Blossoming Path

Chapter 40: Arrival at Crescent Bay City

The journey to Crescent Bay City took considerably less time than our expedition to Qingmu.

There was a tranquility to travel that I hadn't anticipated. With Feng Wu at the reins, I sprawled out on the wagon, using a blanket as a makeshift cover for the egg. Tianyi perched on it, her silhouette pressing against the blanket. She instinctively seemed to recognize its importance, guarding it. I let the sun warm my skin, savoring the stillness.

Feng Wu's voice cut through my reverie. "We've arrived, Kai."

I stirred, carefully repositioning Tianyi and the egg in a secure nook of the wagon. The horizon unveiled Crescent Bay City.

The capital of Tranquil Breeze Coast sprawled before us, radiant like a gem caught in sunlight. My modest hometown on the province's fringe couldn't have prepared me for the grandeur of this metropolis. It felt almost sentient, pulsating with life, entirely surreal.

Drawing nearer, the city's intricacies emerged. Majestic spires, elaborate rooftops, and imposing fortresses dominated the cityscape, reminiscent of tales I'd once dismissed as mere fantasy. The sun's reflection danced on the bay's waters, making the city walls gleam. It felt as if we approached a city of legend.

Yet, it was the city's outskirts, teeming with life, that truly arrested my gaze. A continuous flow of humanity and vehicles surged in and out of the grand entrance. Laden merchants, horse-mounted travelers, nobility in lavish carriages; it was an intoxicating spectacle.

Trying to absorb every nuance, I marveled at how Crescent Bay City buzzed with activity, starkly contrasting the serenity of my hometown.

As we neared the city gate, our wagon became one with the multitude. A medley of aromas - fresh food, horses, and the briny hint of the sea - wafted around. Excitement, wonder, and a trace of nerves made my heart race.

"It's incredible," I remarked, almost out of breath. "Was this your experience on your first visit?"

Feng Wu considered it. "In a way. But it's grown since then. The city has thrived under the new magistrate."

I'd hardly been aware of the official overseeing Gentle Wind Village, much less the magistrate of Crescent Bay City. However, their influence on the capital was unmistakable.

While awaiting our turn at the entrance, we exchanged recommendations for sights and sounds of the city. But one thing was clear our immediate destination was a dining establishment. My stomach demanded it.

Soon, we reached the city's entrance where vigilant guards scrutinized incoming wagons, levied tolls, and occasionally frisked travelers. Feng Wu, foreseeing the delay, retrieved a finely crafted charm, bearing an intricate lotus design, and presented it to a guard.

Recognition flashed in the guard's eyes. He bowed deferentially. "Esteemed cultivator of the Verdant Lotus sect, please forgive the inconvenience. Proceed unhindered."

Cool. I hope I can get something like that in the future. That'd be useful for when my garden shop expands into its own massive business!

Inside Crescent Bay City, a wave of vitality washed over me. The streets were animated with purposeful citizens. Stalls bustled, hawkers advertised their merchandise, and an array of culinary scents tantalized me. It felt like diving into a vibrant cultural mosaic.

"I'm craving noodles," I confessed, salivating at the surrounding aromas. "Do you think we might witness any cultivator duels?"

Feng Wu responded with a chuckle. "It's possible, but don't set your hopes too high. Most are here to dine, not duel."

A tinge of disappointment colored my excitement. We steered our wagon to a familiar-looking stable. Feng Wu expertly navigated the wagon, evident that he had been to this place many times before. After ensuring our belongings were safe, particularly Tianyi and the precious egg, I found myself pausing, eyes locked onto the Wind Serpent egg.

Such a priceless treasure would undoubtedly draw attention in a city brimming with unknowns. After a moment's deliberation, I felt it safest to keep it close. Carefully, I nestled it into my pouch, ensuring it was both concealed and protected.

With the egg safely nestled in my pouch, I strode deeper into Crescent Bay City, Tianyi flitting gracefully around us. Each flutter of her wings seemed to mirror the rhythm of the city: vibrant, unpredictable, and full of life.

The streets were a theater of human endeavor. Stalls showcased an array of goods, from rich spices whose scents made my mouth water, to vivid fabrics that made even the dreariest day seem full of color. The street performers played instruments I had never seen before, with melodies that told tales of far-off lands.

Yet, amid all this vibrancy, it was the aroma of freshly cooked noodles that pulled me in. As we approached a particularly packed eatery, I couldnt help but chuckle at its sign. A whimsical illustration depicted two cultivators, swords in hand, dueling passionately amidst a hailstorm of flying noodles.

"The Spirited Noodle," Feng Wu remarked with a knowing grin. "Quite the place. They say the noodles are so good, you'd duel for the last bowl."

"That's a catchy slogan," I mused, appreciating the humor. "Shall we?"

Before Feng Wu could answer, a loud clang echoed from within. Curious, I approached the entrance and was about to push the door open when a bowl narrowly missed my head, splattering its contents onto the street. I stepped back, startled.

Inside, the Spirited Noodle was a battlefield. Cultivators, with swords and staves, darted about, their faces intense but not truly malicious. Tables were flipped, serving as makeshift barricades, as they skillfully sparred, their weapons clanging and flashing. One cultivator deftly dodged a thrown dumpling, only to be met with a barrage of noodles from another opponent. In the corner, a pair seemed to be engaged in a fierce duel for the last spring roll.

Tianyi, ever the delicate butterfly, alighted on a nearby lantern, her wings reflecting the warm glow, watching the scene with what I imagined was bemused curiosity.

Feng Wu, clearly amused, leaned in. "You wanted to see a duel in a noodle shop. Here you go."

I chuckled. "I guess I did ask for this, didnt I?"

"Well, it's not every day you get dinner and a show," he replied. "Come on. Let's find a table that hasn't been turned into a fortress."

We settled into a corner table, relatively untouched by the raucous melee in the center of the room. The din of the ongoing clash was punctuated by shouts, taunts, and the occasional order for another bowl of noodles. Tianyi flitted onto a beam above us, giving her an overhead view of the skirmish, while I subtly adjusted the egg in my pouch to ensure it remained safe.

Watching the scene, I turned to Feng Wu, one eyebrow raised. "Is... this genuinely part of the dining experience?"

Feng Wu chuckled, taking a sip from a tea cup that had miraculously remained on our table. "Not intentionally, no. But over time, owners have learned to adapt. Some, seeing the entertainment value, let things run their course as long as the cultivators foot the bill for the damages."

He paused, glancing at the rambunctious group. "Others hire muscle to deter unruly patrons. But hiring competent cultivators can be an expensive proposition. And even if you hire them, theres no guarantee they won't join the chaos themselves."

One particularly loud cultivator, wielding a glistening silver blade, bellowed at his opponent, "You dare disrespect me in this sacred house of noodles?! You've tarnished my face!"

His adversary, a man armed with a staff and a sash of throwing darts, retorted, "It is you who started this! Over a spilled tea! You always were too prideful."

A third, apparently a neutral party until now, chimed in, "Both of you, enough! This is a disgrace. Let's settle this outside."

The two glared but continued their banter, seemingly more interested in exchanging words than actual blows.

I sighed, my earlier excitement replaced by a growing unease. "Shouldn't we intervene? This is getting out of hand."

Feng Wu's eyes scanned the room, assessing. "It's tempting, but remember, the dynamics in these situations are complex. For one, intervening might escalate things, making it worse for everyone. Moreover, we're outsiders. Jumping in might complicate matters for the local authorities. And besides," he paused, his eyes locking onto a group of children giggling at the scene from behind a flipped table, "they haven't targeted any civilians. If they do, that's a different matter."

I nodded, taking in his wisdom. It was a fine line between upholding justice and unnecessarily stirring the pot. Looking at the scene, I reconsidered my previous wish. "Maybe watching cultivators fight in noodle shops isn't as glamorous as I thought. It's hard to relax with the underlying threat of a bowl whacking me on the head."

Feng Wu clapped me on the back, chuckling softly. "Experience, Kai, is the best teacher. Come on, let's order some noodles before they run out or get thrown."

Just as the verbal jabs were reaching their peak, and the gleam in the fighters' eyes suggested a serious escalation, a low groan echoed from a distant table. The source was a man shrouded in a hooded robe, his head buried in his hands. "Would you two stop squawking already?" he muttered, voice thick with exasperation. "I've got a throbbing headache, and the last thing I need is to listen to third-class disciples bickering."

Both combatants froze, their faces a mask of shock and then indignation. The one with the blade spoke up, puffing out his chest. "Who dares to speak to a third-class disciple of the Rising Moon Sect in such a manner! Who are you to interrupt us, huh?"

His companion, clearly looking to rally support, added, "Indeed! And I'm a third-class disciple from the Sunlit Cloud Sect. State your name!"

The hooded man sighed, setting down his cup. "Honestly? My name's not worth mentioning. Just let me eat my noodles in peace."

Clearly offended, the blade-wielding fighter lunged towards the hooded man, sword arcing with lethal intent. But in the blink of an eye, the robed figure vanished, only to reappear above the attacker, delivering a powerful and precise strike. The disciple crumpled like a sack of rice, unconscious before he hit the ground.

The second cultivator barely had time to process the event before the hooded man appeared in front of him, a whirlwind of movements, and with a single blow to the chest, sent him sprawling.

As suddenly as the storm had begun, calm returned. The hooded man glided back to his seat, his hood revealing disheveled grey hair, and resumed slurping his noodles, as if he hadnt just effortlessly dispatched two fighters. The restaurant's patrons, ever adaptable, resumed their meals and conversations, while a couple of workers began dragging the unconscious combatants out of the establishment.

While I stared in disbelief, the man's hood seemed to fly back into place.

I turned to Feng Wu, eyes wide, having noticed the gusts of wind that seemed to accompany the hooded man's movements. "Who is that guy?"

Feng Wu looked thoughtfully at the man, then shook his head. "I'm not sure. But judging by that brief display, he doesn't want to be bothered. It's best to leave him be."

The man's back was the only thing I could see from where I was sitting. His grey hair poked out from his hood, and several bowls showcasing his ravenous appetite laid empty in a stack beside him. His companion, who had a smaller frame and similar hood, barely acknowledged the battle, offering him a refill on his tea.

The world truly was a large place full of sleeping dragons and hidden tigers. I should learn how to keep myself under the radar if I don't want to attract attention to myself. Modesty benefits, and arrogance hurts, as Elder Ming would say.

With our orders being served in front of us, I poured out the alcohol I ordered into a wide-mouthed cup and beckoned Tianyi over from the beam she was standing on. It wasn't based on much evidence, but I swore she recovered faster drinking alcohol.

I was barely a sip into my drink when my eyes caught the smaller figure next to the hooded man. Even under the hood, two piercing eyes locked directly onto mine. There was something in that gaze, an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. I quickly looked away, hoping the brief connection hadn't been noticed. But a sudden movement from the corner of my eye made my heart sink.

The smaller, hooded figure stood up, their steps purposeful and direct. As they weaved through the tables, I could only pray. Please don't come here, please don't come here...

Stopping right in front of our table, the air around us grew a few degrees colder. The hood slightly tilted upwards to reveal a pair of full lips. The voice that emerged was undeniably feminine, smooth, and as cold as an icy mountain stream. "How much for the Azure Moonlight Flutter?" she asked, her gaze fixed on Tianyi, who had nestled near my cup.

The table felt like a void of silence. Feng Wu looked just as surprised as I was, while Tianyi, seemingly unperturbed, flitted her wings casually.

This spirit beast is a trouble magnet. I swallowed nervously, making eye-contact with the woman who continued to stare at my companion. Even if they offered me a million gold, I wou-well, a million gold is quite the offer...I'd at least hesitate before I made the decision! But I knew that they wouldn't offer such a ludicrous amount for her.

Collecting my thoughts, I finally responded, "Tianyi isn't for sale. She's my friend, not an object."

"I can assure you, we can meet your desired price range. Our sect has extensive...resources."

I hated dealing with these kinds of guys. Thos who though they could throw money at any problem and expect to solve it. There would be no selling taking place today! Unless it was for one of my potions.

Taking a deep breath, I replied with a bit more firmness in my voice, "I told you, Tianyi is not for sale."

A thin eyebrow arched beneath her hood, barely visible. "Surely, there's a price for everything," she pressed, her tone chillingly sweet. "You seem like a novice. Are you even aware of the many dangers that come with harboring such a rare creature? I can assure her safety."

The atmosphere around the table became so thick with tension it felt suffocating. Feng Wu's usually calm demeanor shifted, his eyes narrowing but maintaining the same posture he always had. Before the situation could escalate further, a shadow loomed over our table.

It was him, the grey-haired man who had effortlessly taken down the unruly cultivators. His presence was like an oncoming storm, casting a palpable sense of urgency and caution over us. A quick glance to Feng Wu and I could tell he recognized the looming danger.

But just before anything happened, he raised his voice and talked in an even tone.

"Shimei," the man's voice was smooth, hinting amusement, but there was an undertone of authority. "Isn't it rude to pressure our fellow diners?"

The hooded woman, apparently the junior sister, pouted slightly, "But Shixiong, it's the Azure Moonlight Flutter..."

The hooded man, her senior brother, raised a hand, silencing her immediately. "Enough," he whispered, his voice firm yet gentle.

Turning his attention to us, he bowed slightly, "Apologies for my junior sister's behavior." He then eyed Feng Wu with more scrutiny. "Ah, a fellow from the Verdant Lotus sect, I see. It's an honor."

His hood shifted, revealing a youthful face framed with sharp, eagle-like eyes, a high nose, and a cheeky grin. The intense gaze locked onto Feng Wu for a moment longer than necessary, hinting at recognition, or maybe something deeper.

Feng Wu nodded curtly, "Thank you for your understanding. But may I know whom we have the pleasure of meeting?"

The hooded man chuckled, "Today, just a humble diner. But rest assured, our paths may cross again." And with that, he turned, leading his junior sister away from our table.

I watched as they left, putting down several coins on their table without a word. I tried to steady my heart, but it was quite difficult to do so.

That was nerve-wracking. I stared at Tianyi, who seemed oblivious and uncaring to what had just transpired. She was content to unfurl her proboscis and drink the contents of the cup. Odd. She was quite sensitive to Xu Ziqing at Qingmu. I wonder what was so different now?

I really hope our paths don't cross again. What a drag!