As Gene followed Tiantongzi toward the Grand Hall of the Soul-Guard Alliance, his eyes darted from side to side, drinking in the grandeur around him. The Alliance's territory sprawled across the city like a miniature kingdom: towering pavilions of jade and glass, imposing yet understated stonework, and a sense of solemnity that weighed upon the streets. The main roads, paved with blue-gray stone, were over nine feet wide, and the central thoroughfare stretched over thirty feet across.
It was still early, and pedestrians were few. Only a scattering of young attendants and minor servants swept the streets, bowing respectfully as Tiantongzi passed. The Daoist merely nodded in acknowledgment, offering no reply.
Gene's wandering gaze drew another frown from Tiantongzi. Unaware of Gene's intent to savor his surroundings before leaving, the elder assumed the young man was ill-mannered and ignorant of proper decorum.
Initially, Gene felt some restraint under the scrutiny, but the repeated cold glances only made him bolder. He ignored the minor aches in his chest and followed behind, taking in every detail of the streets and buildings as they approached the Grand Hall.
The thoroughfare was silent, the stillness almost oppressive. Every stone and timber of the Alliance seemed deliberately crafted to inspire awe: tall but not ostentatious, elaborately carved without extravagance, radiating authority without arrogance.
Gene maintained a steady pace at first, but soon the weight of his injuries slowed him. Breathing grew labored, and he finally paused, sitting on a nearby stone step to rest.
Tiantongzi, having walked some distance ahead and unable to hear Gene's steps, turned and spotted him.
"What are you doing?" the Daoist asked, brow furrowed.
"I'm injured. I need a moment to rest," Gene replied casually. Even in this act of defiance, there was a sense of quiet dignity: one who sought nothing from others can stand firm in his own right.
Tiantongzi's expression darkened. "But did not the Alliance Master grant you a Huangzhi Rebirth Pill?"
Gene pulled the pill from his robe, holding it up with a faint smile. "I do not wish to owe the Alliance any favors. Here it is. Return it to you, if you like."
The words were tinged with defiance. Tiantongzi, surprised by his insolence, asked, "Why refuse what the Alliance has offered?"
Gene shrugged lightly. "Even if I don't take it, I won't die."
The older man, seasoned and wise, recognized the subtle undertone: Gene's resentment. Tiantongzi, unwilling to argue in public, softened his tone. "Feng Tianyu's actions before were a misunderstanding…"
Gene interrupted sharply. "Not a misunderstanding! He tried to kill me!"
His voice rose, startling the young attendants sweeping nearby. Tiantongzi, eager to prevent further scene, said calmly, "Rest now. When you are able to walk, go to the Hall promptly. The Master and the elders await. Do not keep them waiting."
Gene fell silent, catching his breath before resuming the slow march. Tiantongzi adjusted his pace, allowing Gene some comfort as they traversed the eastern road toward the Grand Hall, located at the very center of the city.
Half an incense stick later, they reached the outer doors. Entering through the main gate, they walked down a corridor that stretched tens of yards. The hall doors stood wide open, revealing a grand interior. Rows of high-backed chairs lined either side of the hall, each row seating dozens, now fully occupied.
Above, a gilded plaque bore the four ancient characters: "Heavenly Dao Bears Responsibility." The walls were adorned with portraits of revered masters—Gene recognized only the founder of the Three Purities; the others, undoubtedly, were founders of the major sects.
Beneath the plaque sat the Master's seat, a broad throne, now vacant. In front of it stood a tall, lean middle-aged man whose features bore a faint resemblance to Lingyue. Gene instantly recognized him: Ji Lianyu, the Alliance Master.
Third Aunt had mentioned Ji Lianyu's deep affection for his daughter. Though the Master should be in his sixties or seventies, his aura of cultivation preserved youth in appearance. He exuded authority tempered by calm friendliness. Upon his gaze settling on Gene, a faint smile curved his lips.
The Alliance's business having been concluded, the assembly remained solely for Gene's arrival. Tiantongzi reported respectfully, then took his place. Gene, aware of all eyes upon him, stepped over the threshold.
Further wandering of his gaze would have been impolite. Instead, he clasped his hands and bowed deeply toward Ji Lianyu and the elders. "Your servant, Gene, pays respects to Master Ji, and to the honored elders."
Those present, discerning and alert, noted that Gene included his surname, marking himself as an outsider with no intention of ingratiating himself.
"No need for formalities," Ji Lianyu said, smiling, then spoke more seriously. "Your injuries are not yet healed. Sit, and we shall speak."
Attendants promptly brought a chair. Gene declined with a polite shake of the head. "I thank you, Master Ji, but I will stand."
"Gene, sit and speak," a voice from the last row on the east side urged—it was Lingyue.
Gene nodded faintly but remained standing. Ji Lianyu, noting his resolve, allowed it and continued with formality. "Tianyu acted violently, injuring another without cause. After investigation, he will be severely punished: stripped of his Flame Arrow Sect credentials, retained in the Alliance to atone, under supervision. Are you satisfied with this resolution?"
Gene nodded, having anticipated fair but stern treatment. "The Alliance handles justice rightly. Lingyue acted in anger; if the Master had excused her, a mild punishment on Tianyu would suffice. Such strictness is admirable."
Ji Lianyu inclined his head. "Since you saved my daughter's life and cared for her over these days, you deserve reward. Tell me, what reward do you desire?"
Gene shook his head. "Nothing."
A ripple of surprise passed through the hall. Not for his refusal, but for the sincerity evident in his voice. This was no idle modesty.
"I truly want nothing," Gene affirmed. "Had it been anyone else in danger, I would have acted likewise. Lingyue is virtuous, the Alliance just. My injuries will heal soon, and I will depart in a few days."
"Altruism without expectation is commendable," Ji Lianyu said, "but even in virtue, rewards are justly given. If there is anything you desire, speak freely."
Gene still shook his head. When asked whether he wished to join the Alliance or request a personal favor, he remained silent.
After contemplation, Ji Lianyu asked one final question: "Would you wish to cultivate martial arts and spiritual energy?"
This caught Gene's attention. Every young man longs for mastery. He hesitated, then nodded slightly.
"Very well," Ji Lianyu continued, voice gentle yet commanding. "The Flame Arrow Sect has nine levels of energy cultivation techniques. The highest, the Ninth Form, is the Supreme Tri-Absorption Fire. Would you dedicate yourself to its study?"
"The… Supreme Tri-Absorption Fire?" Gene repeated, instinctively.
"Yes," Ji Lianyu said. "If you have the heart, I will pass it to you. But be forewarned: though the cultivation formulas exist, none have succeeded in mastering it in nearly a thousand years…"