Goddess Peak and the Legacy of Hundred Flowers Dew
Goddess Peak—its very name conjures the image of a demure, graceful maiden, quietly waiting in her youthful bloom. As legend has it (though the tale itself is so clichéd that it hardly merits retelling), this mountain obtained its name from an age-old myth associated with the land. In contrast to the roaring pine winds echoing through the myriad valleys of Tianling Peak, every corner of Goddess Peak bursts with the gentle melodies of birdsong and the sweet fragrance of blossoms. These delicate natural elements, it turns out, are not merely scenic wonders—they serve as the essential raw materials for brewing the famed Hundred Flowers Dew, a resource so commercially popular that it has sparked a veritable industry among cultivators.
At Goddess Peak, two prominent Golden Core cultivators have been stationed as the managers of this prized resource. Through the annual sales of Hundred Flowers Dew, an impressive 60% of the spirit stone revenues end up in the pockets of these two masters. The remaining 40% is allocated further—30% is paid to Tianling Peak and the leftover 10% is nominally sent to Guiwang Peak. In truth, the old patriarch who orchestrated these arrangements hardly ever needs spirit stones himself, yet a token offering is always made. And as for the 10% ostensibly destined for Guiwang Peak, it exists mainly on paper; in the end, it merely functions as the remuneration that Qi Refinement disciples on Goddess Peak earn for their labors.
A Respectful Arrival
Fang Jinyu arrived at Goddess Peak riding his divine artifact. The moment his device touched the foothills of the mountain, he was greeted by two female disciples—young cultivators of notable beauty, whose cordial voices rang out:
"Greetings, Uncle !"
Not missing a beat, Fang Jinyu calmly collected his artifact and explained his purpose: "Please inform Sister Xin that Fang Jinyu has come to visit."
One of the young disciples hesitated before replying, "But on Goddess Peak we have no teacher with the surname Xin…"
Fang Jinyu smiled and clarified, "Sister Xin's proper name is Xin Qianqian. She has not yet passed through Foundation Establishment."
At these words the two girls exchanged meaningful, amused glances and then said, "Uncle, please wait in the reception hall for a moment—Sister Xin's aunt has just come to see her."
"Very well," Fang Jinyu replied with a nod. Although he already knew the way to the reception hall, he accepted the escort out of respect for the protocols of Goddess Peak. After all, as a cultivator only at the early Foundation stage, etiquette is not something one can afford to disregard.
In the Reception Hall
Inside the reception hall, Fang Jinyu found that his wait was not entirely idle. The lovely female attendant had kindly refilled his cup with three successive pots of Hundred Flowers Tea—a venerable brew renowned among Qi Refinement cultivators. Although the tea was designed to slightly enhance the lawipotency of someone at the Foundation Establishment level, its effects did not quite register on Fang Jinyu's current state. Nonetheless, it was acknowledged as a uniquely potent spirit tea, and its aroma alone had, in the past, given comfort to many a cultivator during their contemplative hours.
It was amidst this relaxed atmosphere that a figure emerged—clearly the young disciple Xin Qianqian, elegantly dressed and unmistakably refined. With a slight blush, she said, "Fang Shixiong, I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting."
Fang Jinyu was not at all impatient; indeed, he had expected delays, and in his heart he was quite amused by the implicit familiarity in her address. In the cultivation circles, one who holds genuine admiration might even be bold enough to "ride" on one's reputation, so the fact that she called him "Fang Shixiong" rather than the more formal " suggested that she did not view him merely as a senior, but perhaps privately harbored more personal affections.
"Ah, this Hundred Flowers Tea," he remarked with an easy smile, "I have only heard tales of its excellence until now. Today, thanks to your kind attention, I finally get to savor it."
The tea's fragrance was bright and mellow—a natural boost that, while not transformative for his Foundation potency, was nonetheless cherished by those in the earlier stages of Qi Refinement.
Wishing to show his gratitude, Fang Jinyu withdrew from his pouch an exquisitely carved jade bottle containing three rare Foundation Pills . He extended the small offering to Xin Qianqian: "Xin, please accept this. Your cultivation should soon call for it."
Although Xin Qianqian came from a respectable, albeit not leading, cultivation family within the Xin clan, she was considered only an outlying member. In the strict hierarchies of the immortal realms, opportunities such as access to the Lingdu Secret Realm are reserved for those of truly high status, and for her, obtaining Foundation Pills would require the slow accumulation of merit—either through dedicated service to her sect or by striking lucky deals in the marketplace. Nonetheless, upon receiving the jade bottle, she did not deign to inspect its contents; her delight was complete simply because it was a gift from Fang Shixiong, an honor she treasured even if the gift were as humble as a low-grade Qi Refinement pill.
"Thank you, Fang Shixiong!" she exclaimed genuinely, her eyes shining with warmth and gratitude.
An Unexpected Encounter
Before the conversation could rest, a clear, confident voice called out: "Fang Dao You!"
Fang Jinyu turned to see a woman whose beauty was striking—a refined, mature lady he did not recognize. Her cultivation aura was immediately apparent: even a fleeting perception of her energy revealed that she was at the very pinnacle of Foundation Establishment, reaching the elusive ninth level—indeed, on the verge of the Golden Core realm. A shiver of awe and a sense of gravity washed over him. Promptly, he clasped both his hands in respectful salutation and said, "Greetings, esteemed Dao You."
The lady smiled slightly as Xin Qianqian interjected, "Fang Shixiong, allow me to introduce her. This is my aunt—a dear friend of my late mother's who has long so cared for me."
Observing Xin Qianqian's modest manner, the elegant woman—who introduced herself with a graceful tilt of her head—nodded in acknowledgement. Although she possessed the formidable power of a Foundation ninth-level cultivator and had even felt the latent aura of the Golden Core state, she was still, in the strict sense of cultivation etiquette, of the same generation as the early Foundation practitioners. Courtesy demanded that she treat them with the respect due to her peers; after all, even the most magnanimous heart can feel slighted if proper propriety is not observed, and needless enmities can sprout from such breaches.
"My dear," she said in a gentle tone, "please, let us address each other as peers. You may call me Luo Shijie. To explain briefly: my husband was once a disciple of Tianling Sect. Later, by the benevolence of our venerable patriarch, he returned to Tujian Mountain and ascended to the position of sect leader. Thus, if you do not object, feel free to address me as 'Sister Luo.'"
Fang Jinyu replied in kind, "Luo Shijie," while silently organizing in his mind the scarce intelligence he had accumulated about Tujian Mountain—a modest immortal sect that had once boasted a renowned Golden Core cultivator, only to fall on hard times until, very recently, a distinguished Golden Core master was invited back to oversee the affairs of the sect.
"Fang Dao You," Luo Shijie continued, "I have long heard that you share a particularly close rapport with Xin Qianqian, and that you have always taken great care of her. Might we, as peers, engage in a discussion about our cultivation methods?"
In that instant, Fang Jinyu grasped her true meaning. Though he was only at the second level of Foundation Establishment, and she was at almost the highest stage of the same realm, her proposal smacked not only of a desire to benefit herself but also to repay some unspoken debt of kindness. Indeed, it was common practice in these circles to seize upon every advantageous chance—even unsolicited offers of guidance are rarely left unacknowledged. Flicking a mental nod of assent, Fang Jinyu readily agreed, recognizing that even if he relied partly on his "external plugin" (a secret edge beyond the usual means), absorbing high-level Foundation cultivation insights from such a refined master could only help his progress.
Yet as the discussion progressed, Xin Qianqian could not help but notice a subtle shift in tone. Her aunt's proposal—though couched in the veneer of wholesome exchange—was laced with an implicit intention: to pry apart the warm bond that had always seemed to exist between her and Fang Shixiong. Although she longed to maintain that connection, she dared not speak out against it at that moment; she understood all too well that the discourse, however academic, might ultimately benefit Fang Shixiong's standing.
A Discourse on Cultivation
The three soon relocated to a quieter area—a pavilion perched on a cliff, where the sweeping vistas and gentle mountain breezes created an atmosphere of serenity and reflection. Here, away from prying eyes, the doctrinal exchange began in earnest.
At first, Fang Jinyu listened with genuine interest as Luo Shijie recounted cultivation experiences from the latter part of the Qi Refinement stage all the way to the early moments of Foundation Establishment. However, it did not take long before he began offering pointed counterarguments. It seemed that his own experiences—as someone blessed with three-element spirit roots that allowed him, without the aid of Foundation Pills, to transcend the typical cultivation boundaries—enabled him to challenge the conventional wisdom espoused by his senior.
Luo Shijie's brow furrowed in concentration, then in astonishment, and finally she found herself at a loss for words. Her inner monologue rang clear: "Listening to you is like gaining the insights of ten years of study in one conversation." In truth, his insights had even allowed her to envision a slight advancement in her own Golden Core threshold—what she had once estimated as a mere 30% chance now appeared to be closer to 40%.
Seizing the moment, Xin Qianqian softly said, "Aunt, I've heard that Fang Shixiong achieved his breakthrough by truly understanding the essence of the Wind-Thunder Induction method, rather than relying on Foundation Pills." At these words, a familiar rumor resurfaced in her mind—a tale she had overheard in hushed tones—and she shot a discreet glance toward Fang Jinyu, seeking confirmation. He merely nodded in measured affirmation, and the effect on Luo Shijie was immediate: she fell silent, visibly shaken by both disbelief and a grudging measure of admiration.
"Fang Shidi," Luo Shijie finally murmured, "your talent is extraordinary!"
Her praise came with an added explanation: "Not needing Foundation Pills to break through is said to be possible, but rarely does it occur. Those who possess such an innate advantage are typically endowed with Tianling roots—which, by their very nature, bypass the typical bottlenecks of the Foundation stage."
Fang Jinyu laughed softly at the compliment. "Luo Shijie, you flatter me too much. It is getting late, so I must take my leave now." Noticing the deepening dusk, he rose, and with a courteous bow, prepared to depart.
The narrator interjects a note here: given the ancient social mores of the cultivation world, careful attention must be paid to the proper modes of interaction between men and women. Indeed, it is precisely for this reason that Tianling Sect went to the trouble of constructing Goddess Peak specifically for female disciples to practice their art, ensuring that decorum is maintained.
Xin Qianqian, for her part, harbored a host of unspoken words for Fang Shixiong. Yet the moment was not ripe for her to voice them—after all, their relationship had not yet been clearly defined. There lingered on the possibility that she, though interested, might remain relegated to the role of a concubine; or perhaps, she had only transient affection while he remained indifferent.
Seeing that Fang Shixiong was already leaving, Luo Shijie teased gently, "Alright, enough. Your Fang Shixiong is long gone now. Are you simply waiting for his next visit?"
Xin Qianqian's face instantly flushed a deep rose as she stared wistfully toward the receding horizon.
Then Luo Shijie clucked playfully, "Come now, see what your Fang Shixiong has sent you."
A moment later, with a hesitant "Oh, oh…" Xin Qianqian retrieved the small jade bottle from her bosom and, upon opening it, was immediately enveloped by a heady, sweet aroma—a fragrance so delicate and refreshing that it seemed to fill the very air.
Her eyes widened in awe. The natural scent of Foundation fruits was renowned for its magical allure, and even after the arduous alchemic process to create Foundation Pills, that same enduring aroma lingers, potent and inviting.
Luo Shijie was equally taken aback—though not from any desire to sever the tender ties between her niece and Fang Shixiong, but rather because she found it hard to believe that an ordinary sect disciple like Fang Shixiong could produce Foundation Pills of the caliber that her Xin Qianqian required. In her pragmatic mind, such a treasure was reserved for consummate alchemists of high renown. Her own plan, therefore, was to encourage Xin Qianqian to establish connections with the leading figures in a reputable cultivation family. After all, in those families, an engagement gift customarily takes the form of a Foundation Pill. With a betrothal thus formalized, Xin Qianqian's future hardships would lessen considerably—and perhaps, if fortune smiled upon her, she would even achieve an early breakthrough toward the Golden Core state.
" Aunt, if it is truly a Foundation Pill…" Xin Qianqian began tentatively.
"Shh—" Luo Shijie hushed her immediately, placing her hand firmly over her niece's mouth. With a stern glare, she admonished, "Don't you know that such a thing can cost you your life? There are ears even through the wall, you understand?"
"I understand, I won't flaunt anything," Xin Qianqian replied meekly, nodding as if a tiny chick pecking at spilled grains. Then, with a conspiratorial smile, she added, "Aunt, there are three pills inside."
Luo Shijie's eyes widened in surprise. "Three? I had thought there was only one—Foundation Pills are so exceedingly precious that I've heard of gifts including a single one at most."
Giggling softly, Xin Qianqian replied, "Hehe, Aunt, does this mean that from now on I need not worry about meeting that Liu Gongzi you mentioned?"
"Of course not!" Luo Shijie snapped, unable to hide a trace of irritation.
(At this juncture, if Fang Shixiong were still present, his mind would undoubtedly recall that the reference to "Liu Gongzi" was a pointed reminder of that very sycophantic fellow who, as legend has it, soon found himself reduced to nothing—a wretch discarded by Su Yi'er.)
Reflections on Fate and Unspoken Promises
The conversation lingered as the trio's footsteps echoed along the winding paths of Goddess Peak. Meanwhile, the narrative voice interjects a wry comment: had Fang Shixiong been present to hear "Liu Gongzi" mentioned, he would have instantly recalled that the moniker belonged to the hapless fellow who eventually ended up with nothing, his fate sealed by ulterior motives and ultimately abandoned by Su Yi'er.
Thus, even as Luo Shijie continued with her casual banter, it was clear to all that beneath the surface lay unspoken rivalries and intricate schemes of propriety, affection, and ambition.
Departures and Lingering Longings
As night deepened, Fang Shixiong took his leave, disappearing into the darkening horizon. Xin Qianqian, though reluctant, could only watch him go—her heart heavy with unsaid words and uncertain promises. Perhaps their bond was not yet destined to be formalized; perhaps, like many fleeting encounters in the immortal realm, one harbored secret hopes while the other remained aloof.
"Enough now—you ought not to be waiting for his next visit, are you?" teased Luo Shijie, rolling her eyes as she looked at her wistful niece.
Embarrassed, Xin Qianqian's delicate features flushed a deeper shade.
"Now, quickly, show me what your Fang Shixiong has sent you," Luo Shijie said, her tone light and teasing.
Curiosity piqued, Xin Qianqian produced the jade bottle from her bosom. Upon uncorking it, the heady fragrance of the Foundation Pills immediately wafted out—a scent so rich and enchanting that it stirred powerful emotions in her. The aroma was a testament not only to the innate sweetness of the Foundation fruits but also to the alchemical mastery that preserved their essence.
Luo Shijie herself was momentarily dumbfounded. In her mind, no ordinary sect disciple could be expected to synthesize a Foundation Pill that met the high standards required by a cultivator of Xin Qianqian's potential. It was her conviction that such a precious gift should be reserved for those with the capital to command it. Thus, she secretly aspired that Xin Qianqian would soon seek out a connection in one of the leading cultivator families—after all, in such families, a betrothal gift customarily takes the form of a Foundation Pill. With this arrangement, Xin Qianqian's prospects for advancement would be significantly enhanced, and perhaps she might even achieve a breakthrough to the Golden Core state far sooner than anticipated.
"Perhaps, Aunt, if it turns out it is a Foundation Pill…?" Xin Qianqian ventured, though her voice was barely above a whisper.
"Shh—" Luo Shijie interrupted, her face growing serious as she gently covered her niece's mouth. "You must be cautious. Such treasures carry great risk. There are ears everywhere—even hidden behind walls!"
Xin Qianqian nodded in humble agreement. "I understand; I won't let any of this money show. I know discretion is necessary." Then, with a conspiratorial giggle, she added, "Aunt, there are three pills inside."
Luo Shijie's astonishment was evident as she repeated, "Three?!" She had always believed that a gift of a Foundation Pill was an exceedingly rare thing—one that had been heard of only in isolated legends, where even a single pill was considered incredible.
With a playful glint in her eye, Xin Qianqian continued, "Hehe, Aunt, with this, perhaps I won't have to meet that so-called Liu Gongzi after all?"
"Aunt, you know very well," Luo Shijie retorted sharply, "I would not wish you to incur any more undue entanglements."
At this point, an unspoken understanding hung heavy in the air—a tacit acknowledgment of past misfortunes and unsavory relationships. Luo Shijie's mention of Liu Gongzi was not without implication: it recalled a cautionary tale of a certain fellow who, having pined away foolishly for his connection with a certain beauty, eventually ended in ruin. Such references, though lighthearted on the surface, carried with them the bitter taste of experience.
Epilogue: Hints of a Turbulent Future
As the conversation drew to a quiet close and the three gradually dispersed, Xin Qianqian was left to muse over the significance of the jade bottle and its precious contents. The fragrance still lingered around her—a gentle reminder of Fang Shixiong's subtle kindness and the promise of vitality that only a rare Foundation Pill could imbue. Meanwhile, her aunt, Luo Shijie, cast a wary glance toward the darkening horizon, knowing that in the immortal world nothing is ever as simple as it appears. Social ties, cultivation fates, and the intricate politics of spirit resources all interwove to form an unpredictable tapestry—a tapestry in which even the softest of gestures might herald great fortunes or deep calamities.
In the delicate interplay between duty and desire, tradition and innovation, the lives of these cultivators unfolded like a slow, intricate dance. Bound by unspoken oaths and the inexorable pull of fate, each character—whether it was the gallant Fang Shixiong, the gentle Xin Qianqian, or the experienced wise Luo Shijie—moved toward their destinies with a mixture of hopeful anticipation and guarded restraint.
For Fang Jinyu, his parting departure left behind questions that would echo in the silent corridors of Goddess Peak. For Xin Qianqian, the precious jade bottle held not only a sign of affection and respect from her admired elder but also a promise of transformation—a promise that, if she wisely navigated the treacherous currents of fate, might one day offer her a path into the rarefied realm of true power and insight.
In that ancient world, where every gesture carried the weight of legacies and every encounter could tip the balance of one's entire life, even the most trivial detail—the offering of a Foundation Pill, the shared taste of fragrant tea, or the subtle teasing in a quiet pavilion—could forge a destiny that would be remembered for generations to come.
Reflections on the World of Cultivation
Thus, as darkness deepened over Goddess Peak and the cool night air whispered of long-forgotten legends, the interplay of affection, ambition, and inevitable enmity simmered beneath the surface of every conversation. The ancient rules and newer glimmers of hope mingled together—a delicate balance between respecting tradition and daring to reshape one's fate. In this tapestry of relationships, even strangers' remarks bore double meanings. A reference to "Liu Gongzi," for example, might immediately evoke memories of past failures and warn of potential future heartaches. Yet for those who were wise and bold, such cautionary tales also served as inspiration—a reminder that true talent, when unburdened by rash sentiment, might eventually overcome the limitations of a mere mortal life.
For Fang Shixiong, the journey had only just begun. Though he had now departed from the presence of his affectionate companion and her venerable aunt, the seeds of future encounters had been sown. His extraordinary ability to break through without reliance on Foundation Pills—and the rare, almost magical grace of his three-element spirit root—had already impressed even seasoned masters. In doing so, he not only challenged the accepted lore, but also opened a new chapter for himself in the vast, unpredictable universe of cultivation.
By the time night fully claimed the landscape, the echoes of whispered promises and veiled admonitions still lingered in the air. The importance of every detail—from the exact ratio of spirit stone revenues to the intricate etiquette governing interactions between cultivators—was a reminder that in this mystic realm even the subtlest actions could tip the scales of destiny. And so, as the stars emerged one by one in the limitless heavens, fate and ambition continued their silent dialogue, urging each cultivator to press onward in pursuit of greatness.
A Promise and a Peril
In that mesmerizing twilight, as the last notes of the Hundred Flowers Tea's fragrance mingled with the night breeze, Xin Qianqian held the jade bottle close. The three pristine Foundation Pills nestled inside seemed to glow with an inner light—a promise of untold potential, yet also a symbol of the dangers that such power could entail. Exactly how many of these miraculous pills existed had long been debated among scholars, and here, to her astonishment, there were three—a bounty that far exceeded the usual myth of a single, solitary pill gifted on a moment of rare grace.
Her aunt's words, punctuated by gentle admonitions and the occasional playful tease about meeting a certain "Liu Gongzi," resonated with both hope and sorrow. It was widely held that if such a gift were to fall into the hands of one who lacked the wisdom to respect its gravity, it might well bring ruin instead of favor. And indeed, even among the highest echelons of cultivated society, the exchange of such precious tokens could trigger fierce rivalries or unforeseen alliances.
For Luo Shijie, the conversation was as much a lesson in the fragile balance of emotion and duty as it was an opportunity to secure her niece's future. She knew that while Fang Shixiong's talents were exceptional, they might not alone be enough to shield Xin Qianqian from the capricious — and occasionally treacherous — machinations of the cultivation world. In her measured tone, she stressed the importance of discretion and the art of forming alliances in a world where even the slightest misstep could prove fatal.
As the dialogue wound down and the lamplight flickered softly against ancient walls, the three partook in moments of reflection. Fang Shixiong departed into the enveloping night, leaving behind a trail of murmured promises and half-spoken vows. Meanwhile, Xin Qianqian and her aunt lingered, each lost in thought about what the future might hold—whether it would be a path of prosperity and growth, or one fraught with the peril of broken promises and tragic separations.
Thus, within the hallowed environs of Goddess Peak, where the natural splendor of birdsong and floral abundance served as a backdrop to the intricate dance of destiny, the seeds of future change had been planted. In this world of immortal cultivation, every gift, every shared secret, and every respectful bow bore the weight of fate itself—a fate that would be tested in the days and nights to come.
In Conclusion
As the night deepened over Goddess Peak and the cool mists rolled in from afar, the lingering fragrance of Hundred Flowers Tea, the subtle glow of the jade bottle's gift, and the harmonious yet fraught interplay between duty and desire told a story far greater than any single event. It was a story of relationships delicately balanced between respect and ambition, of opportunities that shimmered with both promise and danger. And as each member of this ancient world—be they a revered elder, an eager disciple, or even an unassuming anonymous figure—continued to walk their destined path, it became all the more clear that in cultivation there is no simple salvation: every moment is charged with the potential to change everything.
For Fang Shixiong, the wisdom he had displayed in challenging conventional wisdom had not only set him aside from his peers but had also sown early the promise of even greater breakthroughs in the future. For Xin Qianqian, the cherished jade offering, given with sincere affection and a subtle message of hope, would be both a comfort and a challenge—a pledge that her own destiny might yet be rewritten, not solely by the external forces of fate, but by her own strength, prudence, and heart.
And for Luo Shijie, the careful nurturer and guiding force, the encounter was a bittersweet reminder of the delicate interplay of love, duty, and strategy. Though she had always wished for her niece to rise above the petty squabbles of the mortal realm, she knew that in the immortal world even a single misstep could prove catastrophic. Therefore, she resolved in her heart to continue guiding Xin Qianqian with a firm but loving hand, hoping that one day, her beloved niece might overcome the obstacles of fate and flourish in the light of true power.
In these quiet moments on Goddess Peak—amid the mingling scents of rare teas, fragrant pills, and the soft nighttime melodies of nature—the eternal dance of cultivation continued. Every measured word in the hushed conversation, every respectful glance, every teasing remark about Liu Gongzi and bygone heartbreak, all wove together into a tapestry of destiny that promised both eventual triumph and the bittersweet cost of ambition.
Thus, the events of this day at Goddess Peak ended not with a final farewell, but with an open-ended promise—a promise that the story of Fang Shixiong, Xin Qianqian, and Luo Shijie was only beginning, and that in this enchanted world where even a single Foundation Pill could alter the course of fate, the future would remain as tantalizingly uncertain as it was beautifully inevitable.