Yu Liang pulled out his handyman uniform from the system inventory. He made a small tears in it and rubbed some of the impurities he had released onto the fabric then messed up his hair and put the uniform on. When he looked in the mirror he saw that his face was cleaner and more attractive after the impurities were gone. He sighed, "There’s nothing I can do about it."
He then sent a message using the jade slip: Xiao Wei would personally take care of his room; he would be going to enjoy the world and could return anytime. So, no need to wait for him.
With that he opened the window.
Jumped out.
He landed softly then started running. His body moved smoothly with each step covering several meters with very little effort.
The ground passed beneath him quickly. The wind hit his face as if he were gliding instead of running. His breathing remained steady not affected by the speed and his steps became faster the longer he ran.
Soon the roofs, trees and paths around him blurred past in succession. After some time the buildings of the sect’s inn came into view. Without slowing much he adjusted his pace. Headed directly toward it.
.
.
Wei Feng leaned back on the bench in the courtyard stretching his arms. "That one day felt too short but at least I managed to go down to the market. I tried a noodle stall—broth was light nothing too heavy. Sat there for an hour just watching people walk by. Haven’t had that kind of quiet in a while."
Xiao Fei laughed, sitting beside him with a jug of tea. "You? Sitting still? That’s a surprise. I went outside the city walls instead. Took a walk along the riverbank. The air was clearer there. I even saw a fisherman pull up a carp bigger than my arm. He bragged about it at the time while I helped him carry his basket."
Wei Feng looked at him. "You always find ways to talk to strangers. Did you atleast get something out of it?"
"A small pouch of dried fish " Xiao Fei said with a grin. "Not much, but better than nothing."
Wei Feng shook his head. "You spent your time carrying fish. I spent mine staring at bowls of noodles. Somehow both sound equally uneventful."
Xiao Fei poured him tea. "Uneventful is fine."
Xiao Fei leaned forward his eyes shining. "You know, on the way I saw so many cultivators passing through the city gates. Some of them had strong presence it was like the air bent around them. One even carried a sword that shimmered without a sheath. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. Someday I want to be like that—walking with my head high people making people turning to look."
Wei Feng let out a breath, resting his chin on his hand. "I used to think the same. Thought I’d climb step by step reach where they are. Look at me now. Still scrubbing floors, carrying water. Youth makes you dream big. Reality...." He shook his head lips pressed in a line.
Before he could sink deeper into his thoughts Xiao Fei suddenly stood up pointing toward the path. "Eh?! Look, look! Isn’t that Senior Yu Liang? Look at his speed! That’s too fast!"
Wei Feng blinked, lifting his head to see Yu Liang approaching at a pace. Xiao Fei’s voice was full of excitement. "See? That’s the kind of speed I’m talking about! Amazing!"
In the blink of an eye Yu Liang was already standing before them. Xiao Fei’s mouth opened, ready to bombard him with questions. Before a single word escaped, a gust of wind stirred dust at their feet.
Ling Tao dropped down from above, arms folded and chin lifted. His tone carried no room for argument. "Enough standing around. That one day of freedom is over. Handyman disciples should remember their place. There’s much work waiting, so move."
Wei Feng’s shoulders slumped at the words, the ease from earlier disappearing as quickly as it came. Xiao Fei Kept quiet glancing at Yu Liang as if hoping he’d say something. Yu Liang simply adjusted his uniform, face calm, giving nothing away.
Without protest the group fell into step following Ling Tao. Their feet carried them out of the courtyard, down the stone paths and towards the docking area where crates and supplies piled high waiting to be sorted and hauled. Once again reminding them that their short taste of freedom had already ended.
After they reached the docking area Fei Min was already waiting. She greeted Ling Tao with a nod before turning her eyes on the handyman disciples. Her gaze lingered briefly on Xiao Fei, who stiffened at once recalling the encounter at the market.
Her voice cut through the air calm yet edged with authority. "All of this must be finished within two hours. No excuses."
Soon as she finished a wave of her qi rolled out pressing down on them like a heavy weight. Wei Feng’s forehead grew damp with sweat, his hands trembling slightly. Xiao Fei clutched at his chest gasping for breath, his body struggling to withstand the pressure as being new to cultivation, the gap between him and a Qi Condensation cultivator was far too great.
Yu Liang however stood upright, shoulders squared. The pressure bore down on him well but it wasn’t beyond what he could manage. His calm expression under the weight made Fei Min pause for a moment. Confusion flickered in her eyes but then she quickly dismissed it. With a snort she turned away and left alongside Ling Tao leaving the group to their work.
Xiao Fei lowered his head, the spark in his eyes dimming. That single day of freedom had made him forget his place. Fei Min’s presence reminded him sharply where he stood. He clenched his fists then released them, accepting the reality before him.
Yu Liang gave him a look and spoke evenly "Don’t let it weigh too much on you. We just do our part. The more we push forward quietly, the better our chances later." Without another word he bent down and lifted one of the crates carrying it toward the storage area.
Wei Feng followed, letting out a sigh as he picked up another load. "He’s right. No point in brooding over it. We get through today, and tomorrow comes all the same."
Xiao Fei glanced at the two of them, then drew in a breath. Though his chest still ached from the pressure earlier, he steadied himself and joined in the work. The sound of crates being shifted and supplies being stacked soon filled the area.