Rank had its privileges, and the line for inner sect members was significantly shorter than the never-ending line for outer sect members. In short order, Wu Ying found himself facing the bored-looking attendant. It certainly seemed the hall master hired based off the level of boredom an attendant showed. Otherwise, by the laws of random chance alone, at least one attendant had to feel something other than boredom.
“Yes?” the attendant asked querulously.
“Sorry. I wanted to know about the expedition,” Wu Ying said.
“Which one?”
“There’s more than one?”
“Yes.”
“And they are…?”
“To the north, headed by Elder Mo and Elder Li. And to the east, headed by Elder Wan.” The attendant sighed.
“What are they for?” This was the first he had heard of the expeditions.
“Elder Wan is hunting a bai ze for its horns,” the attendant said. “He requires a dozen late Energy Storage cultivators, or those with equivalent combat abilities, for the expedition. It is expected to take a minimum of three weeks, but Elder Wan has vowed to not return until it is caught.”
“And what is a bai ze?”
The attendant’s lips pursed, and he glared at Wu Ying for daring to ask another question. In the end though, he scrambled within his desk before pulling out a scroll and reading from it. “‘A bai ze is a cow-like spirit animal with six horns and nine eyes. Its horns are on its flanks and head, and the horns, eyes, and fur are considered highly valuable. Over and above the normal return for the meat.’”
When he realized the attendant was done speaking, Wu Ying said, “Thank you. I’m not qualified for that one.”
“Obviously.” The attendant sniffed, shaking his head. “Now. Elder Li’s and Elder Mo’s expedition is even more dangerous, though larger. In total, there will be four Elders on the expedition, including the two sponsors. They are launching a full field expedition and have requirements for multiple guards, camp attendants, and a pill refiner. I’m sure I can find you a space on the expedition.”
“Pay?”
“Very good. Daily, dependent on task, but a minimum of thirty contribution points and thirty coins per day,” the attendant replied. “Are you interested?”
“Not yet. What is the expedition for?”
The attendant shrugged at Wu Ying. “I do not know. They are seeking something in the unclaimed spirit lands. The expedition is expected to take a minimum of a month and no longer than two.”
“Oh?” Wu Ying said, surprised. That they were not providing details of what they wanted concerned Wu Ying. Especially since Ru Ping had told him directly. “So short?”
The attendant shrugged, obviously uninterested in speculating. Wu Ying pressed the man for more details but found most of his efforts rebuffed. Eventually, the increasingly irritated attendant sent Wu Ying away as the cultivator was unwilling to sign up immediately.
Walking away, Wu Ying rubbed his chin. The good news was that Ru Ping had told the truth. A large number of guards were being hired, along with numerous Elders. In fact, the majority of those being hired were coming from the inner sect, with only a few spaces available for those in the outer sect. In addition, the minimum requested cultivation stage was Energy Storage 1, though the attendant had hinted that certain exceptions might be available for those with the required skills.
That was the greatest concern for Wu Ying. He was two whole cultivation levels below the minimum requirement. The difference between those in the Energy Storage stage and Body Cleansing stage were night and day. The ability to harness and project external chi made a significant difference in an individual’s combat abilities. Skill and trickery could make up for some of the difference, but only some.
The untamed spirit lands the expedition was journeying to were home to high-level Body Cleansing creatures and even stronger Energy Storage beasts. Even worse, the occasional Core spirit beast could be found in the depths of the spirit lands. It was worth noting that while monsters at the same level in the Body Cleansing stage were weaker than the equivalent cultivator, at higher levels, the balance changed. A spirit beast with a Core was much more dangerous than a human of the same cultivation level. It had to do with, as Wu Ying understood it, the difficulty and balancing of karmic requirements. The increased difficulty for beasts to advance across each stage meant they grew stronger when they did advance.
“Troubled?” Fairy Yang asked Wu Ying as she caught him walking out of the assignment hall with a frown on his face.
Wu Ying bowed to his Elder before straightening. As always, Wu Ying noted the goggling group that watched Elder Yang wherever she went. Sometimes he wondered how she felt about being the center of attention. Certainly, his own experiences as such had been less than enjoyable.
“Yes. No, Elder Yang,” Wu Ying corrected himself automatically, afraid of disturbing the woman.
“Which is it?” Fairy Yang said.
“It is nothing important, Elder.”
“Senior. I am your senior disciple too,” Fairy Yang said. “One whom you can speak with, if you have concerns.”
“I…” Wu Ying drew a deep breath, steeling himself. She was right. And he did need some questions answered. “Would Senior have time for tea?”
“Yes.”
Wu Ying escorted the Elder to a nearby tea house, ignoring the jealous glares shot his way. Once again, Wu Ying took a seat in a semi-private room, one which blocked off hearing but allowed others to note their perfectly polite distance. In short order, once the tea had arrived and Wu Ying had served it, Wu Ying explained his concerns and dilemma to Fa Yuan.
“You are concerned your relationship with Elder Li will be irreparably damaged if you do not go. But if you do, you might be irreparably damaged,” Fa Yuan summed up for Wu Ying.
She said it so bluntly, Wu Ying blinked. His hesitation did seem foolish. Who would trade feelings for safety?
“Go.”
“Pardon?”
“You should go.”
“But I risk death,” Wu Ying said.
“And yet, you’ll die anyway if you fail to progress in your cultivation,” Fa Yuan said. “Have you not realized it yet? Cultivation is extremely difficult by yourself. It is why we have sects. Why, even in the sect, we have cliques. Because we need friends. Helpers. Sponsors.”
“It’s funny, coming from you.” When Fairy Yang raised a single, elegant eyebrow, Wu Ying added, “Because of Elder Cheng.”
“Do you think Elder Cheng does not believe in the need for bonds? It is just that he also believes in fate. He offers individuals opportunities and sees if they are fated to accept it, to find the Dao in those situations,” Fa Yuan said. “Elder Cheng believes that by accepting the greater Dao in all things, we can find the fate we are meant to have. And the Dao connects all things, including us to each other.”
Wu Ying opened his mouth to ask more questions before he shook his head. That belief was not something he was sure he could accept. Or necessarily understand yet. But, at least, he could accept what Fa Yuan said. And accept that yes, Elder Cheng did believe in the need for groupings. In either case, it did not help with his current predicament. “So. I should accept.”
“Undoubtedly. If you desire to progress as a cultivator, you cannot afford to increase the level of animosity you deal with in the sect,” Fa Yuan said.
“Thank you, Senior,” Wu Ying said, bowing in his seat to Fa Yuan. “If I go, perhaps you could offer further advice about expeditions?”
“This will be your first extended mission, yes?” Fa Yuan smiled as Wu Ying confirmed her statement. “There are a number of items you should consider purchasing. A few for emergency purposes, and others for general comfort.” She sipped from her teacup before she continued. “Much depends on the totality of your current contribution points. Your storage ring is of limited size, correct?”