Gao Fu had felt his [Heartplu of Clouded Schism’s] proximity. The resonance of exhilaration, intrigue and ponderance.
Amidst the scrambling madness presented by this crowd, where jian fell, villains were slain and lesser factions quietly retreated into the recesses of Jade Songbird City, there ca a final faction to erge.
Disorderly and not. Powerful and not. Disparate, and yet aligned by their single commonality.
“Pig!” called Yongwu Long, arriving a morbidly rotund cultivator to his side.
“Brother Long!” he puffed, clasping eagerly.
“There’s a collective of loose cultivators over there sowhere, squandering the view with their Sect building. See it donated. So Pearless Spear Sect. Though why they’d brag about a lack of fruit is one of Heaven’s mysteries.”
The rotund youth rushed.
“Underlings?” asked Fu.
“Assudly no more than you possess yourself, Gao Fu,” grinned Long, downplaying the hundred warships that soared off from Jade Songbird City.
City Lord Mingqin was among her citizens, ensuring peace at the arrivals of such an unpredictable host. Be they from the Lotus Blade Sect, Yongwu Long, the remnant, supposed villains of the Blue Lagoon or the myriad errant cultivators now at large within her domain.
For this, neither her nor her soldiers held ti for the pair.
Fu and Long stood alone.
Expectant.
“My [Dao Heart] is conflicted,” said Fu, earnestly. “The Jianghu praises vengeance and extoles the righteous virtue of a debt reclaid. You left for dead, Long. Placed the eyes of the Sect upon so many [Seasons] past. Cheng Rao was unkind. My fate, less so. Since that day I have walked with scrutiny on my back.”
Long quirked a brow. “The sa, soft, words. And yet, Jianghu. Not the sa, soft, fisherman.”
“Perhaps. While I will not forgive your actions, neither can I condemn them. Our [Trial] paved the Path I now walk.”
[Divine Sense] had been exchanged at the first.
Long’s total seeds matched his own.
“A slave to the serpent’s will. My, have the lessons I imparted scattered like [Autumn] leaves? Where is your selfishness? ” Long asked, wearily stroking his hair. “My jian spread your blood, yes, but was the gift not fitting? One [Constellation Seed], and now a full gate.”
Hushi unfurled, eyeing the [Spirit Carp].
Shuidi ca second. “This Gao Shuidi would know the fool that speaks so openly of Heaven’s treasures! The Yongwu Long of mory. Bah. He is not so impressive.”
“Gao Shuidi, is it?” laughed Long. “Indeed you are fearso, but surely you mistake for a fishwive. I feel these mists about us, silencing all. I’ve no sense of what you pretend to be here, Gao Fu, but to treat [Constellation Seeds] with such secrecy - the righteous father wouldn’t care, no?”
Myriad questions burned within.
Few truly mattered.
“And you would speak openly of them? If the Heavens wished it so, they would be as common as clouds,” offered Fu, stroking his moustache. “This dance does us no good. Unless fate itself thrusts us together, I would know why you are here.”
Not all Warships were of Long’s following. Where his own hung the tapestries of gathered factions, it was clearer to see those with common allegiance.
Beneath the distant calls of Mingqin’s command, these palatial structures set down. Pavilions made roost on her outskirts, and those outskirts in turn welcod more until the passing breaths saw an eclipsing skyline ascend.
Splayed, Long’s arms spread atop this horizon. “I seek to overturn Heaven and Earth, and here, among the pilgrims, the talents and rising stars, I will demonstrate what all who tread the Path have forgotten.”
Fu frowned. “Had Thousand Shore City so bold a cultivator?”
“Hmm? You don’t believe my claim? Another sign of this colourless age,” said Long, placing disgust on his face. “Is it not rotten? This… stagnancy. A land where none truly chase ascension, but squabble over the insignificant. I have travelled the breadth of the Clear Sky, Fu, and there is barely a glimpse of the Martial Spirit of old.”
“I fear you speak in riddles.”
“Don’t be a fool,” sighed Long. “Our concepts align. Change. Here I will inject lightning into the blood of the Jianghu! I will show that these great Sects- these Pillars are no shadow to huddle beneath, but a tower to climb. Buried deep in that serpent-wrapped heart you know these words as truth. That is why I ask, Gao Fu, will you join ?”
The wind blew cold.
“Join you? Long, all I hear are the energetic words of youth.”
Long snorted. “How insidious their [Dao Oath] is to corrupt you so. What future will Yuling hold beneath a serpent’s fangs? Feng? Yuqi? Would you have them supplicate themselves at the feet of [Thrice Clouded Boa]? [Gleeful Viper]? A father that would see his children cowed is no father at all.”
Words to rouse us. Does he seek our anger?
“My children are not of your concern, Long.”
His laugh was venomous. “Nor it seems, are they yours. The Jianghu’s next generation cannot rise if Heaven itself is covered by mist.”
“This Gao Shuidi does not think Yongwu Long so righteous. He speaks tales of posterity, kindness and selflessness. But is he not the sa as [Gleeful Viper]? An inciting malady. Both intervened, and both altered Gao Fu’s Path.”
The [Spirit Carp] slowed their orbit, intent on Shuidi’s diminutive form. They spoke as one, and from the first note there carried sothing ancient and vast. “A dragon of shell and pincer. Such fire. She has eyes, but sees only half truths. Our act is not to hold hands. Not to coddle. Not to raise greenhouse flowers. But to bring low those who would monopolize the Heavens, for this current era has quashed the essence of any who would dare strive against it!”
Fu’s [Dao] resonated with each utterance. “Stability is the enemy of progress, for indeed no distant shore is reached without a forward step. But if you think the Clear Sky colourless then you have not walked its breadth far enough. I will not join you, Long.”
A jian’s swift cut was expected at his rejection.
Yet no blade ca.
In place of it, Long only smirked. “A pity. My plans will progress despite it. We will see much of each other these coming [Seasons], Gao Fu. Soon, you will see,” he said, turning to the horizon. “My, how interesting these tis will beco with a rival. Moreso, if you strive to stop .”
🀦
City Lord Mingqin dismounted her [Spirit Horse] so strides from the [Paifang], dismissing those in the retinue that dared announce her presence.
Her twin songbirds whistled in warning.
“A thing I took for granted in my travels,” she pondered, fetching a palm of vibrating [Sound Qi]. “These realms are of the [True Lord Grade]. How swiftly their flow nurtures the ambient Qi.”
re hours had passed since the myriad factions had descended.
Three [Paifang] had sprouted.
“Master Gao. Warrior Sikou. I asked you to accompany due to our history, no more. So facet of wishes to believe your actions are just, and yet you are in possession of advanced knowledge that I am not. The unrest in my province will not end, will it?”
The douli dipped in false contemplation.
Sikou spoke first, fresh worry lines on his brow. “The Warriors Association will make no secret of their interest here. Indeed, the many [Paifang] represent opportunity. Above , the belief of my seniors is that more will arrive in ti.”
“And you, Master Gao?”
Gentle mists puffed from his pipe as sail-blown ships, soaring freely skyward. “City Lord, for your generosity in housing the refugees of [Spring], I will speak plain,” he waxed. “An elent of my Path drew here, burning with such intensity I had thought it a sun. We see now it is this flux that grips the Jade Songbird Province.”
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
The City Lord placed a hand through the [Paifang], inspecting the [Heavenly Restrictions] before a subtle curse left her lips. “Without tale of your charities throughout my realm, both your charities, this conversation would not take place. Your appearance is not dishonest, but neither were your intentions the whole truth. Familiar seas ought to hold familiar faces. I see few.”
“Here, I am an envoy,” said Sikou. “The Warriors Association desires only to expand its borders, and with your worldly experience, City Lord, you must know this to be true. Command, conquest and hegemony are not among our values. A river is wet, and as such, blaless. If you hold misgivings our na alone should reassure you.”
Mingqin considered this. “A river is wet. You do not apologise for your nature then. In these uncertain tis… yes, it is best to chop nails and sever iron. All must be done with decisive blows. Very well. Warrior Sikou. As City Lord I invite the Warriors Association to place roots in Jade Songbird City under the condition that you oversee your juniors directly. Any soul that claims to know all is a fool, and yet I see a righteous glimr in you. Do not disappoint.”
“As you say, City Lord,” bowed Sikou. “Contractual agreents are among my few talents, though I recognise the insult of offering one so soon in our relationship. My only concern is the influence of your aunt, the recently arrived [Dour Faced Stategist].”
“She will lend weight to your peacekeeping. For now, Sikou, see only that my citizens are shielded from the immortal threats behind these [Paifang].”
The finality in her tone prompted a parting bow, leaving Fu and the City Lord bereft of both warriors and [Spirit Wolves].
Jade Songbird Province held a wealth in forest and rolling hill, dense in mortal foliage. Without intervention this lack of complexity might well have remained.
First had co a froth, bitter-scented and yellow, collected one half stride from the [Paifang’s] mouth. As Mingqin’s poorly concealed heartbeat fluttered, the rising [Water Qi] exuded from this unknown [Mystic Realm’s] overflow manifested trickle, puddle and stream.
With a grim lody, the [Spirit Songbirds] flew after its progress.
Fu stooped, whisking his palm. “[Death Qi] and [Water Qi]. The forr I can do little about… but, the latter can be persuaded.”
External arts were Shuidi’s domain, lest it ca to mist and air.
A blade and a gust were of more comfort to the Fatherly [Asura] than the dramatic control of elents.
Still, the [Shrine of Final Skies] again made it trivial.
The gushing waters spiralled to a point, grinding through the imdiate earth and roots until a vast bowl was hewn about them. He sank the stream lower and lower until a crater of inordinate size began to fill about the [Paifang], leaving only a thin bridge of earth to connect at the threshold.
Blackness took hold of the verdant bamboo, decaying leaf and root alike.
Mingqin withdrew several talismans, conducting [Sound Qi] to affix them in a periter about his crater.
An immortal-grade [Qi Conversion Array]. These flags alone are worth more than Jade Songbird City’s entire wealth. Soone has inscribed them with the initial cost so it might be deployed by any with middling talent. A gift from her [Dao-Nad] backing, no doubt.
Grey light pushed back the corrupting [Death Qi], using the [Water Qi] as fuel.
“Ah,” clasped Fu. “The City Lord naturally has this well in hand.”
“Polite. You hold much propriety where others do not,” she said. “For every one of you, Gao Fu, there are ten thousand cultivators like that of the forr Blue Lagoon. Warrior Sikou. His second. Quicksilver Pavillion. Strange that you hover as dangling blades yet do nothing to claim what might be easily taken. There is much to governance. Tithes that cannot be forgotten. Jade Songbird City is a hamlet to a village. The village is a town to a city that knows not even the na of their Empire. But you, vaunted guests, I believe you do.”
Fu smiled. “I am of the Clear Sky, if this is what the City Lord asks.”
“Very well,” she nodded. “Then my own edict is this: the land you wished to purchase is yours, in perpetuity, so long as wherever you are to build stands no more than one li from the nearest [Paifang] and no more than five li from the nearest settlent. This land cannot be bartered, and you will bear the full weight of all transgressions perford in your domain.”
He bowed low. “A generous offer, City Lord.”
“We stand at the precipice of chaotic tis, Master Gao. I hope Jade Songbird City and its lands beco a ho to you, for it is in need of familiar, righteous souls. The offer will not be made to another. Is this agreeable?”
“Just so.”
🀦
Volcanic magma burst from the earth below village two hundred and twelve.
A sea of darkness engulfed village forty six.
Hideous jiangshi crawled from the burial mounds of village eighty five.
Sikou’s juniors put to rest the Golden Corpse Cult within hours of their appearance, and yet, the damage was absolute.
The Heavenly Roaming Prefecture blazed.
From Wisteria Peaks to the Chis of Black Serendipity, the myriad [Paifang] brought forth elental malice when t with the lacking resistance of desolate Qi.
Where abundant lands prevailed in their composite, ambient [Affinity], the Heavenly Roaming Prefecture had no existing elents of any strength to fight back. The basic principles of elental suppression were a cautionary tale every cultivator knew- how they waxed and waned, supported, conjoined, and eviscerated.
“Ink upon a blank canvas,” pondered Fu, journaling his own observations. “When colour is upon the paper, the fresh addition takes less hold. As it stands, the [Paifang’s] influence pours uninterrupted.”
Hushi was draped across an overhanging branch. “Seventeen,” was his impression, glimpsing the corona of many against the night sky.
“This Gao Shuidi finds the pace distasteful. Seventeen [Paifang] is too few for her talents. To linger in a realm so frail sickens her [Core]. It is unclean.”
Indeed, the [Paifang] now numbered seventeen.
The three were at rest on a peak, so steps away from the latest. It was of [Life Qi], as they had discovered in crossing.
Shuidi finished her own writing. “[Broken Monk Recluse]. [Winter] cycle, half concluded. [Life Abundance]. [Beast Realm]. Unaffiliated. Initial lands about threshold are clear. Gao Fu.”
It was a viable ream for the harvesting and production of food, which Jade Songbird City would sorely be in need of. Without a swiftly secured ans of nourishing their population, their soon-to-be explosive growth would bring about a near imdiate famine to the mortal citizenry.
Fu read the missive again, binding it in cord before the [Dao of Four Horizons] breezed it away on the winds. His first attempts at such a distant delivery had shredded the mortal papyrus before halfway reaching Mingqin, a mistake he would not repeat.
His brooch resonated.
Oh?
Mist spread about them, silencing all before Bingbai’s arrival.
“Master Ban,” he greeted.
The jovial cultivator stepped forth from starlight. “My disciple,” he grinned, throwing a spatial ring his way. “I bring gifts.”
Small deposits of various [Spirit Herbs] tumbled into Fu’s hand alongside several tos, vast denominations of spirit stones and a strange, obsidian serpent.
“I’ve proved a frugal master, was this not said? Never dipping a hand in his own pouch. These are the promised [Spirituality] enhancing herbs, normally to be absorbed slowly. For a disciple with such greed in his [Pull], that need not apply. The others are supplentary materials to do with what you see fit.”
Notably, he neglected to ntion the serpent.
“Gratitude. I will see them put to good use,” he said, stowing all within the [Shrine of Final Skies].
“Report.”
And so Fu did.
The concise delivery was only expanded on three tis, during which Bingbai rely stroked a jade comb through his beard. “Chaotic tis indeed. Oh-ho. If I was a younger man the drama alone would inspire to grand feats. Do you hold confidence that this young CIty Lord holds no suspicions to your allegiance?”
“The matter of Yongwu Long casts doubt on that.”
Bingbai grumbled. “Indeed. A nebulous upstart with troubleso backing. You report he holds a full [Primordial Constellation Gate]? Ard with knowledge and talent, why, he’s a decidedly less handso triplet of you.”
“His companion, this [Dour Faced Strategist], has the City Lord’s ear. One word and my nature would be unmade. Shuidi sensed multiple [Constellation Seeds] among his followers, though few hold any above the [Foundation Grade].”
If anything, his Master’s smile only widened.
“Disciples Fen and Anfang have similar findings within their domain. Infiltrators from the middle-Numbered Vajra clans spread through the Golden Bodhi Sanctuary and this House of Ma field similar talents. Oh-ho, it is enough to add thunder to any heartbeat.”
“What is to be done?” asked Fu.
Starlight sprinkled from Bingbai’s fingers. “Nothing,” he smiled. “Our act here is for posterity. Don’t leap when a crawl will suffice, disciple. Recall the true intention of our mission. Though our ans are silent and moon-lit, the wary will not gather here. No. The true migration of [Paifang] is many [Seasons] distant, and if we are to reap the greatest harvest we cannot show our hand until the true trove gathers. Stay your course, and worry not over Yongwu Long. From your words, he has designs on you. Revelation would not keep you close.”
Hushi rarely inserted his opinion, and so Bingbai welcod his approach.
“With one immortal among the City Lord’s court, more will surely co,” voiced Fu, adding his thoughts thereafter. “The false envoys of greater Sects will not rest. We can make use of their hostility, for they will surely vie for power, but we have no ans of addressing the greater disciples should they begin to arrive. It is fortunate that few of Abundant [Spring] have been connected here.”
A chuckle sounded.
“Absent as I might be, would such a thing be left to chance?”
Effortless steps brought Bingbai into open air, gesturing for his disciple to follow. It was no vast climb, but afforded a view uninterrupted by landscape.
Fu saw nothing.
With silent recognition of this, Bingbai bid them higher. Small impressions pushed the night’s clouds aside, and they rose until the previous peak was but a speck in their vision.
“Hmm, what’s that youthful expression? Put in your eyes,” laughed Bingbai. “Your master hasn’t been idle, Gao Fu.”
“Outstanding.”
Clouds manifested from his [Core], loosing the Old One upon the skies. The wizened catfish circuited Bingbai and Fu, expressing great mirth through their link.
Shuidi clacked.
Hushi nudged Fu’s head ever so slightly eastward.
[Interdiary Wisdom] overca his eyes.
From the farthest reaches of Wisteria Peaks, a colossal formation thrumd through Fu’s mind. Invisible. Silent. Comprised of stone, tree, earth, air, and each natural component in a great ring of the Heavenly Roaming Prefecture’s entirety.
This height granted a peerless view.
How the rivers flowed, intersecting to form the connections of this [Array]. How the peaks towered as flags and totems.
Bingbai’s work was etched into the earth’s very bones.
“Oh-ho. Old One, are you impressed?”
“It is a work to rival [An Array in One Hand]. To inscribe on such a scale. Hmm. Yes. The [Paifang] will power it, ceaselessly. What magnitude! This wizened master comnds you, Ban Bingbai.”
“The Qi density cannot power this,” noted Fu.
“Five hundred [Paifang]. That is when it shall activate. My [Immortal Sunshine Judgent Formation].”
“Villainous,” said the Old One, impressed beyond words. “You would seal all immortals within, and prevent any more from entry. The very attempt would rupture their [Core], feeding the [Array].”
Shuidi approximated a grin. “Master Ban hosts a feast, yet bars the door once entered.”
“How else might our Sect be nourished?” he asked. “If not on the thieving corpses of those who dare to show their greed?”
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