Back in my guest room, I sat cross-legged on the bed, still in the process of trying to accept what Azure had just told me.

  “An artificial being,” I repeated inwardly, running my fingers through my hair. “How…how is that even possible?”

  “The only possible explanation is that he has connections to some powerful cultivators,” Azure started. “Only a cultivator above the Life Realm could even attempt to create something so…complex.”

  I nodded slowly, remembering how Elder Chen Yong, who was only in the Life Realm, had mentioned that the beings in his inner world were no more than simple motes.

  “Master, those weren’t just missing meridians we saw,” Azure continued. “They were burnt out channels that had been manufactured. Think of them like a circuitry that had been overloaded. Only something like that could cause such an effect.”

  Before the blue sun’s energy brought Wei Ye back from the brink of death, the merchant had been in an awful state.

  Well, perhaps even ‘awful state’ was putting it mildly.

  He was pale, barely breathing, and basically lifeless.

  “If he really is a creation of some higher being, then it could explain why the blue sun’s energy worked so well,” I mused. “Like Life Realm energy, it is fundamentally about creation and restoration.”

  “Yes,” Azure agreed. “With the blue sun’s energy being saturated with pure life force, for a construct like Wei Ye, it was like receiving a transfusion with something extremely close to his original power source.”

  With a sigh, I flopped backwards onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. “But what does that make Wei Lin and Wei Guang? Are they also…?”

  “No,” Azure cut in. “I’ve analyzed Wei Lin extensively and Wei Guang enough to confidently declare them as being completely human. However…”

  “That raises more questions…” I finished.

  “Yes.”

  Unable to stay still, I stood up and began pacing the room.

  “Is Wei Ting human? If so, how does an artificial being have completely human children? Shouldn’t they be some strange hybrid?”

  The questions came to my mind faster than I could process them.

  Azure was quiet for a long moment.

  “Master, perhaps we’re thinking about this wrong,” he finally said. “We’re assuming that Wei Ye was always like this, artificial. But…what if he was human once?”

  That made me pause.

  “Wait, you mean someone…transformed him? But why would—”

  Knock

  Someone was at the door.

  Had they figured out that I had discovered Wei Ye’s secret?

  Knock

  “Young Master Ke Yin,” it was one of the servants. “Master Wei Guang requests your presence in the study.”

  What does Wei Guang want with me?

  “I’ll be right there.”

  ***

  When I arrived at the study, I found the walls lined with books and scrolls. Opposite the door sat a massive desk carved from some rare material that I had no doubt was unbelievably expensive. Behind the desk, there were windows that offered a picture-perfect view of the main courtyard.

  And by one of these windows, Wei Guang stood, his usual composed demeanor seemed slightly…ruffled?

  “Ah, Ke Yin,” he turned as I entered. “Sorry for calling upon you unexpectedly. It’s just that we received some interesting news about the Sun Family’s situation, I thought you should know.”

  I raised an eyebrow, attempting to look only curious rather than intensely interested. “Interesting news?”

  “Last night, their Steller Realm cultivator, he mysteriously...vanished,” Wei Guang’s lips twitched in what might have been a smile. “Reports state that he was of…dubious character. It wasn’t a surprise to us when he took their initial payment and disappeared.”

  Last night?

  The same night that Wei Ye had left, only to return at the brink of death.

  “How…convenient,” I said carefully, not intending to throw any accusations.

  “Isn’t it just? Their whole plan is now in shambles,” Wei Guang’s almost smile blossomed into a full-blown smile. “Father always said timing was everything in business. It has always been a strength of the Wei Family.”

  I wonder why…

  “Though, I must admit there is something strange about the whole affair,” Wei Guang’s expression grew more serious. “Before his disappearance, the Daoist was known for giving free lectures at the Sun Family compound.”

  A Daoist, who had run off with the Sun Family’s payment, giving free lectures?

  That did sound a little strange.

  “Several Qi Condensation cultivators who attended experienced qi deviation afterwards,” he continued. “Even...one of their Elemental Realm experts was affected."

  Now that caught my attention.

  It wasn’t that qi deviation was uncommon in the Elemental Realm, no, the concern was the cause of it.

  A simple lecture?

  That shouldn’t be possible.

  It was more likely this Daoist was less righteous than he led the Sun Family to believe.

  “Were there any casualties?” I asked.

  “A few in the Qi Condensation Realm,” Wei Guang murmured, turning back to face the window. “But the bigger concern is the motive of the Stellar Realm cultivator. Why would he abandon such a lucrative contract, harm his employer’s forces, and run off with the advance?”

  “Maybe he found a better offer?” I suggested, watching Wei Guang’s reflection in the glass.

  “Maybe,” Wei Guang whispered, his tone made it clear that he didn’t believe that for a second. “Or maybe he didn’t run off with their money, maybe he encountered something that stopped him….permanently.”

  What was he trying to imply? Did he also believe that his father had something to do with it?

  Before I could figure out the meaning behind those words, Wei Guang turned and looked directly into my eyes with a serious expression. “I fear that the Sun Family might have someone behind them, someone who could eliminate a Stellar Realm cultivator…”

  Wei Guang’s statement me pause.

  My thoughts returned to Wei Ye’s condition this morning, and the realization that he wasn’t what he appeared to be. If there was a being that could eliminate a Stellar Realm cultivator, it would make more sense for it to be the father of the man standing before me.

  “Master, I agree with you,” Azure said. “Not only were Wei Ye’s channels burned out, but there were traces of something else, something…dark.”

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

  I had no intention of breaking the news to Wei Guang that his father was not only an artificial being, but he could possibly be cultivating the demonic arts.

  Fortunately, I was saved from responding by a light knock on the door.

  We both turned to see Lin Mei poking her head in.

  “Sorry to interrupt,” she said with a hesitant smile. “But Senior Sister Liu will not be pleased if we don’t return to the sect soon.”

  Not wanting to get dragged into more complications in this city, I grasped onto the excuse and turned to Wei Guang with an apologetic expression. “She’s right. We’ve stayed longer than intended.”

  “Of course, my apologises,” Wei Guang nodded. “We wouldn’t want to delay your return any longer than we already have.”

  As I turned to leave, Wei Guang stopped me.

  “The Wei Family owes you a great debt, young Master Ke Yin,” he smiled at me.

  “Really, it was nothing—,” I started, feeling a little uncomfortable with their gratitude.

  “You saved our father’s life, which is never ‘nothing,” he interrupted, a calculating look then appeared on his face. “As for the Sun Family… well, they’re soon realize why you don’t try to destroy a tiger without absolutely making sure of the kill first.”

  Despite Wei Guang not being a cultivator, I felt a chill run through my spine.

  The way he spoke, the dangerous glint it in his eyes, it reminded me of Wei Ye, and for a moment, I could barely differentiate between father and son.

  Whatever the Wei Family were planning, I was glad that I wouldn’t be anywhere near to witness it.

  It was only after we were in the hallway, did Lin Mei begin speaking again. “So…,” she said, glancing at me with an eyebrow raised.

  “So…?” I repeated.

  From the tone of her voice, whatever was coming, I had a feeling I wouldn’t like it.

  “So, since we’re on our way back,” she continued casually, “I was thinking, why not pay your family a visit? Your village isn’t too far off our route, I don’t see any issues in stopping by…”

  My heart skipped a beat.

  The Floating Reed Village – the original Ke Yin’s home, his family.

  Since finding myself in this body, I had tried my best to not think too much about them, but her suggestion brought all those complicated feelings back.

  “I…,” I swallowed. “I’m not sure if that is a good idea”

  “Hmm, why not?” she asked, her face scrunched in confusion. “With the progress you’ve made in just a few months, I thought you’d be excited to show your parents, I’m sure they’d be proud.”

  A few months — that was exactly the problem.

  Since the original had only left home a few months ago, it wasn’t nearly enough time for drastic changes in behaviour and personality to seem natural. Whilst cultivation novels made possessing bodies and fooling everyone look easy, unfortunately, reality wasn’t so simple.

  The thought of facing two people who had raised their son from birth was daunting.

  Let’s say I could somehow explain personality changes as ‘enlightenment’ or some other cultivation nonsense, how would I explain the way I held chopsticks, the foods I instinctively reached for, the way I laughed or frowned, or even how I scratched my nose.

  With Ke Yin being an only child, his parents knew every expression, every gesture, every little habit that their son has. I wasn’t arrogant enough to believe that I could trick them, at least not yet.

  But it wasn’t like I could explain this to Lin Mei, no, I had to provide an excuse that sounded believable.

  I took a deep breath, giving myself time to choose my words carefully.

  “Saying goodbye to them the first time wasn’t easy,” I began. “For them or for me. I couldn’t bare to put them through that again so soon. They need time to adjust to me being gone, and if I’m being honest…so do I.”

  “Aw, that’s so thoughtful of you,” Lin Mei’s eyes actually watered at that. “It must be difficult staying strong, but you’re not wrong, sometimes staying away is the kinder option.”

  “Yeah, and that also means I can focus on my cultivation,” I smiled. “Imagine what progress I’ll make by the next time I see them.”

  That earned a laugh from her.

  As we continued on our way, my smile became strained until it disappeared.

  The guilt of deceiving her, deceiving everyone, sat heavy on my chest, but what choice did I really have?

  ‘Sorry, I’m not actually Ke Yin, just using his body’ wasn’t a conversation I wanted to have or could ever have for that matter.

  ***

  We spent the next few hours preparing and saying our goodbyes.

  “Mother, how can we possibly carry all of this?” Wei Lin protested, watching as servant after servant brought baskets of food. He pointed to the storage ring on his index finger. “Even storage rings have their limits!”

  “Nonsense,” Wei Ting shook her head, “growing cultivators need their nutrition.”

  With that she gestured for more servants to come over and stack supplies next to the giant stone giant.

  “And poor Rocky…” she started. “He needs his stones.”

  “Yes! Rocky eat lot!” Rocky rumbled proudly, making Liu Chen grin from his perch on the stone guardian’s shoulder.

  “Don’t worry, Auntie,” Liu Chen called down, helping the servants secure the baskets on Rocky’s shoulders. “Keep them coming, Rocky can carry tons!”

  “At least someone is grateful,” Wei Ting smiled at the boy before turning back to her son. She began fussing with Wei Lin’s robes. “Now remember, I’ve packed healing talismans, emergency signals, and—"

  “Mother!” Wei Lin cried out, though he didn’t even attempt to pull away. “I’ve been fine alone for months; I’m not a child anymore.”

  “Foolish boy,” she tugged his ear, making him frown, “you’ll always be my child, no matter how old or independent you become.”

  With that she pulled him into a tight hug. Before he could protest, she had someone dragged Lin Mei in as well.

  “Mei’er,” Wei Ting whispered, “please keep an eye on my foolish son for me.”

  “Of course, Auntie,” Lin Mei smiled. “I’ll make sure he doesn’t get into trouble.”

  “Lin Mei, you to?” Wei Lin protests were muffled by the group hug.

  When he finally extracted himself from the death hug, his gaze fell on his older brother.

  Wei Guang had been watching from the side, his stance dignified, and a smile on his face. Well, right up until Wei Lin shot forward and tackled him with a hug that nearly sent them both sprawling to the ground.

  After a few seconds, they both got back up, Wei Guang’s composed fa?ade crumpled and he whispered. “Stay safe, little brother.”

  “Always,” Wei Lin promised, his face unusually serious. “Look after Mother and Father while I’m gone.”

  While the Wei Clan were having a family moment, I stood back, absently playing with my new storage ring. I had yet to get used to the feeling of it on my finger, as well as the new ability to walk around not having to worry about carrying my belongings.

  From the corner of my eye, I noticed Wei Ye walk over. He looked completely recovered, but that wasn’t what drew my attention, it was the sight of the white pendant that hung off his neck.

  “Master,” Azure called out, a hint of unease in his voice, “there’s something unusual about that pendant.”

  “Wait, what do you mean?” I asked inwardly.

  “The energy signature is unlike anything we’ve encountered so far,” Azure continued. “It’s almost as if it is consuming something…”

  Before I could process that, Wei Ye was standing beside me.

  “That man you mentioned,” I said quietly, trying my best not to stare at the pendant that seemed to pulse ever so slightly. “The one with similar energy to my own. Who was he?”

  “Pray to the heavens that you never meet him,” Wei Ye whispered, his expression darkened as one hand unconsciously moved to touch the pendant. “Some paths, once walked, can never be fully abandoned.”

  I wanted to ask more questions about the man, find out what this strange pendant was, find out who or what exactly Wei Ye was, but something in his eyes stopped me.

  So, instead I decided to trust my gut instinct and not get further involved in whatever was going on with the Wei Family.

  “Thank you for the hospitality,” I bowed.

  “Hmm, I’m the one who should be thanking you.” His hand reached out, and for a second, I thought he would pat my shoulder, but then he seemed to think better of it and slowly retracted his hand. “Safe travels, young Ke Yin. And…watch yourself at the sect.”

  My gaze lingered on him, waiting for him to elaborate.

  “Power draws attention,” he sighed, “and not all attention is welcome.”

  Before I could respond, Wei Lin called out, saying that we need to get moving in order to make good time. With a slow nod to Wei Ye, I turned to join my friends, leaving the Wei Family mysteries behind.

  For now, and hopefully forever.

  ***

  The thoughts that came to mind as our small group passed through the gates of Myriad Path City were mainly reflections on just how much had changed in such short time.

  Two weeks ago, I had arrived at the Wei compound as a mere third stage Qi Condensation cultivator, terrified about my first time leaving the sect. But now, I was leaving as a fifth stage Qi Condensation cultivator that possessed an inner world and abilities that defied convention.

  My gaze landed on my friends, Wei Lin and Lin Mei, they were chatting happily, their cultivation still in the third stage of Qi Condensation. Even Rocky, with his intimidating size, was only at the same cultivation stage as me.

  Without even realizing it, I had somehow become the strongest in our little group.

  It felt strange, but also…nice.

  Not in an arrogant ‘I’m better than you’ way.

  No, but in the sense that I could better protect those who I care about if it came down to it.

  I could only hope it never did come down to it, but I knew better than to be so na?ve.

  “Master,” Azure’s voice cut through my thoughts, “you…you’re smiling.”

  I blinked.

  I was, I realised.

  Despite everything we encountered, all the complications, the mysteries, the secrets, surprisingly, I felt content.

  I had real friends who saw me as me, and not the person whose body I was inhabiting.

  I had power that was growing at a rate that would make any xianxia protagonist proud.

  And most importantly, I had found a path forward that was entirely my own.

  “Just thinking about how far we’ve come,” I replied as we left the city behind. “And wondering what is coming next.”

  “Well, with how your two suns are preening, I think they like it when you acknowledge your progress.”

  That almost made me laugh.

  Taking a quick look at my inner world, I found both red and blue suns putting on quite a show.

  “I’m glad they’re happy,” I smiled.

  Then my smile faltered as my thoughts returned to Wei Ye’s words.

  “What Wei Ye said about paths that can’t be abandoned,” I began. “Do you think he was referring to the demonic dao?”

  “It could be,” Azure replied. “But whatever it is, there’s definitely more to his story than simple cultivation gone wrong.”

  “One mystery at a time,” I decided. “For now, we just need to focus on getting back to the sect safely. Later on, we can worry about artificial beings, mysterious cultivators, and whatever other surprise is thrown at us.”

  “Master, you do realize that by saying that you’ve practically guaranteed we’ll run into a few life-or-death situations before even reaching the sect. I’d bet on at least three!”

  “Don’t even joke about that,” I groaned. “”Despite this being a cultivation world, it isn’t some novel where the protagonist can’t even travel a few miles without encountering ancient spirits or young masters looking to cause some trouble.”

  "Of course not," Azure's tone was perfectly serious. "I'm sure our journey will be completely uneventful."

  “You’re mocking me, aren’t you?”

  “No, Master. I would never.”