A bout between passing cultivators had engulfed much of the tranquil West.

  (Note) While crity should ever be observed, these individuals are not of immediate relevance to the contents of this study, and will remain, respectfully, unwritten.

  From the hottest fire, comes the finest metal.

  A benefit arose from the recent ruins of Green Lake City- rewarding the Empire in an abundance of mystery.

  For where the modest settlement once stood the first calls were heard. Titanic howls and earth-rattling bellows.

  The [Precursors].

  Vast passages beneath the earth were found, and soon tread, granting access to a realm untouched by external influence.

  Here showed giants. [Spirit Lizards] at first, but misnamed. A sin above all, perhaps, for the first to reach these earth-sealed chasms were overcome with etion at these sights.

  Lizards upon two legs, fanged as any [Spirit Shark] might be. Then more. A [Spirit Rhino] of three-horned visage. Some facsimile of [Spirit Serpent], if upon four legs and possessing of necks to rival the scale of a pagoda.

  Myriad.

  From earth to grassnd, water and air, the spheres of existence were shown to hold a variety of life unlike that of [Spirit Beasts] within the current age.

  In all aspects, as you are soon to read.

  “Chasms of Ancient Soce,” a colborative study by the Cherry River.

  Fu Gao had not sought a measure of strength, but here one y. Beast tides, he had faced, conquered within the [Twilight Lotus Expanse] when undertaking the spider’s trial.

  Some long [Seasons] prior.

  More had followed. The [Spirit Flies] within the phoenix’s trial. Combat against [Demons] within the sky-scraping realm where the White Dragon Alliance dwelled. A flock of [Spirit Birds] atop his warship some days ago.

  The Heavens sought those that could stand against attrition. Those that stood above the masses.

  Talents.

  Geniuses.

  A once in a generation cultivator.

  His Path was of experience, and not of these intrinsic gifts. But for it, he stood- blurred and shaped the battlefield among the shoulders of true warriors.

  Earth Tyrant Hall pit their [Might] against the frailty of sand, and suffered no blood from the onset of their first scrape. Their [Spirit Beasts] had enrged: solidified with extremities of [Earth] and [Metal Q to reduce the tide to mere granules.

  The ghost grew, if not wary, interested.

  [Poison Q would be their only foil. My bde could not pierce these hides, nor is their swiftness cking.

  His [Three Wisps from Breath] continued. A sughter of mists, pouring from his chain.

  Those of Wayward Winds blurred, manifesting their own Qi and talents to shatter the coming warriors in relentless battle. He saw their growing weariness; the limits of their [Inner Q; and for it, mused that their performance was adequate.

  Thus his concern turned to the crowding titans. Those [Spirit Samanders] that rivalled any fledgling dragon in height, as Fu Gao’s mist-soaked chain shed some twenty strides high to cleave their jaws in twain.

  Clean, as any upon the Path would know the Elements Overcoming. [Water] over [Earth], countering the suppression to his [Air].

  The reasoning for Hushi’s dormancy beneath the douli, and that of Shuidi’s fervor.

  Of her returning impressions.

  Temper such pride, sister.

  At his breast, the [Spirit Crab] urged once more. Emotions of readiness and opportunity. A yearning for growth.

  Seven titans fell before Fu Gao relented and his [Core] shifted. It occurred in nding, bringing him to reset his stance. With a willful breath his [Mist Q retracted to leave naught but the grasped links of his chain and its bded head, limp.

  An inwards gnce saw the ratio move, reducing all but a minor tithe of [Air Q so that the other half of his composition might prevail.

  In the crowded space, three [Spirit Samanders] rose above. Sand-hewn jaws ajar and cws primed to strike.

  Flow.

  Fu Gao’s chain flew, and a cascade with it.

  A circution. A sh. A dance akin to the ribbons of pyers upon the Empire’s stages. He stepped within the orbit of rushing water - if a mere bile when weighed against tides or rivers - and shredded his foes in the vortex.

  His [Water Q rushed upon the chain, and with it in hand Fu Gao bled these beasts further. Suppressed. Contained. Rising in proficiency with every count of strides taken and close of minutes thereafter.

  And on.

  His [Wind Phantom Strides] had him a vortex of rising force, for each move brought the chain in his wake. The rotations sped, his steps blurred, and Fu Gao ever pyed among the falling waters of each impact.

  Each spray of sand and accumuted droplet.

  Shuidi’s [Qi Manipution] was peerless along the length for she ebbed where the [Water Q grew unstable in thickness and where the seamless flow waned, she fed.

  “There lies a truth among this cascade.” So spoke the impressions of Hushi, lucid as both cultivator and partners felt their insight rise.

  Droplets. Weight. Accumution.

  Emerging eastward, a terrible pulse swiftly severed what visions might have ingrained themselves upon the spectres’ [Dao].

  What time had epsed was an uncertainty, but Fu Gao’s heart told that such things did not matter when the conclusion was met.

  Those of the Western Bone Cult suddenly shone with a miasma of [Death Q. A putrid beacon that tore from the sands about their feet.

  From here the bones emerged. Some horror of sand-draped skulls and long-worn cws. Moving constructs of bone, held together by Zhenbao’s flowing power. The corpses of fallen [Spirit Beasts] tore through the sands in their hundreds, skeletal and fierce.

  And when these bloodless manifestations met their foes, won simply, without climax.

  Fu Gao’s efforts ceased in the closing moments, coming to rest a pace before the embrittled samander statue as its scales finally shattered.

  The [Reliquary] rumbled amidst cheers from Earth Tyrant Hall and the patterned stamping of their [Spirit Lizards].

  Pedestals rose all about it, hewn from sand so they might carry an abundance of treasures. Armaments of [Heat Q, gold-dappled hanfu and myriad natural treasures that coincided with the [Mystic Realm’s] specific [Law of Origin].

  Grains of sand, trapped in vials. Violet-hued and Qi rich. A set of horns formed a [Dao Treasure], pulsating all the [Profundity] contained within each bone-white length. Vaults’ worths of middle-grade spirit stones.

  The ghost’s hand stole only one, an arid samander’s scale that y among those scattered. His [Divine Sense] abze to hold it atop his hand- a sensation that vanished as swiftly as the [Consteltion Seed] did within his ring.

  “Disciples. Act in this fashion going forth,” he whispered, addressing the open air.

  So began the procession of cultivators, for those within the coalition flocked to inspect all that the [Trial] had bestowed upon them.

  It was Mi Cha that put a rest to their greed, calling for order before the treasures were descended upon. “Earth Tyrant Hall, compose yourselves. Ancestors know you have fought with valor, but temperance is of equal virtue! Hold.”

  Proudly, they csped their hands. “Yes, senior!”

  “Spread honor, for you were not alone in this bout!”

  And so they turned, these disciples and brutish [Spirit Lizards], showing face to Fu Gao as he stood amidst them. Respect on par with that which they granted Mi Cha. Less so, for those that rose from the Western Bone Cult.

  The constructs of bone yet stalked, silent and restless among the dusted foes.

  Zhenbao’s ilk had them gather the [Blood Q jewels that remained, vanishing all into spatial rings and pouches. Their head met Mi Cha with a weighted look. “A wealth here,” he noted, passing unspoken thoughts.

  “Cultivator,” Mi Cha addressed. “This travel has re-ignited my blood and that of my Sect. For this, we extend our gratitude. What we gain here will serve us well among the White Dragon Alliance.”

  “Gratitude indeed. The Western Bone Cult shares in this,” offered Zhenbao, and Fu Gao noted how usage of his [Death Q had turned his cheeks gaunt. “But the cultivator holds intentions beyond spoiling these unaffiliated to him, no?”

  Fu Gao looked on coldly. “The ears of disciples are best put elsewhere.”

  Small gestures had their juniors scatter.

  “I spoke of discovering your tolerance, cultivator, and you spoke of the separation of insult and mistake. Sharpened edges make poor edges to bance upon. We would know how you manipute this, pinly.”

  Mi Cha grunted in support of Zhenbao’s boldness. “Hmm. This [Death]-soaked cousin shares my mind. Bckened hearts do not radiate morality. Where is the benefit for you, stranger?”

  Bold. But any course will serve me, no matter the truth shared.

  “Benefit. You would speak of benefit?” His neutrality broke then, and he affected the disdain of the many slighted cultivators he had encountered on his Path. “Sun-facing Sects, where is your honor?”

  The disciples were far now, immersed amongst reddened jewels. Brightened robes in contrast to the obscured ghosts, closer than Mi Cha and Zhenbao knew.

  “Honor is a foreign tongue to you, stranger. Do not cite it, for I will not be lectured on puddles when I know rivers,” snapped Mi Cha.

  “Cousin-”

  “No, I would hear this. These further insults. Among the Clear Sky Empire there are Heavens above Heavens, and such absence reveals to which you belong. Benefits. Truly, has the Jianghu fallen so far?”

  Mi Cha thrust forth an accusing finger. “Deceit. You seek to mask intention with insult. Do not think Earth Tyrant Hall so blind.”

  “Peace!” said Zhenbao.

  But the efforts were fruitless, for Mi Cha’s [Spirit Cow] stirred the sands beneath to ready its charge.

  “Duty is the only benefit deemed necessary,” dismissed Fu Gao, turning so he might ignore the snorting beast. “Or does the Western Empire hold selfish fools in its highest regard?”

  The stirring ceased.

  Fu Gao swept a hand atop the pedestal of spirit stones, beginning a cascade. “Wealth. Pills. Base treasures. What concern is this? A means, if applied correctly. No end.”

  “My presumption leads to this end, stranger. For is this not why we are gathered, for a cause yet unknown to us? All we have witnessed is a [Reliquary], a [Trial], and the gifts granted. Opportunities such as these are as rare as phoenix feathers, but no indication of an end. No act that required the swearing of a [Dao Oath],” said Zhenbao. “Please, crify this matter. Mistrust is as good a foundation as these sands.”

  Mi Cha refrained from speech.

  A fragment of the [True Orchid Path] appeared in Fu Gao’s palm, centered where the [Shore of Heavy Whisper’s] connections were bnk. Orbited by bckened space. “[Reliquaries] are the means to undo [Spring], and those that name themselves Emperor of it.”

  Zhenbao firmed his jaw, one hand upon it. “An absence.”

  “Refrain from riddles,” said Mi Cha.

  The [Death Q cultivator gaped, drawing his twin [Spirit Bats] to shoulder. “The [Trial] reflects the essence of the [Mystic Realm]. The [Law of Origin]. If a pce is best to reflect this, it is a heart. Then, you have discovered a means to affect it?”

  “A sea is not renamed simply because fresh sailors reach it,” said Fu Gao.

  “Thus the [Dao Oath’s] necessity.” Zhenbao drew his own fragment of the [True Orchid Path], querying further. To see the scale of these myriad realms had his eyes glitter, reminiscent of Pinxiu’s own interest. “Our arrival is fresh to these nds of Imperial [Spring]- but the stranger does not act as if this a fresh discovery. The same means might be employed across the [Mystic Realms] of the Clear Sky, it seems.”

  A man to watch, this cultist. Dangerous in guesswork.

  “A distant concern,” said Fu Gao. “But the end is known now, Earth Tyrant Hall, Western Bone Cult. The duty to which all must tend.”

  Mi Cha thumped at her breast. “A fist should drive straight. Speak pinly.”

  “What tithe?” ignored Zhenbao.

  “My disciples will take at their discretion, if they so choose.”

  Zhenbao’s [Senses] were indeed keen, for it was noted how his stare passed two of the obscured Wayward Winds. “And what is their role, master cultivator? Messengers or allies?”

  “A present wind, no more and no less. I see that you hold wisdom enough not to presume it blows at your command,” said Fu Gao. “However, this path is open water. Tread it as you see fit.”

  Still Mi Cha grumbled, her features tightening. “This is no way to hold conversation.”

  “All will become clearer in time, Cousin Cha. Forgiveness. There are implications to consider, and I might speak for you, master cultivator, you mean to depart.”

  He has guessed correctly. The disciples must be wary he does not begin to query the [Consteltion Seeds].

  “You have the way of things, cultist. From what we have done here, I hold a measure of confidence,” he said, and surprised both by inclining his head. “Mi Cha, Zhenbao, let us meet again when our duties are further fulfilled.”

  A series of bows came in his passing, done as disciples from both Sects moved as not to impede his departure. It was many strides distant that he stalled for a final time, withdrawing the [Consteltion Seed] into his palm.

  “Find the one most suited, and do not allow greed to blind you,” he whispered, exchanging the scale as a single disciple emerged from shadow. “More will come.”

  ?

  The need for viliny fled over a passing of hours, leaving Fu to ponder its nature.

  His persona: once a mirror of young masters, arrogance and cruelty- now changed. Or perhaps, adapted, as acting with the mannerisms of rash, prideful cultivators was a single rod within his pile.

  One easily drawn.

  Yet his actions as Fu Gao had transcended simple acting. His actions.

  My actions.

  The delineation between what was required, and what he wished to do. Coldness and severity, bolstered by vilinous reasoning. Matched by the opposing force of warmth, nurture and the temperance he wished to extol in his disciples.

  Ahead of his position, the day’s second [Reliquary] glinted. A [Spring] sun had caught much of the surrounding seas, having all but the solitary, burgeoning peak there abze in light.

  “The crane-nosed cultivator will suffice, no matter his shortcomings,” said Zhu, broaching the Warship’s bow. “You stare for another matter.”

  “Much has happened, and consolidating my cultivation into a concept weighs on my mind,” nodded Fu.

  “It is a bastard of a thing. To forge a Path when there are millenia ahead of us if successful.”

  Fu arched a brow. “A bastard of a thing?”

  “Bastard?” Zhu queried, if darkly. “Ivory Sea’s influence. She’s a vexation. Talented in curses, however, and no pin beauty.”

  Tanshuai fluttered ahead, and Fu felt a hint of mockery in her wingbeats. “Her influence is a strong thing indeed. Is this why she shares your chambers? My brother is indeed noble, to fall on this sword so that the Wayward Winds do not succumb to her corruption.”

  “[Dual Cultivation] doesn’t require naked flesh. The slivers of [Origin Q that weren’t sealed by her encounter are beneficial, nothing more. Regardless, we’re not all loveblind widows,” Zhu said. “I’d hear of this concept.”

  Then he truly does cultivate with her. If she possesses any form of [Light Qi- no, if she holds even a degree of [Star Q, [Lunar Q or [Sun Q, then Zhu’s [Three Celestial Kite] can make use of it. Much as the [Hundred Immunities Fruit] does with her curse.

  The knowledge that they were both capitalising on this woman’s energies to further their own cultivation… Perhaps Fu Gao was needed to settle this point.

  “I had held a cloud as my concept. A silent, drifting thing, blown but ever steady. Vast enough that it might face the Heaven’s heat and still cover those that require it below. This you know, brother. But to solidify my cultivation around this is juvenile. That is the outward look of a cloud, and there are intricacies that my time within the Empire has revealed.”

  Zhu seemed to ponder the distant [Reliquary] before turning back. “Su Sai’s [Trial] is complete. Call for your [Array] disciples.”

  The peak rumbled not ten heartbeats ter, and Fu pced a call through distant disciples to near it.

  “A benefit of ravening,” Zhu expined. “Speak of these intricacies.”

  My own [Pull]- I wonder if his [Senses] match it?

  “Hsiang sheng. My Path is one of duality, and its opposing side is the dark precursor to rain. To thunder, wind, and [Winter’s] frigid castings. A chilling gale, turning cold the hearts of all that hear it within their beds. The devastation of a downpour, unceasing, showing all how brittle they become when faced with Heaven’s will. Through all these things, I struggle to envision the subtlety required. What aspect of this aligns with the actions of a ghost?”

  “I’ll refrain from answer, brother. A concept is not to be influenced by others, much as the Vajra would not accept another’s musings on their [Dao],” said Zhu, sharing a fresh expression on his features. “The journey to answer this will reveal more. And- I’ll share my jealousy. To base your cultivation around such a mystery is grand.”

  Waves broke as the Warship pulled itself from the sea, beginning a steady ascent to where Su Sai’s efforts were complete. A second [Reliquary], conquered in half as many days.

  “You have no love for mystery,” said Fu.

  “No. Nor will I spare time for any. All I’ll say is that opportunities drown us here. Within the span of a moon, we’ll both have progressed to the middle of [Core Formation]. A third Path taken. My own concept must match the grandness of yours.”

  Fu’s hand went to his whisker. “Oh? No soul within the Empire is surer than you, brother. [Karmic] neutrality. You walked this path.”

  “Perhaps. The severance of [Karma] is the [Plum Axe’s] Path. Neutrality- No. In [Seasons] passed I’ve come to reconsider much. Some nebulous, damning more. I’m of a mind to bme you, or serpents. Ah, I wax like a mortal child. Let us mask our troubles as true cultivators do, no?” he said, abruptly cutting the conversation short.

  There carried a glint of humor there, detectable by only a handful beneath the Heavens. For that, Fu felt strangely honoured.

  The Warship ended its approach, now suspended at a mouth within the peak. Su Sai emerged shortly, and his arrival had no shortage of droplets fall from his sodden hanfu.

  “Senior Gao,” he greeted, head dipped.

  “A successful [Trial]. Gratitude, Head Su, and I offer congratutions on the haste in completion. Hours is a commendable feat.”

  Sai shook his head, minorly. “It’s simply the standard. [Imperial Realms] of this stripe are lesser things. But I accept your acknowledgement.” His spatial ring unveiled a cascade of treasures, which flowed between his palms before disappearing.

  A novel trick that stopped at the [Consteltion Seed].

  Zhu imposed himself, looking to pce his [Senses] throughout it before Fu could handle the treasure. This glittering, tangerine liquid that reformed once touched to resemble a perfect sphere. “Gao Fu would suggest something akin to ‘if one wishes for the best price, it is best to ask at three stores’. No?”

  He shares a strange comment. What am I missing?

  In the fresh heartbeats since arrival, a seeping hostility had grown between the two men. A tension so thick one’s jian might slice it. At their feet, Sai’s [Spirit Serpent] hissed in warning. Could Tanshuai make sound, Fu wondered if she might do the same.

  “Something troubles you, Plum Zhu?” said Sai.

  The insult gained no reaction. “The look in your eye, naturally. But trouble is too strong a word for a mere nuisance. Continue as you were, Martial Head, I’ve not the desire to speak more on it.”

  A look?

  Fu saw nothing of note. “Gratitude once more, Sai,” he said, deciding to cease this exchange before it came to blows. He accepted the obligatory bow as Sai departed, speaking only once the deck was again cleared and the Warship had lifted.

  Or he attempted to.

  “The sun-facing are covetous. Competitive. You’ve bestowed [Consteltion Seeds] to the chattering Pinxui and now to some unnamed junior that trails your false coalition. Unless resentment is your goal, that prideful fool will snap.”

  “His time will come,” said Fu. “It is banced by history.”

  The liquid [Consteltion Seed] vanished into Zhu’s ring. “Treat him as you will, it’s of no concern to me.”

  “Yet you raise the point. That speaks otherwise. The hatred you hold for him is clear. ”

  “I raise the point as your vice-leader. His avarice isn’t the reason for my hatred,” said Zhu, adjusting in anticipation of his [Senses]. “The [Paifang] is near.”

  Indeed, his Warship specialists had slowed the vessel in preparation for another descent. A grand leap this time, for the Wayward Winds’s bulk were once more to leap between realms.

  It began the pair’s movement across the deck. The summary testing of bdes and tong fa, and the withdrawal of Imperial Yellow robes.

  “Then I would know why. The reason for your animosity. Our juniors should not learn from this example,” Fu finally stated.

  Shuidi disagreed, gaining her an approving flutter from Tanshuai.

  “Why? He holds the bearing of a malnourished vulture. The Heavens indeed blessed your meeting, brother, for it’s a benefit to all that he clings to shadow. None should have the misfortune to look upon him.”

  Fu stifled his ugh at Udvah’s approach, though the Vajra had never needed to share in a joke to match their smile.

  “Amituofo. This cking disciple extends his greetings,” he grinned. “A shame, to interrupt such humor with departure, no?”

  All three swept to a rocky shore, scattering the lesser [Spirit Beasts] that congregated in the waters beside it. They were first to reach the isoted [Paifang], leaving all matters concerning logistics and the [Dao of Collections] to their juniors.

  “A taxing day,” noted Fu.

  Only minorly creased, Udvah’s brow righted as his hand left the archway. “A taxing day?” he smiled, exerting his [Shaving of the First Gate] over the [Paifang]. “Amituofo. My seniors are vilins, no? It is to be expected.”

  “Then I await your compint once the week is through,” Fu said, stepping across the threshold. “Let us see who is louder when it has concluded. You, or the Empire.”

  [Imperial Realm 1,813]

  [Spring]

  [Core Formation Grade] [Poison Abundance] [Treasure Realm]