Threads Of Destiny(Eastern Fantasy, Sequel to Forge of Destiny)

Tales from the Burning Library Entry 1.0
Entry 1.0: A Record of Correspondence between pseudonyms Li San and Zhang San of Celestial Peaks, on the matter of the Weilu Disappearance

Cause of Loss: Burned during Dynastic Struggles which occurred between the 2nd and 3rd Imperial Dynasties

Additional Notes: Correspondence appears to pick up a conversation already started in person as pseudonym Zhang San travels to Emerald Seas in person. The pair appear to be natural philosophers of an unnamed Sect in the capital. This was likely burned alongside many other documents held in the Old Sects that were destroyed. Original correspondence has a Qi Cipher which makes it appear to be a secreted love letter between a Zheng man and a married man who works at a Celestial Peaks Sect. Additional Shen Cipher translates such into the account that follows.
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Dearest Li San,

As I see Xiangmen rise impressively on the horizon, I cannot help but think it wrong that you turned down my offer to join me. Alas, I understand and accept your decision. Yet I wish to express also that I look forward to seeing you again. We will have much data to collate!

This Zhang San of yours is, as you often point out, quite sensitive to even small fluctuations in Qi and there's something different about the air here. The way it dances on the lips and twirls where it wills is quite different from the Sect you work, where the air is quite tame and controlled.

Ah, but I know you prefer the quantifiable and Governed Law rather than the vagaries of Perception. To that end, I will list which notes I have already gathered and then make inductive observations in the way that spurs you into action. If you'll be apart from me to work I'll make sure you work with the fervor of the frustrated so long as we're apart, because I know that Li San of mine is susceptible to tease.

Firstly, of the Northern Province (from which the Xi were upraised) there have been no records of Horned Births since the disappearance. I have done a thorough accounting of the records of those clans I've passed by, and most are so young and civilized that they have no records of Horned BIrths at all in their lineages.

Secondly, I was able to confirm in those records that a major part of the Succession Wars that we helped those Xi settle was the fact that none existed to claim the legacy of the Founder of the Emerald Seas "Tsu the Diviner" by the blood of the Horned Lord. Instead, the profuse way in which the Arts and Insights of Tsu were sown wildly across the province allowed any and all to lay claim to his Legacy rather than keeping such secrets only for his blood alone. Thus, while those Weilu had many secrets from their Horned Lord ancestor (as is good and proper of any Clan) in the absence of Horned Blood there were able to be many valid claims to the legacy of Tsu. None had enough Clan Secrets of Tsu to prove favor over another Clan, and so those Xi were able to claim supremacy only by might of arms and recognition as the proper Ducal Clan from those of our divine Empire.

Thirdly, even though the Xi and other old clans of the north do have deeper records and direct bloodlines to the Weilu, their records also indicate that they've not had a single Horned Birth since. Well.
I will admit that I had less luxury of inspecting those older records while I avoided the notice of their protections.
Yet this Zhang San of yours was able to confirm that they had no Horned Births since the Disappearance at least! I'll attach a more specific documenting of which clans I investigated as well as the raw material to this missive, but I wished this to be a more personalized Abstract to such a report than you'll find amongst your paper halls.

Bah, I lose track of myself sometimes when thinking of you.

Returning to my journey, thus far our working theory of the Disappearance has failed to be disproven. The fact that there exist blood relatives of the Zheng and Bai that can, without the traits present in the parents, be born showing the blood of their Ancestor while there seemingly cannot be a similar event for the Weilu means that whatever they did to Disappear themselves they seriously disrupted the bloodline of their Horned Lord.

While there's no evidence, yet, leaning towards your theory or mine, I think I'll call the results so far Promising for mine own theory just to tease my Li San a bit.

Imagine the invitations to our lecture series:
"Revelation of the Weilu Disappearance: The Intentional Removal of Inhuman Essence from the Bloodlines of Man by Zhang San and his venerable assistant Li San"

Ohoho.
As I wrap my Shen around these last lines I see Xiangmen stand proud against that supple sky.
Consider that which is Ciphered in Qi as those thoughts I had so unsatisfied away from my dear Li.
Perhaps if you reveal my Ideas to be a Truth I'll find it in my heart to put your name first on My Grand Discovery, ohoho

Until more Truth is found in this Horn(y) Land, I Love you Li San,
Always Yours,
Zhang San

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Additional Notes: List of Clan Lineages originally bound with this Correspondence was confiscated by the Imperial Throne and continues to exist, scrubbed of source. Additional Correspondence exists, ending with pseudonym "Li San" escaping to the Emerald Seas with his Clan to avoid the dynastic strife. Research between the two likely continued, but as of this time such has not been lost to the care of this Library. Additional Correspondence follows a similar pattern with only minor expounding on the specific theories of Zhang San and Li San. Additional Correspondence is available at request. Contact [REDACTED] for additional information.

Signed into Record by,
[ilt$%834jNJksl93#134]
Maintained by,
[REDACTED]

"You know, I get it with these two, but I'm not sure what I have to do with this," Su Ling said warily, only a few moments of silence.

Ling Qi held in a sigh, even if her friend had gotten better, Su Ling was still very blunt.

Diao Hualing hummed, showing no sign of offense as they descended the steps. "It is true. Your small talents are not my primary purpose here. Nonetheless it has some value. The Diao, you see like most clans in the Emerald Seas have some traditions of divination. Pyromancy, to be exact. It interests us that these old and defunct arts have value in the modern day."

"Hm, Alright," Su Ling said, mulling that over.

Ling Qi was surprised at Diao Hualing's bluntness but she supposed the older woman must simply have been able to read Su Ling well. She examined Diao Hualing out of the corner of her eye, wondering what she was after. Ling Qi had intended to try and speak with some of the Diao tonight at the Duchess' gathering. Had someone gotten wind of that and decided to pre-empt her?

"It is important for us to be able to show the proper support for the war effort. As one of the premier clans of the Emerald Seas, it is unacceptable for others to contribute more than we," Diao Hualing said.

"No one doubts the integrity and dedication of the Diao clan," Ling Qi said. The plaza disappeared into the mist above them, more of the stairs to the base of the mountain revealing themselves as the four of them descended.

"Certainly," Diao Hualing agreed.

"If you do not mind my asking, what is it about my humble crafts which draw such illustrious eyes," Li Suyin asked nervously. Ling Qi could tell her friend was trying not to wring her hands.

"You are pioneering a new field," Diao Hualing pointed out, the faint ring of her hair ornaments echoing as they walked. "We may have an interest in some commissions. As of yet, no one else may quite provide the products you do."

For the rest of the descent they kept up the careful dance of small talk and pleasantries. Diao Hualing was unfailingly polite, with the discussion mostly centered around Li Suyin's work. Neither Ling Qi nor Su Ling were much inclined to steer the conversation their way.

When they reached the gathering grounds and the main body of the guests, Ling Qi continued to observe their guest while taking Li Suyin around like she'd intended. Diao Hualing fulfilled her tacit promise without complaint, offering a few small words in Li Suyin's favor and pointedly deflecting attention from herself toward the one meant to be the focus.

She did notice however, when in the midst of discussing a commission for Suyin with a middle aged baron of the central valley, Diao Hualing fell back beside Su Ling, and spoke words cloaked by the faint birdsong and blowing wind. Their expressions, body language, everything seemed neutral until Su Ling stepped away, looking a little discomfited.

This came around again, as Ling Qi and Su Ling were speaking with an officer of a viscounts household guard on their experiences with in the underground. Birdsong, wind and concealing qi that ended with a thoughtful looking Li Suyin rejoining them when the conversation was over.

It didn't seem untoward, even a closer check by Sixiang revealed only a very potent screening technique. Still it did put Ling Qi a little on edge.

Eventually, there came a moment when Li Suyin and Su Ling both stopped to observe a performance being put on in a nobleman's pavilion. Li Suyin was rather more enthusiastic about it, something about it being a rendition of a classic play, but Su Ling as was her way seemed happy enough to humor her.

Ling Qi didn't turn her head, instead peering out of the corner of her eye as Diao Hualing came to stand beside her.

"My turn then?" Ling Qi asked politely.

"As you like Diao Hualing replied, with a faint incline of her head. "However good friends you might be, it is more polite for some things to be private."

"And if we choose to discuss things among ourselves anyway?" Ling Qi said, with a hint of challenge.

"That is your private choice," Diao Hualing replied airily.

Ling Qi nodded just a little, silently requesting Sixiang to put their full effort into deciphering intentions. "As you say. I am aware that I have not made the best impression upon the Diao clan."

Diao Hualing acknowledged this with a nod. "It is not so terrible. Your actions in court mean we must oppose your rhetoric, but we understand the need for her grace to demand near impossible tasks of the heiress. That is the nature of the throne."

Ling Qi frowned a little. "If that is how it must be. I do mean it sincerely when I say that I mean no offense to the Diao clan."

"Perhaps, but your words and actions, so easily extending kinship to barbarians, we cannot accept this. The path to being a son or daughter of the Empire cannot be so easy," Diao Hualing replied. "It is more than some tenuous tie of blood ten thousand years gone."

"I understand your position, but that path needs to begin somewhere," Ling Qi replied evenly. She watched her friends, Suyin enjoying the show on the stage, and Su Ling warily eyeing everyone who got close. "I hope this does not need to lead to serious conflict."

"We will see. For now no one sensible wishes to directly oppose your project," Diao Hualing said. "It is my hope that these differences between the heiress and the Diao can be smoothed over. To this end, I have an offer."

"I am always willing to listen to reasonable words," Ling Qi said.

Diao Hualing smiled faintly, taking her words with good humor. Sixiang thought her reaction was genuine. "I am an investigator for the ministry of Law in the Central Valley. Your case has come to my attention."

"Has it," Ling Qi asked warily. "I am surprised so minor a thing would reach you."

"Baroness Ling is inexperienced in some ways," she replied. "Tampering with the Ministry of Communication is a serious matter. To do so for something so petty indicates a culprit who is, let us say, arrogant or inexperienced themselves."

"I suppose I will trust your experience," Ling Qi said slowly. "What is your proposal?"

"Work with me on this case. I am aware that you have some interest in delving into the matter specifically. I can provide you with my experience in navigating the Ministry of Law, and a small introduction to my elders tonight at the Duchess' gathering."

Ling Qi eyed the other woman warily, considering her words. Sixiang didn't detect any direct deception, but there was certainly more to it.

"You're earlier words implied something reciprocal, but so far it seems as if you are offering a gift," Ling Qi said, choosing her words carefully to remain polite.

Diao Hualing's expression did not change, but she did fold her arms behind her back. "You are in a somewhat unique position. It would please me if we were able to become regular correspondents, even after this matter is dealt with. I would not expect you to hide this from your liege naturally, but otherwise discretion would be appreciated. It would be some comfort to the Diao, or at least, my family if we are allowed a small window into your ladys' thoughts."

Ah, Ling Qi thought. So this was how you acquired people like those in Hou Zhuang's meticulous lists. "I see, that does seem generous. I hope you do not need an answer immediately."

"Naturally not, tonight, when you have had a chance to review the offer would be sufficient," Diao Hualing replied. "The show is ending."

"So it is," Ling Qi said mulling over the conversation as they rejoined Li Suyin and Su Ling.

"It has been an enjoyable time, Baronesses," Diao Hualing said as they left the noble's pavilion. "I hope that you will excuse me now."

They all shared their pleasantries and after another minute or two, Diao Hualing made her exit, leaving them standing off to the side of the main path between pavilions and manses to avoid disrupting the traffic.

Su Ling was the one who spoke up first. "So's that the kinda thing you gotta deal with every day?"

"Some more polite, some less," Ling Qi said thoughtfully.

"I think Lady Diao is well intentioned," Li Suyin said quietly. "I think- I think I will take her up on the offered commission."

"She knew where I was from," Su Ling grunted.

Ling Qi's eyebrows rose. "Why did that come up."

"She offered to introduce me to some people. People who might know some things I'd be interested in," Su Ling bit out grudgingly.

Ling QI nodded slowly, not expecting Su Ling to say anything more in this semi-public space. "And what did she want from you."

"Would you believe she wanted me to meet her younger brother?" Su Ling said with a barked laugh. "Fuck, I don't even know what I don't know. Something is up here."

Ling Qi grimaced, nodding in understanding. That was weird. No offense to Su Ling, but she wasn't well, that sort of talent. "I don't know if I could get more. She seems like the sort to compartmentalize her dealings, if-"

"No," Su Ling waved her off. "You've got enough on your plate, but-"

"But?" Li Suyin asked worriedly.

"But I'd appreciate it if could tag along to your next music thing. Wanna talk to that Bian girl and her buddy again," Su Ling said. "I...wasn't listening much, last time we talked."

"Sure," Ling Qi said reassuringly, giving the other girl a pat on the shoulder.

"You know, we might be able to help her out a little more," Sixiang offered tentatively. "Its easier to see things sometime, on the other side. We could take her on a trip to search some things out?"
Ling Qi considered this. She doubted Su Ling would accept a 'Ling Qi adventure' under normal circumstances, but…

[] Make the offer for a little journey beyond the material. You're not sure what she's looking for, but it might be easier found in Dream. It might end up dangerous, but such is cultivation (Add a Su Ling location to Dream exploration options)
[] Leave it at a reintroduction to Bian Ya, this is obviously a personal matter, and you don't quite trust your own mastery dream walking with a passenger yet. (Maintain current options)