Fatherly Asura

“[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 lap, 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 played 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 manipulated-” 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 laughed. “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 Qi]. 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 laugh. “Less than a moon’s cultivation, and you proclaim 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 malady. Her eyes rolled, scathing what she must have viewed as a monkey playing for the Heavens.

His [Senses] roamed.

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

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

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

“[Origin Qi]. 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 Qi] was beyond imagining, and resisted with a will of its own. But one part of the malady, the poison, merely dripped against his bloated attribute. The several hundreds he held in [Pull], drawing a singular, 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?”

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from NovelFire. Please report it.

“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 lacking 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 Mangalam 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 Scholarly Head knows the findings of our exploration. Diligent are these raised disciples, Gao Fu, and all considerations are delivered. This lacking seeker would offer one above all, thinking it may be of interest.”

Clashing 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.