Cultivation starts with picking up attributes
Chapter 113: Ch-113: Hot Spring

Chapter 113: Ch-113: Hot Spring

The first light of dawn painted the sky in soft hues of rose and gold.

The smoldering remains of the Mirror Pavilion still smoked quietly, but the overwhelming sense of dread that had gripped the Feilun Sect for months began to lift.

The battle was over. The rot had been cut at its root.

In the heart of the sect, the vast courtyard was transformed.

The tension that once filled the air was replaced by laughter, music, and the scent of festive food.

Lanterns swayed gently in the morning breeze, their delicate light mingling with the early sunbeams.

Banners fluttered, and the sound of drums echoed from the training grounds, signaling the Sect Master’s decision to mark this day as one of victory and renewal.

Tian Shen sat quietly by the pavilion’s edge, the weight of the Black Lotus Heart Fragment resting like a stone in his palm.

The fragment pulsed faintly, a silent reminder that while the outward threat was quelled, the true battle might only have just begun beneath the surface.

Feng Yin approached, her steps light but purposeful. Her eyes, usually sharp with resolve, softened as she sat beside him.

"Hard to believe it’s over. Isn’t it?"

She murmured, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead.

Tian Shen gave a small, tired smile.

"For now. But the sect feels alive again. Like a being rasping on breath again after holding it underwater too long."

She nodded.

"And the new Scout division... You’re going to lead it?"

He glanced at her, then down at the fragment again.

"I have to. If there’s more to find beneath us, we need to be ready. The sect can’t face another betrayal."

Feng Yin said firmly.

"We’ll stand with you."

From across the courtyard, laughter erupted as Little Mei playfully chased a group of junior disciples, her fox form shifting seamlessly between human and beast with graceful ease.

Nearby, Lian Hua’s flame pendant shimmered as she sparred lightly with a fellow cultivator, her smile bright despite the lingering exhaustion.

The warmth of camaraderie spread like wildfire.

...

Inside the grand hall, the Sect Master had gathered the senior elders, the Scout Division disciples and the disciples who had fought bravely in the conflict.

The room was adorned with intricate tapestries depicting legendary battles of the past, their vibrant colors reflecting centuries of history.

"Disciples," the Sect Master began, his voice calm but carrying the weight of command. "today we stand not only victorious but reborn. The Mirror Pavilion’s corruption threatened to tear us apart, to sever the very heart of Feilun Sect. But together, we have cut that poison out."

He gestured to the assembled crowd, pride evident in his eyes.

"Many fell to protect us. Their sacrifice must not be forgotten. But the sect endures because of their courage and because of your strength."

The crowd bowed respectfully, some silently wiping away tears.

"To honor them," the Sect Master continued, "I declare this day a Festival of Renewal. Let the walls of Feilun ring with celebration, and may every disciple remember what it means to be part of this family."

Cheers rose in response, echoing off the ancient stone walls.

...

Outside, a massive feast had been arranged in the main courtyard. Tables groaned under the weight of delicacies from every corner of the realm—roasted beasts, fragrant herbs, sweet pastries, and rare teas brewed with ancient techniques.

The disciples mingled freely, exchanging stories of valor and narrowly escaped dangers.

For a moment, the burdens of cultivation, scheming factions, and endless battles melted away beneath the joyous chorus.

Tian Shen found himself seated beside Feng Yin at the head table, near the Sect Master and Elder Su. Between them, the conversations flowed easily, the bonds forged in battle deepening in peace.

Elder Su leaned toward Tian Shen, her gaze sharp but kind.

"Your performance in battle was exceptional. The Gauntlet suited you well."

He chuckled softly.

"I had good teachers—and good company."

Feng Yin grinned.

"Don’t forget your fox spirit ally."

Little Mei, seated just a few tables away, caught his eye and flicked her tail mischievously. Tian Shen smiled back, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.

...

Later, as the sun dipped low, the sect’s training grounds transformed into a place of light and dance.

Lanterns were raised high, casting soft glows on the faces of disciples young and old. Music floated through the air—a mixture of flutes, strings, and the steady beat of drums.

Feng Yin stood beside Tian Shen, her hand slipping into his as they watched the festivities.

"Peace like this... it feels almost foreign," she said quietly.

He squeezed her hand gently.

"It’s the reward we fight for. A chance to build, to grow."

Suddenly, a burst of laughter drew their attention. Lian Hua was teaching a group of young disciples a playful fire manipulation trick, her eyes sparkling with delight as flames danced harmlessly atop her fingertips.

Nearby, Little Mei balanced on one foot, telling exaggerated tales of her scouting missions, her audience hanging on every word.

Tian Shen felt the tension in his chest loosen—a rare moment where hope wasn’t a distant dream, but a tangible presence.

...

The Sect Master approached the pair, his steps measured but purposeful. He smiled, a rare and genuine warmth lighting his features.

"Tian Shen, Feng Yin, come with me," he said.

They followed him to a quiet alcove overlooking the valley below the sect. The air was cool, carrying the scent of blooming jasmines and fresh earth.

"The future is uncertain," the Sect Master began, "but today we honor what has been reclaimed—the trust of our disciples, the strength of our bonds, and the spirit of Feilun Sect."

He looked out over the sprawling sect grounds.

"The Scout Division will be our spear against darkness. You carry the hopes of this place."

Tian Shen met his gaze steadily.

"I will not let you down."

The Sect Master’s smile deepened.

"I know you won’t."

...

As twilight deepened, the Festival of Renewal wound down with quiet conversations and peaceful gazes at the stars.

Feng Yin rested her head on Tian Shen’s shoulder as they walked through the serene gardens. Soft lights flickered in the trees, illuminating petals falling like gentle rain.

"Tomorrow, the real work begins," she whispered.

He nodded, tightening his arm around her waist.

"But tonight... we have peace."

They paused beneath a towering ancient tree, its branches spreading wide as if embracing the whole sect.

Feng Yin smiled—a fierce, radiant light in the gathering darkness.

A soft breeze stirred the petals beneath their feet. Tian Shen tilted his head back, letting the faint moonlight brush his face.

It was quiet—beautifully, hauntingly quiet. No alarms. No cursed talismans or shrieking beasts. Just the song of cicadas and the scent of blooming nightflowers.

Feng Yin looked up at him, voice gentle.

"Did you ever imagine we’d be here again?... like this?"

He shook his head.

"Back when we fled from the north... I thought we’d never find a place to stand again. But now..."

He looked over the lantern-lit sect.

"We have something worth defending."

She smiled, and for a rare moment, leaned into him—not as a warrior, not as the Young Sect Master—but simply as his wife.

"Then let’s protect it together."

They stood there in silence, hearts beating in sync with the peace around them.

From deeper within the gardens, voices rang out.

"Senior Brother Tian!"

A young disciple called, breathless as he raced toward them.

Tian Shen turned, instantly alert, but the boy was beaming.

"Sorry to bother you!"

The disciple panted.

"But the elders said we’re opening the spirit spring for the celebration! And you and Senior Sister Feng are the honored guests!"

Feng Yin raised an eyebrow.

"The spring?"

Tian Shen laughed.

"It’s tradition, apparently. After every major battle, the Sect reawakens the spring’s Qi—lets it wash away the bad luck, replenish the weary."

Feng Yin tilted her head playfully.

"So it’s a magical hot bath."

He grinned.

"Exactly."

...

Later that night, in a secluded grotto beneath a flowering cliffside, steam rose gently from a crystal-clear pool.

The spirit spring shimmered faintly with natural Qi, its waters infused with minor healing and restoration properties.

Feng Yin stepped in first, sighing in relief as the warmth seeped into her limbs.

"Mmm... okay. I take it back. Magical hot baths are divine."

Tian Shen followed, groaning as he lowered himself beside her.

"We earned this."

They sat in silence for a time, surrounded by stone lanterns and fireflies. The heat loosened tense muscles, and the faint Qi threaded through their bodies, subtly mending internal strain from the battle.

"Think they’ll let the Scout Division rest for a few days before sending us on another mission?"

Feng Yin asked, teasing.

Tian Shen chuckled.

"Doubtful. But even if they do... I’m not going anywhere without you."

She reached over and intertwined her fingers with his beneath the water.

"Good that you’re aware."

In the distance, faint drums still echoed from the main courtyard. Celebration, laughter, the hum of life.

But here, beneath moonlight and falling petals, Tian Shen and Feng Yin sat shoulder to shoulder—quiet, alive, and for once, unburdened.

Tomorrow would come with new shadows and deeper mysteries.

But tonight?

Tonight belonged to them.