…plainly, it can be reduced to a system of ridiculous beliefs.
These Warring tribes are misguided in myriad ways, and none more than their proclivity to endorse to [Demonic Arts].
But to understand this blight, to steer their shallow minds towards the greater path as all charitable souls feel obligated to do - one must seek the root.
Consumption is but a facet of Heaven’s Gifts.
That of the natural.
For this is how these aberrant brutes grow.
To them, it is an affront to drink of Heaven’s energies.
To take from the ambient and reduce the residual quantities that bolster all things.
They take only what is offered; in berries, at, water, juices, vine and leaf, all while rejecting the constructs of civil life.
Those of fabrication, alchemy, construction and ingenuity.
As wayward children might.
“Primitive Thoughts,” a collective work.
There existed a spectrum within [True Lord Grade] realms more vast than any disparate strengths within the length of [Core Formation]. Once immortality was reached… well, Fu could not speak to it.
His experience was only of [Reliquaries] and brief glimpses.
Bingbai’s preparation, [Constitution], insight into the [Dao], [Constellation Seeds] and the refining cauldron of a turbulent history had conspired to land both ghosts into the category of elites.
It muddied otherwise clear waters.
Four days had passed within the realm, pitting the group against a ceaseless onslaught of near immortal insects possessing strange cultivation.
From larvae, to adolescents, to the oddity of foes now faced.
[Half Cloud Step] wove Fu about a danger of oncoming branches. Staffs gathered from the fledgling growths of the realm’s great trunk and put to ready use by six-limbed figures of hair and carapace.
[Spirit Beetles] with the physique of n.
The ti for direct action nears it end. Neither of us have the ti to indulge any further.
An axe-head ford of Zhu’s [Troubled Hermit’s Moondew] repeatedly bisected the coming insects, reducing them to common pests. Definitive, unlike the shallower, if swifter cuts of Fu’s own chain-blades.
Here the realm worked against him, for the abundance of [Life Qi] remade what shafully superficial wounds he could inflict.
He passed Qi through his brooch.
[Dao of Four Horizons].
The wind stole him to empty air, where Zhu t a heartbeat later. “The Heavenly Roaming Prefecture would be overrun in a mont should this [Beast Tide] cross the [Paifang],” he said. “Realms of [Life Qi] are vital for Jade Songbird City’s growth, and yet it must be collapsed to avoid ruin.”
“I don’t enjoy the grotesque sheen of their blood. A beast may choose to seek physical perfection through cultivation, but it is a disservice to show themselves before it’s complete,” frowned Zhu. “Hmm. But yes, this realm must be collapsed.”
Their respective shrines were no longer visible, recalled due to strain.
Shuidi signalled skyward. “This Gao Shuidi finds no pride in spiritless things. Let us go.”
“This bores ,” agreed Zhu, standing firm atop compacted light. “These foes won’t inspire a martial breakthrough.”
[Dao of Four Horizons].
Clad by the cowl of his internalized [Dao] and the [Clouded Ghost Arts], Fu leapt into a gale, vanishing farther in ascent of the great trunk. Zhu’s pace did not require him to wait, as most did, allowing for his full swiftness.
Even still, many hours passed.
Such was the grandeur of this realm’s monolith.
They unfolded before the tallest boughs began to sprout, sensing an emanation of Qi from a wide hollow where the branches left open space. More profound than the force felt beyond sight was the sickly aroma that nigh choked these approaching ghosts.
But neither comnted. In truth, neither could glean the other.
Fu thought it a mark of progress that Zhu’s bloated [Senses] could not detect their presence, though only a fool would show confidence with so fragile an assurance.
The scent turned cloying.
Myriad [Spiritual Mosses] clung to the trunk’s inner hollow, leaking this aroma. So pure condensate of [Life Qi] that slickened the ground and moistened each wall. A trove for those of this [Affinity], for even with his [Pull], it would take many moons to fully absorb.
[Senses] revealed more.
Guards of the [Reliquary] proper, at-watch and motionless by this wall of moss. Slender beasts of humanoid form with hardened shell upon each of their four arms and a forking horn upon their brow. Little resemblance to humanity existed across their faces, for receded mandibles and smooth carapace took the place of what should be there.
This was no less true for their Matriarch.
Her horn bore radials like that of a monarch’s crown. Vast silken wings shawled her subdued form, dark and reflective of the surrounding [Life Qi] she absorbed in thin, flowing rivulets.
A [Trial Guardian]. It is she that controls this realm. Pride has perhaps extended her reach beyond the [Reliquary] that most are confined to. How fortunate that we need not undergo a [Trial] to collapse these lands.
Insects were as much beast - as much of Heaven and nature - as tigers and turtles, but the aberrant appearance of these beings was near [Demonic].
Fu supposed it mattered little.
Resonance passed through their brooch to mark a countdown. A pulse wherein the mask of chieftains, sect leaders and pride fell away to remind both of a darker, simpler Path to victory.
Both brooches resonated and myriad actions beca one.
A colossal plum axe bit deep into the [Trial Guardian’s] neck.
[Wind Phantom’s Breath: Impending Mortality Dew].
Her lidless eyes snapped to the damage’s source, finding neither figure nor blade amongst the deluge of poison Fu stread atop her wound.
An immortal [Intent] built, promising oblivion.
Twin shrines erupted into the Matriarch’s hollow and the scene beca that of screaming wind against impregnable black.
The immortal beetle’s wings flared like lightning manifest, snapping through the epheral form of the [Heavenly Spectre’s Shroud].
Feral was her buzz. “Seed-takers. Heaven’s reapers. You-”
Arm, pincer and fist plunged into the axe’s wound. Unseen to all, a wing and plum-rich palm entered aside them.However these implents of ghosts were rely conduits for greater forces - entwined and familial - that of Hollow nature.
Fu felt the mirror of his [Demonic Art] as he conjured it.
[Spectre Steals the Stars].
Hushi impressed Zhu’s own [Art]. “[Slake the Thirst of Plums].”
But alone this was not enough.
Had he ti, Fu might have grimaced for the blockage he was to inflict upon himself. To cultivate was difficult enough with his current Qi impartnt, and this necessity would slow his progress further.
His mind went to [Ink].
To an accumulated change he had yet to consolidate over many [Seasons], allowing only trickles to grace his Path.
[Hollow Ivory Splinter]
Your [Core] is yet ravening.
[Pull] 644
In concert their [Pull] wrenched the Matriarch’s [Constellation Seed] forth, leaving vile liquids to spurt from its cavity.
Yet immortals were scarcely felled with such ease.
Terrible fonts of [Life Qi] surged to repair her malefic wound.
Cataclysmic.
Aberrant.
Soul-shattering [Intent] sundered the surrounding trunk, making needles of the once formidable bark. About the realm crashed a deluge of wrathful lightning to restore columns of broken larvae to their forr states.
Indeed her insight into the principles of life and death proved to be without equal, for across these mystic lands did the corpses of her fallen brood begin to twitch.
Her buzzing quelled the wind and clouds. Her dreadful power, without equal. As [Trial Guardian] the peerless [Spirit Beetle] brought Heaven-breaking energies to...
It mattered not.
The ghosts had already fled.
🀨
Tu Yuanji’s warriors were a riot upon the roads, cackling and shouting with a rowdiness that even mortals might hear across many li. WIne bottles clashed as they strolled, heedless of the ailing mbers they carried upon shoulder or [Spirit Beast].
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Their senior held a subdued smile for such behaviour, though her attention was elsewhere.
“Oh, it’s quite vexing. Sikou has every intention of fulfilling his duty,” she purred, however unnecessarily, “This twist to his cultivation has proved a bane for many moons now. Nevertheless, the Heavens often deliver him where best his jian might be put to use.”
Fu stroked his whisker as they approached a split in the road, stalling as labourers beneath the Four Tiger Pill Society’s watchful eye widened and prepared this countryside lane. Trees were felled for many hundred strides in each direction, their trunks thrown into piles like chopsticks by the [Might]-rich, sweat-stained cultivators.
Jade Songbird City stood so many hundred li south, but a smudge upon the horizon showed its growth.
In so few [Seasons], this would beco a canton of the city proper.
“It may seem strange, Mistress Yuanji, but I might hold a redy for your partner’s misfortune. When ti permits, perhaps you could both visit?” he said.
Her slender, vermillion brow arched. “A redy?”
“I have resourceful friends.”
“Do not speak so mysteriously, Gao Fu,” admonished Shuidi.
Tu loosed a quite masculine snort before attempting to recover in demure fashion. “I- ah. Mistress Shuidi, you disarm with your bluntness. However, I’m skeptical. Heaven offers nothing freely, and n, less. My wiles do not distract you, so why offer such a gift?”
“A rising tide lifts all ships, does it not?” he offered.
“Hmm, Gao Shuidi, does he always distract with old wisdoms?”
The traitorous [Spirit Crab] dipped in affirmation.
In protest, Fu lifted his hands. “My own heart betrays it seems. I would not look too deeply into this, Mistress Yuanji.”
“A rising tide,” she teased, gesturing to her warriors. “The ship you’d lift with this is coarse and ugly.”
“There are more valuable things than polished jade,” he smiled. “But I understand that sounds like more wisdom. Simply, I believe that if help can be offered - it should be. None that tread the Path need do so alone.”
A hand went to Tu’s lips, but this was humorous. “My, Gao Fu, selflessness is a good look on you. It’s normally the prideful and arrogant that makes my heart beat so. I’ll let Sikou know what you’ve said. Admittedly, I’m curious to see your Cloud Dragon Hall.”
“My friends of the Warriors Association are welco any ti,” he said, dipping his head as the last labourer and [Spirit Ox] moved by. “Though, I would perhaps tend to your injured first. Farewell, Mistress Yuanji.”
“Gao Fu,” she poorly bowed.
His walk continued at an untroubled pace until the next hill crested and his [Dao of Four Horizons] whisked them away. Then on, gently, to the interior of his Sect’s private quarters.
[Air Qi] sealed the screen tight.
Blood burst from his mouth in unceasing volus as Fu collapsed to the pristine floor. At his side fell Hushi and Shuidi, silent as they impacted.
Their [Inner Qi]- no, their [Channels] and [Core] pulsed in ragged agony.
Barren.
Spent.
Fu’s hand rushed into the [Shrine of Final Skies], withdrawing a multitude of Qi-rich items to imdiately absorb. No delicate al, but a feast of one long-starved and ailing. The rate of their consumption dried and withered entire clumps and sprigs of [Spiritual Herbs], dehydrated fruits and natural treasures, and made empty the great vessels of poison he carried within.
An Empire’s ransom entered their [Cores] and this was not enough.
Over the past [Seasons] his [Hollow Ivory Splinter] had accumulated a thousand, thousand reapings, and with a asure of will the three had found they need not to observe every infinitesimal scrawling upon their [Ink].
It could be trickled, separated, slowed without full consumption.
Yet to accept all at once had wrenched his Qi impartnt towards [Pull], akin to [Cleansing] so hundred [ridians] in the span of a breath.
Competition with Zhu had made him careless.
More treasures followed, revitalizing the [Inner Qi] and settled [ridians] that had been scraped clean to thrust these new gains into equilibrium.
Day beca night before this ghastly sensation faded.
“Another attribute would not compensate. [Pull] is fortunate in this regard,” posited the Old One, afloat in their quarters. “The quantities of Qi required to advance your [ridians]... Yes. Difficult. The Loneso Wind God’s trove is near endless, but this matter cannot be swiftly rectified.”
Hushi’s gaze was inward, ruminating on their changes.
Shuidi’s own was distant.
“Many points rise in my mind,” said Fu. “Concern over the connection to our twinned halves, both at our next eting and once these separate Paths of [Harmony] and [Spirit] are complete. The toll in Qi will be prodigious.”
Even pre-occupied, his partners impressed understanding.
“Second and third are tied in importance. The [Stifling Stream Revolutions] falls behind as a cultivation manual. It served well upon the Path of [Body], but now we impart our Qi without direction. What growth our [ridians] grant in [Pull] is aningless when our [Hollow Ivory Splinter] can deliver such a wealth. Old master, a way must exist to change this?” Fu pondered, adding another thought. “The [Mantra of Heavenly Plums] cos to mind.”
“[Bloodlines].”
Scolding laced the catfish’s words.
“Old master, I know what you wish to say.”
“Hmph. Presumptuous youngling. Greed is a Path of undoing. Hushi, Shuidi, Gao Fu, your cultivation has existed for but a breath’s breath beneath the Heavens. Have you not enough troubles?”
Fu dipped his head. “We do.”
“Tanshuai’s [Bloodline] grants [Might[ for each attribute cultivated. Their [Hollow Ivory Splinter] grants physical strength along with [Senses]. These [Asura] would welco such a boon.”
“Cultivation is more than values upon [Ink]. Patient Gao Fu, why ask this? The norm… yes, this query is beyond it.”
An expectant silence followed, and it was Hushi that filled it. “Urgency,” he voiced, winding an arm to his heart.
“Urgency,” agreed Fu.
“An immortal blade,” dipped Shuidi. “One step from our hearts.”
The catfish humd pensively. “Rashness. Impatience.”
“The rate of the Heavenly Roaming Prefecture’s growth will escape us. If we did not possess [Constellation Seeds], our children would already be orphaned. They, and you, old master, will ever be a part of us - but personal strength cannot be disregarded.”
Small laughter followed another silence.
“Bwa-ha-ha!” rumbled the old catfish. “Was a [Trial Guardian] not just reaped? Ever are you three fittingly harsh. But, yes. This old master sees your thoughts as clear as limpid water.”
An egress manifested, widening between two spectral pillars to highlight the ethereal troves of their [Shrine].
Fu had expected a manual or slight treasure, not vast tablets of condensed cloud to spread about their personal quarters.
Nine such stones - for this was their appearance - appeared to float in the air.
“Dragons hold no need for technique. In insult and simplicity, this old master has deciphered much. Their thod is not unlike that of beasts. Consumption.”
Already was Shuidi at the first cloudy tablet, perusing each character inscribed there.
“Behold my workings,” proudly exhibited the Old Master. Innurable lines of [Profundity] humd upon these tablets at his words, thrusting gold upon each character. They seed as… [Dao Treasures], but less.
And more.
“Old master, are these techniques? I sense martial insight, no, martial essence radiating from each? Can such a good thing exist?”
Pride rumbled in the catfish’s laugh. “This old master has not been idle! Let us waylay talk of [Bloodlines] and other boons for now. Thoughts have already gone to this. For now, bask in these gifts.”
Nine stones.
“This Gao Shuidi would know what they are to choose.”
“Masterworks each, no? This old master has distilled the essence of the Loneso Wind God’s cultivation through a confluence of myriad techniques. It is his sha that these could not be granted earlier,” he waxed, rightfully prideful. “Three are the sublimation of the [Stifling Stream Revolutions], three are of the [Wind Phantom Strides], and three are a fresh technique in variation.”
Before further conversation was head, the trio blurred. Not great distance, perhaps, but the need was great. Fu, Hushi and Shuidi pressed their heads before the old catfish in a deep kowtow. “Endless gratitude,” they said as one.
“Unnecessary, my juniors.”
Fu rose sharply. “Na a thing, old master. We will see it done.”
“Younglings, rise. Are we not bound? Am I not jeje to Yuqi’er and ward of the Gao? Do not be so foolish.”
“But you give too much, Grandfather Gao,” smiled Fu. “Please, consider a gift.”
“Grandfather Gao? This old master does not hate it. A gift? When ti avails, younglings, this old master would know the [Primordial Realm] further. A [Law] may yet be acquired.”
A second set of kowtows.
“It will be done,” said Fu.
“Choose, younglings.”
The three needed no further prompting, and spread their [Senses] upon each. A strange flood of insight t Fu’s soul as he considered the [Stifling Stream Revolutions], impressing what he might he gain from each of the stones.
Motions of each form rose in his mind’s eye, progressed from the base motions of his usual martial technique. That of draconic impression, twisting the [Spiritual] aspects and stifling [Air Qi] into the outer appearance of a dragon’s avatar. It did not restrain, but rather consud the surrounding Qi in tandem with his [Shrine of Final Skies] to quash the resistances of any foe.
One focused upon physical force. It would drastically improve his Qi impartnt towards [Might].
The second, the depths of [Spiritual] damage he could exert. This bolstered his [Push].
Third had the dragons’ aspects latch and burrow into a foe, devouring through conjurations of [Water Qi] and [Air Qi].
[Push] was its focus.
All improved Qi impartnt regardless of choice.
Hushi focused upon the [Wind Phantom Strides], for the technique was his domain.
Indeed the old master’s work was peerless to have made such a confluence of techniques, as the choices for this were as prodigious as the first.
The [Spirit Octopus] made his choice without hesitation.
[Wind Phantom Strides] ascended.
Fu was forced into the lotus position to consolidate a torrent of [Profundity] and information as it poured into his mind’s eye.
“It holds no na,” echoed the old catfish.
Through gritted teeth and a deluge of golden, flashing images, Fu replied, “The honor… is yours.”
[Wind Phantom Strides] [Earthly Ascension] [Middle] ascended.
[Tempestual Phantom Tribulations] [Earthly Ascension] [Early] ford.
[Might] 120, [Control] 120, [Senses] 120
A desire to loose his chain overca Fu as the information settled. He would need to bring muscle and mory into equilibrium slowly, lest mistakes were made, but nodded understanding at Hushi’s choice.
The technique had not grown in [External Arts] nor [Spiritually], but in pure terms of physical might.
Hushi’s needless explanation spoke volus. “[Demons].”
[Autumn]. [Earth Qi] and its composites. Gu.
These were their crippling weaknesses, and the lattermost was most troubling of all. With a [Constitution] that granted a Qi-based, epheral form, their only counter to the [Demonic] energy was the physical force of their [Might] and that of their [Dao].
His partner had chosen well, and so-
[Stifling Stream Revolutions] [Earthly Ascension] [Middle] ascended.
[True Wind God Arts] [Earthly Ascension] [Early] ford.
[Might] 150, [Control] 100, [Push] 100
Fu drew more [Spiritual Herbs] from his [Shrine], righting his [Core] as this slew of shifting Qi consolidated within him.
The second stone had been chosen. Knowledge of manifesting, [Spiritual] dragons danced across his vision. A technique to include [Shuidi] and her limited martial techniques outside of [External Arts] and [Dao], he had thought, as well as a fitting counter for any that would attack with their own.
After a breath, the [Spirit Crab] chose her own, but it was nothing to be marked on [Prowess], nor an instant delivery of technique.
[Boon] partially attained.
[Cloud Dragon’s Sutra] The formation of a [Harmony] cultivation technique that shifts external gains to that of [Might], [Pull] and [Senses], held in abeyance.
Long puffs flew from Fu’s pipe. “By the Heavens, this has been a fruitful day,” he said. “Once more, old master, we extend our gratitude.”
Myriad tos fell where the cloudy stone now faded, stacked high.
Shuidi inspecting each with a pincer, finding they were many copies of the sa six tos. Most in variation. “This Gao Shuidi would not extend further gratitude.”
“Oh?” smiled Fu. “Why not?”
One to of the [True Wind God Arts] slid before him, then the [Tempestual Phantom Tribulations] and finally, four of the [Cloud Dragon’s Sutra] - split into techniques for [Mind], [Body], [Harmony] and [Spirit].
“Because not all your disciples will receive such benefits,” declared the catfish. “As your plum-eyed brother so often complains, others must learn the hard way.”
The Fatherly [Asura] only laughed.
User Comments
0 comments from readers