A bout between passing cultivators had engulfed much of the tranquil West.
(Note) While clarity should ever be observed, these individuals are not of imdiate relevance to the contents of this study, and will remain, respectfully, unwritten.
From the hottest fire, cos the finest tal.
A benefit arose from the recent ruins of Green Lake City- rewarding the Empire in an abundance of mystery.
For where the modest settlent once stood the first calls were heard. Titanic howls and earth-rattling bellows.
The [Precursors].
Vast passages beneath the earth were found, and soon tread, granting access to a realm untouched by external influence.
Here showed giants. [Spirit Lizards] at first, but misnad. A sin above all, perhaps, for the first to reach these earth-sealed chasms were overco with elation at these sights.
Lizards upon two legs, fanged as any [Spirit Shark] might be. Then more. A [Spirit Rhino] of three-horned visage. So facsimile of [Spirit Serpent], if upon four legs and possessing of necks to rival the scale of a pagoda.
Myriad.
From earth to grassland, water and air, the spheres of existence were shown to hold a variety of life unlike that of [Spirit Beasts] within the current age.
In all aspects, as you are soon to read.
“Chasms of Ancient Solace,” a collaborative study by the Cherry River.
Fu Gao had not sought a asure of strength, but here one lay. Beast tides, he had faced, conquered within the [Twilight Lotus Expanse] when undertaking the spider’s trial.
So long [Seasons] prior.
More had followed. The [Spirit Flies] within the phoenix’s trial. Combat against [Demons] within the sky-scraping realm where the White Dragon Alliance dwelled. A flock of [Spirit Birds] atop his warship so days ago.
The Heavens sought those that could stand against attrition. Those that stood above the masses.
Talents.
Geniuses.
A once in a generation cultivator.
His Path was of experience, and not of these intrinsic gifts. But for it, he stood- blurred and shaped the battlefield among the shoulders of true warriors.
Earth Tyrant Hall pit their [Might] against the frailty of sand, and suffered no blood from the onset of their first scrape. Their [Spirit Beasts] had enlarged: solidified with extremities of [Earth] and [tal Qi] to reduce the tide to re granules.
The ghost grew, if not wary, interested.
[Poison Qi] would be their only foil. My blade could not pierce these hides, nor is their swiftness lacking.
His [Three Wisps from Breath] continued. A slaughter of mists, pouring from his chain.
Those of Wayward Winds blurred, manifesting their own Qi and talents to shatter the coming warriors in relentless battle. He saw their growing weariness; the limits of their [Inner Qi]; and for it, mused that their performance was adequate.
Thus his concern turned to the crowding titans. Those [Spirit Salamanders] that rivalled any fledgling dragon in height, as Fu Gao’s mist-soaked chain lashed so twenty strides high to cleave their jaws in twain.
Clean, as any upon the Path would know the Elents Overcoming. [Water] over [Earth], countering the suppression to his [Air].
The reasoning for Hushi’s dormancy beneath the douli, and that of Shuidi’s fervor.
Of her returning impressions.
Temper such pride, sister.
At his breast, the [Spirit Crab] urged once more. Emotions of readiness and opportunity. A yearning for growth.
Seven titans fell before Fu Gao relented and his [Core] shifted. It occurred in landing, bringing him to reset his stance. With a willful breath his [Mist Qi] retracted to leave naught but the grasped links of his chain and its bladed head, limp.
An inwards glance saw the ratio move, reducing all but a minor tithe of [Air Qi] so that the other half of his composition might prevail.
In the crowded space, three [Spirit Salamanders] rose above. Sand-hewn jaws ajar and claws prid to strike.
Flow.
Fu Gao’s chain flew, and a cascade with it.
A circulation. A lash. A dance akin to the ribbons of players upon the Empire’s stages. He stepped within the orbit of rushing water - if a re bile when weighed against tides or rivers - and shredded his foes in the vortex.
His [Water Qi] rushed upon the chain, and with it in hand Fu Gao bled these beasts further. Suppressed. Contained. Rising in proficiency with every count of strides taken and close of minutes thereafter.
And on.
His [Wind Phantom Strides] had him a vortex of rising force, for each move brought the chain in his wake. The rotations sped, his steps blurred, and Fu Gao ever played among the falling waters of each impact.
Each spray of sand and accumulated droplet.
Shuidi’s [Qi Manipulation] was peerless along the length for she ebbed where the [Water Qi] grew unstable in thickness and where the seamless flow waned, she fed.
“There lies a truth among this cascade.” So spoke the impressions of Hushi, lucid as both cultivator and partners felt their insight rise.
Droplets. Weight. Accumulation.
Erging eastward, a terrible pulse swiftly severed what visions might have ingrained themselves upon the spectres’ [Dao].
What ti had elapsed was an uncertainty, but Fu Gao’s heart told that such things did not matter when the conclusion was t.
Those of the Western Bone Cult suddenly shone with a miasma of [Death Qi]. A putrid beacon that tore from the sands about their feet.
From here the bones erged. So horror of sand-draped skulls and long-worn claws. Moving constructs of bone, held together by Zhenbao’s flowing power. The corpses of fallen [Spirit Beasts] tore through the sands in their hundreds, skeletal and fierce.
And when these bloodless manifestations t their foes, won simply, without climax.
Fu Gao’s efforts ceased in the closing monts, coming to rest a pace before the embrittled salamander statue as its scales finally shattered.
The [Reliquary] rumbled amidst cheers from Earth Tyrant Hall and the patterned stamping of their [Spirit Lizards].
Pedestals rose all about it, hewn from sand so they might carry an abundance of treasures. Armants of [Heat Qi], gold-dappled hanfu and myriad natural treasures that coincided with the [Mystic Realm’s] specific [Law of Origin].
Grains of sand, trapped in vials. Violet-hued and Qi rich. A set of horns ford a [Dao Treasure], pulsating all the [Profundity] contained within each bone-white length. Vaults’ worths of middle-grade spirit stones.
The ghost’s hand stole only one, an arid salamander’s scale that lay among those scattered. His [Divine Sense] ablaze to hold it atop his hand- a sensation that vanished as swiftly as the [Constellation Seed] did within his ring.
“Disciples. Act in this fashion going forth,” he whispered, addressing the open air.
So began the procession of cultivators, for those within the coalition flocked to inspect all that the [Trial] had bestowed upon them.
It was Mi Cha that put a rest to their greed, calling for order before the treasures were descended upon. “Earth Tyrant Hall, compose yourselves. Ancestors know you have fought with valor, but temperance is of equal virtue! Hold.”
Proudly, they clasped their hands. “Yes, senior!”
“Spread honor, for you were not alone in this bout!”
And so they turned, these disciples and brutish [Spirit Lizards], showing face to Fu Gao as he stood amidst them. Respect on par with that which they granted Mi Cha. Less so, for those that rose from the Western Bone Cult.
The constructs of bone yet stalked, silent and restless among the dusted foes.
Zhenbao’s ilk had them gather the [Blood Qi] jewels that remained, vanishing all into spatial rings and pouches. Their head t Mi Cha with a weighted look. “A wealth here,” he noted, passing unspoken thoughts.
“Cultivator,” Mi Cha addressed. “This travel has re-ignited my blood and that of my Sect. For this, we extend our gratitude. What we gain here will serve us well among the White Dragon Alliance.”
“Gratitude indeed. The Western Bone Cult shares in this,” offered Zhenbao, and Fu Gao noted how usage of his [Death Qi] had turned his cheeks gaunt. “But the cultivator holds intentions beyond spoiling these unaffiliated to him, no?”
Fu Gao looked on coldly. “The ears of disciples are best put elsewhere.”
Small gestures had their juniors scatter.
“I spoke of discovering your tolerance, cultivator, and you spoke of the separation of insult and mistake. Sharpened edges make poor edges to balance upon. We would know how you manipulate this, plainly.”
Mi Cha grunted in support of Zhenbao’s boldness. “Hmm. This [Death]-soaked cousin shares my mind. Blackened hearts do not radiate morality. Where is the benefit for you, stranger?”
Bold. But any course will serve , no matter the truth shared.
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“Benefit. You would speak of benefit?” His neutrality broke then, and he affected the disdain of the many slighted cultivators he had encountered on his Path. “Sun-facing Sects, where is your honor?”
The disciples were far now, imrsed amongst reddened jewels. Brightened robes in contrast to the obscured ghosts, closer than Mi Cha and Zhenbao knew.
“Honor is a foreign tongue to you, stranger. Do not cite it, for I will not be lectured on puddles when I know rivers,” snapped Mi Cha.
“Cousin-”
“No, I would hear this. These further insults. Among the Clear Sky Empire there are Heavens above Heavens, and such absence reveals to which you belong. Benefits. Truly, has the Jianghu fallen so far?”
Mi Cha thrust forth an accusing finger. “Deceit. You seek to mask intention with insult. Do not think Earth Tyrant Hall so blind.”
“Peace!” said Zhenbao.
But the efforts were fruitless, for Mi Cha’s [Spirit Cow] stirred the sands beneath to ready its charge.
“Duty is the only benefit deed necessary,” dismissed Fu Gao, turning so he might ignore the snorting beast. “Or does the Western Empire hold selfish fools in its highest regard?”
The stirring ceased.
Fu Gao swept a hand atop the pedestal of spirit stones, beginning a cascade. “Wealth. Pills. Base treasures. What concern is this? A ans, if applied correctly. No end.”
“My presumption leads to this end, stranger. For is this not why we are gathered, for a cause yet unknown to us? All we have witnessed is a [Reliquary], a [Trial], and the gifts granted. Opportunities such as these are as rare as phoenix feathers, but no indication of an end. No act that required the swearing of a [Dao Oath],” said Zhenbao. “Please, clarify this matter. Mistrust is as good a foundation as these sands.”
Mi Cha refrained from speech.
A fragnt of the [True Orchid Path] appeared in Fu Gao’s palm, centered where the [Shore of Heavy Whisper’s] connections were blank. Orbited by blackened space. “[Reliquaries] are the ans to undo [Spring], and those that na themselves Emperor of it.”
Zhenbao fird his jaw, one hand upon it. “An absence.”
“Refrain from riddles,” said Mi Cha.
The [Death Qi] cultivator gaped, drawing his twin [Spirit Bats] to shoulder. “The [Trial] reflects the essence of the [Mystic Realm]. The [Law of Origin]. If a place is best to reflect this, it is a heart. Then, you have discovered a ans to affect it?”
“A sea is not renad simply because fresh sailors reach it,” said Fu Gao.
“Thus the [Dao Oath’s] necessity.” Zhenbao drew his own fragnt of the [True Orchid Path], querying further. To see the scale of these myriad realms had his eyes glitter, reminiscent of Pinxiu’s own interest. “Our arrival is fresh to these lands of Imperial [Spring]- but the stranger does not act as if this a fresh discovery. The sa ans might be employed across the [Mystic Realms] of the Clear Sky, it seems.”
A man to watch, this cultist. Dangerous in guesswork.
“A distant concern,” said Fu Gao. “But the end is known now, Earth Tyrant Hall, Western Bone Cult. The duty to which all must tend.”
Mi Cha thumped at her breast. “A fist should drive straight. Speak plainly.”
“What tithe?” ignored Zhenbao.
“My disciples will take at their discretion, if they so choose.”
Zhenbao’s [Senses] were indeed keen, for it was noted how his stare passed two of the obscured Wayward Winds. “And what is their role, master cultivator? ssengers or allies?”
“A present wind, no more and no less. I see that you hold wisdom enough not to presu it blows at your command,” said Fu Gao. “However, this path is open water. Tread it as you see fit.”
Still Mi Cha grumbled, her features tightening. “This is no way to hold conversation.”
“All will beco clearer in ti, Cousin Cha. Forgiveness. There are implications to consider, and I might speak for you, master cultivator, you an to depart.”
He has guessed correctly. The disciples must be wary he does not begin to query the [Constellation Seeds].
“You have the way of things, cultist. From what we have done here, I hold a asure of confidence,” he said, and surprised both by inclining his head. “Mi Cha, Zhenbao, let us et again when our duties are further fulfilled.”
A series of bows ca in his passing, done as disciples from both Sects moved as not to impede his departure. It was many strides distant that he stalled for a final ti, withdrawing the [Constellation Seed] into his palm.
“Find the one most suited, and do not allow greed to blind you,” he whispered, exchanging the scale as a single disciple erged from shadow. “More will co.”
🀦
The need for villainy fled over a passing of hours, leaving Fu to ponder its nature.
His persona: once a mirror of young masters, arrogance and cruelty- now changed. Or perhaps, adapted, as acting with the mannerisms of rash, prideful cultivators was a single rod within his pile.
One easily drawn.
Yet his actions as Fu Gao had transcended simple acting. His actions.
My actions.
The delineation between what was required, and what he wished to do. Coldness and severity, bolstered by villainous reasoning. Matched by the opposing force of warmth, nurture and the temperance he wished to extol in his disciples.
Ahead of his position, the day’s second [Reliquary] glinted. A [Spring] sun had caught much of the surrounding seas, having all but the solitary, burgeoning peak there ablaze in light.
“The crane-nosed cultivator will suffice, no matter his shortcomings,” said Zhu, broaching the Warship’s bow. “You stare for another matter.”
“Much has happened, and consolidating my cultivation into a concept weighs on my mind,” nodded Fu.
“It is a bastard of a thing. To forge a Path when there are millenia ahead of us if successful.”
Fu arched a brow. “A bastard of a thing?”
“Bastard?” Zhu queried, if darkly. “Ivory Sea’s influence. She’s a vexation. Talented in curses, however, and no plain beauty.”
Tanshuai fluttered ahead, and Fu felt a hint of mockery in her wingbeats. “Her influence is a strong thing indeed. Is this why she shares your chambers? My brother is indeed noble, to fall on this sword so that the Wayward Winds do not succumb to her corruption.”
“[Dual Cultivation] doesn’t require naked flesh. The slivers of [Origin Qi] that weren’t sealed by her encounter are beneficial, nothing more. Regardless, we’re not all loveblind widows,” Zhu said. “I’d hear of this concept.”
Then he truly does cultivate with her. If she possesses any form of [Light Qi- no, if she holds even a degree of [Star Qi], [Lunar Qi] or [Sun Qi], then Zhu’s [Three Celestial Kite] can make use of it. Much as the [Hundred Immunities Fruit] does with her curse.
The knowledge that they were both capitalising on this woman’s energies to further their own cultivation… Perhaps Fu Gao was needed to settle this point.
“I had held a cloud as my concept. A silent, drifting thing, blown but ever steady. Vast enough that it might face the Heaven’s heat and still cover those that require it below. This you know, brother. But to solidify my cultivation around this is juvenile. That is the outward look of a cloud, and there are intricacies that my ti within the Empire has revealed.”
Zhu seed to ponder the distant [Reliquary] before turning back. “Su Sai’s [Trial] is complete. Call for your [Array] disciples.”
The peak rumbled not ten heartbeats later, and Fu placed a call through distant disciples to near it.
“A benefit of ravening,” Zhu explained. “Speak of these intricacies.”
My own [Pull]- I wonder if his [Senses] match it?
“Hsiang sheng. My Path is one of duality, and its opposing side is the dark precursor to rain. To thunder, wind, and [Winter’s] frigid castings. A chilling gale, turning cold the hearts of all that hear it within their beds. The devastation of a downpour, unceasing, showing all how brittle they beco when faced with Heaven’s will. Through all these things, I struggle to envision the subtlety required. What aspect of this aligns with the actions of a ghost?”
“I’ll refrain from answer, brother. A concept is not to be influenced by others, much as the Vajra would not accept another’s musings on their [Dao],” said Zhu, sharing a fresh expression on his features. “The journey to answer this will reveal more. And- I’ll share my jealousy. To base your cultivation around such a mystery is grand.”
Waves broke as the Warship pulled itself from the sea, beginning a steady ascent to where Su Sai’s efforts were complete. A second [Reliquary], conquered in half as many days.
“You have no love for mystery,” said Fu.
“No. Nor will I spare ti for any. All I’ll say is that opportunities drown us here. Within the span of a moon, we’ll both have progressed to the middle of [Core Formation]. A third Path taken. My own concept must match the grandness of yours.”
Fu’s hand went to his whisker. “Oh? No soul within the Empire is surer than you, brother. [Karmic] neutrality. You walked this path.”
“Perhaps. The severance of [Karma] is the [Plum Axe’s] Path. Neutrality- No. In [Seasons] passed I’ve co to reconsider much. So nebulous, damning more. I’m of a mind to bla you, or serpents. Ah, I wax like a mortal child. Let us mask our troubles as true cultivators do, no?” he said, abruptly cutting the conversation short.
There carried a glint of humor there, detectable by only a handful beneath the Heavens. For that, Fu felt strangely honoured.
The Warship ended its approach, now suspended at a mouth within the peak. Su Sai erged shortly, and his arrival had no shortage of droplets fall from his sodden hanfu.
“Senior Gao,” he greeted, head dipped.
“A successful [Trial]. Gratitude, Head Su, and I offer congratulations on the haste in completion. Hours is a comndable feat.”
Sai shook his head, minorly. “It’s simply the standard. [Imperial Realms] of this stripe are lesser things. But I accept your acknowledgent.” His spatial ring unveiled a cascade of treasures, which flowed between his palms before disappearing.
A novel trick that stopped at the [Constellation Seed].
Zhu imposed himself, looking to place his [Senses] throughout it before Fu could handle the treasure. This glittering, tangerine liquid that reford once touched to resemble a perfect sphere. “Gao Fu would suggest sothing akin to ‘if one wishes for the best price, it is best to ask at three stores’. No?”
He shares a strange comnt. What am I missing?
In the fresh heartbeats since arrival, a seeping hostility had grown between the two n. A tension so thick one’s jian might slice it. At their feet, Sai’s [Spirit Serpent] hissed in warning. Could Tanshuai make sound, Fu wondered if she might do the sa.
“Sothing troubles you, Plum Zhu?” said Sai.
The insult gained no reaction. “The look in your eye, naturally. But trouble is too strong a word for a re nuisance. Continue as you were, Martial Head, I’ve not the desire to speak more on it.”
A look?
Fu saw nothing of note. “Gratitude once more, Sai,” he said, deciding to cease this exchange before it ca to blows. He accepted the obligatory bow as Sai departed, speaking only once the deck was again cleared and the Warship had lifted.
Or he attempted to.
“The sun-facing are covetous. Competitive. You’ve bestowed [Constellation Seeds] to the chattering Pinxui and now to so unnad junior that trails your false coalition. Unless resentnt is your goal, that prideful fool will snap.”
“His ti will co,” said Fu. “It is balanced by history.”
The liquid [Constellation Seed] vanished into Zhu’s ring. “Treat him as you will, it’s of no concern to .”
“Yet you raise the point. That speaks otherwise. The hatred you hold for him is clear. ”
“I raise the point as your vice-leader. His avarice isn’t the reason for my hatred,” said Zhu, adjusting in anticipation of his [Senses]. “The [Paifang] is near.”
Indeed, his Warship specialists had slowed the vessel in preparation for another descent. A grand leap this ti, for the Wayward Winds’s bulk were once more to leap between realms.
It began the pair’s movent across the deck. The summary testing of blades and tong fa, and the withdrawal of Imperial Yellow robes.
“Then I would know why. The reason for your animosity. Our juniors should not learn from this example,” Fu finally stated.
Shuidi disagreed, gaining her an approving flutter from Tanshuai.
“Why? He holds the bearing of a malnourished vulture. The Heavens indeed blessed your eting, brother, for it’s a benefit to all that he clings to shadow. None should have the misfortune to look upon him.”
Fu stifled his laugh at Udvah’s approach, though the Vajra had never needed to share in a joke to match their smile.
“Amituofo. This lacking disciple extends his greetings,” he grinned. “A sha, to interrupt such humor with departure, no?”
All three swept to a rocky shore, scattering the lesser [Spirit Beasts] that congregated in the waters beside it. They were first to reach the isolated [Paifang], leaving all matters concerning logistics and the [Dao of Collections] to their juniors.
“A taxing day,” noted Fu.
Only minorly creased, Udvah’s brow righted as his hand left the archway. “A taxing day?” he smiled, exerting his [Shaving of the First Gate] over the [Paifang]. “Amituofo. My seniors are villains, no? It is to be expected.”
“Then I await your complaint once the week is through,” Fu said, stepping across the threshold. “Let us see who is louder when it has concluded. You, or the Empire.”
[Imperial Realm 1,813]
[Spring]
[Core Formation Grade] [Poison Abundance] [Treasure Realm]
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