Chapter 43: The Young Master Arrives

It was three weeks since leaving the sect when the convoy entered the gates of the Jade City. The trip went smoothly which is exactly what Yu Liang wanted. There were some spirit beasts that tried approaching at night, but he didn’t have to do anything as the hired mercenaries managed to drive them away. The merchant nodded approvingly every time while he did nothing.

"’Well done,’ said the merchant, as the wagon halted in front of the main square of the city, "You’ve not been causing any problems; haven’t been slacking. If you would like another escort mission, I can give you a good recommendation."

Yu Liang nodded politely. "Thank you."

The merchant gave him an envelope. "Give this to the sect outpost, where they will stamp your achievement and credit you with contribution points."

Yu Liang received the letter. He watched as the caravans dispersed. The guards who collected their pay then proceeded towards the taverns and the resting places. The merchant started giving instructions to his men to start shipping the merchandise.

The Sect’s Jade City outpost wasn’t difficult to find. It occupied a building near the eastern district marked by a simple plaque bearing the Cloudwater Sect emblem. Inside a bored looking disciple sat behind a desk flipping through reports.

Yu Liang placed the letter on the desk. "Escort mission completion."

The disciple broke the seal. Scanned the contents then pulled out a jade slip and checked something. After a moment he stamped the letter with a seal and made a notation in a ledger.

"Eight hundred contribution points credited. You’re free to go."

Yu Liang took back the envelope and walked out. It was all done within five minutes. Efficiently and accurately, just as predicted.

He made his way through the city streets blending into the afternoon crowd. The Jade City was unlike the sect, It was busier with non-cultivators running around. People were shouting about their items, childrens were shifting between stalls, and smells of meat and steamed buns wafted from the food stands.

After walking blocks Yu Liang found a quiet alley and glanced around. No one was paying attention to him. He reached into his robe and pulled out his storage ring but instead of retrieving anything from it he commanded the system internally.

A moment later the emerald green robe materialized in his hands folded neatly. He had stored it in the system inventory after his previous visit knowing he would need it again.

He changed swiftly, bundling up his usual robe and placing it inside the ring. The emerald robe fitted him well, just like before. The fan made of dark sandalwood came next; he put it in his belt. By the time he stepped back on to the street, he was a different person altogether. Not a disciple from an outer sect on some errand anymore.

The journey to the Moonlight Inn took more time than anticipated because of the heavy traffic in the streets. It involved avoiding groups of shoppers and street performers. Finally, he reached the three-story building whose polished front stood out amongst other buildings.

Yu Liang stepped inside. The same attendant from before, a young man named Xiao Wen, was busy arranging scrolls behind the counter. He looked up at Yu Liang as eyes widened slightly in recognition.

"Young master! You’ve returned!"

"Yes, I’m back. It’s good to see you." Then he smiled faintly. "Is my room still available?"

"Ofcourse! We’ve kept it maintained as agreed." Xiao Wens expression brightened. "Should I have meals sent up?"

"Yes. Whatever the kitchen recommends today."

Xiao Wen smiled in agreement and rushed away to do some preparations. Yu Liang went up the staircase to the floor with calm strides. The token made of jade he received during his stay was still in his storage ring. Pressing it to the door, he easily opened it.

Everything inside was just like he left it. The bed was made with sheets. The bathing area was clean. There was still a slight smell of incense in the air. The window gave him a view of the city, with its rooftops and distant pagodas.

Yu Liang set his belongings down. Moved to the window. The sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon casting light across the buildings. He stood there for a moment watching the city move below him.

Then he let himself relax.

The tension he had carried since leaving the sect, three weeks of maintaining composure around the caravan of staying alert for threats, being constantly aware of his surroundings finally eased.

’Finally,’ he thought. ’I am free.’

Here he was just another wealthy young man staying at a respectable inn. Most importantly, he could slowly establish his new identity away from the sect’s watchful eyes

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Xiao Wen entered, followed by two attendants carrying trays of food. They arranged everything on the table. Steamed fish with ginger braised pork belly, stir fried vegetables with spirit mushrooms, fragrant rice and a pot of Red Cloud Tea.

After setting the table, the attendants left quietly. Xiao Wen remained there for a little while. "If you require anything, Young Master, do inform us."

"Thank you Xiao Wen."

When the door closed Yu Liang sat down. Picked up his chopsticks. The food was excellent prepared with care and quality ingredients. He ate slowly savoring each bite without rushing.

This was what he had been working towards, not just endless cultivation or accumulating resources, but the chance to actually enjoy the life he had been given. Good food, fine places, new experiences, and the freedom to spend his days however he pleased.

Life was not meant to be nothing but cultivation. Strength was important, and so were resources, but what was the point of having them if he never took the time to enjoy? There were good meals to taste, beautiful places to see, people to meet, and countless experiences waiting beyond the confines of cultivation. He wanted to become stronger, but he also wanted to live.

Now with a full year reserved at the Moonlight Inn and no obligations pulling him back to the sect immediately, he could finally begin the next phase of his plan while enjoying himself.