Fatherly Asura

Observation reveals that the formation of words comes from [Spirituality], and this step is first towards their transformation.

The Lord in bestial form is still a thing to be feared.

If imperfect.

Beasts are not the perfect vessels for cultivation. Their physique, their constitution, and [Bloodline] - if possessing of one - are tailored for consumption. Unable to absorb Heaven’s energies from the ambient, as we do.

Thus they chase the human form wherein they gain the benefits of both.

Those beasts, yes, those beasts are worthy of the title.

“Lords Among Beasts,” by [Jade Arrowheads Come Calling]

“You would waylay such a talent, fool?” sneered Shuidi.

The city guards shrunk back at the first utterance of her voice, well-afeared of her reputation among young mistresses. As such, the intricate gate to Mingqin’s war room were pushed ajar, revealing the grand vista of her Province beyond.

“...and three [Paifang],” confirmed Bojin, relaying all to [Dour Faced Strategist] through a flurrying orbit of suspended scrolls. “Ninety six outer settlements have fallen since the arrival of this lesser calamity, and we have martialled all forces, both allied and independent, to tighten the perimeter around Jade Songbird City. Unrest rises, but a modest distribution of wealth has seen fit to remedy most problems. Of most concern is the devastation of planted resources. These will be pillaged without impunity. If you would hear my recommendation, I say we withdraw support from the farthest reaches to secure these fledgling treasures before more are lost.”

Three ornate balustrades lay open to the elements, showing north, east and west respectively, and the [Arrays] inscribed in this immortal-grade wood allowed any of even middling [Realm] to see beyond each horizon with all the acuity of a hawk.

Fu’s eyes adjusted swiftly, amused that the rampaging [Beast Tide] displayed on these three fronts were not, indeed, five paces from their position. A different emotion than the pallid guards and [Spirit Hawks] that stood at-watch by the gate.

“Gao Fu,” met [Dour Faced Strategist], briefly acknowledging his presence.

Silent greetings were shared by Bojin, Iseul of the Ninety Nine Palms Sect and Abbot Abhaya.

Silent greetings were not shared by Yongwu Long. “My! Gao Fu, you’ve grown tired. Should the Coalition’s most righteous soul not have dealt with this trouble already?”

“Coalition members,” dipped Fu, ignoring Long’s comments.

[Dour Faced Strategist] pressed a paper talisman to her lips thrice before speaking. “Are you aware of this situation?”

“Three [Beast Tides] have emerged from three [Paifang] across the Jade Songbird Province, and now mass around these gates. The peculiarity lies in their difference. These [Spirit Beasts] do not match the [Mystic Realms] from which they have travelled, nor does their strength indicate that as their point of origin,” he said. “A fool guesses, but this seems an orchestration.”

Abbot Abahaya that loosed a solemn hum. “Amituofo. An orchestration?”

“This is the Four Tiger Pill Society’s conclusion,” agreed Bojin. “By method of elimination, we suspect no more than four local factions to have concocted this malady. An allocation of resources works as we speak to clarify our suspicions.”

Shuidi clacked. “Local factions. Bojin thinks too small.”

“Too small,” laughed Long. “Indeed. Say it as it is, Gao Shuidi. The paper tigers of this Province hold neither fortune nor talent in any weight. [Constellation Seeds] or [Dao Principles] of the highest [Pool] can’t orchestrate this without great difficulty. Look higher, Bojin. To factions with reach the same as your own.”

He voices this as an accusation. Truly, his mind is unguessable to stir disorder at a time such as this.

Sharp glances were exchanged by all save for Bojin, who took the words in stride. Though his [Spirit Stoats] did emerge to bristle. “A lesser faction may well have staked all their resources on a single throw. A greater faction may well trouble us. Conjecture is no solid foundation, Yongwu Long. The villains’ identities are redundant in the face of what must be done to counter it. My thoughts go to City Lord Mingqin, vulnerable in seclusion.”

“A fire at the gates is likewise a disaster to fish within the pond,” nodded Abbot Abhaya. “Amituofo. Such stratagems are used by those of mortal thinking. This lowly abbot would be so bold as to venture a thought - darker forces crowd the shadows that we might comprehend. If greater factions are at play, they need not resort to quiet acts.”

“One truth is not all truths, Abbot,” voiced Iseul, breaking her usual silence. “Our route is clear. Guard the City Lord. Slay the [Beast Tide]. Any in this room could break what comes. If we must add wisdom to be heard, then I say that you are mantises stalking cicadas: blind to the oriole behind. Now, is Lianse’s order not to chop iron and sever blades? I see no decisive action here. What of the mortals in this tide’s path?”

Lianse. It seems Iseul is on great terms with the venerable strategist.

Long and Fu masked small smiles as Iseul openly insulted her fellow Coalition members, both of which were about to broach further points until her utterance.

“[Beast Tides] are the Heaven’s will, young Iseul. Amituofo. A [Tribulation] of nature. Sadness surfaces to think of these mortals and their coming fate, yet, if the [Boundless Dao] would see them return to the Great Cycle, it is not our right to interfere.”

Iseul’s twin [Spirit Baboons] puffed as she did, ill-amused. “Shall we then place the Golden Bodhi Sanctuary in their path? None should ask a mole of the sky, nor a bird of the depths. I have found this applies both to pacifists and ascetics when asked on life’s value,” she iced. “Bojin, Lianse, what of these mortals?”

“This young mistress’ shell is peerless, but not that of a turtle, Bojin. Do not suggest we stand idle.”

Bojin’s orbit of scrolls lessened by the minute, winking from sight in subtle affectations of [Spatial Qi] to aides, alchemists or warriors elsewhere. As he spoke, he barely lifted his eyes from the flourish of his quill. “The western [Beast Lord] is upon the cusp of the [True Lord Realm]. East and north field no less than immortal terrors. To deviate from Jade Songbird City’s defence is to undermine City Lord Mingqin’s safety. We of the Four Tiger Pill Society do not operate on whims, as well you know.”

“The mortals’ fates concern me too, friend Bojin,” said Fu, kindly. “Venerable [Dour Faced Strategist] need not rely on the exterior strength of [Arrays], as peerless as your workings are, but with these factors in confluence I would propose the City Lord is far from peril.”

The room quaked as [Dour Faced Strategist] finished a mantra beneath her breath, affixing a cold stare upon all. It came forth akin to [Intent], but took Fu longer than it ought to deduce its true nature and source.

Something moved to his rear.

A [Core], suppressed no longer.

Shuidi dipped her head as a monstrosity entered upon six legs, appearing from whence none of the ghosts could glean. This beast clacked forth with a claw the length of five cultivators upon its left and a diminutive pincer upon its right.

Its iron-grey carapace was a masterwork of scars. No long-faded things.

Not of the ilk that a father might gain through a clumsy chop of radish, nor the nick of a woodsman’s axe mishandled.

Death resounded from these thousandth, thousandth-time healed wounds with deep [Profundity]. A millennia of killing blows weathered in each thread of this tapestry.

Finally, her partner makes his appearance. Wuxia. How fresh from the [Demon] Front is he? The scent of blood is rich indeed.

Hushi left the douli to show his reverence as Fu gave a low bow. “Master Wuxia.”

“Chop iron and sever blades. These troubled times move beyond the first act, thus, we respond. Mingqin’er will be in our personal care, come what may. The rest, I leave to you,” said Lianse, and oddly, departed.

Her personality did not call for dramatic gesture, but a simple showing of Wuxia’s presence was enough to drive home her severity.

Bojin and Abhaya began their talks anew.

Long, Fu and Iseul did not, moving to a balustrade each before swiftly turning on their heels. No loud thing, but enough to cut short the coming discussion on tactics, implications, resources, motives or accusation.

“With respect, fellows,” cut Bojin. “While time is yet spare, I would share more.”

“Hmm?” said Long.

“More?” questioned Iseul.

“Amituofo. Jade Songbird City is warded by immortal-grade [Arrays] and formations. Benefactor Bojin’s charity ensures victory. What must be discussed is the aftermath of venerable Mingqin’s flock. The Golden Bodhi Sanctuary will lend its techniques to mend the populace, but Heaven’s own lands cannot be healed with such ease.”

Of the three departing cultivators, Long was first to show his confusion. “Aftermath. Mend. Healed. You’ve an obsolete role, Abhaya,” he said, scratching his head. “Bojin. I’d thought better of you. Not this fool of a false monk, I’ve never held him in any regard, but you certainly.”

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The House of Ma cannot fool Yongwu Long. It is another curiosity that he yet tolerates them.

“One does not tolerate dust, Gao Fu,” came Shuidi’s mental impression. “Whatever threat the House of Ma present is less than this to him.”

The Abbot’s wrinkles converged in a forced smile. “False-”

“Bojin. I have never worried over how lines fork upon my palm, only that it is firm enough to strike,” offered Iseul without turning.

“Amituofo, fellows-” began Abhaya once more.

And he might have continued if not for Fu’s address. “Formidable as your [Arrays] are, friend Bojin, Cloud Dragon Hall would not see those outside their influence suffer. Nor would we squander this moment.”

This scion of the Four Tiger Pill Society did not show fear to look upon the horror at these three balustrades. His expression, however buried beneath the Clear Sky’s finest silken hoods, was ever one of indifference.

Yet, he allowed his brow to furrow. “The wise do not throw caution to the wind. What contingencies I have placed navigate the course of greatest success. As do they include the presence of our Coalition’s forces. I would urge against this, fellows.”

Fu stroked his whisker.

[Dao of Four Horizons].

🀩

The nature of lesser beasts was instinct.

Greed.

So spoke the bloodied scene where Fu unfurled, some minimal strides from a village’s last home. A secluded place with a low brook and thick screen of bamboo forest ĸl;/’~?µ about it, well knit in this forest’s depths.

Crimson stained the broken trunks. Filth muddied the waters.

A deranged cacophony moved ever closer, merging with the violence ahead.

“Sect Leader!” cheered a dismal few, wearied from the incessant, lesser [Spirit Beasts] that broke between bamboo trunks.

[Three Wisps From Breath].

Fu spooked forth a plume of mist, solidifying it into blades once it swarmed about several dozen, insectoid [Spirit Beasts]. The fatal strike had his few disciples leap back, sighing in tandem relief with their harried partners.

“You have done well, disciples,” he said, moving to inspect a fallen [Spirit Mantis]. “This village has emptied, yes?”

This group of four, early [Core Formation] disciples were not of previous note. That each bore a weapon outside of Cloud Dragon Hall’s [Heritage] spoke much on his failings and their short time beneath him.

Yet, none carried a severity of injuries.

“The villagers were passed to members of the Warriors Association, Sect Leader,” quickly bowed a Vajra woman of advanced years.

“Rumiya,” impressed the Old One.

“Gratitude, Rumiya. I am blessed to have disciples with such wind beneath their feet. This [Beast Tide] has only just begun, however, and I would know if you can continue.”

Four disciples and four [Spirit Beasts] nodded without hesitation.

“Then make your way forward. Aid your fellow disciples in their tasks and deliver them the same order. Cloud Dragon Hall will secure the northern front, as one. I will find you again before the main [Beast Tide] rears its head.”

Three disciples and three [Spirit Beasts] affirmed this.

One pair did not. “Forgiveness, Sect Leader. Is this not the main [Beast Tide]?”

“No-”

“Kexin.”

“-disciple Kexin. These are but opportunistic predators, wishing to secure more than the scraps they will be left with once all has truly passed,” Fu returned. “So too is it an opportunity for Cloud Dragon Hall. A tempering before true challenge arrives.”

[Dao of Conquest’s Exhalation].

The potential of this moment was one driving force.

One desired outcome for the chaos sown.

Hushi’s interest was intense as he placed these souls under his scrutiny. Of the three, he had grown fondest of their role as [Primordial Lord of Tribulations]. A characteristic displayed with Wayward Winds, his juniors of the Cloud Gathering Division, and, capitally, when Yuling was in their tutelage.

“Vital spirit,” was his impression.

“Strange, that Long has given name to what we seek to foster,” he considered.

“Unless it is Long that steers these thoughts without our knowledge. This young mistress is… wary, that his influence extends deeper than might be seen.Shamefully.”

She was not alone in this thought.

Awe slowly washed from the faces of his unwitting disciples. These four and four now left to speak plainly.

Rumiya lifted a hook-headed bo from the stained grass. Small bubbles of [Water Qi] spurted from her [Spirit Turtle’s] mouth to cleanse it. “Kexin, are you troubled?”

The hesitant disciple exhaled into forced laughter. “No, no. I- Cloud Dragon Hall. Their- our values are unlike that of others. Previously, we were outer disciples of… a sect of no bearing,” he shared, gesturing to the diminutive [Spirit Crocodile] at his heel. “Already would they have called for retreat.”

A third disciple shook. “Other sects? Bah. They’d have shored up within their halls. Truth is not insult, Kexin.”

“Just so,” he said, firming at the not-so-distant sound of many insects chittering. “It is this… responsibility. The trust our sect leader grants us. By the Heavens, I have never been good with words.”

“That much is plain,” said Rumiya.

“As clear as limpid water,” said the third.

The fourth shared a stern nod.

Kexin suffered no insult, and his [Spirit Crocodile] snorted with amusement. “The way he spoke of opportunity. Our hearts shook as it was uttered. As if [Profundity] gathered. It- Ah, all I wish to say is that we must aspire to it.”

A heartbeat passed, and Rumiya’s gaze strayed from the empty path behind towards the increasingly loud, northward chitters. “As the wind does, blow forth without the tethers of pride or shame.”

“As the rain does, continue without end, giving all that you have,” continued the third.

The sternest among them sheathed his cumbersome podao, adopting, bare-palmed, the [True Wind God Arts]. “As the righteous cloud does, absorb all that you might, knowing that thunder only comes when strength has built within.”

Hushi’s heart quickened.

Something akin to [Ink] flickered in their soul before the wind lifted them elsewhere, eager to see what his other disciples held in store.

🀩

Savage intelligence had many beasts set their hunger upon softer targets than the sharpened edges of Cloud Dragon Hall.

The distraction cost them dearly.

Of these three fronts - the three [Paifang] through which Udvah’s [Splinter of the First Gate] had each orchestrated tide emerge - Bojin’s intelligence was shown to be incorrect. At first they had plagued the north, east and west, but no longer.

Some strange affectation of violet had split the ceaseless stream of [Spirit Beasts] so that three fronts had become six.

Nine, twelve, and further yet.

It seemed Fu’s heart had warmed in recent weeks, for he had instructed Udvah to spare much of the civilian population, tethering instead the [Paifang] closest to upstart Sects and unwanted factions.

Wen Pinxui will be busy in these coming days. More so if these fledgling ghosts are able to carry out their assassinations as we have instructed.

“It would not serve well to hope. Bah. Those of Twenty Sunrises City are little more than greenhouse flowers and moss-covered rocks. If three targets upon their lists are slain it would prove a miracle beneath the Heavens.”

Fu did not wholly share his [Spirit Crab’s] opinion.

The pieces have fallen as best as we might direct. All that remains is to see this game to the finish.

These three were poised atop a bamboo peak, patient as the last of their disciples converged beneath the surrounding canopy. None had yet fallen to the limited onslaught of lesser beasts, and he felt some small pride that their talent had allowed them to survive this far.

Outwith Kang Jae, and perhaps, his talented senior disciples, none would be certain of the true [Tribulations] proximity.

The true [Beast Tide].

He landed as the last disciples met, entering an unsuitable bamboo glade. His first step had two hundred cultivators bow deeply.

As his only instructor, Kang Jae’s words held priority above all others. “Gao Fu,” he met, though his greeting offered no more than a nod. “There stand no full villages between this eastern front and Jade Songbird City. Cloud Dragon Hall has seen to it. We…,” Jae paused, masking his suspicion. “What is the Sect leader’s will?”

With the Fatherly [Asura’s] true nature known to Kang Jae and the limitations of a taxing schedule, little had been shared. The technique specialist, however, held enough intelligence to interpret much from circumstance.

“It is the poor senior that doubts his disciples, but even the purest sea may hold one grain of sand. Only the Heavens can speak in certainties, Kang Jae, and so we must deny this [Beast Tide] any further progress.”

Gochi grubbed his way across Jae’s shoulder, nudging his partner’s spectacles higher. It was no doubt that they exchanged fierce impressions on this matter. “Indeed. How else might Cloud Dragon Hall claim to be righteous? Those within Jade Songbird City need not fret over such… trivialities when we stand here to combat it.”

“As you say,” smiled Fu, moving to address his weary-growing masses. “Gratitude, disciples. I see before me righteous thunder and decisive winds. Many thousand eyes will open again come tomorrow’s dawn, due to your efforts. Our Hall stands for no less than this. Now I bid you firm your grip, for the true difficulty will soon emerge.”

Battle and victory had the blood of these myriad disciples and [Spirit Beasts] pump swiftly. As though lightning had entered their veins.

Fu surveyed the site of this incoming [Tribulation]. It was not storied enough for Jade Songbird City’s playwrights. “Disciple Jihu. Disciple Chan. Disciples Baotai. I would have you clear this arena that your juniors might move freely.”

His most solemn senior disciple, the once [Spring] Imperial Jihu Wanjie, sheathed her jian. A nimble chain dropped from her sleeve. “As the Sect Leader wills.” With a graceful leap the weapon flew forth in a vast and perfect circle, returning to her hand before she set down.

Some hundred trunks of bamboo collapsed in a flawless perimeter, severed not one hair’s height from the ground.

“Phantom Scours the Forest. Disciple Jihu knows much of our [Tempestual Phantom Tribulations]. A fine stroke,” shared Fu.

The Vajra and her [Spirit Lion] fell back in line to many gasps of adoration from their juniors. Yet without the cushion of myriad trunks, the [Beast Tide’s] progress grew less muted. Their stampede rose to a [Demonic], disharmonic frenzy, like that of a thousand, thousand battered drums.

Cloud Dragon Hall turned, and even the [Foundation Realm] amongst them could spy the unceasing flashes of fur, flesh and scale behind the forest’s far edges. Chief among these souls was the heavy-breathed Chan Gui.

This most meagre disciple placed hands upon his twin [Spirit Piirhanas], his face bereft of all colour.

His Path is of kindness, not the martial way. He is least amongst Cloud Dragon Hall, and thus the one with more potential than all.

Hushi’s heart beat with expectation.

It was then that the Fatherly [Asura] drew from his pipe, and sat firmly where he had stood. A mound that reached no great height at this gathering’s center, and only glittered as he conjured the [Shrine of Final Skies] to rise either side of him.

His [Spirit] burned.

There were scales within that forewarned of intervention.

[Primordial Law of Tribulations].

Clouds gathered above, bent to his whim. Vast puffs of equal grayness and gold, interspersed that no one hue dominated the other.

As it was for the rain that then fell.

“Gao Fu,” probed Kang Jae.

The voice rang loud even as Fu, Hushi and Shuidi fell into quiet concentration. Even as they ensured these raindrops saturated the entire circle of fallen trunks in their [Primordial Law].

“Gao-” attempted Kang Jae again, rounding as some lone [Spirit Beast] crashed through their outer perimeter.

Metal sung as its flesh met the blades of many disciples.

And then, three cries came loudest of all.

“[Martial Profundity]?”

“The beast’s Qi… it- my [Meridian] fills?”

Jihu’s stern voice was last, punctuated by her lion’s thunderous roar. “Be as the righteous wind, juniors. The [Beast Tide] comes.”

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