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The Samang Sect loomed before them, its towering pagodas and expansive courtyards bustling with activity. Spirit beasts of various sizes rested in the designated landing area, their forms exuding an aura of dormant power. As Muhsan and Eshmund dismounted, the presence of alchemic herbs in the air was unmistakable – a heady mix of medicinal scents that permeated the sect grounds. Muhsan led Eshmund through a stone-paved path toward the Alchemist Department’s main hall. The building was grand yet carried an air of discipline, its walls lined with intricate carvings depicting alchemists of ages past refining potent elixirs. As they stepped inside, several disciples in alchemist robes moved about, attending to their tasks with practiced efficiency. At the far end of the hall, behind a long wooden desk cluttered with jade bottles and ancient scrolls, sat Elder Qiyang Katuyo. Contrary to what he had expected, Elder Qiyang does not look like someone of asian descent. He is more like a western person.

Elder Qiyang carries the air of a timeless magician, his long silver hair and thick white beard framing a face of sharp, defined features. His deep blue eyes pierce through the surroundings with wisdom, yet there’s an undeniable warmth behind them, offering a sense of understanding. His robes, elegant and flowing, are understated, yet there’s an aura of mastery that surrounds him. Though his presence commands respect, there’s a quiet kindness in his expression, as if he can see through a person and still treat them with care Muhsan approached and cupped his hands in greeting. “Elder Qiyang, I have brought Eshmund as we discussed.” The elder nodded, his keen eyes briefly scanning Eshmund. “Yes, I have already heard a bit about his circumstances,” he said, his voice steady. “The matter of the Red Veined Horse Cabbage, Muhsan has told me all about it. You have a gift with herbs. We desperately need someone like you, we have high hopes. Too bad you don’t have a spiritual root, but don’t worry, you won’t suffer loss here.” Eshmund bowed respectfully. “It is an honor to meet you, Elder Qiyang.” The elder studied him for a moment before giving a slight nod of acknowledgment. “It is not rare one without a spiritual root finds themselves in a sect such as ours. But, I do hope you understand the challenges ahead.” “I do, Elder,” Eshmund replied, his tone firm. “And I am prepared to learn.” Elder Qiyang tapped the desk lightly, his expression unreadable. “Tell me, Eshmund, has Muhsan already told you much about our sect?” Muhsan smiled faintly. “Eshmund is resourceful, and he read a lot. He knows more than kids his age. I have personally seen how he cares for plants, his knowledge in certain areas may prove useful. I trust he will not disappoint.” Elder Qiyang hummed thoughtfully before gesturing to an empty seat nearby. “Sit. We shall talk for a while.” Having heard about Eshmund from his most trusted right-hand man, Elder Qiyang was particularly curious about him. Muhsan turned to Eshmund. “I need to handle your registration. I will return shortly.” With that, he left the hall, leaving Eshmund alone with the elder. “The sect and the Empire will definitely benefit from the cabbage project cooperation. I am grateful that there’s a youngster like you already contributing to the world. Keep it up,” Elder Qiyang said. “Ah… that makes me embarrassed, Elder. I actually did it for my own benefit. I don’t have that lofty, saintly ambition,” Eshmund said. Elder Qiyang approved. The boy was not arrogant. “Don’t look too little on yourself. Benefiting yourself and benefiting others on the side is not a bad thing. Do you know our sect’s philosophy?” Eshmund pondered for a moment, studying the elder’s face before replying. “It’s balance.” Elder Qiyang smiled, his eyes gleaming with approval. “Exactly. It’s not just about strength or power – it’s about maintaining that delicate balance between the realms we walk, the people we serve, and the world we shape. Whether you’re a cultivator or a mortal, your actions contribute to the harmony of everything around you. Disrupting that balance, even with good intentions, can lead to chaos.” Eshmund nodded thoughtfully, the weight of the elder’s words settling in. “So, balance is not about personal gain or sacrifice. It’s about ensuring that all things coexist without tipping the scales too far?” “Precisely,” Elder Qiyang affirmed. “Sometimes, even a small change in one area can ripple across the whole system. That’s why we, must always be mindful of the balance in all things.” He paused, his gaze sharpening. “The future will require more than just strength, It will require wisdom.” “Our sect elder master’s name is Dula Magani. ‘Dula’ means playful, happy, and free, while ‘Magani’ means strict, strong, and disciplined. At first glance, they seem contradictory, but together, the name represents the balance within an individual. He is proud of his name.” Eshmund raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the elder’s explanation. “So, his name reflects his philosophy – playful and free yet strict and disciplined? A balance between seemingly opposing qualities?” Elder Qiyang nodded, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Exactly. Dula Magani’s name embodies the balance that he strives for in life. In the world of cultivation, it’s easy to become too rigid or too carefree, but Master Dula understands that one cannot exist without the other. A cultivator must remain grounded, with a sense of discipline, but also be able to embrace the spontaneity and joy that life offers. It’s a reminder to us all that true strength comes from harmony within oneself.” Eshmund thought for a moment, a new sense of respect for the sect elder forming within him. “I see. Balance is something even in a name.” “Master Dula is currently in closed cultivation, but you will have the chance to meet him. Our sect holds a grand assembly every three years, and this year happens to be one of them. It will take place at the end of the year, and he will reveal himself by then,” Elder Qiyang said. “Do you already know what you will be doing in the sect?” Elder Qiyang asked. “Yes, I will be taking care of the herb garden and also learning martial arts. Other than that, I’ll have some free time. I have a basic understanding of medicine, so I’ll definitely be attending classes for that. I’m also curious about what the others are learning, so I’ll see where that takes me.” “Good. Use your time wisely. Don’t waste it,” Elder Qiyang advised. Eshmund nodded earnestly, a renewed sense of purpose in his heart. “I understand, Elder. I won’t waste a moment.” Elder Qiyang’s gaze softened, sensing the sincerity in Eshmund’s words. “The herb garden will teach you patience and understanding, as nature always requires care and attention. Martial arts, of course, will discipline your body and mind. But the real challenge, my young friend, is in how you balance these skills with your purpose.” Eshmund glanced down, reflecting on the elder’s advice. “It’s not just about learning for the sake of learning, is it?” “Exactly,” Elder Qiyang affirmed. “Every lesson, every skill you pick up, must serve a greater purpose. Whether it’s for your own growth or for the benefit of others, always ask yourself why you’re learning. Let your actions align with your intentions.” Eshmund stood a little straighter, a spark of resolve in his eyes. “I will make sure everything I learn will have meaning.” Elder Qiyang asked if Eshmund had any other questions. Seizing the opportunity, Eshmund asked, “Elder, what do you know about reincarnation?” Elder Qiyang’s expression grew thoughtful, and he leaned back slightly as he considered the question. “Reincarnation,” he began, his voice carrying a weight that seemed to echo across time, “is a concept as ancient as existence itself. Some believe it is a continuous cycle where the soul is reborn into different lives, carrying fragments of the past with it. Others see it as a form of spiritual evolution, where each life serves as a step toward growth, learning, and understanding.” He looked directly at Eshmund, his gaze sharp. “But what you should understand, Eshmund, is that reincarnation is not just a simple repetition. It is the balance of life and death, creation and destruction, the constant flow of energy and spirit. Some souls are bound to repeat this cycle over and over, while others break free, ascending to higher realms. And then, there are those who are born with memories of past lives, yet are unable to fully comprehend the weight of that knowledge.” Eshmund, intrigued but still processing the complexity, leaned forward. “So, is there any evidence or foundation for such beliefs?” Elder Qiyang smiled slightly, but his eyes were serious. “For our Samang Sect, reincarnation is not something we specifically teach. We believe that once your life is lost, that is the end. One life, one chance, and therefore, we must make the most of it. We focus on the present, the balance between living and dying, and the harmony of the now.” “But other sects do teach of it?” Eshmund asked, still confused.

“Indeed,” Elder Qiyang replied. “Other sects have different teachings. But according to the Hurga Scripture, which serves as the foundation for many of the major sects and religions in this world, it is written that every human, demon, and devil will experience reincarnation at least once. Their actions, during their life in this world, will be judged and they will either be rewarded or punished for them.” Eshmund, still not fully satisfied, pressed on. “So, according to the Hurga Scripture, reincarnation is real?” “Yes,” Elder Qiyang replied, his tone firm. “The Hurga Scripture teaches that every soul is given a chance to receive a reward of their choosing. This world is a test – one to determine whether they deserve that reward or if they have earned a punishment. It is the Almighty’s will that each soul undergoes judgment, and based on their deeds, they are either granted a reward or made to face the consequences of their actions.” Eshmund frowned, pondering. “What if someone wanted something more – like asking for reincarnation?” Elder Qiyang’s eyes glinted with amusement, though his voice remained steady. “Ah, that is where things become more interesting. The Hurga Scripture also says that, should you be worthy, you may ask the Almighty for a reward of your choosing. No matter how great or impossible your request may seem, the Almighty has the power to grant it. So in the end, nothing is really impossible” “What about the view that there’s nothing after we die, that we just turn to dust and vanish?” Eshmund asked. Elder Qiyang’s eyes softened at the question, and for a moment, he was silent. He regarded Eshmund with a knowing look, as if considering how best to answer. “That is a view some hold,” he said slowly, “and it is not without merit in some respects. The material world is a cycle of birth and decay. Everything returns to the earth eventually. The body, after death, becomes dust, as you say. And in that sense, one could argue that there is nothing beyond death, only the return to the natural world.” He turned his eyes back to Eshmund. “The belief that there is nothing after death is understandable, especially for those who do not see beyond the physical. But for those of us who understand the flow of energy, the cycle of life, we know that there is always a greater truth, one that goes beyond the limits of the body.” Eshmund pondered the words, his mind trying to reconcile the two different viewpoints. “So Elder, do you believe the spirit doesn’t just vanish, even if the body does?” “Exactly,” Elder Qiyang affirmed. “The spirit, the soul, is part of something larger. It may not be something we can see or touch, but it is as real as the air we breathe. And it is through the balance of life, death, and energy that the soul moves, perhaps toward reincarnation, or perhaps toward something else. The cycle is not always clear, but there is always movement, always transformation.” Eshmund fell silent, considering the elder’s words. The idea of a spirit that never truly disappears, that perhaps continues to move in some form, was both comforting and unsettling at the same time. “That’s a lot for my little brain to handle,” Eshmund muttered, rubbing his temple. Elder Qiyang chuckled. “Obviously. No child your age would ponder such things. You are certainly special, Eshmund.” He leaned forward slightly, his tone shifting to something more serious. “What you must remember is this: strive to do good in this world, regardless of what comes after. Whether reincarnation exists or not, living a virtuous life benefits you and those around you. And if there is no afterlife – if we simply vanish after death – then we lose nothing. But if reincarnation or an afterlife does exist, then doing good in this life is still the best bet, wouldn’t you agree?” Elder Qiyang’s last answer opened Eshmund’s eyes, and he nodded. If there is no afterlife, then we lose nothing – but if there is, doing good in this life is still the best choice. That reasoning seemed undeniable to him. He realized that while being an evil, unfeeling person might bring some benefits, living a life hated by everyone for the harm you cause is hardly a comfortable existence. Just as their conversation was reaching a profound point, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hall. Elder Qiyang and Eshmund turned their attention to the entrance as Mushan arrived, accompanied by another young man. “Elder Qiyang, I have brought Hidan with me,” Mushan announced, bowing respectfully. Hidan, a disciple under Elder Qiyang, stepped forward. He was a young man with a steady gaze and an air of quiet confidence. Clad in the sect’s traditional robes, his posture was disciplined but not rigid. “Greetings Master. ” Hidan cupped his fist and bowed to elder Qiyang. He inclined his head slightly toward Eshmund, his expression neutral but observant. Elder Qiyang nodded. “Good. Hidan, you will be in charge of guiding Eshmund to his accommodations and explaining the rules of the sect. Make sure he settles in well. You will also be working directly under Mushan, assisting him in his duties.” “Understood, Master,” Hidan replied before turning to Eshmund. “Come with me.” “Thank you for your guidance, Elder. I’ll trouble you again later,” Eshmund said with a smile, giving a respectful bow. Elder Qiyang smiled in return, thinking to himself, What a peculiar child.

Eshmund followed Hidan through the winding paths of the sect, passing various disciples engaged in training, meditation, or tending to their duties. The sect grounds were vast, with towering pavilions, stone pathways, and vibrant gardens that exuded a tranquil yet disciplined atmosphere. Eventually, they arrived at a modest yet comfortable dwelling near a herb garden. The small wooden house had a sturdy structure, with a simple interior that included a bed, a desk, a small storage area, and a cozy kitchen tucked in one corner. The kitchen was equipped with a small stove, a wooden counter top, and shelves filled with herbs and spices. Beside the garden flowed a small creek, its clear waters shimmering in the light. Dragonflies danced above the water, their iridescent wings flashing in shades of red, blue, orange, and mixed hues, flitting gracefully from one bank to the other. The air was filled with the gentle hum of their wings, and the sound of the water’s soft rush provided a tranquil backdrop. The scent of fresh herbs from the garden mingled with the earthy smell of the creek, creating a calming atmosphere that seemed to settle over everything. Hidan gestured around. “This will be your living quarters. Being close to the herb garden means you’ll have easy access to your primary duties. Now, let me explain the rules and daily schedule.”

He straightened slightly before continuing. “Every disciple follows a structured routine. Mornings begin at sunrise with an hour of meditation or breathing exercises, depending on one’s cultivation level. After that, there’s breakfast, followed by assigned duties. Since you’ll be assisting in the herb garden, you’ll spend most of your mornings tending to the plants and learning about their properties.” “Afternoons are reserved for training and lessons. You may join martial arts practice or attend alchemy and medical classes if you wish. Since you are not a cultivator, you are not required to learn cultivation techniques unless you choose to. You’ll have more free time than the others, but your responsibility to the herb garden remains your priority.” He then added with a knowing look, “There are many classes available, but I advise you not to be too greedy. Focus on what will benefit you the most.” Hidan reached into his robes and pulled out a small, intricately carved token, handing it to Eshmund. “This is a special access token. It grants you entry to certain areas within the sect, including the Grand Library. You may study there when you have time.” “This token contains your personal information, a record of your contribution points, and a list of places you have access to. You must not lose it,” Hidan added seriously. “If you do, a replacement can be issued by the Weapon Department, but your contribution points will be lost, and you’ll have to pay 100 silver or a spirit stone for a new one. The materials used to craft these tokens are quite costly.” Hidan then handed Eshmund two sets of the outer sect’s uniform. “These are for you. For official events, like the Grand Assembly, you must wear this uniform. If it doesn’t fit, you can send it to the tailor for alterations using your token. The first alteration is free, but for future fixes, you’ll need contribution points. Everyone can also purchase extra uniforms using their points.”

He paused for a moment. “There are many tasks you can do to earn contribution points, and you can even exchange materials or silver for them.” Eshmund took the token with curiosity. “The Grand Library?” he murmured. It was one of the places he had been looking forward to the most. Hidan nodded. “Yes, it contains vast knowledge on various subjects – medicine, martial arts, history, alchemy, and more. Some sections are restricted, but this token allows you access to most areas. Use it wisely.” He continued, “For food and daily necessities, you have two options. You can use contribution points at the sect’s dining hall, or you can visit independent diners like Daulina’s place. Many such establishments cater to both cultivators and non-cultivators alike.” Hidan then gave him a serious look. “One more thing – about the other disciples. While most of them are good people, some may be harder to get along with. Try not to make enemies unnecessarily. Especially be cautious around those from rich and noble families. They often carry a sense of entitlement and arrogance. It’s best to avoid conflicts when possible.” Eshmund absorbed all the information, nodding in understanding. Hidan studied him briefly before adding, “As for the rules, the sect values discipline and respect. Do not cause unnecessary trouble, and always follow the elders’ instructions.” “You’re required to hand over a list of herbs every month. Every one of them can be acquired from the garden. Excess mature herbs can be given to the Alchemist Hall as well, and those will earn you contribution points. The more you can give, the more you can earn.” “However, if you don’t meet the quota, your contribution points may be deducted unless you have a reasonable excuse. That’s why most disciples avoid this task…” Hidan seemed to remember his own bad experiences. “It’s not that bad. That rarely happens, and every time there’s never been an unreasonable excuse, at least in my case. If not for my cultivation advancement requiring me to focus on other things, I wouldn’t mind taking care of the garden,” Hidan continued. “I have a class to attend now, but don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything. I’ll try to help if I can. I’ll leave you now to settle in.” He paused for a moment. “Senior Muhsan has a detailed guidebook on how to take care of the field, it’s in one of the drawers in the house. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to seek guidance from senior disciples or the elders themselves.” “I think that’s all for now. I’ll be late for my lesson,” he said, preparing to leave. Eshmund thanked Hidan before he left. Hidan seemed to be a good person, and Eshmund felt fortunate that everyone he had met so far appeared to be kind. He couldn’t help but hope he wouldn’t get entangled with the troublesome people Hidan had mentioned before.

Meanwhile, back in the hall, Mushan and Elder Qiyang remained behind, their conversation shifting to Eshmund. “What do you think of him, Elder?” Mushan asked, his tone carrying a mix of curiosity and concern. Elder Qiyang stroked his beard thoughtfully. “He is… an unusual one. He does not have the ambition of a cultivator, yet he carries himself with a quiet determination. There is intelligence in his eyes, and an air of someone who thinks deeply. What truly intrigues me, however, is his interest in philosophy. He is not just looking for strength or knowledge – he seeks understanding. That is rare.” Mushan nodded slowly. “I feel the same. He doesn’t seem particularly eager for power, but there’s something about him. It’s as if he’s always analyzing, always seeking meaning.” Elder Qiyang smiled faintly. “Such individuals often leave the greatest impact. We should let him explore freely, not constrain him too much. Guide him, but allow him room to grow.” Mushan agreed. “That’s what I intend to do. He is the kind of person who thrives when left to explore. Occasional guidance is best for him. Just look at how he discovered the red-veined horse cabbage – he enjoys experimenting and trying things himself. Should we provide him with a place to tinker and study? There’s some unused space near the herb garden.” Elder Qiyang nodded, a hint of approval in his expression. “That would be wise. Give him the opportunity to develop his skills in his own way. Perhaps he will surprise us.” Back at his new dwelling, Eshmund settled in, contemplating all that had transpired. Tomorrow, his journey within the sect would truly begin.