Fatherly Asura

Wind surged as he arrived at his home, garnering the eyes of each soul within. Distance and time had lessened his family’s ability to read what lay upon his face and neither should a father show how troubled he might be.

But Zhu blurred. “Speak.”

Shaokang barged forth, and Kang Jae made a hesitant step, parting from conversation with An and Yuqi.

The [Spirit Beasts] of his children roused in worry.

“An,” called Fu. “Come forth now. Yuqi, to your father.”

A gathering spread before him.

“Father,” came, and “Patriarch Fu,” in second.

“An, rouse what means of conversation you hold with Grandmother Hua. Do so immediately, then secure the estate. I am certain that the [Arrays] here can be improved upon, so enter my study and take any material that may be of use. Old Master, you will aid in this.”

The mortal bowed hastily, and rushed off with the spectral catfish.

“Yuqi, in moments I will deliver you to your brother. He possesses a [Dao] of transport, and my children are talented indeed. Together, reach the location upon this note,” he said, exchanging a small tear of papyrus. “Destroy the note once committed to memory, and entreat those within.”

Zhu’s fist tightened, as Tanshaui learned all from Hushi.

Never had his daughter seen such an expression on his face, but she held firm against it. “Father, what might I say? What of our sister?”

“Yuling has fallen afoul of the Sect’s enemies. No more than this is known,” he said, a palm upon her shoulder. Fu squeezed once. “Go to this building and do not fear. State this, and this alone, ‘The Fatherly [Asura] calls for aid at [Grand Poppy Hollow]’.”

An inkling of his station gave Yuqi pause, assuaging all the unease she tried to suppress. “Fatherly [Asura]?” she whispered.

Shoakang growled in anger. “We will meet at [Grand Poppy Hollow], Gao Fu. The fools will bleed.”

“I… I will go,” said Kang Jae.

His [Spirit Grub] poised erect, holding more certainty than his cultivator.

Zhu weighed the man. “My niece will not be endangered, Kang Jae. Know this,” he warned, pausing before Yuqi. “Your father speaks light of deeds and history, sweet Yuqi, yet I’m no modest soul. We have felled Empires. Villains are of no consequence.”

“Brother,” warned Fu. “It is time.”

The [Dao of Wayward Winds] could not carry another. The [Dao of Four Horizons] was untested.

A father cared not.

His [Dao] would not interfere.

Vast was the tempest that arrived before Master Bhaswar’s estate. Violent and forking, as though lightning itself wished to escape his hidden fury.

Yuqi and Yiji gasped for breath, alarmed. “Father? Father, is this- No. Feng must be found, and your brothers contacted. I-” his daughter had every right to stammer. “Uncle Zhu gives assurances, but…”

Teal arms set a douli upon her head, weathered, repaired and beaten.

Mei’s.

Shuidi spoke for all. “Your father. Your aunt. Your uncle. Picture these in your heart. Hold tight. Tonight they will vanish for a time.”

A black douli was pulled forth, and Fu set this upon his head. “I love you dearly, my daughter. But go, swiftly. Have the tea boiled for our return.”

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