Fatherly Asura

For the sedentary, the uninterested and the honest, they might wait.

Another ‘Gang’ would displace the tyranny of the first. A righteous, patient spirit could outlast the sea of violence they embroil themselves in, pick up the pieces, and continue beneath a fresh rule.

Immortality removed such hopes.

When these Patriarchs, these Gang Leaders, did not die, when they outlived three generations of mortals, what might be done?

They did not wane, but grow, reaching greater strength as those below them remained weak and inferior.

Hope stood in hedge cultivators. The wanderers.

Those with talent enough to match.

Thus came the influence of Sects. A false legitimacy through violence that scoured their lands of resources, whittling the number of agitants down. Then came the silencing of information. The imposed rightness of their way and the declaration of war against any others.

[Heritage].

Vaunted, then vaulted.

Not outlawed, but shamed.

After all, a blind Jianghu is one that cannot rise against them.

“Immortality’s Shift,” by [Magnanimous Skewered Zealot]

(Note) This tome has been gathered for posterity, and is forbidden to lift from the Sect archive.

A fire at the gates was likewise disaster to the fish in the pond.

All knew this well.

Strange then, that Lianse, [Dour Faced Strategist] - the immortal warrior and bastion against each myriad terror the [Western Demon Front] beheld - relaxed her posture at Yongwu Long’s appearance. “Long does not lie,” she spoke, and this utterance shifted the attentions of all but [Sullen Saber].

Mingqin remained in struggle, oblivious to this madness in orbit about her seclusion.

“[Dances Upon An Ivory Sea]. Hmm. Didn’t a rumor persist of your death? If not by [Spring] Imperials then- oh, no, it was by some malady of foolish old monsters,” chuckled Long. “Once this little tantrum is concluded, I’d like to hear more.”

A fury of icicles converged at Long’s neck, but each snapped against his impossibly resilient skin.

“You’re the Yongwu Long that pierced this bastard’s gut for a single [Constellation Seed],” spat Ivory Sea. “Was it ineptitude or idiocy that spared Gao Fu? Both are unforgivable.”

Long made a suggestive show with his eyebrows, ignoring her. “My, Fu, you’ve something of a talent for incensing women. I hadn’t taken her for a fishwife.”

[Sullen Saber] tapped his hilt, and this much silenced the growing furor.

Shuidi’s [Senses] had expanded the moment of Long’s arrival, though one needed no determined action to feel the encroaching [Cores] beyond Jade Songbird City’s borders. Such were the impossibilities of immortals that their tremendous power could be seen even by the blind.

“Something indeed approaches,” confirmed Fu, half-bowing once more. “Ivory Sea, if the business you have with me is urgent, I ask you postpone it. Our history cannot intervene at this crucial moment.”

There was an expectation of ice.

As were there mental pangs. Omens of the [Mind] that overwrote Fu’s each and every mental decision.

To conjure the [Dao of Four Horizons] plagued his mind with a specter of [Sullen Saber] severing his life; the mereness of [Half Cloud Step] had an image of a laughing blade arise, incredulous that something so slight would be used against him; when poison crossed his mind, it had the specter enter a fury, as though even his simulacrum of [Impending Mortality Dew] was an insult.

Curiosity washed across the specter when thoughts of [Primordial Law] arose.

But [Sullen Saber’s] true form was still.

Strange, for my mind assures me that this swordsman sees all futures. A martial cousin of Grandmother Hua. We must not dare provoke him.

Moments passed as he ruminated on the next step, and in the silence Ivory Sea finally made her reply. “The [Dao Oath],” she… warred with saying, as though her tongue was drenched in oil.

“The [Dao Oath],” nodded Fu. “Please. There is hostility and there is this. I dare say we are familiar enough that I know the difference. Trouble approaches. Aid us, or wait until our return. All I ask is that you grant a moment.”

A sharp chime overcame the surroundings.

Bojin’s litany of [Arrays] had been struck.

“A moment,” she growled.

The wind whisked Fu hence, unravelling in a forceful gale to where the din of a struck [Arrays] was loudest.

One multi-layered formation had sprung up in defence of an invading party’s hostile intent, and now a great curtain of intricate, spectral chains swarmed about Mingqin’s city.

A single link was absent from the rotating mass, and had stalled with the benefit of revealing those that flew beyond. Three men of eccentric appearance and varying [Heritage], disgruntled as they casually inspected the inflicted damage.

Fu’s [Dao of Conquest’s Exhalation] clad him well as he weighed these aggressors.

Leftmost flew a masked fiend of ghoulish appearance, and was the Old One not occupied with his… induction of Ryedeshui, more information might have been gleaned. There came a sense of [Blood Qi] and grim [Prowess] from his blackened, nigh-burail style hanfu and the flowing, crimson characters upon his four [Spirit Lizards] that swam about the air in thin trials of ruddy liquid.

The center held a clear disciple of the [Cherry River Spear], and little else need be said for the immaculate existence that flew there. An authority of five qiang levitated by his left shoulder, spun by the impish gestures of his lime-furred [Spirit Cat].

Third was no more than a gold-clad, shorn-headed daoist of violent [Lightning Qi] - clearly seen as it arced and danced between the tusks of his titanic [Spirit Elephant] and upwards to where the monk sat atop it.

Yongqu Long arrived with a finger in his own ear. “Cultivators, there’s surely a reason for all this noise.”

These three cultivators started at his appearance, and then once more as Fu likewise materialized from the aether. “Jade Songbird City extends its greetings to these unknown guests, however uncommon an arrival this is. I am Gao Fu, of Cloud Dragon Hall, and I am here in [Dour Faced Strategist’s] absence.”

“Does it?” queried Long. “Does Jade Songbird City extend its greetings to those that puncture the Four Tiger Pill Society’s things? Does Lianse? Oh, Gao Fu has perhaps forgotten that these cultivators have yet to pay reparations.”

First to speak was the elephant-mounted daoist. “Amituofo. This lowly seeker offers humblest apologies to venerable [Dour Faced Strategist], and would share that such a mistake was only made in pursuit of the unjust. Under the [Boundless Dao] are all not obligated to act righteously?”

“Gao Fu. While this name is unknown, all have heard of my great allegiance. By decree of the [Cherry River Spear], I urge you step aside. The villain known as [Dances Upon an Ivory Sea] escaped this way, and her capture cannot be delayed.”

“Ivory Sea?” said Long, miming confusion.

This matter cannot be handled so casually, even if Long holds confidence in their defeat. The backing of these cultivators is clear. Yet, if this how he chooses to act then we must match it by sowing the same uncertainty.

Shuidi clacked eagerly.

“Friend Long,” smiled Fu. “Has the damage to our [Array] clouded your mind? These righteous cultivators used the word villain, and such a term is not used loosely in the Jianghu. That girl is perhaps of greater note than we thought.”

Something shifted on the [Blood Qi] cultivator’s features. An interest piqued as Fu affected the tone of someone far more wizened. “Jianghu,” he said, arching a brow. “Your tongue is old, master cultivator. Strange, however, that I cannot sense if your blood matches it. Sanguine Night Gallery has met few whose vitality did not tell a tale.”

“Is that so? Then I offer an apology that I might not aid you further. It has been some time since this aging body held blood. ” said Fu, grateful that Long did not undermine his pageantry. “I would ask on Ivory Sea’s villainy however? What crime could bring you noble souls to City Lord Mingqin’s doorstep?”

The Cherry River disciple cut a hand through the air. “Enough. A good dog does not block the road.”

Long laughed. “Fools, Gao Fu, for now they steal my lines! Imitation will foster you no relations, stick-wielder, flattering as it is. The snow-girl is tended to, you have no further business here.”

“To deny me is to deny the Cherry-”

“Benefactors!” cried the daoist. “Amituofo. Such magnanimity! This humble seeker offers you endless gratitude for resolving this plight! Truly, the [Boundless Dao] favor us this day no? An enemy of an enemy is no doubt a friend, is that not so? Blessing upon us all. Surely this righteous comrade from the Cherry River is overcome with relief and forgets his words.”

The very skies responded as the aggressive disciple brandished his first spear, for not a heartbeat beyond his grasp closing upon the haft did the clouds above swiftly recede.

Pushed, Fu thought, by inordinate power.

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Or fearful.

“Do not speak for me,” warned the Cherry River disciple.

“Oho,” crowed Fu. “It is the wind’s nature to twist and turn. Nature might be forgiven, but I cannot be. Apologies that this conversation goes wayward. I would ask again, what are Ivory Sea’s crimes? Once known, this minor misunderstanding might be cleared.”

A jolt of [Lightning Qi] pushed against Fu’s faculties, and he felt it to be a transmission [Art] similar to those used by the Clouded Courts. That none within the gathering responded but he confirmed his suspicions that it was clad in [Qi Suppression].

He warily accepted the jolt, despite knowing few affectations of [Lightning Qi] could harm him.

“Amituofo. A peace-walking soul. Master Gao Fu sacrifices much face to direct the Cherry River’s misplaced rage. This lowly daoist shares true gratitude for this virtue. Spilled is spilled, be it blood or wine, both are a waste, no?”

It was Hushi that deduced the [Spirit Elephant’s] voice, and conversed while Fu returned his attention to the outward talks.

“-need not know it. Sparrows do not ride the same wind as hawks. My patience has ended,” declared the [Cherry River] disciple. “Move aside.”

[Arbiter’s Soul] saw no hint of weakness within his cultivation. From [Prowess], to his litany of [Dao Principles] to the three, radiant [Constellation Seeds] in his [Primordial Constellation Gate].

Shuidi defiant clack was not wholly confident.

“Master cultivator-” began the cultivator of Sanguine Dragon Gallery.

“Amituofo. The villain remains below, where all eyes might see her. Such fate! To find friends and worthy allies to hold her while we settle.”

The internal transmission only urged danger.

But there was confidence in the shoaling of Long’s four, golden [Spirit Carp].

“There are myriad paths beneath the Heavens, and I am uncertain that one of the Cherry River would resort to the most short-sighted.” Fu stroked his whisker as Long, strangely, tilted his head to ask for permission. “Reasonable souls, which arm does your companion favor?”

Two utterances came at once, as seemed the flow of this conversation.

Interruptions.

Starts.

Stops.

Beginnings.

Ends.

The first spear brought annihilation in thrust, treating all before it and onwards to a great circle of destruction. How it punctured was peerless, shredding through the [Heavenly Spectre’s Shroud], the skies, the Four Tiger Pill Society’s defensive [Arrays], the peaks of several freshly constructed pagodas and - by Shuidi’s notice - punched a perfect hole within the closest hillock some thirty li distant.

Fu’s [Constitution] could not face a second such attack.

Fortunate then, that the fray had ended as the aforementioned utterances still played upon the wind.

First to be heard was, “[Immortal Cherry Qiang…], as some technique’s declaration from the Cherry RIver disciple. Though this had fallen into silence as Long’s voice had overcome it.

What replaced it was a simpler, concluded call. “[Golden Demon Severs the Stars].”

An extremity of [Senses] and [Half Cloud] step scarcely allowed Fu, Hushi and even Shuidi to glean Long’s movement. The growth in his [Might], his swiftness, no, his entire cultivation since their spar some few [Seasons] prior, was [Demonic].

Impossible.

Two visceral lengths hung pinched from Long’s forefingers, displayed as if unsanitary rags fit for burning.

The Cherry River disciple’s first spear dropped with no arms to hold it. His scream was shrill, frothing a violent red to emerge from his mouth in conjunction with the two bloody stumps of Long’s fresh creation. “You- My-”

“There’s been much stammering today. Much stopping and broken conversation. It’s a vexation, no? As Gao Fu claimed, surely this isn’t one who claims allegiance to the Cherry River? A blind fool that strikes first?” Long threw the two remaining cultivators an arm. “You are of the [Ninth], no? Tell that golden-eyed Lord of yours that I wish to withdraw my membership, claiming all accrued interest and holdings. And you- I’ve not heard tale of the Sanguine Night Gallery in some time. Does that little brat Chuanji still live?”

“Amituofo. The account number?” asked the daoist, vanishing the arm into aether.

“It is numbered the same as the Poisons he has forgotten. Tell him this,” said Long, turning to the darkened figure from Sanguine Night Gallery with a raised palm. “Chuanji?”

“Little brat?” the grim cultivator asked, bemused. “The Matriarch, [Sanguine Queen Chuanji]. Little brat?”

“Yes. Remind her to be sparing with ginger.”

Fu’s [Heavenly Spectre’s Shroud] did not flicker, nor crumble, but it ought to. It took much to seem unmolested by the spear-user’s first attack. An unbroken voice might assuage that. “To avoid further misunderstandings, fellow cultivators, my Cloud Dragon Hall is open at reasonable times should you wish further conversation. Tonight however, we shall ensure Ivory Sea and her villainy are confined to City Lord Mingqin’s prisons.”

His words fell upon blank faces.

As if all had witnessed a [Demon’s] impossible cruelty.

“This lowly seeker had eyes but failed to see. A mercy, benefactor Gao Fu, that you, twin talents of this humble province have allowed us to escape unharmed. Amituofo. Ten thousand gratitudes.”

“If that is all?” offered Fu.

The cultivator of Sanguine Night Gallery granted a minor dip of respect, done in concert with his wary [Spirit Lizards]. “Venerable Gao Fu, we will depart with but one imposition,” he said, daring to meet Long’s gaze. “I would risk much to know the full name of so unrivalled a cultivator.”

Before Long might speak, a [Spirit Crab] clacked. “Blind fools. Do you not recognise your own grandfather?”

🀩

None among Mingqin’s allies held talent enough to mend what damage had been done to the [Arrays]. From the first [Eternal Bindings Chain Formation] that had presented in broken, metallic links, to the hundred lesser, ancillary workings that had suffered at the hands of the Cherry River disciple.

Fu could only tweak the first to cover a smaller domain without the full support his Old One could offer.

But hours passed even with this lesser feat, unveiling a small benefit.

[Three Wisps From Breath], insight gained.

[Middle] attained.

[Capacity] +95, [Push] +95

A fool would complain over small steps and gradual progress, and so Fu readily acknowledged the minor growth to his mist manipulating technique before pausing before Mingqin’s court.

Who might he be when he walked through these doors?

Yongwu Long knew his history, and in truth, knew him best.

Liainse knew him as the kindly tempest of Cloud Dragon Hall.

[Dances Upon Ivory Sea] knew of him as the [Fatherly Asura]- and most queer of all, had spoken it as though his [Dao Name] were already, impossibly awarded.

Should he be cornered or bound into revealing his allegiance, the [Dao Oath] about his [Spirit] would surely rupture.

Many forks lay ahead.

A teal arm prodded his skull from within the douli. “A good fisherman counts his catch upon the shore.”

Fu’s smile was thin. “Wisdom, brother. I thank you for it.”

His entry was quiet, and more stalk than the grand proclamation such a court deserved, but he did so with purpose in mind. The full breadth of his vocation’s talents entered this room to feel all who might notice him.

[Sullen Saber] and Yongwu Long did not so much turn as shift to make space for his entry in this meeting of monsters.

Central was [Dour Faced Strategist], her presence like that of a victor’s banner. Domineering in allegiance and poise. It was she that next noticed his appearance, though if her eyes truly searched they did so some three strides leftward.

In no passable display of homage, Ivory Sea sat low upon the throne’s great approach. Her pristine daxuishuan was draped across the small stairs there and a conjuration of ice-formed figures manifested before her only to be crushed within a palm.

Her [Senses] were poor as ever.

Isuel and her [Spirit Baboons] did not flinch as Fu joined the held silence, clasping his hands between [Sullen Saber’s] roaming [Spirit Sabertooth] and Long.

“Venerable [Dour Faced Strategist], the defensive formations have been recovered to my highest standard. However, this pales against true masters. It may buy the citizenry some precious moments longer should more aggressors arrive.”

A snort rose from Ivory Sea.

Long smirked. “The child is amusing.”

“I have spoken with [Dances Upon an Ivory Sea],” sounded the death-gong of Lianse’s booming voice. “As did I listen when these aggressors spoke of her villainy. With each passing day I yearn for the simplicity of [Demons], for these times are no more than a coarse vexation.”

[Sullen Saber] need not impose his mental executions upon Fu now.

No.

Lianse’s words granted the same omen.

“You withheld a truth, Gao Fu,” she continued, gesturing thrice to ward off evil. “Yongwu Long speaks with the tongue of a fool, but he claimed once that you are blood to the [Cherry River Sage]. The very same monster that Ivory Sea so improperly arrived for now. Speak now, and put light to this deception.”

Oh?

Shuidi’s words arrived as though lightning’s first flash. “Deception? Lianse, you dare?”

It was all the [Fatherly Asura] could do to refrain from twitching.

Mountain-shattering [Intent] sparked from the immortal’s eyes. “I dare?”

“As you say,” sneered Shuidi. “To speak of chopping nails and severing iron. What decisive blow is this? You presume a lie of omission. It is clear you hold a child’s understanding of your allies if this is your manner.”

It was not Lianse’s way to sit upon her niece’s throne, but even ten strides from it her [Intent] tore it asunder. The boldness of Shuidi’s slight sent myriad fissures across the court, consuming the golden songbirds upon pillar, wall and roof in blackened cracks.

Dust fell.

“Child’s understanding? To whom do you think you speak?”

The heat in Shuidi’s [Spirit] was true.

A current into which Fu slowly moved. As such, it laced his own words. “The saber upon that cultivator’s hip is of note, Lianse, not the thousand within his halls. The sun above concerns the buds of Mingqin’s grasslands, not the loam of [Sixth Under Heaven’s] lands. What fear of sharks have goldfish? Is that not saved for black-bass and squid?”

“You think your relationship with the greatest of the [Cherry River Inheritors] irrelevant, Gao Fu?” she snapped.

“My stance was ever clear. Of all the treasures beneath Heaven, it is my family that stands unrivalled. Be it my children, or Grandmother Hua, I will have none leveraged as I believe you wish me to do.”

“Grandmother,” remarked Ivory Sea, her face whiter than snow. “I’ve heard it spoken before, and it’s still ridiculous. Few bastards of your ilk are foolish enough to be so casual with that monster.”

“Do not interrupt.” The object of Lianse’s [Intent] shifted with this interruption and in doing so there came a subtle click.

[Sullen Saber’s] finger rapped upon his hilt as a prodigious gash blossomed before him, swallowing pressure, emotion and all.

It left [Dour Faced Strategist] blank-faced.

Stunned.

“Or what, hag? You’ll kill me? Without this bastard’s… Bah! Without this bastards’ aid I’m dead either way. The Heavens have forsaken me, and we’ve nothing else to lose. That we entertain this farce is insult enough. I’ll not suffer more,” stood Ivory Sea. “Gao Fu. Deliver me to the [Cherry River Sage]. Bring her here. Send a missive. I… I bare my desperation to you plainly, loathe as it is. Do this, and I rescind the [Dao Oath].”

Fu looked between all present.

Naturally, Long held a smile. “My, you’re in demand Gao Fu. But I’ve no answer for this little conspiration of [Karma]. Do as you please.”

Isuel had eyes upon [Sullen Saber]. “Forgiveness, but this demand is no less than [Dour Faced Strategist’s]. To leverage your heart. Yet I would have you do it, that I might spar with the swordsman.”

“To accept this is to admit weakness and hypocrisy before Lianse. To deny it is to let loose a tongue with all secrets of our allegiance. We cannot yet slay this [Sullen Saber],” came Shuidi’s mental impression.

A clear mirror of Fu’s thoughts.

“Despite these heated words, Lianse, you are my ally. Ivory Sea, our history has us less so. Before I forsake my heart, if that is what must be done- I would know, why now? The Heavens would not deliver two of the same demand at this moment if not auspicious. Of what use now, more than before, is the [Cherry River Sage]?”

Vile, indulgent laughter rose to his left. “Haven’t I told you already?”

Rare was the incredulity on an immortal’s face, and Shuidi savoured how it struck [Dour Faced Strategist’s] like a meteor hammer’s slap. “Yongwu Long, some secrets- our secrets, are not to be spoken aloud.”

“Ah, perhaps Gao Shuidi gleaned truth. A child’s understanding, was it? There are few secrets Gao Fu doesn’t know. To one that juggles [Constellation Seeds] as toys, and a [Primordial Lord] no less, isn’t it natural he knows of the [Hollow Throne’s] opening?”

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