Fatherly Asura

…Elder [Stalks the Bluemoon]. Redacted.

Master [Ghostwater Tide], [Tribulation] of [Prowess]. Manifestation of cursed techniques transported the venerable Master to a [Spiritual Realm] wherein myriad [Vestiges] duplicated his form and abilities at higher understanding.

Master [Wilting of Poppies], [Tribulation] of Death. Occurred at the moment of conclusion from late [Core Formation] to peak [Core Formation]. Reports indicate that her [Spirit] overcame the adversity, returning her with two [Boons] not within record.

Master Ban Bingbai, [Tribulation] of [Constitution]. Note, Master Ban’s whimsical nature in regards to his own cultivation prevents an accurate measure of growth. The twenty third [Tribulation] he invited is listed here as his most recent, yet for a full list please see…

“Record of [Tribulations] of Note,” - Archives of the Clouded Courts

The spire of his [Primordial Law] fluctuated between gold and grey as if rainclouds possessed of [Profundity]. Across his fleeting, daily visits to the realm in which it was held, Fu had seen little change his [Arbiter’s Soul] had progressed.

One tick of progress was not quite one step higher upon its spiralling ascent.

[Primordial Law of Tribulations]

Equilibrium is maintained.

[Arbiter’s Soul] 1,900/10,000

Expertise had come swiftly, if all together too simply.

“Is the bar rightfully set so low?” he pondered, graduating into the next form of mundane, flexibility exercises.

His [Spirit] toiled against the [Primordial Realm’s] immense pressure.

Shuidi and Hushi conducted their own refinement, lessening their wards of [Primordial Qi] in increments until they rested on the cusp of what was truly bearable.

Just one item of routine, no matter how short.

“This Gao Shuidi would not rush, but it would serve well to allocate more time to our role as [Primordial Lord]. One or two, or the stray souls we have aided in [Tribulation] daily will not deliver us to the next mark of progress in timely fashion.”

Fu and Hushi impressed agreement. “Just so. All that we have attained since the [Beast Tide’s] conclusion will lighten our burden. There will be much time. A [Primordial Lord] must have more depths than simply administering [Tribulations] in balance.”

Whatever benefits may come, strengthening their [Spirit] against the strength of [Primordial Qi] within its namesake realm held but one purpose - that of Hua’s rescue. They still did not know the requirements for freeing her from the [Primordial Law of Crossroad’s] spire, only that it required one to first possess a law of their own.

Perhaps, they had pondered, if only to weather the realm long enough that instructions might be given.

“Oaf,” reverberated from beyond the realm’s foggy curtain.

“She is closer than previous days,” Fu noted.

Indeed Grandmother Hua’s sporadic insults seemed but a clutch of paces beyond sight’s foggy end.

“Soon,” said Shuidi, returning to practice.

“Soon,” nodded Fu. “Our preparations are not yet ready.”

🀩

Four had passed since the [Beast Tide’s] conclusion, and the fugue of chaos across the Jade Songbird Province was now but errant puffs.

The realm had returned to its deception of peace.

Fu left a dull [Paifang] to his rear, embracing [Winter’s] frigid embrace as he marked another [Constellation Seed] from his list. It had proved a dull realm, in all, with a [Trial] that had pushed his [Dao of Four Horizons] towards an insight of flames and setting suns among its highest benefits.

Little more.

As ever, Bojin awaited his return, and Shuidi remarked that this scene may well be a recurring daydream so often it had repeated. His four [Spirit Stoats] had grown accustomed to the [Shrine of Final Skies’] passive influence, no longer cowering in the myriad folds of their cultivator’s robes, and indeed, making light conversation with Hushi whenever they neared.

The [Spirit Octopus] regarded them as haughty, but held propriety despite it.

“Gao Fu,” met the Vajra.

“Bojin.”

A clinical procedure followed as the [Constellation Seed] was deposited, interred within a talisman-heavy cauldron of ornate design, then whisked away.

The pair of cultivators walked an opposite path, and though a slurry of mud and shrivelled leaves lay underfoot by way of the [Mystic Realm’s] fiery, arriving Qi, neither made any noise as they passed on.

Routine pleasantries were exchanged.

Small questions.

Regular musings.

Mundane comments.

Conversation with the banality of moving crates and counting eels.

It ended at a clearing no grander than any other, far enough from the [Paifang’s] influence that glistening fields of white had returned. Bojin looked skyward at a descending Warship of practical size and modest appearance - if statues of golden tigers and matching heraldry upon banner and sail might be called thus.

“Join me,” came Bojin’s simple words, and in time they stood at the bow of this vessel as it rushed through the Heavens above.

Pincers clacked as Shuidi loudly announced its slowness, but the Vajra paid it no heed.

“I sense something auspicious,” said Fu, one hand upon the ornate balustrade.

Bojin scanned the horizon thoughtfully before parsing his meaning. “Ah, you speak of my next words. I see. No, no. It is a matter of self interest only. A response to a thing that will hold little meaning to any others.”

“Friendship must be foreign to you, Bojin, and for that I am saddened. Your interests are my own, as it ought to be. Speak freely,” smiled Fu.

“Friendship? Gao Fu, when we address each other as friend it is a platitude. Our Coalition has not stood for long enough to gather dust, let alone form friendships. Allies of happenstance - none are more than this.”

A dramatic frown swept across Fu.

Shuidi clacked indifferently.

“Then I am further saddened,” he said. “But please, Bojin, there is worry behind your eyes. Give it voice.”

In the midst of a cloud-rich sea, the Warship drew to a sudden stop. Through [Hegemony of Pale Mists] Fu could see all that lay below, that of a great and rising migration from myriad points across the province.

Mingqin’s capital lay below.

Bojin swept a simple sleeve across the skies, bursting a vast circle into the clouds and dispersing them as swift as coming breath. “In time our greeting might have changed. Sincerity might have backed our words. This is no longer of consequence. The Four Tiger Pill Society is withdrawing from this Province.”

Oh? I have not visited Pinxui in some days, was she aware of this?

“Bojin?”

The Vajra put a hand to his drowning robes as if to expose his face, then thought better of it. There came a sharp intake of breath from within. “We spoke once on cooler edges. On how I might remedy this with a letter. On the eve of this [Beast Tide], it was sent,” he said, an eye, twitching. “It was your dedication, Gao Fu. The zeal of Yongwu Long and Iseul of the Ninety Nine Palm Sect. To approach [Tribulation] with unflinching resolve- I could do no less.”

Myriad faces might be worn here, and Fu settled first on that of the doting friend. “My comrade is a fool then,” he sighed, letting some light ire touch his tone. “Were we not to heat these edges together?”

“They- a fool?” recoiled Bojin. “A scion of the Four Tiger Pill Society, of the [Fourteenth Vajra], is only a fool to the blind! Reaction, calculation, quantity, timing. These are the tools of an Alchemist. If one part spoils, if one part is lacking - the refinement fails. Poor [Pills] come from poor materials. This was I, and so, I acted best.”

Fu drew deep from his pipe, watching as Bojin’s fleet ventured further east. Further towards the boundary of Mingqin’s realm. “There is honor in duty, Bojin, and… forgive me. Another’s mind is another’s mind, I cannot claim to know it. You are no fool, only, dutiful. I have acted out of turn.”

The glimpse of rage upon Bojin softened. “That is…” He withdrew his folds, allowing all expressions to be seen freely. “I tell you this for the friendship that could have been. [Dour Faced Strategist], the fool Yongwu Long and that girl, Mingqin, received far less. Allow an explanation, at the very least. Then you may call me a fool.”

A small laugh was shared.

“I will withhold judgement then,” smiled Fu.

“My letter was sent, read, and returned by the hour’s end. Rumor might have reached you that I am no favoured son. That honor was, and is ever held by my brother. [Fourteenth] Luo, the shame and pride of our clan.”

“A man is shaped by his actions, not by the whispers about him.”

Bojin’s face turned sullen. “No kindness can be so genuine, Gao Fu. You are either a rare soul, or Heaven-sent liar. Either way, both you interrupt and remind me such history needs not be explained. The letter’s message was brief. Stamped by my father’s wax seal, that of [Fourteenth Under Heaven], it held a single character. Withdraw.”

“Withdraw,” repeated Fu. “To what end? Mingqin’s lands are sure to grow in abundance. The Four Tiger Pill Society could gain much here. What I have in common with merchants is little, Bojin, though it is plain that this realm will be prosperous for all.”

The Warship’s deck was empty of cultivators, though a hundred odd bodies moved within its interior. Guards, alchemists, aides and poorly hidden assassins as accompanied by their [Spirit Beasts] of near immortal standing.

With uncommon swiftness, one such aide emerged. A robed figure, and mundane if not for her regal [Spirit Lizard] and the chest it held between its claws. “Young mass-sster,” it hissed, as the aide peeled back its lid.

One slender cord entered Bojin’s hand, bound in hues of silver and red. He need not say anything to have the pair dismiss themselves. “Our friendship and ties end here,” he shared, wrapping the cord’s first end around his palm. “Before that, however, I would see- Ah. Know this is not of my choosing.”

Fu smiled somberly. “This much is plain, friend.”

“Do not,” shook Bojin. “Allow me to speak and allow this moment to be severed cleanly. I would never act against my Four Tiger Pill Society, and yet to tell you that we withdraw for the interest of other parties… this much will become clear. An Empire’s ransom was paid to sell our involvement, as it was the territories of these surrounding realms. The Jade Songbird Province is now an island, Gao Fu. Do you understand this?”

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Sold. He must speak of the Imperial hierarchy. That lands to which Jade Songbird Province belongs, and in turn, the lands those belong to, then on. Certain factions have purchased the rights to Mingqin’s realm, or those about it.

“In part.”

“Then I would urge you to be cunning, Gao Fu. The girl, Mingqin, will need observant allies in these coming days,” he said, binding the cord’s second half about Fu’s outstretched palm.

[Profundity] flashed behind his eyes, illuminating them in gold before this power roared down the cord.

It snapped in the center, leaving no fray.

Fu felt a minor weight lift from his [Spirit], a [Karmic Tie], erased. “We are as strangers,” he said.

“Thus we are severed, never again to cross paths. May you walk in interesting times,” said Bojin, bowing low. “Stranger.”

Lies, the three ghosts knew, given how [Constellation Seeds] beat within him.

“And you,” came the return. “Stranger.”

🀩

[Hollow Ivory Splinter]

Your [Core] is yet ravening.

[Cloud Dragon Sutra] nourished.

[Might] +31

[Pull] +31

[Senses] +31

The first benefit was clear. His [Cloud Dragon Sutra], successful.

Fu reached equilibrium with the changes upon his [Ink], enthused that the mass reapings of [Spring] had delivered these gifts - [Pull] converted and spread among the attributes his [Cloud Dragon Sutra] sought to reinforce.

Yet, there was more.

An oddity.

[MERIDIAN CLEANSED]

[Might] +70

[Control] +45

[Capacity] +45

[Pull] +30

[Push] +30

[Spirit] +5

The stain of [Impurities] was prodigious upon his robes, skin and mouth. He was as a scoured pot, though without the benefit of a soulless existence.

Pain quaked through each shift of his eyelids.

Hushi could scarcely lift an arm.

“It is… not a bottleneck. No. It is merely the trial one must conquer to ascend further. Our [Qi Impartment]- all we have cultivated thus far, it works against us. Indeed, the [Hollow Ivory Splinter] is a curse and boon an equal measure, for our [Pull] slows progress to a crawl.”

All that was already interred in [Body] and [Mind] did not wish to shift once settled, and so the process of cultivation at late [Core Formation] was akin to scraping exposed muscle over flaming blades.

But, pain faded.

Waters from his own [Mystic Realm] quenched the rising from heat of his body, as did it make… admittedly minor headway in cleaning the pungent [Impurities].

“The first [Meridian] we have opened on this Path. How queer that it has taken so long. This Gao Shuidi might demand seclusion would their absence not endanger the realm.”

Her brothers fervently agreed.

Rain pelted across [Drowned Fathoms Peak] in perpetuity, and upon the namesake mountain it flooded ever downwards.

A realm of simplicity that contained only this titanic stretch of land for all else was submerged beneath a raging sea. About them the waves carried towering fury, a primal anger that had soaked the Heavens before descending to clash against its single stony mass.

So too were the beasts of this persuasion.

The disciples of Cloud Dragon Hall would know this well when he finally allowed entry, as would begin soon.

Yet, there were benefits to its current seclusion.

Minorly, the air shifted, and Fu pondered if he could excuse such behaviour.

Three assassins appeared upon his stormy mountaintop, offering their customary bow as they called, “Senior,” as one.

Wen Pinxui was the only one to hold so regular a pose, remaining proper as Anfang slumped into sitting and Fen moved to fondle the leaves of a rain-soaked shrub.

“Eh, old man. Isn’t this the [Reliquary]?” said Anfang, already in receipt of a withering look from Qiqui, her [Spirit Spider]. “There’s better places to sit.”

A hollow spread behind the meeting assassins, dimpled, mundane, and leading a blackened network of tunnels through which Hushi had long ago traversed. It was the singular feature atop this mountain save for the hardy, evergreen shrubs that dotted its earthen sides.

That which Fen had shudder as she conversed. “Senior Gao is well regarded here. Respected for his restraint. The plants have not been harvested here since his arrival, neither rare or common. He has tamed the realm.”

Pinxui knew all this and more, thus her expression did not shift as the others did. “The [Trials] of Cloud Dragon Hall’s realms were concluded at their opening. More routes exist than the simple reaping of their treasures. Nothing less should be expected of Seniors Gao, Hushi and Shuidi,” she offered, searching his face for permission. “The [Trial Guardians] of these realms have submitted to their betters.”

Anfang’s sudden look mirrored a jian in sharpness. “Submit?”

“Hushi reached an understanding with the [Trial Guardian]. Had we need, and had we no manners, I might summon her here,” he smiled. “By all means, converse with her when we have concluded here. She is a studious sort. Conservative. It may yet bring you insight into the nature of [Constellation Seeds] and the realms from which we pluck them.”

The air did not shift at Udvah’s appearance, though the beast he accompanied was under no such requirement.

Fu’s Cloud Gathering Division were better trained than to gasp as Ryudeshui and the Old One entered their midst aside the smiling Vajra, but were not as exuberant in their greetings.

“Venerable guest,” met Fu, clasping his hands. “Old master. Udvah. What rarity, that the Heavens accommodate our meeting.”

Ryudeshui’s colossal shoal spread about the peak in exploration, leaving the greatest fish among them to speak. “Gao Fu. We see your shoal, your flock, your stable. Greetings are offered. Our distant cousin has spoken at length with us. He praises your virtues and… informs me of the darker currents that rage through this Jianghu. Our ear is yours, for a time.”

This earned a respectful nod from the Fatherly [Asura], who raised a hand to stall the rain about them.

A simplicity, even if this realm was at the cusp of [True Lord Grade].

“I would hear you each in turn before addressing our next course. Lord Ryudeshui, if it is acceptable, the end of this may hold some interest to you. If you might grant these wayward souls the chance to speak before that?”

The shoal trembled in affirmation.

“Then, Fen, my inattention to you has proved a stain on leadership. Begin,” he said.

Busy with a fresh string of flowers within her hair, the [Wood Qi] disciple only looked up once done. Eccentric, perhaps, and improper, yet the Wayward Winds had not tempered her actions to be without purpose.

Petals fell from her old adornments, and there came a sudden stampede upon the sodden ground.

One [Constellation Seed] emerged after another.

Ten.

Fifty.

The pile ended at seventy six.

“A collection unworthy of the Cloud Gathering Division,” she frowned. “Since our appointment within the Golden Bodhi Sanctuary we have encountered few in possession of the Sect’s rightful treasures. Those gathered were done at ranges that far exceed our domain, and only by merit of the [Constellation Seed] senior Gao afforded us some [Seasons] prior.”

Shuidi inspected the Heaven-rivalling haul. “How did you come by treasures of [Foundation Grade] strength, junior? Few, admittedly. Yet you are beyond entry to any [Mystic Realm] due to the [Heavenly Restrictions].”

Suppressed [Wood Qi] conspired before the meeting to form a great weave of interconnected roots.

“The Heavenly Roaming Prefecture,” noted Fu, stroking his whisker as the tangle further twisted to represent each ridge and river of their hunting grounds. “And beyond.”

Fen drew back the curtains of her hair, revealing a unique pattern of [Ink] in the style of interconnected boughs upon her neck. “My Dida…”

“Expedience,” interrupted Pinxui. “Disciple Fen nurtured the [Spirituality] of the Golden Bodhi, and in its infancy, Bonded it-”

“Her,” cut Fen.

“Her Path of [Spirit] is through partnership with the Golden Bodhi,” finished Pinxui. “The authority of her Dida grants dominion over the native plantlife, and thus, expands her [Senses] to such a degree that she might manipulate the [Spirit Beasts] that feed upon them. Four juvenile [Beast Tides] are under her influence.”

A worthy addition to the Cloud Gathering. We did not pick in error. The implications of Bonding with a stationary [Spirit Tree], however, let us hope she did not act rashly. Master Bingbai may ask for this to be rectified or he may be sated with the treasures she has amassed. We shall see.

Fu beamed. “The [Beast Tides] seek out these [Trials] in your stead.”

“Shameful,” admitted Fen. “To rely on such external means. The trees adore such methods, that of emissaries and transitive power, but they do not understand true [Tribulation]. We might only say that our methods have held the migration of false ascetics at bay.”

Pinxui withdrew some innumerable count of scrolls for Fu’s later perusal, suspending them in orbit.

“The results of your actions are without question, disciple Fen. I see one with well-tempered judgement, and I bid it continue,” said Fu. “Anfang, report.”

It began with a dismissive yawn. “Forgive me, old man, it’s tiresome to repeat myself when I’ve only just seen you,” and she too withdrew items from her storage.

Strange, blood-hued fruit fell to the ground in a cascade. Fu Gao’s memories marked these as [Bloodlines] as reaped by the House of Ma.

More items fell, and Anfang’s brow quirked as a mess of weapons, hanfu and banners continued to clatter. “The House of Ma are tiresome. Unceasing. In recent days I’ve discovered that their Virtues can merely be reconstituted by their Matriarch once slain, though not with the knowledge they gained before their death. Truly, I’ve lost count of how many times the Virtue of Selflessness has been slain.”

“Oh?” mused Fu. “But their Matriarch is no fool. In some manner, this may compromise us.”

Anfang finally ceased her withdrawal, slouching to sit once more. “In part. Though they’re quite simple to manipulate. If you force another to ingest these [Bloodline] fruits then recovery becomes their only priority. The Matriarch is oblivious as she reconstitutes her Virtues. It’s a banal, stalling tactic that will only bear fruit in the [Seasons] to come.”

“And this is all you’ve pilfered across the span?” asked Fu.

“Hmm? Oh, no. These are mere trinkets collected from each of the manifesting, populated [Mystic Realms’] tournaments,” she sighed, passing an eye to Fen. “Whether through the misdirection of these planted [Bloodlines] or for the twisting of [Karmic Ties], I’ve felled one hundred and nineteen independent gatherings.”

On Fu Gao’s authority she has propagated slaughter. The reasoning is plain, but I would know more.

“Felled. Indeed. To what extent?”

“Only those in possession of [Constellation Seeds] or with direct relations to those unfortunate fools have been allowed to survive. The Clear Sky’s unrivalled geniuses are then seeded with [Bloodlines] or manipulated towards conflict with the House of Ma that they might do my work for me. As of now, the Matriarch has collected twenty one [Constellation Seeds] that she cannot use. Her [Primordial Constellation Gate] is complete, and she dares not bestow any upon her suicidal Virtues.”

How strange. I cannot fathom my own reasoning on this, lest it is all to ensure the purity of Bingbai’s future reapings. To direct the geniuses of the Jianghu towards Jade Songbird Province so early places more scrutiny upon the slow drip of talent that we seek.

The [Spirit Octopus] moved to Qiqui, conversing in chastising tones before sharing all he had impressed with Fu.

[Arbiter’s Soul] flared as he looked upon Anfang.

“Disciple Anfang has grown. Late [Core Formation], and the Martial [Prowess] to suit it. Such rapid growth is commendable, yet I would look unfavourably if it was the end to these means.”

Anfang laughed. “Benefits, merely. As an unparalleled genius myself…” she trailed off then, marking her senior’s tone. “The targets have one more quality in common, senior. They’re in good standing with [Dour Faced Strategist]. Feeders and supporters of her efforts upon the [Demon Front]. Soon, they will petition her intervention - as the House of Ma’s Matriarch so desperately seeks.”

“And you would welcome this? Lianse’s strength is not to be undervalued.”

“Is it not said that wise men catch two fish in one net?” she bowed. “With further manipulation, you have stated that we will pave the way for serpents that wish for their… [Primordial Law]. That whenever possible, such pretenders must be cleansed.”

The Fatherly [Asura] quirked a brow.

Oh. Then this is an act of diligence. No matter how wayward. Fu Gao- I have dedicated myself well to the Sect, although I had not currently considered this a priority.

“That they must be. Yet, I had not wished to involve any of the Cloud Gathering in these matters until you yourselves walked this Path,” he said, stroking his whisker as he looked at each disciple in turn. “Stow your curiosity for now, or ask Anfang for her knowledge once we have concluded here, but do not allow it to muddy the waters.”

Pinxui’s scrolls could fill many small libraries with their volume, and even now she added fresh ink to more. “As you say, senior.”

Her words were repeated threefold.

Fu nodded. “Good. I gather you here, chiefly, for a development. The Four Tiger Pill Society has uprooted their presence from Master Ban’s Prefecture by way of purchase. [Fourteenth Bojin] may offer this information as a ploy, but their absence is clear. Grand conspirators are set to arrive, or may already be amongst the populace. The strength I predict them to hold will break the tenuous balance we strive to enforce. Disciples, that cannot be allowed.”

Documents flew forth that Fu might read them, loosed from Pinxui’s orbit.

“[Venerable Reed Sage]. [Ninth Under Heaven]. Three houses of the [Cherry River Inheritors]. The [Plum Axe],” sneered Shuidi. “How did Wen Pinxui come to know this information when it has only hours past left the lips of its source?”

“Master Ban was kind to offer this eager scholar small puzzles that she might refresh her mind. Amusing financial obstacles wherein one is to deduce a faction’s footprint from only the quantities and entries within ledgers. Senior Gao Fu may yet enjoy them, for our Master gifted me them in abundance.”

Fu waved away the suggestion with a chuckle, placing eyes on each aghast disciple about them. “No, peerless Pinxui, our definitions of entertainment seem to differ. It is from these ledgers that you deduced the sale of all lands about the Heavenly Roaming Prefecture?”

[Force Qi] highlighted a string of characters on her proffered scroll. “Attention must be drawn here: to the absence of sales concerning the Jade Songbird Province itself. As the Fatherly [Asura] ever states, a fool guesses, and the following conjecture is a shallow notion without substantive evidence, yet - [Dour Faced Strategist’s] presence wards against true invasion more than any independent factor but that of the factions themselves.”

Contemplative silence fell.

“The swiftness of this is irregular. A boon indeed, that [Dour Faced Strategist] still walks. It introduces contrary thoughts. Gratitude, disciples, you have given me much to think on,” he mused. “Dragons nip at the mountain’s feet, but they are blind to the serpents that await them. To this end, I offer you each a gift. As Master Ban’s second, I grant the right to an additional seed, each.”

Anfang immersed herself in Fen’s pile before the air had even grown still, much to the [Wood Qi] cultivator’s amusement. “Suitable, old man. I give my thanks for this overdue gift.”

One of Fen’s manifested petals morphed into that of a bulbous plant, and sprayed cloying pollen on her sister disciple’s face.

Pinxui stifled a sigh.

Shuidi, however, enveloped those remaining in a mist of ultimate silence. “Disciples Udvah and Mangalam. Venerable shoal. Our conversation awaits.”

The Vajra bowed low, [Spirit Toad] upon his hairless scalp. “Amituofo. A pleasure.”

Ryudeshui hummed not unlike Grandmother Hua. His shoal did not pierce the mists.

“This matter concerns only those beneath the mists. No further words must be uttered,” he said, enforcing severity with a seemingly unnecessary fluctuation of [Intent]. “I would speak to you on [Splinters], [Hollow Thrones], and what liars believe will come to pass before our Master’s work here might begin to conclude.”

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