…and it was a madness of course, in the beginning. Are not all things?
I will say to whomsoever chances upon this record that the nature of my Path will only be glimpsed here, and for those that wish to follow - simply do.
Brave that first leap- that first light gleaned amidst the undiluted rage of the Heavens. Chase it, anger the skies above, invite ruin and tempt fate, seek it without reservation.
[Tribulation].
“Divine Spark,” the journal of [Thousand Returnings Corpse]
The three arose from their lotus with a deep and sudden breath, for the world had changed much since they had first closed their eyes.
Fu absorbed the sights of his quarters and found nothing amiss in the dim lightning of the morning’s small hours. From scrolls to trinkets, to the casual mists that wisped beneath his screen, there was naught different here.
What difference he felt was in the oceanic resonance of souls just beyond his walls, and then further.
His [Senses] were of sufficient talent to hear the breath of Cloud Dragon Hall’s disciples as their chests rose and fell so many paces distant, as were they enough to hear the skittering of wild [Spirit Beasts] as they pilfered herbs on the outskirts of his Sect.
A thousand observations might be said, and yet, his focus was stolen by more.
Potential humd from the souls of so thousand existences, be they near or far, herb or breathing form. They felt the resonance of [Spirits] in vast radius all about them with a grandness of clarity that might well have been as though they were re hair’s breadths away.
[Half Cloud Step] blurred the three so that they arrived at the base of a disciple’s cot, and there they lood in scrutiny.
An internal push had them tug at their [Primordial Law’s] fresh [Boon] - [Arbiter’s Soul] - and with sparse effort the odd resonance manifested across their vision in plus of [Ink].
Though not in characters.
Gold interspersed the fus, but they were more indicative of…
“Adequacy,” ca Shuidi’s impression.
Indeed, this disciple held plus that, once inspected, indicated each of cultivation’s attributes. From a shoulder muscle he gleaned [Resilience], which spouted into the [Ink] above with shallow progress in gold.
As if a bar, half-molten.
Our disciple lacks in [Resilience] and so the image aside its trail is lean. The other attributes are satisfactory for one of [Foundation], and yet… what are these?
Other plus joined with less obvious distinction save for that which rose from their [Dantian].
Qi Purity and Martial Talent? [Prowess] perhaps, and thus, is this the [Dao]? They hold shallow insight into a single [Principle].
Hushi extended an arm in curiosity, and lightning crackled within his form.
The [Primordial Law of Tribulations] sought to be used.
And would, at their direction.
Fu felt myriad opportunities arise beyond the simplicity of Heaven’s favoured lightning. Threads of orchestratable [Karma] that could foist a suitable and deadly challenge upon any or all of these facets of the disciple’s cultivation or that of an imdiate trial through elental scourge.
The [Spirit Octopus] withdrew.
“This Gao Shuidi would test it. While worthy of her talents, this [Boon] is too great to be believed.”
Forty four more disciples were inspected in variety, reinforcing what they had believed to have learned. Much of attributes, [Dao] and [Prowess]. So talents within Cloud Dragon Hall held [Constitutions] and the options his [Primordial Law] offered granted impressions of more focused [Tribulations].
“The cost is unknown. The ans. [Primordial Law] is a thing for immortals, monsters and those at the Jianghu’s peak. Could we weather a single use? Grandmother’s warnings echo with their repetition - they did not believe us ready.”
With a break from habit, Shuidi withheld pride. “The path ahead cannot be asked on for none have tread it. But this is the step we have sought to leap into the ranks of the worthy. To temper ourselves with [Primordial Law] is what will have us walk tall among all threats to the Gao clan and Heavenly Roaming Prefecture.”
Pre-dawn would soon break to herald his Sect’s first practice. The Fatherly [Asura] could only stroke his whisker.
Contemplative.
He stalled twice before ascending the Sect’s pagoda to push a resonance though his brooch.
A smiling shade erged at his right. “Amituofo, brother Fu is a benefactor indeed. The [Beast Tide] erging from [Imperial Realm 64] will surely show their thanks for this call.”
Fu chuckled as Mangalam shared a croak. “Oh, we are simply feeling charitable today. In truth we have attained sothing that must be tested, if you would grant us a mont?”
The Vajra nodded his compliance.
[Arbiter’s Soul] reached out to pluck [Ink] from Udvah’s attributes, and Fu’s eyes widened with the ease at which it revealed all. Depths of talent in [Control], [Capacity], [Might] and all else, as expected for one that had tempered their cultivation with the thods of Bingbai and his [Four Directions Tribulation Array] - those of his Wayward Winds and the Cloud Gathering Division.
An elite’s [Ink] glistened in gold before him, vastly more profound than that of his simple Cloud Dragon Hall disciple.
Hushi saw myriad [Dao] of unknown na but incredible depth.
[Constellation Seeds].
Then, a spark of sothing absent. Unrealised steps that showed in grey as opposed to the gold of a Path well fulfilled.
“You have taken steps to form a [Constitution]?” he asked.
Udvah grinned wide. “A fresh talent. If this lacking daoist had not forsworn monetary gain, he might worry over wages and promotion both. Beneath you and brother Zhu, none hold a chance, no? How can this be so easily gleaned?”
“In ti,” smiled Fu. “But you have taken steps?”
“Amituofo. It is as you say.”
Shuidi clacked her pincers. “This Gao Shuidi would nudge it to completion.”
It was Mangalam that croaked first, impressing much between his [Spirit Beast] seniors before passing this understanding to his partner.
“Oh, there is such a good thing?” laughed Udvah. “Well, this lacking daoist will allow you to twist his arm. The [Boundless Dao] would not reject charity, after all. Amituofo. These two accept so loathso an offer.”
[Arbiter’s Soul] flared, and instinct flooded an oddity of sensation through their [Spirit] in a way that offered so control over the intensity of what they were to orchestrate.
Fu breathed out, willing only that it be enough.
The expectation was that so resource of his cultivation would drain in response to the call of his [Primordial Law], be it [Primordial Qi] itself, ntal energy or a tithe yet undiscovered, but this did not co as the pre-dawn air crackled.
From the space above did a vast gash grow to tear the skies in whorling hues of purple and violet, producing a swift and violent maelstrom the force of which had their [Spirit] cow.
Udvah quirked a single brow before a titanic, golden palm rushed forth to snatch both he and Mangalam into the spatial tear before subsequently and definitively vanishing from all [Senses].
In place of tithe, the three ghosts felt a subtle scale tilt within them.
But not before blinking.
“This power…” began Fu, uncertain of what he might say.
Monts passed in silence.
“Our juniors have vanished into a [Spatial Tribulation], at our hand. With imdiacy. This Gao Shuidi feels that no cost has been paid, and yet surely a boon of this profundity cannot be granted freely?”
Fu observed the space where Udvah had stood so seconds previous. “Perhaps it is not us that will pay it?”
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
🀨
The Baotai twins were of stern martial talent, ascending their understanding of the [True Wind God Arts] with a swiftness that might have mirrored his own. As his senior disciples they led this morning’s practice into early noonti and this allowed Fu to correct many oversights in their junior’s stances.
So too did he refine his [Arbiter’s Soul], having the Old One docunt each disciple’s shortcomings with staggering swiftness.
To glean another’s weaknesses was a prodigious advantage.
Shuidi eagerly pondered whether they might see Yongwu Long in the near future.
For so few days the Fatherly [Asura] had proved neglectful of his Phoenix lody in favor of personal responsibilities, and he sought the point where he might ingratiate his Sect into the greater workings of the Heavenly Roaming Prefecture.
As of yet, they were unready.
“Sect leader!” fervently clasped his most rotund senior disciple, Chan Gui. “This lowly disciple apologises for daring to intrude upon your peace.”
Fu smiled at the head of his now-seated disciples, the [Shrine of Final Skies] well open that they might work on purifying each polluted [ridian]. “Please, disciple, there is no need to address in this manner. Respect need not be spouted in words. While they whisper, the winds are things of action.”
With widening eyes, the supplicant bowed lower. “As you say, Sect Leader! This- we, have completed your gift of purification and seek another task to prove our worth.”
[Senses] confird this most wild of claims.
“Disciple, not more than a clutch of days have passed. I am impressed. More yet that you do not rest so easily,” he said, stroking his whisker. “In these formative days there are few things I demand of you aside from martial tempering. However if you hold confidence, any of Cloud Dragon Hall should be put to use quelling the Prefecture’s troubles.”
Gui’s face brightened. “By defeating villainy?”
“Villainy is but one trouble, though I applaud your eagerness. There are three villages in the surrounding lands, if Cloud Dragon Hall was ready to unveil itself to the Jianghu I would suggest you begin there. For now, a patrol of the wilderness will be sufficient.”
The disciple bowed to end the conversation and set on his way, though Fu stalled him with a swift withdrawal.
Long hanfu robes the colour of a greying cloud erged in his palm, and upon it were a dley of golden-bordered clouds. “Clouds work through subtle deeds, and yet, they should be known as clouds. I would have you dressed accordingly, should the need arise.”
Gui received his hanfu graciously. “A thousand gratitudes.”
The hidden ghosts about his Sect had sung high praises of this disciple’s righteous attitude, and so of all his seniors, Fu held the least reticence on letting Gui loose upon the surrounding lands. It was no grand unveiling of his growing faction, but it would not hurt to keep Cloud Dragon Hall on the lips of the prefecture’s citizens.
Those upon the first steps of [Foundation Realm] erged next, mirroring Gui’s accomplishnts due to their low count of [ridians].
Praise was offered for it and another call. “Disciple Wanjie.”
This senior disciple was of stoic bearing, and Fu pondered if any onlookers might misconstrue whether she was sternly unimpressed with her surroundings or rely ambivalent. Much the sa could be said for her unblinking [Spirit Lion].
“Amitabha. This aspirant stands ready for the tallest blade’s orders.”
A [Spring] Imperial. How novel.
The address rippled attention through many gathered disciples, but they knew better than to begin whispering.
If Wanjie felt sha at her heritage she did not show it.
Fu withdrew a second Sect uniform. “The mists upon our shores are of suitable richness at noon. Senior Wanjie, you will lead sparring practice of the [True Wind God Arts] among them.”
Both Vajra and [Spirit Lion] bowed, leading their juniors away.
“This Gao Shuidi wishes to bring lightning across their Path, but they are as infants. Bah. The pace of this infuriates.”
Foundations cannot be established in a day. Nor are these the Clouded Courts. A righteous Sect would not endanger so fresh a crop despite the benefits it would bring. Patience, sister, they will be of suitable [Prowess] by the week’s end.
An intensity of clacking sounded from the douli. “What foundation will be ford without wind to blow against them? Administration of this saps what ti might be spent on Cloud Gathering Duties, the trouble of Yongwu Long, the [Cherry River Sage], and scouting for [Constellation Seeds].”
Before Fu made to speak, Hushi lifted an arm. “Aid is but a letter away.”
The pair slowly began to nod.
“Ah. I had not considered that.”
🀨
For all the sleep a cultivator of late [Core Formation] required, it served well. In the days of Wayward Winds, and since, the Fatherly [Asura] had neglected much in favor of the extra hours in which to work.
Perhaps the Heavens now laughed at his attempts, for his eyes had not closed for more than five breaths when thunder prickled through his [Spirit].
A facet of [Primordial Law] called to him.
Fu, Hushi and Shuidi rose from what was fated to be another dust-coated bed, their attention summoned far east.
“Sothing within the Wisteria Peaks calls to us,” he voiced, sharing Shuidi’s mounting curiosity.
Despite the [Tyranny] of [Autumn] and the chill that imposed on his flesh, the windows within his quarters were ever open.
It was unjust to deny the breeze its entry.
[Dao of Four Horizons].
Midnight clouds embraced their landing so many hundred li distant and these ford the perch from where they spectated all that transpired below.
[Primordial Law] resonated strongly at such a proximity, snapping all eyes to the source.
Pristine, there lood a great [Spirit Serpent] upon an outcropping of the Wisteria Peaks many rocky faces. No subtlety prevailed in its wrathful hiss as it rose tall above the injured form of a smaller [Spirit Fox].
The tufts of shredded fur and vast puddles of crimson were not needed to glean the full history of this scene.
A defiant bark resounded about these peaks as the [Spirit Serpent] waited for its foe to succumb to injury, either through wound or the malady of [Poison Qi] surging through the fox’s troubled veins.
Dispassion remained in the Fatherly [Asura’s] gaze. No serpent would deny another a rightful al.
Thunder’s crackle touched once more upon their [Spirit].
“The prey attempts to ascend its realm mid-battle. An admirable and foolish ploy,” he noted.
Hushi pushed his [Senses] downward.
Much disparity existed between these two beasts in realm, attribute and talent. There were few terms for elites among unbonded [Spirit Beasts], but this fox did not excel in any one facet of its cultivation.
Thus the [Dao of Four Horizons] was called to Fu’s lips-
Shuidi lifted a pincer. “The [Cherry River Sage] words. Recall them. We must see that [Tribulation] does not beco a boon, a weapon or gift.”
“Indeed,” mused Fu. “But the Heavens will impart a [Tribulation] should this injured beast prove of sufficient talent to reach it. Our [Primordial Law] need not be used.”
The barks from below quietened into gasps as the fox half-collapsed before the taunting [Spirit Serpent].
“A thing has yet to be asked, brother,” intoned Shuidi. “The nature of those that bear [Primordial Law]. This Gao Shuidi would claim that it is a fitting role, to be herald to the [Law] one bears. A Matriarch of [Tribulations]. It is more than one that rely borrows Heaven’s force.”
Fu stroked his whisker. “Jinghui Hua bears the [Primordial Law of Crossroads]. [Dances Upon an Ivory Sea] bore another of which we do not know the na. A fool guesses, but are they led by their [Law], or those that rely borrow?”
“Do the Heavens require agents to enforce their will - that of natural forces and concepts? Jinghui also stated that one must not be claid by it.”
“Then does she speak of the risk of succumbing to its influence because it must be used as intended? There is implication there, and that is no clear route to sail,” he returned, drawing his eyes from the fox. “That a [Law] must be used as the Heaven will, lest it is lost, yet to use too much is to live only for that [Law]?”
“To hold a [Primordial Law], is this to hold duty?”
Hushi conjured their [Ink] and teal flocked around a single word. “Arbiter.”
Both Shuidi and Fu nodded.
[Primordial Law of Tribulations].
Already were they in the skies, soaring at heights unreachable to many within the Heavenly Roaming Prefecture.
The deluge of lightning still arrived from on high.
[Tribulation] ca from a height beyond even Shuidi’s vast [Senses], beyond perhaps, even Zhu’s. It tore down as if a thrust qiang, arcing and radiating a light so golden that [Profundity] might well have constructed its shaft, erupting upon the injured [Spirit Fox] below.
No fool, the [Spirit Serpent] fled to a sideward vantage - another outcropping far from the devastating onslaught of continual lightning that blackened the ground and set all of the hanging wisteria to ash.
It spoke much of Shuidi’s character that she thrust herself towards the descending force, a claw and more outstretched so she might glean the nature of this trial.
Her words returned as Fu and Hushi refrained, allowing the most studious part of their heart to act as she saw fit.
[Profundity] ca first.
More.
“Unrefined. Unselected. Unspecified,” yet then arrived surprising terms. “[Karmic Ties]. Equilibrium. Neutrality. True.”
Fu knew not where she drew these terms from.
Indeed, he was unsure what tric, talent or [Sense] she used to inspect this [Tribulation].
The ti it eked to complete an ascension to the next realm differed on [Trial], [Qi Type], resources, will, talent and myriad more factors, those he would have to better learn if he wished to progress understanding of his [Law].
Though that of [Foundation Realm] to [Core Formation] was perhaps the simplest.
Wisteria and rock dimd as the [Tribulation] suddenly ceased, revealing a glowing shell where its point had struck.
Twinned tails waved from the [Spirit Fox’s] rear where only one had done before. Golden markings patterned its snow-white fur about the nape, forehead and paws, detailing a Heavenly-seeming coat that better represented the strength it now possessed.
[Tribulation] had nded it.
Thus, it rose, and with speed that, of the participants, only the Fatherly [Asura] might see - spilled the [Spirit Serpent’s] throat with its swiftness of claws.
Pain erupted in Fu’s [Spirit] as his [Dao Oath] rapidly tightened, as if a noose pulled taut about a deserving criminal’s neck. The violence of this act toppled him further into his cloud where, as three, they writhed.
“These actions were short-sighted. That of a… blind fool,” he gasped, clutching at his [Core] as though touch might solve this trauma. “To have a serpent slain, this… this is no different than if we held a blade ourselves.”
Betrayal.
Their [Dao Oath] tightened further, and they grew increasingly aware of a [Spiritual Pressure] rising within the chains. A long-set curse, worthy for those that dared break all they had sworn with the Heavens as their witness.
And yet, a balm rose in opposition.
[Ink] burned upon his [Spirit] where all before had done so on flesh.
An unsubtle, golden force that dismissed the childish trappings of his oath and set the crushing at ease.
[Primordial Law of Tribulations]
Equilibrium is maintained.
[Arbiter’s Soul] 1/10,000
“One?” Fu gasped, righting himself. “Of ten thousand?”
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