Cultivators And Immortals

Yu Rui flew while carrying Fang Hao, her expression thoughtful, as she returned to the castle. Usually, she would depart at this point, but not today.

As they approached the grand castle, she turned to her disciple and asked, "May I come in?" Fang Hao, taken aback by her question, was slightly confused but nodded, granting her permission to enter.

Passing by the guards, her superior strength evident to them, Yu Rui still asked for entry as a sign of respect. They soon arrived at a spacious room adorned with a fireplace and several comfortable couches. A group of maids stood nearby, ready to assist. These maids were also cultivators, and Fang Hao recognized them from his childhood.

"Young Master and... Arctic Frost Maiden," one of the maids recognized them and rose to her feet, showing deep respect, particularly to Yu Rui.

She simply nodded at them, gesturing for them to leave, and they obeyed. They understood that Yu Rui wouldn't bring any harm to Fang Hao.

"Arctic Frost Maiden?" Fang Hao looked at her curiously as she settled onto a comfortable couch near the fireplace.

"Disciple, do you think it's time for you to make me some tea?" she asked, her gaze fixed on the dancing flames within the fireplace.

''Master, I will ask them to make some for us,'' Fang Hao nodded, starting to rise from his seat, only to be halted by Yu Rui's next words.

''You will make it.'' Her command left Fang Hao with no other option. ''Yes, Master,'' he complied without raising objections, leaving the room and heading to the kitchen.

In the expansive kitchen, Fang Hao approached one of the maids and inquired about the process of making a good cup of tea. He admitted to his lack of knowledge, even being unsure of where to find a kettle.

The maid demonstrated the process, making it appear easy, though in reality, it was extremely challenging for Fang Hao. They utilized spiritual leaves that needed to be carefully burned with their energy qi, requiring precise control over the fire.

Despite several failed attempts resulting in burned leaves and subpar cups, Fang Hao discarded them into the bin, unwilling to serve such poor quality.

The patient maid beside him took the time to explain the details of tea-making, guiding him through the steps. Eventually, a pleasant and calming aroma filled the room as the tea was properly prepared.

Inspecting the cups, the maid nodded. "Well done, young master," she commended with a slight smile, clearly amused by Fang Hao's struggle in making the tea for the first time.

"Thank you," he replied, carefully carrying the tray of tea as he entered the guest pavilion. He set the tray down on the tea table situated between the two chairs. Holding a tea cup, he knelt as a sign of respect and extended it to Yu Rui, who remained entranced by the dancing flames.

Remaining in the position for a brief moment, he waited until she finally acknowledged his offering. She accepted the cup, her delicate fingers grasping the handle. With a graceful motion, she brought it to her lips and took a light sip, savoring the flavor before setting it back down on the table.

Savoring the taste in her mouth, she couldn't help but comment, "Disciple, I had anticipated a higher standard from the Fang Clan." Her words were accompanied by a soft chuckle, a clear acknowledgement of Fang Hao's novice tea-making skills.

Hearing her words, he rose from his kneeling position and picked up his own cup. As the exquisite flavor danced on his taste buds, he couldn't help but emit a contented sigh. Settling back into his seat, he addressed Yu Rui, "Master, I believe it turned out quite well." He held the cup affectionately, turning his gaze to her. However, her response was a gentle shake of her head.

"Fang Hao, do you comprehend the distinction between Immortals and Cultivators?" she inquired, cradling the tea in her hands and taking delicate sips.

Fang Hao fell into deep contemplation, mulling over her question.

After a moment of thoughtful consideration, he offered his response, "Immortals possess eternal life, while cultivators do not, or at least not until they reach higher realms." He answered to the best of his understanding.

"While what you said is not entirely incorrect, that's a perspective commonly held by mortals. However," she spoke with a more serious tone, her gaze fixed on him.

"We cultivators understand the distinction, as do the so-called 'false immortals.' In truth, they are no different from us, but they've chosen to forsake the pursuit of the dao, opting for a extension of their lifespan by the standards of their followers through manipulation of fate.''

''They've ceased pursuing the true path, either due to fear or a preference for living and breathing, and enjoying the mortal life.''

"We cultivators often view them as inferior to us. While some fake immortals might possess higher realms, they would still pale in comparison to us. If I were to face a fake immortal of the same realm as me, I could end their existence in a matter of two moves." As she finished speaking, the flames in the fireplace seemed to respond, dwindling away.

"The reason the maid addressed me by my title is because I have established my position and authority within this world. They have acknowledged it," she paused, taking a sip of tea, her eyes fixed on Fang Hao, waiting for his reaction to her words.

"Master, if you have a title, then what about..." Fang Hao began to inquire, but Yu Rui interjected, "Your father also holds a title, 'Soulreaver Skyfall,' and your mother, like me in frost, has earned the title 'Everfrost Lady.'" Letting out a sigh, she transitioned to the main topic she intended to discuss.

"My father was a fake immortal, Fang Hao," she said, her gaze fixed on the tea cup as she drifted into memories. "He had more than twenty wives, and I was the offspring of one of them—the youngest. While my father never treated us with care, we were provided with the minimum needed to sustain a simple life." Her tone remained neutral, devoid of any strong emotions towards her father.

"That was until I turned eleven," she continued, her eyes distant as if lost in the past. "A cultivator arrived and engaged in a battle above the city skies with a beast that had invaded our city. We lacked a protector like Lord Fang Xiong, and it seemed we were destined to perish. However, this unknown cultivator managed to defeat the beast, freezing it to death. I was among the survivors in that snow-covered city."

She recalled the scene vividly, the sight of lifeless bodies amid falling snowflakes etched into her memory as if it had happened just yesterday. The passage of time felt fleeting, leaving her with a sense of wonderment.

"That cultivator was your mother," Yu Rui revealed, a nostalgic glint in her eyes. "She discovered me among the survivors and sensed the potential within me to cultivate the ice dao. Impressed by this, she accepted me as her direct disciple. But, Fang Hao, do you know what fate befell the other children who survived that day?" Her tone turned somber as she posed the question.

Curious, Fang Hao inquired, "What happened to them?"

"I don't know," Yu Rui replied, shaking her head sadly. "I hadn't laid eyes on my siblings for years until we crossed paths again. Like my father, they chose to abandon the path of cultivation, opting instead to relish their mortal lives. I don't fault them for that choice. I maintained sporadic contact with one of my half-brothers. We used to meet every few years initially, until one tragic day when he was killed."

Her expression grew heavier as she continued, "He said something he shouldn't have, which led to his demise at the hands of a cultivator."

"What I want to convey, Fang Hao, is that a cultivator is superior to immortals. Tomorrow, you'll take a human life for the first time. It might sound harsh, but it's an experience you should value. How will you respond when the situation demands if you lack the necessary experience?" Her voice grew more impassioned as she spoke.

"Tomorrow also marks the end of our master-disciple relationship, Hao. The sect's recruitment period begins in three days, and your individual journey will start. The outcome of whether you take a life tomorrow or not will determine your fate—life or death."

With a final look at him, she thought the time they had shared and the lessons she had imparted, curious about the path he would ultimately tread.