Chapter 8: Night Orchid City II
Dawn painted the sky in delicate strokes of amber and rose as Bai Yuexian moved through the spacious courtyard of his temporary residence. The morning air carried a crisp chill that invigorated his senses, now heightened after his breakthrough to the ninth level of the Vital Essence Tempering Realm. Each breath drawn into his lungs seemed to contain more spiritual essence than before, as if the world itself had become richer and more vibrant overnight.
Bai Yuexian had risen before the sun, eager to test the limits of his newly enhanced capabilities. He moved through a complex series of spear techniques, his body flowing like water from one position to the next. The practice spear in his hands cut through the air with precision, leaving faint traces of golden-black energy in its wake—a visible manifestation of his unique spiritual essence.
After completing the final sequence of the spear form, he set the weapon aside and approached a large boulder at the edge of the courtyard. The stone stood nearly as tall as he did, its surface weathered by time and the elements. Bai Yuexian took a stance before it, centering himself as he channeled spiritual energy into his right fist. The energy coalesced around his hand, creating a subtle aura that pulsed with alternating waves of gold and darkness.
With a controlled exhalation, he struck. His fist connected with the boulder's surface, the impact sending a barely audible vibration through the stone. For a brief moment, nothing happened. Then, hairline fractures appeared at the point of impact, spreading outward like a spider's web across the boulder's face.
A heartbeat later, the boulder exploded with a resounding *BOOM*, fragments scattering across the courtyard like shrapnel from a bomb. Dust rose in a cloud around him, but Bai Yuexian remained perfectly still, examining his unmarked fist with quiet satisfaction. Such a feat would have been impossible for him just yesterday.
"Impressive," came a cool, familiar voice from behind him.
Bai Yuexian turned to find his sister standing at the courtyard entrance, her frost python Fang draped around her shoulders as always. Bai Xueyin's expression was difficult to read, but he detected a hint of surprise in her eyes as she assessed him.
"Little brother," she continued, approaching with measured steps, "you've broken through to the ninth level of the Vital Essence Tempering Realm." It wasn't a question. With her cultivation at the Spirit Coalescence Realm, she could easily sense the change in his spiritual energy. "In a single night, no less."
Bai Yuexian smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head in a gesture of mild embarrassment. "You're right, sister. I used one of the Spirit Fruits Mother Xu gave me." He paused, anticipating her response. "The others I'm saving for the future."
Xueyin's gaze remained on him for a long moment, as if trying to reconcile his current state with what she knew of him. The original Bai Yuexian had struggled with cultivation despite his bloodline, yet here he was, advancing at a pace that would make even senior disciples envious.
"That's good," she finally said, her voice softening slightly. "But don't continue such rapid progress with fruits and pills. It will weaken your foundation for more powerful realms in the future."
Bai Yuexian nodded solemnly. "I knew that, sister. That's why I've only used one for now. I'm focusing on solidifying my foundation before attempting further advancement."
Something flickered in Xueyin's eyes perhaps approval, perhaps something else. "Elder Bai Junze arrived during the night with the teams I requested. We should join them in the main hall."
As they walked together through the compound's carefully manicured gardens, Bai Yuexian asked, "What can you tell me about Elder Junze?"
"He's at the Sixth level of the Spirit Blossom Realm," Xueyin replied, causing Bai Yuexian's eyes to widen slightly. The Spirit Blossom Realm was still several major boundaries beyond his current cultivation. "He's trustworthy and devoted to the family. His judgment in selecting suitable cultivators for this mission should be sound."
When they arrived at the main hall, it was already bustling with activity. Elder Bai Junze stood near the central dais, deep in conversation with Bai Zhenhai and Second Elder Bai Chenrui. The elder cut an imposing figure tall and broad-shouldered, with silver-streaked black hair tied back in the traditional style. His face bore the marks of countless battles, yet his eyes remained clear and sharp.
Behind him stood five cultivators whom Bai Yuexian assumed were the specialists he had brought from the main family compound. Three radiated the unmistakable aura of the Essence Purification and Crystallization Realm at its peak, while the other two exuded even greater power the first level of the Boundless Ocean Realm. Bai Yuexian felt a moment of genuine awe; in his short time in this world, he had never been in the presence of so many powerful cultivators at once.
Branch family members and disciples lined the walls of the hall, their expressions a mixture of respect and curiosity. Among them stood Bai Youyou, her silver hair catching the morning light streaming through the high windows. When she noticed Bai Yuexian's entrance, she offered him a respectful nod.
Conversation ceased as Bai Xueyin and Bai Yuexian entered. Everyone in the hall bowed in deference, with Elder Bai Junze stepping forward to greet them formally.
"Young Mistress Xueyin, Young Master Yuexian," he said, his voice deep and resonant, "I hope my late arrival has not caused any inconvenience."
"Not at all, Elder Junze," Xueyin replied. "Your timing is fortuitous, as we've only just begun our investigation."
The elder nodded, his expression turning serious. "I've brought the people as you instructed," he said, gesturing to the five cultivators behind him. "I've also gathered intelligence during our journey." He paused, glancing around the hall before continuing. "The Jiu and Ye clans have sent representatives. More concerning, the Lei and Yan clans have also dispatched teams."
Bai Yuexian's interest piqued at the mention of the Lei clan. Hadn't Youyou just mentioned them in relation to the mine disappearances?
"There are also small contingents from the Azure Sword Sect and the Ascending Cloud Sect," Elder Junze continued. "All in all, except for the Imperial Palace, every major power in Azure Vermilion Country has sent teams to explore the disturbances at Devil Mountain Valley."
Xueyin nodded, apparently unsurprised by this development. "It was to be expected. The valley's infamous reputation throughout Azure Vermilion Country would naturally draw attention once signs of activity emerged." She turned to Bai Yuexian. "Little brother, I advise you not to roam within five kilometers of Devil Mountain Valley while investigating your case."
The frost python on her shoulder hissed in apparent agreement, its crystal scales glimmering as it shifted position.
"I understand, sister," Bai Yuexian replied, though inwardly he felt a twinge of disappointment. The prospect of exploring ancient ruins was tantalizing, especially with his newly enhanced capabilities. Still, he recognized the wisdom in her caution even at the ninth level of Vital Essence Tempering, he would be hopelessly outmatched if he encountered cultivators from the rival clans.
"You should depart now," he added, "before someone else claims whatever treasures might be hidden there."
A small chuckle escaped Xueyin's lips a rare sound that momentarily transformed her cold beauty. "Indeed." She turned to Elder Junze. "Elder, hide your presence while following us. Your Spirit Blossom Realm might expose our strength directly to our enemies."
The elder nodded solemnly. "I understand, Young Mistress."
With preparations complete, Xueyin's group departed, leaving Bai Yuexian to focus on his own investigation. As the hall began to empty, Bai Youyou approached him, her steps light and graceful.
"Young Master," she said, bowing slightly, "shall we also go to the mine to investigate the missing persons case?"
Bai Yuexian was about to agree when Second Elder Bai Chenrui joined them, his brow furrowed with concern.
"Young Master," the elder said, "should I accompany you? You and Young Mistress Youyou are both at the Vital Essence Tempering Realm. If you encounter trouble..."
The implication was clear. Despite his breakthrough, Bai Yuexian was still considered relatively weak by the standards of this world. For a moment, he felt a flicker of frustration at this perception, but he quickly suppressed it. Pride had no place in practical matters.
"A sound suggestion, Elder Chenrui," he replied after brief consideration. "However, I'd prefer that you meet us directly at the mine. I want to take a small detour through the city first."
The elder seemed hesitant but nodded in acquiescence. "As you wish, Young Master. I'll await you there."
As the elder departed, Bai Youyou looked at Bai Yuexian with curiosity. "May I ask why you wish to tour the city, Young Master?"
"Two reasons," he replied as they began walking toward the compound's main gate. "First, I haven't had a chance to see Night Orchid City properly since our arrival. Second, walking through the streets might give us a better sense of the local situation than official reports."
Youyou nodded, seeming to accept his explanation. "A wise approach, Young Master."
The streets of Night Orchid City bustled with activity as they stepped outside the compound. Merchants hawked their wares from colorful stalls, the aroma of street food filled the air, and people of all stations hurried about their business. Unlike the Flower Capital, where Bai Yuexian had spent his brief time since awakening in this world, Night Orchid City had a more relaxed atmosphere less grandiose but perhaps more authentic.
Bai Yuexian found himself deeply appreciating the experience. The city had a distinctly historical drama aesthetic, yet it was vibrantly alive. The air carried a freshness that came from the nearby orchid fields that gave the city its name, mixed with the earthier scents of food, incense, and humanity.
As they walked, he noticed Bai Youyou repeatedly opening her mouth as if to speak, then hesitating and closing it again. After the third such occurrence, he decided to address it directly.
"Speak freely, Bai Youyou," he said gently. "What's on your mind?"
Her cheeks colored slightly at being so transparent. "Young Master, I..." She paused, gathering her courage. "You've broken through to the ninth level of the Vital Essence Tempering Realm in a single night. It's unheard of." She bit her lip, then added in a rush, "And it's especially surprising because everyone calls you a tr—"
She cut herself off abruptly, her eyes widening in horror at what she'd almost said. "I'm so sorry, Young Master! My tongue slipped. I didn't mean to—"
To her evident surprise, Bai Yuexian's expression remained calm, his pace steady as they continued through the busy market street. "There's no need to apologize, Youyou. You're right I am considered trash who can't cultivate." He spoke the words without a hint of bitterness. "I'm not ashamed of that reputation. And yes, my increase in realm was due to the Spirit Fruit, not any particular talent of my own."
The lie came easily to his lips. In truth, while the Spirit Fruit had provided the necessary essence energy, his efficient use of that energy completing three major advancements in a single night spoke to either natural talent or exceptional insight. But maintaining the façade of the original Bai Yuexian's limitations had strategic value, at least for now.
Youyou studied him with newfound interest, clearly reassessing her impression of him. The rumors about Bai Yuexian being kind but foolish seemed both true and false in equal measure a contradiction she couldn't quite reconcile.