Threads Of Destiny(Eastern Fantasy, Sequel to Forge of Destiny)
- Thread starter yrsillar
- Start date
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EternalObserver
eYe Gaze baCk
- Location
- The Void
Insert Tally
Turn 11: Arc 2-2
"Honored Ancestor," Ling Qi began carefully. "Before we leave you to your… rest, might you have any wisdom on the lands beyond the wall to pass. Your wielder is well known for his travels."
"Those days were ending, afore we departed the blood slick sea, and left the treasure fleet behind," the sword spirit murmured.
Beside her, Meng Dan looked fit to burst at holding back the questions on his lips.
"Still, can it be true that such a man never ventured far?" Ling Qi pressed. "We will be journeying there, or close at least. Any knowledge you have to give would be helpful."
The swirling mists of the graveyard thickened around them, and silence answered her words. Carefully, Ling Qi prepared the weaves of qi that aid in their flight if need be, and she felt the others doing the same.
Eventually the grinding voice spoke. "The endless wind upon the frozen plain is a blade, shearing away chaff. It is a place where the sun shows not his face for weeks and months, and the dark is full of terrors that cannot be cut. It is a place of obstinate refusal of inevitability, where each blade of grass clings to life with vitality beyond the limits of its frame. It is a place where the Law of Man does not rule supreme. That is all a blade can say."
Ling Qi shuddered, not at the words themselves, but at the spiritual weight that hung in the air, carving images into her mind's eye. Of wind that would cut immortal flesh. A plain of hardy grass stretching out beyond sight, interrupted only by blots of huddled black trees. A sky with no sun, where the moon was wan and far away and the stars shone cold. A wall of fiery peaks far far in the south, beyond which a curtain of wicked daemon lights winked and flowed in an alien sky.
The pressure let up, and Ling Qi took a sharp breath, the sound loud in her own ears. "Thank you for your words, honored ancestor."
The words and visions spoke to her of the depths of Zeqing's demesne made more cruel and hostile still. Even if they were not to descend on those hostile plains, they would need to prepare well to traverse the southern mountains.
What kind of people would live in such a place, she wondered. It was a question she thought she would be pondering for some time. Still she sensed the simmering irritation in the air and knew that their time was up.
For now. She was going to be back here, if in different company.
"Thank you for your words, Honored Ancestor," Ling Qi said, offering a final bow. She glanced at the others, and jerked her head toward the exit.
As they turned to go however, the sword spoke again. "Child of Wildfire, what is the blade at your side?"
Cai Renxiang, who had observed the proceedings in impassive silence until then, frowned, her fingers brushing the hilt of her saber. "It is one tool among many, no more," she said crisply.
The mist churned, but whether in approval or disapproval she could not say. "Go," rumbled the sword.
And so they did.
"I will see that we are provided with sufficient environmental gear from the underground stockpiles on our return," Renxiang said as they stepped back into the lighter mist of the second ring.
"I had not been under the impression that the lands beyond the wall were as hostile as the western jungles, or the deeplands," Meng Dan mused. "An odd oversight in the records."
"If clans and individuals shared their findings freely with the wider province, the world would be unrecognizable," Xia Lin replied a touch sourly. She still seemed very unhappy with what she had seen in the grave.
"Still, I think that was at least productive?" Ling Qi said tentatively.
"I agree. I have a wider view of everyone's capabilities," Xia Lin agreed, striding ahead through the mist. The bent space was lighter now that they were leaving, the paths direct instead of twisting.
"Hm, I would have liked a more in depth interview with a survivor of the first treasure fleet," Meng Dan said, sounding a little dissatisfied. "Alas that primary sources are always so difficult."
"It is a shame for a relic to be left in a place like this, still," Xia Lin agreed.
"It is better," Gan Guangli said, less boisterous than normal. "Despair such as this is poison of the mind. No good would come of this spirits return. Let the Sect remember the Elder Lang as the hero he was."
Ling Qi watched out of the corner of his eye as Gan Guangli rubbed his cheek as if remembering some phantom blow.
Meng Dan hummed thoughtfully, but didn't say anything further.
The expedition was over. It was time to prepare for the real thing.
***
The army camp was a hive of activity as the Sect prepared to move out in force for barbarian lands. Elder Jiao had recovered from the worst of his wounds, and so Sect Head Yuan himself, along with General Xia Ren would be sallying forth. In addition to soldiers and combat disciples, there were a great deal of production cultivators and disciples and a multitude of wagons and vehicles full of supplies. The Sect planned to march and claim territory, building roads and temporary fortifications as they went, requiring far more material than simple storage formations could hold.
On the initial march, Zhengui had volunteered to work among the other spirit beasts hauling material, and the quartermaster had been happy with his presence. Hanyi planned to stay with her, not caring much for the regimented atmosphere. Soon enough, the march was on.
It felt painfully slow to Ling Qi, moving at the pace of this great mass of people. Even when she was assigned to a scouts duty, she found herself feeling restless, knowing that no matter how far out she ranged she always had to circle back. It wasn't helped by the endless storm that rumbled overhead, stretching for kilometers in every direction. Heavy black clouds hung fat in the sky, never releasing their rain and lightning, instead gathering around the golden coils of the Dragon King that flew overhead.
Ling Qi swiftly began to miss the moon and the stars
Still for these first few days at least they were in friendly territory and so there was not too much need for vigilance, which left Ling Qi with some time free of duty. She found herself…
[] Spending time with Gan Guangli and Zhengui in the company of the road layers.
[] In the vanguard with Xia Lin, observing the White plumes, sharing observations with Sixiang.
[] In the communications wagons with Meng Dan, while Hanyi tried to draw Yinhui into conversation.
Special thanks go to my Cyan patrons: Alaco, Alectai, Gregory O'Niell, Leviathan, NotAlwaysFanfic, Pickle and Vanguard_D, and everyone else that supports me!
If you want more to read, check out my Patreon! Patrons get first dibs on RoyalRoad chapters, early access to commisions, and can vote on the monthly bonus update I write for RoyalRoad. plus, you can check out the Discord, where folks can chat about the story.
Also worth looking at is Tales of Destiny, where I post supplementary materials, like short stories, worldbuilding, maps, and more!
"Those days were ending, afore we departed the blood slick sea, and left the treasure fleet behind," the sword spirit murmured.
Beside her, Meng Dan looked fit to burst at holding back the questions on his lips.
"Still, can it be true that such a man never ventured far?" Ling Qi pressed. "We will be journeying there, or close at least. Any knowledge you have to give would be helpful."
The swirling mists of the graveyard thickened around them, and silence answered her words. Carefully, Ling Qi prepared the weaves of qi that aid in their flight if need be, and she felt the others doing the same.
Eventually the grinding voice spoke. "The endless wind upon the frozen plain is a blade, shearing away chaff. It is a place where the sun shows not his face for weeks and months, and the dark is full of terrors that cannot be cut. It is a place of obstinate refusal of inevitability, where each blade of grass clings to life with vitality beyond the limits of its frame. It is a place where the Law of Man does not rule supreme. That is all a blade can say."
Ling Qi shuddered, not at the words themselves, but at the spiritual weight that hung in the air, carving images into her mind's eye. Of wind that would cut immortal flesh. A plain of hardy grass stretching out beyond sight, interrupted only by blots of huddled black trees. A sky with no sun, where the moon was wan and far away and the stars shone cold. A wall of fiery peaks far far in the south, beyond which a curtain of wicked daemon lights winked and flowed in an alien sky.
The pressure let up, and Ling Qi took a sharp breath, the sound loud in her own ears. "Thank you for your words, honored ancestor."
The words and visions spoke to her of the depths of Zeqing's demesne made more cruel and hostile still. Even if they were not to descend on those hostile plains, they would need to prepare well to traverse the southern mountains.
What kind of people would live in such a place, she wondered. It was a question she thought she would be pondering for some time. Still she sensed the simmering irritation in the air and knew that their time was up.
For now. She was going to be back here, if in different company.
"Thank you for your words, Honored Ancestor," Ling Qi said, offering a final bow. She glanced at the others, and jerked her head toward the exit.
As they turned to go however, the sword spoke again. "Child of Wildfire, what is the blade at your side?"
Cai Renxiang, who had observed the proceedings in impassive silence until then, frowned, her fingers brushing the hilt of her saber. "It is one tool among many, no more," she said crisply.
The mist churned, but whether in approval or disapproval she could not say. "Go," rumbled the sword.
And so they did.
"I will see that we are provided with sufficient environmental gear from the underground stockpiles on our return," Renxiang said as they stepped back into the lighter mist of the second ring.
"I had not been under the impression that the lands beyond the wall were as hostile as the western jungles, or the deeplands," Meng Dan mused. "An odd oversight in the records."
"If clans and individuals shared their findings freely with the wider province, the world would be unrecognizable," Xia Lin replied a touch sourly. She still seemed very unhappy with what she had seen in the grave.
"Still, I think that was at least productive?" Ling Qi said tentatively.
"I agree. I have a wider view of everyone's capabilities," Xia Lin agreed, striding ahead through the mist. The bent space was lighter now that they were leaving, the paths direct instead of twisting.
"Hm, I would have liked a more in depth interview with a survivor of the first treasure fleet," Meng Dan said, sounding a little dissatisfied. "Alas that primary sources are always so difficult."
"It is a shame for a relic to be left in a place like this, still," Xia Lin agreed.
"It is better," Gan Guangli said, less boisterous than normal. "Despair such as this is poison of the mind. No good would come of this spirits return. Let the Sect remember the Elder Lang as the hero he was."
Ling Qi watched out of the corner of his eye as Gan Guangli rubbed his cheek as if remembering some phantom blow.
Meng Dan hummed thoughtfully, but didn't say anything further.
The expedition was over. It was time to prepare for the real thing.
***
The army camp was a hive of activity as the Sect prepared to move out in force for barbarian lands. Elder Jiao had recovered from the worst of his wounds, and so Sect Head Yuan himself, along with General Xia Ren would be sallying forth. In addition to soldiers and combat disciples, there were a great deal of production cultivators and disciples and a multitude of wagons and vehicles full of supplies. The Sect planned to march and claim territory, building roads and temporary fortifications as they went, requiring far more material than simple storage formations could hold.
On the initial march, Zhengui had volunteered to work among the other spirit beasts hauling material, and the quartermaster had been happy with his presence. Hanyi planned to stay with her, not caring much for the regimented atmosphere. Soon enough, the march was on.
It felt painfully slow to Ling Qi, moving at the pace of this great mass of people. Even when she was assigned to a scouts duty, she found herself feeling restless, knowing that no matter how far out she ranged she always had to circle back. It wasn't helped by the endless storm that rumbled overhead, stretching for kilometers in every direction. Heavy black clouds hung fat in the sky, never releasing their rain and lightning, instead gathering around the golden coils of the Dragon King that flew overhead.
Ling Qi swiftly began to miss the moon and the stars
Still for these first few days at least they were in friendly territory and so there was not too much need for vigilance, which left Ling Qi with some time free of duty. She found herself…
[] Spending time with Gan Guangli and Zhengui in the company of the road layers.
[] In the vanguard with Xia Lin, observing the White plumes, sharing observations with Sixiang.
[] In the communications wagons with Meng Dan, while Hanyi tried to draw Yinhui into conversation.
Special thanks go to my Cyan patrons: Alaco, Alectai, Gregory O'Niell, Leviathan, NotAlwaysFanfic, Pickle and Vanguard_D, and everyone else that supports me!
If you want more to read, check out my Patreon! Patrons get first dibs on RoyalRoad chapters, early access to commisions, and can vote on the monthly bonus update I write for RoyalRoad. plus, you can check out the Discord, where folks can chat about the story.
Also worth looking at is Tales of Destiny, where I post supplementary materials, like short stories, worldbuilding, maps, and more!
*winces*
Thaaat's something to look out for when Ling Qi inevitably brings Xuan Shi here.
I can't see his spirit helping. Even if they're not dishonestly trying to tear him down.
- Location
- Staring into the void
[] Spending time with Gan Guangli and Zhengui in the company of the road layers.
Two of the best boys in one option.
Two of the best boys in one option.
NoxOfUmbra
Shadow of the night
- Location
- Colombia, South América
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
[X] In the communications wagons with Meng Dan, while Hanyi tried to draw Yinhui into conversation.
[X] In the vanguard with Xia Lin, observing the White plumes, sharing observations with Sixiang.
This, as it's the moment of calm and we will be in different aspects in the middle of combat or dangerous situations. It's the best opportunity to get to know him more before problems arise. This or Xia Lin
[X] In the vanguard with Xia Lin, observing the White plumes, sharing observations with Sixiang.
This, as it's the moment of calm and we will be in different aspects in the middle of combat or dangerous situations. It's the best opportunity to get to know him more before problems arise. This or Xia Lin
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- Location
- Canada
[] Spending time with Gan Guangli and Zhengui in the company of the road layers.
Let's get reacquainted with Gan while we can.
Let's get reacquainted with Gan while we can.
Gannnnn
Need to boost him with screen time
Need to boost him with screen time
ContemplateLife
Philosopher Thesaurus
- Location
- Canada
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[] Spending time with Gan Guangli and Zhengui in the company of the road layers.
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Ugh we're supposed to be scoping out Danny boy for potential why must you come between me and my large adult son Gan Flexington
[] Spending time with Gan Guangli and Zhengui in the company of the road layers.
Best bro, best turtle, best snek
Best bro, best turtle, best snek
Talking to Gan Guangli again would be nice but I'm tempted by the opportunity to learn both about Hanyi's glacial heritage and secrets of the Moon who we just learned plays a notable role down south. Trying to glean something from the two spirits while trying to piece together an ancient culture with Meng Dan sounds like it'd be pretty fun. Hanyi also needs a friend and Yinhui seems like a respectable young lady.
Cant vote yet
Pikeline
xd
Whoops didn't notice.
Spending time with Gan Guangli in a situation like this is a missed opportunity. Let's face it, while having a good relationship with Gan is a good idea overall, Cai's opinion will matter more and supercede his own. We have two other characters whom a better relationship matters more, one whom we are specifically supposed to "back" and one with whom there might be some friction that we will need to grease. Plus road laying, comparatively, not that interesting.
- Location
- United States
[X] In the communications wagons with Meng Dan, while Hanyi tried to draw Yinhui into conversation.
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- Location
- the internet
@yrsillar , can I ask why we didn't have at least a very brief goodbye scene with some of our loved ones sometime during the arc? I guess, with our friends I get that we might not make time for that. Our friends get that we're incredibly busy, especially right now. However, why didn't we at least briefly say goodbye to Mom and Biyu. It would a touching, if brief scene. We won't be visiting our family this month, making it how long until we see them next. I guess it happened off-screen but did Ling Qi tell Qingge how far outside the empire they might be going if not how dangerous it may be? Was she truthful or did she avoid details to spare her mom concern once more? I would've liked to know. Also Biyu probably has been told that Big Sis will gone for a longer time than usual. How's she coping?
I understand that the writing process isn't easy so please note that I'm not asking any of this in accusatory tones. I also get that a lot of people were pushing no more delays from the expedition and getting to the point rather than get bogged down.
BTW, if other readers are seeing this post and thinking "nah, we should continue working on making the narrative smoother" I'd urge you to consider the permanent fixtures in LQ's life, like her family. I'd argue that these character moments are just as important as a smooth narrative. The story suffers from some character bloat so not every character can be focused on. On the other hand, this is LQ's family we're talking about here. They're going to be a permanent part of her life almost no matter what.
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- Location
- Greece
[] Spending time with Gan Guangli and Zhengui in the company of the road layers.
Finally, we get to meet the road layers.
...What? I a genuinely, no irony, a sucker about meeting the litle guys in these kind of stories.
Finally, we get to meet the road layers.
...What? I a genuinely, no irony, a sucker about meeting the litle guys in these kind of stories.
- Location
- Spain
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Spending time with Gan Guangli and Zhengui in the company of the road layers.