Cultivation is Creation
Chapter 287: An Unnatural Death

As the first light of dawn filtered through the thin windows of the Jade Lotus Inn, Liu Chang found himself awake before his companions. He lay still on his sleeping mat, eyes open but unfocused, listening to the distant sounds of the city coming to life outside. Merchants setting up stalls, early-rising cultivators beginning their training regimens, innkeepers preparing breakfast for their guests. The rhythmic percussion of ordinary life continuing despite the tension that hung over Wuqi City like a storm cloud.

Liu Chang had always been an early riser. Years of rigorous training at the Liu Clan compound had instilled in him habits that persisted regardless of circumstance. Even on mission days, even when rest would be more prudent, his body insisted on greeting the sun.

With a sigh, he sat up and began moving silently through his morning routine. He washed his face in the basin of water, the cool liquid shocking away the final remnants of sleep. As he methodically tied back his hair and straightened his Azure Peak robes, his thoughts drifted to the coming day.

The Moonlit Dew Flower.

A simple mission on its surface, retrieve a rare bloom from a dangerous location, but fraught with complications. The valley's spatial distortions, competing sects, and most troublingly, the pointed interest from the Holy Light Sect in their team specifically.

These factors transformed a straightforward retrieval into something far more complex.

As he finished his preparations, Liu Chang's gaze drifted toward Su Yue's sleeping alcove. The privacy screen was partially drawn, offering a glimpse of her sleeping form. He allowed himself a moment to observe her, not in any inappropriate way, but with the quiet appreciation of someone who had fought alongside her for years. Her short-cropped hair splayed across the pillow, her features relaxed in sleep in a way they rarely were when awake. In sleep, the hard edges of the combat-focused cultivator softened, revealing the woman beneath the discipline.

A familiar warmth spread through his chest, one he had long since learned to acknowledge and then set aside. Now, however, the feeling lingered, refusing to be neatly compartmentalized as it had been so many times before.

Chu Feng would have teased me mercilessly about this, he thought with a bittersweet pang.

The memory of their fallen comrade brought a fresh wave of grief. Chu Feng had been the third member of their inner disciple team for nearly five years: a brash, loud, irritatingly jovial man who had somehow wormed his way into their lives despite both Liu Chang and Su Yue's initial resistance to his friendly overtures.

Death was no stranger to cultivators of their rank.

They had seen sect brothers and sisters fall in beast waves, succumb to cultivation deviations, or perish in territorial disputes. But Chu Feng's death had been different, so sudden, so complete.

One moment he existed, the next he was simply... gone, dissolved into pure qi that fed whatever dark purpose Ke Jun had set in motion.

The stark reminder of mortality had affected Liu Chang more deeply than he cared to admit. Ten years of cultivation had brought him to the peak of Qi Condensation, with the Elemental Realm threshold just within his grasp. Yet how easily might all that progress, all that potential, be snuffed out in an instant? All the carefully laid plans, the ambitions, the postponed experiences, rendered meaningless in a heartbeat.

"You're thinking about him again."

Su Yue's voice pulled Liu Chang from his reverie. He turned to find her standing in the doorway of her alcove, already dressed in her sect robes, her hair still slightly damp from washing. There were shadows under her eyes that suggested her sleep had been troubled.

It seemed he had spaced out for the past few minutes.

"Was I that obvious?" he asked with a slight smile.

"Your qi fluctuates when you're dwelling on it," she replied, moving to join him by the window. "Like ripples in still water."

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, looking out at the awakening city below.

"Do you think Ke Yin is still asleep?" Su Yue finally asked, glancing toward the closed privacy screen of their junior brother's alcove.

Liu Chang followed her gaze. "I haven't heard any movement. Perhaps he's meditating."

"He worked late into the night on that replica flower," Su Yue observed. "Quite impressive work, especially for someone his age."

"Indeed. Our junior brother continues to surprise," Liu Chang agreed. "Though I can't help but feel there's more to him than meets the eye."

Su Yue's lips curved in a rare smile. "Says the man who hid his true capabilities for three years before an elder finally forced you to demonstrate your 'Immutable Titan' technique."

Liu Chang chuckled softly, the sound barely more than a rumble in his chest. "A fair point. We all have our secrets."

"Speaking of secrets," Su Yue said, her voice dropping to ensure it wouldn't carry beyond their immediate vicinity, "there's something I've been meaning to discuss with you."

"Is it about last night..."

"Do you regret it?" she asked, a rare flash of vulnerability appeared on her face.

"Not for a moment," he answered without hesitation. "But I want to be sure you don't either."

Su Yue's expression softened, and she placed her hand over his. "Liu Chang, we've spent years putting our cultivation first. After what happened at the shrine... after seeing Chu Feng and the others..." She paused, the memory of their fellow disciples dissolving into pure qi still raw. "Life is precious even for cultivators. Perhaps especially for cultivators, who sacrifice so much in pursuit of advancement."

Liu Chang nodded, understanding her perfectly. Cultivation was a path of sacrifice: of comfort, of worldly pleasures, often of human connection. All in pursuit of breaking free from the cycle of life and death. Yet what was the point of seeking immortality if one never truly lived?

"I don't know what the future holds for us," Su Yue continued, her gaze direct and unflinching as always. "We both have our paths to follow. But I refuse to regret the moments we choose to share along the way."

Liu Chang felt a warmth spread through his chest that had nothing to do with his cultivation. This was why he had always been drawn to Su Yue, her clarity, her straightforward approach to life's complexities. She didn't waste words on flowery sentiments or make promises neither of them could keep. Instead, she offered something far more precious: honesty.

"Then we're in agreement," he said.

For a moment they simply sat there, the morning light strengthening around them, hands joined in a connection that said more than words could express.

"We should eat," Su Yue said finally, though she made no move to withdraw her hand. "Maintain our strength for tonight."

Liu Chang nodded and reluctantly released her hand. He reached for his outer robe, slipping it on over his inner cultivation garments. As he secured his belt and adjusted his sleeves, he found himself looking toward Ke Yin's alcove again.

"I owe that young man a great debt," he murmured, almost to himself.

Su Yue followed his gaze. "For the shrine battle? Yes, we all do. Without his intervention..."

"Not just that," Liu Chang interrupted gently. "Though certainly that as well."

Su Yue raised an eyebrow questioningly.

"I didn't agree to this mission just to repay the life debt," Liu Chang explained. "I could have simply reported his heroism to the sect, arranged a commendation, perhaps even secured him a promotion to inner disciple status. But watching him face Ke Jun, watching how he refused to flee even when his cultivation was so much lower... it reminded me of things I had begun to forget."

"Such as?" Su Yue asked, her voice soft.

Liu Chang considered his words carefully. "That the path of cultivation isn't simply about accumulating power or extending life. It's about what we do with the time we have, however long or short that might be."

Su Yue's expression softened. "A lesson worth remembering."

"Indeed." Liu Chang finished adjusting his robes and gathered his storage ring, sliding it onto his finger. "This mission brings no direct benefit to me. The reward would be negligible for a cultivator at my stage. But it matters to Junior Brother Ke, and that's enough reason to help. Besides, I promised myself long ago that I would be a man who repays his debts."

"One of your better qualities," Su Yue said, the subtle warmth in her tone making the simple words feel like high praise.

Together they left their sleeping area and entered the suite's main room.

"I'll arrange for food to be brought up," Su Yue offered. "Anything specific you'd like?"

"Whatever's fresh," Liu Chang replied. "And perhaps some jasmine tea, if available."

Su Yue nodded and left the suite, the door closing softly behind her.

Left alone, Liu Chang took the opportunity to run through a series of subtle cultivation techniques, nothing that would disrupt his qi pathways before tonight's mission, but enough to ensure his spiritual essence remained optimal.

He began with the Immutable Titan's Breath Method, drawing air deeply into his lungs and circulating it through specific meridians. The technique was designed to reinforce his body's natural defenses, particularly useful before venturing into an area with spatial instabilities like Black Mist Valley.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

As he completed the twenty-seventh breath cycle, the suite door opened again. Su Yue returned, followed by an inn attendant carrying a large tray laden with steaming dishes. The aromas of fresh congee, stir-fried vegetables, and savory meat buns filled the room, reminding Liu Chang that even cultivators approaching the Elemental Realm still appreciated simple physical pleasures.

"The innkeeper mentioned increased activity near the valley approach," Su Yue reported as the attendant set up their meal on the table. "Several teams have already departed, hoping to secure advantageous positions once the mist begins to thin."

Liu Chang frowned slightly. "Risky. The spatial disturbances won't begin stabilizing until late afternoon at the earliest."

"Desperation breeds poor decisions," Su Yue observed. "Particularly among smaller sects without our resources or reputation."

They fell silent for a moment, both contemplating the harsh realities of the cultivation world. Resources, techniques, opportunities; all were limited, fiercely competed for. Those from powerful sects had advantages that cultivators from smaller factions could only dream of. Sometimes, the only way to close that gap was through dangerous gambles like entering the valley early.

"I wonder which path Ke Yin would have chosen if fate hadn't brought him to Azure Peak," Liu Chang mused aloud. "His talents are exceptional. A formation expert at such a young age, with unusual cultivation techniques and remarkable adaptability in combat."

Su Yue considered this. "From what we’ve seen, his origins are humble. A tailor's son from a small village. Without sect backing, such talents might have gone unrecognized, or worse, been exploited by less scrupulous factions."

Liu Chang nodded grimly. There were many tales of talented cultivators from humble backgrounds being forced into servitude by powerful clans, their gifts harvested like crops rather than nurtured for their own advancement.

"Azure Peak has its flaws," he said, "but at least we value merit alongside bloodline. Ke Yin has found a place where he can grow."

"If he survives long enough," Su Yue added pragmatically. "His talents make him valuable, but they also make him a target.”

Liu Chang nodded silently, he knew more than most how potential attracted calamity.

The attendant finished arranging their meal and departed with a respectful bow. Liu Chang and Su Yue sat down at the table, serving themselves from the various dishes.

"Should we wake Junior Brother Ke?" Su Yue asked, nodding toward the still-sealed alcove. "He should eat as well."

Liu Chang considered, then shook his head. "Let him continue his preparations for now.”

They ate in comfortable silence for a while, each lost in their own thoughts. The congee was excellent, smooth and flavorful with small pieces of century egg and pork, while the vegetables maintained a perfect crispness that spoke to the cook's skill. Liu Chang found himself appreciating these simple pleasures more consciously than usual, perhaps another effect of recent events.

As the morning gave way to afternoon, Liu Chang grew increasingly aware that Ke Yin had yet to emerge from his alcove. The privacy screen remained closed, and no sounds came from within. While cultivators often spent long hours in meditation or closed-door cultivation, the timing was starting to seem unusual.

"Do you think we should check on him?" Su Yue finally voiced the concern they both felt, setting aside a formation diagram she'd been studying. "It's unlike him to remain isolated for so long, especially on a mission day."

Liu Chang considered the question carefully. "It would be improper to disturb a fellow cultivator during focused cultivation... but given the circumstances, perhaps a gentle inquiry is warranted."

He rose and approached Ke Yin's alcove, pausing before the privacy screen. "Junior Brother Ke," he called. "How’s your preparation going?"

No response came from beyond the screen. Liu Chang exchanged a concerned glance with Su Yue, who had moved to stand beside him.

"Perhaps he's in deep meditation," she suggested, though her furrowed brow betrayed her unease.

"Perhaps," Liu Chang agreed, though he shared her concern. He closed his eyes briefly, extending his spiritual sense toward the alcove, only to find it blocked by what felt like a formation barrier. "He's established privacy formations. Quite sophisticated ones, at that."

"As expected of a formation expert," Su Yue mused. "Still, the timing is troubling."

They returned to their preparations, though Liu Chang found himself increasingly distracted by their junior brother's continued absence. As the afternoon progressed toward evening and the optimal window for valley entry approached, the situation became impossible to ignore.

"We need to make a decision," Su Yue said finally, setting aside the spatial anchor she'd been checking. "The valley's spatial thinning has begun. If we delay much longer, we risk missing our opportunity entirely."

Liu Chang nodded gravely. "You're right. I think it's time we check on him more directly."

They approached Ke Yin's alcove once more. This time, Liu Chang knocked firmly on the wooden frame of the privacy screen. "Junior Brother Ke, forgive the intrusion, but we must prepare to depart. Please respond if you are able."

Again, silence was the only answer.

Su Yue's expression darkened with worry. "Could he be experiencing qi deviation? His work on the flower replica was complex and taxing."

The possibility sent a chill through Liu Chang. Qi deviation was one of the most feared accidents among cultivators, a catastrophic misalignment of one's spiritual energy that could result in permanent cultivation damage or even death if not addressed quickly.

"We need to check," he decided firmly. "If he's in trouble, every moment counts."

"The formations?" Su Yue reminded him.

Liu Chang studied the energy patterns he could sense around the alcove. "They appear to be privacy-focused rather than defensive. I believe I can dismantle them without triggering any backlash."

With careful precision, Liu Chang began to work against the formations Ke Yin had established. Despite their sophistication, they were indeed designed primarily for privacy rather than protection, allowing Liu Chang to gradually unravel them without dangerous feedback.

"Impressive work," he murmured as the last energy strand dispersed. "Our junior brother has a true gift for formation architecture."

With the barriers down, Liu Chang called out once more. "Junior Brother Ke, we're coming in now. Please forgive the intrusion."

When no response came, Liu Chang exchanged a final glance with Su Yue, then slowly slid open the privacy screen.

The alcove beyond was dimly lit, illuminated only by a single formation-powered light stone that cast soft shadows across the small space. The area was meticulously organized: formation tools arranged precisely on a small worktable, herbs and materials stored in labeled containers, scrolls and notes stacked neatly in one corner.

And in the center of it all, slumped forward on a meditation cushion, was Ke Yin.

Liu Chang's heart sank at the sight. Their junior brother's body was unnaturally still, his head bowed forward as though he had simply fallen asleep during meditation, but something about the posture struck Liu Chang as fundamentally wrong.

"Ke Yin!" Su Yue was already moving forward, kneeling beside the young cultivator. Her hands moved to his shoulders, gently trying to rouse him. When he didn't respond, she carefully eased him back, supporting his head to prevent it from falling back limply.

Liu Chang joined her, his experienced eyes quickly assessing Ke Yin's condition. The young man's skin was pale, too pale, with a faint bluish tinge to his lips. No visible injuries marred his body, no signs of struggle disturbed the orderly alcove.

Su Yue pressed her fingers to Ke Yin's neck, seeking a pulse. Her expression grew increasingly alarmed as seconds ticked by. "I can't detect any heartbeat," she said, voice taut with concern.

Liu Chang placed his palm over Ke Yin's chest, channeling a thin stream of qi to probe for life signs. What he found, or rather, didn't find, sent ice through his veins.

"No qi circulation. No spiritual activity."

They looked at each other, the grim reality settling between them like a physical weight. In all their years as cultivators, they had seen death many times—in battle, in training accidents, in the harsh trials of cultivation advancement. They recognized its unmistakable presence now.

"How could this happen?" Su Yue whispered. "There's no sign of attack, no qi deviation damage, nothing to explain..."

A sharp gasp cut off Su Yue's question. Ke Yin's body suddenly arched upward, his chest expanding as he drew in a desperate, shuddering breath. His eyes snapped open, and for a brief, disconcerting moment, Liu Chang could have sworn they glowed with an otherworldly blue light.

"Ke Yin!" Liu Chang exclaimed, supporting the young cultivator's shoulders as he continued to gasp for air.

Ke Yin's eyes darted around wildly before focusing on Liu Chang's face. Confusion, then recognition, then something like embarrassment flashed across his features in rapid succession.

"Senior Brother Liu?" he managed between breaths. "Senior Sister Su? What... why are you in my room?"