Enrich Ourselves

The evening wraps the forest in a dusky embrace as the group enters a clearing. The area, spacious and open, lies surrounded by tall trees. Their branches stretch towards the sky, forming a natural wall that encloses the space. The leaves rustle softly, a gentle sound that fills the air.

Dao Feng pauses at the centre of the clearing. He looks around, his eyes taking in every detail – how the ground levels out, the trees' position, and the wind's direction. He stands tall, his figure outlined against the dimming light. "Let's set up camp here for the night," he announces. His voice, clear and resonant, carries through the clearing, bouncing off the trees and filling the space with his command.

The servants, always a step behind their masters, spring into action. The first servant heads towards the edge of the clearing. His movements are quick and purposeful. He scans the forest floor, selecting branches and logs for the fire. Each piece is examined for size and dryness before being added to the growing pile in his arms. The sound of the collected wood is a steady rhythm, punctuated by the occasional crack of a breaking branch.

The second servant unrolls mats from his pack. He places them on the ground with deliberate care. The mats are arranged in a semi-circle, each positioned to face the centre of the clearing where the fire will be. His hands move with practised ease, smoothing out creases and adjusting angles. The dull brown mats blend into the forest floor, almost like part of the landscape.

Around them, the sky transitions from the fiery hues of sunset to the deeper blues of twilight. Shadows lengthen, merging with the darkness settling over the forest. The air grows cooler, the day's heat fading away, replaced by the crisp freshness of the evening.

In the background, the soft sounds of the forest continue – the whisper of the wind through the leaves, the distant call of a bird, and the subtle rustle of small creatures in the underbrush. These familiar and comforting sounds are the backdrop to the group's preparations.

As the camp takes shape, the clearing transforms. What was once just an open space in the forest becomes a temporary home, a place of rest and safety for the night. Simple preparations bring a sense of order and structure to the wilderness around them. With its newly established camp, the clearing becomes a haven in the heart of the forest, a peaceful respite from the day's journey.

Li Wei stands slightly apart from the others, his attention fixed on the unfolding routine of the camp setup. He reaches into his sack, his hand moving with intention. He pulls out his belongings, each emerging in a sequence of familiarity and routine.

He begins with his linen bedding, grasping the fabric and unfolding it with careful, practised movements. The plain and unadorned linen cascades onto the ground, forming a smooth layer. He adjusts the corners, ensuring they lie flat against the earth. The bedding, though simple, transforms his small patch of ground into a place of rest.

Li Wei then sits down beside his makeshift bed. His sitting is unhurried, a moment to pause and observe. His eyes scan the campsite, noting the swift efficiency of the servants as they move around. 

As the light around them diminishes, blending the day into evening, Dao Feng and Lin Yue find their places. They easily settle onto their mats, their bodies sinking comfortably into the familiar act of resting after a day's journey. Their seating positions are relaxed yet alert.

The forest around them responds to the approaching night. The sounds of the day give way to the quiet of dusk. The rustling of leaves becomes softer, a gentle accompaniment to the camp's activities. The air, cooling with the descent of the evening, carries the scent of the forest – a mix of earth, foliage, and the faint trace of wildflowers hidden in the underbrush.

In this tranquil setting, the camp becomes a scene of peaceful coexistence with nature. The group's presence, while noticeable, does not disturb the forest's harmony. Instead, it blends into the environment, a temporary addition to the landscape.

Li Wei, from his spot, takes in this harmony. The camp setup's quiet efficiency, the clearing's natural beauty, and the subtle shift from day to night create a backdrop of serenity. Despite the underlying tensions within the group, this moment of rest in the forest's heart offers a brief respite, a chance to recharge before the journey continues.

Lin Yue, her eyes fixed on the distant north-eastern horizon, breaks the tranquil silence of the evening. "Once we reach the kingdom of Xianyang, we'll need to be cautious," she says, her voice carrying a hint of seriousness. "The sect won't send us any help, and if the mortals band together, they can overwhelm us with their numbers."

She shifts her position, her gaze still locked on the horizon. "It's so fucking far, at the edge of the sect's reach. It's going to take us ages to get there," she mutters with a tinge of irritation. "We need to get those horses quick. I can't stand all this walking."

Lin Yue continues to express her frustrations, her complaints filling the air. "And the roads are probably going to be terrible," she adds, her voice laced with annoyance. "Not to mention the endless stops we'll have to make." Her words paint a picture of the arduous journey ahead, her displeasure at the prospect of the long travel evident in her tone.

Dao Feng, steady and assertive, outlines their mission. "Our master's orders were clear. When we arrive, we are to strike fear into the hearts of those who oppose us and monopolise the region's resources. It's not just about collecting the sect's tax; we must also enrich ourselves."

He pauses for a moment, his gaze hardening. "The master also mentioned something specific he wants from Xianyang. We are to eliminate the entire bloodline of the Jiang family. A grudge the master has held from his mortal days, it seems." 

Dao Feng looks towards Li Wei, his expression serious but not threatening. "Make sure you don't interfere with our plans," he advises in a cool, even tone. It's a gentle reminder rather than a stern warning, indicating Li Wei's role is to support rather than lead in their mission.

Lin Yue smirks, eyeing Li Wei with disdain and indifference. "He's just here to make up the numbers," she adds, her words dismissive. 

Listening intently to their conversation, Li Wei responds with a casual nod. "No problem, no problem," he says, his tone even and untroubled. "You two clearly know more than me. I'm happy to hang back and keep to myself, no problem. To each their own." His response is fluid and non-confrontational, showing no resentment or discomfort.

Internally, Li Wei reinforces his resolve, his thoughts focused and calculating. "Once we reach Xianyang, I'll serve my own interests," he muses. The idea of enriching themselves, as instructed by their master, resonates with him. A smirk plays on his lips as he thinks, "That's sound advice. I will also be taking your master's advice," he chuckles silently in his mind, plotting his own course of action within the framework of the sect's assignment.

Li Wei absorbs this information quietly. His eyes linger on the horizon.

Night descends upon the clearing, draping everything in a blanket of darkness. The servants, their forms mere silhouettes against the dimming light, gather kindling and twigs. They arrange the wood in a precise formation, a practised skill evident in their movements. Striking a flint sparks leap and dance before catching the tinder. Slowly, a small flame emerges, growing steadily as they nurture it with more wood. The fire soon comes to life, its flames crackling and leaping, casting a warm and inviting glow around the campsite.

The fire illuminates the servants' faces briefly as they work, their expressions focused and serene. Once the fire is burning steadily, they step back, blending into the shadows at the edge of the camp. Their presence fades into the background, becoming like silent guardians of the night.

Feeling the need for solitude, Li Wei moves away from the camp's centre. He finds a spot not too far yet secluded enough for privacy. He crouches down, pulling out his sack. His hands delve inside, retrieving a smaller sack filled with essence. A fine powder is revealed as he opens it, glistening faintly in the fire's ambient light.

He pauses, a frown creasing his forehead. "Fuck, I forgot my cup," he mutters under his breath. After a moment's hesitation, he shrugs and decides to proceed without it. He tips the sack slightly, letting a small amount of the fine powder pour onto his hand. The grains are minuscule, shimmering slightly, their texture delicate.

Li Wei holds his hand to his mouth, tilting his head slightly. He starts chewing the powder directly, his jaw moving methodically. The dry and slightly bitter powder coats his tongue and dissolves slowly. He swallows, feeling the essence begin to take effect. A warmth spreads through his body, starting from his stomach and radiating outwards. His senses sharpen, and he feels a surge of energy, subtle yet potent.

The fire crackles in the distance, its sounds amplified in his heightened state. The night around him seems more alive, more vibrant. He can hear the rustling of leaves in the breeze, an owl's distant hoot, and the fire's soft crackling more clearly than before.

Li Wei continues consuming the essence, each chew releasing more power. The sensation is invigorating, and he feels his cultivation energy stirring within him, responding to the essence's call. His mind clears, and he focuses on the sensations, using them to centre himself and prepare for the days ahead.

After finishing, Li Wei ties the bag and places it into his larger sack. He sits momentarily, feeling the essence coursing through him, strengthening him. Then, he stands up and looks back towards the camp. The fire's glow beckons him, a beacon in the night. He takes a deep breath, the cool night air filling his lungs, and walks back towards the camp, ready to rejoin and sleep.

As the first light of dawn seeps into the camp, Li Wei stirs from his slumber. Lying on his simple bedding, he watches the sky change colours, the darkness giving way to a soft, golden hue. The light filters through the trees, casting a gentle glow across the clearing. He listens to the birds in the canopy, their melodies vibrant and clear, a natural alarm that signals the beginning of a new day.

Li Wei sits up, observing the servants. They move with a quiet efficiency that captures his attention. One servant carefully rolls up the mats, his hands moving deftly to fold and secure each one. The precision of his movements reflects a well-practiced ritual.

The other servant is at the fire pit, methodically scattering last night's fire remnants. Li Wei watches as the ashes are spread evenly over the ground, a practice to leave no trace behind. The servant then rearranges the stones of the fire pit, restoring them to their original place as if the fire had never been.