Fatherly Asura

The Jade Songbird Province holds no [Paifang], nor do its surrounding areas. For opportunities of a lesser distinction, one must travel to the nearby Twenty Sunrises City, where two differing [Mystic Realms] can be found.

In and of itself, it is a lesser settlement of some sparse millions, and the Fatherly [Asura] would be better served by emissaries from a farther distant branch of our Clouded Courts.

One Elder presides there, and these lacking scribes have already sent missives outlining interest in the area - whilst maintaining all limited details of senior’s involvement at a minimum. Several replies have offered a host of comforts, as well as full cooperation of the Twenty Sunrises branch hall should it be wished.

“Jade Songbird Province,” a collated report.

Yuling hesitated, then planted a soft kiss on Zhu’s cheek. “Uncle. Radiant Tanshuai. May your seclusion prove fruitful.”

The [Spirit Butterfly] landed on the bridge of her nose, returning this affection.

“I’ve more interest in yours, niece,” he said. “Tell me of it on my return.”

Fu’s eldest bowed last among those of the Gao estate and watched as their uncle blurred from whence he stood, vanishing into the afternoon’s cloying mists.

This was not the sole departure.

An, Shaokang, Waipi, Yuqi, Yiji, Feng, Paxing, Jae, Gochi, Yasodhara and Samudra had already exchanged their second farewells.

Grandmother Hua made hers now.

“My diligent Yuling’er. Once, upon distant banks, your Grandmother followed this path. To know all you know: inscribed from my heart to yours, this has promise. Footsteps are the domain of crossroads and you walk where I once did. Bah, see here child, the sentimentality your brilliance has wrought!” offered Hua, stroking the young woman’s hair. “See now the rivers and lakes beyond tome and tale, that you might become one that is asked of the path ahead. Go with my blessings, my grandchild.”

The [Cherry River Sage] shed no tears.

“Greater words than this granddaughter could have hoped for” she bowed.

That is no fault of Yuling’s. Another’s heart is their own, and yet these should not be the kindest words Grandmother has offered to date. In time, perhaps.

“Gao Fu,” she turned, supported by a cuckoo’s caw. “All that you require is in hand. No more need be said until your return. In one thing I trust, yes? That my Yuling’er will not come to undue harm with your care. Beyond that, know the [Cherry River Sage] approves.”

Shuidi bowed first. “This Gao Shuidi’s talents need not be explained. The clan’s future is assured.”

This hum was… complex. Masked.

“My family, we will return before appointment calls. A sweet sorrow this,” called Fu. “My thoughts are with you all.”

[Dao of Four Horizons].

🀦