Chapter 23:

Comfort

The Broken Paths

A couple days has passed and the routine stayed the same but this nightfall was different.

The entire sect—about 40 Silver Lotus members and 60 Ryl Trading workers—gathered for a rare occasion: a winter feast.

Large iron pots of thick stew bubbled over roaring fires, filled with dried venison, root vegetables, and grains. Flatbreads and dumplings steamed beside them, a luxury even during easier times. The food was simple but hearty, meant to sustain them through the cold. Barrels of warmed spiced wine and tea were passed around, keeping spirits high.

The scent of well-earned abundance filled the air, mingling with the sounds of chatter and laughter.Jiang, tearing into a dumpling, sighed in satisfaction. "I don't think I've ever eaten this well for so long in winter.''

Bao, gulping down a bowl of stew, smirked. "Makes me wonder what all those past years were for."

Zhu Fen, barely able to sit still, leaned forward. "Senior Jiang, do you think if I train hard enough, I'll be able to eat like this every winter?"

Jiang gave him a solemn nod. "Kid, that's the true martial arts dream."

Zhao Lihua, one of the elders and senior disciples, chuckled as she refilled her tea. "It's strange, isn't it? We've spent years thinking winter had to be endured. Now, it feels almost… easy."

Elden Jian Bo, the eldest sect member, sighed, stirring his drink. "That's the power of a well-placed deal. Hard work alone doesn't always cut it—sometimes, you have to be smart."

Gan Xiu, a Ryl Trading merchant, grinned. "And you lot are finally learning that."

As the night deepened, the conversation shifted towards training progress.

Jiang leaned back, glancing at the disciples. "Honestly? The sect's never been stronger. Even the younger ones are catching up."

Bao nodded. "Yeah, have you seen them? The new batch of disciples are almost as toned as I was a year ago."

Zhao Lihua smirked. "Which means, compared to Jiang, they're still years behind."

Jiang took a sip of his drink and let out a sass in his tone. "Naturally."

Zhu Fen, still energetic, beamed. "And I learned Step 1!"

Yuxe Wuye, amused, ruffled the boy's hair. "Yes, and if you keep up, you'll surpass these two before they know it."

Bao scowled. "I refuse to be surpassed by an eleven-year-old."

Meyu, lounging beside them, tilted her head. "That reminds me. Since you're all so strong now, surely you won't mind putting that strength to good use?" she says as she rubs her hands, which reminds them of Atlas antics.

Jiang sighed. "Here we go."

Meyu dramatically stood, clearing her throat. "Ladies. Gentlemen. Disciples. Business partners. I have a vision."

Everyone looked at her at once.

Undeterred, she unfurled a large parchment, revealing detailed plans for monetizing the sect.

"Now that our disciples are educated in both martial arts and mathematics, we are uniquely positioned to open the sect to outsiders—for a reasonable fee, of course."

Jiang pinched the bridge of his nose. "We're not selling our techniques. I told you this Meyu"

Meyu waved a hand. "Obviously. We teach visitors a 'simplified' version, call it something fancy like 'Warrior's Breathing Method,' and boom—instant revenue stream."

Lin Wuye frowned. "The sect's history—"

"Will remain intact." Meyu interrupted smoothly. "We just package it better."

Bao snorted. "Sounds like a scam."

Meyu gasped. "It's called 'marketing,' Bao. Think about it."

Jian Bo, ever the practical one since learning under Meyu, rubbed his chin. "And what about trade?"

Meyu smirked. "Well, now that you mention it—premium sect weapons, hand-forged by our best blacksmiths, inscribed with a fancy Silver Lotus emblem. Exclusive, powerful, expensive."

Jiang shook his head. "We don't have an emblem."

Meyu immediately pulled out a sketch. "We do now."

The parchment revealed an intricate emblem—a stylized silver lotus in full bloom, its petals edged with fine calligraphy strokes resembling flowing wind. Behind it, a curving blade intertwined with a gust of air, symbolizing both the sect's martial prowess and its connection to the elements. At the bottom, in elegant script, was the motto: 'Strength in Flow, Wisdom in Balance.'

Jiang narrowed his eyes. "Did you just design this?"

Meyu smirked. "I designed it weeks ago in preparation for your eventual surrender to us."

Layla, sipping her tea, sighed. "You already planned this, didn't you?"

Meyu grinned. "I had backups in case you refused."

Gan Xiu, impressed, raised a drink. "I like this one."

Zhao Lihua crossed her arms. "So let me get this straight. You want us to turn Silver Lotus into an attraction, train outsiders just enough to make them feel accomplished, and sell our name for profit?"

Meyu smiled. "Yes."

Silence for a few agonizing moments.

Then, to Meyu's absolute delight, the disciples—who had been learning math and business—actually understood the value.

One disciple hesitantly raised a hand. "If we do this… does that mean we'll have extra funding for repairs and new training grounds?"

Meyu beamed. "Yes, my dear, intelligent student."

Another disciple nodded. "And better food supplies?"

"Absolutely."

A third asked, "And we… wouldn't have to rely on donations?"

"Bingo."

Lin Wuye, realizing he was losing this battle, rubbed his forehead. "I can't believe they're agreeing."

Meyu threw her arms wide. "It's called progress, Master Lin!"

Jiang groaned, slumping into his seat. "I need another drink."