Path of the Sect Leader

Side Story: Daily Life in Chu Qin Sect – Year Six of the Southern Migration

Breath steady, Qi cycling through meridians in slow, deliberate loops. Hands traced from crown to dantian, pressing down with measured force.

He ran the routine for dozens of cycles. Not a whisper of progress.

A weary exhale escaped his lips.

Huang He opened his eyes and caught his reflection in the spring pool beside the stone platform. A passable young face stared back—clean features, still carrying the freshness of youth.

Too bad the Great Dao remained firmly shut to him.

“No rush,” he muttered, forcing the words out like a mantra. “The Sect Leader didn’t even awaken his potential until past thirty.”

Comforting himself felt hollow. His gaze drifted to the incense burner in front of him. The last stick had burned out, only a thin ribbon of smoke lingering in the air.

Time’s up.

From his storage pouch he gathered the prayer mat, burner, and the few scattered cultivation aids. With a light hop he left the platform, stepping out of the shallow cave. A handsome youth already waited at the entrance, posture relaxed but alert.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Junior Brother He.”

“Not at all. I only just arrived.” The smile that followed was polite, bright enough to melt late-winter snow—yet somehow still cool, carrying a faint distance that kept everyone at arm’s length.

Huang He called him junior brother, but the gap in cultivation was glaring. In a few decades, the titles might very well reverse. Plenty of disciples in the sect thought the same. This particular junior brother was widely seen as the future pillar of Chu Qin Sect, so people went out of their way to be accommodating—for all sorts of reasons.

Huang He wanted to build some rapport too, maybe trade a few friendly words that could pay dividends later. But when he opened his mouth, only an awkward grin came out.

“Look… my own progress is going nowhere. The cave slot they gave me—take half my time. Seriously.”

The offer tumbled out clumsy and blunt after a long silence. Small talk wasn’t his strength; handing over actual resources felt more honest.

Junior Brother He’s eyes widened, genuine surprise breaking through the usual reserve. “You mean it?”

“Why would I joke about that?” Huang He shrugged. He’d decided days ago. His path was stalled; better to let someone with real momentum use the spot.

The gratitude that followed felt warm and unforced. They parted with a quick nod.

Halfway down the mountain trail, a girl of fourteen or fifteen burst from one of the mortal cottages clustered at the foot of Black River Peak. Her thick black braid swung wildly as she ran, oval face flushed, features already hinting at the beauty she’d grow into.

“Huang He!”

No honorifics, no bowing or scraping like most villagers showed to cultivators. She charged straight at him, fire in her eyes. “You promised to marry me—how come you’re backing out now?”

“Shh—keep it down!”

He darted forward and clapped a hand over her mouth, glancing around in panic. Nothing but the golden-furred monkey the Sect Leader had bought years ago, lounging in a distant treetop. No witnesses. He let out a relieved breath.

“What are you yelling for? I said I’d marry you after I turn thirty. What’s the hurry?”

“As if I believe you!”

The moment he lowered his hand she was off again, cheeks blazing like ripe summer peaches. She folded her arms across her chest, voice dropping to an embarrassed hiss. “There’re only a dozen or so Qin households on this whole peak. Everyone knows everyone’s business! Immortal Master Zhang already put down betrothal gifts for my two older cousins. You? Not even a peep. And yet you…” She trailed off, face burning brighter. “You went and kissed me, touched me—took all those liberties!”

Thud.

A figure crashed out of the dense foliage overhead, landing in an ungraceful heap. Without so much as a greeting, the intruder let out a sharp whistle. The golden monkey bounded over, and both vanished down the slope in a blur of fur and laughter.

Huang He’s face drained of color.

“That loudmouth Gu Ji…”

He stared at the empty trail, voice barely above a whisper. “However many years it takes, he’s never going to let me live this down.”