Fatherly Asura

…the formula used previously.

It is always this daoist’s belief that learning is a weightless treasure, thus, endeavour to engrave these workings within your mind.

But do not deny the instinct of it.

Rate. Absorption. Charge. Potentiality. Purity.

[Spirituality].

Terms the heart knows first.

As with the blank canvas of a mortal beast, materia of mortal properties possess the same broad horizons as any other component.

Know that the mundane carp does not choose to nourish itself on [Flamestalk Reed] in hope of gaining its [Affinity] with [Fire Qi], but for simple nourishment.

The willow does not become polluted in [Lightning Qi] by choice.

Heaven’s will directs these changes, but does not exclude other methods of manipulation.

To see such workings in action, this daoist tasks the reader to select four mundane seeds, placing each…

“Observation of Heavenward Properties, Daoist [Ponderous Carpenter]”

🀁

“If you wish it, old man,” considered Anfang. “But it’s like treading through thin soup.”

Fu Gao sighed at the disciple’s attitude, “A reminder of propriety would fall on deaf ears, I suppose?”

“What was that?”

The Cloud Gathering Division’s vexation vanished.

Much of the Wisteria Peaks was untamed, lousy with a veritable sea of the titular trees upon cliff-face and mound. For all accounts its geography suited Anfang well, for the eddying peaks were a nonsense of extreme heights married together- as though a staircase wherein each step did not lead to the next.

“Disciple Fen,” he called.

Tenure within the Wayward Winds granted the woman much benefit, nor did Fu believe in managing a junior’s every breath. Though the moss-haired disciple and her [Spirit Hyena] held their [Senses], and brows, set against an ordinary wisteria vine.

And had done so for a span of minutes.

She retracted at his call. “Yes, senior. My behaviour is shameful, I have not made introductions.”

Shuidi inclined, pensive.

“Introductions? We are not close, disciple, but neither are we strangers.”

As if a pendulum, Fen’s head swivelled between tree and senior. “The wisteria, senior. Alas, she is lecherous and I do not believe the experience would be enriching.”

“The wisteria.”

“The wisteria, senior,” she bowed.

Those of [Wood Qi] held… a reputation. Indeed the assassin held eclectic style, with scentless flowers draped from talisman-earrings and myriad smears of colour aside her moss-green [Ink].

Promise had Fu, if never distracted, then reflective on what was to come.

Arrangements above his station had Bingbai absent for a time, and matters pertaining to [Sixth Under Heaven] were of paramount importance to those that might otherwise support their fresh endeavour.

The Fatherly [Asura’s] leave was twofold. Halved between Divine Clouded Mountain and opportunity within the Empire of Abundant [Spring].

With all major factions flocking to claim opportunity under the Clear Sky Edict, this course is best. Establish independent roots within the four domains before intervention is needed. To trial Fen and Anfang’s merit as the Cloud Gathering’s core is also of chief importance.

Three wisteria leaves danced on the wind ahead.

At this moment… Yes. My twinned heart stands within a [Mystic Realm]. The arrangements remain, but life will twist the order. What now, I wonder? A move to solidify the Gao clan perhaps. Roots placed, as we do now. Bingbai will hear of it swiftly and I am eager for the news.

Hours later, and Anfang returned to a view of Fu with parchment in hand. It was mundane papyrus, and as functionally mortal as the density of ambient Qi within this corner of the Heavenly Roaming Prefecture.

“Dull,” came the first word of her report.

Fu did not deign to answer, lifting a second map instead. “The range of this is quite condensed,” he suggested to Hushi. “In comparison, the Four Corners Prefecture would fit twice within the area of these four provinces.”

“Dull,” Anfang voiced again.

In a manner that he would rectify, the nearby wisteria rustled. A cascade of vibrant petals unfurled, and Fen coalesced from their dance. “Senior,” she met. “The positions as marked show no trace of what we seek.”

“This Gao Shuidi reports the same. All things within this Heavenly Roaming Prefecture are miserable, drenched in mortality.”

For now, sister. Soon even the water will not recognise its reflection.

WIthout the capabilities of an Qi-inscribed map, three foisted four separate scrolls together with a dusting of [Air Qi] to hold them firm against the breeze. To use Bingbai’s terms- this land was desolate.

From the far reaches of Jade Songbird Province, Wisteria Peaks, and the Chimes of Black Serendipity, the ambient Qi was of such scarcity that a single [Meridian] would take five moons to cleanse. That differed minutely within the Golden Bodhi sanctuary, but the circumstances around that locale were a facet of their current reconnaissance.

There was much to settle before the [Paifang] arrived.

Much to facilitate.

Old master, might I trouble you?

“As of your return, four hundred and nine.”

Shuidi indented a mark on the conjoined maps, manifesting a mostly harmless poison of ink-like property. “Much remains of our Master’s orders. Each site stands absent, unknowing of what will soon sprout. Be it within a [Season] or one hundred moons.”

“As I said,” sighed Anfang. “Dull.”

🀨

“Myriad techniques. Pointless,” explained the Old One. “So trivial it might be achieved in moments. [Control] is among your talents.”

Fu inspected his arm. “When our [Constitution] was refined it bore no result.”

“Consider its nature. Consider your injury. Disciple Aarushi spoke on [Life Qi’s] limitations.”

A distant conversation aboard the Wayward Winds’ warship returned in summary, recalling words on the nature of mending flesh and returning limbs.

“The [Heavenly Spectre’s Shroud], no, the [Physique of Grey Spectres]. Aarushi stated that her ability to mend was hampered by the difficulty in recreating its composition. As if sewing with her eyes closed, uncertain of what the threads might bind together.”

“Just so.”

While refining his first [Constitution], and from then on, Fu, Hushi and Shuidi were discriminatory in what purity of Qi they allowed to circulate within them. Only that of the highest quality, void of composite pollutants and toxins filled their [Meridians] now - and as such his arm had gone untreated until ascension’s transformative force had restored it.

In essence, he was no more than high quality [Spectral Qi] held together by the gravity of his [Spirit].

“Zhu’s [Light Qi] makes shorter work, and yet, vanity.”

The Fatherly [Asura] smiled. “My brother has said as much. With the [Dao of Wind’s Present Whispers], I had neglected to think of applying it myself.”

Simply, he swept a hand across his arm. The mists of his body spun, turning the outward appearance of his flesh into that of a wrinkled length. A deception that began to morph his body into that of a wizened man.

Shuidi conjured a reflective screen of water that he might witness it.

A change that his spine crook, cheeks descend in ripples of sagging flesh and brow become a mire of intersecting, warm wrinkles. He played with the composition of skin, darkening it in tints until-

“Gao Fu could be mistaken for Udvah’s grandfather.”

If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

The effort of shifting his [Constitution] in this novel fashion was minimal, thus: