Ash woke early, the new seed warm in his palm like a secret promise. Outside, the morning mist tangled with faint scents of earth and herbs—a natural orchestra just waiting to be conducted.
He sat cross-legged on his porch, system panel open but quiet for once. The "Scented Step" blueprint hovered in his mind like a half-remembered melody, teasing him.
The First Stir
Making skill wasn't like waving a wand. It was more like cooking—layering thoughts, sensations, intent, and ingredients into a slow dance.
Ash pulled out a small bowl and measured three leaves of Whisperleaf Mint, a handful of crushed Moonstone Peppercorns, and a pinch of Duskroot Powder—all chosen for their subtle aroma and calming qi.
He began the "Flavor Memory Reduction" process the system suggested, infusing the ingredients with quiet Qi threads, trying to capture the elusive scent-pattern that masked footsteps.
His hands trembled slightly—what if this failed? But the system was patient; skill creation was never instant.
Minutes passed. Steam curled up like lazy spirits. Ash inhaled deeply, eyes closed, feeling the cool mint sharpness mingling with the warm, smoky duskroot.
[System Prompt]– Partial Skill Formation Detected– Effect: Footsteps partially masked by shifting aromas– Stability: 37%– Suggested Improvement: Increase aroma layering or Qi threading intensity
Ash muttered, "Okay, aromatic masking… got it." He added a bit more crushed Silver Thyme, stirring clockwise to weave in a soothing memory of gentle winds.
Watching from the Shadows
Unbeknownst to Ash, a pair of sharp eyes watched from the bamboo thicket nearby.
"Is that the boy again?" whispered Lin Wuyi to a companion. "He's been working all morning with those weird herbs. Doesn't even look like cultivation practice."
"Quiet, you'll scare him off," the companion replied, but his eyes were narrowing thoughtfully.
Word of Ash's odd, almost domestic method of cultivation had been spreading through Green Reed Garden—his peculiar "soup skills" and the odd little seeds he collected.
"Cooking and skill crafting? That's just... strange. But it works, somehow."
Small Progress
Ash sipped the steaming concoction he'd brewed and tried walking softly across the wooden floor of his porch.
To his surprise, the usual faint creaks and groans seemed dulled.
The system chimed softly.
[Skill Formation Update]– "Scented Step" active (trial)– Effectiveness: 42%– Duration: 10 minutes– Side Effects: Slight residual herb scent trailing footsteps
He grinned. "I'm smelling like a spice market, but nobody's noticing my steps. Not bad."
He made a mental note: tweak scent balance, improve Qi weaving, and maybe—just maybe—add a pinch of wild ginger to sharpen the concealment edge.
A Chance Encounter
Just then, Lin Wuyi stepped out of the shadows, hands raised in mock surrender.
"Hey! I come in peace. Thought I'd see what kind of cooking sorcery you're up to."
Ash blinked, startled but not alarmed.
"Want some ginger tea?"
She smiled, shaking her head. "No thanks. But I want to help. I've been cataloging rare herbs in the western woods. Maybe some of those could help."
Ash narrowed his eyes playfully.
"Careful, or you might become my sous-chef."
Lin laughed, a genuine sound that echoed in the quiet morning.
System Observation
[Passive Activated: Spiritual Palate]– Detecting increased aroma complexity– New interaction unlocked: "Collaborative Skill Refinement"– Suggestion: Invite trusted allies for combined skill crafting
Ash considered.
Maybe this slow, fragrant path wasn't just about solitary work.
Maybe, sometimes, a little company would make the flavors richer.
Evening Musings
As twilight softened the day, Ash sat again, notebook open.
He scribbled thoughts:
"Skill crafting is like cooking for the soul. Patience, layers, and a dash of chaos."
He closed his eyes, letting the faint scent of wild thyme and mint linger.
The system hummed quietly, like a secret friend.
And Ash smiled.
End of Chapter 12