Chapter 119: Not Every Road

Joe's cultivation expenses continued rising. Acquired Energy demanded considerably more nourishment than the lower realms, and his pharmaceutical experiments consumed materials without guaranteeing useful results. His existing business provided a steady income, but he needed better resources to maintain his preferred training pace.

The six spirit stones offered a possible solution, although he had no intention of selling them. Their value would attract attention, particularly when he could not establish their ownership. Processing them privately remained an option, but his limited Alchemy knowledge made the risk of wasting even one stone unacceptable. He would have to continue investigating less valuable materials until he developed a reliable method.

Two evenings later, Serena accompanied him to a gathering hosted by a merchant family associated with her branch. Approximately thirty guests attended, including merchants, administrators, and younger martial practitioners from established households.

Joe spent part of the evening speaking with an older merchant who transported medicinal materials from the southern counties. The man had heard about his pharmaceutical work and asked how Ashbourne's medicinal markets compared with Blackwood.

"The prices are considerably higher, although I understand why," Joe explained. "Some medicines available here wouldn't survive transportation to Blackwood without specialized preservation. Even if merchants delivered them safely, the additional costs would put them beyond most customers' means."

"That's precisely our difficulty," the merchant agreed. "Smaller towns rarely provide enough demand to justify expensive preservation and transportation. We lose stock even when we take precautions, particularly with ingredients that deteriorate quickly."

Joe asked how the merchant handled damaged shipments. The man explained that his employees inspected rejected ingredients and recovered whatever retained commercial value, although the assessment often cost more than the remaining materials were worth.

"I've been studying medicinal degradation," Joe said. "I'd be interested in learning how your employees determine which damaged ingredients are worth recovering."

The merchant offered to introduce him to the supervisor responsible for those assessments. Joe accepted and exchanged contact information before joining another group of guests.

Later, Joe met two young martial practitioners from families connected to Montclair. Both cultivated Internal Organs, and one had already completed his third tempering. The more advanced practitioner recognized Joe and congratulated him on his unusually rapid second completion.

"I heard your physicians confirmed the second cycle after only four months and nineteen days," he remarked. "Your first took almost a year. Most practitioners need longer for subsequent tempering, yet you've become faster. Did you change your method?"

"Not fundamentally," Joe answered. "The first cycle taught me how my organs responded to different circulation pressures and how much recovery each stage required. I applied that experience during the second, so I spent less time correcting mistakes. The tempering itself remained demanding."

"Experience certainly helps, but your improvement is still remarkable. Several instructors have been discussing whether you'll maintain that pace through the remaining stages."

Joe had already heard similar speculation from Montclair. He acknowledged the interest without offering predictions, and the conversation moved toward the Decennial. Prominent households had begun arranging specialized instruction for their candidates. Some hired experienced martial artists to supervise individual training, while others organized private exchanges to develop combat experience.

The two practitioners mentioned several promising candidates, including a young woman from a western military household known for her weapon skills and another receiving instruction from retired royal guards. Three particularly talented non-royal candidates had already reached Acquired, an exceptional accomplishment even with the substantial resources their families had invested in them.

"The established families are preparing seriously," the more advanced practitioner explained. "My uncle expects them to finalize their preferred candidates within eighteen months. After that, experienced instructors will become much harder to hire, especially those familiar with the methods used by competing households."

Joe asked about the royal candidates. "Prince Corvin is among the strongest publicly known," the practitioner answered. "His Highness is twenty-two and already cultivates Acquired. He intends to participate, although several other royal descendants receive private instruction."

"Does the royal family maintain its own cultivation facilities?"

"Yes. The family lives at a castle several miles beyond Ashbourne's northern districts. Its surrounding estate covers several hundred square kilometres, including forests, private residences, and guarded grounds. Some royal descendants train at secluded facilities within the estate rather than attending the public annexes."

Joe had not realized the ruling family's private property extended so far beyond the capital. The practitioner explained that guards controlled access to the estate and restricted outsiders from entering the family's private cultivation facilities.

"Then their cultivation records aren't publicly available?" Joe asked.

"Not unless the family releases them. People hear rumors whenever a royal descendant makes an appearance or a renowned instructor visits the estate, but there's rarely enough information to judge their actual strength."

Joe considered the implications. The royal family possessed the resources to support several promising candidates privately, and the strongest among them might remain unknown until the formal selection began. The practitioners also described martial exchanges arranged by established households. Some permitted invited observers, while others restricted participation to sponsored candidates. Joe noted the admission requirements and several instructors' names before the men excused themselves to greet another guest.

Serena approached shortly afterward and noticed his notebook.

"Did you find the conversation useful?"

"Several families have already arranged specialized combat instruction. I'd expected serious preparation, but I hadn't realized how many private exchanges they organized."

"The larger households have been investing in their descendants for years," Serena explained. "You should speak with your instructors about gaining more combat experience. Montclair can arrange suitable opportunities once your recorded cultivation reaches the appropriate stage."

"I intend to. I'd prefer to identify my weaknesses against capable opponents before deciding what instruction I need."

Joe closed his notebook and glanced toward the other guests.

"Prince Corvin seems particularly interested in the Decennial. I suppose his own participation explains why he spends so much time meeting promising candidates."

"Partly. His Highness also understands the value of establishing relationships before people become influential. He has cultivated connections with several households and talented practitioners who might support his interests later."

"I can understand that, although I'm still publicly at Internal Organ II. I hadn't expected him to pay much attention to someone at my cultivation stage."

"You're nineteen, Joe. His Highness is twenty-two and reached Acquired after receiving royal instruction and excellent resources throughout his upbringing. You began cultivating in Green Hollow with very little support. If your present progress continues, you could reach Mid Acquired or higher by the time you're his age."

"That's possible, although Acquired may take considerably longer than my previous advancements."

"His Highness doesn't need certainty. He sees that possibility, and he'd rather establish a relationship with you now than compete for your attention after you've proved it."

Joe understood the reasoning. Corvin had already shown interest in his unusual progression, particularly the possibility that his constitution became more efficient with each successful advancement. Establishing a relationship while Joe remained relatively unknown required little effort from someone of the prince's position.

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"Then his interest makes sense," Joe said.

"It does. Just remember that he's a prince, however approachable he may appear. You should understand what he expects before accepting any substantial favor."

Joe accepted the warning. He had no reason to avoid Corvin, but neither did he intend to commit himself without understanding the arrangement.

Their conversation ended when the host's servants carried a long wooden case into the reception hall. The host opened it to reveal a mounted piece of calligraphy containing four large characters. Several guests gathered around the display, admiring the composition and discussing its author. Joe noticed a faint spiritual presence lingering within the ink.

"Master Deren's latest work," Serena explained. "His calligraphy has become popular among wealthy collectors."

"Does he also make talismans?"

"Simple ones. He entered Qi Refining years ago, but calligraphy proved more suitable for him than talisman-making."

Joe examined the writing. Years earlier, he had considered learning calligraphy after hearing that exceptional pieces could command extraordinary prices. Medicine and martial cultivation had occupied his attention since then, leaving little reason to investigate the profession.

"Would you introduce me? I'd like to learn more about his work."

Serena led him toward a man standing near the far wall. Deren appeared to be in his forties, with neatly arranged clothing and a dark ink stain along the side of his right middle finger. He greeted Serena courteously before turning toward Joe.

"I've heard about your cultivation progress, Mr. Vale. Serena also mentioned your pharmaceutical research. What brings you to someone who spends most of his time working with ink?"

"Your displayed work caught my attention," Joe explained. "I considered studying calligraphy when I was younger, but I never pursued it. Someone told me that exceptional pieces could sell for more than an ordinary craftsman earned in several years. I was curious whether that was true."

"It is, although those sales are exceptional. Most calligraphers earn a modest living from contracts, ceremonial writing, and decorative commissions. Skilled scribes are plentiful, and excellent handwriting alone won't make anyone wealthy."

"I assume spiritual calligraphy offers better opportunities."

"It does, but spiritual cultivation only qualifies someone to attempt it. The work still demands years of technical development and artistic understanding."

Deren gestured toward the displayed scroll and explained that talisman-making and spiritual calligraphy shared several foundational skills. Both required precise brush control, careful preparation, and the ability to guide qi through written forms.

"I spent nine years attempting to establish myself as a talisman maker," he continued. "I could produce simple talismans reliably, but my more complicated work remained inconsistent. Calligraphy suited me better, so I eventually concentrated on improving my writing."

Joe considered the explanation. Even after entering Qi Refining, Deren had needed considerable practice to establish himself in a specialized profession. His spiritual cultivation had provided an opportunity, not guaranteed professional success.

"What about Return to Nature?" Joe asked. "I've heard that works reaching that attainment can command extraordinary prices."

Deren's expression grew thoughtful.

"They can, although few calligraphers ever achieve it. Mastering brushwork is only part of the requirement. A practitioner must understand the art beyond the individual techniques he has learned."

"Does that require studying different styles?"

"Most serious calligraphers believe so, although the schools disagree about what ultimately produces the breakthrough. I've studied several traditions and can reproduce many of their techniques, but that hasn't brought me to Return to Nature. I wouldn't claim to understand an attainment I've never experienced."

Joe found the explanation interesting. He had heard similar descriptions of martial techniques progressing beyond Perfection, although he lacked enough knowledge to determine how closely the two disciplines related.

"Even if someone produces such a masterpiece, I imagine finding a buyer presents another difficulty," he observed.

"Certainly. A wealthy family might purchase one extraordinary work and preserve it for generations, but the artist cannot depend on receiving another comparable commission. Those sales make interesting stories without providing a reliable livelihood."

Joe considered the profession's requirements. His talents could accelerate technical practice, but they would not grant him qi or the understanding needed to compete with established spiritual calligraphers.

"I don't think pursuing calligraphy professionally would be sensible for me," he admitted. "My pharmaceutical work already provides income, and cultivation occupies most of my attention."

"Then learn it for your own enjoyment," Deren suggested. "Not every interest needs to become a profession. I still write privately when I have the opportunity, even after spending most of my working hours preparing commissions."

"Does it remain relaxing after so many years?"

"More so when nobody is waiting for the finished work. I can concentrate on the writing without worrying about a customer's preferences or whether the piece will sell."

Joe found the suggestion appealing. Almost everything he practiced served a specific purpose, whether improving cultivation, earning money, or developing pharmaceutical knowledge. Calligraphy offered an activity he could enjoy without treating every session as another obligation.

"I think I'll try it," he decided. "Would you recommend a suitable manual for someone beginning with ordinary brushwork?"

Deren suggested a collection of fundamental exercises and explained which equipment would suit a beginner.

"Begin with one established style and learn its structure properly," he advised. "Different schools approach the brush differently, and trying to imitate several before mastering the fundamentals usually creates bad habits."

Joe thanked him for the recommendation. Their discussion continued briefly until another guest approached Deren about the displayed scroll.

The gathering lasted another hour. Joe met several younger practitioners and their relatives, learning enough about their backgrounds to recognize them at future events. By the time he left, he had obtained useful information about the Decennial, established new acquaintances, and found an unexpected interest worth pursuing.

The following morning, Joe visited Ashbourne's writing district while purchasing medicinal supplies. Most establishments offered ordinary writing services, although a few specialized in expensive decorative works. One displayed several pieces of spiritual calligraphy whose prices far exceeded those of the surrounding shops. He purchased Deren's recommended manual, brushes, ink, and paper before returning to Edwin's house.

That evening, after completing his cultivation, Joe cleared a section of his desk and began practicing. The manual introduced brush grip, pressure control, stroke order, and the construction of basic characters. His first attempts were uneven, particularly when changing direction or maintaining consistent pressure, but he could identify the mistakes and correct them through repetition. His exceptional bodily coordination helped him understand the movements, while his talents accelerated improvement through practice. Within several days, he had mastered the fundamental strokes and progressed to more complicated character structures.

Joe found the activity unexpectedly pleasant. Unlike pharmaceutical experiments, imperfect results carried no consequences beyond wasted paper and ink. He could concentrate on the characters without worrying about medicinal effects or cultivation resources. He continued practicing for half an hour each evening, following Deren's recommendation to concentrate on one established style.

A few days later, a new entry appeared on his panel.

Calligraphy — Lv.2 / 36%

The progress interested him, but he did not increase his practice sessions. He enjoyed the activity and preferred to keep it separate from his demanding cultivation schedule.

Over the following two weeks, his control improved rapidly. His characters became consistent in proportion, and he learned to produce complicated structures without consciously adjusting every movement. The awkward corrections that had interrupted his early practice gradually disappeared as his hand developed the necessary coordination. Eventually, his panel displayed:

Calligraphy — Lv.5 / Perfection

Joe examined the result with satisfaction. He had perfected the techniques he had studied, although he understood that other schools approached calligraphy differently. Deren's explanation had also established that technical mastery did not automatically grant the comprehension required for Return to Nature. Neither limitation concerned him. Joe had begun writing for relaxation, and the activity had become a welcome part of his evenings.

The practice nevertheless revealed something useful about his movements. During his early exercises, Joe had corrected every uneven stroke deliberately. As his technique improved, those corrections became unnecessary. His hand began producing the required movements naturally, and concentrating too heavily on individual adjustments occasionally disrupted an otherwise accurate stroke. He recognized a similar problem during his martial training.

One afternoon, Joe entered the combined state he had developed through Static and Dynamic Foundation. He performed a sequence of familiar movements while maintaining the coordination he had practiced for years. Initially, he monitored his posture and corrected minor changes in balance. Every movement remained precise, but the constant adjustments required conscious attention. He repeated the sequence without interfering with corrections his body could already perform naturally. His weight shifted smoothly through several changes of direction, and his posture remained stable without deliberate adjustments. The coordination continued when he stopped moving, preserving the same underlying structure in stillness.

When Joe attempted to examine each movement closely, he introduced unnecessary corrections and disrupted the coordination. He repeated the exercise several times, comparing the results until he could distinguish genuine errors from adjustments that no longer served a purpose. Static and Dynamic Foundation had taught him to maintain correct bodily structure under different conditions. He had perfected both methods, yet he still directed them separately during practice. His body functioned as a single system, and the movements he had already mastered worked more smoothly when he stopped dividing his attention between them.

Joe adjusted his approach. Rather than supervise individual movements, he concentrated on maintaining the coordination of his entire body while moving between familiar positions. The method produced steadier results, although unfamiliar transitions still demanded deliberate control. He had not achieved another breakthrough, but the experiments gave him a practical direction for further training. He ended the session and recorded the conditions under which his coordination improved, intending to test them again after his next period of recovery.