One’s encounters must be fateful to chance across all that might offer them Heaven’s greatest boon.
Ancient relics delivered my first foray in the hunting of [Tribulations], but these alone are not the solitary source. Forbidden [Arts] comprise another source. Beings exists in the Jianghu’s vast sprawl that might curse you- if one is fortune enough to slight them. A lesser, expedient thod is to suffer the retribution of destroying [Paifang], if one is able to leave even a mark upon them.
A constant, however, remains.
[Celestial Events] and [Law of Origin].
I would not remove the joy of mystery from you, future reader, by detailing how one might trigger so vaunted a gift.
But know that it is the longest step of three.
“Divine Spark,” the journal of [Thousand Returnings Corpse]
Five days had passed further into [Autumn].
The finality of this [Season] however, held no sway on the realm’s manifesting [Paifang]. Bingbai’s count of five hundred was distant, although it was a number that would swiftly approach if left unchecked.
Fu gifted another [Constellation Seed] to Bojin’s aide, who unimportantly carried the [Mantra of Heavenly Plums] upon his flawless skin.
Perhaps we can orchestrate another eting with the tribes.
A series of portable [Arrays] flared about the aide to clad the treasure in dense, red ribbons, sealing both its Qi signature and any other traces within. The process had beco far more refined than the fledgling days of their Coalition, for further securities had been enforced.
In a concerted step ca ten more cultivators, all drawn from the various factions beneath Mingqin’s banner.
One out-of-place daoist from the Golden Bodhi Sanctuary, one of Long’s followers, another from the Ninety Nine Palm Sect and the rest were supplented by [Dour Face Strategist’s] scarred and rugged cultivators.
Distrust between even righteous factions was a surety, but escorts in variety did well to keep those that transported the [Constellation Seeds] honest.
[Spatial Qi] winked Bojin before the [Paifang] where he stored a lantern-shaped treasure in his storage. “Master Fu,” he clasped. “This [Mystic Realm] has only just been reported to , as ever the Four Tiger Pill Society extends gratitude for your haste.”
“It is rely duty,” Fu said, returning the gesture. “How are things in Jade Songbird City? It is my regret that Sect matters have kept from visiting in many days.”
The [Paifang] in question had manifested a dry expanse of sands within the province’s bamboo-rich forests, withering the trunks of many with residual heat. All in Fu’s party were glad to place a realm of [Earth Qi] behind them as Bojin led them into a canvas-covered tent.
It was bigger on the inside.
“Might I speak openly?” said Bojin, gesturing to a piping kettle of tea.
“Rare is the occasion that I would take offence at such a thing. Please, share your mind.”
Bojin then looked to Shuidi, as though she were the true recipient of the question. “As with alchemy, it is a matter of balance. Do you know much of the craft, Gao Fu?”
“One of my daughters follows this Path, but if I wished to speak on it I would only embarrass the both of us,” smiled Fu. “The process and theory I understand, friend Bojin, but that is where my knowledge ends.”
A furnace erged at Bojin’s side, ornate and gold-plated. “Ingredients are first among what the third-rate alchemist would ponder. One cannot deny that truth. It is when you ascend to the strata of higher talents do you see the true orchestration,” he began to wax, then abruptly shook. “Fla. This is my point. I fear the Coalition's fla is not enough to ascend this province into its rightful place.”
Succinct. Is there a pressure upon him that we do not know? Certainly, but all visible threats should be tolerable to one of his talent.
“The Four Tiger Pill Society’s resources are endless, no? This matter must go beyond that,” mused Fu. “A fla. Do you not believe the Coalition’s strength to be adequate?”
The Vajra’s [Spirit Stoats] pulled taut the tent’s entrance, and a [Dark Silences Array] encompassed the space. “Shaful words. I believe… what I believe is that a focused fla burns hot while leaving edges cool. Certain flas, such as the venerable Gao Fu-” he gestured centrally, -are of incredible heat. Such a heat warms edges that cannot retain their own. As will occur when Cloud Dragon Hall makes its entrance.”
“Kind words.”
“True words,” Bojin affird.
“So your concern is over cooler edges. With civility in mind, I would say that Mingqin’s personal forces and that of the Golden Bodhi Sanctuary will take… longer to produce fla than others of the Coalition.”
This scion of the Four Tiger Pill Society held his emotions close. “An opinion I share, though my own list does not stop there. Understand, Gao Fu, that I ntion this without treason or without insult. No. It is that I stand at the precipice of change and I do not know what route might aid us further.”
Fu only nodded.
“As you have said, my clan will spare endless resources to see this matter resolved. Yet in doing so I cede my right to administrate this territory. The forebears of my Four Tiger Pill Society laid the foundation for their alchemical empire with naught more than a grain of dust. To demand more of them would bring sha enough to oust .”
Few intentions were ever revealed at face value, such was the truth of clan politics.
Was this a false appeal at Fu Gao’s outwardly righteous heart? A manipulation for aid? So speech to rouse secrets and opinions?
Perhaps, though rare as phoenix feathers, it was earnest.
With a small gesture of permission, Fu puffed upon his pipe. A ruminating mist spread to the tent’s upper reaches, and lingered. “Yongwu Long is known to mock my wisdom, and often I feel I am but an imitation of those that hold true insight. The wise. But the [Dao] do not lie. My Path is certain. Bojin, it is my most ardent belief that strife tempers the greatest blades.”
Bojin made to speak, but t a rise from Fu’s palm.
“My beginning was humble, and there is much in wisdom that requires insight or study into its implications. All should embrace dangerous winds, but what does not fly from the tongue is an endless list of when and why,” he continued. “So I would ask you, friend, what might be refined to sufficiently fan these flas?”
The pair fell into quiet rumination.
A cup rose to Bojin’s lips and further plus lifted from Fu’s pipe.
“Talent. This is the crux of my concern. A single greater hall of my clan could fill every pace of Mingqin’s provinces with a Four Tiger Pill Society alchemist. It would fulfill the first need, but harry the efforts of our Coalition allies. Those of the Golden Bodhi Sanctuary or Ninety Nine Palms Sect need not have joined if this had already occurred. Nor would there be a reason for further allies. The flas would be equal across all parts. Yet so shaful a call would end our relationship and see replaced by another.”
“This Gao Shuidi thinks Bojin sees but one part of this problem. Talent might be fostered. Ti cannot be.”
The Vajra tilted, half convinced of this. “We of the Four TIger Pill Society are not known for impatience, Mistress Shuidi. Minutes, [Seasons], and moons are of no consequence to the immortal. Ti is of no concern, for it is endless.”
“Then talent is of no concern, for there is no rush to have it cultivated.”
Fu stroked his whisker. “Unless Master Bojin knows of sothing that requires it?”
Multiple scrolls appeared at a flick of Bojin’s wrist, though an affectation of Qi stopped them from clattering to the floor. “Missives from Coalition petitioners. Writs from greater factions that suggest Mingqin cede the realm. Threats from beyond the [Paifang]. These twelve were received this morning, to say nothing of the eight from yesterday or previous days.”
“Turbulent tis,” said Fu.
“As you say. In your words, dangerous winds. It will be of interest to see what occurs when I throw such missives against the flas,” he mused. “Whether they will serve as fuel, or whether the volu will extinguish all heat. That, Gao Fu, is why I wonder on talent.”
🀨
To ruminate on Fu Gao’s actions brought little insight, for his plan was a holistic weakening of every oppressive force.
It held no focused target.
Four Tiger Pill Society alchemists, Ninety Nine Palm Sect disciples, those of the Lotus Blade or any of the myriad encroaching factions that occupied the again, myriad [Paifang] that continued to manifest about their Prefecture.
Righteous acts for the betternt of serpents.
As he ascended the grand approach to City Lord Mingqin’s palace no trace of his venerable Sect could be seen. Indeed, banners and signage depicting so hundred lesser factions had begun to cloud the skyline, but none of imdiate worth.
The guards allowed his passage without remark, and opened the gates with fortuitous timing.
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“You dare stand in the City Lord’s way? Move aside, vagrant,” commanded so blind fool in the Mingqin’s employ.
Hushi placed an arm on Shuidi to restrain what might co next.
A similar gesture occurred as [Dour Faced Strategist] brushed by the first of many escort warriors. “Gao Fu.”
“Venerable [Dour Faced Strategist].”
“Walk with if you wish. Elsewise, I have enforced seclusion on Mingqin until she breaks through to late [Core Formation]. Her aides are cunning as foxes until sothing of use needs done, then they are as headless foul, thus, ask sothing of or show patience.”
Fu swept into the retinue, and thin mists encircled the pair at his will.
“Distortion?” probed Mingqin, beginning her descent from the palace. “Posturing cultivators do so enjoy their external arts. It seems I must face such wasteful displays daily.”
“Posturing cultivators?”
“Sister,” warned Fu.
“Think nothing of it. We do not count you among them.”
Twenty of Mingqin’s guards barked at the surrounding citizenry, ushering laden [Spirit Yaks] and lesser peasantry from the street to clear space for-
[Dour Faced Strategist] thrust through their flimsy periter without breaking her stride, entering the city proper.
Fu and his mists followed. “Is there sothing we might aid with?”
“That is not the reason for your visit, though I welco it. Certain matters need addressed with all haste,” she said, and abruptly stopped before a lengthy courtyard wall.
Pristine, newly deposited marble spread for so li into the distance, as though freshly placed. It was well at odds with the humble construction of the modest citizen’s hos that ringed it in all directions, as was the lack of uniformity where front gate t street.
Older bricks were crudely swept aside, strewn about the walls of near-adjoining, lesser buildings.
Characters above the entrance read Vibrant Feather Sect as well as ink-styled depictions of brightly feathered birds.
A violent palm thrust forth, battering back the gates without so much as a touch. [Dour Faced Strategist] began her words quietly before evolving into a thunderous roar. “These matters would settle quicker if you need not be shown this twice. Vibrant Feather Sect! Deliver your seniors so they might answer for their disrespect!”
[Autumn] had many windows closed about this Jade Songbird City street, staving off the cruel chill that had only grown as they neared [Winter].
Many more slamd shut as her call reverberated.
Fu followed the immortal inside the Vibrant Feather Sect’s courtyard and [Senses] revealed a great scramble of activity from the hall at its end.
Muted voices could not hide at so short a distance.
“What business has she with us?” whispered one, powering so ager [Array] to bolster their front entrance.
Another surged in Qi - an [Art] conjured. Amongst this were rushing feet and clacking talons, followed in all directions by the gentle rustle of thick plumage.
“Disciples, the Vibrant Feather Sect does not hide from challenge. To hide is an admission of guilt, and are we not righteous?” sounded a gnarled voice.
The front entrance yawned open to reveal its bearer.
A greying immortal shawled in many hundred oriole. “Venerable [Dour Faced Strategist],” he swiftly bowed. “To what do we owe such an honor? As Patriarch I hold my halls in much esteem, yet they would surely offer little interest to one as prodigious as yourself.”
“Cheap words. Venerable? You would not act as you do if a mote of respect resided in that heart. Answer swiftly, by what right do you dare claim land in the heart of City Lord Mingqin’s lands?”
The elderly cultivator thrust his head to the marble in a kowtow like no other.
“Swiftly,” reinforced [Dour Faced Strategist].
“By right of wealth, firstmost. These peasants were forthright in their desire for wealth, and we of the Vibrant Feather Sect paid enough to have their mortal lives end in comfort! Our presence has overturned their miserable fates. Is this not service enough to City Lord Mingqin? Her generosity is-”
[Dour Faced Strategist] pinched her thumb and index, thrice dabbing them across her forehead.
All else was a blur.
A cacophony rumbled as many dozen disciples and avian [Spirit Beasts] crashed in sequence through the Sect building’s wall, landing splayed in the courtyard. Limbs - rcilessly twisted, flesh - bloodied.
Specks of dying [Spirit Beasts] set the air alight in their number, as though a mass ceremony was returning each to the Great Cycle.
Fu stepped to those that had not imdiately been felled, still hearing thunder strike from [Dour Faced Strategist’s] campaign within the Sect building - crashing myriad more disciples into the garden grave.
What villainy is this? A dispassionate cleansing of this daring Sect? Indeed she acts with the decisiveness of chopping iron.
His fist plunged into the [Cores] of the un-crippled, dispensing a violent pattern that resulted in each body losing their cultivation.
Hushi and Shuidi’s assassination of the [Spirit Beasts] accelerated the process.
In the ti it takes a kettle to boil, misery nurtured this courtyard. Ailing fools decorated the ground’s entirety and try as their broken fras might, they could not escape [Dour Faced Strategist] as she erged once more.
Much pride resonated from Fu’s [Spirit Crab] partner. “This Gao Shuidi welcos the venerable’s efficiency. The Jianghu would be less troubled if all followed such thods.”
“To gain wood, one must chop trees,” the strategist replied, walking over the myriad corpses with unbroken stride. “Gao Fu, do you understand what has transpired here?”
A nod gave his affirmation. “These incors have overstepped the City Lord’s hospitality. To leverage her citizens is not the sa as seeking permission. A fool guesses, [Dour Faced Strategist], but surely more will have adopted such thods.”
The outer gates were reached, and the street was entered.
She did not hesitate in moving forth. “Do you fear the repercussions of further actions?”
“We would not see the City Lord undermined,” said Fu.
[Dour Faced Strategist] snapped her attention upon him. “Poor words, unless they are intentional. Even the blind might see why this must be done swiftly. Is there sothing you wish to say, Gao Fu?”
How unwise it would be to poke further. That she conducts such violence while Mingqin is in seclusion speaks volus.
Hushi lifted the douli, bearing the brunt of her gaze as Fu gave voice to his thoughts. “Our City Lord’s heart is righteous and her hands, unbloodied. The sa cannot be said for these weathered things.”
A mont passed.
“Officers beneath are permitted to use my family na, Lianse,” said the strategist.
Fu dipped his head, informally. “And what of friends, Lianse?”
[Dour Faced Strategist] lost her [Dao]-nasake for a fleeting mont before composing herself. “Friends? The Heavens are not so kind as to grant that.”
🀨
Small things had been shared before they parted, and Lianse’s clearest instruction was one of simplicity.
No faction save that of the Phoenix lody Coalition would hold land within twenty li of the City Lord’s palace, and thus, no faction would exert control over the core of her citizenry or operations save for those that held right to.
Heaven had scarce known such a bloody day.
Above a broken corpse, Fu’s words sounded for the hundredth ti. “Delay no further. These structures are not your own, and so I order you to leave.”
wling complaints arose from the writhing cultivators of the Jade Spear Sect, Immortal Hamr Hall or Radiant Dawn Sect - the myriad factions he had torn through this day were now so blend of an unimportant mass.
“Venerable Gao… Fu. We… we beg rcy.”
A sneer sounded. “This Gao Shuidi has offered rcy, for you yet live. Each we have co across has exploited the sa hospitality as the last. Bah. What occurred here is no less than the product of greed.”
Fu stooped, placing a life-attuned [Spirit Core] in the palm of their senior. “Lead your disciples outward. This warning shall be our last. The City Lord is magnanimous, but you have seized opportunity in underhanded fashion and then dared to use violence to defend these actions. There can be pride in humility, cultivator.”
The [Dao of Four Horizons] tore him westward to a freshly erected pagoda.
Daoists were not rowdy by nature, not those of the ascetic path at least, but this monastery had trespassed against Mingqin no less than the other factions had.
It was not for them that the three stopped to ruminate.
“Twisted,” noted Shuidi, expressing their threefold thoughts.
“Like that of serpents, intertwined. Perhaps Zhu’s [Senses] could detect the treasure that may mitigate it.”
Clouds erged from Fu’s [Core], unearthing a gaseous, ponderous catfish. “Reckless. This old master has no talent in sensing [Karmic Ties], but the Jianghu’s etiquette is plain. Heaven will frown upon so widespread an intervention.”
“Will Mingqin suffer for it?”
“A question for your brother, youngling. Plums know best how [Karma] twists. For [Dour Faced Strategist] to act without hesitation, it is plain as limpid water that she does not fear the repercussions of entwining with so many souls lesser than her own.”
Though it did not appear when the Vibrant Feather Sect fell, Fu had pondered if she held a [Karma] nullifying treasure akin to his [String-Eating Soulfoam] poison.
That which was still slick upon his palm.
Shuidi spread her sight across Jade Songbird City, highlighting the myriad more factions that needed address.
Traces of Lianse’s devastation were plain against the evening sky.
“A slow march to progress. That Lianse works in the east… perhaps those between us will catch wind of this and submit before we reach them. The pride of cultivators however, this tells it will not be so.”
One ostentatious jewel glittered in Fu’s eye.
A whale that might bring the minnows to heel.
Hushi shared a swift impression and his partners nodded at the novelty of his current thought. The [Spirit Octopus] seed mirthful as the wind whisked him away.
Few in the Heavenly Roaming Prefecture could match their speed, and so the remaining pair drew long breaths to afford their brother ti.
Monts.
Minutes.
[Dao of Four Horizons].
This day was a day for gates, for an ornate one now stood before them.
Mayhaps their hundredth. Mayhaps more.
What struck novel of this construction was the disparity between exterior wall and interior structure, or indeed, that of Jade Songbird City’s entirety, for the grounds of the faction beyond showed as that of a peerless Warship.
One of [Spring’s] clear influence.
“Spare a stone, venerable one?” sloshed a wine-heavy voice so strides from its entrance.
Fu turned to the beggar, poorly concealed by their mockery of [Qi Suppression]. Despite his feelings, he granted a smile as he spoke. “A single stone is no trouble, friend,” he said, deigning to touch palms with the sitting, ragged elder there.
“Then this aged veteran would chance his fate for more,” returned a toothless laugh.
“Fate rewards the bold, is this not a well-known truth?” said Fu, depositing five lesser-grade spirit stones in his waiting hand. “Though the Heavens are not so favourable to gifts without reciprocation.”
The beggar’s eyes narrowed, and his [Spirit Rat] appeared from within his ragged robes as if only to glare. “Ah, but this lowly ascetic is appreciative of your charity. [Karma] would say we are balanced.”
“Lowly daoist? Perhaps I misheard, monts ago were you not an aged veteran?” smiled Fu, producing another ten stones. “It is a small task I would ask for.”
With the spryness of youth, both beggar and [Spirit Rat] launched to their feet. “The wine garbles my words, venerable one. This eager soul would be happy to aid so noble a cultivator. What would you have us do?”
“Rouse the local doctors and alert all nearby Sects, there are soon to be mass casualties behind this door. Do so swiftly, and you might discover how deep Cloud Dragon Hall’s pockets truly run.” With that, Fu and Shuidi turned.
“Cultivator!” roared the two at-watch cultivators that guarded their gate not five strides distant. “You dare speak ill of the White Dragon Alliance? Such words court death!”
Fu puffed deep from his pipe. “Is that so?”
Jian were drawn as three [Spirit Carp] a-piece roused in their anger, flaring bright with troubleso auras of [Ice Qi]. “Before your head falls, we know who dared insult us. Our peerless young master, [Blue-Eyes] resides here, and we would earn much to hear him laugh at the fool before our gates.”
“I am Gao Fu, Sect Leader of Cloud Dragon Hall, Fifth Seat of the Phoenix lody Coalition, Realm-Lord of [Drowned Fathoms Peak] and [Imperial Realm 31], and an inheritor to the Jianghu’s vital spirit,” he said, pausing to inflect a certain villainy. “Though today, children, you can call grandfather.”
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