Fatherly Asura

It is within the [Twilight Lotus Expanse] that the largest number of Lotus Blade Sect disciples receive their training.

With the limit imposed on higher [Realm] cultivators by the [Law of Origin], it is staffed by a rotational force of peak [Core Formation Realm] disciples, with directives issued by Elders and the Sect Master from outwith this locale.

Predominantly, the Lotus Blade Sect fields a majoritative force in the Western Demon Front, though there exist several estates belonging to the higher rank members throughout their domain within the Four Corners Prefecture.

A collated history shows that the authoritative positions within the [Mystic Realm] itself are changed infrequently, though there is a standard, or maximum tenure of some fifty moons.

Through all intercepted missives and recovered documents, it is believed that this is to counteract the ill-effects of long term exposure to the [Allegiant Mind-Spirit Array], and not a relation of any direct promotion to the individual.

Though the ascendancy from outer disciple to inner disciple, and beyond, is not as uncommon as this.

Thus it is urged that any of our own disciples in long-term infiltrations fulfil their Lotus Blade duties on missions and contribution tasks located outside the influence of the [Array].

“Twilight Lotus Expanse. Section Nine, Category: Hierarchy”

Quan Ding’s face-changing [Art] came to mind as Fu heard Niwai’s exchange with her fellow disciples.

She is as subtle as Zhu. But perhaps there is safety in this. Too earnest as she might unmake us through suspicion. Follow current novᴇls on novel★fire.net

Hands bound, face marked, and robes dishevelled, Bang Du Chen was forced to rise. His slump before the [Paifang’s] landing; the pavings before its green-hued arch, were an uncomfortable place for one so visibly battered.

But he did so with purposeful distance, four strides to the front of his captor so that the space between went untouched.

Unruffled.

“...imprisonment is too good for the likes of this one,” remarked a disciple, which received a rousing round of nods from the three or four gathered there. Those in jian’s reach, or so told Fu’s prickling skin.

The near-fifty total that staffed this outer pavilion, cared only for the blooming lotuses adrift in tended ponds about them. Were Fu not spying this from bindings, he might well have marvelled at the beauty of their domain.

“As you say, brother,” cut Niwai, her affection of rage of uncertain origin. “But only our betters might judge such things fairly, for what wisdom does a drifting petal know that the lotus does not?”

The affirmation of this turned almost scholarly and pensive, and stirred a second series of agreeing nods.

“Well spoken, sister,” came the consensus, though many now looked to the cut of her Lotus Blade robes and to the exposed flesh. As effective as any blade.

Fu was urged onwards, breaking the tranquillity of each tended pool as he stepped from stair to landing ad nauseum. The grandeur was evident, and each placing of his foot- each moment spent within the vice of staring disciples - pushed his heart faster.

However his [Core] remained still, despite the dispellation of his [Clouded Ghost Arts]. As Niwai’s was as well.

It was upon the fifteenth landing, the largest and one encircled by a crescent pool, that their passage was brought into question.

There came a gentle “Oh.” Spoken ahead by a broad shouldered disciple of resplendent [Ink], patterns of gold glaring from his chest and neck.

Niwai stooped to a bow. “This junior greets the inner disciple and begs he forgives her tardiness.”

“Tardiness, disciple?” he retorted, and spread a warm smile. A matting of earth clad his fingernails, and the basket at his feet was half emptied of bulbs. “It seems to me that you have done our Sect a great service. Do not fret about tardiness.”

“This junior extends gratitude for the kind words.”

The man stepped by Fu, cutting into the space between he and Niwai to place a hand upon her shoulder.

No doubt the three ghosts sucked in a breath, or two perhaps, as the [Art]-cloaked Zhu had greater priorities to deal with.

“Be at ease, disciple. I see that this man troubles you greatly. The Sect welcomes you home, and before long you will be amongst your fellows again.” Slowly, he released the hold on Niwai’s shoulder, and stood aside. “The [Paifang] awaits.”

“As you say, senior. I am eager to complete my duties.”

Only a fool would sigh in relief, thus Fu made on with Niwai’s urging, silently. A single landing and flight remained. The [Paifang’s] threshold beyond.

“Junior,” tightened the knife at his throat.

Fu froze to hear the inner disciple’s address. Niwai’s expression was unknown as he affected a form of capture, downtrodden and head slung low. But he willed her composure to remain as she replied.

“Might I be of further aid, senior?”

“May the lotus’ light shine on you,” he said.

In response, Niwai retorted with her own code. A phrase put in record from their Sect’s last infiltration “And you senior, may the serenity of its waters lead to greater enlightenment.” Her bow sounded in swaying fabrics, and…

And they continued unmolested before the sweat upon any ghost might freeze in the frigid [Winter] air.