Fatherly Asura

I have been remiss.

Giddy.

The simplicity has escaped me, for I have not yet detailed the reasoning for this Path I walk. To know this, one must delve into the nature of [Tribulations] themselves.

Those fresh upon their path against the Heavens know them as Heaven’s wrath. The penance for daring to rise against them. Punishment and retribution.

This is not so.

Upon the turning of [Foundation], the layers of [Core Formation] and the ascension to immortality, they offer a boon.

A chance to show one’s worth.

To weigh the merit of one’s Path against their exacting standard. Thus comes their touch- one unlike any other.

Transformation’s essence. Dreamish vitality.

Divine Spark.

“Divine Spark,” the journal of [Thousand Returnings Corpse]

Pride allowed the White Dragon Alliance’s guards to fall swiftly, and Fu’s walk across the settled Warship’s deck proved disappointingly bereft of trouble.

Shuidi had no kind thoughts on their security as they progressed.

Having weathered the interiors of uncountable [Spring] Imperial Warships neither was it a difficulty to navigate into this faction’s heart. A vessel from the Marches of Green held more [Array] work and inscribed circuitry than those of lesser castes, but their appearance was as uniform as the next thousand.

Thus Fu and Shuidi came to a raised meditation garden some tiers above, finding it a true mirror of his old vessel. What shrubs and [Spiritual Herbs] were planted there seemed anemic to his [Senses], if not half-withered from improper treatment, and he brushed several from the inward balustrade to grant unobstructed sight of the Warship’s lower strata.

“White Dragon Alliance,” thrummed his Qi-amplified voice. “I have received a poor welcome thus far. It may serve you well to see that rectified.”

A grandly audible commotion sounded within the various dormitories, training halls and interior rooms of this vast vessel, and in a small passing of heartbeats there flew an armed flock from each widening screen.

Jian-laden cultivators rushed to the main deck with necks craned, conspiring with their disparate [Spirit Beasts] that they might identify who it was that had called them hence.

We held a brief dalliance with these greed-fuelled souls within the [Imperial Realms]. A cabal of cultivators and Sects from all stretches of the Clear Sky met for survival, did they not?

Curiosity had Fu seek news of Earth Tyrant Hall and the Western Bone Cult some [Seasons] passed, his old allies and petitioners of this very Alliance, but they had forged their own impressive route through [Spring].

It was a small silver lining that he did not have to silence them here.

“Who dares intrude upon the White Dragon Alliance?” came a brazen call.

Fu stepped into open air, concealing a smile at the sharp intake of some hundred breaths. “I am Gao Fu of Cloud Dragon Hall, and it would play in your favour to not waylay me further.”

A chain of whispers flocked through the disciples until the great clamour of a door could be heard as the message was passed to those who thought themselves relevant. Their pride did not send Fu’s target forthright, and he inwardly shook as a gaggle of vice-leaders appeared in the space below.

“Sect Leader Gao Fu. We are humbled by your visit, if not curious for the reason,” declared a slender woman of [Spirit Carp] partnership.

Three further cultivators remained behind her, again of disparate [Heritage]. It was fitting that they bowed low.

“To whom do I speak? One that might action what need be done? Hmm. No. I think not. That first you offer disrespect to the City Lord, and then to a seat of her Coalition - this is telling, no? Please, cultivator, bring me your leader.”

“Ah- if we might first ask-”

[Intent] washed forth from Fu, silencing their whimpers. “Apologies, but my patience is not without limit. The words I am to share could be cordial, but my desire to keep them this way swiftly wanes. I say again, please, bring me your leader.”

“Enough.”

The White Dragon disciples shrunk down in kowtow as Shuidi’s [Divine Sense] warmed within her, both in reaction to the cultivator of Fu’s interest.

[Peerless Blue Eyes], a talent whose appearance well matched to how the [Dao] had named them. A towering cultivator of shin-length, raven-coloured hair, bound loosely at his crown with a ribbon of gleaming white.

One [Spirit Carp] slowly dove about the wicked length of halberd he bore in his vast palm, but it gave no impression of mirth or playful motion.

“Gao Fu,” iced the immortal. “The least of that girl’s Coalition. Why darken my hall?”

Fu landed before him. “You are among a number that have taken liberties with the City Lord’s generosity. Her realm is abundant. Flourishing. Many forsake propriety to stake their claim upon it. This White Dragon Alliance is not the first we have visited this day.”

The cultivator known as [Peerless Blue Eyes] frowned. “Yet this child of a City Lord dares send a dog in her place. Go, Gao Fu, tell her I might consider these words when they are delivered by her own mouth.”

[Primordial Law] was a peerless advantage. Wen Pinxui was a near second.

Gleaned from the immortal’s faults was a measure that Fu might place against his own, and [Peerless Blue Eye’s] Path held much power in many attributes, [Dao] and [Prowess].

Wen Pinxui’s reports however, were unrivalled beneath the Heavens.

Through her eyes he knew of this foe’s quick temper. How best to needle and draw forth his anger. Moreso, how with a fresh array of [Constellations Seeds], he had rushed ascension to immortality.

[Half Cloud Step].

To his credit, [Peerless Blue Eyes] rounded but a heartbeat after Fu arrived by his side. His halberd rushed like the break of lightning.

The Fatherly [Asura] was already behind it.

“Those that are swift to choose violence are not among those the City Lord wishes to reside here. Perhaps this weapon fell from your grip? Surely none would willingly attack a member of her Coalition?”

A second blow came and again he appeared behind it, if narrowly.

“It is not I that have come here without permission. You are an intruder on the White Dragon Alliance’s land. We claim only what was empty and barren. The City Lord did not declare that other steps were needed.”

Fu stroked his whisker. “Just as a plum sits unattended upon a market stall, ripe for any to take it?”

[Intent] to far surpass Fu’s own burst across the deck to inflict a downpour of crackling bolts. That of [Spiritual] damage through [Lightning] and [Sound Qi] both.

“Insult. To dare paint us as common thieves?” intoned [Peerless Blue Eyes], raising his halberd skyward. “This mockery must end. [Thunder Dragon’s Wrath]!”

In brilliant white did a sphere burst from the tip of his weapon, and from it poured an annihilation of lightning. These bolts crashed and removed the very deck upon which he stood in moments, incinerating, shattering and quaking with such speed that the world turned white about it.

The assassin might have struck then, had he not on so righteous a mask. Now he merely held forth his palm, having the [Lightning Qi] dance like a child’s spinning top.

In truth, the power nigh tore he and Shuidi asunder. A wrath akin to dragons indeed rampaged about their [Channels], for while their foe had rushed to ascension, he was still a cultivator of some realms above their own.

His [Shrine of Final Skies] could not bridge that divide, yet.

[Peerless Blue Eyes] grunted. “The dog knows tricks.”

Fu wiped the arcing white from his hands as though dust had gathered on his palm. Inwardly, Shuidi transmuted all they could into resource-intense [Poison Qi] to ensure their [Meridians] did not rupture from the sheer quantity.

But in place of speech Fu turned to the perimeter’s yawning gate.

Some menagerie of doctors, alchemists and righteous disciples lingered upon the threshold, led by Sikou of the Warriors Association as his wolves began to prowl. “We have come in time to witness a commotion,” he said, a hand upon his hilt.

“A misunderstanding, friend Sikou,” smiled Fu. “I have troubled the venerable [Peerless Blue Eyes], for it seems my instructions were unclear.”

The immortal fumed. What resonance could be felt from his [Constellation Seeds] almost spilled forth in this rage. “In what riddles do you speak?”

“We need not inconvenience your guests with such talk, no? That you have graciously agreed to move your Warship some twenty li from the palace is a righteous act, but I know you are no prideful soul. To speak on it would unmake your peerless humility.”

Stray lightning arced through the immortal’s [Intent], and yet…

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Subsided.

[Peerless Blue Eyes] walked, stopping only to loom over Fu. “A good dog does not block the road.”

Fu stepped aside. “Gratitude,” he said, loudly. “That you have showed City Lord Mingqin such face is a generous boon indeed. The Phoenix Melody Coalition will remember this well.”

The immortal’s reply came without turning. “As shall we, Gao Fu.”

🀨

Craftsmen of the Four Tiger Pill Society overturned the remnant structures of these greed-filled factions before two nights had passed, repurposing the materials to create far grander lodgings for the well-deserved citizenry.

Fu did not oversee the process, though he had kept his proximity to Jade Songbird City to ensure that any of the recently displaced’s foul intentions did not trouble those that lived there.

And more.

“Master cultivator, these humble servers will apologise once more! Our fare is not fitting for-”

Hushi and he slurped the spice-filled bowl of noodles in tandem, though only one among them dabbed sauce from their moustache. “A thousand gratitudes. We would have more of this peerless dish, if it is no trouble?”

Concerted sighs escaped from the kitchen of this modest restaurant, if a tight stage and no more than a dozen seats might be called such, and it brought an impression of mischief forth from the gluttonous [Spirit Octopus].

“As- as you wish, master cultivator!” bowed the young, mortal woman. “Shall I take this next bowl from the one you hold on retainer?”

“No, no,” he smiled. “We are expecting company.”

Her father, mother, and two older brothers made a poor show of masking how they eavesdropped.

Loathe as it was, they could spare an hour, and perhaps not much time passed until their first guest arrived.

“Gao Fu.”

“Lianse.”

“Nourishment?”

“Flavor,” he replied, offering a seat.

[Dour Faced Strategist’s] gaze went distant for a heartbeat, then she roused Fu from his seat so she might claim it. “Server, I would have this dish,” she called.

Another was delivered promptly.

Hushi slurped further, bunching noodles in three tentacles.

Lianse spoke with the same decorum as the [Spirit Octopus], mouth a-chew. “Once per [Season] I would receive the latest tithe from the collective western Clear Sky,” she said, tipping a chopstick in Fu’s direction. “Crippled sons. Bastards. Child-laden young mistresses. The scale of it is beyond comprehension for many. Ten thousand, thousand grains of rice to be scattered before Heaven’s only foe.”

“A sunken ship still holds much weight in nails,” offered Fu.

“No attitude such as yours would last long upon my Front, Gao Fu. Kindness. Optimism. But this is not my point. You will forgive me. It has been millenia since… casual conversation has crossed our Path.”

Shuidi drew spirit wine into four saucers, conjuring air Qi to have it flow in a gentle stream. “Immortality’sdisassociation, perhaps. This Gao Shuidi would wager that there are greater duties however. It is plain to see the irrelevance of idle chatter.”

“As you say, Gao Shuidi. But again my point is put wayward. My fresh tithe is ever tested on one facet. Martial [Prowess]. Against [Demons] the only judgement is violence. No other merit exists.” More bowls were ordered with a flick of her hand. “For Mingqin, I would see these opposing factions in the same light.”

Her words were curt.

“The White Dragon Alliance. Lianse, you do not agree with our methods?”

“My passing interest fails to see its merit. Indeed, that immortal shifted and others followed suit, but the face you have ripped from him will only invite ruin. Better to display his corpse where the greedy might see it. Swifter.”

Fu smiled.

In her first pause since beginning, Lianse clattered the bowl down. “Oh? You welcome the trouble.”

“The disciples of Cloud Dragon Hall are not instructed in matters of face. Outward appearance, respect and honor are not the same as righteousness. Those beneath me would be exiled should they lay a hand on another for any of the Jianghu’s perceived slights or foolish notions of self-worth,” he explained. “They are permitted to intervene on another’s behalf. To cease violence and correct injustice. Yet-”

“Moss grows quickest on unmoving stone.”

“It is so, Lianse.”

[Dour Faced Strategist] rose as the server deposited further nourishment, though she plucked two of the steaming bowls as they met the table. “Perhaps it is bad manners to leave now, but duty calls and I care little. Until next we meet, Fu.”

A grand sweep of Shuidi’s [Senses] poured forth.

“It is no trouble,” said Fu, settling the bill in spirit stones and five varied [Spirit Cores]. “However brief, you have made this wait more enjoyable. My guest arrived some minutes ago. May your Path be interesting, Lianse, we shall see you soon.”

🀨

Cloud Dragon Hall was distant, but Fu would have his guest know these surrounding lands. Thus, a forest walk ensued.

Those that walked the Path against the Heavens at any realm beyond [Foundation] suffered little at the hand of night’s mantle - able to pierce the gloom with eyes tempered to such a degree that dawn and dusk could be nigh indistinguishable.

Even so, here was something… unsettling, where it should not be found.

“...if it flies within the face of what can be done? The content of your future letters would surely not contain anything implicating. So too are there methods to secure it.”

Fu tipped his head in contemplation. “I have considered it, though I fear all my moments would be spent in writing them and awaiting reply. Hah, well, it is a small thing to look forward to at the very least. Though tell me, junior, is it as peaceful as you say?”

“Peaceful indeed,” the man said, walking in step. “It has not been so many [Seasons], perhaps, as your heart might believe.”

“And what of An?” Fu asked, hoping to see a reddening of cheeks. “When I return I should hope that more progress has been made than stolen glances and quickening hearts.”

The [Spirit Grub] upon this Gao clan hanfu wiggled impatiently. “An…” came the words from Kang Jae’s mouth. “Her mortality presents an issue. That will have to be rectified.”

“It is on my list of duties,” nodded Fu. “The Jade Songbird Province has taken much of my time. These myriad [Paifang], Cloud Dragon Hall, and naturally, my other duties. So saying, we are grateful for your swift arrival, surely the talented Kang Jae might help straighten the crook in my disciple’s techniques.”

A letter sent at Hushi’s insistence, and answered with unmatched swiftness. They held a queer relationship - bound by [Dao Oath] and threat of death - but the [Seasons] spent together had softened much of this edge.

So too had they staked their lives for Yuling.

Small matters were discussed as they voyaged onward, navigating the scattered settlements of Mingqin’s realm, albeit those whose proximity to the city proper shrunk with each rise of the sun.

Feng was well.

Yuqi was well.

Yuling was well.

Shaokang, An, the [Cherry River Sage].

The Gao assassins.

“Gratitude, junior. It pleases me to hear that Divine Clouded Mountain is quiet. What do you make of the Jade Songbird Province thus far?”

The muscles on Kang Jae’s face wrinkled. “An interesting land, if small, no? The Qi here is lacking and quite impure. That must be a difficulty, senior Fu?”

“A far cry from our usual, no? I believe even [Dour Faced Strategist] and Yongwu Long find it distasteful. Peerless friends, junior, and those you will grow close to.”

Something flared in the man’s eye.

“[Dour Faced Strategist]. Gossip speaks of how she abandoned her Western [Demon] Front, forsaking duty. You are friends with such a fiend? Gao Fu surely knows more honor.”

Indeed, the House of Ma was foolish.

A chain wrapped taut about Kang Jae’s neck as the [Dao of Four Horizons] tore them into open skies. “You are not Kang Jae, imposter. I would know what you have done with him.”

“Master… Gao,” rasped a voice that did not belong.

Fu pulled tighter, enforcing the full weight of his [Intent] upon this stooge. “Speak.”

“I-”

“The House of Ma are greater fools than I thought,” he intoned.

Childlike anger overcame the cultivator’s eyes and his hands suddenly ceased scraping at the length about his neck.

As though flesh and air were unneeded.

“A tricky serpent,” spoke a shrill, feminine voice. “This lacking daughter had taken interest in your Cloud Dragon Hall, and your letter offered such ripe pickings. Kang Jae. What strange fellows you keep, assassin. He is no moon-facing talent, no, not as we are.”

Shuidi clacked dismissively. “Kang Jae is lesser indeed. To have fallen prey to a dog’s machinations.”

Anger once more flared in the… puppet, or so [Senses] confirmed. Once Fu knew what to look for.

In truth, only the [Primordial Law of Tribulations] had revealed this oddity, presenting two separate [Ink] layered over the other.

Old master. By what means does this occur? An [Art] or [Constellation Seed]? I detect only Jae’s own.

An answer came, and Fu gave it voice. “[Crimson Tyrant Possession Art]. Oh? An ancient technique. One I have not seen in many moons.”

“Lies,” hissed the voice. “The puppet’s blood reveals much, little Gao Fu. Fresh on the Path of cultivation. Of undeserving talent. A lacking disciple and lacking father. What might the Coalition think of one that plays at immortality? We know you now, Fatherly [Asura]. The House of Ma has existed for-”

Hushi set an arm on Jae’s brow.

[Hundred Poisons Synthesis]frothed much at its tip.

“Poison? All you do here is destroy this vessel-”

[Innate Soul Impacting Bile] burst into Kang Jae’s flesh, burrowing deep into the system of veins throughout his body. It flooded all within, scouring strange, [Spiritual] properties as they moved from neck, to heart, wrist, and on.

An immediate screech filled these night skies and Fu felt something lurch from his poison.

Blood gushed from Kang’s eyes and the unsuppressed Qi of this puppeteer flocked out in droves as her concentration was severed through pain.

[Wind Phantom’s Breath: Innate Soul Impacting Bile].

He would leave no trace of this wretch.

Some violent confluence of mists dissolved the [Spiritual] aspects of the seeping blood until it was no more than mortal liquid, leaving Kang Jae as a mere husk in its wake.

But such a thing was trivial.

[Dao of Four Horizons].

Fu aided Jae to the forest floor, rushing a concealment of fog about the myriad bamboo trunks that grew there. “Is she gone, Jae?”

A corpse could not answer.

Shudi scoffed. “Answer, Kang Jae. Else this Gao Shuidi will repeat the process.”

[Divine Sense] resonated.

As swift as arriving thunder there erupted a conflagration of lemon-hued flame. It consumed Jae and Gochi’s flesh as though no more than leaves caught alight, fire-eaten and brittle, turning him black with ash.

Then grew.

This blackness dusted away to form a great cocoon across their bodies and held within was a heat so intense that Fu inched back for fear of injury.

A Kang Jae leapt up that was not Kang Jae. And yet, this variation was preferable.

With affectation akin to a strutting peacock, Jae ran his hand through shoulder-length, lemon-tinged hair. Then the once-cautious man…

Smirked.

“Bah-hah-hah! Death cannot hold so peerless a warrior as I, Kang Jae! Our foes are paper tigers against the dragons that are we!”

Hushi grew mirthful as Gochi erupted from this cocoon, a grub no longer.

Heavenly flame became the wings of the beast’s fresh form, a vast beetle of intricate patternage and stag-like horn. “Bzz-bzz-bzz! What dragon can compare to a beetle, Jae? We are the Emperors of insects. Heaven’s most feared.”

The [Dao of Tribulations] saw how Jae’s cultivation nigh doubled from this change, and indeed it was staggering.

“Kang Jae.”

“A petitioner?” he rounded, still sweeping back his hair. “Naturally. We are sought after by woman and man alike!”

[Half Cloud Step] delivered a blurring strike to his temple, much to the Heavenly Roaming Prefecture’s benefit.

“A novel [Constellation Seed]. Powerful,” noted Fu, hoisting the pair over his shoulder. “But Zhu’s bet has won. Perhaps this… drama means we will not have to pay. After all, only the Heavens could guess a thing so ridiculous, no?”