A plain round face stared back at Chen Haoran in a mirror of polished copper. He brushed his hand through short, dark brown hair and squinted brown eyes. It was a face he never thought hed see again. Or rather, it could have been. No matter how well he explained what he wanted to Bao Si, it was impossible for her to completely recreate the details as he rembered. No matter how well he rembered, how could he possibly get the details right himself? He could certainly recognize his own face on sight, but could he actually imagine his face? How did one reference sothing when the reference itself was no longer there? As he road over imperfections and features that were just not right, he could only wonder if they were Bao Sis misinterpretations or his own false recollection.
Still, even if it wasnt his face, there was still enough familiarity in it that he could pretend it was. He thumbed the base of his neck where the Human-Skin Mask blended so perfectly into his skin as to be seamless. Then he pulled, and the false skin peeled away and revealed Chen Haorans face.
Is there sothing wrong with the mask? Bao Si asked.
No, Chen Haoran said. Its perfect. Im just admiring how useful it is. I didnt think a Mortal-Rank artifact would be this advanced.
Bao Si frowned and searched his face, but any possible hints she could glean from him would be made useless from lacking so much context. Context that she would never have. Only one person in this world knew about his origins, and that was enough.
Do you think you could teach how to make this ? Chen Haoran asked.
Bao Si nodded and dropped her gaze. Yes. Ill make you a copy, but its a complicated recipe.
Thats fine
The door crashed open with a bang, and a kitted-out Xie Jin waltzed into the with a large bag strapped to his back. Whos ready to go? Co on, people, were burning daylight!
The happier Xie Jin looked, the less Bao Si did. I am the one who decides when we leave. You are far too happy to leave.
Xie Jin held up his hands. It looked more like a pose, though, than him trying to placate her. How can I be happy to leave? Im just happy to spend so ti with Brother Chen without you sending away with so excuses.
Those excuses were your job, just as this one is. Its not a day trip.
Its a multiple-day trip, Xie Jin corrected.
Bao Sis face quickly turned murderous, and Chen Haoran carefully put himself between them and looked for his errant sloth. Xie Jin, wheres Phelps? I thought you had him?
Xie Jin raised his arms even higher. Behold. Phelpss popped out from behind his bag. A multicolored silk hat was perched on his head and secured by two strings tied under his chin. What do you think? I found so silk scraps and made him a travel hat.
Chen Haoran looked at Phelps, who squealed at him. It sounded like a happy squeal. He looked back at Bao Si and shrugged. Its a nice hat.
Whatever string a control Bao Si was holding onto snapped, and she buried her face into her hands. Just get ready, and lets go.
Chen Haoran had entered the Basin on a bone, and he was leaving it on an elevator. He stared at the contraption, partially dug into the rock walls of the Basin to hide it from view. A team of Qi Realm cultivators pushed the winches that pulled the ropes that dragged the wooden platform they were standing on straight to the top of the cliffs to a hollow mound of dirt, stones, and selectively placed trees. It was actually pretty close to the femur bone that Jiang Lei, Wang Xiao, and he used to descend into the Basin.
Xie Jin saw his surprise and elbowed him. You didnt seriously think we used the bones to get in and out, did you?
Can you bla ?
Yes, Bao Si said, walking past him. Moving supplies would be so much more tedious if we did that. Her Centipede Gu crawled out her sleeve and flew ahead of her. Keep up. The sooner we get to Stonebridge, the sooner we can be on our way to Reservoir Town.
With that said, she dashed into the jungle. Xie Jin hopped after her with his Beetle Gu, mouthed sothing inaudible after he caught up and shot ahead. Whatever he said mustve worked because Bao Sis qi spiked, and she raced after him. It didnt look as if she were content with rely passing him once she caught up, however.
Chen Haoran sighed. Phelps leaned over his shoulder and burbled. You better stay cute, buddy, he said, scratching Phelpss chin. Because if sothing happens, Im throwing you in to defuse it.
Phelps squealed, and Chen Haoran shot off after his friends.
Chen Haoran quickly discovered that without aning to he had developed so contempt for the Qi Realm. It was unintentional, born out of the instinctive thought of superiority everyone had and kept to themselves when they recognized they were better than soone else. It wasnt a an thing, but he unconsciously looked down on Xie Jins and Bao Sis little race. Why not? He could easily catch up whenever he wanted to, after all. Thankfully, in short order, he was forced to recognize that contempt, backtrack it to its source, then take it around back to be shot.
The jungles of Zumulu were unforgiving to those who did not know how to navigate them. This was true when Chen Haoran was in the Qi Realm, and it remained true after he advanced to the Liquid ridian Realm. Despite the ti he had spent in the country, he had not gotten any better at moving through the brush. So while it was true that he could easily catch up to and surpass Xie Jin and Bao Si, he would look far less elegant than them doing it and end up far more covered in plant matter. So it was with a realization of his limitations that he followed behind Xie Ji Chen Haoran looked at Xie Jins back, replete with large backpack, then looked at Bao Sis back. He shifted over and followed her instead.
So it was with a realization of his limitations that he followed behind Bao Si and put aside his inflating ego. Their skill in crossing the jungle was simply superior to his own. It was to the extent that they were actually traveling faster than when he traveled through the Deep Jungle with Jiang Lei. Two Liquid ridian Realms couldnt make up for the sheer utility two Qi Realm Shamans provided. It was a humbling thought, especially because it shouldnt have been. Then again, it wasnt like the desire for power was that much different between worldsjust the form of it. A down-and-out modern person and a down-and-out cultivator were pretty similar once you got down to it. The only thing that separated them was qi well, a bunch of other stuff too, but qi was the most important.
Multidinsional societal musing aside, the journey was smooth. No botherso bugs, no predatory flora, and he only had to fight two giant gorillas before Daqings rough-hewn walls ca into view. Chen Haoran was a bit nervous as he passed through the gates, but under the Human-Skin Mask, the red-robed guards only spared him a glance and waved them along. Still, he felt much better once they were rged with the crowds. Tried to rge with the crowds at least.
As soon as they entered the city, Xie Jin and Bao Si switched positions, falling back to flank Chen Haoran and following him instead. For good cause, too, because as soon as the other cultivators sensed his cultivation, they stepped aside and didnt dare brush shoulders with him. The regular folk, from experience born of years surrounded by cultivators, were quick on the uptake and moved with them so that no matter where Chen Haoran walked, he was surrounded by space.
This is different, he said.
This is the respect that power brings you, Xie Jin said. He walked with his chest puffed out, taking far more pride in this situation than Chen Haoran.
Respect. Chen Haoran tested the word on his tongue and looked around to find ducked heads and averted gazes. Is that what this is?
You should get accustod to it now, Bao Si said. She wasnt as ostentatiously proud as Xie Jin, but she also moved with ease and ignored the people around her as if their making way was sothing natural. It will only grow more pronounced as you reach the later Layers of the Liquid ridian Realm.
What makes you think Ill actually get there?
Xie Jin and Bao Si scoffed in sync, realized what they had done, shared a distasteful glance, and looked away.
Did I say sothing funny? Chen Haoran asked.
For you, its a matter of when, not if, Bao Si said.
Brother Chen, if you cant beco a Ninth-Layer Liquid ridian, then theres no hope for us, Xie Jin added.
Bao Si sneered and looked down her nose at Xie Jin. No hope for you, perhaps. I wont be lumped in with the likes of you.
If you want to fight, then go ahead. Ill et you any day.
Their bickering continued all the way up until they got to the docks, and Bao Si separated from them to find a boat. When she returned, it was with an ugly expression. The next boat leaves late tomorrow. Well have to spend the night in the city.
Thats not too bad, Chen Haoran said.
Bao Si shook her head. I wanted to leave the sa day.
So what, Xie Jin said, hands behind his head. Well just have to bother Brother Ang and Sister Jia for the night.
Stock up on the supplies we used first, Bao Si ordered. I dont want to waste any ti tomorrow.
Yeah, yeah. Xie Jin waved her off and turned to Chen Haoran. Si can go say hi to Brother Ang. We can go get the supplies, right Brother Chen?
Chen Haoran awkwardly smiled. Sorry, but theres soone I wanted to et while we were here. Youll have to go on your own.
Are they important? Bao Si asked. Youre a Liquid ridian now. You have to take your face into consideration.
She was saying one thing, but Chen Haoran knew her real aning. If they arent important, then dont go revealing your identity.
Well, shes pretty important, he said. Plus, she gave a al last ti I was here with my friends. Im gonna go catch up with her.
Bao Si brightened and looped her arm through his. May I accompany you then?
Wait, then Ill go with you too! Xie Jin said.
Well, you can all co along, Chen Haoran said after giving it so thought.
Granny Jiang would probably enjoy the company.
Chen Haoran knocked three tis on a vivid red door. After waiting a mont he knocked on the door again, this ti four tis
Patience, you brute! An irate-looking Granny Jiang opened the door and glared. Rushing an old woman like . Have you know sha?
Hello, maam, Chen Haoran said. I see youre still in good health.
Granny Jiang paused and squinted blind eyes. So its you. I was wondering who could be so rude. Now it makes sense.
Co on. I was pretty polite last ti.
Granny Jiang snorted. And Granny Three Worm is forever young. Well, co in then. I was just about to finish dinner. She sniffed the air and coughed. Except for the animal. I wont have it in my ho.
Chen Haoran paused. He couldnt really ask her questions if Phelps was actually bothering her. He cast Xie Jin an apologetic glance. Could you watch Phelps, please? We wont be staying long.
Xie Jin sighed. Well. Better than repeating what happened the last ti we left him alone. Well be by the door.
Chen Haoran nodded in appreciation and entered the house with Bao Si. It looked the sa as when he was last here, but it looked. lonelier. The sat at the table, empty save for a plate and utensils set for one.
Its good to see youre still doing well, maam, Chen Haoran said. I was worried. The city got a little crazy after we left.
Granny Jiang slapped his shoulder as she set cups of hot water in front of them. Lying brat. Dont even ntion that bastard Crystal Transformation Realm to . Not only did he wake up from my nap, he ruined a perfectly good pot of congee. I was up all night thanks to the racket he caused.
Bao Si caught his eyes. Normal? she silently mouthed.
Chen Haoran smiled and nodded.
Introduce your friend, you mannerless brat. Granny Jiang said.
Hello, Elder, Bao Si said. We ca today to ask if you knew anything about so guests of yours.
You an the Peach River boys, Granny Jiang said. Ill have to disappoint you. I dont know anything involving your cultivator business.
Bao Sis eyes narrowed. Saying you dont know anything requires knowing what we want.
Granny Jiang humd. Girl, you have a beautiful voice. Will you do a blind old woman a favor and let her know your face?
Bao Si stared hard at Granny Jiang, and through his sense, he could feel her qi tense in wait like a predator prepared to lunge. You may.
Granny Jiang reached over and cupped Bao Sis face in her hands. With feather light touches she traced her fingers over Bao Sis eyes, nose, and lips before falling lower to her neck. Chen Haoran had to respect the way Bao Si didnt flinch or tense at all. Granny Jiang paused when her hand touched the head of Bao Sis centipede tattoo.
A Black Bone Shaman. She exhaled heavily. So even you nurtured hopes can bear to leave your people.
Shock blood on Bao Sis face, pure shock, even more than when Chen Haoran had shown her the Seven-Colored Steps of the Rainbow Stairs. That was interesting.
Granny Jiang sighed. In fractious Zumulu, the Peach Bloods have always been a source of unity and stability. What the Empire has done to them is tragic. That scar runs deep in those boys. She unerringly turned to Chen Haoran. Boy Jiang and his horrible junior stayed with for a day before leaving again. I dont know what occurred between you, but I advise you to nd bridges with Boy Jiang. He is a good young man.
You trying to say Im not? Chen Haoran asked.
Who cares about you? Granny Jiang retorted. Even so, she looked solemn. Be careful traveling to the Peachwine. It has beco a twisted version of what it once was, and the Empire is its twisted master. You would do well to have a good young man there.
Granny Jiangs words watered a seed of thought Chen Haoran had planted back when he was first asked to go to Reservoir Town. He didnt discount her advice. Maybe he would need a good man to help him in Reservoir Town. His mind flickered to his empty connection slot.
Maybe he would have to be a bad man to help himself right now.
He had to see Chanchu.
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