Dawn was just beginning to bleed through the mist when Ash slipped quietly from his small cottage. The scent of damp earth and fresh herbs filled the air — the perfect backdrop for his first real trial outside the safe boundaries of Green Reed Garden.
His breath formed small clouds as he inhaled deeply. Today was about more than just practice; it was about application. Could "Scented Step" really shield him in a more unpredictable, bustling environment?
The Path Through the Commons
The common hall was already stirring with early risers — disciples chatting, stretching, or warming up. Ash kept low, activating his skill before stepping onto the gravel path.
The faint herbal scent mixed with the ever-present odors of wood smoke, sweat, and cooking fires. It masked him well, just as he had hoped. But here, unlike the quiet garden, any slip would be instantly noticed.
He moved deliberately, testing how his skill reacted amid the unpredictable sounds and smells. The system pinged softly:
Skill Stability: 70%Effectiveness: 65%Side Effects: Mild herbal scent
An Unwelcome Spotlight
Just as Ash was settling into the rhythm, a sharp voice rang out.
"Is that… Ash? Trying to sneak around, huh?"
Ash froze. Mei's voice, carrying the unmistakable blend of amusement and challenge.
He glanced up to see Mei standing beside Jin, a senior disciple known for his bluntness and competitive streak.
"Well, don't let me stop you," Jin added with a smirk. "Let's see how 'sneaky' this skill really is."
The Testing Ground
The crowd's interest was piqued; a few nearby disciples glanced over, whispers rippling like leaves in a breeze.
Ash's mind raced, system panel flickering with options and alerts.
Suggested Action: Activate "Scented Step" at full strength. Risk: Increased scent intensity may alert nearby individuals.
He weighed the risk. Showy displays weren't his style. Instead, he opted for subtlety — tweaking the skill parameters mid-step.
"Alright," Ash said calmly. "If you want a demonstration, come follow."
A Quiet Chase
He moved smoothly, every footfall veiled beneath the carefully balanced scent. Mei followed easily, intrigued, while Jin's steps faltered once or twice, a flicker of doubt crossing his face.
"Not bad," Mei admitted, "but if I wanted to catch you, I'd just wait for the scent to fade."
Ash smiled inwardly. "Exactly the limitation I'm working on."
Learning Through Interaction
After the brief chase, Ash found a quiet corner and pulled up his system panel.
Skill Cooldown: 30 secondsStability at Full Strength: 50%Effective Duration at Full Strength: 8 minutesSuggested Improvement: Blend scent compounds to extend duration and reduce cooldown.
"Hmm," Ash murmured, "so I can make it stronger, but it becomes unstable faster. Balance again."
He realized the skill wasn't just about power but control — a dance between strength and sustainability.
Evening Conversations
Later, while helping Lin Wuyi tend the herb beds, Ash shared his findings.
She nodded thoughtfully. "You're starting to understand the system's core truth — power without control is useless. And every skill has a 'sweet spot.'"
Ash grinned, wiping dirt from his hands. "Feels like farming, honestly. Planting the seed, tending it carefully, and waiting for the right moment to harvest."
Lin laughed. "Skill crafting is farming, in a way."
A Quiet Confidence
As the stars began to pepper the night sky, Ash sat alone outside his home, the system panel quietly glowing beside him.
He was far from the strongest or fastest in the sect, but with patience and smart experimentation, he was carving out a unique path.
The world was vast and unpredictable. But so was his skill orchard.
And with every careful step, he was learning to grow something truly exceptional.
End of Chapter 16