Both halves consolidated their newest acquisitions through a darkened cloud, cracking an unsubtle lash of thunder throughout the Heavens.
Fu Gao t Gao Fu’s gaze readily. “The House of Ma.”
“[Karmic] timing.”
They stroked their respective whiskers.
“Temperance is key. Patience. All that is done now is the foundation for immortality. Greed and rashness would shake these pillars.”
What Fu Gao did not offer were his [Dao Principles], though all facets of mory, technique and experience were swiftly absorbed by their second halves, as did they mirror the gesture. These matters were of great ponderance, stirring both into silence.
“All we can do is observe this House of Ma,” they spoke aloud, their thoughts intertwined. “It is curious that one of their number is among the Phoenix lody Coalition. An act of [Blood Qi]. If-”
The mories stirred, still raw.
“I see our juniors have granted what little information the Clouded Courts possess. The Matriarch within her [Inner Realm] is unknown to them, and yet her wife is of so notoriety. We could perhaps… yes. Discovery of her other faction mbers is priority, for then we might glean what they aim to do.”
Thoughts flew of destabilisation. Of how they might spin their small retinue of ghosts to work most effectively. Best that Gao Fu took the mantle of teacher, yes, for Fu Gao need not be limited by the trivial workings of juniors and their ilk. Then thoughts of Sects, alliances, and the benefits they might accrue. How the moon-facing side might nudge events.
Truly, possessing two harmonious minds was unrivalled, for each decision ca as a litany - as swift as righteous wind.
“Our next priority,” mused Gao Fu, finishing a stroke.
Impatient amidst these clouds, the twin [Spirit Crabs] clacked their protest. “These Gao Shuidi do not think it need be said aloud. No clouds stand before us, thus the Path is clear.”
Both cultivators gave a well humoured smile as their partners answered in concert.
“Bingbai’s will.”
“The [Primordial Realm].”
Both halves of Hushi looked up sharply, no longer toying with a rising pressure of lightning betwixt their arms.
A small silence followed.
“Feng would na this a discordant note,” said Gao Fu. “It is most… curious.”
Fu Gao was ponderous. “The [Dao] have this much sway, it seems. A fool guesses, yet this is where our thoughts go first. Perhaps as this half walks beneath the moon, and the second - beneath the sun - perhaps our differing experiences lead priorities astray.”
“A thing to watch closely,” they finished in tandem.
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The [Heartplu of Clouded Schisms] granted minor benefits aside from its main purpose, and this is how Fu Gao navigated through the Chis of Black Serendipity.
Abundant [Earth Qi] blocked much of their [Senses], dampening their [Affinity] further due to [Autumn’s] imposed [Tyranny], having the three ghosts move oddly.
By searching for a resonance with their second halves. Below and above, respectively.
Growth in the ambient Qi density had multiplied the [Spirit Moss], mushrooms and natural treasures to be found at these depths, welcoming myriad [Spirit Beasts] to relocate into this darkened realm where they now tread.
He left them be, for now.
In a passage the description of any other, Hushi spread his arms wide. “Here,” he impressed, gazing at the ceiling above.
Shuidi confird it.
“We are directly below our private quarters? The distance is still that of many li,” noted Fu Gao, pushing a resonance through the [Heartplu of Clouded Schisms].
Gao Fu returned it, signalling that he was indeed there.
The [Shrine] opened, and an obsidian serpent was withdrawn. They had guessed at its purpose since Master Bingbai had bestowed it, but knew not to take the man entirely at face value.
Pageantry had ever to be observed, after all.
It was reverently set upon the cavern’s floor, nigh unseen in the gloom.
Dormant.
Of the three, Shuidi was first to move. Her Qi wrapped around the statue, inspecting each groove upon its perfectly hewn scales and engraved line until she ca to small hollows within its twinned fangs.
[Spirituality] lightly pulsed there and Fu chased the sensation, exerting his subtle will to fill the space.
Crimson eyes flared upon it, the first step of a great working for there ca a vast leaking of peculiar shapes.
As if ooze from an open wound, myriad spectral serpents slithered from between the effigy’s scales to pour about the cavernous space. These beings buried themselves in earth- in ceiling, floor and wall, devouring all and… nothing.
These affectations were of the surrounding [Spiritual] energies and Qi.
“The [Clouded Ghost Arts], if done peerlessly,” he noted, feeling the ambient forces bend and suppress as though under his Sect’s chief art.
Ahead the obsidian serpent burst, embedding oozing crimson fragnts into the surrounding ether.
A voice pressed against his mind. “Gao Fu. Fatherly [Asura]. Cloud Gathering Division. Personal Disciple of the [Sage of Constellations]. [Of Perennial Shade’s] favoured. For one such as you, the Clouded Archives bid welco.”
Pride ward the three as a spectral gate widened, fashioned in the likeness of a vast serpent’s maw. Such was the resonance with his [Elder’s Token] and [Clouded Ghost Arts] that it assured none but a high-standing ghost might glean its existence here so deep below Gao Fu’s fledgling Sect.
But strange was its appearance across the threshold.
Where previously islands floated across a cloudy abyss and [Vestiges] tended to the endless repositories of knowledge stored among enormous stacks of scroll, manual and papyrus - this ingress placed the sights far behind.
Instead spread a marble den at this archive’s highest point, and Fu suppressed his surprise at the bottles of spirit wine being served to each cultivator there.
Ten heads rose at his entry, lifting from saucer, cup and conversation to subtly take his asure.
Many [Seasons] had passed since he had conversed with a [Vestige] - the remnants souls of those that tied their [Spirit] to eternal service - though his last had not t him with such outrageous reverence.
“Disciples Gao Fu, Gao Hushi and Gao Shuidi. This humble servant would offer a table, if it does not offend?” Three peerlessly beautiful won kowtowed at his feet, near translucent in skin and hair. “The Clouded Archives offers a grand view, of this none can dispute.”
With a curt nod he was led to a gleaming balcony where the clouds lapped as waves might and [Spiritual] serpents road. Before words might be exchanged he found himself seated with a pot of fragrant tea.
A sip revitalized his [Core], and Hushi impressed rapture at its woody taste.
Master Bingbai has opened a connection to the Clouded Archives within the Heavenly Roaming Prefecture. The benefits are clear, are they not?
Shuidi granted a hum not unlike that of Hua’s usual brand, and her thoughts ca without sound. “A first visit. This Gao Shuidi was not granted a chance to see their Sect’s marvels before now. Much could be learned here,” she noted with odd distraction. “But yes. To allow the peak of our Clouded Court kin to traverse freely will bend the Prefecture to Sect ideals. Gates across the Clear Sky. Free movent.”
“Hmm. Novel indeed. Perhaps Bingbai’s [Immortal Sunshine Judgent Array] requires this freedom. It is doubtless that [Spatial Arrays] will not be able to circumvent his talents, and yet the Cloudy Serpent Sect holds boundless ability. If nurture is his vocation, the disciples here will surely make an appearance once reaping begins.”
An [Elder’s Token] was not given lightly, and Fu had ever suspected that he and Zhu had received it as part of a machination, not by rit.
Still, their presence could not be dismissed, thus…
“Cousins. I would be ashad to offer no greeting,” he said, hoisting his saucer to the few cultivators about this space. “May [Autumn’s] shadows be long.”
Serpents alone accompanied these quiet disciples who tipped a saucer in Fu’s direction, and none among their number spared any more than this. Whatever use this corner of the Clouded Archives held, he supposed it was not usual for lengthy conversations to take place.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not ant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“Gao Fu,” ca a half-familiar voice from three tables distant. Bundled in a nagerie of scarves, Yunhan raised his saucer. “I should not be surprised to find you here. Would you care to join ?”
Their first ntor sat embracing the steam of a sweet-scented teapot. His partner was not with him.
Fu welcod old company, and brought his own pot to the table. “Yunhan. It has been many [Seasons]. The Four Corners Prefecture still stood when last we spoke, and we have yet to properly show our gratitude for your intervention.”
The man waved away the makings of a bow. “Is gratitude needed when the Sect supports its own? Please, we are of similar standing. Speak as a friend might.”
“We are prone to offering our friends much gratitude,” said Fu, offering a smile. “How have you fared?”
“Grandly,” said Yunhan. “The Empire of Abundant [Spring] proved a bounty. To push the moon’s agenda across endless realms brought both insight and contentnt. I need not explain that to you, Fatherly [Asura].”
No teasing entered his tone, and for that Shuidi ward.
“This Gao Shuidi did not witness Yunhan’s training, but her hearts speak well of it. Gratitude would be offered.”
Yunnan accepted it with a nod. “The pupils’ arrival broke our stagnancy. The gratitude works both ways, young Shuidi. Mistress will enjoy news of our eting, as she does when word arrives of Niharika’s workings. Another talent, if not so well nad.”
A colossal serpent, Fu wondered how the Clouded Archives might accommodate her arrival.
“Mistress has other duties?”
“Her great-grandmother recalled her for the finalities of [Spring’s] fall. The honor is truly peerless.”
Many ghosts raised silent toasts as he ntioned this.
Propriety held Fu’s curiosity at bay, though he had always pondered on Yunhan’s-
“Great-grandmother? This Gao Shuidi would know why such reverence is shown by those on other tables. Is she of grand stock?”
Their first ntor did not often laugh, but here a chuckle fled from beneath his scarves. “Shuofeng. Second of Elder [Gleeful Viper’s] venerable partners and forebear of our [Clouded Serpent Queen’s] lineage. Surely my lessons have not faded so swiftly? A ghost should know all histories, even that of cousins and kin. Had you really not pried?”
[Gleeful Viper]. [Clouded Serpent Queen]. To share a [Heritage] with her- it is small wonder [Of Perennial Shade] showed such deference to this pair. If they share all talents such as inherited [Spirituality] and [Bloodline], then perhaps… is Yunhan in possession of [Divine Qi]?
“It is a glad thing your manners do not make you kowtow on the spot. A poor ghost speaks of himself at length, however, so I will ask if you are troubled? Few visit these archives in tis of peace. It is a good place to consolidate one’s thoughts.”
Fu shook. “We are not troubled. Unless you know of a faction nad the House of Ma?”
“House of Ma? No, I cannot say I do. So supplicants to Elder [Everlasting Scales Upon Canvas]? Hmm, no, for they would not vex any within the Cloudy Serpent Sect, nor would he allow association with his na. If I have ti, I will dig for you, Gao Fu.”
“No,” rejected Fu. “A kindness, but my house is in order. The Cloud Gathering Division does not lack for intelligence.”
“As I have heard. So terrifying genius of nightmare stands beneath you, no? Wen Pinxui. She brushed shoulders with those of the Descent of Four Clouds, and they nad her the Breathless Archive when their hearts recovered.”
Mirth extended from Hushi.
“Breathless Archive,” chuckled Fu. “That is indeed her. She surprised the peak disciples of our Clouded Courts?”
“The tale is a whisper of a whisper, but involves their personal archives and words of inefficiency and irrelevance. A bold one, I presu.”
Both n glanced to their side, aware of the appearance of many more [Vestiges]. The spectral cultivators blinked before each at-rest assassin, bestowing open missives at the of profound bows.
Yunhan and Fu took theirs in tandem.
“[Sixth Under Heaven] was slain so monts ago,” the ntor read, quietly content. “Yet it seems that [Plum Axe Zhu] stole the final blow as [Fourth Under Heaven] restrained him. A concession granted to these lesser Pillars.”
The area fell into small motions.
Murmurs passed the lips of the many assassins, while so tore, burned or disintegrated the missive. Most explosive were the Vajra among their number, whose forms had simply winked from existence.
Fu could not parse their swiftness, and even Shuidi was humbled by their sudden disappearance.
“A small victory. More is the pity that this Empire could not sufficiently challenge our Elders, though such is the plight of overwhelming talent,” said Yunhan. “What are your thoughts, Gao Fu?”
With a stroke of his whisker, Fu spoke openly. “I grow pensive at the thought of his unclaid [Mystic Realms]. [Sixth Under Heaven] held his [True Orchid Path] in order. A villain of no uncertainty - as are all that dare tempt the wrath of serpents - but one that held the Clear Sky Empire back from chaos.”
“The nature of [Mystic Realms] is not my expertise,” said Yunhan, pulling down his scarves. “A fall into a ditch makes one wiser, though it seems you can provide aid before that might transpire. Can you clarify?”
“My role in the March of Serpents severed myriad realms, yet these were not all of the false Emperor’s lands. Without his hold, the [Paifang] and exterior connections are sure to manifest all across the Clear Sky. Turbulent tis await.”
Yunhan’s lips quirked. “All beneath the Heavens is vast, however, I see what lesser problems are sure to arise. Already the Clear Sky Edict already causes much friction, though it is a useful thing. Elder [Everlasting Scales Upon Canvas’s] hand is clear in this.”
“The Five Pillars will intervene before long.”
“Indeed,” said Yunhan. “That is the only path of certainty through these twin maladies that will soon broach the Clear Sky.”
The n rose, knowing they had indulged long enough.
“Hold, Yunhan. This Gao Shuidi would know the second created malady.”
Fu had an inkling, but listened intently.
“The Sixth are slain and their position stands ready to claim by the Seventh. As will the Eighth claim their own in turn. One Hundred and Three ascensions will drive the actions of the Numbered Vajra for all [Seasons] until it is complete, and all kin of their [Heavenly Talents] will be recalled to grasp at these positions.”
“All?” questioned Shuidi.
“Recall your [Dao Oath], young Shuidi. Those in the Clouded Courts have died a death, and cannot be counted in this number. Family holds no place for serpents and ghosts, thus the lesser factions are thinned while our numbers do not dwindle for such foolish, petty concepts,” said Yunhan, lifting his scarves once more. “An enjoyable talk, Gao Fu. Farewell.”
“Farewell,” Fu said, pausing for longer than he should before the threshold was crossed.
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[Reflections of Yin]
[Winter]
[True Lord Realm] [Trial Realm] [Ice Qi Abundance] [Dao Profundity]
With a catalogue of myriad erging realms there ca myriad avenues for growth, and no ghost need fear such trivial notions such as affiliation or permission to make use of them.
Snow did not fall in softened flakes, but shards akin to a brace of Heaven’s daggers.
This realm held danger in abundance. Roaming [Spirit Beasts] and a faction of the Warring Tribes that crossed pale blue glaciers atop partners of savage [Spirit Reindeer] was among the lesser trials when faced with vengeful clouds and lashing winds that took ti to bend to his will.
A mortal would perish here in monts for the [Heavenly Spectre’s Shroud] was pushed far in its tolerance.
Fu Gao welcod it as he ascended a vast spire of ice, battling a wrath of cold that threatened to seize his very [Spirit] should he fail to properly circulate his [Inner Qi].
It fostered resilience, and yet this was not the main intent. The [Dao of Snow] had reached its peak, and more insight was required than simple notions of cold.
Thus they climbed.
This peak proved a slanted edge, exposed to all elents. Here the three entered their lotus and a mantra delivered them from the biting cold. They did not seek their [Conception Vessel], but instead sat as the bladed hail poured upon them.
“It falls,” ca Fu Gao’s breath.
“Unheard,” ca Shuidi’s thoughts.
“Footprints. Marks. A trail,” said Hushi.
So went their sequence.
“We leave no trail, and cannot be.”
“We make no sound, and cannot be.”
“It drifts as Wayward Winds.”
“Already are we beyond Wayward Winds. We hold direction.”
“Snow drifts ever down. It does not rise.”
“Cultivation is to rise. Thoughts of descent cannot form.”
The three humd in rumination.
An icicle pierced the [Heavenly Spectre’s Shroud] and the [Dao of Four Horizons] longed for its insight. This taste of the storm’s fury tried well to wrest control of their direction- to pour knowledge down another channel.
The three rejected it.
Denied it.
Their humming ceased.
“Wind is but one thing, and we, the growing storm.”
“Pride speaks otherwise.”
“Not the breath itself, for our gust is young,” chastised Hushi. “Ti will see it so.”
“One facet of absolute cloud. Of change. Just as this snow is one of [Winter], a thing that none are yet absolute in.”
“The [Empress Above All] was all [Seasons].”
“Thus we are not.”
“Then we do not know snow as [Winter]. Our Path is too early for so prideful a thought.”
“We might deny as snow does.”
“The [Dao of Epheral Cascade] stalls for monts. It is a cycle. Denial is definitive. An end. A stoppage. Cessation everlasting.”
Fu’s eyelids drew open and his palm scraped the accumulated shards about them. Below lay naught but more. “[Tyranny]. It is more than a counter. A suppressant. How deep must it grow? Its vestiges remain into early [Seasons]. The denial of growth and change seen across all moons. Just as snow coats the earth to remove bulb and shoot, we coat all those that might oppose us.”
“Shallow.”
“Patience, sister.”
“Potential cos from substance, from blood and breath.”
“Then what else but Heaven’s bounty of Qi is our prey? For blood and breath cannot be without their energies to drive them.”
[Profundity] sparked.
Silence followed.
“The death of potential,” voiced Fu.
[Profundity] massed.
Shuidi spent long in contemplation. “Our snow is finality. Removed from change.”
“[Winter’s] seal.”
The three drew breath to align their thoughts, and spoke as one into the ice-filled storm about them. “Our presence is snow, and an assurance of ends. As frigid dust coats the earth, we go forth to seal what might be. We drift to bring the ruin of futures and fade as a warm sun rises. The breaker of ambition, sheer as an ivory covered land.”
A concerted force had built in their shared [Spirit], and it desired to be bound.
“To all things, it drifts a gentle end. We are the cold ashes of a promised future, buried in white,” he proclaid.
[Ink] burned.
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