The Ultimate Passive Paradigm [LitRPG Adventure, Epic Progression]

Nathan traced the golden-plated edges of the chair he sat upon, his eyes absent-mindedly gazing toward the lake in the center of the pavilion, where steam rose from the heated waters. The girls he had invited had already departed.

He exhaled slowly, closing his eyes. He wanted to sleep. Desperately so. But every time he shut his eyes, scenes from Emberwood played before him—the worshippers, drained dry and twisted, writhing on the ground. The faces of agonized children. Those small bodies, lifeless, that made him shudder awake whenever he recalled them.

No one had told him that advancing in cultivation would bring such heavy consequences. It was as if his body was prolonging the four stages of grief, every mechanism stagnating. All because he couldn't tire himself enough to sleep, to heal a fractured spirit and soul. He remembered those long days in Moirath Forest, how the weight on his mind had been, and as soon as he lay down, he would sink into the gentle embrace of night immediately. But at Tier 2, he remained constantly alert. As everyone said, it was meant to give the spirit more time to cultivate by eliminating a third of the time wasted on sleep.

He didn't know who to talk to or confide in. Darkan was busy treating wounds and handling affairs. Zeryn was overwhelmed with current events. Moreover, the sword genius seemed unable to understand why Nathan was so dejected. Jessica was even more impossible. He didn't want the girl, who had already endured enough of this world, to hear things that would only frighten her further. When he had met Argentius, he had nearly collapsed but forced himself to hold together to avoid causing more trouble.

And so, he found himself alone.

The space drifted leisurely on the still water surface, and the melodious sounds of instruments seemed to open doors for melancholy thoughts to take hold. Just as he felt he could bear no more, the crackling sounds of flames arose.

The platforms of the musicians gradually moved, forming an arc. Various lanterns automatically repositioned to illuminate the entire sky. Steam rose in rhythmic pulses, reducing the obstruction to vision.

Only now did Nathan notice that above, from the peak, there was another structure more magnificent than all the rest. It seemed hidden among the clouds through the fog effects. Surrounding it were flowers of every color, defying the darkness of night yet glowing as if receiving daylight. The moon appeared and disappeared behind it, making the scene surreal, giving one the impression this was a place that existed only in paintings.

From the curved rooftops, layers of fabric were shot out in all directions, cascading down like staircases.

And from the summit, a human silhouette suddenly appeared, hidden in shadows so that one could only make out their back.

The figure spread their arms wide with the hand fan. Immediately, the flower branches seemed to receive a command, releasing their petals into the air. They swirled together, blending and resonating, creating a flowing stream. Whooshing and rustling sounds rose pleasantly. Whispered murmurs arose from the surrounding pavilions.

"Today's money was well spent," a woman said excitedly. "Never expected to witness the legend of Cascade Gardens."

"Lucky indeed," a man from the other side marveled. "To see the person with the finest artistry appear."

"Who is that person up there?" someone finally voiced the question Nathan harbored.

"The only one allowed to rise higher than even the Gold Tier area—the legendary Heaven Tier. The man whom other men cannot envy. And women adore."

"Vincent, The Garden Prince."

Nathan sat there with wide eyes, mouth agape in disbelief. That smug senior brother of his was actually the most sought-after performer in all of Cascade Gardens?

No wonder he had noticed Vincent trembling with excitement after discovering this place was the next lead in their case. He was certain his traveling companion wanted to kill two birds with one stone—work and play combined. Especially with such a grand reputation.

The figure with the flowing robes and hair billowing in the wind against the moonlight was burned into Nathan's mind. If he had encountered him with this image first, with the psychological anchor and bias, he would have been less contemptuous. But now he only wanted to shout at that show-off to hurry down and investigate the clues.

Stunned for a moment, Nathan suddenly realized something—the people here seemed unaware of Vincent's identity regarding Verdant Spire Sect.

Could the Sect Leader keep things hidden so deeply? Nathan wondered.

He found it all quite reasonable. If the sect's disciples from outer to inner couldn't dig anything up, then outsiders would face difficulties as well.

Vincent spread his arms, then slowly turned his head.

Cheers erupted—not from the pavilions on the lake, but from the spectators all around. Nathan saw the female staff of Cascade Gardens seemed to have abandoned their work to gather here. The men were stripping off their shirts, baring their chests and shouting Vincent's name. Customers from lower tiers seemed to have bitten the bullet and spent additional mana stones to secure the chance to witness whatever was about to unfold.

Several among them cast envious glances toward the owners of the floating pavilions. Nathan, having worn a mask, was spared from blushing completely.

At this moment, girls appeared beside Vincent. Though their faces remained hidden, the details visible were enough to know they were the cream of the crop, the highest seeds of this town. Nathan recognized the person standing to his senior brother's left as Seraphina.

"Iris!" a man cried out. Nathan could only make out a dark, rotund shadow imprinted on the screen. The man waved his arms like a crazed fan. "Look at me! I'm ready to pay a thousand—no, ten thousand Mana Stones for ten minutes—no, just five minutes to speak with you."

Nathan swallowed hard. The person must be talking about Standard Mana Stones since this was Gold Tier; Lesser ones wouldn't be used here.

"What scoundrel allowed this crude fellow in here?" someone from a pavilion shouted angrily. "If not for the no-fighting rule, I would have shoved his head in manure already."

"Don't let him ruin the mood." A gentle female voice rose. "It's rare for Iris to show herself. And with Vincent here too. A few cheers for accompaniment are good things."

Several disdainful snorts arose as the calls and invitations continued to be thrown out recklessly.

Nathan watched everything unfold with detachment, not understanding what was happening. Had Vincent really come here just to show off, to be gazed upon and admired by others? His mind was in turmoil.

The girls surrounding Vincent gradually descended along the fabric panels that had been released nearby, musical instruments appearing in their hands. Flower petals danced along their movements, stirring according to their gestures to create ambiance.

Vincent stepped his left foot forward, flowers appearing exactly where he placed it.

"In moonlit halls where passion wakes..." Vincent sang, his voice warm as a hot spring, melodious and soothing.

Everyone suddenly became attentive, including Nathan. He straightened up, his eyes behind the mask seeming drawn in.

Following Vincent's melody, red roses bloomed across the floating pavilions. Similar scenes appeared around the lakeshore. Red hues blanketed the entire space.

Nathan found himself unconsciously reaching out to caress a branch of flowers that seemed to deliberately lean toward him. The surface was cool and soft, like being touched by a beauty's arm.

He shuddered involuntarily, wondering if this was one of his senior brother's tricks.

Vincent waved his fan, stepping out with his right foot, speaking clearly and loudly without causing any discomfort, the words falling gently on the ears.

"White jasmine whispers secrets sweet..."

From the four corners of the pavilions, white flowers sprouted on extending vines, cascading down. At the lamp posts around the lake, jasmine bloomed as if born from thin air, intermingling with the roses' colors.

"While lotus rises, pure and bright..."

Green buds rose from the lake surface according to the verse, gradually opening to reveal white lotus blooms. The petals shimmered, somewhat transparent like glass. The seeds made popping sounds, rising into the air glowing golden, spreading a gentle fragrance everywhere.

"Forget-me-nots promise we shall meet..."

Blue light joined the colorful display. Flowers spread along the railings of each pavilion.

Seraphina waved her hand, beginning to glide down beside Vincent. Her movements were graceful, fingers curved, long nails with intricate designs. She clasped her hands over Vincent's fan. With one motion, Vincent pulled her into his embrace, his gaze intoxicated and enchanted as he looked at the beauty, his face now revealed under the light.

The audience's lung-bursting screams rang out. But the sound was filtered by the pavilion's mechanisms, ensuring they weren't distracted from the performance.

Vincent and Seraphina danced together, their bodies entwined in an enchanting yet tasteful manner. Their combination seemed as if they had practiced extensively. The fabric strips magically wrapped around flowers, swirling to create perfect arcs that conformed to some divine proportion.

Seraphina drifted away, her hand gradually releasing from Vincent's, her eyes full of regret as her lover raised his voice.

"But cherry blossoms warn of time..."

Pink petals burst forth around them, drifting down languidly like Seraphina's expression. They swayed back and forth in the wind before the VIP guests on the floating pavilions.

Iris now joined the performance. She wore a brilliant red outfit, as if proving her contrast to Seraphina's green attire. Her figure was slender, with clear curves. Her appearance stole the breath of every spectator. No more murmuring conversations remained, only sparkling eyes.

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She stretched her white neck, her nimble hands adorned with jewelry caressing Vincent's chin, making him turn his head. The two looked at each other with desire. But different from Seraphina. The audience could feel fire igniting in the space of just a finger's width between the two.

They held that moment, as if inviting the spectators, stirring restless hearts. Iris's small, curved, long eyebrows rose, signaling an enchanting smile that no one could see beneath the veil. Only Vincent. He responded by pulling her close, his lips kissing the thin fabric. Flames blazed.

The two wrapped around each other, each of Iris's movements anticipated by Vincent. The reverse was equally true. Their hands and feet were like two perfect puzzle pieces, entwining with passionate intensity.

Nathan sat below, unable to help feeling his chest grow warm, his heart beating irregularly. He could only rely on Seraphina's sharp, cold gaze to distract himself. When thinking of ways to cool down, he inadvertently remembered a girl with blue hair.

"That all beauty fades, sublime..." Vincent sang, drawing out the words longer, infusing them with the weight of emotion.

Sadness arose among the spectators, eyes downcast.

The pink petals drifted slowly, dissolving into small particles and being swept away by the water's current.

Nathan saw Seraphina's hand trembling at her position. From her rigid movements, he was certain she was struggling not to explode with eyes that wanted to slice Iris apart.

The garden's belle separated herself from the man's embrace. Her finger danced on the poet's sleeve, her gaze lingering and hesitant. She stepped down the stairs.

In that moment, Vincent's entire body straightened, casting his fan forward, using both hands to catch the figure of the girl departing.

His mouth seemed to whisper, but everyone could hear as if spoken directly in their ear.

"Yet in this moment, hearts entwine."

He spun Iris around, locking eyes with his partner. Clearly, even she hadn't expected things to unfold this way from her hesitant movements.

But then her entire body relaxed, her hand caressing Vincent's jawline. He lifted the beauty's face veil slightly, revealing full, pink lips.

The two kissed while the dead cherry blossoms seemed to be reborn, floating upward. They glowed and then, as if overcharged with energy, swelled and burst. Explosions like fireworks erupted alongside endless applause from the audience. Somewhere could be heard the sobbing of Iris's pursuer mixed in.

Seraphina's face had turned pale, her eyes looking away, no longer watching.

The dancers and musicians around her carried out their duties. The concert was pushed to its climax with flowers bursting with life.

Nathan couldn't help but applaud this performance. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience he had witnessed since coming to this world. He had heard rumors about places like Cascade Gardens but had never actually visited such an establishment. Now he understood why they held such appeal.

Vincent separated from Iris, turning to smile at everyone.

An exchange between the guests and Vincent followed, with riddles about the meanings of the flowers the poet had used tonight representing what. Roses for passion and desire, lotus for rebirth and enlightenment, or cherry blossoms representing fleeting nature and beauty's temporality.

Nathan didn't participate, continuously marveling at how Vincent could think of such things. He observed and noted everyone's tones but couldn't deduce anything. Everything seemed like futile attempts to satisfy his restless mind.

Nathan departed from the floating pavilion area. One of the four girls serving him approached to say that someone called Madame Chen had invited him to The Steaming Pearl, a tavern and hotel for visitors to Cascade Gardens.

Knowing this was Vincent's arrangement, he didn't hesitate to follow. Moreover, whatever might happen, he could handle it.

A building that seemed to blend various themes welcomed Nathan. He felt as if he had just stepped into an animated film. On the right side, pipes carrying hot water echoed with gurgling sounds, gears seemingly moving and changing bathtubs. The left featured rooms wrapped in climbing vines, sprouting fragrant and alluring flowers. Above existed a rooftop with modern architecture and transparent glass, reflecting neon lights emanating from an obscured bar. In the center, a spherical area displayed a pearl that dominated the space. It glowed, sparkled, and mesmerized. Below, at the entrance, was quite simple—a wooden arched door revealing warm, golden light.

Nathan crossed the threshold, entering the antechamber. Girls came forward to serve him. They removed his shoes, replacing them with comfortable, warm, soft slippers. When he declined their offer, they simply draped a spacious outer robe over him, the fabric cool and refreshing. Though they automatically sprayed various fragrances on him, he surprisingly found no annoyance. It was as if they had analyzed exactly what scents he would prefer.

Entering the waiting hall, contrary to the bustling image outside, the interior was quite peaceful. A reception desk sat in the distance. Spread on both sides were guests clustered together. There was also a bar on the far right. The space was airy, decorated with the most luxurious furnishings.

Nathan stood there looking around, appreciating the effort and investment of this place's owner.

A staff member gently linked arms with him.

"Honored guest," she said with sweet gentleness, "Madame has been waiting for you for quite some time."

Walking past the reception desk where no one was present, he was led to a room directly behind it.

The door opened, and a assault of aromas hit his face. Different from before, these belonged to spices, meat, and something he couldn't identify.

The girl promptly withdrew her hand and departed immediately, leaving him standing alone.

Ahead, he could see a substantial figure moving back and forth, hands dancing continuously over kitchen implements. The sharp sounds of knife on cutting board rang like melodious tunes. Various vegetables and fruits, cut with precision, were already arranged on plates.

He moved toward the person, his eyes curious about the dish being prepared. Drawing closer, he realized it was a woman with a round face, her skin covered with a thick layer of white makeup that still couldn't hide the wrinkles etched on her cheeks and around her eyes. Her lips were deep red, accompanied by auburn hair that flowed freely. She wore a large apron with hidden patterns. Her hands moved with incredible speed and intensity.

Nathan placed his hands behind his back, smiling as he observed without disturbing. As a chef, he knew the woman was at the most crucial stage and wouldn't want interruption.

The woman placed her hand on the pot lid, grasping the knob on top. Her eyes were contemplative and unfocused. Her lips moved silently, her hand still gripping tightly. Time passed, and as if receiving some signal, she lifted the lid with a flourish. Steam erupted like a volcanic eruption, spreading throughout the kitchen.

Nathan inhaled deeply, silently praising the dish.

After several clicking sounds, two bowls and utensils were placed on the table. The woman grunted once, grasped the pot handle, and quickly divided the portions.

It was a simple stew. Besides meat that was evenly browned, there were various other vegetables. Though this wasn't a dish Nathan would rate highly, somehow his stomach was rumbling fiercely. The feeling was like coming home tired from playing and having mother cook for you.

The woman was still bustling about, so Nathan waited patiently. He looked around the kitchen and saw the love dedicated to this place. Every corner was spotless, bottles and jars arranged neatly, utensils distributed according to a purposeful pattern. The kitchen's owner could move elegantly and efficiently thanks to this setup.

In one corner of the room, Nathan spotted a small cabinet with simple arrangements on top—an incense burner and a faded old photograph. In the picture were three people, one unmistakably the woman before him. She was younger then, and though not as robust as now, she was already a sturdy person. Her arms were firm and twice the size of the two children's heads she was ruffling.

One that Nathan recognized from facial features was Vincent with buck teeth, grinning brightly. The child's face was smudged as if he had just finished playing in mud, his clothes yellowed.

Under her other arm was another child. A scar ran from the corner of his eye near the top of his forehead. He had his arms crossed, thick eyebrows furrowed, lips pouted in obvious displeasure.

"The first time Vincent brought a friend home," the woman spoke up, her voice raspy, carrying some steel and weight. However, Nathan only sensed hospitality and cheerfulness from her. He remembered how his mother's way of speaking had changed after his father's death. Circumstances could unconsciously alter a person like that.

She had put away her apron, placing the two bowls of stew on the dining table. Her eyes curved when she looked at Nathan, an indescribable warmth spreading.

He involuntarily moved toward the woman, obediently sitting at the table, removing his mask and placing it aside.

"You must be Madame Chen, right?" Nathan asked.

"That form of address is for the children who need my teaching," she said while wiping her hands with a towel. "You can just call me Mrs. Chen. Avoid those troublesome formalities."

"What does Vincent call you?"

"Are you probing about that boy?"

Nathan quickly raised his hands, showing innocence.

"I just thought I'd decide based on your relationship with my senior brother."

Madame Chen hugged her belly laughing, her long hair reflecting the golden light in undulating waves. Nathan guessed she must have been a beautiful young woman in her youth.

"He calls me mother," she said tenderly. "Always 'Mama Chen.'"

Nathan smiled along, his eyes momentarily both joyful and melancholic. It had been long since he could call someone that way.

Madame Chen pulled up a chair perpendicular to Nathan's spot. She looked at the young man.

"Vincent told me you're a lost child," she said. "That this place isn't your home."

"He told you about me already when he just met me?" Nathan looked up suspiciously.

"Oh," Madame Chen covered her mouth. "He's known about you for quite some time. Ever since Elder Darkan took you in, he's been paying attention. After all, it's his responsibility. It's been long since I've seen the boy talk about someone he hasn't even spoken much with like that."

"I don't seek attention," Nathan waved his hand.

"What's this?" Madame Chen put her hands on her hips. "You don't want to be friends with my boy?"

Nathan's throat tightened. Though he outwardly always acted dismissively toward Vincent, he was actually quite pleased inside. Indeed, if they formed a trio including him, Zeryn, and Vincent, it would be incredibly fun. They could all cause quite a ruckus together. Once, one of his college friends had pointed out that he only pretended to be cautious, but deep down he was extremely rebellious. Thinking of the bold things he had done at the Outer Sect Tournament or in Moirath Forest, he was gradually coming to accept this aspect of himself.

"Does he want to be friends with me?" Nathan squinted.

"The boy wouldn't bother arranging an entire performance for someone he doesn't like." Madame Chen tapped her chin.

"That show-off act was for me?"

"What else?" She grinned. "Must make an impression on friends when bringing them home. Vin is incredibly lazy. If not, people wouldn't be so thrilled when he appears."

"I thought it was because he was showing off and wanted to demonstrate how inferior I was."

"Partly that too."

The two looked at each other for a second and then leaned forward laughing aloud.

At this moment, Vincent pushed through the kitchen door. His face scrunched up when he saw the eyes of the two people sitting at the table.

"You," Vincent grumbled angrily, "have been talking badly about me again, haven't you?"

"This little brat," Madame Chen scolded. "Always thinking ill of me. Come here quickly, the food is getting cold."

Nathan looked at the two and their loving gazes. He knew the bowls before him were equipped with warming mechanisms. The gentle scolding was just a way for the woman to relive a time long gone.

Vincent skipped over to the table, immediately receiving a knock on the head from the woman.

"Even when eating, you can't sit still."

The distinguished direct disciple of Verdant Spire Sect stuck out his tongue like a child, laughing endlessly.

"Nathan," Vincent said, "Madame Chen's stew is absolutely the best. I believe even with your high cooking skills, it won't compare."

Bonk!

Nathan jumped. Vincent collapsed, groaning and holding his head.

"Madame?" A voice like from hell arose.

"I'm sorry," Vincent trembled, "Mom."

"Go outside and forget everything at home," Madame Chen grumbled. "Whatever you are outside, you're still the same here. Understand?"

"Yes, Ma'am... no, Mom."

Vincent's bratty attitude made Nathan laugh uncontrollably.

"Eat, child." Madame Chen looked tenderly at Nathan. "You look tired. Things must be difficult for you, isn't it?"

Nathan felt his nose grow warm. He blinked rapidly, trying not to let his smile fade.

"Things are hard but I manage," he said.

"Sometimes you still need a little softness in the world," she said. "Now, eat up."

Vincent winked at him, hastily grabbing his spoon to blow and slurp eagerly, his face cheerfully grinning.

Nathan did the same. He didn't bother blowing to cool it since his body required higher temperatures to burn his tongue. Madame Chen wanted to stop him but he had already swallowed the hot broth in one gulp. He smacked his lips—slightly salty and sweet, the spiciness of chili and pepper not well controlled. But he still found it unusually delicious. Unlike the dishes he cooked, which were peaks of flavor experience, this bowl of stew contained something special. Madame Chen's affection.

He looked around, his eyes falling on the tables and chairs placed around the room, remembering the respectful attitude of the girls. Madame Chen seemed to be a woman far beyond what he had assessed.

"How was it?" Vincent tilted his chin. "I wasn't wrong, was I?"

"Mrs. Chen," Nathan said, "the dish is truly delicious."

Madame Chen placed her hand on her chest, her mouth curving in a bright, proud smile.

"My, should I make a small sign and write 'Nathan Reed Approved' on it? Then those girls outside will complain less when they come monthly."

"Just call and I'll sign immediately," Nathan replied cheerfully.

Madame Chen clapped her hands, but instead of actually going to get paper to write, she served Nathan and Vincent more food. She sat down, beginning to embarrass Vincent with stories of his youth that made the one dubbed The Garden Prince just hours ago look no different from a clown.

Nathan felt himself relax, laughing constantly, joking with this kind woman. He told himself to allow this for one night, to let his mind stop being busy. Just good food and pleasant people.

Before the entire world turned upside down once more.