very well. You leave at dawn."

---

The journey to the Storm Cliff Mountains was long and grueling. Mei Lan traveled alone, her senses heightened and her guard up. She knew this mission was designed to test her limits—perhaps even to see if she would fail.

When she finally reached the base of the mountains, the sight was both breathtaking and intimidating. The cliffs stretched high into the sky, with jagged rocks and narrow paths. Storm clouds gathered overhead, and the distant rumble of thunder echoed through the air.

As she began her ascent, she felt the weight of her mission pressing down on her. She could sense the presence of spirit beasts nearby, their qi signatures like ripples in the atmosphere. With every step, the air grew colder, and the wind whipped against her, threatening to throw her off balance.

Hours passed as she climbed, her body exhausted but her mind focused. Finally, she spotted a faint, silvery glow near the edge of a cliff—the Dragon's Breath Blossom. The flower was nestled in a small crevice, its delicate petals shimmering like moonlight.

Just as she reached for it, a low growl sounded behind her. She turned slowly, and her heart sank. A massive spirit tiger with glowing red eyes and silver fur prowled toward her, its muscles rippling with barely contained strength.

Mei Lan's mind raced. She had brought a small vial of Thunder Grass Elixir with her, which could boost her speed for a short time. But would it be enough to evade a beast like this?

She uncorked the vial and drank, feeling the surge of energy course through her body. The tiger lunged, and Mei Lan dodged to the side, her movements swift and precise. She danced around the beast, evading its claws and teeth, each movement powered by the elixir.

But the tiger was relentless, each attack growing fiercer. Mei Lan knew she couldn't keep this up forever; her strength was waning, and the effect of the elixir would soon fade.

Desperation spurred her to reach for her last resort: a small crystal infused with qi she had prepared in her cultivation space. She'd meant to use it only in emergencies, as it contained a concentrated burst of qi that could knock back even the strongest opponents. Clutching the crystal, she unleashed its energy toward the tiger, sending a shockwave that reverberated through the air.

The beast stumbled back, dazed by the blast. Mei Lan took the opportunity to snatch the Dragon's Breath Blossom, quickly securing it in her pouch. She didn't wait to see if the tiger would recover. She sprinted down the cliff, her heart pounding, adrenaline carrying her forward.

It wasn't until she reached the base of the mountain that she allowed herself to stop and catch her breath. Her body ached, and she was exhausted, but she had succeeded. She had the flower.

As she began her journey back to the sect, she couldn't shake the feeling that this mission had been more than just a test of her abilities. It felt like a trap, a subtle attempt to see if she was truly as capable as her recent success suggested.

But Mei Lan was prepared for whatever lay ahead. She would continue to grow stronger, her secrets safely hidden. And if anyone tried to uncover them, she would be ready.