"I'll make sure of that, then," Headmaster Siluvius said, "I've already spoken with Ithilix about her reward for being in the first place team. Now, it's your turn, and you'll need to decide on Xue's reward as well.

  "I also take full responsibility for what happened with former Elder Kanev. I misjudged how much sway the Chen family had over him. I've already spoken with the Pan family about making things right with them... and I've done the same with Ithilix as well.

  "I also want to make amends with you, Jie. You're a phenomenal student and I know Elder Shi values you highly as a disciple. The Crimson Academy prizes you, and we want to make it up to you. So, I'm willing to give you a far larger reward for coming first in the treasure hunt than normal.

  "You've just broken through into the middle dantian, so I was thinking it'd be best to give you some elemental skills once you know what your affinities are. And some cultivation resources for the middle dantian as well. Not only that, but given that you've broken into the middle dantian and at such a young age, it seems only fitting to offer you the position of outer court elder and inner court disciple. Both of which will come with additional rewards and access to better facilities. Would that be acceptable?"

  "No," Jie said.

  Elder Shi and Headmaster Siluvius both blinked and looked at her like they'd been slapped in the face.

  "Elemental skills and middle dantian resources are both valuable even for elders and the positions I offer you are highly sought after and well rewarded... I assure you I'm not sparing any expense in making this up to you--" Headmaster Siluvius said.

  "It's not that the rewards wouldn't be useful. It's just that they're not what I want most right now," Jie said.

  Headmaster Siluvius frowned. "Then what do you want?" he asked.

  "I heard you traveled through the Cursed Lands and survived," Jie said.

  Headmaster Siluvius's face darkened as his whole body tensed up and his metal hand squeezed shut so tight it groaned.

  "I don't talk about that," he said. His voice was even but clipped and strained. Killing intent oozed out of him.

  "People say there's a city beyond those lands. A shining city with a healer that can treat gods. Is it true?" Jie asked.

  "I said, I don't talk about it!" Headmaster Siluvius snapped. His aura flared and wind qi swirled around him. The room shuddered, spilling books from their shelves and rattling the chandelier above them.

  "You wanted to know how to make it up to me," Jie said, "I want to know where to find someone who can heal gods."

  "You'd give up treasures elders would kill for, just to pester me about things that you have no business knowing?" Headmaster Siluvius snarled. His face was twisted with such a dark mixture of emotions that he looked like a different person.

  "You know nothing about me," Jie snapped, "how would you know what my business is? Don't mistake me for some silly, curious child. I have my reasons. If it weren't for me, you'd have three dead students and no idea of the traitor among you.

  "I cleaned up your mess. I've punished the Chen family more than the rest of you ever will. If you want to make it up to me, tell me where to find someone who can heal gods, or we're done here."

  "What possible reason could you have for seeking out such a person?" Headmaster Siluvius asked, "Even he can't bring her back. Nobody can. Necromancers could bring something back... but it wouldn't be her. Be reasonable."

  "Thanks for your compassion, but I know what I'm doing," Jie said, "and it sounds like there really is someone there who can heal gods?"

  Headmaster Siluvius looked bitter when he spoke as though the words tasted vile, "I don't know if he can heal gods... but yes... there's an extremely strong healer beyond the Cursed Lands. On the far border. But, getting there is impossible."

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  "You did it," Jie said.

  "There were fifteen of us and I was the only one who made it out alive! And, even I didn't get through without a cost," Headmaster Siluvius said as he held up his metal hand.

  "I'm sorry about what happened to your friends," Jie said, "but I have to know. If it's so bad, maybe there's a way to bypass it?"

  "I... I don't know if there is. I suppose there must be a way to go around... but it would take months at least... maybe years through wild and dangerous lands," Headmaster Siluvius said.

  "I don't think I can take that long," Jie said, "you made it through. It's not impossible."

  Headmaster Siluvius shook his head. "You have no idea what you're talking about," he said.

  "So, tell me," Jie said.

  Headmaster Siluvius sighed. "Fine... if only to persuade you not to go," he said, "the path through the Cursed Lands is the fastest way to the Shining City. But everything about that place is twisted. Foul and corrupted. The evil there seeps into your mind and drives you mad. Whispers that promise your darkest desires and your most haunting fears while horrific visions torment you.

  "That vile place turns even your own heart and mind against you. You can't trust anyone in there. Not even yourself. You're strong for your cultivation... I'm still amazed that you managed to kill Kanev. But your strength will mean nothing in there.

  "And there are monsters too... not magical beasts... or paltry creatures like those in the academy dungeon. Actual monsters. Things that should never exist. Twisted, parasitic things and unspeakable horrors of unimaginable power.

  "And, even if you could somehow keep your wits and see your own emotions as the falsehood they are while avoiding monsters that'll grant you fates worse than death... the entire place is a festering, shifting thing like a seeping wound that changes around you.

  "Even the sky isn't safe. Many have tried to fly over the Cursed Lands, and none ever return. A perpetual darkness teeming with yet more horrors hangs over the place like a pall that keeps the sun, the moon, and the stars from view. The only light in that accursed place is what little bleeds through the darkness... and the lures from the creatures within to consume anyone stupid enough to go there.

  "Do you know how easy it is to get lost in there? To wander in circles for what feels like one endless night as your insides squirm and beg for food and water even as you fight not to throw up? To be surrounded by rot and corruption and the stomach-churning stench that seems to crawl over your skin so thick it's like sweat? All while tormented by your worst nightmares and afraid to sleep for fear of what might be waiting for just that moment?"

  "How did you get through?" Jie asked.

  Headmaster Siluvius sighed. "Luck," he said, "blind, foolish luck. If you're so desperate to reach the Shining City, you would be wise to go around."

  "I don't think I can afford to take that long," Jie said.

  "Then you'll die," Headmaster Siluvius said, "if you're lucky, you'll stay that way."

  "That's a risk I'm willing to take," Jie said.

  "You're a brilliant student. Don't throw your life away on this foolishness," Headmaster Siluvius said.

  "I have no intention of throwing my life away, but I will not be stopped. Not by you or the Chen family or the Cursed Lands or anything. I'll get what I want even if I have to burn a path through that dark and twisted place until there's nothing left but ash," Jie said.

  "What could possibly be so important to you?" Headmaster Siluvius asked.

  "That's my business," Jie said.

  "Even if you made it there alive, what makes you think you could convince him to help you? When I was there... he was kind, but there were countless people asking for his help and only a fraction received it," Headmaster Siluvius asked.

  "Then, I will be in that fraction," Jie said.

  "He might not even be there anymore! It was years ago. He could easily have moved on," Headmaster Siluvius said.

  "You don't look like you think that's likely," Jie said.

  Headmaster Siluvius sighed. "No... he set up the city to try and cure the corruption... he'll be there. Unless he's given up..." he said.

  "Good," Jie said, "so are you going to help me, or do I have to do this myself?"

  Headmaster Siluvius shook his head. "This is madness... but so be it... I'll help you. I have some notes and memory stones I made during my journey... I will add to them what I remember and have them delivered to your residence along with some treasures that might help you make it through there alive. But I will not go back there. If you go, you'll go without me. And I suggest you not take anyone you care about with you on your suicidal venture," he said.

  "Thank you," Jie said with a bow.

  "When you're wishing for death... remember I warned you not to go there," he said, "I'll use Xue's share of the prize to help you prepare as well... what a waste."

  "I appreciate that," Jie said, "sorry Xue."

  Xue pressed his head into her hand and she felt a surge of support through their bond. Jie smiled softly. "Thank you..." she said softly.

  Jie left the Headmaster as he rummaged through his office, his face grim.

  Elder Shi remained close at Jie's side as they walked across the grounds.

  "He's right you know... this is a terrible idea. You should stay... grow stronger. I'm sure if you went back to him and told him you changed your mind, he'd gift you the skills, resources, and positions," Elder Shi said.

  "I don't want to go," Jie said, "but I don't see that I have any other choice. I'd like to speak to you now. Privately."

  Elder Shi frowned. "Alright," she said, "come with me."

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