Li Mu ran. The air in the Azure Sect grounds was cold and thin, but the sweat on his brow was hot. The jade, still tucked against his chest, hummed faintly. He was an "Ash-Picker" and now a fugitive. He had no plan, only instinct driving him away from the barracks and the unconscious Master Hong. The Azure Sect covered a vast area of Mount Cinnabar, a labyrinth of grand halls, serene pavilions, and training fields carved into the rock. The only way out was through the main gates, heavily guarded by Outer Disciples. He dove into a grove of bamboo, the stalks clicking together in the wind, a sound like distant swords clashing. He crouched, catching his breath, and assessed his situation. He had nothing: no money, no identity papers, no cultivation base, and the clothes on his back were rags saturated with ash. All he possessed was a strange, powerful jade that could blast a man across a room. He risked a glance back toward the barracks. No alarms had been raised. The sect slept the deep sleep of the privileged and the exhausted. He needed a direction. The chasm chute led to the mortal world, but that area was also under surveillance. The main path was impossible. That left the wild mountain paths and the surrounding forest—a place full of wild beasts and potentially wandering spirit beasts. A distant bell chimed, marking the second watch of the night. He had to move. He started climbing the steep, unkempt path that skirted the edge of the manicured grounds. The mud was slick, the footing uncertain. He slipped twice, his hands digging into the cold earth. His lungs burned, but the dull ache was a welcome distraction from his fear. He thought of his sister, Li Qin. He had protected her in the village, worked extra hours for their single shared meal, and felt a quiet joy in her potential. Now, his flight would likely reflect poorly on her. The Sect was merciless in its judgments. He closed his eyes, sending a silent apology to the heavens. He reached a small clearing where an old, gnarled pine tree stood, overlooking the path below. He paused to rest, leaning against the rough bark. He took the jade from his tunic again. The soft green glow was the only light besides the moon."What are you?" he whispered. He pressed it to his forehead, attempting to connect with it mentally, as he'd heard cultivators did with their spirit items. A cascade of images flooded his mind: ancient mountains covered in snow, a raging blue ocean, a sky filled with crimson clouds, and then a void. The images were fast, overwhelming, and ended with a sharp, piercing pain behind his eyes. He gasped, dropping the jade onto his lap. The stone felt warmer now, almost feverish. That was a mistake. This jade wasn't just a simple spirit stone. It had a spirit, a will, and a history he couldn't comprehend. He looked down the winding path. A lantern bobbed in the distance. Guards. He stood up, adrenaline sharpening his senses. He climbed into the dense branches of the pine tree, hiding himself among the sharp needles. The guards approached, two Outer Disciples in blue robes, laughing and talking about the day's Proving."...did you see Jian's sword display? He'll certainly reach the Foundation Establishment stage within a year," one said."Of course. Did you hear about the little scandal in the barracks, though?" the other replied. "Some servant boy supposedly stole an Elder's spirit jade. Master Hong was found knocked out cold, babbling about a green light."Li Mu's blood ran cold. They already knew."They sent the Discipline Elders to seal the area," the first guard continued, oblivious to the fugitive above their heads. "They'll find the brat by morning. Nobody escapes the Azure Sect."The guards walked on, their laughter fading into the night. Li Mu stayed in the tree for an hour, shaking from cold and fear. They were searching for him. The Sect's justice was swift and brutal. He looked down at the jade in his hand. If it could knock out Master Hong, perhaps it could get him past the main gates, or at least help him survive the wilderness. He had no other choice. He slipped from the tree and continued his ascent up the mountain path, moving deeper into the dark, uncharted wilderness of Mount Cinnabar. His life as an Ash-Picker was over. His life as a fugitive with a mysterious treasure had just begun.
