We all sit around the table outside the kitchen, plates of food piled high and slling delicious as always. The lobster equivalents make a return as well as so new things that must be only for 'special' occasions. So kind of fried tentacle creatures, smaller prawn looking things sitting on the rim of a bowl of red liquid, a plate of vastly more marbled steaks than usual. Bread scented with herbs and stuffed with various cheeses and ats and a communal pot of stew that seems to hold every trim at and vegetable under the sun.
And a plate filled to overflowing of cookies~. There's also so kind of yogurt-based desert sprinkled with a brown powder and topped with bite sized fruits, but you can miss with that~.
All of us dig into the feast, my [Inspect] informing of the changes about to occur:
... for the next 72 hours, all base stats increased by 20%.
... for the next 72 hours, Health and Stamina pools as well as recovery rates increased by 30%.
... for the next 72 hours, damage from all sources reduced by 10%.
... for the next 72 hours, outgoing damage increased by 10%.
... for the next 72 hours, Qi accumulation and Experience point gain increased by 25%.
With an appreciative whistle, I lean back and look over my base stats and the like, mind suddenly curious about what the girls' numbers are now that we've demolished the buffing food before us. "Do you guys mind if I use [Inspect] to check what the system classifies your stats as? I've always been a bit curious, but it just seed kind of... rude to do it without asking." I throw to the group.
They look to each other and then shrug, Gerra answering back as she begins to pick up the various now empty plates. "I don't mind, little bird. But probably best not to go 'round spreading the information to anyone aside from us. Not that I think you would, of course~. Just do it quick like so we can get a move on~."
I give a smile at the still raring to go energy from the pink haired woman before nodding and then using the skill on all three of them and the results are quite impressive~.
[Samantha Arnest Royunblok (9th Reald 5th Rank Spiritual Cultivator, 4th Realm 1st Ranked Body Cultivator, 3rd Realm 1st Ranked Soul Cultivator)]
Health: 12,642,350 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Stamina: 50,687,500 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Strength: 761,280 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Dexterity: 716,170 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Constitution: 780,975 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Intelligence: 426,140 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Wisdom: 585,975 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Charisma: 53 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Luck: 0
[Jun Li, 2nd in line to House Serento (Exiled) (9th Reald 5th Rank Spiritual Cultivator, 2nd Realm 1st Ranked Body Cultivator, 4th Realm 1st Ranked Soul Cultivator)]
Health: 10,300,450 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Stamina: 45,972,600 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Strength: 430,755 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Dexterity: 627,600 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Constitution: 680,925 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Intelligence: 725,360 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Wisdom: 800,685 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Charisma: 77 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Luck: 0
[Gerra Lionscrest (9th Reald 5th Rank Spiritual Cultivator, 4th Realm 1st Ranked Body Cultivator, 3rd Realm 1st Ranked Soul Cultivator)]
Health: 15,687,700 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Stamina: 55,863,350 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Strength: 825,940 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Dexterity: 827,650 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Constitution: 800,400 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Intelligence: 325,870 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Wisdom: 380,155 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Charisma: 80 (Being buffed by active effects by 30%)
Luck: 0
I nearly salivate at all of those big numbers, but sothing there in the middle brings my attention back to Jun Li who suddenly seems to have her own realization about what was possibly revealed. With a not-so-subtle sigh, she hangs her head down and then asks solemnly with drooping ears and tails, "I had not considered that your skill would be so revealing, but it seems you now know the title tied to my na my love. It is... not sothing I enjoy speaking of, and not just due to the nature of my departure from my holand."
The other's take the hint and begin helping Gerra pick up the table, Akiko coming over to plant a loving kiss on top of Jun Li's head before shuffling off with the rest of them leaving and Jun Li to our coming talk, apparently. As soon as they're respectfully out of earshot, I saddle over and wrap the obsidian furred kitsune in a hug. "I'm sorry, I didn't an to pry. I love you and trust you, if talking about that title and your past is too difficult for you, I won't ask you to share. I hate seeing my beautiful, loving fox all sad~."
A bubbling giggle that tickles my soul answers back before Jun Li shifts to face with those kind, radiant ruby eyes. Her own smile pulling at her lips as she replies, "I would have told you eventually, so I suppose it matters not. I was just marshalling my courage to do so."
I squeeze her against as I nuzzle my head into her shoulder, "It's alright, Miss J. I an it, if you aren't ready to share then we can just table it until you're ready. I'm not going anywhere, and I'll always be here to listen to whatever you feel comfortable sharing when you're ready."
Three fluffy black tails blanket across as I feel her lips press to my temple, dainty yet strong arms giving a squeeze in return. "I truly do appreciate your kindness and understanding, my love. You are such a good girl."
I squirm a bit at the accidental phrasing unconsciously, making both of us pause and look at each other for a few monts before we both erupt into small laughter with equally rosy cheeks. "And you are quite the delightful bundle of charming idiosyncrasies~. Now that the truth is out, I would rather tell the tale than having the uncertainty weigh on during these turbulent upcoming events."
She opens her arms in invitation and I easily shift into her lap, head resting on her mountainous bosom while she pets my hair affectionately and returns the quilt of tails to our embrace. "I was a princess to a wealthy and powerful Kingdom far to the south of this valley. It was independent, a list of very few city state nations left on Mara and a fact they held in proud regard as they did not follow the matriarchal system that near every other faction does. My father, the current king, sired from his second wife a decade or so after my sister and main heir, Zhang Li, was born from his primary wife.
My mother... died in childbirth, as it is sothing quite dangerous for powerful cultivators to attempt. When birthing a child, the body loses its cultivation so as not to kill the unborn before or during the birth with Qi enhanced musculature. While she was safe and protected in the heart of our estate, my coming to this world was... complicated and much too long. She lost too much blood from her now truly mortal body and could not replenish it before her cultivation returned."
I can't help but let a small gasp escape , but Jun Li continues on with a mix of emotion hard to discern. Even with the bond. "My father, as well as other courtiers and his harem, never forgave for this act outside of my control. Apparently, even though my mother was the 'second wife', she was undoubtedly his favorite. The head wife more of a political marriage than one borne of love like theirs was. And, in his eyes, I took her from him. A corrupted notion that he spoke loudly and often, ensuring that I would find little to no comfort in those hallowed halls.
It may co as no surprise, but I spent little ti inside of those cold and lonely stone walls. Not even my siblings, older or younger, gave a single modicum of positive attention after all. Before my age crested into two digits, I had already devoted my life to stealth and self-learning, sneaking into the castle library in the dead of night to learn my letters and numbers or doing the sa to frolic in the forest that lay outside the city's walls.
After a few decades of cold shoulders and liberating freedom earned from my own efforts, I encountered a wounded woman in the forests I had co to call ho. One of my passions after learning the basics had beco healing and alchemy, so I began nursing her back to health without a second thought. Looking back now... I think it was an attempt to retroactively right the wrongs of my existence.
To gain the knowledge needed to fancifully return to the past and ensure my late mother had never succumbed. To gain the love that I both shunned and needed oh so very much. And I finally had a chance to do such a thing by using the teachings I had discerned in that effort. To make ands for sothing not my fault..."
She pauses the story here, a heavy breath escaping her lungs as she holds even tighter against her soft body. "That loneliness, that abandonnt. It is not sothing even a young kit should go through, to say nothing of a beast human who craves and needs community. Family. It left scars on my mind that took centuries to even address, and decades of constant love and reassurance to heal once I finally did find this group, my true family."
Another sigh before the sudden bitterness in her tone shifts back to softness, "But I am getting off track, and I know Gerra is beyond eager to proceed with gaining power~. I nursed the woman back to health over ti, I was only a peak 2nd Rank cultivator at the ti, so my ans and abilities were crude and inexperienced. However, it was nothing that stealthily perusing our dicine larders could not make up for~. After a cycle of the moon or so had passed, the woman was returned to her previous vigor.
After so much ti spent with her, I had co to... care for her. Deeply. Her pale marble skin, vibrant purple hair. Gentle touches and caring smile shining beneath the shadow of the leaves overhead. lodic voice and sharp wit when I would talk about my ho life and past. The loving glances she would steal from .... The shining red eyes and dual curved horns atop her head. After her recovery was complete, we made love there on the forest floor. My first ti soft, and gentle, and passionate beyond words. Her attentive caresses agonizingly perfect, and afterwards she held as I fell to slumber~.
When I awoke, heart singing in jubilant radiance, I found myself alone with the faintest taste of copper on my tongue. Only a small note hastily scribbled on bark which gave a reason. With only a sentence in response to so many unasked questions, it read 'Thank you for everything little fox~, I hope the paynt was satisfactory~. Love, Mystera.'
I don't recall how long I cried there under that judgent free canopy. Surely at least a full day, as I only hazily rember approaching the gates with sluggish steps and broken eyes. And, unfortunately, I an that more than just figuratively. The guards shackled on sight and drug to my father, the confusion racking my brain only barely bubbling to the surface amidst the other forlorn emotions. At the ti, I had thought my father had simply beco tired of the passive nature of his hatred and decided to just go a more... direct route to show his ultimate disdain.
However, as we passed by one of the mirrors in the hall leading to the court, I saw what had made the guards so thorough in their capture. My once sapphire eyes - the trait of our lineage - now deep ruby and glowing in an unnatural yet beautiful hue.
For so reason, my father rely sneered his disgust and issued a single command, 'Exile this filth.' I know not why he didn't just lop my head or shatter my dantian. Or chain in the dungeon for so twisted experint that one of his more... eccentric courtiers could delight in. Maybe it was a last, lingering love for my late mother. Or maybe the scandal that would co from such an execution of a mber of the royal family or internnt of the sa would not be worth the political hassle. I do not know.
What I do know is that within the sa hour, I was once more standing in front of the gates now lined with dozens of guards all barring the way back inside. I didn't even care though. I was more distraught over having been abandoned yet again, now from two sources. Of having only the briefest touch of sothing I had sought for all my life just to have it be ripped away and thrust from the place I had lived in the sa fra of ti.
So, instead of groveling and begging to be let back into a place that had hated all my living days, I simply picked a direction and started walking with nothing but the clothes on my back. North, as it were. Aimless and wandering, I had to not only learn how to grow stronger but also contend with the new demonic blood circulating in my veins without even the facsimile of safety my old ho offered.
Ironically, managing the new blood and intents was not quite the horror story one might be led to believe. Possibly because I did not see the tainted blood as sothing to scorn, more a... reminder of Mystera and her caring touch than the object of my exile."
Another pause as she continues to hold tight and stroke my hair, her tails shifting between rest and tremor at certain parts of her story before she continues. "And the rest is history, as they say. I eventually found my way to the Village who readily accepted and t the Madam who saved my life. I grew stronger and rose through the ranks of cultivation with her aid and that of the others, and now I am here holding a precious and caring girl that reminds so much of myself when I was your age."
She leans back, capturing my lips in hers before nuzzling our cheeks together which makes giggle and throw my hands around her shoulders. "And I would not have it any other way~. That is the story of , in the broadest strokes. We would surely drive dear Gerra to madness if I went on too much longer~."
I look into those changed eyes that I have only ever known to belong to one of the most caring people I have ever t. A hand coming up to cup her cheek as I press our foreheads together, "Jun Li, I'm so sorry all of that happened to you. As far as I'm concerned, none of that was your fault and was cruelly placed on you for things outside of your control. I love you with all my heart, and thank you for trusting with such a tragic tale."
She slightly shakes her head against mine before replying back softly, "I was happy to share it, even if it was sooner than I thought it would happen. But having you listen has certainly eased my heart more than I thought it would~. It does not feel right to hold a piece of myself back from you anymore, especially now that we are bonded as such." Another kiss presses us together, low contended moans echoing against each other's lips.
"Now co, love." She says after the tips of our noses rub together a few tis, "We have tarried long enough as it is. Let us rejoin the others and begin the trek up the mountain to face Heaven."
We stand and stroll through the estate hand in hand, eventually finding the others waiting near the entrance Torii arch with warm, waiting smiles. "I trust from your gestures and calm spirits that things went well?" Akiko says gently after she gives both Jun Li and myself a hug.
"Indeed, Madam." Jun Li says while squeezing my hand, her body radiating peace. "As I had assud, this sweet girl was nothing but kind and loving after hearing the tale of my past. I truly know not why it had been bothering to share until now~."
I beam up a smile to the both of them as Akiko nods approvingly to which they both chuckle to. "I know it would likely raise concerns or scorn for most people outside of our Village, but our Alia has constantly proved she is nothing if not an empathetic and caring soul. I am glad you were able to grow more connected to each other even if the story itself is indeed tragic beyond words. Now, let us embark so that we can be ready to aid our newest love with welcoming her beloved sister back to this realm."
A single white tail cos to gingerly wrap around each of our waists, securing us firmly as Akiko's feet lift off the ground. With those familiar butterflies in my stomach that always co when my feet leave the earth, Akiko ferries us upwards into the night and straight towards the nearest mountain peaks. After around ten minutes, we approach sothing that makes my eyebrows arch in surprise.
Hidden behind the typical rising snow-covered grey rocks is a flattened outcrop that presumably used to be like the others. Its surface smooth and level holding various large runic glyphs in separate spots along its likely over a thousand-foot surface.
Touching down on the cool stone illuminated in the moonlight pouring down from overhead, Gerra, Jun Li, and Sam all begin moving with a purpose to one of the inscribed locations. Ios taps my shoulder and nods her head over to the side and out of the way to which I nod before turning my head to study the runes from a far while we walk.
Once we reach the rim of the... arena? Platform? We take a seat on so carved stone benches apparently put in place for spectating. "These runes look similar to the formation that I broke on my second tribulation, but much larger in depth and function. The shielding enchantnts are also weird, they look like they only act to limit the damage that cos from inside the formation to the rest of the world, not to protect whatever is sitting inside it. Almost like the barrier in the training room." I say after a few seconds of thought.
A familiar chuckle shakes from my tunneled attention as Akiko slips in to sit by the unoccupied space to my side. "You are as astute as ever, my love~. We really must get you back into your runic training after events have concluded, you are going to be a frightening and unparalleled powerhouse in the field. These formations were created by Tyler after the Village had established itself and is ant to limit the destruction caused by tribulations of the higher Ranks.
While it does nothing to interfere with the tribulation itself, the aftershocks and effects that co from the confrontation are contained inside the formation so long as the individual using it does not cross its boundaries. Effective for the 4th Rank and cresting into the 5th but a bit more... tricky to perform when ascending to the half-step which is considered its own tribulation in and of itself. Rest assured though, the girls all know its use and will stay within the bounds. And even if not, all of us present are strong enough to resist any collateral damage. Save spirit Ios~."
I hear an audible pout from my other side that I cordially ignore before replying, "Huh, I guess that makes sense. I assu we still want to revive Sandy in the forest just on the off chance that Heaven reacts negatively even though we have these on hand?" I reply back as I lean against her shoulder and wrap my arm around her waist in appreciation of her words.
"Indeed. The level of destruction at the site of your arrival goes above and beyond even a 6th Rank advancent, likely because you could not defend or deflect any of the energy being sent. These formations, while powerful, would not be able to function under such power." She replies back as a tail cos to wrap around Ios' waist and pull her into both of our laps despite a protesting squeak.
We both laugh even as she pouts and then turn our attention back to the three girls who linger just on the outskirts of their respective formations. Jun Li pulls out three small pouches and then tosses two of them between Sam and Gerra who quickly open them and pop in a series of pills. Even from this distance, I can feel the Qi inside them stir to life as they filter the little candy ball's effects through their bodies. Once its complete, they each step into the formations in front of them at the sa ti.
Trying my best to not let the worry in my heart bleed into our connections, I grip both won tightly to and then watch on as the fleeting moonlight becos smothered by angry, roiling dark clouds.
{Gerra POV}
Ah~. It's been so long since I've felt this~. The crushing weight of a stupid system trying to keep the people beneath it on the ground, to deny us freedom. The rush of my blood that flexes my claws all on their own from the sheer excitent at tearing down those pathetic barriers to power~. The cold grip of my maul in my hands. Everything... perfect~.
The pissy dark clouds overhead coalesce their golden lightning into a single form. A familiar one that was so easily put to ground by soone who hasn't even been here half a year~. And I know not to underestimate or compare myself to that adorable little oddity, I can't deny that the... mystique of the [Tribulation Soldier] is lacking. Not even a prismatic one like the little bird decapitated in one hit with a stunned look afterwards that still makes laugh~.
But, again. I'm not her. As soon as the threat lands, I rush it and chant with a feral smile, "[Mountainous Whirlwind Steps]!"
My speed nearly doubles as my body strengthens to bedrock thickness. A combination of my first two techniques learned from my new soul and body paths and harmonized by my just as new spiritual one. A hurricane surrounding in an instant as I appear before the construct and slam my hamr down, its golden shield already fracturing by my enhanced abilities from food and technique.
It shifts the shield away, thrusting forward with its sword that I deflect upward with the butt of the maul's shaft. Stance shifting low as I sweep its legs out from under it and then twirl to slam the hamr down once again on its prone and exposed head.
A thunderous *CLANG!* echoes in the space as the construct shudders and begins to flicker, the Heavenly energy trying to repair itself as I raise the hamr once more with that sa feral energy that makes my center drip in satisfaction~.
*CLANG!* *CLANG!* *CLANG!* *CLANG!*
Relentless in my frenzy, I smash apart the pathetic being before with eager laughter until nothing is left but a little golden ball of energy. With a smirk, I debate trying to save it sohow so little Alia can munch down on a snack... maybe next ti~. One more swing of my maul shatters the exposed core, the floating golden energy shooting into my body as it reforms into a half-step cultivator.
Well, it wasn't an instant knockout like the little bird pulled off, but I think I ca pretty close~.
{Samantha POV}
My golden armor appears around as the clouds darken. Full helm snapping shut as I replace my natural sight with spiritual sense. The effigies and depictions that have adorned my tal for centuries having a small addendum: A split picture of a young pup's head being cradled by a wolf's bust, both bathed in silver, moonlit light. A perfect symbolism of my love, my soulmate, that replaces the golden sun that usually sits at the armors center.
I touch it fondly for the briefest of monts, a small smile coming to my lips before the skies crack in anger and deposit a now seen opponent. A golden warrior brimming with Heaven's light, gripping its sword and shield readily. I reply in kind, stance shifting to hold the shield forward with my arm crooked up and pointing my own blade forward.
The knight charges, the strengthened stone below it from the formation wobbling and wanting to shatter but instead its footfalls just land as heavy. It's blade swings to et my raised shield and throws it off kilter, deflecting it with ease as I wind my sword backwards and chant, "[Adamantine Severing Slice]."
My blade glows with golden green light of the unified technique of soul, body, and spirit. The tal becoming sothing stronger than a planet's core as I swipe it upwards at the construct and... cut through it like butter. My natural eyes widening in shock as the golden light of the soldier suffuses into and begins my ascension to the half-step with ease. A growing worry about the final tribulation spawning to life to begin gnawing at my mind.
{Jun Li POV}
I check my robes one last ti, surveying the armant before . 300 sebons, 100 knives, 50 daggers, and 10 balls of condensed paralytic poison designed to diffuse and aerosol upon breaking. All the tallic implents coated in the most severe toxin I could manage to create. Ones that all fry and numb nerves, boil the blood, and cause necrosis upon contact. And thousands more in my storage ring.
Which is sadly mostly moot for tribulations even if the effects do land, much to my chagrin. This has always been my weakest mont, advancent. My skills being so undone by Heaven's attempts and lack of bodily simulacrums which makes the poison only work for a fraction of a second. My repertoire sorely lacking for direct clashes with beings that hold no blood or suffer no curse. The blood red katana that I use in direct confrontations appearing in my hand on the clap of thunder and coalescing of lightning. Its surface coated with the one thing that does actually affect the judgent of those above.
Demonic Ichor.
Red and charcoal waves wash along my blade's surface as the soldier appears in front of , hand lashing to my waist to waste no ti as all of the sebons fly forward in a matter of a second. The next sees a flurry of knives and daggers embedding itself into the construct between the gaps in its armor and openings of its shield and sword. The ten balls following suit as they erupt in a circular pattern around the soldier, all the while I have been dashing forward.
The brief paralysis effects slowing and debilitating the foe before before the world darkens. The only light left being emitted from my ruby eyes. "[Severing Slice]."
With darkened lines etching across its golden surface, the soldier fails to raise a response as night bathed in red descends onto its neck. Its head severing clean in one fell swoop as I twirl and stab directly into the spot I sense its core resides.
The body trembles and shudders before exploding into golden light and shooting into my form. My own eyes wide in astonishnt as I stay in the sa form, sword lanced forward and mouth agape.
{Akiko POV}
W... What in the Heavens did I just witness...
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