“[Spirituality] holds little meaning. That [Sixth Under Heaven] blessed these words: to have the Qi resonate when uttered, is mere grace,” I replied.

  Only bold youths stood then, and with a hunger that defied sense.

  “What I share now are whispers, tempered by reason.”

  Such silence, I recall. As though the drop a single feather might be heard like thunder.

  “Of a [Mind] foundation, I would name a complete Path as one hundred. So would total all upon a cultivators [Ink]. Within Yellow. Green may well be two. Beyond is a thing for Emperors and True Imperials to know.”

  Reverence, of a like I had never known.

  “And yet this partner might be the same,” I said.

  Weary upon my p, Ashka rumbled. A queen, for no finer [Spirit Goat] has ever tread the Marches of Yellow.

  I held her greyed chin firm.

  “My Path began with [Spirit], and Heaven’s fortune bestowed such a wealth of fateful encounters that our own [Spirituality] soared. Thrice did our [Ink] burn with this message, delivering no benefits alongside.”

  “Magistrate?” they called, thick in concern.

  “[Spring’s] peace,” my hand bid. “Hear my caution. A hundred. So stands the lot you shall know. Encounters will change naught. This is Yellow’s fate. Cursed as an antithesis of [Spring] to never grow more than our humble beginnings. Such is the bed our Emperor provides.”

  “Other musings,” - Diary, author unknown.

  Surely the Heavens pyed some joke. Zhu perhaps, but this was not his way of making fun, and so Fu did not spare a look.

  “The [Cherry River Sage],” he said. “A strange name to mention. Stranger yet that you think you know me. We have never met.”

  “If I speak a thing then it is so, serpent. You will reveal to me your intentions, for Jinghui Hua and I have an accord. One of the Cherry River would not betray their word, no, and yet if she thinks me a common stooge to be maniputed-” Zhu plucked her by the waist and dropped her into a pile aside the table. “You rotten, plum-eyed bastard! Haven’t I spoken on this?”

  Hushi could barely restrain his need for violence. Indeed, his cultivator’s hand twitched with the same anticipation.

  Who is this woman that might unmake us with a look? Worse yet, she holds knowledge of my connection.

  “The Heads did not warn of her? A trick of Udvah’s then,” sighed Zhu. “That vexation styles herself [Dances Upon an Ivory Sea]. [Dao Named] and supposedly immortal.”

  An immortal?

  An impudent child befit her description more than any likeness to a [True Lord Realm] cultivator.

  Zhu went further, and opened her Imperial Yellow robe at the join. What was exposed did not ruin her modesty, nor did Fu care for what might have appeared. Instead he frowned at some unnatural formation upon her breastbone.

  Thorns infested this woman’s chest, protruding, rust coloured constructs that wound from the malignant hollow shown there.

  A [Demonic Art].

  “Beyond that, youngling. A curse, and blessing.”

  “She is uniquely troubled,” Zhu said.

  “That hand is one I will savor removing,” boiled this [Dances Upon an Ivory Sea].

  Rationality returned before Fu made any comments upon this blight. “There is the matter of our association, cultivator. My history is no thing to share so openly.”

  “Openly?” she ughed. “Do these walls have ears? Furthermore, what concern is it of mine? I’ve not arrived here to further your Clouded Court’s agenda.”

  Clouded Courts. [Dao Named]. Grandmother Hua. I was not in need of excitement, and yet it continues to darken my doorstep.

  “Cultivator- [Dances Upon an Ivory Sea]. Here we are as different as Heaven and Earth, but it ways beyond cultivation. Zhu affords you presence and has me listen, though all things have a limit. Please, share how it is you know of my history and I shall extend whatever hospitality we might provide.”

  Ivory Sea stepped back, her breath no longer upon his cheek. “The [Cherry River Sage] has returned, do you think that rumours would not follow in her wake? For confirmation, I found her. What more need be said?”

  “My face could not be known for this,” said Fu, and began his lie. “But for one so venerable, I will accept it as truth.”

  “See, plum-eyes, how this Gao Fu knows the way of things.”

  Zhu sat once more, speaking between gulps. “The [Spring Equinox] incident thrust her to my side, but her insight is great despite this mortal existence. That thing within her has sealed her cultivation.”

  “And there exists a master here. Of [Arrays] and [Poison Q. So it was promised,” said Ivory Sea. “Waste no more time in securing her services.”

  Fu stroked his whisker, hearing much from the soul within. “Forgiveness, venerable cultivator, but I believe Zhu references me.”

  “You?” came her ugh. “Less than a moon’s cultivation, and you procim yourself a master. I’ve seen puddles with a higher cultivation.”

  “Approach. Search. Do not connect your flesh. See all that I see, fledgling.”

  Possessing of far greater proficiency in these regards, Shuidi guided her cultivator’s hand. An open palm, one half stride from Ivory Sea’s mady. Her eyes rolled, scathing what she must have viewed as a monkey pying for the Heavens.

  His [Senses] roamed.

  That recent-found expansion beyond his own physical shell touched upon this woman, and all the [Poison Q therein.

  Hushi’s form tightened, reflecting all their shared [Core] felt.

  Vastness. What… what force is this? [Poison Q, yes, and a form above that. The composites are there, and unknown to me.

  “[Origin Q. A morsel.”

  Fu could not withhold his brow, and it furrowed in view of all.

  The strength of immortals. Long has it been since I have read on it. Ivory Sea’s entire… [Core] is mired by this, if those of the [True Lord Realm] hold an equivalent at their stage. More exists. This poison is a medium- no natural substance, conjured and individual. Pure beyond the purest.

  “Recall the withered plums, Gao Fu.”

  Under Zhu’s curious watch, Fu moved closer. A finger-width remained between the thorn-riddled hollow and his palm.

  [Pull[.

  An immortal’s [Origin Q was beyond imagining, and resisted with a will of its own. But one part of the mady, the poison, merely dripped against his bloated attribute. The several hundreds he held in [Pull], drawing a singur, dewy drop.

  Ivory Sea remained still.

  Fu’s focus had the drop cross the intervening distance, absorbing all that it gave. At once his [Channels] burned and his [Core] swelled. All instincts warned that he should not touch this divinity- the burden, the repercussions were too great.

  The [Hundred Immunities Fruit] disabused this notion, rapturous.

  Ravening.

  Thoughts raged as Shuidi and Hushi settled to refine all they might before his body grew overtaxed.

  “A fool guesses, but you wish to be rid of this, no?” he asked.

  The immortal swatted Fu’s cheek with no more force than a child. “A toad, lusting after swan meat. You and the spawn of plums risk much to presume upon me. That my body might be touched-”

  “Tiresome,” said Zhu. “Accept his aid, and curb your tongue. There’s matters to address that hold more import than the ravings of a spoiled woman.” He drew another swig of wine, illustrating the point.

  Ivory Sea spun, and marched to the open screen. “Bah! Prepare suitable lodgings, this course will have to suffice until true masters appear.”

  Loudly, she exited.

  Much to unpack. Questions. Solutions. Her nature as a mortal, fallen from the Path. Let us hope my Beggar’s Tongue will be of use in these coming [Seasons].

  Fu spared his brother a helpless look. “Why?”

  “Benefits, of course,” said Zhu, offering another bottle.

  ?

  Routine followed. An undercurrent drew it forth.

  Some palpable buzz among both disciples and initiates. The address on Fu’s intentions had yet to come, save that their [Shore of Heavy Whispers] was to be put rearward. And yet, there was expectation in the air.

  Musings.

  “The Fatherly [Asura] holds designs.”

  “We must not betray his expectations.”

  “Her words are cruel indeed, but a peerless beauty deserves no less. Even her misery is bearable if you might look upon her as she inflicts it.”

  “The treasury, how much more will he fill it?”

  “Will another [Dao Treasure] come when the Crimson Shoal are inaugurated? I would follow senior Gao’s example, and seek my own insight.”

  “Do not reject gift horses, brother.”

  “Amituofo, idle hands bring idle tongues, no?”

  The [Dao of Withdrawal] held Fu in mist, and his conjuration was well-wrapped about the training hall on this evening. Granting ample room to emerge beside Udvah. “One respite, and all we can afford. We do not have the leave to grant [Seasonal] free time as the Clouded Courts do.”

  Shuidi.

  A [Silence Array] manifested in the mist, and his [Spirit Crab] delighted in this practice.

  “Gratitude, senior Shuidi,” the Vajra thanked. “This cking seeker knows Gao Fu’s time is short.”

  An ornate chest appeared in Fu’s hand. Three spans long, and half as tall. “Master Ban would gift more, and I would request it upon our next meeting.”

  Udvah and Mangam dipped. “An honor. Amituofo. It is this seeker that should offer gifts, few would provide the means for another’s ascension.”

  “You wear [Core Formation] well, brother,” returned Fu.

  To inspect the contents before him would be improper, thus Udvah simply stowed the chest. “The Schorly Head knows the findings of our exploration. Diligent are these raised disciples, Gao Fu, and all considerations are delivered. This cking seeker would offer one above all, thinking it may be of interest.”

  Cshing initiates moved beyond their [Array] and shrouding of mists, advancing higher through the eaves.

  Fu watched before his reply, for one could not count their rice before it was reaped. “The [Splinter of the First Gate]. It has advanced.”

  A tear of parchment was exchanged, as it had been the first time.

  [Ink], copied.

  [Shaving of the First Gate]

  [Core Formation] realm [Boon] awarded.

  [The Bark of One is Bark of All] The avaible memories of the touched-upon [Paifang] extend, allowing [Insight] to judge how many might be recalled.

  His total tethering increases with [Insight]?

  Fu could not suppress his smile. “If ever the merits of [Consteltion Seeds] required an example… Brother Udvah, are you pleased with this?”

  “Pleased? Amituofo, this will serve the Wayward Winds well,” he said, and returned the smile in greater effect.

  Indeed. And more, should they learn of it.

  “It will. Only, I would pce a request on you because of it.”

  Udvah held his smile.

  “If ever we treat you as a tool, make it known. The Wayward Winds hold your abilities in highest regard, indeed, if not for Cheng Rao’s fall and your acquisition of his [Shaving of the First Gate] we would be lost among foreign nds. Brother, you are instrumental for more than this. This treasure only improves that.”

  A tinge spread over Mangam’s flesh, though Fu was uncertain if toads could blush. “Kindness, as this humble disciple has known of Gao Fu. The Father to his [Asura]. A thousand gratitudes might be shared for this consideration, but few have the time no?”

  The pair shared in this humor for a moment, observing the initiates. Perhaps there was much to say, or perhaps not, and Fu mused that he would enjoy this indulgence before more duties called to him.

  So the minutes whiled away.

  Timing was of great priority to the Wayward Wind’s senior, highlighted as his juniors cshed atop eaves or emerged from gloom. Many had progressed in the [Yin Equilibrium Arts], though the initiates of the True Serendipity Association were unrefined when set against examples from a Martial Sect as the Crimson Shoal were.

  Still, their talents were fitting of ghosts. If not fuelled by the swiftness of [Might] as the Clouded Court’s technique afforded.

  Thoughts whirled of seminars, foundations, [Pills] and more. Comments shared by Udvah, whose initial Path of [Mind] gave him insight into how they might grow.

  Until a simple question came.

  “...to be considered for the next intake of initiates, no?”

  To which Fu’s head shook. “No more. Whomsoever passes their inauguration shall be the final additions. Within the Clouded Courts there is talk of elites, or of old monsters, inner disciples, or the Descent of Four Winds. By this, I mean to speak on their effect. How the Four Corners Prefecture was beneath the tightened reins of but one branch.”

  “Amituofo. These Imperial Realms are not one city.”

  No, they are not.

  “Billions were held within the Clouded Court’s grasp. Put in pce by a number that I might merely guess at, for vocation clouds much of the total. One thousand, I would say. One thousand within our headquarters and spread to all directions of the Prefecture. If the essence of this is captured, our Wayward Winds will survive.”

  Mangam put the disciples in better view, manifesting an [Art] that Fu was well pleased to see. The toad had stepped sidelong, vanishing into absence so he might reappear some twenty paces ahead.

  “The Heavens bless with a fresh [Node]. These cking disciples found much favor within their seclusion,” Udvah said, withdrawing a clutch of [Spatial Q-rich gems into his palm. “A tithe is demanded, no?”

  “If a tithe is demanded, then so should a wage be given,” smiled Fu, having Udvah close his palm. “But yes, no more. We strike no grand blow against [Sixth Under Heaven], nor bring war to his chosen cultivators. To create a March of Serpents and continue Master Ban’s directions, we require only this number.”

  Udvah considered this, hummed, and gently rose. “Then this cking disciple is away to cleanse his robes. Where Master Ban dwells, [Of Perennial Shade] would not be far behind, no?”

  Traceless [Spatial Q enveloped him, perfectly suppressed, and he blinked from the training hall without further word.

  The [Three Eyed Spying Array] did not heat, though Fu’s fingers brushed it all the same.

  ?

  One sun set on the [Shores of Heavy Whisper], and another yet bzed as the Wayward winds crossed the [Paifang’s] threshold. It was a cold bze against the orange skies of moments prior, set behind an unending range of snow-capped peaks.

  Fu dismissed the [Law of Origin], for this realm was transitory. So followed his disciples and initiates.

  Only half these footsteps crunched underfoot.

  But their senior withheld his grimace, putting attention to the mountain trails adorned with fluttering Yellow ribbon. Markers wound about stone to signal what path might lead safely through the surrounding ascents.

  Two hands lifted from the [Paifang], and two voices returned.

  “A [Season’s] span can only be measured in sunlight, but none have tread here save for us in many days,” confirmed Pinxui, calming her [Eye of Serene Rekindling]. Then in queer fashion, her words ceased so that other disciples might be ordered.

  The second was Udvah, and came colder than the surrounding snow. “Amituofo. The [Shores of Heavy Whisper] know doom.”

  Neither Hushi nor Shuidi were stoked with passion and Fu did not weep, for true ghosts held no such attachments. The realm, and all within, were simply forfeit.

  Sealed with Udvah’s withdrawal. Yellow Moon Hall. The Magistrate. Those that shared their banner.,

  Forgotten.

  Some small disturbance whorled the snow as disciples vanished into reconnaissance, conjuring [Dao] or simple [Might] to assail the peaks and y eyes on all that rested over them. A standard formation, well drilled by the Martial Heads.

  His other allies fared worse. The mortal serpents of his Warship scattered upon reaching this cold, no longer able to bask in the warmth of their vessel. To move between realms required the [Dao of Collections], for no [Paifang] accommodate the bulk between its arch.

  Cold was no friend to them driving most to darkened pces, if not a notable three. Beasts of [Spirituality], led by a serpent of ivory white.

  Fu dipped his douli in regard. “Is your intention to join this trial, cousin?”

  One hiss returned.

  “If you so wish,” he said, calling for an assembly.

  The immediacy of this was pleasant, drawing all to knees atop the snow. From Crimson Shoal to Wayward Winds disciples, none moved out of pce as they csped their before them. Silent, as no assassin would be greeted with a shout.

  “My Martial Heads assure me of merit, and so the time is nigh. Twenty two initiates must become twenty two ghosts before our true goal is chased. Thus, follow,” and then he was atop the closest ridge.

  A long breath.

  Fu Gao lowered the brim of his douli, weighing the talents of all that followed. From cleft to ft, he bounded and they followed.

  This… din.

  Deafening footsteps and at so gcial a pace. How feet mussed the snow despite his kindness of leading across rock, or their advance - so straight they might be arrows.

  Zhu put this to shame, blurring to match his brother’s pace as Tanshuai wound ever ahead. And it was she that stalled them first, her [Senses] of equal bloat to Hushi’s [Pull].

  Daylight shines bright. The Crimson Shoal shall begin.

  The initiates arrived after some disappointing count of heartbeats, poised for instruction. Fu Gao chose the swiftest, indicating by gre where she should travel. Down, trailing the sheer edge of cliff to the flock of [Spirit Ravens] roosting below.

  Early [Core Formation]. Ample challenge.

  Thin footholds supported the silent prowl downwards, more perilous for her senior’s watch. The movement was adequate, and that of her [Spirit Jellyfish] was simir. A silent drift across turbulent gusts.

  Those not of [Air Q saw how the wind pyed against her.

  Moments passed. A leap, a gust- and each tendril of her Bond colpsed the first [Spirit Raven] without effort.

  Fu Gao tilted left, for one was no confirmation.

  Again she performed, and again, triumphed. Further dispatching a total of nine, and with each she shed more of the Crimson Shoal. Gone was the pride of success from her motions and the etion in features.

  Her senior called, and a ghost emerged before him.

  The second cliff rewarded a second disciple, and on. From third to twenty second, the initiates acted first as serpents and then spectres. All glory was shed, and the shade of their prior belonging fell like cast skin into the chasms below.

  What sum of corpses fell was of no consideration to the Wayward Winds, and yet, it was to others. Scraps of [Spirit Raven] had stirred the [Mystic Realm], as spilled blood was oft to do.

  Tanshuai signalled first, urging Fu Gao’s [Dao of Wayward Breezes] to roam. With a flex of will his [Senses] reached, tasting the air that rushed from crevices below. From caves he felt the wind circle and holes that none but insects might crawl within.

  Then a great dispcement muddied his mind, sending all currents to frenzy.

  Talons sheared the ravine beneath as a colossal paw emerged. As white as the surrounding snow, the [Spirit Tiger] bounded against the backdrop of falling powder, nding firm on the opposing peak.

  Ice raged as its [Intent] drew a blizzard to its hide, having each stripe glow in blinding azure. Then came its roar, casting a deluge of needles into the skin of those that dared enter its territory. But one terrible facet of its middle [Core Formation] strength.

  To the rear, two [Dantians] trembled.

  [Half Cloud Step].

  [Sun Q expanded Zhu’s twin tong fa as he arrived upon the [Spirit Tiger’s] skull. A jewel of his [Shit I’ve forgotten to write the name in my file], suspended at his back.

  The [Pure Yang Lotus Drops] surged along Fu Gao’s bde, penetrating deep into the beast’s eye socket.

  A gasp wisped across the snow as they returned.

  Fu Gao did not stall as he met his disciples. Nor as he surged the [Innate Soul Impacting Bile] into their cowardly flesh. One of Crimson Shoal, and one of the True Serendipity Association.

  They fell on Zhu’s approach, who met his brother’s eye for a long moment.

  Contemptive. Weighing. Understanding.

  “No less than this is required,” he said, striking so that his tong fa ensured their failures be buried. “Retrieve the tiger’s corpse, and return. Disciples.”