The Eternal Frost Fort was a citadel carved from ice and stone, its towering walls glistening under the pale, eternal sun of the Frost Ridge. The courtyard bustled with disciples, their breaths forming clouds in the frigid air, the scent of frost mingling with the faint tang of alchemical herbs. Kai stood by the docked airship, its frost-covered hull creaking softly, fresh from the Frostbloom Grove mission. His heart burned with defiance, though his fire qi flickered weakly, hampered by his injury. Master Lu's summons was a storm brewing, and Kai had no intention of walking into it.
"Master Lu? What does he want with me?" Kai smirked, leaning casually against a crate, his tone laced with mockery.
The tales of Lu's cruelty were infamous—half the fire cultivators exiled here had perished under his wrath. Solidarity among fire practitioners? Nonexistent. Lu saw rivals, not kin, in those who shared his element.
"You'll find out! Don't keep the master waiting!" The disciple, a wiry youth with a sneer, lunged to grab Kai's arm.
Big mistake. Kai stepped back sharply, yanking his arm free. The disciple, caught off balance, sprawled across the courtyard's icy cobblestones, glaring up with venom in his eyes.
"I'm on Master So Yun's orders. Didn't you notice? We just returned from the Frostbloom Grove!" Kai gestured toward the airship, its sails shimmering with frost.
"You filth! You're part of the Eternal Frost Fort! You obey the master's orders!" The disciple scrambled up, qi flaring as if to activate a technique, but he restrained himself, fists clenched.
"Since when does one sect master's order trump another's?" A clear, sharp voice cut through the tension. Aina, her silver hair catching the sunlight, stepped forward, her presence a shield.
"Senior!" The disciple hissed, bowing reluctantly. "This practitioner defies Master Lu's direct command!"
"He's already told you he's on another master's task," Aina scoffed. "Are all of Lu's followers this clever, or are you special?"
"I…" The disciple faltered, then glared at them both. "When I report this to the master, you'll both regret it."
With that, he stormed off, his parting words a venomous promise. Kai's smirk faded. He'd hoped to cultivate quietly for three years, unnoticed. Yet enemies had found him already, their malice as cold as the fort's walls.
"Thanks, Aina," Kai sighed, rubbing his neck. "But you shouldn't have stepped in. I could've handled it, and now you've got trouble."
"Trouble? That Lu dreams of purging anyone who doesn't grovel to him. He only takes sycophants into his faction," Aina snorted, tossing her hair.
"Faction?" Kai raised an eyebrow, unfamiliar with the term.
"You really don't know?" Aina shook her head, exasperated. "What am I saying? You barely talk to anyone."
"I talk to you. Isn't that enough?" Kai grinned, teasing.
"Flatterer," Aina laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Listen up. Every master has a faction—think of them as interest groups. In the outer world, factions fight for power, but here, it's milder. Master Belozar trains his disciples in swordsmanship at the Sword Pavilion. Master So Yun teaches alchemy and formations at the Snow Lily Pavilion. Some disciples join two factions, and masters praise them for it, though it's rare—too demanding."
"And Master Lu?" Kai asked, already dreading the answer.
"He's an outlier," Aina grimaced. "His Punishment Pavilion just sabotages others to stroke his ego. His disciples are cut from the same cloth. You saw that guy."
"So Lu's doing us a favor, rounding up all the rotten cultivators so we can spot them easily," Kai chuckled.
"In a way, you're right," Aina smiled, then leaned in, whispering. "But seriously, avoid his people. Lu's unhinged. I heard he burned disciples alive. Stay clear."
"How? Today, I had So Yun's orders as a shield. What about tomorrow?" Kai's voice was low, frustration seeping through.
"I told you—join the kitchens. A good cook gets sect protection. Plus, it's the only place with constant fire, if you haven't noticed," Aina said, smirking.
Kai's lips twitched into a wry smile. Fire meant fire qi, vital for his cultivation. He hadn't considered it, but with his injury blocking progress, cooking wouldn't help now.
"I don't have time to become a master chef," Kai sighed.
"True, you missed that chance," Aina admitted. "But there's another way. Join a faction. Master So Yun would welcome you. Master Belozar, too, if you show him your sword skills. It's not foolproof, but faction members stick together. No one would dare touch you lightly."
"Thanks for the advice," Kai said, his smile genuine.
"Last time you thanked me and did the opposite," Aina frowned, recalling his first mission.
"I've grown up a bit," Kai said, looking away. "I should go. Need to find Master So, ask about her pavilion…"
"I expect to see you in our ranks soon," Aina said, her gaze sharp.
Kai nodded, promising not to mess up, and headed for the bathhouses. After the cold of the fort, he craved warmth. The bathhouses, with their steaming pools, were one of the few places above freezing. The kitchens might be warm, too, but they offered no cultivation benefits now. His injury—a spiritual wound from the dragon's cave—stifled his progress, a constant reminder of his limits.
Inside the bathhouse, steam curled around him, the air heavy with heat. Kai instinctively absorbed stray fire qi droplets, their warmth soothing his meridians. How did they heat the water? He'd ask Master So, hoping she wouldn't mind the trivial question. The Frost Ridge's nature rejected fire qi—lighting a campfire was a struggle, and any fire qi dissipated unless a fire cultivator claimed it. Even here, a fire qi speck he left untouched faded, dissolving into finer particles, a process eerily like his cultivation technique. Could the world itself consume fire qi? The thought nagged at him, a puzzle he couldn't solve yet.
With that, Kai headed to Master So's office. Knocking politely, he heard her invite him in. Stepping inside, he froze—Aina was already there, the two women deep in conversation.
"Sorry, I'll come back later," Kai said, turning to leave.
"No need, Kai. We were just talking about you," So Yun said, smiling, gesturing to a chair.
Kai sat, the office's cozy warmth a stark contrast to his cell's stark white walls. The room was adorned with scrolls and alchemical tools, their faint glow soothing his tired eyes.
"Hope it was good things?" Kai joked, easing the tension.
"Aina mentioned your trouble with Master Lu. Honestly, I didn't expect it so soon," So Yun said, her tone gentle but concerned.
"Master So, how do I join your pavilion?" Kai asked, cutting to the chase.
"Oh, young Kai, I'm flattered you want to be closer to me," So Yun teased, her smile warm. "You're accepted."
"Just like that? No entrance tests?" Kai blinked, surprised.
"I could test your alchemy or formations, but I know your level," So Yun said, smirking. "You're practically part of my pavilion already. Or do you think anyone can go to the Frostbloom Grove?"
"Thank you for the honor," Kai said, relieved, avoiding any foolish protests.
He knew his alchemy and formations were nonexistent. He'd joined an elite group through connections—humbling, but refusing would be stupid.
"But don't think I'll let you stay ignorant," So Yun said, her tone firm. "You're like a rogue cultivator who stumbled into a technique. You'll study. A lot."
"I won't let you down," Kai nodded, accepting her truth.
"Welcome to the Snow Lily Pavilion," So Yun said. "Since you're both here—Aina."
"Yes, Master So?" Aina tensed.
"Congratulations on advancing to the higher meridian stage. I have a new task: teach Kai the basics of formations."
"But Master So! I'm still learning myself!" Aina protested.
"Nonsense," So Yun scoffed. "You're a talented formation master. You know enough. Teaching will deepen your understanding. Kai's a quick learner. You'll help each other."
"As you command, Master," Aina bowed, shooting Kai a sly glance. "So, Kai, I'm your laoshi now?"
"Sort of," Kai grinned, unsure of the term but playing along.
"Aina, don't tease him," So Yun said sternly. "You're his mentor. Take it seriously."
"I wasn't planning to slack off," Aina huffed, then added respectfully, "Master."
"Kai, any other questions? I'd love to chat, but my absence has piled up work," So Yun said.
Running a fort was a mountain of duties, even in a small sect.
"No, Master So, just silly thoughts. I wondered how the bathhouses heat water, but that can wait," Kai chuckled.
"I can explain that!" Aina piped up. "It'll be your first lesson, teacher-style."
"I'm glad you're eager," So Yun laughed. "Also, Kai, visit Master Belozar. He might welcome you to his little club."
"I'll escort him," Aina said, her tone implying she'd ensure he went.
As they walked, Aina explained, "The bathhouse water is heated by a formation. It's ice-cold otherwise."
"I thought they were natural hot springs," Kai sighed.
"Nope. No fire qi sources here, despite generations of fire cultivators searching," Aina said. "The formation converts cold qi to neutral qi, which heats the underground river. It's inefficient, but the fort's on the strongest cold qi source in the Frost Ridge. A hundred such formations wouldn't dent it."
They reached the Sword Pavilion's training hall, its open doors echoing with clashing blades and shouted techniques. The air thrummed with spiritual pressure, a chaotic symphony of combat.
"I'll head out," Aina said. "Good luck."
"Thanks, laoshi," Kai teased, testing the word.
"Say it with respect," Aina pouted. "It sounds weird. Just call me Aina, or I'll think you're mocking me."
"No mocking here," Kai laughed. "I'm grateful."
"Go, pupil," Aina huffed, shooing him. "Training's almost over."
Kai stepped into the hall, expecting obstacles or dragon skulls, but found a simple, gym-like space—open, with weapon racks along the walls. Disciples sparred, ignoring him, until a meridian-stage youth approached.
"Need something?" the youth asked, skipping pleasantries.
"I want to join the pavilion. Where's Master Belozar?" Kai said directly.
"Bold," the youth laughed. "Belozar's busy, but he drops by to guide us. I'm Shou Liu, and I screen newbies. You're a fire cultivator. What's your deal with Master Lu?"
"Hoping it's nothing, but he thinks otherwise," Kai admitted.
"Typical," Shou nodded. "Seeking protection? Smart. I'll test you, but Belozar decides. One issue—you're in So Yun's pavilion. Problem?"
"No problem," Kai said. "If I have spare pills, I'll bring them. Just don't deal with Lu's cronies."
"Lu's… unhinged," Shou said, twirling a finger by his temple. "You get me."
"Got it," Kai laughed. "I'm Kai."
"Shou Liu. Grab a weapon. Rules: no techniques, no strikes to eyes or groin. Break them, you're out. I'll hold back since we're on different stages."
"I might need to hold back," Kai sighed, heading to the racks.
Shou snorted, surprised. Kai scanned the weapons—spears, glaives, maces, even a dusty war scythe. He chose a straight sword resembling his own.
Training Sword
Rank: Mortal
Effect: Cannot kill.
All weapons shared this enchantment, perfect for sparring. Kai faced Shou, bowing as custom demanded. Shou charged, their blades clashing. Kai matched Shou's strength and speed, their strikes a blur. After a few exchanges, Shou paused, grinning.
"Not bad. Guess I won't hold back," he said.
What followed was a one-sided thrashing. Shou's strikes overwhelmed Kai's blocks, landing bruising hits on his ribs. The sword's enchantment dulled the blows, but pain taught its lesson. Kai's Pure Flame technique was useless without qi focus, his injury a constant limiter. Noticing Shou's forward-leaning lunges, Kai baited an attack, sidestepping and placing his blade at Shou's throat.
"Nice," Shou grinned. "You're good, but your style's patchwork. Rely on techniques? Or self-taught?"
"Bit of both," Kai said, evading the truth—his style was instinct and reflex, not training.
"Another round?" Shou asked.
"Enough," a firm voice interrupted. Master Belozar, unnoticed until now, stood watching. "Kai, right? You're in. Training's daily. I expect you here."
"Thank you, Master," Kai said, relieved.
"Don't thank me. You've got talent, but your technique's rough," Belozar grimaced. "Fix it with hard work. Up for it?"
"Never shied from work," Kai shrugged.
"Good. Everyone, meet your new brother, Kai. Help him, and I trust he'll return the favor," Belozar announced. The hall roared with approval. "Now, gather round. Let's talk small-group tactics…"
Belozar's lecture on battle tactics was riveting, his experience evident in every word. Kai listened, absorbed, the pavilion's camaraderie warming him. As the session ended, disciples dispersed, their laughter echoing. Kai wondered if So Yun's pavilion was as welcoming. He barely knew her disciples, only those from the Grove mission.
Stepping outside, a hateful glare pierced him. Before he could react, his arm exploded in pain, a sickening crack resounding. The force slammed him into the wall, his vision swimming.
"Demon's spawn! How dare you linger in this wretched sect without showing me respect!" Master Lu loomed, flames licking his skin, his spiritual pressure crushing Kai to the ground.
Behind him stood the disciple from earlier, smirking viciously, his eyes gleaming with triumph.