Side Twelve – Zhao Heng, Master Of The Incorruptible Jade Sect
“Patriarch Zhao, the Party is once more demanding that you send your daughter to attend the eting. They are warning of dire consequences should you choose to be reluctant about this matter.”
Zhao Hang, Patriarch and Sect Master of the fad Incorruptible Jade Sect, looked down at the sect elder grovelling in front of him and held in a sneer. Turning away he gathered his thoughts, admiring his reflection in the priceless mirror that stood in one corner of the lavishly decorated villa, hidden away in the mountains of Shaanxi Province. The priceless carvings of jade dragons, qilin, phoenix, and other mystical beasts wound around the golden fra, reminding one of the true power their Sect was ant to possess.
Indeed yes, our Sect has remained uncorrupted by the passage of ti, just as the finest imperial jade never loses its lustre. Looking at his flawless pale skin and night-dark hair, muscles strong under the sleeves of his ceremonial robes, he grinned. Lesser n for lesser tis. But we were ant for the greatest of ages.
Turning back to his cowering subordinate, Zhao t his gaze, channelling a little Qi through his gaze, causing the elder to shudder uncontrollably, his spirit overpowered. “Consequences? Consequences? Those upstarts who only care about money and comforts? Bah, they forget who built this country, who has kept it safe for over two thousand years…”
“Yes but…” the elder choked out. “… Our arts… they are nothing in the face of modern weapons. A single attack helicopter could destroy everything here… we cannot refuse…”
Zhao put more Qi into his gaze, causing the elder to start choking, writhing in pain. “Our arts? Nothing? You are a disgrace to the sect, such a fool. My father was blind to tolerate your insolence all these years. But father is gone now, and I am the Master of this Sect.” Zhao Heng stroked his well-grood beard with one hand idly as he thought, heedless of the fact the elder had started to vomit, a sodden ss spilling out across the tiled floor.
It is certainly true that we are unable to oppose the military that now rules this sacred land. Not until the holy land of Kunlun once more returns. For two thousand years our Sect has kept the sacred knowledge alive, cultivating as best we could in a world nigh-devoid of the spiritual energy of Heaven and Earth. Even managing to reach peak Qi Refining is a sign of a genius, and to break through to the Foundation stage… other than Heaven-blessed prodigies like my daughter, it is but a distant dream…
“Much as it pains , you are right.” Zhao withdrew his Qi, and the elder let out a relieved wheeze as the pressure within him faded. Tch, pathetic. All we can do with Qi is strengthen our bodies or inflict injuries to the internal ridians of another. Long gone are the days when we could soar through the skies and call down lightning to face off against those who would oppose us. The days of Saints and Immortals have long passed. They ended when the cowards who ran the forr Great Sects sealed off Kunlun from the outside world, in an effort to keep as much energy as possible from fading into the void.
“However… we cannot simply bow to their demands without question. They give us no face whatsoever. How I hate these… civil servants that know nothing of tradition or honour. Money-grubbing rchants, the lot of them.” Just thinking about the state of modern China was enough to make his blood boil. Luckily, despite being one of the lesser Sects the powers of Kunlun had abandoned, fortune had still favoured them. A sacred scroll had detailed a Dao-prophecy, stating that in the distant future the energy of the Heavens and the Earth would rise again, far more pure and potent than before, and the way to new worlds with new resources would open, heralding in an era of glory for the strong who followed the Path of Cultivation.
And that ti is surely now. But only those who have the wisdom and knowledge of the past should have the right to seize it…
“Call in my daughter. I would speak with her.” He ordered the grovelling idiot, who promptly bowed and scuttled away, leaving soiled footprints on the floor as he went.
Unfortunately, the Heavens have chosen poorly in their choices of new champions. Although of course, one was chosen correctly…
There was a gentle knocking on his door, and he bade them enter. As the ornate doors slid open, he was once more greeted with the sight of his daughter, looking so much like his late wife that his heart ached.
“Honourable Patriarch, I have co as requested.” His daughter bowed gracefully, the long cascade of her midnight hair a contrast against her skin as beautiful as the purest white jade. My daughter truly is outstanding. Surely only the highest families in Kunlun would be able to produce such talented beauties. I know none of the other modern Sects can…
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