Nine Moltings, Nine Transformations-Soon to Ascend the Heights

Flowerwater Prefecture of Yunan Circuit was famed throughout the realm for its peerless "flowers" and "waters." Blossoms of every hue rose in endless profusion, while winding waterways nourished all living things.

After traveling for over ten li, the scenery grew splendid halfway up the mountain. Looking out, one saw flowers carpeting both sides of the winding waterways. It was the third month, and martial heroes, court nobles, scholars blessed by Fortune... all hurried to Flowerwater Prefecture to admire this rare spectacle.

There was a "Flower-Viewing Pavilion" in the mountains, with four stone stools within. Outside stood a stone stele bearing the inscription: Established by the Weijiang Liu Clan of Flowerwater Prefecture.

Though the times were turbulent, great aristocratic Lineages maintained their trades and livelihoods, controlled the surrounding resources, and were exceedingly wealthy. This was a marvelous place for viewing flowers and scenery, so those great Lineages built pavilions and erected steles for passing travelers, wandering martial artists... to rest and enjoy the view.

If someone possessed martial skill and sought wealth and status, seeing the inscription might stir the desire to attach themselves to the Lineage. They would go negotiate with the clan and naturally become retainers. Thus, the "stone pavilion" had never been built for the people's benefit; its purpose was to recruit experts and bolster the clan's prestige.

A gentle breeze drifted through the stone pavilion. The fragrance of flowers wound around nose and fingertips, floating faintly through the air and leaving one calm, tranquil, and at ease.

They had traveled and toiled for a long while, their clothes damp with sweat, so they took the chance to rest. The two sat in the pavilion, drinking water and eating dry rations. Li Xian gazed beyond the mountain, where the view stretched broad and far, then sighed. "Wildflowers are