Law?
What is there but the will of the strong?
“Clear Sky Law,” by First Seat of the Eighteenth
As with his readings before, a second tome beckoned.
A force beyond antiquity, used to to describe the Twelve Divine Beasts. Those blessed by the [Boundless Dao] - both of, and beloved by the Heavens.
Unfettered by taint or Gu, it was this that the Qi was known by.
Raw. Ancient. Peerless.
How unlike the glimpse of truth we cultivate in this current age.
“Primordial Qi,” by the Scroll House of the [Cherry River Sword]
The [Primordial Realm] rejected Fu twice more in as many days, and he had come to know the sensation of it well.
His [Spirit] was too weak to sustain any admirable length of time within.
Thus, he chewed.
Not only were his treasures drawn from those among Bingnai’s gifts, but those of matching and greater signature. Leaves, roots and pearls accrued over what the Old One named as a fruitful beginning to their cultivation.
Much of the Lonesome Wind God’s inheritance contained the [Spirituality] enhancing treasures he so sought, and a bloated [Pull] softened the blow of myriad, disparate energies as they transformed both [Spirit] and [Mind].
[Spirituality] increased.
[Insight] +129
[Senses] +101
An increase to attributes was not chief among his gains, for other benefits had Fu’s heart shudder with anticipation.
[MERIDIAN CLEANSED}
[Pull] +20
[Push] +20
[Control] +25
[Capacity] +25,
[Might] +40
[Spirit] +10
“That is not insignificant,” he mused, recalling the [Ink] of old. “[Spirituality] has nourished these attributes twofold. If we had taken such an action at the beginning of our Path… By the Heavens, it is small wonder the children of peak factions are so monstrous.”
Hushi held quiet upon Fu’s lap, absorbing all that had changed within him.
Shuidi was less affected.
To increase [Spirituality] within a cultivator was to broaden one’s [Spirit], inviting numerous benefits for the [Dao], Qi impartment, insight, perception and in matters of non-linear cultivation.
For [Spirit Beasts], it expanded more the pathways of [Mind] than other forces.
If Fu were to explain this to mortals, he would say it aged the soul.
“Brother, sister, are you well?”
Both partners impressed their affirmation with greater clarity than before.
“This Gao Shuidi already held the benefits of greater [Spirituality], but accepts this… sharpening.”
The [Spirit Octopus] pensively tapped an arm. His projected voice was as rich as a greying sage. “Our little sister holds more desire for words. I am happier to remain silent that she might be better heard.”
Fu chuckled. “As you wish, brother.”
These three stole an indulgent breath before conjuring the [Dao of Four Horizons] to whisk them toward duty.
A singular [Paifang] glistened at their arrival, basking in the great shade of the Wisteria Peaks’ titular formations. Such was the abundancy of [Life Qi] here that fresh wisteria had already grown to mask much of the archway, as though it had stood for many [Seasons].
Bojin and Long stood expectantly, though the latter gave greater attention to the peach in his palm than the myriad disciples swanning about them.
Only he noticed Fu’s arrival.
“You’ve grown, Gao Fu,” he said, dripping peach juice aside his words. “A glimpse of the Heavens beyond Heavens and so on.”
The fourth [Spirit Stoat] within Bojin’s fold shied as the alchemist turned in greeting. “Master Gao. Your approach comes like the wind itself.”
Fu clasped. “Long. Master Bojin. My presence seems to disturb your partner, and so I would offer apologies. I know no other way to travel.”
“Hmm? Yes, without offence, the [Air Qi] grows uncomfortable when you are near,” said Bojin.
At his will the [Shrine of Final Skies] lessened, allowing the [Spirit Stoat] to be at ease.
“Outstanding,” remarked the alchemist, briefly setting an eye on the [Paifang]. “Master Gao, have you come to lend your aid here? I assure you, the Four Tiger Pill Society can handle these matters. Mingqin set her own tasks for you, no?”
Indeed the City Lord had tasked him with the collapse of several realms some days prior, though she was not specific in her orders.
“Equilibrium of Qi is our Society’s main duty and honor beneath City Lord Mingqin,” he continued. “If you hold reservations about which realm to address first?”
Long snorted, discarding his peach. “Children should not speak to their elders like this.”
Three [Constellation Seeds] entered Fu’s palm.
Though drowned in fabric, Bojin’s expression was plain to read. “Yongwu Long did not exaggerate your virtues. Outstanding.”
An aide of [Spirit Owl] partnership interrupted the scene, bending low as he proferred multiple jade chits. “This humble messenger bears Master Bojin’s requested stratagems. He hopes it will serve Master Gao Fu well in his forays into these uncharted [Paifang] over the coming [Seasons].”
Fu smiled as Bojin waved his junior away.
“The storied Four Tiger Pill Society is prudent. A respectable outlook when faced with the unknown. As with the [Boundless Dao], two things can be vastly different. We have simply taken different meaning from strike iron and chop nails.”
Bojin fell into contemplation for several heartbeats. “Alchemy is an equilibrium of flawless parts, and this reveals our ineptitude. Gratitude. If you would, Gao Fu, deliver the treasures to City Lord Mingqin. The Four Tiger Pill Society would not suffer accusation.”
Little revealed this cultivator’s true intentions, nor that of his faction’s. More actions were required to foster a closer relationship, and so Fu’s arrival was for more than simple obligation. One stone could fell many birds.
“A righteous attitude,” he nodded, withdrawing a self-written scroll. “It is of little concern, friend Bojin, but I was wondering if the Four Tiger Pill Society might aid me in small matters. Firstmost however, I would offer my aid here.”
An aide received the scroll after Bojin nodded assent. “This much is of no consequence, and a member of the Phoenix Melody Coalition will be afforded as many benefits as we might provide. The local matter here is of tact and negotiation, it is under Long’s jurisdiction. I see now why he had not yet crossed the threshold.”
Shuidi scoffed.
Long scoffed back. “Little crab, you’re not so predictable as I am brilliant. Be at ease. Come Fu, let’s make like old times,” he grinned, moving to the [Paifang].
[Falls of Searing Sight]
[Spring]
[True Lord Realm] [Sun Qi Abundance] [Crystal Qi Abundance] [Trial Realm] [Martial Profundity]
The roar of rushing water took much of Fu’s [Senses] upon arrival, though he felt not a lick of moisture across the [Paifang].
Liquid indeed ran by its threshold, though it was ablaze in perpetual flame as it flowed by their small inlet and plummeted over the vast edge behind. He stole a swift step into open air to observe the absurdity of height that stretched below.
“I see no bottom,” he noted.
Long and his four [Spirit Carp] waited with more patience than he thought the man possessed, no longer acting the fool once outside Bojin’s watch. “More wonders exist across the Heavens that stars above. A grand sight.”
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A curated path wound from the [Paifang], twisting through a rocky landscape of cyan grass and darker toned bamboo to the fortress beyond. The sides were beset by the channels a-flow towards the grand waterfall and an oddity of at-watch cultivators whose allegiance split between east and west.
Deep bows were offered as Long and Fu began to walk.
One of [Spirit Piranha] cultivators clad in green, and a thinner greeting from bronze clad monastics that were not as numerous, nor were their partners so uniform.
“The One Hundred and Eighth and the Ninety Nine Palms Sect. A contrivance of numbers seeks to trouble our days,” offered Long. “We’ve better ways to spend our time, no?”
Fu stroked his whisker. “But what is the nature of the trouble?”
“Under the Clear Sky Edict, both have claim to this realm. I admire their greed - to squabble over the lands around the [Paifang] - but it’s meaningless while beneath Mingqin’s domain. Her aunt’s of no mind to invite more factions to plunder her realm.”
Indeed, the Clear Sky Edict granted propriety rights to lands immediately around the [Paifang’s] imperial threshold.
Old master?
“Clear Sky Charter, Article Three Hundred and Twelve: [Paifang], Jurisdiction, Tithe. The tribute owed by any individual or organization in ownership of a [Mystic Realm] within the Clear Sky Empire’s borders can be placed beneath the scrutiny of suitable ministers from the Wandering House, Plum Administrators or scribe from the Cherry River’s domain at any time, to be re-examined on a fifty-moon basis for the first ten centuries since their manifestation.”
Long quirked a brow. “Why waste your breath?”
“No reading of mine addresses this subject,” he explained. “All litigation speaks only of tithes and tributes to the closest of the Five Pillars. If we are to mediate, I would know by what law we do it?”
The [Spirit Carp] shivered in laughter, and their [Spirituality] was as such that Fu heard it as clean as human speech.
“Law? My, I’d thought you’d rid yourself of mortal sentiments. There is the Jianghu’s law and little else. The weak are prey to the strong, and we’re here to bleed benefits for Mingqin while keeping these unenlightened Vajra in check. What else?”
Shuidi’s pincers clacked gleefully. “This Gao Shuidi approves.”
“Hmm, I begin to prefer you over Hushi,” said Long, stalling as they reached the fortress’ mundane archway. His voice thundered out. “We arrive on behalf of City Lord Mingqin, why do you bar our entry?”
A certain recollection of Green Blight Bastion emerged as these titanic gates yawned open, revealing the enormity of structure behind. The allegiance was split once more, and colours of bronze and green halved the interior approach.
Two envoys of this split allegiance rushed to bow in greeting, though Long dismissed both. “To your leaders, no more.”
“Venerable cultivators, if you would lower yourselves to following this base clan member,” offered the green-clad.
“Venerable cultivators, the Ninety Nine Palm Sect has libations to offer. Amituofo, it would be an honour to host such esteemed guests,” offered the bronze-clad.
Fu nodded at both, interjecting before Long could spoil their introduction. “A kindness, both. Our time is however precious, as you no doubt understand. As City Lord Mingqin’s representatives we have myriad duties to attend. Please, deliver us to your leaders.”
🀦
There sat a domineering throne at the fortress’ peak with such height its back nigh pierced the slate above. Its domain was a cold thing approached by stark lanterns and bold depictions of a man amidst a bloody sea of [Spirit Beasts].
No less threatening was the man within, casting stern judgement aside four regal tigers at-prowl about him.
Much of his influence was undone by the braid-haired monk that shared this hall.
In imperfect symmetry there spread an emptiness of bronze, containing naught but thin sticks of burning incense and the bed of pillows upon which she sat.
Her [Spirit Ape] sat behind, cowling her in a loose shield of trunk-like arms and metallic fur.
Perhaps solemnity was desired, though such things were unmade in Long’s presence.
“My, this is rather annoying,” he declared, striding a painted line between green and bronze. “Are you the lord of the One Hundred and Eighth?”
The cultivator upon the throne frowned deeply. “I am Vishram, third son of [One Hundred and Eighth Beneath Heaven]. Here, I am lord, and expect to be afforded that respect.”
Long skipped to the hall’s bronze half. “Matriarch of the Ninety Nine Palm Sect then, I might guess?”
“[Immortal Palm Cho],” frowned the Vajra woman.
The obvious hostility between these leaders lessened as they shared a skeptical glance.
“We are Yongwu Long and Gao Fu of the Phoenix Melody Coalition, and we’ve come at City Lord Mingqin’s behest to evaluate whether this realm should remain with its current occupants. It does encroach upon her domain, after all.”
With [Senses] expanded, Fu searched for the One Hundred and Eighth’s assassins. It was a common truth that all forces held moon-facing arms, and this would prove no less for even this… lesser faction of the Numbered.
A breath pushed his [Clouded Ghost Arts] across the two-tone hall, and he found it brushed the meagre [Qi Suppression Arts] of those that hid in elemental recesses.
Fu counted near one hundred moon-facing clan members within the shadows, but said naught. Instead, he and Hushi granted these leaders face with a clasp. “[Immortal Palm Cho]. Lord Vishram of the One Hundred and Eighth. We greet you, and extend gratitude for this hospitality.”
Some half-spun gesture showed Vishram’s acknowledgement, though his ire-stoked attention remained on Long. “These are no [Spring] lands to be split beneath the Clear Sky’s fresh edict. The One Hundred and Eighth have held this realm before your grandfathers were but twinkles in their own father’s eyes. Speak no more of this absurdity.”
“An upstart, this Mingqin,” considered Cho.
Her [Spirit Ape] punctuated such words with a blow from its impressive nostrils,
Long danced further along the halves. “This [Paifang] lands within the Jade Songbird Province. It’d be more to your fortune had the Clear Sky Edict been involved, no? For now the Five Pillar’s authority can’t be twisted to your defense should I simply wish to take these thrones.”
A muttered chuckle escaped Cho. “The youth of today.”
Vishram’s fist boomed against his throne. “You are courting death, Yongwu Long.”
“I am? Gao Fu, why didn’t you inform me of this?” Long exclaimed. “How dare I offend the One Hundred and Ninth.”
All four of the dormant [Spirit Tigers] roused then, streaking across the intervening distance to menace the speaker of such insults.
“Hmm. Ah, the ascension of your clan is so recent I had almost forgotten. Was it not only some moons ago that you supplanted the previous Numbered in your position? Perhaps it was the dilution of your [Heavenly Talent] - as malcoloured as the stream of a eunuch's piss.”
Further booming deafened the hall at Vishram’s standing.
Cho and her [Spirit Ape] chuckled. “Please, fool, do fall more for this bait. It is most entertaining.”
The Vajra lord darkened. “Quiet, woman,” he thundered.
We have never run afoul of the Numbered’s [Heavenly Talents]. Indeed, I am intrigued to see how they are employed against Long. Surely our future would benefit from some understanding.
Some lifetime ago Niharika had shared her history. A fellow assassin beneath Yunhan’s tutelage, and blood to the Vajra clan that had held Vishram’s current position. Small visits into the Clouded Archives had revealed their former [Heavenly Talent], as inconsequential as it was now.
[Sphere of Ten Thousand Eyes]. An ability to dramatically improve any of the pure-blooded clan’s [Senses], now lost in place of whatever gifts the current One Hundred and Eighth had achieved in their ascension.
Long itched his wrist as Vishram merely glowered, daring further insults to come. That the lord refrained from attack spoke much of Long’s apparent cultivation.
Or perhaps he had heard tale of [Dour Faced Strategist’s] backing.
“Long’s tongue is full of barbs,” said Fu, sighing outwardly. If his… accomplice’s personality was that of disrespect, he would play the role of well-wearied partner. “I do not beg that you forgive him, but his personality makes our allegiance no less true. We are envoys of the Phoenix Melody Coalition true enough.”
[Half Cloud Step].
A blur delivered him five strides from Cho, though this only brought a light twitch to her lips. “Can we reach an accord, venerable Matriarch?”
“An accord of what stripe?” she tested.
Fu stroked a whisker. “Your [Falls of Searing Sight] are but one of myriad realms opening within her domain. With a second [Paifang] granting access, you hold a lucrative passage to one of the Clear Sky’s most desirable provinces. The stripe of accord might be of mutual benefit, if you so wish it.”
The [Spirit Ape] grunted.
“Hmm, altogether too generous,” said Long.
Cho smiled again. “Sworn brothers?”
“Heaven is not so cruel,” smiled Fu.
“Cease this,” flared Vishram’s [Intent], birthing a glow from the [Ink] beneath his hanfu. The weight of it stained the room in white. “This display has severed what chance you had at pleading for partnership. My One Hundred and Eighth will be afforded the respect we have earned.”
The lord was shallowly across the threshold of immortality.
Fu’s [Intent] was refined, but no match for a Numbered elite’s. It took a toll just to remain standing against it.
“If I recall, Matriarch Cho, the Ninety Nine Palm Sect held sole ownership of this realm until these fresh apes exerted their will? The [Falls of Seared Sight] were a gift from the previous clan, weren’t they?”
Vishram shattered his throne as he stood. “Those that walk by the shore must not complain when their feet grow wet. The limit of my patience has been reached. Draw your jian, Yongwu Long, that none might speak against my beneficence."
The [Intent] brightened as Long ignored him. “Would you return to how it was?” he asked Cho.
She frowned. “That cannot be done with these hounds at our heels.”
“[Lonely Star Serenade],” the Old One noted, tracing how VIshram manifested a qiang of brilliant white from his palm. “It is no fabled technique. Commonplace.”
A Numbered should possess greater resources than this.
Fu cycled his [Inner Qi], returning a semblance of control to his form. If Long’s intention was to escalate the situation, he would need his own plan. To guess why he had fanned the One Hundred and Eighth’s rage would take a wiser man than he.
A wagging finger served as Long’s defence. “Mingqin has no designs on any realm. Her desire is stability unlike these shameful frogs that seek only to expand a fragile reputation. My, Matriarch Cho, I grow ponderous at how grand this hall must have been when not halved.”
The sidestep did not blur.
Perhaps Fu’s eyes widened to see Long nudge himself from Vishram’s blow, the next, and the twenty pristine thrusts thereafter.
Internally, the Old One murmured.
Shuidi clacked in glee at such disrespect, greatly enjoying how Long made this Vajra lord seem a fool for exerting this much effort.
“[Senses] and experience. Yes. There is not such a gulf between your respective [Might] as once thought. Yongwu Long shows much.”
Cho’s frown was nigh audible. “These palms are tied.”
[Profundity] massed on Vishram's frustrated tongue. “[True Recollections Horn].” At this utterance a great convergence of white sprouted from his brow, darkening the hall to such a degree that he was all that shone.
His [Spirit Tigers] swelled, radiant in a complex patternage of [Ink]. Horns of equal splendour grew above their eyes, sealing all light.
“Is Yongwu Long so worthy of it, fool?” remarked Cho, her disdain evident.
Now Vishram’s thrusts… remained.
His [Spirit Tigers’] claws remained.
At the graduation of each blow there stood a perfect simulacrum in blinding light, crowding the hall as Long wove beneath, around and above them.
Vishram advanced, multiplying his strikes so that a vast and irregular wall of qiang manifested in his wake, sealing all avenues of escape.
The One Hundred and Eighth’s [Heavenly Talent]. Secreted things. Shuidi, Hushi, if Long holds no true plan then we must swiftly depart.
Something suddenly shattered.
Fu’s [Core] trembled against it as a deafening crack washed through the [Mystic Realm], akin to the pulse seen at [Season’s] change.
The combat did not cease.
“Cur! What have you done?” fumed Vishram.
Long shrugged amidst a hundred blows, negotiating about a tide of claw and spear that hampered all but a final stretch of hall. “The [Paifang] that leads to your supposedly ancestral lands was quite the headache. That’s why I removed it. It’d benefit neither I nor the City Lord to have so gluttonous a Vajra clan roam her province, no?”
“Yongwu Long speaks no falsehood. How novel.”
Shuidi and the catfish both confirmed an estimate of the distant energies rampaging throughout the realm, with the former vanishing to steal a better look.
“Gao Fu,” queried Cho.
“Matriarch,” he returned, slotting the pipe in his mouth. “Have you queries on our accord?”
Cho rose from her lotus. “This Mingqin, how much will she bleed us?”
“She is youthful, but fair,” offered Fu, sighing as Long’s bout exploded through the exterior wall. “The price is less than you would lose with half a realm.”
The Matriarch rubbed her palms together, a tandem act with her [Spirit Ape]. “Hmm. Then you will excuse me. Today brings rare opportunity, and I will not squander its enjoyment.”