Cloudriver City’s market surges around Zhāng Wújì in a crush of voices, carts, incense, and bargaining. At a worn wooden stall, an elderly man guards a tray of sealed pill bottles.
The old man’s weathered face tightens as he lowers another price for a frightened customer. Before the exchange is finished, a broad-shouldered middle-aged buyer in dark embroidered robes seizes the medicine.
the powerful buyer
You said I could take it for free. Do not embarrass yourself by denying your own promise.
The buyer lifts the bottle overhead, displaying a jade ring and the confidence of someone accustomed to obedience. Nearby merchants pause, while several customers retreat from the stall.
the old man
Free? I said the price was reduced. You heard what suited you, young master.
A tense murmur passes through the crowd. Nobody intervenes; they are watching to learn whether the old man will suffer public humiliation or provoke a fight.
the old man
You there, white-haired lad. Tell him what you heard. Did I promise this medicine for nothing?
✓ Quest Accepted
Protect the old man from the buyer's pressure
“I heard you clearly, old man. You said the price was reduced—you never promised the medicine for free. A promise should not be twisted simply because someone has the power to force it.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Performance, rolled +1)
Zhāng Wújì
I heard you clearly, old man. You said the price was reduced. You never promised the medicine for free. A promise should not be twisted simply because someone has the power to force it.
Wújì’s quiet testimony carries through the market. The nearby customers exchange confirming looks, and the old man’s shoulders ease as the truth gains witnesses.
the old man
Exactly. Reduced, not free. At last, someone listened instead of fearing his robes.
The powerful buyer’s raised bottle hangs motionless above the stall. His expression hardens, but the surrounding silence has changed; too many people now know what was said.
the powerful buyer
You presume much for a beggar dressed in rags.
A few merchants lower their eyes, yet none contradict Wújì. The old man reaches toward the bottle, his hand steady despite the buyer’s looming presence.
the old man
He presumes only to have ears. Return my medicine, young master, and pay the reduced price.
Quest Complete
Protect the old man from the buyer's pressure
“Wújì steps forward, his gaze settling on the bottle in the buyer’s hand. “Whether I wear silk or rags is irrelevant. You asked what I heard, and I answered truthfully. The medicine belongs to the old man, and the price was already agreed upon.” He holds the buyer’s gaze. “Put the bottle down, pay what you owe, and leave with your dignity intact. If you choose otherwise, everyone here will remember exactly who broke his word today.””
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Zhāng Wújì
Whether I wear silk or rags is irrelevant. You asked what I heard, and I answered truthfully. The medicine belongs to the old man, and the price was agreed upon.
Zhāng Wújì
Put the bottle down, pay what you owe, and leave with your dignity intact. Otherwise, everyone here will remember who broke his word today.
Wújì holds the powerful buyer’s gaze. The market remains silent around them, every merchant and customer now an unwilling witness to the public challenge.
the powerful buyer
You mistake restraint for fear.
His fingers tighten around the bottle, then loosen. With a sharp breath, he sets it back on the tray, draws out silver, and places the agreed payment beside it.
the powerful buyer
There. The medicine is returned, and the debt is paid. Remember that I chose to preserve my dignity.
the old man
Dignity is easier to preserve when one begins with an honest bargain. Thank you, lad.
“Zhāng Wújì “Please, old man, there is no need to thank me. I only said what I heard. You were the one who stood your ground when it would have been easier to yield.” Wújì gives a modest nod. “I am glad the matter ended peacefully. Please take your payment and continue your business. I was only fortunate enough to be passing by.””
SUCCESS (Legendary Performance, rolled +0)
Zhāng Wújì
Please, old man, there is no need to thank me. I only said what I heard. You were the one who stood your ground when it would have been easier to yield.
Zhāng Wújì
I am glad the matter ended peacefully. Please take your payment and continue your business. I was only fortunate enough to be passing by.
Zhāng Wújì gives a modest nod. The old man accepts the silver and draws the medicine tray closer, while the powerful buyer watches him with narrowed eyes.
the old man
Fortune may have brought you past my stall, lad, but courage made you speak. Still, business must continue, as you say.
He turns toward the waiting customers and raises his voice, inviting them to inspect the bottles. The market’s held breath gradually loosens into murmurs and movement.
the powerful buyer
You speak like someone who has learned to measure words. Tell me, white-haired lad, are you merely passing through Cloudriver City?
the old man
Do not trouble him after he has helped me, young master. If you want medicine, name what ails you and pay honestly.
“Zhāng Wújì “Only passing through, sir. I have no reason to stay where I am not needed.” Wújì gives the powerful buyer a polite nod. “As for my words, I simply said what I believed to be true. I am still young and have much to learn, so I would not dare claim otherwise.” He steps aside, leaving the stall to the old man and his customers. “Please do not concern yourself with me. If you have business here, I would not wish to keep you from it.””
SUCCESS (Legendary Performance, rolled -1)
Zhāng Wújì
Only passing through, sir. I have no reason to stay where I am not needed. As for my words, I simply said what I believed true. I am young and have much to learn, so I would not dare claim otherwise.
Zhāng Wújì gives the powerful buyer a polite nod, then steps aside from the stall. The old man’s customers resume examining the sealed bottles, leaving space between the two men.
Zhāng Wújì
Please do not concern yourself with me. If you have business here, I would not wish to keep you from it.
the powerful buyer
Hmph. You retreat without groveling, yet call it courtesy. That is an uncommon habit for someone dressed as you are.
The powerful buyer studies Wújì’s white hair and crimson eyes, his earlier irritation tempered by curiosity. He does not reach for another bottle.
the old man
If you have no business here, young master, let the lad be. He has already answered you plainly and shown more manners than most customers.
the powerful buyer
I asked a question, old man. I received an answer. That is sufficient for now.
“Is the buyer connected to Cloudriver’s powerful clans?”
YES (Likely, rolled 20)
The old man’s warning draws a few uneasy glances from nearby merchants. Several recognize the jade ring on the buyer’s hand and quickly return their attention to the medicine.
the powerful buyer
You should be careful, old man. The Shen clan has supported this market for years, and I represent its interests here.
A low murmur passes through the stall. The Shen clan is one of Cloudriver City’s powerful cultivation families, wealthy enough that ordinary merchants avoid crossing even its junior representatives.
the old man
Representing a clan does not make every demand reasonable. Your family’s reputation should not depend on frightened shopkeepers.
the powerful buyer
Mind your tongue. I am not some wandering thug. My presence here is authorized by the clan, and disputes involving its trade are my responsibility.
His claim explains the confidence, the embroidered robes, and why the surrounding merchants refused to intervene. Yet the unease in the crowd deepens rather than fades.
the powerful buyer
As for you, white-haired lad, your honesty has made you noticeable. In Cloudriver, that can be either useful or dangerous.
“Zhāng Wújì “I understand. If you truly represent the Shen clan, then I have no wish to interfere in its affairs.” Wújì lowers his gaze slightly in respect, but his voice remains calm. “I only hope that whatever authority you carry is used fairly. The old man has already fulfilled his side of the bargain, and I believe that should be enough.” He gives the buyer another polite nod. “Beyond that, I have no quarrel with you or the Shen clan. I am merely a passerby who happened to hear a disagreement.””
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
Zhāng Wújì
I understand. If you truly represent the Shen clan, I have no wish to interfere in its affairs. I only hope your authority is used fairly.
Zhāng Wújì
The old man fulfilled his side of the bargain, and I believe that should be enough. I have no quarrel with you or the Shen clan. I am merely a passerby who heard a disagreement.
Zhāng Wújì lowers his gaze slightly and offers another polite nod. His calm words carry no challenge, yet they do not surrender the truth of what happened.
the powerful buyer
You are careful to separate yourself from the dispute while still judging how I handled it. That is a narrower distinction than you may think.
the old man
He has made his position plain, young master. He neither insults your clan nor excuses your mistake. Let the matter end there.
The powerful buyer studies Wújì for several breaths, then glances at the paid medicine and the watching merchants. The tension eases, though his curiosity remains fixed on the white-haired passerby.
the powerful buyer
Very well. I will not call your testimony an attack on the Shen clan. But a passerby with such uncommon composure may have more value than he realizes.
“Zhāng Wújì “I am not sure there is anything uncommon about me, young master. I simply happened to be in the right place at the right time.” Wújì offers a small, respectful smile. “If my words were of any value, then I am glad they helped settle the matter. But I seek neither recognition nor favor from the Shen clan.” He pauses before adding calmly: “Still, I thank you for your kind words. I hope our next meeting, should there be one, is under more peaceful circumstances.””
SUCCESS (Legendary Performance, rolled +0)
Zhāng Wújì
I am not sure there is anything uncommon about me, young master. I simply happened to be in the right place at the right time.
Zhāng Wújì
If my words were of any value, I am glad they helped settle the matter. But I seek neither recognition nor favor from the Shen clan.
Zhāng Wújì
Still, I thank you for your kind words. I hope our next meeting, should there be one, is under more peaceful circumstances.
Wújì offers a small, respectful smile. The gesture removes the last edge from his refusal, leaving the powerful buyer with no insult to seize upon.
the powerful buyer
You decline favor without pretending my words meant nothing. That is a sensible answer. I will remember it.
The powerful buyer turns his jade-ringed hand toward the market street, signaling that his business here is finished. Before leaving, he looks once more toward the old man’s stall.
the powerful buyer
If you remain in Cloudriver, white-haired lad, the city will give you chances to prove whether this composure is luck. I may see you again.
“Zhāng Wújì “If fate brings us together again, I hope it is beneath better circumstances.” Wújì gives the powerful buyer a deep, formal bow. As he straightens, he raises his hands before his chest: his right hand closes into a fist, while his left palm covers it in the traditional martial salute. He holds the gesture for a quiet moment. “Until that day, young master Shen.” His expression remains peaceful. “May the road ahead treat you kindly—and may you never have to choose between your dignity and doing what is right.” Wújì lowers his hands, gives the old man one final respectful nod, and turns toward the flowing market crowd, leaving without another word.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Performance, rolled -2)
Zhāng Wújì
If fate brings us together again, I hope it is beneath better circumstances.
Zhāng Wújì gives the powerful buyer a deep, formal bow. Straightening, he raises a closed right fist beneath his left palm and holds the martial salute in silence.
Zhāng Wújì
Until that day, young master Shen. May the road ahead treat you kindly, and may you never choose between dignity and doing what is right.
He lowers his hands, nods respectfully to the old man, and turns into the flowing market crowd. His departure succeeds, though several nearby merchants now watch him with newly sharpened curiosity.
the powerful buyer
Wait. That salute was not the gesture of an ordinary beggar. Where did you learn it?
Wújì continues through the crowd, leaving the question behind him. The powerful buyer does not pursue, but his gaze remains fixed on the white-haired figure.
the old man
Young master, some people learn manners from life rather than instructors. Let the lad walk.
“Zhāng Wújì Wújì pauses at the edge of the crowd. He does not turn immediately. After a moment, he looks back over his shoulder and gives the buyer a faint, almost apologetic smile. “As for where I learned it...” He briefly raises his hand, repeating the closed-fist-and-open-palm salute. “From someone who taught me that a person's conduct matters more than the clothes they wear.” His smile fades into quiet thought. “I was fortunate to have such a teacher.” Wújì gives one final bow toward the buyer. “Perhaps, if we meet again, I will have a better answer for you.” With that, he turns and disappears into the market crowd.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Performance, rolled -1)
At the crowd’s edge, Zhāng Wújì pauses without turning. After a breath, he looks back over his shoulder, wearing a faint, almost apologetic smile.
Zhāng Wújì
As for where I learned it...
He raises one hand and repeats the closed-fist-and-open-palm salute, the gesture held clearly between them despite the market’s shifting bodies.
Zhāng Wújì
From someone who taught me that a person’s conduct matters more than the clothes they wear. I was fortunate to have such a teacher.
the powerful buyer
A teacher who valued conduct over appearances. That is a lesson worth remembering, though you offer little else.
Zhāng Wújì
Perhaps, if we meet again, I will have a better answer for you.
Zhāng Wújì gives the buyer one final bow, then turns and disappears into the market crowd. Behind him, the buyer watches the gaps between moving shoulders.
“hāng Wújì leaves the market behind without looking back. The encounter with the Shen clan's representative crosses his mind once, but he quickly lets it go. He had come to Cloudriver City only to pass through, and there is no reason to involve himself further in the affairs of its clans. He follows the main road toward the western gate, walking at an unhurried pace. Along the way, he stops at a small stall to purchase some simple food and enough provisions for the road ahead. He offers the vendor a polite nod and continues on his way. Cloudriver City has been nothing more than a brief stop in his journey. Whatever awaits beyond its walls is where his attention now belongs.”
SUCCESS (Poor Agility, rolled +0)
Zhāng Wújì leaves the market behind without looking back. The Shen clan’s representative crosses his mind once, then fades as he follows the main road west at an unhurried pace.
Zhāng Wújì
Cloudriver was only a stop. The road beyond its walls matters more.
Near a quieter crossroads, a small food stall offers steamed buns, dried meat, and travel cakes. Wújì counts his coins carefully, buying enough simple provisions for the road.
The purchase consumes every remaining copper in his pouch, leaving no reserve for lodging or unexpected expenses. He gives the vendor a polite nod and secures the food beneath his worn outer cloth.
He continues west through streets thinning toward the gate. Behind him, market noise dulls into a distant murmur, replaced by wagon wheels, hoofbeats, and the steady scrape of his steps.
At the western gate, an elderly gatekeeper in a faded blue jacket watches travelers pass beneath the stone arch. His gray beard is neatly tied, and one eye is clouded white.
the elderly gatekeeper
Western road is open, lad. Keep your provisions close once the city walls are behind you.
+ New Item Acquired
Travel provisions
“Zhāng Wújì Wújì stops before the gatekeeper and gives him a respectful bow. “Thank you for the warning, elder. I will keep them close.” He adjusts the provisions beneath his worn outer cloth, then glances toward the road beyond the gate. “I have not traveled this road before. If you do not mind my asking, is there a village or travelers’ shelter somewhere ahead where I might rest? I have little coin left, so I would rather know what lies ahead before nightfall.” Wújì offers another polite nod. “I would be grateful for any advice you can spare.””
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +1)
Zhāng Wújì
Thank you for the warning, elder. I will keep them close. I have not traveled this road before. Is there a village or travelers’ shelter ahead where I might rest?
Zhāng Wújì
I have little coin left, so I would rather know what lies ahead before nightfall. I would be grateful for any advice you can spare.
Zhāng Wújì bows respectfully, then adjusts the provisions beneath his worn outer cloth. Beyond the gate, the western road stretches between low hills and scattered trees.
the elderly gatekeeper
Keep west until the road divides around a dry stone shrine. Take the left branch. A farming village called Willowbend lies half a day beyond it.
the elderly gatekeeper
There is a travelers’ shelter at the village entrance, though its keeper charges less for labor than for a bed. Ask for Mistress Han and mention the gatekeeper sent you.
the elderly gatekeeper
Do not leave the road after sunset. The hills are quiet, but quiet roads invite trouble, especially for a lone traveler carrying food.
The elderly gatekeeper lifts two fingers toward the western hills, marking the route in the fading afternoon light. His directions give Wújì a clear destination before nightfall.
✓ Quest Accepted
Leave Cloudriver City
“Zhāng Wújì Wújì bows once more to the elderly gatekeeper. “Thank you, elder. I will remember your directions—and your warning.” He steps beneath the western gate and onto the open road. Once the city walls are far enough behind him, Wújì slows his pace. The road ahead is quiet, and the afternoon sun still hangs above the hills. Rather than hurry, he settles into a steady rhythm. With each step, he quietly regulates his breathing, allowing his awareness to turn inward. He begins circulating his qi through the pathways his teacher once showed him, careful not to draw attention from passing travelers. His body may still be weak, but his foundation is not. For now, there is no need to force it. Step by step, breath by breath, Wújì continues toward Willowbend while quietly strengthening his body and refining his control over his qi. He has a long road ahead. There is no need to rush.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Meditation, rolled -1)
Zhāng Wújì
Thank you, elder. I will remember your directions and your warning.
Zhāng Wújì bows once more, then passes beneath the western gate. City walls recede behind him as the road opens beneath the afternoon sun.
Once distant travelers can no longer hear his footsteps clearly, he settles into a measured pace. His breathing lengthens, quiet and even, matching the rhythm of his stride.
He guides qi through the pathways his teacher once showed him, using no dramatic movement and drawing no attention. Each circulation is controlled, deliberate, and restrained.
The road divides around a dry stone shrine. Wújì takes the left branch, continuing west while the steady circulation gradually strengthens his weak body and refines his control.
Before sunset, fields and low wooden houses gather around the road. A weathered sign identifies Willowbend, and a travelers’ shelter stands near the village entrance beneath a broad willow tree.
Quest Complete
Leave Cloudriver City