Cultivation is Creation

The massive gates of the Azure Peak Sect loomed before us, their blue-gray stone somehow both welcoming and intimidating in the late afternoon light.

Strange how a place I'd initially seen as a prison had somehow become... well, if not exactly home, at least familiar territory.

"Home sweet home," Wei Lin sighed, throwing his arms up over his head. "Though I have to admit, all that traveling has made me appreciate my bed even more."

"At least we got what we came for," Lin Mei said. "Even if the journey was more exciting than planned."

"Well," I turned to the two brothers who'd been carrying Rocky for the past hour, "this is where we part ways. Thank you for your... assistance." I couldn't quite keep the amusement out of my voice at their forced labor.

They pretty much dropped Rocky, though the stone guardian didn't seem bothered by it either. He just let out a grinding sound that could be taken as a yawn.

"So," Zhao Yu shifted his weight from foot to foot. "We should probably..."

"Actually," I said, studying them thoughtfully, "I have a proposition for you both."

Zhao Xing's eyes narrowed with immediate suspicion, while his younger brother's face showed naked hope.