"Crap! This smell is worse than horse dung! I need a bath—fast! I can practically see things rotting around me… ahhh!"
About a kilometer away, a lake glimmered in the sunlight like a mirage of salvation. Aoyama's legs pumped furiously as he barreled across the forest floor, dodging roots and vaulting over rocks. The stench trailed behind him like a personal cloud of doom, announcing his approach to anything, or anyone, within a mile.
He reached the water's edge and didn't even hesitate. With a dramatic leap, he plunged beneath the surface, finally free from the foul fumes emanating from his own body.
Gasping for air, he surfaced and froze. Across the far meadow, he spotted movement.
"Holy crap! I thought this lake was empty! Why are there people here? System, check their status! I can't see them clearly, they're hiding in the forest!"
Ding
[System Alert] Information cannot be identified. Host must see the person's appearance directly to identify them.
"Why now?! Fine, a little discreet peek… I hope they aren't bad people."
Aoyama edged toward the water lilies near a rock, careful not to be seen.
"Alright, a quick peek… good, they don't seem dangerous. But they're all girls! Crap! They'll think I'm a pervert, and I just ruined their pond with my toxic… essence. How am I supposed to clean this up?"
He paused, thinking hard.
"No… no idea how to fix this quickly."
Ding
[System Alert] Suggestion: Buy skill [Purifying Aqua-Nova of the Seven Seas] for 10,000 low-grade Spirit Stones.
"Crap! Is this a scam? I just earned that! Fine—Buy! Buy the skill!"
Ding
[System Alert] Deducted 10,000 low-grade Spirit Stones from credits.
Ding
[System Alert] Skill [Purifying Aqua-Nova of the Seven Seas] successfully purchased. Level: Advanced. Description: A skill created by Nova from the Seven Seas, used to purify water and heal aquatic ailments.
"Okay, use skill Purifying Aqua!"
Ding
[System Alert] Skill activated. Please select the designated location of purification.
"The water, hurry! They're almost here!"
Ding
[System Alert] Commencing purification.
A brilliant light shone across the lake, sparkling with wisdom and truth. While the nearby passersby were momentarily dazzled, Aoyama dashed into the forest, trying to remain unseen.
"I think I lost them… Bump Boing"
"Huh? What is this? Touch Squish"
He backed up and realized, too late, that he had stumbled straight into a classic novel trope.
Slap!!!
"Iyaaahhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!" screamed a girl, her cheeks flaming red.
"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to bump into you! I was… bathing at the lake… but don't worry, I cleaned it up!" Aoyama said quickly, bowing deeply, eyes wide in panic.
The girl clutched the front of her robe, stepping back, her long hair swaying as she tried to regain composure. "Ah-no, it's… it's okay. I… I understand your situation. Just… please follow me; you really shouldn't be here," she stammered, glancing away and tugging nervously at a stray strand of hair.
(God, he's so handsome… and his aura is… wow, lucky he isn't some pervert…) thought the girl, covering her face slightly with her sleeve as a light blush spread across her cheeks. She fidgeted with the hem of her robe, trying to look dignified but failing spectacularly, and her small, almost imperceptible squeak of "he's so tall…" betrayed her racing thoughts.
"Oh? Alright, I shall follow you. I can't leave the kids in the forest, so this will be a short visit," Aoyama thought.
"May I know your name?" he asked politely.
(Oh wow… he called me beautiful!) the girl blushed furiously.
"A-Ano… my name is Lin XiaoLian[1], I'm the 5th Elite Disciple of Elder Yuming of the Ningjinghua Sect.[2] Nice to meet you," she stammered.
(Tranquil Flower Sect… huh. Sounds like a place where everyone sips tea and pets kittens while flawlessly executing martial arts moves. Not really my style, but let's see how sharp their skills actually are.)
"I'm Aoyama, nice to meet you."
"Which sect are you from?" she asked.
"I haven't joined a sect yet, but I plan to create one someday."
"Oh wow! That's a bold ambition… B-but can I… call you by your name?" Xiaolian asked shyly.
"Yes, of course! Be my guest," Aoyama laughed.
"Alright then, fellow daoist Aoyama," she smiled.
"Where are we going, Xiaolian?" Aoyama asked, still dripping from the lake, the faint stench of his earlier… predicament clinging to him like an unwelcome souvenir.
"Be quiet and just follow me. The inner disciples will catch us if we linger," Xiaolian whispered, glancing nervously toward the path ahead.
A few minutes of careful tiptoeing through the undergrowth later, they arrived at a secluded building. The aroma of alchemy—herbs, minerals, and faint incense—wafted through the air.
"What's that smell? Smells… fancy," Aoyama remarked, wrinkling his nose. "Kind of like a spa… but with explosions."
"You don't know alchemy?" Xiaolian asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Huh… alchemy… ah… hehe… no, not really. I only know how to make modern pills. Hope that's okay," he said, scratching the back of his head nervously.
Xiaolian tilted her head, suspicion flickering across her face. (Is he hiding something?)
"Well… I mean, it's not exactly what I expected to find by the lake… but okay," Aoyama muttered under his breath, thinking, (Truly, only I could end up wet, stinky, and wandering into an alchemy lab with a total stranger willing to teach me.)
"Why did you bring me here?" Aoyama asked, trying to sound casual but failing spectacularly.
Xiaolian hesitated, twirling a lock of her hair. "Well… I… I thought… maybe you could learn a bit about alchemy," she said, her blush making her look even more embarrassed.
Aoyama blinked. "Wait… learn alchemy? Now? We just met. Are… you serious?"
"Yes!" she said, a little too quickly, then covered her face with her hands. "I mean… it's fine if you don't want to. It's just… I wanted to help you understand the basics… hehe."
Aoyama rubbed his temples. (Of course… only in novels does a girl you just met offer to teach you advanced magical arts. And somehow I'm supposed to take this seriously?)
"Alright… weird, but okay. I'll go with the flow. I'll gladly learn," he said, grinning and scratching his head.
"Do you have an alchemy book? Basic or advanced?" he asked.
"Yes… but why do you need advanced ones?" Xiaolian asked curiously.
"In case the basic ones don't cover the herbs or techniques I need," he explained, waving a hand casually.
Xiaolian hesitated, then handed him two neatly bound books. "Here… maybe one day we'll meet in an alchemy contest! See you in a year. Quick, you should leave; my master's aura is approaching the main hall," she said, glancing toward the distant hall.
Aoyama's eyes sparkled as he touched the books. Scanning… scanned. In an instant, the contents were stored in his system.
"Wait a second… aren't these forbidden for outsiders?" he whispered, leaning closer with a mischievous grin. "What if your master finds out and calls you a spy? Or worse… makes me duel a dozen elite disciples for just touching them? I can see it now—me tied to a pole, while the sect's mascots lecture me on proper tea etiquette and the correct way to stir potions!"
Xiaolian's eyes widened, cheeks burning red. "N-no! It's not like that… I just wanted to help!"
Aoyama chuckled, shaking his head. "Relax… your secret's safe with me. Though seriously… the pole and mascots scenario is terrifyingly plausible in these novels."
He paused, thinking quickly. (I should give her something… a little thank-you… but what?)
Ding
[System Alert] You have 20,000 Low-Rank Spirit Stones and 100 Mid-Rank Spirit Stones.
Aoyama browsed the Alchemy Shop. A peculiar item caught his eye:
[Item: Miracle Rebirth Pill x3]Type: Medicine BallEffect: Unknown. Can revive a person from near-death or critical injury. Extremely difficult to concoct. Recommended only for Void Refining – Divine Levels. Side effects may include briefly seeing your past lives, randomly speaking in celestial runes, or your shadow deciding to take a short vacation to the Bahamas.Price: 30 Mid-Rank Spirit Stones
Aoyama grinned, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Unknown effect… ridiculously rare… could probably resurrect a dragon or accidentally turn me into one… costs less than a fancy dinner. Sold!"
Ding
[System Alert] Deducted 30 Mid-Rank Spirit Stones. Remaining balance: Low-Rank Spirit Stones – 20,000; Mid-Rank Spirit Stones – 70.
He picked up the glowing pill, letting the system record it. Ding Content stored.
(Truly, only I would dash from a lake, get advanced alchemy books from a stranger, and then buy a ridiculously rare, potentially life-saving pill for practically pocket change. What could possibly go wrong?)
Aoyama reached into his bag and handed the pill to Xiaolian. "Here… I figured this might help if your inner disciples ever get too reckless. Totally legal, totally purchased, and… uh… don't ask me exactly how it works. Just trust me, it's impressive."
Xiaolian blinked, stunned, her face flaming red. "W-what…? You… you bought this for me?"
"Of course! Just a little token of appreciation… and because I didn't want you thinking I'm a total moocher," Aoyama said with a wink.
"Alright, if fate allows, I'll visit again," he said, giving her a light, respectful hug before dashing toward the forest and the campsite.
(If fate aligns… he hugged me!) Xiaolian thought, cheeks blazing as she watched him disappear among the trees.
An hour later, Aoyama returned to camp, dripping wet but triumphant, and headed straight for the Tree House.
Aoyama tucked the pill carefully into his bag, smirking to himself. (Oh, this is going to be hilarious if anyone finds out. Imagine Xiaolian getting caught handing me forbidden alchemy books and a miracle pill, her master would probably explode, elite disciples chasing me while lecturing her on proper potion etiquette. Maybe they'd tie her to a pole next to a stack of exploding herb jars, all while mascots demand she demonstrate correct tea stirring techniques. Honestly, novels should come with a warning label: "Do not get involved with strangers bearing magical objects.")
He shook his head, chuckling at his own imagination. (And yet… I still think she deserves this. Hopefully it doesn't start a full-blown sect war.)
Ding.
[System Alert] You have obtained Advanced and Basic Books of Alchemy.
Ding
[System Alert] Miracle Rebirth Pill has been added to inventory.
[1] “Little Lotus of the Forest” – conveying a delicate, pure, and graceful character, someone who stands out for their elegance and resilience even in challenging environments. 林 (Lín) – “forest” or “woods,” symbolizing growth, life, or natural beauty. 小 (Xiǎo) – “small” or “little,” often used as a diminutive to convey affection, youth, or delicacy. 莲 (Lián) – “lotus,” a flower that represents purity, elegance, spiritual beauty, and resilience (since it grows in muddy water but remains clean).
[2] 寧 (níng) = peaceful, tranquil 靜 (jìng) = quiet, calm, still 花 (huā) = flower Ningjinghua roughly translates to “Tranquil Flower” or “Peaceful Blossom”, which fits nicely for a sect that might focus on serenity, meditation, or elegant martial arts.