A Qi-barren province in the south eastern reaches of the Clear Sky Empire, it boasts no formidable history nor notable rits.
This sub-province is ruled by one City Lord Mingqin, inherited from her father in recent moons after an inglorious bout on the [Southern Demon Front].
For the hierarchy of tithes, there are twelve main degrees of separation.
Jade Songbird City - Black Hermit Hall - Mojin Family (Branch) - Mojin Family (Branch) - One Hundred and Second Vajra - Silver Bell Hegemony (Lordship) - Cloudy Serpent Sect (Zhangpao Branch) - Cloudy Serpent Sect (Zhangpao Branch) - Cloudy Serpent Sect (Ministry of Lesser Provinces: South) - Cloudy Serpent Sect (Ministry of Middling Provinces: South) - Cloudy Serpent Sect (Ministry of Southern Provinces) - Cloudy Serpent Sect.
“Jade Songbird Province,” - collated reports.
Resplendent attire, heralds, supplicants, a grandeur of [Spatial Arrays] or immortals barely worthy to touch her radiant gestalt with impure Qi - the [Cherry River Sage] cared for none.
rely, the Gao estate’s external gate opened to a “Bah.”
“Bah, Feng, these old bones await a seat. Where is it?”
One step was taken.
“Bah,” her hum continued, laying waste to confidence, surety and expectation in a singular note. “Granddaughters! Explain why the dining table is left there to spoil under mists?”
The household stole a concerted breath, transcending the disparity of realms, talent and personal history.
Grandmother Hua approached at a gait belied by her external appearance, for what all gathered there witnessed was a youthful, vivacious jade beauty walk with the care of an aged crone. A conflicting view for Fu, given the staggering resemblance to his late wife.
Yet, he was not first to greet her.
“Hmm. Jinghui Hua isn’t as weathered as described, brother,” said Zhu, the solitary soul there not transfixed by her appearance. The brazen, plum-eyed cultivator had walked across her path, a to and wine bottle in hand. “Greetings, [Cherry River Sage]. I am Zhu. Among other things, it’s a pleasure to stand in the presence of one so attractive.”
Another estate-wide breath was held.
Zhu and Tanshuai walked by, sitting to lounge at the river.
“The boy has good eyes and better sense,” conceded Grandmother Hua.
An rushed forth, swiftly bowing before lifting an [Autumnal] shawl from the [Cherry River Sage’s] shoulders. One no immortal would ever need. “Mistress Hua. Might this servant retrieve anything for you?”
“No girl,” she said, greeting her awaiting family. “The tea you have prepared is fine. Have it brought.”
“Grandmother,” dipped each, arrayed before the main structure.
In all of Fu’s years, Hua’s affection had proved distant. He saw now that naught had changed across his absence. While not a mirror of beasts stalking prey, it seed a clinical, detached thing. Not as Fu would choose to have it.
“Grandmother,” clasped Fu. “Your return is joyous. We have dinner prepared, of nourishnt and flavor both should you wish it.”
The mists broke, ushering her [Spirit Cuckoo] hence. No sooner had it appeared than did a cane thrust into Fu’s chest. Hua probed it about him, lifting arms and turning his jaw east to west and from Heaven to earth.
For the first ti, he felt her [Senses].
“A pity your ascension did not sculpt you in the fashion of that plum-boy. Hmm. Yes. But such things would be frivolous. Dinner is acceptable, even if it must be had at this improper setting,” she said, lowering her cane.
Feng could not draw a seat for his Grandmother, given the casual floor mats upon which they would dine, but he lingered symbolically should she desire anything further.
Fu and Hushi took the setting across. “How were your travels, Grandmother?”
The next hum surfaced.
“Why? Do you wish to pry into my affairs, oaf?” she huffed. Her [Spirit Cuckoo] cawed from a nearby branch, prompting a turn. “Gao Feng! Has your talent grown so prodigious you cannot help retrieve the dishes?”
Food arrived swiftly thereafter. Rich stocks gathered in preparation for the [Cherry River Sage’s] return, a warning that had arrived in letter so days prior.
All of the Gao estate gathered, affecting myriad greetings.
A grunt of “Sage,” from Shaokang. Wide-eyed squeaks from Jae. Adequate respect from Yasodhara, knowing little of the living myths outside her Empire.
Zhu wordlessly offered his wine to Hua, receiving of all things a polite smile-
This peculiarity is surely an on. I do not enjoy it.
Contrary to his thoughts, Fu found himself mirthful. “Family, friends, our Grandmother has returned to us. There can be no greater pleasure than having us all gathered beneath one roof. Heaven surely smiles on us.”
This hum was unusual. Perhaps because it did not dismiss his words.
On went dinner, conversation and laughter. The words exchanged were ethereally light, never touching on woes, complaint, or painful recent history. Indeed, the [Cherry River Sage] felt… no. To see Jinghui Hau’s actions throughout the ti, Fu sensed a strange weariness.
How she did not correct the occasional slip of language or once-foolish comnts and views.
Hushi pondered what their spectating ghosts might see: how they might interpret the mood of the subdued [Cherry River Sage].
Hours passed, and by one the family spoke their farewells for the night to leave only Fu and Hua beneath the enchanting glow of teal lanterns.
“The debt is cleansed, Grandmother. A fool presus, but I had thought it best heard from my lips even if the Heavens had made it known.”
Hua accepted another pour of tea, finding great mystery within. “Hmm. Yes. Were you to do anything else?” she said, levelling her attention upon him. “The farce of a serpent’s debt is gone. Yet, as clear as limpid water are their fangs.”
Her [Intent] roiled the mists about them, tightening like a mountainous noose.
A single impulse had [Hegemony of Pale Mists] swirl them by, harmlessly. This was not the Gao Fu of their prior etings.
Shuidi made her presence large, but it was no warning.
rely a respectful declaration.
“Much has occurred, Grandmother. Much has changed. If there is doubt in my allegiance, then again I have failed.”
The cuckoo cawed.
“Boldness, bah. Presumptuous. That is not my concern.”
Fu set down his douli. “Then you are concerned?”
“Do not spout conjecture fool, it is wasteful. Has cultivation not excised this poor quality? Hmm. Once, I spoke of your redeeming quality, Gao Fu. That has not changed. Love, for blood of my blood, and the depths to which you venture in its na,” she said, inspecting the rim of her saucer. “It is what gains my gratitude.”
Silence fell.
Gratitude?
“Are those lumps upon your head, oaf? Put in your eyes. This sight is rarer than phoenix feathers. I, Jinghui Hua, the [Cherry River Sage], thank you.”
Naturally, Fu held suspicion. “I would not pry, Grandmother… but, I do not know for what you thank .”
Never before had Hua paused.
“A poor assassin,” she mocked. “You prevailed where I could not. Within the span of two moons, my insurance was spent. My orchestrations, dashed. The great safeguards of the [Cherry River Sage] unmade by serendipity.”
Fu paused. “The [Divine Serenities Phoenix].”
“Yes, the very sa. The [Tribulations] faced in prior lives to secure such aid go beyond your ken. This… undercurrent has followed much of my machinations. Mortals na it fate, Gao Fu, but the wise know it as chance. Chance that you have won over, it seems.”
That the all-knowing Sage of Crossroads, JIngui Hua could not foresee a thing. Or worse yet, prevent it…
How vulnerable she appears.
“I see your frustration, Grandmother. Perhaps, I understand so insignificant part of it. Not said from boldness or undeserved confidence. The Empire of Abundant [Spring] revealed much. Here I will only say that our interests are aligned, and no thanks are required.”
Hua scoffed away this kindness. “The Heavens do not respect falsehood.”
“This Gao Shuidi hears but one falsehood. Her peerless [Senses] know much, Sage,” interjected the [Spirit Crab]. “Hear this talented mistress, and know that Gao Fu’s respect holds her words in check. Insults offered are no apology.”
The [Spirit Cuckoo’s] [Intent] arrived like Heaven’s wrath. A domineering force that the three t swiftly with their own.
“Cease this, Grandmother,” intoned Fu. “Why does such hostility lie between us? My love for you dulls the pain of it, but are our goals not the sa? With debt cleansed and realms ascended, are we not now to solidify the future? How can this be done when barbs fly at your every word?”
An aura of terrible gold flared about Hua, banishing the mists. “To whom do you think you speak?”
“To one that demands humility when she cannot share it herself,” returned Fu. “I had thought more of you, [Cherry River Sage]- Grandmother. The stagnation of this cannot continue! We demand no respect, nor gratitude, such is our duty! And yet a house cannot stand when both pillars are opposed.”
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Those of [True King Realm] were millenia beyond breathing, but long was the Sage’s sigh.
The [Intent] rescinded.
“Wisdom. Yes,” she conceded. “Bah. A better assassin then, for it is wise to strike when the peerless are at their lowest.”
Hushi tapped gently on Fu’s head.
“Indeed, this [Cherry River Sage] is not as we know,” Fu continued. “To maintain this boldness without insult, I would say a thing that we might both regret.”
He took her silence as affirmation.
Mists pooled at Shuidi’s whim, masking all that lay between them. His words were beyond a family matter, and no re disciple of the Clouded Courts should be privy to what ca next.
“First, a ssage… an oddity, stating ‘the cockerel was heard but three dawns past’. Second, is the winnowing we learned of after. A Hollow Misery.”
“Three dawns,” Hua’s weariness permitted a harsh breath, cracking her immortal gestalt. “That day within Thousand Shore City’s ruins is monunt. An hour everlasting,” she shook. “My blood’s blood beca a blade, piercing more than any should know. Of [Constellation Seeds], of [Hollow Thrones], and now its Misery. Words to break Empires, Gao Fu. Now, you know even my weakness. Bah. Another failing, that I could not see what you would beco at my intervention.”
Another failing. Then she is less for the Hollow Misery. It goes unconquered, perhaps. Such a plight… how might we face it in five thousand years?
Veiled words. Testing words.
Long had he and Zhu talked on the nature of [Karma]. Long had Bingbai alluded to such.
Why Fu could not call himself anything but talentless.
“You know of it,” she continued. “Of all that day wrought upon the Jianghu.”
Fu stroked his whisker. “I do, Grandmother. As was said, much has changed.”
The cuckoo cawed grimly.
“Then… bah. Freely, we shall speak. With my admission as the first. The Hollow Misery is of no concern, Gao Fu, only the toll that it has taken. Know that fewer stars now heed my call. From the day we encountered your benefactor, [Gleeful Viper], my auguries have continued to lessen. I, Jinghui Hua, will walk blind until it is redied,” she said. “Thus, tell the past. Only then might we begin on the future, yes?”
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The three remained until morning.
Tales of their past had taken much of the night, and no more of Heaven’s mysteries were spoken to the mists.
Yet there had been revelations.
A chorus of effort poured through the Gao estate that morning. Not the chi of tal nor cry at each stage of a technique’s kata, but insignificant strokes as fist brushed air or stances shifted.
Hushi observed with interest, Shuidi scoffed, and their cultivator peered deeply at the other cantons so high above.
“Gao Fu,” t Jae, his skin flush from effort. “Good morning to you.”
“Kang Jae. Gochi. Good morning. I am curious,” Fu smiled. “Your training sounded unusual.”
“The tos from the [Spring] Empire still elude . How their equilibrium relies on the poison inherent to individual Castes is of great interest. Each are clearly derivatives of an unblemished master technique. My hope is to extrapolate what I might from lesser masteries.”
Fu nodded. “A valuable to indeed, if discovered. Is it of benefit? If you do not mind asking, I rely wonder what the techniques of soon to be subjugated peoples might offer those of the Clear Sky.”
Fledgling sunlight hit the practice motions from Kang Jae and Yuling. A dry, [Autumn] morning had the mists strangely anemic, allowing her new weapon to glint.
On the table’s end, Gochi seed approving.
“Posterity?” offered Jae. “However, an educated guess might say that the Empire’s citizens - their fate - balance between an axe and a serpent’s fang. [Sixth Under Heaven’s] capital realm has not been reported as breach.”
The Clouded Courts were of a different opinion.
“I would think Imperials citizens an asset. The shift of power granted by the Clear Sky Edict should preserve much life. A full net, even poisoned, is better than no catch at all, yes? If you seek to instruct those Imperials in techniques however…” Fu’s lips thinned. “The hearts of cultivators are rarely righteous. It will be centuries before any stand in a position to afford your services.”
Jae nodded. “Even so, I appreciate the techniques.”
While asleep was no term to describe the Gao estate, each of his clan roused from their morning’s activities.
Feng greeted the pair with a bow. Dry ink clotted at the corner of his mouth, clear where his brush had been chewed over a night of ponderance concerning [Arrays] and fresh formations. Neither he nor Paxing could spare ti for first al.
Small conversation ceased between Yasodhara, Samudra and Yuqi upon entry, each carrying a litany of packed als for the family. “Feng is gone already?” sighed Mridul’s daughter. “The oaf couldn’t spare one mont to wait?”
A pleasant insult, Fu supposed.
“Only yesterday I heard him offer services to three separate households. Brother promised to have them complete before Master Bhaswar’s day had even begun,” chuckled Yuqi. “Leave him be.”
Samudra impressed her greeting to Hushi.
“Daughter, Yasodhara,” t Fu. “Have you plans for the day?”
“Grandmother has tasks for us this morning, father. Errands and ssages,” said Yuqi, planting a kiss on his cheek. “We should return by early evening- oh, do you need anything Father? Kang Jae? It is no trouble?”
Jae shook. “That is kind, Yuqi, Yasodhara, but my affairs are in order. Perhaps the latest Golden rchant missives? Evening might differ from this morning’s news.”
To illustrate his point, Gochi waggled a corner of the daily bulletins. Thin, ostensibly cheap papyrus that held a summary of the canton’s goings on.
“I am well sated,” smiled Fu.
The young won shared their farewells further, leaving the estate thereafter.
Enshrouded, the morning’s shadow gave chase.
These disciples approach late [Core Formation]. Their talent barely scratches the lowest rung of the Wayward Winds. Improvent to the [Clouded Ghost Arts] is paramount, ensuring it manifests during struggle is second.
His stay had not been overly indulgent, but only the foolish ever thought they had done enough.
Hushi’s focus held on Hua’s door.
With an assassin’s fleetness, Yuqi returned to wrap her arms about him. “I did not wish you a good day, Uncle. Aunt, Father,” she trilled. “Have you any plans?”
Yasodhara sighed at the estate’s entrance.
“Jae has found a promising tournant,” said Fu. “Your father wishes to see if any constellations stand out among the city’s rising stars.”
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A thousand colours ford the spectacle of robes below. Myriad sigils flowed upon training attire. Tang suits or light, competitive hanfu. Those adorned wholly in a Sect, Hall or Association’s colours where the daily uniforms were slightly less ostentatious in both vibrancy and pattern.
The Cloudy Serpent Sect’s hue was crimson.
Here, the next generation bore intricate whorls of serpentine design, aglow in Qi-rich material that radiated both wealth and station.
Zhu’s nose seed perpetually upturned.
“Careful brother, you might drown should it begin to rain,” laughed Fu. Several among the stands chuckled at this comnt, emboldening his smile.
A victim was selected among them, found by Zhu’s pointed finger. “You there, rchant. You’ve clear taste, or Heaven’s fortune with looks. The Cloudy Serpent Sect flaunt wealth over design. Let the [Spirit Serpents] speak for themselves, no? Why must their fabric glow so distastefully?”
“Hmm. A valid point, friend,” slurred the man in question, receiving a cautious eye from those about him. “But, my children love it. And- and, yes, should all eyes not be drawn to the righteous serpents?”
Zhu dismissed him. “Status alone speaks volus,” he said, gesturing airily to the young disciples taking stage. “Plain crimson explains a stark confidence. Not this. Bah.”
“There… there is a point to made there,” agreed Jae.
Wine of Zhu’s caliber had exposed quite the vulnerability in the stamring cultivator’s defences.
Celebration moved through the crowd like a jovial wave, sweeping up all that stood shoulder to shoulder in these stands. Few in this scene of thousands had repressed a smile, proving open and mirthful amidst the lower-viewing community.
This had been Jae’s insistence.
That tournants ought to be experienced as the masses do- to ‘feel the lightning-drenched heartbeat of ten thousand united souls’, or so such.
Hushi ever applauded the man’s passion.
“Twisting Lotus Hall!” began an innurable count, even in this tournant of youths and fresh initiates. “Fist of Nine Sect! Seat of the Eighty Second!” continued a bassy, [Dao]-laced voice from center stage.
The Cloudy Serpent Sect had co first, so three quarters of an hour prior.
Rules followed, greetings, honourable ntions and platitudes for the non-secreted, powerful factions that observed from floating platforms above. Open affairs set in a monastic style, if drenched in a saturation of golden ornantation.
“...tradiational rotation. For tournants of this age category,” explained Jae, wiping his well-wet lips. “Ah… it… hmm.”
Shuidi set a claw on Gochi’s side, draining the poison affecting their mind. In her cruelty, she removed it all.
Jae blinked. “That is unpleasant.”
“Hold your wine better,” waved away Zhu, presenting another bottle.
With his own bottle poised at the lips, Fu shrugged at Jae’s confusion. “The tournant has only just begun. To have you thirsty would be most sinful.”
The surrounding crowd murmured, squawked and purred in approval.
After a tentative drink, Jae continued. “Where- ah, yes. The tournant is set under standard rules. If one critique might be said, it is that these hosts pander much to the observing dignitaries. Hours might be spared and focus awarded to the actual bouts if only the rules were stated and no more. The higher the prestige of the realm, the longer we wait. I once attended the Rising Moon tournant in the True Frozen Waters Matriarchy- the introduction lasted three days.”
“Three days?” smiled Fu. “From na alone that sounds a discomfort.”
“For a glimpse of the [True Yin Extremities] technique I was prepared to wait for [Seasons].”
Tanshuai was beneath the douli’s brim, impressing through Zhu’s mouth. “We’ve three sisters in their nasake hall. Bah. Each is a match for [Dances Upon an Ivory Sea] in temperant. Perhaps it’s a truth that all Yin cultivators are frost-brained fools.”
The imdiate stands grew… less packed. While wine or cups of a distasteful, fernted honey drink were in many hands and upon many saucers, the surrounding rrint had not removed all faculties from the crowd.
[Senses], and myriad for that matter, probed.
Zhu t the eye of an inquisitive [Spirit Tortoise] one row down, its blatant curiosity did not match the tranquility of its monastic master - a shorn daoist of the ascetic style. Indeed, its eyes were well wide from the implication of searching for suppressed Qi.
“Venerable tortoise,” said Fu, proffering a fresh bottle. “A charitable donation.”
The monk chuffed, never turning. “Amituofo. This lacking seeker extends gratitude to his benefactors.” A bowl floated from his lap, filled with potent, blissfully fragrant [Poison Qi] berries. “It is this lacking seeker’s humble opinion that one act should be t in kind.”
Fu bowed his head.
Hushi’s epheral form sagged at just one berry, and an assault of queer impressions washed about Fu’s mind.
He beca ditative and lax, transmitting a madness of colours, vibrant sights and ecstasy as the first bout finally settled in below.
A [True Lord Realm] narcotic. Hah. This monk proves to be of rowdy elent.
[Hundred Poisons Synthesis] drew much from these blueprints.
Two youths swanned onto the central stage- that of blackened marble and a plethora of [Defensive Arrays]. Qi humd as the inscriptions sparked golden characters about its periter, ensuring those closest would not be caught up in the potentially devastating martial talents of those before them.
A comntary began.
“A sister technique of the [Mountain Blade Domination Arts]. See there?” Jae gestured, highlighting the broad, eclipsing strokes of the first combatant.
“Hmm,” mused Fu. “Are you certain, Jae? I see the beginning sets, thinking that this disciple has only attained [False Imitation] in her [Prowess]. A higher understanding would include three additional strikes before her position reset.”
The crowd murmured, having seemingly forgotten the slew of insults Zhu had offered many of the Clear Sky’s peak factions.
Gochi wriggled in the negative.
“No, no. The core principles are inherently different. [Intent], or [Sword Intent] therein, has not manifested along the edge. Clearly, this is so derivative or adaptation prid for the manifestation of [Earth Qi]. Perhaps, the [Under Tyrant Sword Stances].”
Unfurling before them, the Old One fud. “Proffess not, Kang Jae! The [Under Tyrant Sword Stances] have not been seen in three hundred moons! What ans has she- this youth, of uncovering such a secreted technique?”
Wine’s returning influence had Jae grow bold. “There are more mysteries beneath the Heavens than stars in the night sky. I state what I see, Old Master, and it is not a falsehood.”
Fu chuckled, bursting a berry between his teeth. No partaker in narcotics, he simply transmuted the poison.
It grew bitter at the end.
“If only these tis might last longer,” he said to Zhu. “It is the eve of sothing, no? My heart has beat it loudly since we learned of Grandmother’s return. More so now we have spoken.”
The plum-eyed cultivator set down his wine. “A thought for those with much to lose. We’ve done much to secure the family, don’t fear for their safety. Joy clouds your judgent.”
“Maybe so.”
From the douli’s brim, Tanshuai moved closer. Granting a caress.
“It’s not unfounded. Master Ban has grand aspirations that we’ve soon to fill,” noted Zhu. “To that end, I’ve decided to leave tomorrow.”
Fu clasped his brother’s shoulder. “I had thought it perhaps a week more. Hmm. Will you petition Hua for aid? More importantly, will you tell the children?”
“A farewell- it is much like the [Plum Axe’s] severance. It’s soothing in a way. To leave without warning is a clean cut. No ss of emotion to contend with.”
It grew ever harder to converse over Jae’s continued outrage.
“That is not your Path.”
Zhu considered this. “No. That is rely one truth. Over these past [Seasons], I’ve co to prefer the Path of Uncles more. And that of brothers,” he thinly smiled. “But that’s a poor excuse to have you further upon the Path than I am. Death ascended you by leaps and bounds. In truth, I’m enraged at the opportunity. This disparity will be rectified before Bingbai makes his call.”
“You plan to die?” teased Fu. “It is not as easy as I made it seem.”
The bottle touched Zhu’s lips. “Sothing akin to that.”
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