Shen Yu watched the great flying ship depart from the Cloudy Sword Sect. Rising gracefully into the sky, the Soaring Heavens Isle Disciples who could fly ascended alongside as an escort.

Minyan, standing on the top of the mast, looked down and met his eyes. They offered each other a single nod before averting their eyes.

They would see each other again. Soon, hopefully. He idly wondered what would have been if his joke about sending Rou to the all female sect hadn’t been a joke. Perhaps this mess would have been avoided entirely?

It was an idle thought, and one he shook off quickly.

“Are you prepared?” He asked, turning to his new traveling companion. Shen Yu examined the man once more. He was, at first glance, a walking stereotype. Smooth, refined features. A dispassionate gaze. The poise and posture of a cultivator oozed from his very pores. When one thought of a cultivator from story and rumour, Lu Ri would appear fully formed.

Shen Yu had known many, many men like Lu Ri. Utterly unremarkable and doomed to mediocrity. Few who were so inflexible grew beyond the fetters that bound them.

This Lu Ri was fascinating in his seeming mediocrity, for that was merely the surface of a deeper pond. There was something about him, besides his luck. He was certain that Lu Ri had abbreviated and downplayed some of his own contributions. “And then This Lu Ri created an information network, for the other one was inefficient.” was not a sentence one heard… ever.

Shen Yu would take this man’s measure, and truly see his worth.

“Yes, Honoured Master. All is ready. We may leave at your leisure.” Lu Ri stated, bowing his head deferentially. Lu Ri’s had changed his robes. They were devoid of the markings of the Cloudy Sword Sect, clean but plain and travel worn. Paired to his robes was a well worn hat—one that had been patched time and time again. He was the picture of a well to do traveling scholar.

Shen Yu nodded with approval at his change in appearance. Being pristine was all well and good, to show your mastery; but in this vast world, it also showed that one had never been truly challenged. All those soft-looking Young Masters and Mistresses—Shen Yu rated most below a scarred and beaten bastard with fury in his eyes.

Only in the final days before ascension should one shed all that was worldly of them.

“Then we shall depart.” Shen Yu commanded. He turned, from the wide open dock at the edge of the mountain, before heading back through the sect, and towards the official entrance.

It had been centuries since he exited the sect this way— and he was feeling nostalgic.

Brother Ge and Brother Ran were waiting for him at the Grand Gate, carved with the likeness of heroes and martyrs. Both saluted him, their fists clasped, as he approached and placed one hand upon the doors, and pushed.

The massive gates, fifteen stories high that had never been breached, not by Hellforged Demon Claw nor by anything rival sects could throw at it slid open like they were made of air.

“Farewell, brothers.” He said, turning, and returning his friends’ salutes.

“Farewell, Brother.” both men said quietly.

Nothing more needed to be said; Shen Yu would be victorious, in finding his grandson. There was no doubt in any of their minds. They had said what they needed to last night.

And then, Shen Yu was marching down the mountain, Lu Ri in his wake. They kept a steady pace, albeit one that was slow for cultivators. From the freezing cold steps, they ventured, to where the mist and the trees began, far below the sect. Shen Yu had always loved the forest; there was something mystical about it, shrouded as it was in mist. He recalled he had spent many an hour sitting on the rocks and meditating, imagining that he was part of the spirit world in this fey place.

However all too soon they were entering Crimson Crucible City. Instinctively, as they grew close to the city, Shen Yu pulled in his Qi. Getting bothered by people looking for his power was always annoying; so it was best to simply blend in. As his Qi drew inward his beard became bushy, and his wrinkles seemed to multiply, as to most, he became just an old man.

It was a skill the foolish deemed useless, and those who were wise mastered. He had learned how to hide his presence in order to steal the Frost Chalice peaches from under the nose of a Guardian Spirit Beast—and then realised that it was an easy way to avoid being bothered by any looking for a fight.

The Younger Generation rarely cared for such peace and quiet, but to his surprise, Lu Ri copied him. The young man pulled his Qi into himself—to the point where Shen Yu had to turn and look directly at him to realise he had any power at all. His gait gave him away, as did the miniscule whisps of Qi that escaped him, but it took effort to sense his presence.

“Where did you learn that?” Shen Yu asked mildly.

“One must keep their Qi under strict control in the Azure Hills, lest it run away from them. Honoured Master..”

It was impressive to see such a young Cultivator master and appreciate anonymity.

Lu Ri was now… interesting. Shen Yu studied the young man as they walked through the city. He moved sedately, and without drawing attention to himself, but Shen Yu could tell he was mildly confused about their purpose here.

He was too reserved to ask, however, especially with Brother Ge likely commanding him to obey Shen Yu without question.

“You may ask what is on your mind.” Shen Yu informed the Cloudy Sword Sect Disciple.

“This Lu Ri merely wishes to know how the Honoured Master wishes to proceed. After The Honoured Master completes his business in the city, are we to depart upon a Flying Sword, or some manner of grand formation?”

Shen Yu snorted at the overly formal tone. With those of dubious allegiance, he would remain inscrutable. But Lu Ri was chosen of Brother Ge… and Shen Yu wanted to see how he would react.

“Firstly, we shall be getting some booze. Sholai makes my favourite piss water.” Shen Yu informed the other cultivator with a wide smile. Lu Ri blinked, but otherwise remained composed. “Then we start walking. I want you to take me along the route Rou used.”

“....We are not to make haste?”

Shen Yu shrugged.

“Well, it has been some time since I have traveled in this direction, and I have never set foot within the Azure Hills. I thought I would take in the view… and you said that he seemed like he would not be going anywhere. I have been gone a year; a week or two will not change things.”

Lu Ri considered the statement, his mask never breaking.

“As you say, Honoured Master.”

Shen Yu looked at him with amusement.

“So. How did my grandson find his way to the Azure Hills of all places?”

It was still utterly astounding to know that his grandson had chosen that barren land to live upon. Shen Yu had never truly been there. He had approached, tasted the Qi starved air, and then immediately turned right back, dismissing the place.

What could have possessed the boy to head to the ass end of nowhere?

“Firstly, he went through the west gate, instead of the north gate; there was a landslide that day…” Lu Ri began.

=======================

“And then he catches that there splinter right outta the air!” Shuchang regaled his two newest customers while showing off the item in question hanging on the wall, some kinda traveling scholar and an old man. He had the hunch, the feeling that the scholar was a cultivator, but it wasn’t as strong as the feelings he usually got. The pair were having some of his house noodles, the old guy already done and listening intently to the story. “Saved me son’s life!”

“Oh? And did he take the fight to those bastards after?” The old man asked, his eyes burning.

Shuchang paused in his retelling, suddenly a bit uncomfortable. Then he shook his head. “Those two were supposed ta be in the Profound Realm, yanno? Poor lad looked like he hadn’t slept in weeks. He wuz in no shape ta fight. But he did what he could, yeah?”

The older man’s fiery eyes cleared and he looked disappointed, Shuchang frowned at the old turd. It was less satisfying that the bastards didn’t get any comeuppance but the freckly boy was still a good kid!

He turned the other patron, the scholar, who looked a bit famili—

“Wait, weren’t you the one searchin’ for him?” he asked, pointing to the composed-looking man. “Didja find him?”

The scholar nodded. “Indeed. Rest assured, he is in good health. I am escorting his grandfather to see him.”

“Yer his grandpappy? Well, why didn’t ya say so?! Son! Bring out the good booze!” Shucheng demanded. “Let’s drink to your grandson’s health! Foods’ on the house!”

That caught the older man’s attention, and a smile broke through his bushy beard.

Shucheng kept pouring the booze and toasting to the freckly boy and his grandfather. Man could the old guy could hold his drink! They just kept pouring a few more rounds, before Mr.Scholar stopped Shuchang, the room was swimming pleasantly.

But eventually, the strangers had to leave.

“Hey, old man. If you can… I know it's not much at all, but can you give this to him? It's our secret house diandianmen sauce! And tell him… tell him thank you. I’d kowtow for him a hundred times if I could!” Shucheng asked.

The old man smirked.

“His name is Jin Rou! Remember it!” the old man declared.

Shucheng smiled, finally having a name to go with a gaunt and tired face of his memories.

He hoped the freckly kid—no, Jin Rou, was doing well!

=============================

Two swords struck against one another in a dizzying dance under a moonlight sky. The moon was full, shining down from the heavens, illuminating the two combatants. They moved with utter grace and sublime speed, faster than any mortal eye could hope to track. The force of the swings would have cleaved through steel as if it was but air.

One, however, was completely and utterly superior to the other. That much was certain. The lesser blade could only touch the sword of the superior because he allowed it. It was a domineering tyrant, utterly supreme, and with one last twist it battered aside the lesser combatant’s guard and sent him to his knees.

Lu Ri stared down Shen Yu’s sword, and yielded immediately. Opposite him, Shen Yu nodded his head, his eyes appraising.

“Hmm. Not bad.” Shen Yu declared, removing his sword from Lu Ri’s neck.“Your technique is well founded, and your control is leagues above most I see at your level. I shall commend it.”

“This Lu Ri thanks the Master for his praise.” Lu Ri said, saluting his superior as he rose to his feet. He barely managed to keep his voice even and level. Even in the state of exhaustion he was in, it was unacceptable to show such a weakness. “This Lu Ri sees now the deficiencies in his defence, and he will work to rectify them.”

Shen Yu seemed amused at his response and sheathed his sword. “You are diligent, but currently lack passion, and thus your soul is shrouded from your blade, instead of wielded in harmony. Against one of your level, it would likely be enough to carry the day; but against any stronger foes… your preoccupation with another matter is clear.”

Lu Ri bowed his head again, chastised. “The Honoured Master is correct; This Lu Ri will meditate deeply upon his words.”

Shen Yu sighed and shook his head. “Do not take it too harshly. I too have had my soul waver when worldly matters have occupied my interest. Straying slightly is not a sin, as long as such things are corrected. Now! That is enough for tonight. We shall continue this when we have rested on the morrow.”

“Thank you, Honoured Master.” Lu Ri replied, and the old monster nodded as they started back towards the place where they had set up camp for the night, Lu Ri wincing and circulating his Qi to get rid of the worst of the damage.

He felt like when he first became a cultivator again. When he had been run into the ground day after day, instead of being completely inexhaustible. When Shen Yu had said he would give him a reward he expected perhaps a sword form, or some manner of cultivation resource.

Instead he was to be given pointers. He had The Unconquered Blade’s personal and undivided attention.

Lu Ri knew that there were many who would kill for the opportunity to have a Master of Shen Yu’s caliber actually instruct them.

A single bout had already revealed and rectified deficiencies in Lu Ri’s form.

Their camp was a small thing, on the edge of one of Raging Waterfall Gorge’s many cliff-faces. When he had finished making preparations to set out to the Azure Hills, Lu Ri imagined that they would somehow speed to the destination. That the Old Monster would summon flying swords and they would be there within a day.

Instead, they had proceeded on foot. Far faster than any mortal could hope to manage… but compared to how fast Lu Ri normally moved, it was positively leisurely. They hadn’t even gotten very far, barely outside Crimson Crucible City.

They lapsed into silence once they had finished their meal and rested by the burning fire. Lu Ri thought on the enigma that was Shen Yu. He certainly wasn’t what he had been expecting… On one hand, he was everything the Cloudy Sword Sect seemed to preach against. A lecherous drunk of an old man, a vagabond, and a drain upon society. And yet, he was Shen Yu, The Unconquered Blade, the hero about which a thousand tales were told.

A paradox, but he supposed a man who defied the heavens as Shen Yu did would similarly defy all expectations.

Shen Yu’s voice interrupted Lu Ri’s thoughts.

“How proficient are you in the use of the Raging Cloudy Sword Formation?”

“I cannot yet manifest it swiftly enough to use it without preparation,” he replied.

“Meditate upon the upper left quadrant of the formation, and dissect it thoroughly.” Shen Yu stated. “That is where understanding and speed comes from.”

“Yes, Honoured Master.”

Lu Ri didn’t mind how long it took to find Jin Rou; Shen Yu could wander as he pleased if it brought him such wisdom.

“But first… Tell me more about the Spirit Beasts he had with him, was it truly a chicken?.”

“‘Twas a tame rooster, in the Profound Realm; it was more powerful than the few cultivators I encountered there, and it referred to Jin Rou as Master…”

===================================

“Oh, honored customer, welcome back to my shop! Those men have not been back since you set them packing, no sir!” The tea shop owner wrung his hands together, as he sighted Lu Ri. His face lit up in recognition of the man who had saved his shop from thugs.

The man was swift to bring out tea and more delectable pastries. Shen Yu had said to travel along the route Rou had taken, and so Lu Ri used that excuse to stop here.

“These aren’t bad.” Shen Yu declared as he took a bite of a pastry the owner had selected.

Lu Ri nodded. “His tea has improved as well. The water isn’t too hot anymore.”

“Good tea is hard to come by for us, and good tea made by mortals, even rarer. Why, I remember one time, when we journeyed for three months, just to collect the first of each Six Elements Jade Grade Tea leaves from the top of each plant, after it was touched by the morning dew. That was some excellent tea.”

Lu Ri perked up, wondering what the delicious tea tasted like. It certainly sounded appetizing!

“Of course, the last of the batch was ruined by the Third Lady of Soaring Heaven’s Isle. she thought she would do us a favour but burned the last half of it—” the man suddenly paused, and looked at Lu Ri. “Of course, do not repeat any of this if you wish to keep your head. Song is still touchy about that incident.”

Lu Ri paused before his next sip and took a deep breath.

Why did old monsters just casually toss out knowledge that could get lesser men killed? The Jade Eagle of the South was the most temperamental of the Ladies of the Soaring Heaven’s Isle Sect.

=================================

Lu Ri once more found himself in front of a fire as Shen Yu finished trading pointers with him. His eyes were locked onto the scroll he had crafted. The distribution network of mail was reaching a truly feasible stage, he had found, and the first implementations of it in Crimson Crucible City had been instrumental in exposing the deficiencies.

“Tell me, Lu Ri. What consumes you so? It is not a demon of the heart; it is a project that I see. I confess myself curious.”

It was considered rude to question what another cultivator was working on. Lu Ri paused and looked up at the man. He mulled over the question. Shen Yu would likely not find it very interesting, but perhaps the Master had some insight?

“Well, it begins with the delivery of mail…”

Shen Yu stared at him at first with complete impassivity… and then increasing interest as Lu Ri spoke on the method he had devised for cultivating information speed.

“And what if I told you that I doubt your methods and conclusions?” Shen Yu asked after he was done. “What use is increasing the speed of mortal mail?”

“As the Founders said: An idea that cannot stand to be challenged is worthless. Like a cultivator, our words too must stand the test of fire and hold firm against the most determined opposition. Only thus forged may it be put into practise.” Lu Ri returned.

The Unconquered Blade smiled. “Indeed. It would be most useful for the Army., they have their messangers, but some things always get lost. You really are an interesting Junior.” Shen Yu waved his hand. “You may drop some of the excessive formality. You did my grandson a kindness, and I will remember that, Senior Disciple Lu Ri.”

“Will Master Shen be more appropriate?”

“I will allow it, Lu Ri. And I give you leave to ask whatever questions you may have for the duration of our travels together.”

Lu Ri’s eyes widened. He truly was blessed.

“Thank you, Master Shen.”

=============================

The caravaneers gaped stupidly at the head of the Earth-Crushing Devil Serpent, removed from its body and dripping blood.

“Was this the one?” The old man asked calmly. “Was this the beast that dared chase my grandson?”

Xing, their leader, swallowed thickly as he stared at what remained of the great beast.

“Ahh… Yes? The shape of the horns and the patterning looks about right.” He confirmed.

“I see. Then fear this worthless worm no longer.”

“Thank you, Lord Cultivator.” Xing said, immediately bowing.

“Do not thank me. Thank Jin Rou. He thought your lives had value; I am merely dealing with a pest.”

The old cultivator nodded and took his hand off the head. He turned as if to leave.

“You know Mister Freckles?” Ai, one of the ones the freckled cultivator had carried away from the Serpent two years ago now, asked the old cultivator.

The cultivator raised an eyebrow at the willowy girl, who was just blossoming into a young woman. She was already beating the boys off with a stick.

Ai kicked her foot against the ground shyly before looking up at Shen Yu with eyes full. “Uh… grandpa? When you see him tell Mister Freckles I’m gonna marry him when I get older, okay?!”

The old cultivator stared at her, before starting to roar with laughter. “How bold! I don’t mind it! I’ll be sure to tell my grandson about this beauty!”

He strode away, still laughing.

The caravaneers stared at the head, and the boon they had just received, because the cultivator didn’t seem to be coming back to collect the massive thing.

The massive head that still had every valuable reagent within it.

“Holy shit. We’re gonna be so rich.” Xing heard somebody else whisper.

============================================

Shen Yu smiled as Lu Ri continued through his form. The boy wasn’t actually too bad to travel with. A bit too straight-laced, but he reminded Shen Yu a bit of how Brother Ran used to be, dry and matter of fact.

Their conversations were even mildly entertaining!

Like Brother Ge had said, he was a good egg.

Shen Yu was still in a good mood from killing the Serpent. It helped that the further along on this path he went the more he learned of what Little Rou had been up to. It made him smile to know even in pain the boy held to his core.

He hadn’t been beaten. He hadn’t been broken. He had been tired and defeated, but still he challenged the heavens. Rou was likely still injured when he was at the noodle house, but he stayed and aided the mortals.

He had challenged the Earth-Crushing Devil Serpent, denying it when it tried to crush others. Rou, at his level, wouldn’t have been able to land even a glancing blow against it—he would have broken himself on its scales before it felt his blows through its hide, but he had stared it in the face anyway.

The mortals, even without knowing his name, sang his praises.

He still had his fire. He wasn’t…

Surely he wasn’t. All would be well. He would collect his boy— from what Lu Ri said, he may have found some kind of treasure in the Azure Hills of all places! Of course, he had taken full advantage of it. The Spirit Beasts were interesting, but of little consequence.

All that mattered was that even at his lowest… he was still a true cultivator. He was still little Rou.

Shen Yu took a swig of his wine and frowned. He was almost out already—

“Ah, Master Shen, I purchased more wine while you were disposing of the Serpent. I chose one that had a close enough aroma.”

The other cultivator tossed Shen Yu his storage ring.

Shen Yu opened it and took out a new bottle.

It tasted nearly the same as his previous batch.

Well, now his motto was to repay every slight and every favour a hundred fold! He’d have to do something nice for Lu Ri!

Well, they were near Madam Fang’s place…

Shen Yu let the warm feelings wash over him and turned to his companion.

“Lu Ri, have I told you how I met Jin Rou?”

“No, Master Shen.” The disciple said, turning his attention to Shen Yu.

“This orphan boy, not yet eight years old, had skipped his meals that day so he could pay an apprentice scribe to teach him how to read!”

Lu Ri’s eyebrow rose and his attention became more genuine. “Truly? To already understand the worth of reading and writing at that age, and have the foresight to save for the occasion…” Shen Yu saw the genuine look of respect in the Senior Disciple.

“Of course, he was still a little shit…” Shen Yu continued as he took another drink, Lu Ri’s attention still upon him.

Truly a good egg, this one!

============================================

“...Lu Ri, what did you do to Fang’s girls?” Shen Yu asked as they exited the Rainbow Falls. He sounded rather impressed. “They said you can stop by any time.”

“I engaged them in conversation about the difficulty of transport here.” Lu Ri said as he looked back upon the town of rope bridges and platforms built into the walls, perpetually shrouded in sparkling mist and rainbows, from which it got its name. It was a beautiful, prismatic town, painted in a riot of colours, just the the mist. “After that, they played the guzheng in a most pleasing way. lt was conducive to meditation, and with their input I have further refined the ideal satchel for mail. I thank you for your consideration—That place is indeed home to one of the finer things in life.”

Shen Yu stared at him.

“...that was not…” Shen Yu sighed. “Those were the best courtesans in Raging Waterfall Gorge. Madam Fang’s girls are masters.”

“Indeed, they were skilled and their suggestions were relevant. I must confess I had underestimated their intelligence due to their profession. I shall not make this mistake again.”

“Of course those girls are smart. Smarter than most I’d say. Only a fool underestimates a woman that caliber, and they’re some of the best spies I've ever—” The man cut himself off, returning his attention to Lu Ri. “You do know what they were for, correct?” Shen Yu asked him, looking mildly worried.

Lu Ri nodded. “I have little desire for such things. I will do my duty, should Elder Ge introduce me to his granddaughter, but the words of the Founders and cultivation are of more importance.”

Shen Yu regarded him before responding. “Fair enough, I suppose. But what are your vices, Lu Ri? Every man should have one to tempt him, just so that he may learn to resist it.”

“...Tea. Tea and sweets.”

“Good. This world has its own wonders. Make sure you appreciate them before you completely sever indulgence from yourself. Experience is what aids us. And how can a man call himself a man if he has not experienced the world?”

“Actually, speaking of sweets, I do have something from Jin Rou.” Lu Ri replied, taking out the last of the maple syrup he had been given. He had rationed it sparingly, but it was still nearly gone.

Shen Yu stared curiously as Lu Ri opened the jar and the aroma filled the street. Shen Yu’s eyes widened in shock.

“Little Rou made this? In the Azure Hills?”

“Yes. I was most surprised as well.” Lu Ri replied. Shen Yu took a spoon from his storage ring and dipped it into the pot. He took a sip, and his eyes widened.

He had another few drops. “Interesting! How interesting!”

Lu Ri watched as the last of his maple syrup disappeared.

…he regretted telling Shen Yu about it now.

And regretted it even more the next day, when in the next town Shen Yu took him into another brothel.

Lu Ri stared at the Honoured Master from where he was seated between two women, their fingers in his hair. His ears were very warm and his eyes were in danger of being poked out.

Shen Yu stared back, looking entirely too amused.

The Fire Hill Premium Tea leaves that he found in his pack the next morning dampened some of the annoyance.

======================================

The air got colder as they finally exited Raging Waterfall Gorge and went into the Howling Fang Mountains; their journey had taken a week and a half.

And then they stared at the pass between Yellow Rock Plateau and the Howling Fangs, the entrance to the Azure Hills.

Shen Yu paused before starting forwards.

It was like stepping into the blasting winds of the desert. Shen Yu had been to the Wastes, in his youth, with Ge and Ran, when their bodies were barely refined and their balls were bigger than their brains. They learned that even cultivators could die of thirst, heat, and exposure in that blasted, bone-white hell. All three of them had barely been able to stagger out of the Wastes with their lives.

Shen Yu would rate the experience of stepping into the Azure Hills as roughly similar to that. The air turned from life giving to a wicked parasite, wicking away Qi with every breath. The soil seemed to claw at his feet, to latch on and suck the Qi from his skin.

But he was Shen Yu. The air was greedy and the land was ravenous, but in the end it was just the air and the land.

He ripped back his Qi from the world and locked it tight beneath his skin.

Abruptly the feeling of asphyxiation lessened.

“You spent six months here, Lu Ri?” Shen Yu asked his companion, who looked completely unaffected.

“It is quite unpleasant, but undeniably good training.” Lu Ri replied mildly. “Our first destination is Pale Moon Lake City.”

Shen Yu considered the Senior Disciple again. The man had a stick up his ass bigger than Brother Ge ever did… but he had his own surprises. He would have fit in well, all those years ago.

Shen Yu turned his gaze back to the road. Each step in the Azure Hills brought him closer and closer to Little Rou. The leisurely walk had been nice… but he was starting to get impatient.