The Other Side of A Cultivation Story

Shu Wei plainly cannot hide the obvious, so he guided the Moon Valley people and showed them around the place.

He introduced them to each and every member of his family and prensented them the improvements in the plateau.

The four guests were awestruck when they got to the Treasury Hall. Even their village didn't have one. But when they chanced upon the northwing of the plateau, they felt confused at the sight of the beasts. They cannot seem to reconcile why would a family of cultivators make a livestock of mortal beasts.

But even before they had a chance to ask, Shu Wei began to explain.

"All of these developments are all Little Qai's ideas," he said. "I never asked what these beasts are for.. but I just felt my son has a great foresight.. better than mine at least.. so whatever he's planning, I am just as curious as everybody else.."

"So far, he has done nothing bad," Shu Wei described.

"Ah," the chief remarked, "that reminds me.. we came here for your son."

'Oh no,' Shu Wei said to himself, 'don't tell me your marrying off one of your own to my son as well.'

"You see...," the chief said, "I heard a lot of interesting things about your son.. and I'm quite curious about him as well.. so.. we came here because we'd like to talk to him.."

"Please Shu Wei," Elder Lu interjected, "we don't have any ill intention with our purpose of coming here.. truly we're here just to speak with Shu Qai."

"Well, it's not like I intend to selfishly hide my son from anyone.. so.. why don't we save the chat in the hall..," Shu Wei said, "my eldest son's alchemist wife brews a great tea you know."

***************

Inside the lobby of the manor, the said nutricious tea made out of special herbs was served.

"You are not recruiting my son in my stead, are you?" Shu Wei asked them right on their faces.

The Moon Village guests were not offended in the slightest by his words. In fact, that was part of their intention.

"Not necessarily!" The chief quipped.

"Eh?" Shu Wei mumbled.

"While that idea would definitely be great, it is not like we can simply take Shu Qai and purposely bring him with us," the chief replied.

"Ahem," Elder Lu interrupted, "we're simply here to see him actually.. and to know him more.. and perhaps make some connections."

Right there and then Qai together with Shandian made an appearance and started to speak with the guests. He was introduced to Elder Lu's nephew and found Su Yu to be intriguing--particularly his Metal elemental affinity and crafting skill.

Obviously, Qai was still young to know all the elemental attributes and cultivation paths available in the world so it always astonished him everytime he was able to learn something new.

The guests this time found all the recent buzz about Shu Qai not only true but that the more they conversed with him, the more they were amazed. It was a feeling of respect and envy at the same time.

"So tell us Shu Qai," the village chief asked, clearly driving at the main agendum, "we'd like to make 'friends' with you.. what can we do to accomplish that?"

"I don't know about that," Qai answered.

"Father is already aquainted with all of you," he continued, "..so I don't see any reason why would I not to do the same?"

"Ho ho ho.. indeed.. indeed..," the village chief remarked but deep within himself mere aquaintance was wanting.

"I am well aware how you tried to recruit my father in the past.. but..," Qai described and paused as he already deduced the intentions of Moon Village.

Everyone held their breaths and waited what words would come out from Qai's lips.

"But like my father, I would mantain neutrality at least with respect to the two villages surrounding our terrain..," he explained.

Everyone was speechless.

"Instead of recruiting me to your fold, why not we recruit one of you to our family?" he said that and intentionally looked at Su Yu.

The Moon village guests and also his father were all taken aback by what he said--obviously they did not see it coming.

'Shu Qai's foresight knows no bounds,' Elder Lu thought. He instantly felt Qai was referring to his nephew and found it right when Qai confirmed it with the next words.

"Allow us to have Su Yu join us..," Qai continued obviously not done exposing his intentions, "..and let our family take care of him and his cultivation."

"What say you, Elder Lu?"