The Green-Hollow Village was not merely a place; it was a vertical ecosystem of leisure. As Li Yu, Si Luo, and Bai Ruo ascended the spiraling walkways carved into the massive bamboo stalks, the air grew cooler and sweeter.

  The village was a marvel of mortal architecture and cultivation artifacts that were integrated with nature. The massive emerald stalks, each wide enough to house a small family, served as the pillars of the community. Bridges woven from living vines connected the stalks. They were swaying gently in the wind like hammocks. Lanterns made from giant, hollowed-out gourds hung from the canopy. They cast a warm, moss-green glow over the bustling platforms below.

  "This structural integrity relies heavily on the tensile strength of the vines," Bai Ruo observed as she walked. "However, the vibrational frequency suggests the bamboo itself is reinforcing the platforms with wood-element Qi. It is a living fortification. As though the bamboo is welcoming these people to live next to it."

  "It is a treehouse," Li Yu corrected with a grin. "A giant, magical treehouse with unlimited booze. Stop doing math and start enjoying the aesthetic, Bai Ruo."

  They checked into an inn called "The Cloud-Nest." The innkeeper was a cheerful woman with bamboo leaves woven into her hair. She led them to a suite located near the crown of one of the largest stalks.

  The room was fascinating. The walls were curved and smooth, the natural interior of the bamboo polished until it gleamed like jade. The furniture hadn't been built; it had been grown. The bed frame, the table and the chairs were all protrusions of the stalk itself, guided by wood arts into functional shapes.

  Si Luo inspected the bed and was pressing a hand against the silk sheets.

  "What an interesting take on furniture." she declared.

  "Rest up for a minute," Li Yu said. He tossed his pack onto a nearby table. "Then we explore. My nose tells me the food is this way."

  Li Yu, Si Luo, and Bai Ruo wandered the suspended walkways together, soaking in the atmosphere. The Tapping Festival was in full swing preparation but the vibe wasn't frantic. It was a lazy but contented anticipation.

  The village was a melting pot. He saw mortals carrying baskets of spirit-fruits, their laughter ringing clear. He also saw some cultivators that were here to visit just like himself. Many wore the battered, dust-stained robes of those who had recently come from the war. The war was over and the survivors were drifting home.

  They stopped at a wide viewing platform that overlooked the lush forest floor below. A burly cultivator with a prosthetic arm made of polished spirit-wood was leaning against the railing. It wasn’t a functional arm by any means but it served to fill the area where an arm used to be. He was holding a steaming cup of yellow wine in his remaining arm. He looked at peace and was watching the leaves sway.

  Li Yu leaned on the railing next to him and struck up conversation. "Nice view."

  The man glanced at Li Yu, then at the two striking women next to him. He smiled back at Li Yu. It was a genuine expression that crinkled the corners of his eyes.

  "The best," the man grunted. "Better than looking at a horde of spiders, that's for sure."

  Li Yu laughed. "I'll drink to that."

  "I'm Gu," the man offered. "You folks look like you've traveled far."

  "Li Yu. And this is Si Luo and Bai Ruo. We're just passing through and looking for a good drink. We heard this place was wonderful and wanted to check it out at least once."

  "You came to the right place," Gu chuckled. He tapped his prosthetic arm against his cup. "I'm celebrating myself. Just bought my retirement plot today."

  "Retirement?" Si Luo asked as she tilted her head. "Do cultivators retire? I thought the pursuit of power was endless."

  "For some, maybe." Gu shrugged. "For me? I'm done. I spent thirty years fighting beasts through these lands and then another five closer to the front lines. I’ve saved enough spirit stones during my time doing so. I bought a small plot of land two valleys over. It has a pond."

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  "What will you do with a pond?" Bai Ruo asked.

  "Spirit-ducks," Gu beamed as he thought of his land and what he was going to do with it. The rugged warrior looked like a kid talking about toys. "I'm going to raise Golden-Bill Spirit Ducks. They’re noisy, they eat a lot but they don't try to claw your face off. I’m hanging up the sword. The war can find someone else to take my place."

  Li Yu felt a warmth in his chest. This was it. This was what the fighting was for. Everyone had a reason to be fighting, a reason to pursue a path. This was what this man wanted. A simple dream of being able to retire with his own land and raise ducks.

  "That sounds amazing," Li Yu said, feeling a sense of comradery with the man. "Join us? We're heading to the tavern. I'd love to hear more about these ducks. My treat."

  Gu hesitated but then grinned. "Well, if you're buying, I can talk about ducks all night."

  They moved to The Hollow Gourd Tavern which was the true the heart of the village.

  It was an open-air platform built around a cluster of four massive bamboo stalks. In the center stood a vat the size of a small house and it was made of coopered spirit-wood. Bamboo pipes descended from the canopy and was feeding directly into it. The sound of dripping liquid—drip, drip, splash—was a constant, rhythmic heartbeat.

  They found a large round table that was empty. Li Yu ordered a feast for the group. Roasted river shrimp, spicy bamboo shoots, steamed fish, several other plates of local delicacies and several pots of the house standard wine.

  "So," Si Luo asked Gu as she poured him a cup. "Are these ducks delicious? Or are they merely decorative?" Gu didn’t realize he was being poured a drink from a princess that rarely did such a thing for others. It was a rare honor that he got to enjoy that many other princes and lords in her beast realm were denied.

  "Both!" Gu laughed. "Their eggs are delicacies. The yolks are like molten gold when cooked correctly. But they're feisty. You have to earn their respect early on or else they will come after you."

  "I shall intimidate the poultry," Si Luo decided as she took a sip of wine. "They will lay eggs out of fear."

  "I don't think that's how animal care works," Li Yu noted to her as he chewed on a shrimp.

  "Statistically," Bai Ruo added while recalling a book she had read on caring for common beasts, "stress hormones negatively impact egg quality. You should pamper the ducks instead. You will get better eggs and better meat."

  Gu roared with laughter and slapped the table with his good hand. "I like your friends, Li Yu! They have spirit! There’s always a solution as long as you look!"

  As they ate and drank the sun began to dip lower. Gu continued to talk about his plans for his plot of land. He never once talked about his experiences in the war, completely putting that past behind him. Gu eventually stood up and was swaying slightly.

  "I have to go," Gu said as he patted Li Yu on the shoulder. "My wife is waiting at the new plot for me. She hates it when I'm late for dinner. I guess I should have eaten less here. Hahaha. But thank you. It's been a long time since I just... sat and talked. I think I am going to enjoy this new chapter in my life."

  "Good luck with the ducks, Brother Gu," Li Yu said and stood up. He then shook his hand. "To quiet days and peaceful memories."

  "To quiet days," Gu echoed. He walked away until he was out of view. A warrior who had found his peace, disappearing into the bamboo twilight.

  With Gu gone, the trio remained at the table. They were enjoying the deepening evening. The tavern was filling up. The smell of fermentation grew stronger as time went.

  Li Yu noticed a commotion at the counter nearby.

  A middle-aged man was patting down his robes with increasing desperation. He wore faded grey scholars' robes that had seen better decades. It was patched neatly at the elbows. His hair was streaked with grey and tied back loosely. His nose was slightly red, the mark of a man who enjoyed his cups but his eyes were clear and kind.

  "Ah, Shopkeeper Zhang," the man said with an apologetic smile. "It seems... it seems my purse has encountered a spatial anomaly. It was full this morning, I assure you. Perhaps a passing void-beast snatched it?"

  The shopkeeper, a busy man wiping down the counter, sighed. Not with anger, but with familiarity.

  "Uncle Fan, that's the third 'anomaly' this week. You know I can't keep giving you credit. The festival stock is expensive. You know I am running a business here and have my own bills to pay."

  "Just a small cup?" Uncle Fan wheedled gently. "To toast the moon? I'll write a poem for you. 'Bamboo sways gently. Wine flows like a river. My cup is empty.'"

  The shopkeeper chuckled but shook his head. "Poems don't pay the suppliers, Uncle Fan."

  The man slumped slightly. He didn't get angry or upset. He didn't yell. He just nodded, accepting his fate with a dignified grace.

  "I understand, I understand. Business is business. I shall... go drink from the stream. Water is nature's wine, after all. Some of the best tasting."

  Uncle Fan turned to leave and looked like a kicked puppy trying to be brave. Li Yu smiled at the scene. For one reason or another he found that he quite liked this guy.

  "Shopkeeper," Li Yu called out.

  The shopkeeper turned in the direction of the voice. Li Yu placed a heavy pouch of spirit stones on the table.

  "Open a tab for me here. I plan to stay for at least a few days." Li Yu said, loud enough for the counter to hear. "For me, my two friends there and for the gentleman in the grey robes. Whatever he wants to drink tonight, it's on me."

  Uncle Fan froze. He turned around slowly in surprise.