“Why are you up already?” Zhong Shei said as he came up from belowdecks, running a hand through his hair to ensure it was properly coifed.
“It’s ten in the morning,” Wu Ying said, shaking his head slightly as he finished the movement he had been in the midst of when Zhong Shei had spoken. It involved a cut kick followed by a stomp and what could either be a block or grab, which would result in a hip turn to upset and destabilize. Back leg would then come up as weight came forward and the form itself followed with a sweep. Of course, depending on the strength or location of the attacker, it could also be a simple kick to the foot.
“Exactly! We’re in the middle of the river. There are no shifts to wake up for, no captain complaining about you being late or patrols to be done. It’s freedom.”
Wu Ying did not deign to answer Zhong Shei as he continued to practice. Crane stretches in the water followed by waterfall splashing saw Wu Ying land on the sweeping foot and drop into a low stance. After which Wu Ying had to stand, using an axe kick at low range even as he twisted. It was a weird combination, and he, as yet, did not understand its use. It also hurt—quite a bit—to do. His body had yet to adapt.
“I thought you were a jian-wielder,” Zhong Shei said, interrupting Wu Ying again.
The cultivator sighed and landed lightly, holding the pose to let his body memorize the position. “I am. I’m also studying this.”
“Huh,” Zhong Shei said, watching Wu Ying go back to practicing. With a wave, the guard ambled off to find his breakfast.
An hour later, when Wu Ying had finally finished his daily practice and was taking a moment to rest, Zhong Shei plopped down next to him, a white bun in each hand. “Bun?”
“Thank you,” Wu Ying said, taking the proffered food.
The pair ate in silence for a time before Zhong Shei spoke up. “What are you doing next?”
“Cultivating.”
“Seriously?” Zhong Shei said with a roll of his eyes. “We’re out. Free from the city. And you’re going to cultivate?”
“Yes,” Wu Ying replied, wondering why Zhong Shei was even speaking to him. Then he realized the guard had no one better to talk to. He was the closest one to Zhong Shei in station on board and, even more importantly, the only one free. At Zhong Shei’s impatient gaze, he relented and explained. “At the sect tournament, I intend to win a spot in the inner sect if possible. At the least, I don’t intend to be sent back.”
“What are you? Body Cleansing Five? Six?”
“Seven.”
“Damn. For a peasant…” Zhong Shei looked at Wu Ying when he realized that perhaps his surprise could be considered insulting. When he saw that Wu Ying did not react, the guard relaxed. “You’re pretty good. If you fail, you can always join our town guard. Or hell, any guard. You aren’t horrible with your leg form, and with that cultivation level, you’d make squad leader soon enough. Maybe even lieutenant like me.”
“That’s good to know,” Wu Ying said noncommittally. “How long have you been a lieutenant?”
“Nearly two years now. I was promoted when I reached my eight opening,” Zhong Shei said before his face darkened. “Not that I’ve progressed since then.”
“Well, perhaps if you tried cultivating more…”
“But it’s so boring!” Zhong Shei complained, shaking his head. “It’s always cultivate this, practice that. I want more than that. I want love. Romance. The feel of a good woman in my arms, delicious wine, and better conversation. I’ll break through soon enough. I just need to buy another Meridian Cleansing pill when my next paycheck arrives.”
Wu Ying looked at the rich merchant’s son for a time as he chewed on his bun. A part of him knew he should be angry or jealous at the casual way Zhong Shei discussed buying pills to improve his cultivation. It really wasn’t the best way to do it and not something the son of a farmer could ever hope to do. But Zhong Shei wasn’t arrogant about it. Just matter-of-fact. He seemed to understand the risks involved and took the liabilities on with full understanding. And really, getting upset because the rich could buy what the poor couldn’t was… well, foolish. Or perhaps just tiring. Better to focus on what he could do than burn with jealousy all the time. Wu Ying stood and walked away from the guard.
“Where are you going?”
“To cultivate,” Wu Ying replied with a smile and slight bob of his head, swallowing the last of the bun as he walked to the prow. “Thank you for the snack.”
For the next couple of days, life on the river boat grew quiet. When Wu Ying was not training or cultivating, he spent his time fishing over the side of the boat and talking to the sailors. It had taken all of three hours on the first day before Zhong Shei, bored with the lack of entertainment, joined him in silent cultivation and, later, training. Admittedly, the merchant’s son was as likely to take time off to rest, talk, and eat as he was to train, but Zhong Shei did train.
For all that, today was different. Halfway through the morning, the sails were furled and the oars taken out. Wu Ying frowned as Zhong Shei joined the cultivator with a grin.
“Finally! We’ve made it to Ping Zhu,” Zhong Shei said. “We can walk, eat, find some local beauties!”
“We are only here for half a day. Maybe less.”
The ship was only staying long enough to unload their cargo and pick up more for the trip farther downstream. They also had to wait their turn for when the river was clear. The following part of the river was extremely turbulent, filled with small rapids that made it difficult for boats going upstream to travel via oars. As such, river traffic was closely regulated, the ships coming upstream pulled on ropes. Luckily, the vast majority of upriver traffic came at night, when the sides of the river would be illuminated with lanterns and dangerous boulders marked with white paint.
“Ah, but what a half day. I know the perfect restaurant,” Zhong Shei said. “Close to the docks and perfect.”
“This isn’t a good idea. If we’re late…”
“I’ll tell the captain where we’re going. And promise him a meal from the restaurant if he informs us before he has to leave. It’ll be fine,” Zhong Shei said, already ambling over to talk to the captain.
Wu Ying rolled his eyes, though he had to admit the captain was likely to agree to Zhong Shei’s offer. After all, not only were they paying passengers, but Zhong Shei was an important personage. It was unlikely that the captain would leave him.
“I can’t really afford an expensive meal,” Wu Ying admitted when Zhong Shei finally made it back. His purse was quite bare, especially after spending all his funds at the store. While he had a little money left—mostly from his original stash—that was not all his. If he could, Wu Ying would trade it back for cultivation points and return what he owed to Tou He.
“It’s my treat,” Zhong Shei immediately offered.
Wu Ying made a slight face but thanked the man, who waved the matter away. While Wu Ying hated to owe anyone, Zhong Shei had offered. And truth be told, getting off the ship and onto dry land would be lovely. As would food that was not overly laced with salt and soya sauce.
Together, the pair disembarked when the boat docked and they headed into the city. Zhong Shei walked in front, happy to show off his knowledge of the city, detailing little facts about the place. Of course, most of his facts revolved around the guards, the young nobles and scholars who hung around the city between the imperial examinations, and the chasing of various beauties and delicious food. Wu Ying found most of the information bewildering, as Zhong Shei was not a good storyteller, forgetting to provide context or to follow the thread of his own story.
“You should try the duck here… not right now! We’re going to eat fish and prawns at Uncle Mo’s restaurant,” Zhong Shei chided Wu Ying. “Don’t spoil your appetite. We’ll get one on the way back.
“Young master Lu over there is the third child, so he’s actually penniless but with a heavy gambling addiction. Don’t ever play mah jong with him though, he’s very good.