The Crimson Abyss Sect had provided each individual a set of rooms, including a washroom with a lavish tub fitted with a water-producing spirit tool attached to its head. A simple pulse of qi was sufficient to activate the spirit tool, much like Ishin’s experience at the Moonpetal Hotel in Yellow Dome City. Beside the wide brass tub was a wooden bucket containing a sponge and multiple bars of soap. Two jars rested beside the tub—one filled with pink bath salts and the other with an interesting-smelling herbal concoction. Ishin dumped both jars into the tub.

  Ishin soaked in the tub for half an hour, removing not only the grime he had accumulated from a month on Desolate Island, but also enjoying the sensation of warm water against his skin. His more recent injuries had mostly healed, but the sprinkled herbs and bath salts were doing wonders for his recovery, soothing lingering aches in his muscles.

  When Ishin finally left the tub, he dried off with a white cotton towel that felt like a cloud and then moved into his bedroom, collapsing onto the bed. After weeks sleeping on the island’s hard ground, the feathered mattress felt incredible. I forgot how nice it was to be clean.

  Rising from his bed, Ishin found multiple sets of Crimson Abyss Sect robes neatly stacked atop the dresser in his room. Thank the Heavens. He immediately discarded his wretched-smelling old set of robes—torn, sweat-stiff, and stained from Desolate Island—and put on one of the new sets. It felt wonderfully strange to wear clean clothes again.

  Ishin fingered the fabric, curious if these robes were the same as his last, or if they were the higher quality that Mei had worn on the island. To his disappointment, he didn’t feel any difference. I suppose that was too much to hope for. As he opened his drawers and deposited the other three sets of robes, Ishin wondered what the process was to launder his clothes and obtain more bath salts and herbs.

  Not just that. I’ll need food too. Scratching his chin, Ishin thought back to what Elder Su and Junior Administrator Guanting had said. Free food is provided at the Communal Hall. They also mentioned the Market Hall to buy weapons and other resources. Perhaps that’s where I can get basic provisions. The real problem is I don’t know where either of those are and the sect is too big to just wander around. What I really need is a map, but I bet that would cost contribution points too.

  Deciding that pondering his next course of action alone wasn’t going to amount to anything, Ishin returned to the house’s common room, hoping that one of his other friends was there. To his delight, Rhee was already sitting on one of the couches, combing her long raven hair.

  Ishin had forgotten how beautiful Rhee was when not caked in dirt and drenched in sweat. Her skin was now clean, but more tanned than before after weeks on the island. Her sharp jaw was even more defined now, and as the red and black robes were pulled tightly around her body, it was evident that she was even leaner and more honed than before. When her dark eyes met his, Ishin felt his heart stir.

  “Sister Rhee,” Ishin said, suppressing the fluttering within his chest. “Did you enjoy your bath?”

  Rhee made one long brush through her hair, trying to dislodge a knot. “Immensely,” she said with a laugh. “I didn’t realize how gross I’d become. It’s strange how you get used to it after a while, isn’t it? As I was scrubbing myself, I was stunned at how much dirt and other stuff came off.” Rhee disentangled the knot and sank back into the couch. “Truth is, that’s the longest I’ve ever been in the wilderness. Coming here made me realize how much I missed the basic comforts of the city.”

  “I know what you mean,” Ishin replied, taking a seat on the couch opposite her. “I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the bath too. Especially the salts and herbs they provided.” Sheepishly, he added, “I ended up pouring all of them into the bath.”

  Rhee’s laugh was a delight to hear. “All of them? Really?”

  Her smile is really incredible. “Haha, yes. I may have gotten a little carried away.”

  “And to think you two were only on the island for a month,” Mei teased as she stepped out of her own room.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  Ishin turned and was stunned by the sight before him. He had always found Mei pretty, even while on the island, but seeing her now left him momentarily speechless. Mei’s skin was unblemished and pale, despite months of living on Desolate Island. The black sash wrapped around her narrow waist caused her robes to cling tightly to her frame, emphasizing her very slender build. Her snow-white hair was now silky and kept in intricate long braids adorned with a variety of silver and red needles. What’s more, Mei’s delicate heart-shaped face was the personification of regal grace. Compared to Rhee’s lithe martial beauty, Mei appeared like a princess from a story.

  “Mei, you look…” Ishin didn’t know how to finish the thought.

  The ice cultivator blushed, clearly noticing his dumbfounded expression.

  “You look incredible,” Rhee finished for Ishin, her own attention fixed on Mei. “You truly look like the scion of a Great Noble Clan now.”

  Mei shared Ishin’s surprise at Rhee’s kind words. “Thank you, Rhee. You look amazing yourself. I love your hair. It’s so silky and long.”

  Rhee’s lips curved upwards. “You’re one to talk about hair. Countless people have dark hair like mine, but the color of yours is incredible. Unique.” Rhee ran a hand through her slightly damp night-colored hair. “In fact, I’m jealous.”

  Ishin lifted a brow. Is she no longer upset with Mei? It didn’t make sense to him, and he wasn’t going to try to understand anymore. It’s not worth the energy.

  Mei diverted her gaze downward and smiled. “Thank you. Though I admit, sometimes I dislike the immediate identification that comes with it. One look at me and anyone can tell I’m from the Wen Clan.”

  “Is that a bad thing?” Ishin asked.

  “It is undesirable sometimes,” Mei answered as she sat beside Ishin. She was close enough that he could feel the faint traces of her aura, now slightly cool.

  Opposite them, Rhee glanced between the two. “Mei, what time do you need to leave tomorrow morning to meet your aunt at the library?”

  Mei’s expression soured and she wiped a hand across one eyebrow. “Probably three hours before dawn. Not very long from now,” she added with a sigh. She stood. “Unfortunately, I should probably head to bed to avoid being late.” Mei peered around the common space and said, “If you see Brother Long, tell him I said hi and hopefully I’ll see you all tomorrow after my shift is done.”

  “What do you think your aunt will have you do?” Ishin asked before Mei could leave.

  Shrugging, Mei answered, “Probably sorting scrolls or books. Since it’s my first day, I might just learn the layout of the library.”

  “That’ll be useful information,” Rhee pointed out. “You’ll know what resources are available.”

  “And I’ll make sure to share them with you,” Mei said without prompting. She smiled. “I’m sure there will be something inside for all of us.”

  That’ll be very useful.

  “Thank you, Sister Mei,” Ishin said.

  A smile spread across Mei’s face at the address, and Rhee’s eyes rested heavily on him.

  “Good night, Mei,” Rhee said.

  “Good night, Rhee. Good night, Brother Ishin.”

  “Good night, Sister Mei.”

  When Mei had departed back to her room, Rhee was quick to speak. “Sister Mei, now?”

  “I figure we’ve all earned it after what we’ve gone through.”

  “I see.” After a short silence, Rhee asked, “Does that include Long then?”

  “It does,” Ishin answered easily. In fact, the three of them were the people that Ishin trusted most. He still didn’t know Long as well as he did Rhee or Mei, but he did trust him. They’d saved each other’s lives enough on Desolate Island to earn that much.

  Rhee considered his answer for a moment and then nodded. “I suppose you’re right.”

  Oh? “Are you going to do the same then?”

  “I think so.”

  Seems like she really has gotten over her dislike of Mei. Good.

  Ishin glanced at the final bedroom door of their house. “Do you think Long will come out tonight?”

  “Hard to say,” Rhee admitted. “I’m sure he’s done by now. Perhaps he was too tired and went straight to bed. Or perhaps he’s cultivating. I’m not certain.”

  That was right. They could cultivate again. It was strange how, despite only being on Desolate Island for a month, it had altered Ishin’s daily habits so much.

  Something I’ll have to get used to again. At least now I don’t have to worry about Vampire Monkeys attacking me out of nowhere.

  “I bet we’ll see him tomorrow then. Speaking of tomorrow, would you like to head with me to the Market Hall and Administrative Hall in the morning?”

  “You want to get your first mission?”

  “I do,” Ishin revealed. “After I see how expensive the sect resources are.”

  “Like a spear?”

  She doesn’t miss anything.

  “Exactly,” Ishin grinned.