Fatherly Asura

(Orange)

Cultivators. Caste.

Of a similarity with Red, those that comprise these ranks are of low cultivation and talent, if afforded higher benefits than the lowest Caste.

Martial experts within this spectrum appear to rest between peak [Foundation Realm] and early [Core Formation] with small access to techniques comparable to those of Clear Sky Empire Sects. (High Likelihood)

Observations have a definitive split between the Path of [Body] and that of [Mind]. (Low to Middle Likelihood)

[Spirit Beasts] appear to have more aggressive species than that of Red, who have been observed to predominately field cattle or beasts of burden. Multiple instances of meat-eating [Spirit Beasts] are accounted for, though not outwith a similar list of restrictions. (Truth)

The same Imperial Law enacts restrictions on these cultivators, if more lenient than that of their Red underlings. Curfew, possessions, freedom of travel, basic sustenance, and allusions to procreation and the ban thereof. (Truth)

None among their count are of [Spring] or share heritage within the One Hundred and Eight Seeking Vajra. Numbered, or no. (Truth)

(Marches of Orange).

[Foundation Grade] or early [Core Formation Grade] realms. The population within shares many similarities with that of Red, yet the oversight of such realms is granted to Yellow Caste cultivators. (Truth)

Ambient Qi Density is comparably poor when placed against smaller regions of the [Clear Sky Empire]. Projected growth rates for cultivation mirror this, and might be measured on a standard of one-thousand degree tribuatory lord-doms. (High Likelihood).

The function of these realms hold higher status industries than the primary resource collection that Marches of Red are directed towards, and yet their nature does not exclude the possibility that ‘Red’ operations occur in the same realm. Simply in tandem. (Truth)

Resulting from the previous, accounts of the [Spirit Beasts] within such Orange realms are scattered, yet fall into the full spectrum of [Core Formation] for Imperial suppression has its limits where monitoring is concerned. (High Likelihood).

The Marches of Orange’s juxtaposition within the [True Orchid Path] fragment has closer intersections with the main [True Orchid Path] than its lower counterpart of Red, and multiple instances have been recorded wherein a mere dozen or so leaps might connect.

“Report: Orange,” - Disciple Wen Pinxiu of the Wayward Winds.

The Clouded Court’s processes had been bastardised. Where millenia of tradition had honed initiation and inauguration, Fu had spat upon them, convoluting what meaning and reasoning had it this way.

If he held insight into them at all.

Competition. Technique, and the ensuing threat to hone it. The [Dao Oath] then followed before more secrets might be imparted. Steps that culminated in a final test, one that solidified several factors.

The talent to succeed, the discipline to learn, the will to claim lives at another’s behest, and all else between.

A prick aligned his thoughts as Aarushi’s needle withdrew from his palm. “This sixty-first rate disciple’s [Life Qi] would flush the blood, strengthening it so pressure and vitality would have afflictions spill. A body knows what is foreign, senior. Grade is the determinable factor. [Foundation Realm] toxins or the equivalent thereof, require little finesse to cleanse.”

Fu’s knowledge of poison application was fostered through a more instinctive sense, owed to his [Hundred Immunities Fruit] and the osmosis of his vocation. As such he sought a doctor’s opinion in how best to solve his ire-stoked mistake.

“The individual effects change this, no? To draw a flesh-damaging poison too swiftly would cause damage, and [Spiritual] poisons, those targeting organs and such. How best to cure this?”

Aarushi considered this. “Such a question is one glimpse of the vastest of medicinal practices. [Fire QI] could scour the poison, yet never to be applied to [Wood Qi] nor a suppressable [Affinity] lest damage be sustained. [Blood Qi] is often lauded as unparalleled in these matters, for its manipulation easily sifts through what is desired and what is not, if again to be countered by its suppressants. [Arts] exist, techniques and procedures that fit a standardised treatment, though none of these are on hand.”

Clinics, or doctor’s houses, the Four Corners Prefecture held many. Aarushi’s moderately spaced, barren room seemed too hollow to be named such.

“What of [Arrays]?”

The doctor’s thin lips piqued behind her sleeve. Demure, for reasons unknown to Fu. “Apologies, senior, the reply is the same.”

“None on hand,” Fu nodded, a thumb upon his whisker. “Resources ever elude us, or chiefly, those of immediate need. To that end, I would know what exactly you lack.”

Aarushi’s [Spirit Lizard] bowed as she did. “This sixty-first rate disciple requires nothing, senior,” she said, surprise evident. “A gift of the [Clouded Ghost Arts] manuscript is already too fine a treasure, to ask for more would be shameful.”

Inwardly, Hushi commented on her proficiency, for before them stood a mortal by any expansion of [Senses].

“Not when offered,” Fu corrected. “Of these Waywards Winds, few but the heads have reached proficiency in our heritage. The foundation. Thus, even if necessity demands your talents expand, diligence must be rewarded,”

“Then, perhaps, a small token.” Aarushi drew a set of needles from her sleeve. “[One Hundred Rhythms of the Golden Needle]. Prior to induction, this sixty-first rate disciple had mastered five.”

Such a title stirred thoughts of Master Ban. Further thoughts stirred another.

“Younglings of younglings. Babes, fresh as spawn.” The Old One spoke fondly, if thunder could.

All are as children before your wisdom, old master.

A chuff resounded. “Such is the lens of immortality.”

With affirmative signals from his aged parter, Fu’s hand… waivered. His steps had brought him to Aarushi’s desk, where quill and spread papyrus held. Yet the first attempt of using his [Intermediary Wisdom], was this best done in another’s company?

Soft, is it not?

As his finger brushed the surface, Aarushi observed. The [Spirit Lizard] stock still at her breast, attention rapt. Even as he handled the ivory-white quill, and turned it over.

Never to speak of his own bottleneck.

“At the risk of sounding forward, disciple, you have the grace of one versed in quillwork. If you would?”

Aarushi accepted the proffered quill as Fu began to stroke his moustache- a mark of pensive thought, and prelude to his newfound talent. Then he searched, inwardly, as he might when adopting the lotus. Not to his [Core] and the blessedly full [Channels], but towards his connection with the Old One.

An acuteness of pimples scored across his flesh, from forearm to nape. Cool, as ancillary [Senses] stirred from within. They marked all in sight, or the equivalent of what might be. Small identifications of the table’s composition, the papyrus and what knowledge his [Constellation Seed]- bound partner held on it.

So Fu closed his eyes, and gestured.

“[Six Rhythms of the Golden Needle],” he announced, his a tandem voice with that which thundered within. “It begins as this, foundationally. Hand, half clasped, sweeping to open crescents wherein the index and middle digits curl at ninety degrees before the motion completes.”

A surety of energy held his hands as such, this fisherman, not now, nor ever to be, some master of the technique enacted. He would gain no understanding from this, for a torrent of mental energy drained as the Old One impressed on correct positioning, removing all chance for memorization or instinct to develop.

The Sixth rhythm comprised seventy three separate motions, both subtle and grand. All to be completed with varying vibrations and movements of [Inner Qi] to be performed at certain movements and at the height, during, or before a complexity of circulation techniques that Fu’s mind could barely fathom.

Explained only once all motions were complete. “...to ensure stimulation has occurred.”

Knowing well the intricacies of face and honor, Shuidi impressed that Fu should not fall comatose before his disciple, no matter the toll taken. So saying, he masked his fatigue with a white-knuckle grip upon the table’s edge.

However, Aarushi had eyes only for the floor. Near prostrate in her bow. “This sixty-first rate disciple knew not the immensity of her senior’s talents. No master within her clan could speak with such clarity. Senior Gao Fu is unmatched.”

Fu could scarce stand, let alone correct this assumption. Yet…

How deep would her respect remain if she discovered that I could barely read such a tome, let alone wield a quill to write but one character of it?

🀦

The March of Serpents plan necessitated travel throughout the constellations of the [True Orchid Path], and with no small leaps. It was natural that the diligent Pinxiu and her swarming [Spirit Ants] documented each, transcribing what reports on geography, landmarks, and notable features owed to the [Law of Origin] she could.

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Seven [Mystic Realms] were traversed in two days, such a pace owed to the fleetness of their flying vessel.

Now still against the moonlight.

It was muddying thing, however, to step foot in so many. Between [Beast Realms], [Trial Realms], profundities of varying nature and the myriad [Affinities] presented in all, there was much to consider.

With Udvah’s aid, the plan might soon bear fruit. If indeed the Heavens favoured it.

Fu traced his finger along the [True Orchid Path] fragment. From their current realm, the one in question, and out. Irregular, for its tethers were to but two [Mystic Realms], and as such branched only twice to adjacent stars.